It’s been rough going since a plan was unveiled in 2021 for new affordable apartments in North Cambridge, but the latest version has just one more design review stop before it’s time to work out construction funding.
Presentation of plans for 10 city-owned parcels in and around Central Square went poorly, with city councillors dismayed by lackluster public engagement and blindsided by news that the Starlight Square complex would be dismantled in July.
Support for a real estate transfer tax that would pay for affordable housing, vouchers to bridge the high cost of Cambridge rents and an easier permitting process to build homes was heard Monday from city councillors.
A project to build affordable housing for seniors in the Cambridge Highlands has been mostly welcomed in early hearings by the Conservation Commission and Planning Board, with some debate over parking and height.
Pedestrianization, accessibility and the uncertain future posed by lab developments were some of the flashpoints of discussion as city planners introduced Davis Square residents to an updated commercial area plan.
In a compromise to address a proposed a $3.3 billion redevelopment and expansion at the Somernova tech and business campus, Somerville’s mayor said she is considering adding an “innovation” category to commercial zoning.
A visit Thursday by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley highlighted progress on the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment Project, which will upgrade 216 affordable homes and add 80 moderate-income units and 295 market-rate units.
Early public comment suggests an uphill battle for a $3.3 billion project at the Somernova business complex, though the group behind the proposal is adding sweeteners such as more investment in the community and the potential for housing,