Updates on the 299 Broadway and 15 Temple development projects were provided at the latest meeting of the Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan Civic Advisory Committee. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

By The Times Staff

The January 28 meeting of the Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan Civic Advisory Committee (CAC) covered updates on the 299 Broadway and 15 Temple development projects. Scott Lombardi from Mark Development reported that financial closing and demolition have begun, with vertical construction expected to start in April 2026.

According to Lombardi, “This spring, there’ll be two separate contracts for the vertical construction work, which is the 15 Temple, which is under 15 affordable units owned by Beacon Community, and then the 204 units at 299 Broadway, which we’re hoping to start going vertical on in April, late April, early May of 2026 so now that we’ve started, we plan to keep moving, we have contractors lined up, and we have a full construction team assigned to this.”

The project involves three partners: Mark Development, Beacon Communities, and Samuels and Associates. Regular community updates will be established, including a potential kickoff meeting. Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan emphasized the importance of clear communication and a single point of contact. The meeting also discussed parking issues due to construction and the consolidated rental waitlist for affordable housing in Somerville.

Action items discussed by the Committee include:

• Introduction of the construction team (boots-on-the-ground leads and contact persons) to the Civic Advisory Committee at the next CAC meeting
• Establishment of a regular community communication program (email blasts and website updates, weekly/biweekly as needed) to notify neighbors about current and upcoming on-site work and who to contact.
• Arrangement of a contractor kickoff meeting (in-person or virtual) within the next few weeks to introduce the construction team and outline near-term construction activities.
• Establishment of a primary single point of contact for the community and coordination with each general contractor and ownership partner to route community questions and avoid confusion.
• Collection and establishment of direct abutter contact methods (phone numbers/text) and processes for day-of notices for neighbors directly impacted by site activity.

Lombardi explained the complex financial closing process involving Mark Development, Beacon Communities, and Samuels and Associates. He then outlined the timeline for vertical construction, with 15 Temple expected to start in late April or early May 2026 and 299 Broadway in April.

Community Concerns and Clarifications

Councilor Clingan thanked the development team for their responsiveness and for hosting a demolition party, and asked about the financial health of the project and the potential for delays, to which Scott responded that the project is fully funded and on track.

Clingan suggested having multiple communication channels for the community, including direct contact with abutters and regular updates, to which Lombardi agreed.

Clingan and other members also discussed the importance of having a single point of contact for community inquiries to avoid confusion.

Neighborhood Updates and Public Comment

Concerns about parking issues due to the fenced-off small lot area behind the barber shop and liquor store were mentioned, and Councilor Clingan explained that the Mobility Department would handle any changes to parking, but acknowledged the parking crunch.