Open Space, Environment and Energy Committee

Meeting Date: December 03, 2025 at 12:00 AM Governing Body: City Council Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy Type of Meeting: Remote Participation

Attendees:

• Councilor Jesse Clingan
• Councilor Jake Wilson
• Councilor Willie Burnley
• Councilor Will Mbah
• Councilor Emily Hardt (in attendance, not on roll call)
• Liaison Radassi (Administration)
• Director Nadkarni (Economic Development)
• Director Luisa Oliveira (Public Space and Urban Forestry)
• Clerk (Celeste)

Executive Summary: The Open Space, Environment, and Energy Committee convened to discuss several key initiatives. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the impact of Greentown Labs, including its economic contributions, community engagement, and sustainability efforts, with a commitment to further collaboration with Somerville High School. The committee also reviewed the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan 2025-2035 and the Somerville Pollinator Action Plan, highlighting successes and future goals. Discussions also covered the creation of dog parks in West Somerville, tree planting and maintenance, and the status of the Art Farm project.

• Discussion: Councilor Clingan noted his appointment by Councilor Davis. Councilor Sait had a prior commitment.
• Vote:
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Aye
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Outcome: Four members voted to approve the minutes. One was absent. The minutes were approved.

• Motion: Councilor Mbah submitted an item requesting the Director of Economic Development to report on the impact of Greentown Labs, including job creation, local economic activity, community engagement, climate and sustainability contributions, and equity and inclusion outcomes.
• Context (Councilor Mbah): Greentown Labs has operated in Somerville for 15 years as a clean energy incubator. The city has supported its growth through regulatory actions, zoning changes, grants, and tax exemptions, expecting benefits such as opportunities for local entrepreneurs, job creation, attraction of talent and venture capital, and inspiration for clean energy education. Concerns were raised regarding potential disruptions from changes in federal policies and funding in 2025. The goal is to assess past cooperation and identify future strategies.
• Presentation (Director Nadkarni, Economic Development):
  • Overview: Greentown Labs is the largest cleantech incubator in North America, currently serving over 140 companies in Somerville. It provides shared lab facilities (electronics, wet, dry labs), collaboration events, and business development support.
  • Activity: Approximately 200 people are present daily, with over 10,000 visitors annually. Most events are free and open to the public, covering topics like building decarbonization, industrial process efficiencies, and water supply resiliency. The annual showcase in November is ticketed but invites city staff and Somerville High School students.
  • History:
    • Founded in 2011 as a collaborative of startups.
    • Relocated to Boston in 2012, then to Somerville in 2013.
    • Major building expansion in 2017.
    • Expanded to Houston in 2020 in partnership with Rice University.
    • Became a B Corp in 2017 and transitioned to a non-profit corporation in 2023.
  • City Engagement:
    • City actively recruited Greentown to Somerville in 2013.
    • Provided financial support during key growth moments.
    • Participated in initiatives like the Urban Lab Initiative (2019-2021), which brought innovations like SUFA (signs and benches with plugs) to city infrastructure.
  • Impact:
    • Incubated 575 companies across two locations (140 in Somerville).
    • 89% survival rate for incubated companies.
    • $9.8 billion economic impact (2022).
    • $8.2 billion raised in investment capital.
    • 560 patents.
    • Over 13,000 jobs created.
  • Technical Assistance & Events:
    • Hosts over 300 events annually.
    • Career fairs with over 500 attendees.
    • Amplifies over 1,000 job postings for member companies.
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
    • Excel Program: Accelerator for BIPOC-led startups, in partnership with Browning the Green Space. Participants are globally located but brought to Somerville for cohort events and mentorship. Currently in its third cohort.
    • Demographics (from 28 companies reporting for a technical assistance loan):
      • 14% have founders who are Somerville residents.
      • 50% have diversity in leadership.
      • 372 employees across these 28 companies.
  • "Stickiness" of Climate Tech in Somerville/Massachusetts:
    • Strong state support for climate tech growth.
