Among other matters, planning for the properties flanking the site of Royal Hospitality are being addressed by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority.

By Joe Creason

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority held a meeting on July 21 to discuss ongoing plans for urban renewal and to offer the public an opportunity to comment on upcoming development projects.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the Union Square development celebrated the start of construction for the D-2 parcel located from 10 to 50 Prospect St on July 21.

“I think it was a great event, it was well attended and there was lots of enthusiasm. The Redevelopment Authority itself got a lot of accolades for its role in getting this project going,” said Redevelopment Authority Chair Philip Ercolini.

According to Ercolini, Mayor Curtatone and several others who were in attendance emphasized the importance of this project to the residents of Union Square. It will be a major point of economic and pedestrian activity for Somerville, especially considering in five months when the new green line station is built and operating, Ercolini says.

“Hopefully there will be a groundbreaking event for the new green line station as the Redevelopment Authority was very much a part of this last ceremony,” said Redevelopment Authority Special Counsel Eileen McGettigan.

Two upcoming neighborhood meetings will be addressing projects in the Union Square area by developer US2, located on the corner of Webster and Prospect St., and at 600 Windsor Pl. These two projects flank either side of Royal Hospitality, a commercial laundry service building.

“One of the most outstanding concerns that I have, and that many in the community share is that there are currently hundreds of residents employed by Royal Hospitality and the fate of those jobs is unclear if and when this project moves forward,” said Ward 3 City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen.

Ewen-Campen says he hopes to have an update on the status of the project at the next redevelopment authority meeting, highlighting the point that the goal of this development undertaking is to create high paying community-based jobs. He believes city officials should be mindful that there are already several hundred unionized with-in walking distance jobs, largely held by Somerville residents at Royal Hospitality.

Approval for the Winter Hill project plan was received much sooner than anticipated, with initial expectations for this review process taking between 60 to 90 days from the Department of Housing and Community Development. The Winter Hill project plan was reviewed and approved within 30 days.

“It’s exciting and a testament to how thoroughly it was written and also the clear consensus that action is needed at that site,” said Rachel Nadkarni from the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.

SweetGreen has become Assembly Square’s newest tenant. The casual health and salad chain restaurant opened its doors on July 20.

The next meeting for the Redevelopment Authority meeting is on August 18.