City Council

Governing Body: City Council, Somerville, MA Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: November 25, 2025

Attendees:

• Councilors Present: Emily Hardt, Jake Wilson, Ben Ewen-Campen, J.T. Scott, Matt McLaughlin, Willie Burnley, Naima Sait, Kristen Strezo, Jesse Clingan, Will Mbah, Lance Davis (President)
• Councilors Absent: None
• City Staff Present: Jackie Duffy (Eversource), Alan (City Assessor), Veronica (Deputy Assessor), Director Carroll (Health and Human Services), Ben Demers (Redevelopment Authority), Director Blais (Office of Sustainability and Environment), Anna Gartsman (Somerstat), Jason Peeks (Assistant City Attorney)

• Action: Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of October 23rd, 2025.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant application from Eversource to install 10 feet of conduit in Harvard Street from utility pole 163 over 1 to a point of pickup at 25 Atherton Street. This is to provide electric service to an EV charging station.
• Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor, confirming the purpose. No other public comments.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant application from Eversource to install approximately 28 feet of conduit on Indiana Avenue to provide electric service to 8 Indiana Avenue for a service upgrade.
• Public Comment:
  • Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor.
  • Crystal Huff (Ward 5, MAMAS) raised concerns about brownouts in the area and their potential relation to the proposed work. She requested information on how to report such issues.
• Council Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin noted recent utility work on the street that caused a power outage, suggesting this project might be related to improving electricity in the area. Ms. Duffy clarified that this project is for 8 Indiana Avenue and not directly related to the recent wire cut, but offered to connect Ms. Huff with the appropriate Eversource department to address brownout concerns.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 37 feet of conduit in Cleveland Street from Utility Pole 420 over 4 to a new hand hole next to 11 Harvard Street for a gas telemetry cabinet.
• Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor. No other public comments.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 38 feet of conduit in Warwick Street from utility pole 357 over 3 to a point of pickup at 16 Warwick Street to provide electric service to two residential structures.
• Public Comment (Reconsidered):
  • Matthew Penny (19 Warwick Street) expressed frustration about the lack of prior notification and the need for a new utility cut for a property that he believes has not yet been permitted. He questioned the necessity and logistics of the installation, noting existing underground service and limited space on the pole.
  • Tyler Barboza (with grandmother, 16 Warwick Street) stated opposition to the grant, citing concerns about relinquishing property space and potential damage to mementos. They emphasized that the property already has electrical systems and sufficient space for new installations.
• Council Discussion: Councilors Ewen-Campen, Scott, and Sait suggested referring the item to the Licenses and Permits Committee to allow for direct interaction between abutters and Eversource representatives. Councilor Clingan noted that utilities often apply for permits in advance of construction, but acknowledged the resident's concern about transparency regarding future plans for 16 Warwick Street.
• Outcome: Referred to Licenses and Permits Committee. The committee meeting is scheduled for December 10th at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 47 feet of conduit in Berkeley Street from utility pole 30 over 3 to a point of pickup at 24 Berkeley Street to provide electric service to a two-structure residential development at 27 Berkeley Street.
• Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor. No other public comments.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 48 feet of conduit in Vernon Street from Utility Pole 152 over 9 to a point of pickup at 70 Vernon Street.
• Public Comment (Reconsidered):
  • Zelina Vicente (74 Vernon Street) expressed strong opposition to the conduit installation near her mother's property, citing concerns about property encroachment and a perceived lack of transparency from the developer of the adjacent property. She also noted a discrepancy in meeting notification dates.
  • Tyler Barboza (with grandmother, 74 Vernon Street) reiterated opposition, emphasizing that the family does not want any part of their property used for the conduit and that existing electrical infrastructure should suffice.
• Council Discussion: Councilors Ewen-Campen, Scott, and Burnley suggested referring the item to the Licenses and Permits Committee to facilitate a direct conversation between the abutters and Eversource. Councilor Sait offered to connect with the constituents.
• Outcome: Referred to Licenses and Permits Committee.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 52 feet of conduit in Bolton Street from utility pole 378 over 1 to a point of pickup at 8 Bolton Street to provide electric service to a new residential development.
• Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor. No other public comments.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Grant of location from Eversource to install 223 feet of conduit in Broadway from manhole 10195 to a point of pickup at 299 Broadway to provide electric service to a new 114-unit multifamily building with four retail spaces.
• Public Comment: Jackie Duffy (Eversource) spoke in favor. No other public comments.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Clingan inquired about the timing of the application given the building's impending demolition. Ms. Duffy explained that Eversource applies early to account for the city's permitting process. Councilor Wilson humorously noted the upcoming demolition celebration for the old Star Market at 290 Broadway.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Officer's communication from the Chief Assessor presenting proposed Fiscal Year 2026 tax classifications and requesting the adoption of a minimum residential factor for Fiscal Year 2026 and acceptance of MGL Chapter 59, Section 5C, a residential exemption of 35% of average assessed value for owner-occupied properties.
• Presentation: Alan (City Assessor) and Veronica (Deputy Assessor) presented the proposed tax classifications, including:
  • Adoption of a minimum residential factor of 82.816%.
  • Acceptance of a residential exemption of 35% of the average assessed value for owner-occupied properties, resulting in an exemption of $416,961 and a tax savings of $4,582.40.
  • Market growth data: Single-family homes up 6.7%, condominiums up 5.6%, two-families up 4%, three-families up 8.1%.
  • New growth: Residential new growth at $3 million annually. Commercial new growth decreased from $14 million to $7.8 million due to vacant life science properties.
  • Discussion of life science vacancy rates (e.g., 10 Prospect at 80%, 808 Windsor at 60%, 188 Assembly Park Drive at 25%).
  • Overview of personal exemptions and outreach efforts.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Wilson inquired about the HERO Act and its impact on veteran exemptions. Councilor Mbah asked for clarification on the varying completion percentages for life science buildings.
• Outcome:
  • Motion to adopt a minimum residential factor of 82.816% for Fiscal Year 2026: Approved (11-0 roll call vote).
  • Motion to accept a residential exemption of 35% of the average assessed value for owner-occupied properties for Fiscal Year 2026: Approved (11-0 roll call vote).

