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About the SRA

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority implements the City’s urban renewal plans. The SRA has been instrumental in the Assembly Square Revitalization District, extending the urban renewal plan from 2002 to 2022, and changing the redevelopment concept from a light industrial district to a vibrant, mixed-use urban neighborhood with abundant office, residential, retail, and restaurant space. In August of 2012, the SRA, through the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, introduced a Union Square Revitalization Plan.

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. It does not have a standing meeting time, but meeting notices and agendas are posted at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.

Contact Information
Ben Demers
Economic Development Planner
Phone Number
Address

93 Highland Ave.
Somerville, MA 02143
United States

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