Somerville Planning Board 09-18-2025

September 18, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: Somerville Planning Board Regular Meeting

Date: September 18, 2025 Governing Body: Somerville Planning Board Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees:

  • Michael Capuano, Chair
  • Amelia Aboff, Vice-Chair
  • Jahan Habib, Clerk
  • Lynn Richards, Member
  • Michael McNeely, Member
  • Luc Schuster, Member
  • Steve Carey, Case Planner

Executive Summary: The Somerville Planning Board convened for its regular meeting on September 18, 2025. Key actions included the approval of the August 21, 2025, meeting minutes, approval of a waiver request for 1 Myrtle Street regarding submission requirements for a minor construction project, and a continuance for the 379 Somerville Avenue application. The Board also approved major amendments for 59 Bow Street related to a previously granted site plan approval and special permit, with conditions. A significant discussion occurred regarding the Draw Seven Park Bridge project, where the Board voted to acknowledge receipt of materials and request additional design information to inform a potential recommendation. Staff also informed the Board about an upcoming public meeting for the Central Broadway Corridor zoning study.

1. Meeting Minutes Approval – August 21, 2025

  • Discussion: No suggested revisions were made to the draft minutes.
  • Motion: Michael Capuano moved to adopt the draft meeting minutes of August 21, 2025, as final.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

2. Waiver Request – 1 Myrtle Street

  • Applicant: Darren Gladstone, Clear View Sunroom, 1037 K of Highway, Barrington, New Hampshire.
  • Project Description: Removal of a 6x6 deck and installation of a 6x6 mudroom sunroom.
  • Waiver Requested: Waiver from submitting building elevations, building sections, and a zoning compliance table, typically required for site plan approval applications.
  • Staff Comments (Steve Carey):
    • Staff supports the waiver due to the limited scope of the project.
    • Building elevations and sections are usually for new or more significant building components.
    • The addition does not significantly alter the main massing or change setbacks, as confirmed by ISD.
  • Board Discussion: No comments or questions from the Board.
  • Motion: Michael Capuano moved to approve the waiver request.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

3. Continuance Request – 379 Somerville Avenue

  • Applicant Representative: Attorney Ann Vigorito, 424 Broadway, Somerville.
  • Discussion: The applicant submitted a written request for continuance and is working with planning staff. They anticipate being ready for review at the next Planning Board meeting.
  • Motion: Michael Capuano moved to continue the agenda item to the next meeting.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

4. Major Amendment Review – 59 Bow Street

  • Applicant: 59 Bow Street LLC, represented by Attorney Ann Vigorito and architect Tanya Caria from Khalsa Design. Alon Sassoon is the manager.
  • Prior Discussion: The record was left open at the previous meeting for further comments, specifically regarding the sufficiency of materials for the generator.
  • Applicant Presentation (Tanya Caria):
    • The transformer for the generator was approved by Eversource for the proposed location.
    • The location is underground, beneath the sidewalk on Bow Street, addressing previous abutter concerns about obtrusiveness.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Michael Capuano noted the fine amendment and thanked the team for working with staff.
    • No further comments or questions from the Board.
  • Motion 1 (Site Plan Approval): Michael Capuano moved to approve, with the conditions outlined in the staff memorandum, the major amendment to a previously granted site plan approval (P&Z 21-017) to develop a general building in the Mid-Rise 5 District.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).
  • Motion 2 (Special Permit): Michael Capuano moved to approve, with the conditions outlined in the staff memorandum, the major amendment to a previously granted special permit (P&Z 21-017) to establish a household living use in the Mid-Rise 5 District.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

5. Board Administration Item: Draw Seven Park Bridge

  • Background (Steve Carey):
    • This item relates to a Chapter 91 application for the Draw Seven Park Bridge.
    • The Planning Board has the opportunity to submit a written recommendation.
    • There is confusion regarding the start date of the 45-day review period, as materials were not received by the Planning Division until late August due to City Hall AC issues.
    • The Law Department is being consulted on the exact start of the clock.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Michael Capuano: Expressed uncertainty about the Board's role in making recommendations on bridge sufficiency, noting that a "nice bridge" is generally desired.
    • Lynn Richards: Emphasized the importance of the bridge's design and its connection to the Somerville side, comparing it to the Board's review of building aesthetics. Stated, "I do feel that we should look at the design in the same way that we look at the design of all the buildings and the developments that that we assess." Expressed disappointment that more design information was not provided, particularly regarding how the bridge grounds into Somerville, lighting, seating, and potential "bump outs."
    • Michael McNeely: Referenced 310 CMR 9.13 subsection 5, which outlines the Board's ability to weigh in on public rights in tidelands and great ponds, and whether a project serves a proper public purpose. Expressed a desire to support the pedestrian and biking connection but felt insufficient materials were provided for a full assessment.
    • Amelia Aboff: Suggested focusing on the "functionality of the connectivity" rather than just aesthetics. Proposed referencing "Somerville Vision" principles in a letter to DCR to articulate community priorities, even in the absence of detailed design information.
    • Steve Carey: Clarified that the 45-day period includes 30 days for a public hearing and 15 additional days for a recommendation. Suggested a motion to acknowledge receipt and request additional materials.
  • Motion: Michael Capuano moved to acknowledge receipt of the materials for the Draw Seven Park Bridge project and request additional materials, specifically conceptual design information regarding how the bridge connects to the park, lighting, seating, and potential "bump outs," to inform a timely recommendation by the October 2nd meeting. The motion also included a request for the Solicitor's Office to provide an opinion on the timeline for the 45-day review period.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

6. Board Administration Item: Central Broadway Corridor Zoning Study

  • Information (Steve Carey):
    • A zoning study of the Central Broadway Corridor (between Ball Square and Magoun Square) was completed.
    • An initial public presentation in March was poorly attended due to a conflicting event.
    • A second public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, 2025, to present the study findings.
    • The study was initiated by a state grant to harmonize zoning between Somerville and Medford along the shared border.
    • The study is informational and intended to inform future planning initiatives, not for adoption by the Planning Board.
    • Medford's Planning Director has been invited to attend to discuss their progress on zoning.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Amelia Aboff: Inquired if the Board would have a discussion about the study materials at an upcoming meeting, assuming it might lead to a plan for approval.
    • Jahan Habib: Thanked Steve Carey for sharing the information and suggested that such relevant studies and community engagement events be shared with the Board as part of "other board matters" for awareness.
    • Steve Carey: Confirmed he would continue to use the board administration item to share information on ongoing studies and community engagement events.

7. Adjournment

  • Motion: Michael Capuano moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 PM.
  • Second: Amelia Aboff
  • Vote:
    • Jahan Habib: Aye
    • Lynn Richards: Aye
    • Luc Schuster: Aye
    • Michael McNeely: Aye
    • Amelia Aboff: Aye
    • Michael Capuano: Aye
  • Outcome: The motion passed unanimously (6-0).

Last updated: Oct 6, 2025

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