Public Hearing on the Condominium Conversion Ordinance

Members of the public are invited to attend a public hearing hosted by the Board of Aldermen to hear testimony on proposed changes to the City’s condo conversion ordinance. The changes are designed to both protect the rights of property owners while also offering better protection to tenants especially the elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons with low and moderate incomes. The hearing will take place on Thursday, January 31, at 6 p.m., at Somerville City Hall on the 2nd Floor in the Aldermanic Chambers. All interested persons may provide testimony.

The updated version now under consideration would, among other changes increase the notification period for informing elderly, low- and moderate-income tenants, and persons with disabilities of an intent to convert a unit to a condo, increase relocation assistance for tenants (with the greatest increases proposed for elderly and low- and moderate-income tenants and  persons with disabilities), and strengthen provisions for a tenant’s rights to purchase. You can learn more about the full list of proposed changes to the existing ordinance and find a detailed FAQ document, timeline, and other information at www.somervillema.gov/condo-conversion. 

Public testimony at the hearing may be limited to two or three minutes per person, depending upon the number of people who want to testify. If you are unable to attend the hearings, you may send your comments by US mail or by email to the City Clerk, at 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143, or at cityclerk@somervillema.gov, but they must arrive no later than 12 Noon on the day of the hearings, in order to be sure they are conveyed to the Board.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Nency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.