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Planning staff defer Union Square East work to align with MassDOT McGrath Boulevard project; Central Somerville Ave effort drew staff time
Summary
Planning staff told the Finance Committee they rolled Union Square East planning into FY26 to coincide with MassDOT’s McGrath Boulevard timeline and that significant staff resources were allocated this year to Central Somerville Ave work, delaying some other projects.
Somerville planning staff told the Finance Committee on June 10 that they moved the Union Square East neighborhood-plan work into the next fiscal year to align public engagement with MassDOT’s McGrath Boulevard project, and that the department spent substantial staff time on a Central Somerville Avenue project that limited capacity for other initiatives this year.
Planning director and staff said they expect to issue an RFP and select a consultant for the McGrath/Union Square East area-plan work in the fall, with background research beginning early in the fiscal year. They explained that coordinating planning work with a major state roadway project will let the city engage residents on zoning and development questions at the same time MassDOT is consulting on street design.
Other items: staff reported spending consultant and in-house time on zoning studies in Central Broadway, the Star Market redevelopment (299 Broadway), and marijuana-saturation research. The department said it completed adjacent neighborhood plans (Brickbottom) and advanced Assembly Square neighborhood work to the planning board.
Budget note: Planning staff said they carried forward consultant funds where timing made doing the work earlier imprudent, and proposed a more focused FY26 PTS program that includes a cultural-heritage plan and McGrath-area work.