• Description: Ordinance to amend the Code of Ordinances to prohibit the use of taxpayer funds for self-promotion.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Wilson expressed support, noting the ordinance would ensure better use of taxpayer funds. Councilor Davis clarified that the ordinance is not an indictment of the current administration but aims to prevent self-promotion, especially around election times. Councilor Strezo inquired if the ordinance would include the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program. Councilor Ewen-Campen expressed enthusiasm for the ordinance.
• Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters Committee.

• Description: Order by Councilor Davis that the City Attorney's Office is authorized to respond to the open meeting law complaint by Osnat Hoffman on behalf of the City Council.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Order by Councilor Davis that the Commissioner of Public Works provide an update on how snow and ice is removed from different types of surfaces in schoolyards, including any limitations based on surface type.
• Outcome: Approved and sent to School Buildings, Facilities and Maintenance Committee.

• Outcome: Waived reading and sent to School Buildings, Facilities and Maintenance Committee.

• Description: Communication by Councilor Davis in his capacity as president, canceling the regular meeting of this council scheduled for December 25th, 2025.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Resolution by Councilors Mbah and Sait in support of Climate Forward 2024.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Mbah highlighted Somerville's leadership in climate priorities and the need for equitable clean energy transition. Councilor Sait shared personal motivations for supporting climate action, including her experience as an educator and the impact of climate change on her hometown. Director Blais presented Climate Forward 2024, emphasizing community input, data-driven recommendations, and the plan's focus on equity and resilience. She noted the city's progress in reducing emissions and the importance of the resolution for symbolic and practical communication.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Order by Councilor Strezo that this City Council discuss the safety of the Summer Street bike lane design around or near Putnam Street to Benton Road and how and if additional safety modifications can be made.
• Outcome: Laid on the table for the next meeting.

