Somerville planning board votes to recommend dentist-office parcel be added to area-needs study

The Somerville Planning Board on July 22 voted unanimously to recommend that a dentist-office parcel at 2 Park Avenue (identified as Block 67 Lot 1) be added to the borough's area-needs study and included in the county's study for possible redevelopment designation.

A board member moved to add the parcel to the area-needs study and to forward a formal recommendation to the borough council; another board member seconded the motion. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with the members present recorded as voting yes.

Board members discussed adding that single lot to the previously approved West Main Street study area so the work could be completed as one consolidated effort. Speaker remarks indicated the study document is substantially complete (about 90% drafted, roughly 38 pages) and that staff would send the recommendation to Kevin at the council office the following day.

Chairperson Warner asked staff to confirm the parcel identifier and to circulate the updated recommendation; the board agreed that if council endorses the addition, the planning board will fold the lot into its existing study and proceed with required notices and public meetings.

The action is a recommendation to council; any redevelopment designation requires subsequent council approval and the formal notice and hearing process.