Somerville Adjusts Redevelopment Plans for 90 Washington St.
"The City will now prioritize the sale of the property for private development, focusing on mixed-use residential development with ground floor retail space–including both affordable and market rate units–that aligns with the community vision outlined by the 90 Washington Street Civic Advisory Committee. Staff will also explore the possibility of integrating Engine 3 into private development, an approach that faces hurdles but could follow the private-public model used to build Somerville’s new Assembly Row Fire Station, which is expected to open this spring."
Mayor Ballantyne wants to build a $102 million police station and fire station at 90 Washington Street, which is currently a vacant parking lot and green space.
This is a once-in-a-generation chance to decide what should go next to the new East Somerville T stop.
The proposal, less a public safety building than an agency wishlist, is over four times more expensive than a similar project in Medford.
Residents have expressed disappointment and disapproval at every public comment opportunity, yet the Citizen Advisory Committee lacks the power to veto the police station.
Build mixed-use housing and commercial space on all or most of 90 Washington St, maintaining valuable trees and some green space.
Build a station for Fire Engine 3 with controlled traffic signals to minimize noise, akin to the other engines' stations, at 90 Washington St.
Conduct a new study to identify a lower-cost location for a smaller police headquarters.