Development at Cutter and Summer (next to Rosebud)

[hikermtnbiker.livejournal.com]

Are folks aware of the 4 story, mixed use development planned for the corner of Cutter and Summer next to the Rosebud? Many of the local residents only recently found out about it and are understandably upset.

The plan is to tear down the old gas station and the adjacent 2 family. The building will be 48 feet high (think One Davis) and will consist of 1st floor retail, 2nd floor office and  6 2-bedroom apartments on the 3rd and 4th floors. There will be an underground parking garage (as they will use the entire lot) that will exit onto Cutter. We are really appalled at the size of this building which will dwarf the adjacent  buildings on Summer / Cutter, not to mention the added traffic entering and exiting the garage. It is simply too big for this busy corner at the edge of a residential neighborhood.

The developer is asking for 2 special permits from the Zoning Board; one to provide 7 fewer parking spaces than is required by the zoning ordinance and the other to allow construction of a 6 unit dwelling. A group of local residents is urging the ZBA to deny the special permits with the hope that a suitably sized building that adheres to the parking regulations, and better suits the neighborhood, will be built.

If you are also concerned and wish to express your opinion and / or become more informed here is what you can do:

- Write or Fax the Zoning Board of Appeals and ask that they deny the special permits for 377 Summer St.
- Call or email Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz: Rebekah@rcn.com 617-718-0792
- Attend a neighborhood meeting hosted by Rebekah Gewirtz
          This Monday, June 1
          5:30 pm at Ciampa Manor 27 College Avenue
- Attend the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting
           This Wednesday, June 3, 6pm at City Hall in the Alderman's Chambers

To view the plans for the development and to read the Planning Board report, go to the city web site and planning board page and view info for 377 Summer St.

Thanks

Comments

[jodi.livejournal.com]

i fully agree with what m00n has said here.

as a non-car owner i would like to see more development (more amenities within an easy stroll from home) but would definitely want any residential development to cater to mass-transit using residents who would foster a neighborhood of similar minded people.

i want the parking that's here already to stay accessible for visitors to the square to help support the businesses that we davis residents enjoy right at home and not be burdened by residents, yes, but i don't think that tying density to new residences will ever ensure that that remains the case. a differnt approach would likely have better results.

somerville residents tend to be very vocal about how badly they absolutely need to own a car. i want to be very vocal about how much i do not need to own a car. there is a subway, and more than enough buses running through the heart of this neighborhood, commuter rail within a mile, as well as the walking path, ample sidewalks and a gazillion zipcars scattered within walking distance. owning a car in this neighborhood is ill-advised at best and if i NEEDED a car to get to work? i would move.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

Exactly. While it is true that some of the neighborhoods in Somerville are not well served by public transit, and accommodations need to be made for people to store the cars they will use to get there, Davis Square is not one of those neighborhood.