• Description: Resolution by Councilor McLaughlin supporting the resale of certain city-owned property (green space along 90 Washington Street) to Cochran Jenison.
• Council Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin proposed selling city-owned green space at 90 Washington Street back to Cochran Jenison to address concerns about green space preservation and parking for seniors, and to recoup funds from a previous lawsuit. He noted that the residents of Cobble Hill supported this idea. Councilors Wilson and Mbah signed on.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Resolution by Councilor Burnley in support of democratic divestment action regarding Ballot Question 3.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Burnley emphasized that the resolution reflects the will of Somerville voters, who overwhelmingly approved Ballot Question 3. He argued that the city has a moral duty to ensure municipal funds are not invested in corporations violating human rights. He sponsored two speakers:
  • Moe Katz-Christy (Ward 6, 21 Cottage Ave): Spoke as a member of the Somerville Jewish community, advocating for divestment from companies like Lockheed Martin, whose weapons are used in conflicts. She highlighted the generational trauma of genocide and the shared Jewish value of liberation.
  • Sarah Halawa (Somerville resident): Spoke as a Muslim with Jewish heritage, raising five Palestinian American children in Somerville. She detailed the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on her family, including experiences of racism and dehumanization. She urged the council to act against injustice and support divestment as called for by Palestinian civil society and Somerville voters.
• Public Comment (Opposing): Councilor Mbah sponsored Kate Auspitz (Somerville resident for 60 years), who spoke in opposition:
  • Kate Auspitz (Somerville resident): Identified as a Jew and a Zionist, arguing that anti-Zionism is a form of anti-Semitism. She stated that BDS is "political theater" and that divestment would not achieve peace but would bring division to Somerville. She also questioned the binding nature of the ballot question, citing the city solicitor's opinion that divesting from companies doing business with Israel is illegal, unenforceable, and discriminatory.
• Council Discussion:
  • Councilor Ewen-Campen supported the resolution, emphasizing that it reflects the will of the voters and commits the council to work on the issue "in a manner that is practicable and legally feasible." He cited precedents for Somerville using public funding to honor values (e.g., living wage, fossil fuel divestment efforts, prison labor).
  • Councilor Strezo opposed the resolution, arguing that Ballot Question 3 was marketed as non-binding and that the resolution is divisive, focuses on a global issue outside the municipal body's scope, and makes Jewish community members feel targeted and unsafe. She highlighted the illegality of discrimination based on national origin.
  • Councilor Sait supported the resolution, stating it is her duty to fulfill the majority of voters' will, especially concerning complicity in genocide.
  • Councilor Hardt acknowledged the difficulty of the decision and her need to learn more, stating she would vote no as she could not abstain.
  • Councilor McLaughlin supported the resolution, echoing Councilor Ewen-Campen's points about working on the issue in a practical and legally feasible way. He also expressed personal discomfort with his pension money going towards weapons.
• Outcome: Approved (9-2 roll call vote).
  • Votes For: Jake Wilson, Ben Ewen-Campen, J.T. Scott, Matt McLaughlin, Willie Burnley, Naima Sait, Jesse Clingan, Will Mbah, Lance Davis.
  • Votes Against: Emily Hardt, Kristen Strezo.

• Description: Resolution that the administration inform this council of the process, action, and communication used to consider acquiring the closed school building privately owned by the Archdiocese of Boston on Thurston Street after the Winter Hill Community Innovation School was deemed unsuitable for use.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Wilson stated that the previous inquiry to the Archdiocese did not progress, but the next administration plans to re-engage. Councilor Clingan noted that discussions about property transactions are typically not public. Councilor Strezo expressed interest in understanding the previous communication process and potentially re-submitting the resolution next year.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Report of the Committee on Finance meeting on November 19th, 2025.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Wilson presented the report, noting that the committee discussed several items, including the withdrawal of ID 25-1624 (replaced by 10.2).
• Outcome: Accepted.
  • Item 6A12 (25-1649): Requesting approval of a pedestrian access easement and grant of maintenance license for 495 Columbia Street. Approved (11-0 roll call vote).
  • Item 6A16 (25-1698): Requesting the appropriation of $100,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Armory Revolving Fund to prepare the Armory for onboarding and support of tenants. Approved (11-0 roll call vote).

• Description: Report of the Committee on Housing and Community Development meeting on November 18, 2025.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Strezo presented the report, highlighting:
  • Director Schachter's update on housing insecurity: 637 households seeking assistance, 49% at imminent risk of displacement.
  • Tightened restrictions on housing support due to statewide fiscal situation (only 30% for permanent housing).
  • Rapid rehousing funding cut by two-thirds, redirected to substance use and mental health housing, no longer for homelessness prevention.
  • State policy shift towards clearing encampments.
  • Section 8 vouchers are no longer being issued statewide.
  • Older Adult Bridge Program received additional FY26 state funding.
  • Kennedy School playground lot to be next for future playground design (inclusive playground, virtual community meeting on December 2nd).
  • Increased ADA swing availability from 23% to 80%.
  • Focus on supporting Somerville local small businesses.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Hardt clarified that the reduction in housing support was due to federal, not state, policy changes.
• Outcome: Accepted.

• Description: Report of the Committee on Land Use, meeting on November 20th, 2025.
• Council Discussion: Councilor McLaughlin presented the report, noting the committee approved a memorandum of agreement, demonstration project plan, and updated objectives for the 90 Washington Street site. Ben Demers (Redevelopment Authority) provided an update on next steps, including finalizing the Request for Proposals (RFP) and releasing it early next year. Councilor Hardt inquired about surface parking, and Mr. Demers clarified that the plan aims to avoid large surface parking lots, but short-term delivery/ride-share areas could be incorporated.
• Outcome: Accepted.

