Somerville Redevelopment Authority

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) is the City of Somerville’s duly constituted redevelopment authority under Massachusetts General Laws c. 121B.

In accordance with its enabling statute, there are seven members: Five members are appointed by the Mayor, one member is appointed by the Governor, and one member is appointed by the President of the City Council. The members serve staggered terms of three years each, with the exception of the City Council appointee, who serves during the term of the Council President who appointed him/her. Each member must be a Somerville resident.

The City’s urban renewal plans have traditionally been implemented through the SRA. G.L. c. 121B gives redevelopment authorities the power to declare that an area is a substandard, decadent, and/or blighted open area, to prepare an urban renewal plan for its redevelopment and to do eminent domain takings to further the purposes of the plan.

The SRA meets approximately once per month. Meeting notices and agendas are posted at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.