Somerville planning board schedules Oct. 22 public hearing for West Main Street redevelopment study

The Somerville Planning Board on Sept. 10 set a public hearing for Oct. 22 to consider a draft West Main Street redevelopment study that uses an "opt‑in" approach to include properties in a redevelopment area.

Mike, the planning presenter, told the board the draft references the older 2001 state redevelopment plan because a newer state plan is not yet adopted. He said most properties in the study area appear well maintained and that the draft recommends allowing property owners to choose whether their lots are included in any redevelopment designation.

"It's the opt‑in note that identifies the lot and blocks," Mike said, adding that the draft calls for redevelopment to proceed only at the request of property owners in most cases. Board members discussed specific lots west of New Street and flagged an underused surface parking lot tied to the Grant's/Granite's building as an exception that may warrant attention in the plan.

The board reviewed procedural requirements for legal notice: publications must occur in two successive weeks with the second publication at least 10 days before the hearing, and staff must prepare a property‑owner mailing list. The chair directed staff to prepare the draft notice and confirmed Oct. 22, 2025 as the hearing date so the borough can meet noticing requirements.

During public comment, Colin Driver (speaking on behalf of the borough) said the mayor has arranged for economist Jeff Otto to present market forecasting to council on Oct. 6, an appearance the board said could inform the redevelopment and zoning work.

Staff will add vacancy history for the Granite's building to the study (presenter estimated a multi‑year vacancy) and circulate parcel lists and photographs ahead of the hearing.