Projects

The Homans site lies between the Gilman Square T stop and Medford Street, where the Homans Building once stood, and is owned by the city. It is an anchor property in the development of Gilman Square, providing a direct connection to the Square, and we expect significant interest once the city creates a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the site.

Due to its location in the middle of a steep hill, the Gilman Square T station is the only station on the GLX without ADA access. While we await development of the Homans site, our Accessibility Committee will pursue options to improve access. Please email the board if you'd like to join!

We are reviving our Business Development Committee to meet with owners of potential project sites and encourage small business development. Please email the board if you have ideas or would like to join!

2025 is an election year in Somerville with multiple candidates running for mayor. We have invited each candidate to speak at one of our monthly community meetings and hope to host an in-person event this summer.

The owner, Jim Kaplan, an active GSNC member, has received initial approval to convert the ground floor back into a retail space, and he is soliciting ideas for businesses and contacts. You can reach him via the google group or the board.

The Y's development team held their first community meeting in January 2025. Local newspaper Cambridge Day reported on the presentation with links to the video recording and slides. WBZ News also ran a story one week later.

In partnership with Just a Start, the Somerville Community Land Trust seeks to build a 100% affordable residential building on the former A+ Auto Body site. For the project to be viable they would need a height variance and are soliciting ideas for community benefits to accompany their request. Cambridge Day reported on a March 20, 2025 public meeting, and the city is accepting comments through March 31st.

New zoning was approved changing the site from MR4 to MR6 allowing the developer to convert the SRP Sign Shop and an adjacent house to a 6-story residential building with first floor retail.  The GSNC will work with the developer to secure community benefits as the project progresses.

As part of their Pavement and Sidewalk Management program, the city plans to reconstruct sidewalks and repave Pearl Street from McGrath Highway to Medford Street. Input was collected from the community through November and Bowman has been hired to lead the project. A report is expected in the spring.

After a long wait, the former Star Market will be redeveloped as two 4-6 story residential buildings with over 40% of the units being affordable.  The development will also include a civic plaza and a new neighborhood pocket park.

The city has received state funding to hire a project manager for the new school.  Cambridge Day reported on the December 18, 2024 Construction Advisory Meeting (CAG). The CAG meeting schedule is here.