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There’s been lots of differing opinions and lots of misinformation swirling about the Union Square Neighborhood Council’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Somernova. The first thing to clarify is that a no vote for the CBA does not mean a no vote to a  development. A no vote of the CBA means Somernova can still build by right and the community gets NOTHING.

As a volunteer who’s been at every meeting and been significantly invested in this project for the  last 2+ years, it’s important to give this headline: the CBA arts benefit alone is valued at least $50M. At least. This covers not only 100k SF of new arts space, but 60k SF delivered as form built, affordable (subsidized by Somernova) and long-term. The dollar value alone is the biggest arts community benefit in Somerville history. And, as an arts space advocate, having worked on over a dozen of similar projects, this is the FIRST that has commercial art space affordability built in from ground zero. GAME CHANGER AND PRECEDENT SETTING FOR FUTURE PROJECTS.

This CBA is not only monumental for the arts! USNC, its negotiating committee and other stakeholders, through hundreds of volunteer hours, beat the crap out of Somernova, yielding a CBA worth tens of millions, in exchange for only 20% more square footage than they are allowed by right. “Monumental,” as Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen has said publicly. In addition to the arts, the project now: 

-is significantly smaller than originally proposed; from 2.1M SF to 1.4M SF with set-backs and set-backs

-includes a multi-million-dollar Project Labor Agreement with the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions including 6000 construction jobs, 4000 permanent jobs, and $375k for First Source Jobs Program

-will include a new, funded 12,500 SF Community Center

-will include 150 new units of housing, primarily for families and at least 20% affordable (target is 50%)

-$500k for Somerville Community Land Trust

-$250 for Union Square Main Streets to support LGBTQ+ and BIPOC owned small businesses

-Two new public parks (open/green space)

-A community oversight plan that monitors traffic and can officially pause development to get it right

None of the above are zoning requirements. They were negotiated by your friends and neighbors at Union Square Neighborhood Council. Somernova was never required to provide a community center, housing, parks or transportation management or affordable arts space. USNC took Somernova to task, month after month after month, coming out with a monumental CBA that’s good for everyone. Those who say otherwise, maybe haven’t read the CBA, haven’t participated in dozens of public community meetings, and haven’t worked alongside USNC and other stakeholders who pushed, pulled, and often agonized about getting enough for their neighbors.

I am continuously blown away by the commitment of Somerville stakeholders–who crafted giant benefits for Somerville, and despite mis-information and nay-sayers, wake up every day to make Somerville a better place to live, work, play FOR EVERYONE. 

Again, #ARTSTAYSHERE’s purview is for more and affordable arts space. But I’ve read the CBA and I know what the zoning requires. This CBA is MONUMENTAL FOR EVERYONE.

With respect,

Ami Bennitt

Founding Volunteer Member

The #ARTSTAYSHERE Coalition