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By Rand Wilson

Over the last two years the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and RafiProperties have worked to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the neighborhood as part of Somernova’s campus expansion.

Thanks to the Neighborhood Council and the CBA negotiation process, our community has had substantial input into this large project.  Prior to the formation of the neighborhood council, real estate developers got their approvals and building permits from the city and then did pretty much did whatever they wanted.

Remember Assembly Square? After Ikea pulled out, the Mystic View Task Force only won a tiny community room tucked into the public storage building.  Federal Reality even managed to avoid providing the required 20% affordable housing in a backroom deal with then Mayor Curtatone.

When Union Sq. was set up for redevelopment, our community was better prepared. The neighborhood council was formed and negotiated our city’s first CBA with US2. But that agreement fell short in a number of areas, especially on local hire and union jobs.

Since then, the USNC has gained experience and strength. Now it has negotiated a landmark agreement.

RafiProperties has agreed to a Project Labor Agreement with the Boston Building Trades to ensure fair wages, and workers’ rights. This is a long-sought after breakthrough that will hopefully set a precedent on future projects in Somerville.  Provisions for apprenticeship training programs and recruitment of Somerville residents will lead to real careers in the trades for many of our young residents. 

Beyond job provisions, the CBA agreement includes over 100,000 square feet for the arts (affordable music rehearsal studios, art galleries and studios). RafiProperties has also agreed to build a turn-key community center and 150 new housing units (including 20% affordable units).  The agreement also has substantial concessions from the developer on parking, green space, and provisions for maintaining diverse local businesses. 

As a supporter of workers’ rights and more affordable housing in Somerville, I hope eligible residents and workers in the Union Sq. area vote in favor of this breakthrough Community Benefits Agreement. 

Rand Wilson is a long-time union organizer who convenes the community-labor coalition Somerville Stands Together.