The developer for Somernova, the 7.4-acre business park housing Aeronaut Brewery, Boston Bouldering and Greentown Labs, among others, announced a finalized community benefits package with a neighborhood group Thursday. A press release by Rafi Properties and the Union Square Neighborhood Council details benefits including 100,000 square feet set aside for arts uses and three music venues, as well as the continuation of The Dojo community center.
The community benefits, published in full on Somernova’s website, include a labor agreement with a goal of giving 25 percent of construction jobs to residents.
Rafi Properties has wanted to overhaul and redevelop its site between Porter and Union squares for years, with an original petition submitted in 2023. This year’s petition is a scaled-back version, now for 1.4 million square feet plus housing, or a total 1.5 million, instead of the original proposed 1.9 million.
The proposal would double the height of some parts of Somernova, with zoning allowing for some blocks to be built up to 200 feet instead of the current 60, as seen in renderings published by the developer. The expansion would help give more space to tenants such as Greentown Labs, a climate tech incubator that got $4 million in new funding in December, as well as make space for new tenants.
Though city zoning and the community benefits process are separate, and the city is not officially involved in the latter process, those sweeteners depend on approval of the zoning amendment filed in January.
A group of neighbors close to the development continues to oppose it, citing concerns over height and traffic. The group has published notes detailing its concerns, signed by eight residents.
Among those critical of the process is Stuart Dash, a former director of Cambridge’s planning department, who says the city of Somerville should dedicate more resources toward facilitating the community benefits conversation instead of allowing volunteer residents to shoulder the responsibility.
“The absence of a good, well-thought-out, well-resourced public process has been a key problem for this rezoning proposal,” Dash said.
Meanwhile, local arts advocacy group #ArtStaysHere encouraged residents to vote in favor for the community benefits, citing the importance of the redevelopment’s promised art spaces.
The agreement “will set the precedent for other developments in Somerville and for Greater Boston,” reads an email blast from the group. “It’s proof that when everyone works together, rowing in the same direction, lots of community needs get met.”
A public vote for those living and working in the catchment area will be held in-person from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 4 at St. Anthony’s, 480 Somerville Ave., Ward 2, Somerville.
The Union Square Neighborhood Council and Rafi Properties present the community benefits agreement at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony’s or via Zoom videoconferencing. More details on voting eligibility can be found here.
This post was updated May 28, 2025, to correct the final square footage being corrected and remove Rafi Properties as the filer of a zoning amendment.
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I live near the Somernova site and fully support this development. It brings clear benefits to the community, economy, and environment—creating jobs, housing, expanded space for Greentown Labs, arts and civic uses, and more.
It will also grow Somerville’s commercial tax base, helping fund essential services, infrastructure, and social programs. The project reflects extensive community input, innovative planning, and a formal Community Benefits Agreement.
Somernova offers progress. We can’t let a few voices block needed change. Cities must evolve to meet the needs of today.
The city needs new commercial and housing development. It would be unwise to reject a project that addresses these needs while providing valuable community benefits like affordable housing, green technology space, and areas for community and the arts.
I strongly support Somernova.