The Somerville City Council convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss critical land use zoning proposals affecting the community, particularly in Union Square. The meeting highlighted concerns from residents regarding the scale of new developments and the potential impact on the neighborhood's character and infrastructure.

The session began with community member Cameron Fisher expressing strong opposition to the current zoning proposals, emphasizing the need for a community benefits agreement (CBA) before any further action is taken. Fisher raised concerns about the height of proposed buildings and the potential for increased traffic, urging the council to consider the community's desire for a community center without compromising historic structures.

Amy Bennett, a volunteer with the Art Stays Here Coalition, followed Fisher, advocating for the preservation of artistic spaces in Somerville. She noted the significant loss of artist spaces in Greater Boston and praised the city's efforts to create the FAB District in 2019, which aims to protect arts and culture from displacement. Bennett called for continued collaboration among community members, city officials, and artists to ensure that future developments include adequate protections for the arts.

Zayden, a representative from the dojo at Summer Nova, spoke about the importance of expanding community spaces for youth services. He highlighted the dojo's role in providing mentorship and safe environments for young people, reinforcing the idea that zoning changes should prioritize community engagement and support for future generations.

Greg Jenkins, involved with the Arts Council, acknowledged the lengthy process of developing the zoning changes, which have been in the works for four years. He recognized the need for compromise and urged the council to delay any final votes until the community benefits agreement and project labor agreement (PLA) are finalized, reflecting the community's concerns about the potential impacts of the zoning changes.

The meeting concluded with a consensus among speakers that while the proposed developments could bring benefits, they must be approached with caution and a commitment to community input and protections. The council is expected to consider these perspectives as they move forward with the zoning discussions.