    • 89% of startups received support from Mass Clean Energy Center (pre-COVID).
    • 71% had employees from local universities.
    • 66% of companies grew within Greater Boston.
    • Successful companies often retain Greentown membership/desk space to stay engaged.
  • Highlighted Alumni Companies:
    • Forge Impact: Non-profit based at Greentown, helps companies scale by connecting them with suppliers and manufacturing locations in Massachusetts and New England (e.g., Springfield, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine).
    • Form Energy: Started with 5 people at Greentown, now has 350 employees at its Somerville base on Interbelt Road. Produces iron-air grid-scale batteries. Production facility in West Virginia (due to iron proximity), but R&D remains in Somerville. Key partner in connecting the Eastern Rail Green Line Station to Interbelt Road.
    • Sublime Systems: Started in 2020, grew out of Greentown, now headquartered on Park Street. Produces low-carbon concrete. Pilot production at Summer Nova campus. Expanded production to Holyoke, MA, but R&D remains in Somerville.
    • Transera: Located on Kent Street, produces next-generation cooling systems. Successful launch in Florida.
    • Other Alumni: Rise Robotics (Union Square), Civil (School Street), Reframe Systems (built a triple-decker on Gilman Street), Phoenix Tailing, Bevy, Spark Charge, Tender (vegan chicken-like product, available at Sauce market).
  • Current Engagement & Future Growth:
    • Hosted a regional meeting with Greentown Labs, The Engine (Summer Nova Campus), and city staff from Cambridge, Somerville, and Watertown to coordinate on climate tech issues, particularly regulatory processes.
    • Somerville Public Schools continues to engage with Greentown for speakers, collaborations, and STEM week programming.
    • Municipal Partnership Needs (from member companies):
      • Permitting Support & Expertise: Guidance on how regulatory bodies (e.g., electrical inspectors) view new products and required documentation.
      • Pilot Opportunities: Opportunities to pilot innovations in Somerville's public spaces.
      • Collaboration with Emergency Services: Fire Department, Police Department, and Inspectional Services are crucial partners, especially given the innovative nature and sensitive data involved.
  • Federal Policy Changes: Director Nadkarni confirmed that changes in federal policies and funding are affecting Greentown and its member companies, leading to pullbacks in grants. However, the AI boom is creating a need for energy efficiency, which benefits the sector. Greentown's Houston office focuses on greening traditional energy sectors.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Emphasized the need for a formal, robust collaboration between Greentown Labs and Somerville High School to benefit students interested in green tech. Director Nadkarni noted that the Schools are working on a formalized STEM week program, but it takes time to launch.
  • Councilor Mbah: Inquired about job creation specifically for Somerville residents and the volume of wages provided by Greentown and the climate sector. Director Nadkarni stated that the city does not currently track this data but plans to do so with a new Senior Planner for Workforce Development. Greentown's own workforce is small (20+ people); most employment is within member companies, which often start small and hire business directors, technicians, and engineers.
  • Councilor Mbah: Asked about investment capital brought into Somerville. Director Nadkarni referenced the $9 billion figure as a significant amount.
  • Councilor Wilson: Praised the report and the city staff's efforts, noting the community's desire for unprogrammed passive open spaces.
  • Greentown Tours: Director Nadkarni offered to arrange tours for city councilors and community members in the new year.
• Outcome: Item kept in committee for future conversations.

• Presentation (Director Luisa Oliveira, Public Space and Urban Forestry):
  • Purpose: Required document for state funding (PARC grants, approx. $500,000 for parks). Used for policy setting and project implementation.
  • Highlights:
    • Success Stories:
      • Privately Owned Public Space (POPS): 6.37 acres added as of 2025 (e.g., Luann David Park, Cala building). Policy for POPS also available on Summer Voice.
      • Proactive Tree Maintenance: Two-year warranty for new trees, assessed at year three for pruning. Parks Tree Health Program completed a cycle for all parks.
