(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 Editor,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Somernova campus expansion. For over forty years, I have worked in Somerville supporting children, youth, and families in many different capacities.

While working at the Mystic Learning Center, I learned about the development project at Somernova and was particularly drawn to The Dojo, a youth/community center that has now been operating for nearly three years. After visiting the program, I immediately thought, this is exactly what Somerville needs. Through conversations with Colin Yip and Kristin Phelan, I came to understand their broader vision—and ultimately joined The Dojo as a Program Consultant.

Throughout my decades in Somerville, I have witnessed firsthand the many challenges faced by our most vulnerable populations. One of the City’s greatest unmet needs has been a dedicated youth and community center. A welcoming space where people of all ages can gather, learn, and grow together. The Dojo is already fulfilling that role by offering activities such as open mic nights, music creation, Parkour, robotics, CPR training, Girl Scouts, bike workshops, school dances, and services from a variety of providers. And this is just the beginning. I can only imagine what The Dojo will accomplish with a new, 12,500-square-foot space.

This expansion brings many additional benefits to the community:

• Arts & Culture: Over 100,000 square feet of arts and music space, affordable and purpose built.

• Community Space: 20,000 square feet, including 12,500 square feet for The Dojo, fully funded by Rafi with 10 years of operational support.

• Jobs & Labor: Somerville’s 1st of its kind project labor agreement, 6,000 construction jobs, 4,000 permanent jobs, $600,000 for job training, and $4.5 million to the Somerville Jobs Trust.

• Green & Open Spaces: 14,000 square feet between Market Basket and Dane Street, publicly accessible roof terraces, 150+ new trees, 100% native plants, and more usable public spaces.

• Housing: 150 new residential units, including 20% affordable housing, $35 million for Somerville’s Affordable Housing Trust and $500,000 to Somerville Community Land Trust.

• Community Investment: $250,000 to support local businesses, improved streetscapes and sidewalks, a mobility plan with resident/tenant shuttles, 750 bike spaces, EV-ready parking, support for local nonprofits, and more.

This is a thoughtful, community-focused proposal that Somerville cannot afford to pass up.

Over the past two years, I have been part of the CBA Negotiating Committee and have witnessed the negotiations between Rafi Properties and the Union Square Neighborhood Council. I’ve seen a genuine effort on both sides to reach a fair and mutually beneficial agreement. After years of dialogue, they’ve succeeded—and the result is a transformative opportunity for our city. I hope the community will embrace it.

Change can be difficult. But as the skyline of Somerville evolves, let us support a developer who is actively investing in our people, our neighborhoods, and our shared future. Please vote YES on this project on Wednesday, June 4, from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM at St. Anthony’s on Somerville Ave.

Sincerely,
Linda Kelley