• Description: Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 17th, 2025.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Sait presented the report, highlighting:
  • Update on community path safety improvements: Staff reviewing over 1,000 public responses, report due by end of month.
  • Exciting update on fixing unsafe crossings at Community Path and School Street, and Community Path and Lowell Street. Director Posterway presented three design options for School Street and two for Lowell Street, pending approval from fire department and DPW before submission to MassDOT.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Ewen-Campen requested that the presentation materials be linked to the meeting agenda for public access.
• Outcome: Accepted.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting ordainment of an amendment to section 12-178 of the code of ordinances to remove the prohibition on sourcing neonicotinoid treated plants.
• Outcome: Referred to Legislative Matters Committee.

• Outcome: Waived readings and sent to Finance Committee.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting the appropriation or reserve of $7,260,181 in estimated Fiscal Year 2026 Community Preservation Act revenue for CPA projects and expenses.
• Presentation: Alan (City Assessor) explained that this is a tax recap item to adjust the CPA budget based on final tax recap numbers and assessed values, incorporating the full 3% surcharge. This funding will go towards the FY26 CPA funding round.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting approval to accept and expend a $304,954.10 grant with no new match required from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to the Health and Human Services Department for the 2025-2026 Winter Warming Center.
• Presentation: Director Carroll (Health and Human Services) explained that the grant will cover operations for the main room of the warming center from early January through April, and that the center will open on December 8th at the Cummings School. It will provide 35 beds, with capacity for overflow. Upgrades to the building and bathrooms are nearing completion. Residents can contact warmingcenter@somervillema.gov or the Office of Housing Stability for services.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Burnley confirmed the center's capacity and location, and inquired about how residents can access services. Councilor Strezo congratulated the department on the grant and praised their collaborative work with neighbors.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting confirmation of the promotion of Andrew Patrickwin to the position of fire captain.
• Outcome: Referred to Confirmation of Appointments Committee.

• Description: Officer's communication from the Condominium Review Board conveying the Fiscal Year 2023 annual report pursuant to section 7-70 of the Code of Ordinances.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Officer's communication from the Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment conveying Climate Forward 2024.
• Outcome: Placed on file (after resolution 4.6 was approved).

• Description: Officer's communication from the Somerstat Director, conveying an update on the Happiness Survey 2025.
• Presentation: Anna Gartsman (Somerstat Director) presented the findings of the 2025 Happiness Survey, a biennial random sample survey of resident well-being and satisfaction. Key points included:
  • 1,400 responses received, with data available online at data.somervillema.gov.
  • Overall resident happiness is high (average 3.7 on a 1-5 scale), but slightly decreasing.
  • High satisfaction with Somerville as a place to live (4.0) and feeling safe (nearly 4.0).
  • High satisfaction with city services, emergency response, and information availability (311 comments largely positive).
  • Less satisfaction with government processes being visible and understandable.
  • High satisfaction with proximity to parks and public spaces, but less with street layout and design.
  • Maintenance of street sidewalks and bike lanes is a low-scoring area and declining.
  • High satisfaction with social community events, arts, and local businesses, but comments indicate a desire for more support for local businesses.
  • Childcare and out-of-school care availability are low-scoring areas for parents.
  • High concern about being priced out of Somerville.
  • Split opinions on repurposing parking for other uses and the city's efforts to decrease rats and mice.
• Council Discussion: Councilor Burnley praised the survey's value, noting trends in non-binary and high-income respondents. He asked how the council can best use this data for policy. Director Gartsman suggested using it as a "gut check" to determine if concerns heard from constituents reflect broader community sentiment. Councilor Wilson also commended the Somerstat team and the value of the data.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Officer's communication from the City Attorney conveying a clarification on the purpose of item number 25-1639.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Outcome: Waived readings and approved. Councilor Scott specifically celebrated the approval of 9.3, which will fill the vacant commercial space at the Flatiron Building.

• Description: Public communication from Osnat Hoffman, submitting an open meeting law complaint against the City Council.
• Executive Session: The Assistant City Attorney confirmed that this item was appropriate for executive session.
• Outcome: Council entered executive session. No votes were taken in executive session other than the vote to leave.

• Description: Public communication from Bill Valletta submitting comments regarding item 25-1698 regarding the Armory Revolving Fund.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting the appropriation of $2,400,000 from the receipts reserved for appropriation parking meter receipts account to reduce the Fiscal Year 2026 tax rate.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Request of the Mayor requesting approval of a transfer of $729 from the Communications Department Community Outreach Account to the Somerville Public Schools Professional Salaries Account for staff participation in the PK-8 school building planning focus group session.
• Outcome: Approved.

• Description: Public communication from the Davis Square Neighborhood Council, submitting comments regarding item 25-1539, a zoning amendment for 110 Willow Ave and 363 Highland Ave.
• Outcome: Placed on file.

• Description: Public communication from Daniel Wong submitting comments regarding 90 Washington Street.
• Outcome: Placed on file.