      • Miyawaki Forest: Behind Somerville High School, volunteer planting of 34 native species (410 plants) to create biomass quickly.
      • Fields Plan: Renovated six fields, created three new synthetic turf fields (one at DCR), rehabilitated two natural grass fields (including Dilboy Stadium).
    • Data: Includes charts on open space ownership, protections (e.g., in perpetuity), and active/passive use.
    • Accomplishments: Details schoolyard renovations and additional open space completed since the last plan (one of six pages of accomplishments). Includes geology, history, and census data.
    • Community Process: Public meetings and online engagement to gather input on goals and objectives.
      • Key Goals: Add more open space, upgrade existing parks, make parks more inclusive, implement resilient landscape practices (stormwater storage, habitat, shade), and improve recreational programming.
    • Action Plan: Specific steps for each goal (e.g., Goal 1: acquire new open spaces, with a 10-year action plan).
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Inquired about "privately owned public space" and public accessibility. Director Oliveira explained these are spaces built by developers with agreements for public access (e.g., Assembly Square, Boynton Yards, Martha Perry Lowe Park). Signs indicate public access, but readability can be an issue.
  • Councilor Mbah: Asked about neighborhoods with the largest open space deficit. Director Oliveira identified Brick Bottom but noted Somerville's high "walk shed" (10-minute walk to a park) at nearly 100%. Acknowledged small "deserts" but difficulty in acquiring new parcels.
  • Councilor Mbah: Asked about consideration for rooftops and pocket parks. Director Oliveira confirmed that small spaces like Ken Kelly Park, Quincy Street Park, Martha Perry Lowe, and Leonard Grimes Park are considered. Green roofs/gardens are encouraged by ordinance but raise concerns about public accessibility compared to ground-level parks.
  • Councilor Wilson: Praised the report as "excellent" and "above and beyond." Asked about the desire for unprogrammed passive open spaces and community hours on turf athletic fields. Director Oliveira stated this wasn't a direct conversation in the plan's outreach, acknowledging that outreach demographics might not fully represent all voices. Permitting for fields is handled by the Recreation Division.
  • Councilor Wilson: Asked about community gardens and long wait times. Director Oliveira noted that community gardens are governed by the Conservation Commission and are self-governed. The 600-person waitlist can be misleading due to people moving. Discussions have occurred about limiting garden plot tenure, but long-term gardeners are crucial for community building. New community gardens are planned for the Art Farm.
  • Councilor Wilson: Inquired about the status of Art Farm, noting conflicting information. Liaison Radassi stated that Director Rich's memo (discussed later) provides the most up-to-date information, and it's tied to the CIP.
  • Councilor Wilson: Asked about the Lincoln Park soccer field's grass surface issues. Director Oliveira stated she hasn't been involved recently but acknowledged the challenges of maintaining heavily used public spaces, especially with limited space for rotation.
  • Councilor Clingan: Asked about the Sewall Street lot's inclusion in the inventory. Director Oliveira stated it was acquired after the inventory was finalized but is less than half an acre. The city only adds items after a ribbon-cutting.
  • Councilor Clingan: Asked about the impact of the MROS project on the pollinator garden on Shore Drive. Director Oliveira confirmed awareness and concern but noted infrastructure needs. She highlighted the difficulty and cost of establishing such gardens.
  • Councilor Clingan: Asked about an MOU with the state for Foss Park, particularly for a dog park or community garden space. Director Oliveira noted DCR's substantial investment in the field there and the challenge of getting DCR to commit to changes or new uses, especially given resource constraints and potential damage to athletic fields from dogs.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Presentation (Director Luisa Oliveira, Public Space and Urban Forestry):
  • Background: Driven by activism on pollinator action and native species, championed by Mayor Ballantyne.
  • Unanimous Vote: City Council voted unanimously to adopt the plan, the first of its kind in the United States.
