Somerville council directs planning board to amend West Main Street plan, designates area for redevelopment

The Somerville Borough Council voted unanimously Nov. 17 to direct the Planning Board to amend the West Main Street development plan and to designate certain blocks and lots as an area in need of redevelopment under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

Council members pulled Resolution 3-17 from the consent agenda for a separate vote. After a short procedural exchange the council moved, seconded and approved the resolution. The text instructs the Planning Board to amend the West Main Street development plan to include the parcels shown on the borough’s official tax map and declares the area an appropriate non-condemnation redevelopment area under the local redevelopment law.

The vote was recorded by roll call and showed unanimous approval from the seven governing members present. Council did not add conditions to the designation during the meeting; the resolution directs the Planning Board to proceed with the amendment and follow the statutory process under the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.

What this means in practice now is a planning-board-led review and amendment process for the West Main Street plan; the council’s motion does not itself authorize land acquisition or eminent domain. Next steps will be administrative actions by the Planning Board and any required public hearings under the redevelopment process.

The council approved the resolution as part of its regular meeting and adjourned after completing financial and other routine business.