Somervalley

In Boston’s recent history, development has been moving south.As the Central Artery Project nears completion, the next wave of growth will be pouring northwards out from Boston’s North Station. This momentum of growth is already underway with the large North Point development. Bordering this development, the Brickbottom area and its surroundings are comprised of many large tracts of underutilized land, all in very close proximity to downtown Boston.

Vital city
The City of Somerville and the Boston area suffer from a severe housing shortage at all income levels, often cited as the biggest barrier to economic growth. The area also has lost much of its commercial and industrial base over the past 50 years. New economic activity is required to create jobs and commercial tax revenue, to support existing businesses and revitalize historic commercial areas, and to establish Somerville as a target area for new development and a regional destination.

Innovative city
The Boston area is world-renowned as a center of invention and innovation. Somerville is well known as an artistic community, home to dynamic businesses, studios, and artists practicing in both traditional and high-tech media. Related to the economic development, the City in particular seeks to encourage and promote innovation and the creative economy.

Green city
Somerville is one of the most densely populated cities in the country, with limited open space (< 6% of the City) available to its residents. New development should create and expand recreational opportunities for existing and future residents. At the same time tackling numerous environmental concerns including brownfield sites and ecological problems (drainage) related to the gradual elimination of the historic Miller’s River bed in the second half of the 19th century.

Connected city
A major weakness of North Point Somerville is the lack of accessibility and poor connection to the City of Somerville caused by the dominance of large scale infrastructure that has shaded and isolated Brickbottom. Connectivity for all transport modes is key to redevelop the area.