  • Availability: Available on Summer Voice (QR code provided), includes methodology, videos, presentations, and is open-source, used by other cities.
  • Advisory Committee: 11-person citizen advisory committee (including Allison Maurer, project manager) spent 1.5 years on the plan, involved in hiring the team, reviewing work, and debating points.
  • Resources: Includes a detailed Excel spreadsheet for plant searches (by pollinator support, color) and a 10-page resident guide.
  • Outreach: Extensive outreach through committee members' networks, including scientists, Growing Center, Garden Club, and youth.
  • Science-Based: Dr. Nicholas Dorian (Tufts Pollinator Initiative) identified pollinators in Somerville. A chart maps pollinator-plant interactions, showing high-value plants. Citizen science (iNaturalist) identified nearly 300 insect and pollinator species, demonstrating cities' role in biodiversity.
  • Implementation:
    • City Hall Pollinator Gardens: Three gardens installed using "recipe cards" from the plan (e.g., purple garden, butterfly garden).
    • iNaturalist Program: Somerville Pollinator Action account encourages identification of pollinators to measure plan effectiveness.
    • Habitat Expansion: Added habitat to five gardens (Prospect Hill wedding nook, Conway Park, Hoyt Sullivan, Chuckie Harris Park, and one other).
    • Landscape Practices: Plan includes recommendations for leaving leaves, avoiding pesticides, and using neonic-free plants.
  • Recognition: Won awards from the Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Presented at conferences, influencing landscape architects in the region.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Acknowledged the plan's excellence and the role of community members like Tori Antonino.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Context: Discussion based on a resident's email proposing the use of underutilized municipal spaces (e.g., 45 College Ave., 24 Cross Street, 19 Walnut Street, 9 Allen Street) for temporary community gardens or pollinator gardens, citing a 600-person waitlist for existing community gardens.
• Discussion (Director Luisa Oliveira, Public Space and Urban Forestry):
  • Director Oliveira confirmed meeting with the resident (Eilish) and familiarity with the ideas.
  • Challenges:
    • Soil Contamination: Urban land can be contaminated, requiring remediation before gardening (especially for vegetables). Existing community gardens have clean soil because the city built them.
    • Liability: Concerns about safety and liability on city land.
    • Maintenance: While volunteers are committed, consistent maintenance of spaces is not guaranteed.
    • Existing Opportunities: Chucky Harris Park has underutilized garden space. Participatory budgeting has funded pollinator gardens.
    • Design Issues: Uncontrolled planting on city land can create issues with sight lines or other public uses.
  • Director Oliveira emphasized that while the idea seems simple, it's complex due to liability and practical considerations.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Appreciated Director Oliveira's engagement with the resident.
  • Councilor Wilson: Suggested marking the item as "work completed" given it's the last meeting of the year and the discussion has occurred.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Context: Councilor Davis submitted a message to be read into the record, noting a 2022 inquiry about an off-leash area in West Somerville. Nathan Tufts Park was considered but ruled out due to its historic district status. Director Oliveira had previously mentioned working with the state for an off-leash area near Dilboy Field. Councilor Davis also suggested the Eversource property on Willow Ave. as a potential civic space.
• Discussion (Director Luisa Oliveira, Public Space and Urban Forestry):
  • Feasibility Study (2019, CPA-funded): Identified no off-leash recreational areas for dogs in West Somerville.
  • Challenges:
    • Lack of Open Space: Limited city-owned parcels in West Somerville.
    • Siting Requirements: Dog parks need to be fenced and not adjacent to residential properties (Nunziato Field receives complaints).
    • DCR Properties: DCR typically does not allow off-leash dogs on its properties. Dilboy Field has a playground nearby, requiring fencing and DCR approval.
    • Eversource Property: Privately owned, limiting the city's influence over its use.
  • Director Oliveira acknowledged the need but stated there are no feasible city-owned parcels in West Somerville for this purpose.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson: Noted that DCR has allowed off-leash areas (e.g., Sheepfold) and that Tufts University's property on Powderhouse Boulevard has been a de facto dog park. Suggested Tufts could formalize a dog park as part of its community benefit agreement.
