Land Use Committee

Meeting Date: December 04, 2025 Governing Body: City of Somerville Land Use Committee Meeting Type: Remote Participation Committee Meeting Attendees: Councilor Lance Davis, Councilor Naima Sait, Councilor Jake Wilson, Councilor Matt McLaughlin (joined late) Absent: Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen

Executive Summary: The Land Use Committee convened remotely to address two primary items: the approval of previous meeting minutes and a zoning map amendment request for 363 Highland Ave. and 110 Highland Ave. The committee approved the minutes and, after discussion, recommended approval for the zoning map amendment, despite awaiting a formal recommendation from the Planning Board. A third item, concerning land use around new MBTA stations, was discussed but marked as "work complete" with the understanding that it would be resubmitted in the new year.

• The meeting was called to order remotely.
• Roll Call:
  • Councilor Davis: Present
  • Councilor Sait: Present
  • Councilor Wilson: Present
  • Councilor Ewen-Campen: Absent
  • Councilor McLaughlin: Present
• Outcome: Four Councilors present, one absent. Quorum established.

• Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin moved to approve agenda items 1, 2, and 3, which were the minutes from previous meetings. No discussion or objections were raised.
• Vote: Roll Call Vote on approval of agenda items 1, 2, and 3:
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Sait: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor McLaughlin: Yes
• Outcome: Items 1, 2, and 3 were approved (4-0-0).

• Item Description: Request from 12 registered voters for a zoning map amendment to change the zoning district of 363 Highland Ave. from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 5 (MR5) and 110 Highland Ave. from Mid-Rise 4 (MR4) to Mid-Rise 6 (MR6).
• Recusal: Councilor Davis recused himself from this item.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson expressed support, noting no public opposition and alignment with land use goals. He awaited the Planning Board's recommendation.
  • A liaison confirmed that the Planning Board and the Planning, Preservation, and Zoning (PPZ) department supported the amendment but the Planning Board had not yet made a formal recommendation.
  • Councilor Sait supported the amendment but initially preferred to wait for the Planning Board's recommendation.
  • The liaison clarified that the committee could vote to discharge or recommend approval without a formal Planning Board recommendation, though the full council could not vote without it.
  • Councilor McLaughlin moved to approve the item, stating that the site was suitable for the proposed changes and that the committee could discharge without a recommendation.
• Vote: Roll Call Vote on approval of agenda item 4:
  • Councilor Sait: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor McLaughlin: Yes
• Outcome: The item was recommended for approval (3-0-0).

• Discussion:
  • Councilor McLaughlin stated his intention to keep this item in committee for further discussion in the coming year, acknowledging the significant work remaining.
  • Councilor McLaughlin thanked the committee for their work on this topic, highlighting the importance of land use planning around new Green Line stations.
  • Councilor Davis thanked the Chair for calling the meeting to ensure proper procedural adherence, specifically regarding discharging items.
  • Councilor Sait thanked the Chair and Samantha (Land Use Analyst) for their work and insights on the potential of these areas.
  • A discussion ensued regarding the disposition of the item. The Clerk noted that items expire at the end of the year and would need to be resubmitted.
  • Councilor Davis expressed concern about marking the item "work complete" as it might lead to it being overlooked for resubmission.
  • Councilor McLaughlin confirmed his commitment to resubmitting the item and stated that marking it "work complete" was acceptable, as the discussion had occurred.
  • Councilor McLaughlin expressed hope that the future Mayor would prioritize this issue.
• Outcome: The item was marked "work complete" with the understanding that it would be resubmitted in the new year.

• Motion: Councilor Sait moved to adjourn the meeting.
• Vote: Roll Call Vote on adjournment:
  • Councilor Davis: Yes
  • Councilor Sait: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor McLaughlin: Yes
• Outcome: The meeting was adjourned (4-0-0).