Land Use Committee
Virtual
Agenda — 9 items
- 1 (Posted online: 5/16/26 at 8:15 AM) Original (Posted online: 5/18/26 at 2:10 PM) Revised
- 1 This meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order by Chair Ewen-Campen at 6:14 pm and adjourned at 7:27 pm on a roll call vote of 5 in favor (Councilors Davis, Clingan, McLaughlin, Ewen-Campen), 0 opposed, and 1 absent (Councilor Sait). Others present: Fiona DiMartino – Deputy Director of Planning, Preservation, and Zoning, Samantha Carr – City Council Land Use Analyst, Madalyn Letellier – Assistant City Clerk, Legislative Services. To open the meeting members of the committee gave their thoughts and reflections on these amendments after hearing from the public and after the public hearing. Councilor Davis shared a general sense of skepticism over the amendments in front of the body related to accessory dwelling units. He stated his viewpoint that the amendments show that the Zoning Ordinance may not be in line with what is happening and is not carrying out the intent for backyard cottages. Councilor Clingan gave context to the intent in 2019 to upzone in Neighborhood Residential (NR) districts and give tenants the opportunity to rent and stay in place. He echoed concerns like Councilor Davis. Chair Ewen-Campen spoke to the narrative presented at the public hearing. Mainly around gentrification and units that are unaffordable being built. The Chair spoke to gentrification being a larger issue than the building types being allowed in the city and what started as an opportunity to create extra space for residents has changed significantly.
- 2 Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, this meeting of a City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. We will post an audio recording, audio-video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of these proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on the City of Somerville website and local cable access government channels. Copy & paste the following link into your internet browser to view this meeting live: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_p3GAkkXqQxWQiSAcHcpbgQ Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov.
- 3 Roll Call
- 1. Approval of the Minutes of the Land Use Committee Meeting of May 7, 2026.
- 2. 29 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.
- 3. 14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend the Zoning Ordinance Section 3.1.12 Backyard Cottage.
- 4. 14 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 12.2.2 regarding affordable dwelling units.
- 5. 29 registered voters requesting a Zoning Text Amendment to amend Zoning Ordinance Section 15.7.2.d Zoning Board of Appeals Board Rules.