  • Councilor Mbah: Agreed that Tufts should create a dog park.
  • Councilor Clingan: Asked if DCR has a policy against dog parks or if it's a resource issue. Director Oliveira stated she doesn't know DCR's specific policy but suspects it's a resource question. She offered to inquire with DCR contacts. Noted that dogs can damage athletic fields.
  • Councilor Wilson: Highlighted the need for a dog park in Ward 4 (Foss Park).
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Discussion (Director Luisa Oliveira, Public Space and Urban Forestry):
  • Recent Plantings: Urban Forestry Division has planted trees on Broadway and will plant new trees along Central Broadway as part of the Central Broadway project.
  • Pruning Program: Routine pruning program for street trees is cycling through wards; Wards 1 and 2 completed, Ward 3 in progress. Magoon Square will be addressed within 1-2 years.
  • Community Input: Residents can submit 311 requests for tree locations or email trees@somervillema.gov for tree issues.
  • Tree Planting Volume: The city plants 350 street trees annually (spring and fall plantings) since Dr. Bukele joined. Locations are on the city's GIS website.
  • Survival Rate: Approximately 1% death rate for street trees, which are replaced within two years.
  • Canopy Loss: Canopy loss is primarily on private property, not public spaces. The tree protection ordinance is enforced.
  • Environmental Health Benefit: Analysis in the Urban Forestry Master Plan identifies East Somerville and Winter Hill as areas with the greatest need, and efforts are focused there. Trees are a valuable asset that appreciates over time.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Inquired about the survival rate of planted trees and the city's overall tree canopy. Director Oliveira explained the 1% death rate and that the city's canopy is lower due to density, with most loss on private property.
  • Councilor Mbah: Asked about prioritizing planting in areas with the greatest environmental health benefit. Director Oliveira confirmed this is done, focusing on East Somerville and Winter Hill.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Discussion (Liaison Radassi):
  • The request has been shared with Parks and Recreation staff.
  • Liaison Radassi will follow up once a new director is onboarded.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Explained the request stemmed from community members at the pool who wanted to know the time, as many do not swim with watches. Suggested incorporating solar panels for climate adaptation.
  • Director Oliveira: Noted that the Dilboy Pool is owned by DCR, which would impact the feasibility of installing a clock.
  • Councilor Wilson: Confirmed DCR ownership of the pool.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Context: Director Rich's memo provided an update.
• Discussion (Liaison Radassi):
  • Confirmed that Director Rich's memo contains the most up-to-date information.
  • The project is still moving forward.
  • A funding strategy is expected to be figured out early next year.
  • The project is tied to the Capital Investment Plan (CIP).
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Expressed frustration with the long-standing nature of the Art Farm discussion and sought clarity on the current status of capital funding, potential gaps, and revised timelines.
  • Councilor Wilson: Agreed with the sentiment.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Discussion (Liaison Radassi):
  • The administration has begun internal conversations about this proposal.
  • DPW had initial concerns.
  • IGA plans to flag this for the new administration to explore implementation.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Context: This was an office communication from 2024, discussed in December 2024 and earlier this year. Eversource and Director Blaze presented at those meetings.
• Discussion (Liaison Radassi):
  • No further updates to provide on this item.
  • Most questions were addressed at the previous committee meeting earlier this year.
  • If there were an update to the plan, it would be submitted again as an office communication.
• Committee Discussion:
  • Councilor Mbah: Inquired about significant risks to grid reliability over the next decade due to projected demand growth and capital projects addressing vulnerabilities.
• Outcome: Work completed.

• Motion: To adjourn.
• Vote:
  • Councilor Clingan: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor Burnley: Yes
  • Councilor Mbah: Yes
  • Outcome: Three members voted to adjourn. Two were absent. The meeting was adjourned.