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Council urges Tufts to reduce height, add mitigation and back state-level reforms after neighborhood outcry
Summary
Facing vocal neighborhood opposition, the Medford City Council unanimously passed a resolution asking Tufts to consider alternate siting or reduced height for its Boston Avenue dorm proposal, to add streetscape and canopy improvements and to support state-level institutional master-plan and PILOT reforms.
The City Council on Dec. 17 adopted a resolution asking Tufts University to reduce impacts of a proposed new residence-hall project at 401 Boston Ave. The resolution asks Tufts to explore alternate sites or design adjustments to reduce height and shadowing, increase tree canopy and streetscape improvements, and to support state legislation (home-rule petitions and mandatory pilot payment proposals) that would give cities more leverage with large nonprofit institutions.
Councilor Behrs and other councilors said Tufts' proposal has been rushed to the public and that residents in Medford Hillside feel they have borne repeated campus-edge impacts. Dozens of neighbors gave emotional testimony about light, shade, privacy and construction fatigue; speakers urged the council to press for stronger mitigation and community benefits beyond a proposed $500,000 neighborhood fund.
Tufts' response: Rocco deRico, Tufts's executive director for government and community relations, said the university proposes sidewalks, new trees, crosswalks, retail opportunities and a one-time $500,000 neighborhood improvement fund and stressed that the project advances campus housing and energy-efficiency goals.
Outcome: The council passed the resolution unanimously and asked the Community Development Board and administration to continue negotiations with Tufts to secure more mitigation and community benefits.
