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Council ordains changes to condo‑conversion rules to reduce tenant displacement and raise relocation payments
Summary
After debate and an administration briefing on development impacts, the council ordained amendments to Somerville’s code to boost tenant protections and update relocation payment levels for condo conversions (ordained unanimously).
The council voted Aug. 28 to ordain amendments to sections 7.64, 7.65 and 7.68 of the Somerville Code to reduce tenant displacement during condo conversions and update relocation payments.
Director Galgani answered council questions about whether the changes would materially slow development; he said higher costs and time for developers are possible but he did not expect a market collapse. Councilor Ewen Kampen, a strong proponent, said the ordinance responds to constituents’ experience with displacement: "They're taking a triple decker, evicting everybody, and turning them into 3 condos," Kampen said, arguing tenants deserve reasonable relocation assistance and time to find new housing. Opposing views raised process concerns, including a letter from the Chamber of Commerce; supporters said the changes are necessary tenant protections.
The council recorded unanimous approval on ordainment (10–0) and enrolled the ordinance. Members discussed next steps for implementation and the administration agreed to follow up with committee and public materials.
