The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

Dear Members of the Somerville City Council,

Tonight at 5:30 PM, many residents of Cobble Hill Apartments will gather at 50 Washington Street to watch the public Zoom meeting to decide the path forward for the redevelopment of 90 Washington Street.

Many of us have followed this project closely for the past seven years. Sadly, some of our neighbors who began this journey with us are no longer here. Their hopes for Cobble Hill, however, live on in the residents who now call this community their home and who are equally committed to preserving meaningful green space and protecting the emergency access behind 84 Washington Street. To all of us, tonight’s meeting at 5:30 PM represents the final significant public milestone in determining the future of a development that will directly affect our neighborhood for generations.

When the City acquired 90 Washington Street in 2019 through the Demonstration Plan process, Cobble Hill residents had no opportunity to influence that decision. Because the Demonstration Plan process did not require public engagement, the concerns of this Environmental Justice community—including the loss of green space, neighborhood parking, and the open areas that have long served as a buffer between Cobble Hill and the surrounding development—were never fully considered.

Since the court decision, we believe the development now allows some opportunity to correct past mistakes and do better. It is our sincere hope that tonight’s discussion reflects the concerns and aspirations that Cobble Hill residents have consistently shared throughout this process.  Please note, they also mirror many of the views of the 90 Washington Street CAC which are to preserve meaningful green space, protect the emergency access behind 84 Washington Street, reduce (not add to) heat islands in East Somerville, and ensure that the redevelopment of 90 Washington Stret enhances the quality of life for the commuters and neighbors who work and live in the community every day.

As you consider the recommendations before you, there is much at stake.  Tonight’s discussion likely represents our community’s last meaningful opportunity to help shape the future of this site. We respectfully ask that you seize this opportunity to transform a difficult chapter into a lasting public benefit. If this redevelopment leaves Cobble Hill with stronger environmental protections, preserved open space, safer neighborhood access, and a more livable environment than existed before, it will stand as a lasting example that thoughtful planning, environmental justice, and respect for existing communities can truly go hand in hand.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for your continued service to the residents of Somerville.

Respectfully,

The Residents of Cobble Hill Apartments