RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Each of these opportunities will allow

for a Somerville resident to provide voluntary service to improve the city and

guide policies, programs and the design of the Somerville community in

forthcoming years. 

There are four opportunities, as

follows:

1. Design Review Committee

The

DRC is an advisory committee to the Somerville Planning Board and Zoning Board

of Appeals in all areas of the City. The DRC will review an application at the

request of Planning Staff, the Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals

(ZBA), for any such application that may be requiring zoning relief before

these Boards. The DRC plays a key role in providing constructive input towards

improving proposed development projects before they enter the public hearing

process before either the Planning Board or ZBA.  The DRC typically meets the fourth Thursday

of each month at 6:30 pm.  Appointments

are for a period of two years.

The

City seeks a Somerville resident with experience in architecture, landscape

architecture, urban design, or urban planning to sit on the Design Review

Committee. Applicants should be prepared to provide creative input in project

design, be able to problem-solve with applicants, and think comprehensively

about how development contributes to the future of Somerville. Applicants must

have strong communication skills, the ability to convey design concepts in

critique-like format, and urban design experience with compact, walkable,

transit-oriented, and mixed-use neighborhoods. 

Applicants in a design field are encouraged to provide their own work

samples with their application. 

2.  Somerville Historic Preservation Commission

The

Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) is charged with protecting

and enhancing historic resources in the City of Somerville.  The SHPC seeks candidates with an interest in

historic preservation, and prefers applicants with a background in

architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, urban planning,

and/or building trades.  The SHPC

encourages residents of current Local Historic Districts (LCDs) to apply.  The SHPC typically meets on the third Tuesday

of each month at 6:40 pm.  The SHCP also

has subcommittees that occasionally meet to discuss and implement specific

objectives of the Commission. 

Appointments are for a period of three years.

The

SHPC has four important roles in the City of Somerville:  a. )The SHPC reviews any alterations or

repairs to properties in a Local Historic District (LHD) that are visible from

a public way and that would result in an irreversible change in the design,

materials, or outward appearance of the structure. It also reviews any changes

in the general arrangement of the building's features or its architectural

details, such as the arrangement of windows or doors. b) The SHPC administers

the City's Demolition Review Ordinance.  

This ordinance affects properties built fifty (50) or more years ago and

that are not already designated as part of a Local Historic District.  c)  The

SHPC offers pro bono professional advice, practical information, and pertinent

references about materials and techniques used in historic preservation and

restoration, and provides technical assistance throughout design and

construction. d) The SHPC sponsors events and activities to highlight the

importance of historic resources in the City of Somerville.

3. Somerville Affordable Housing

Trust Fund

The

Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (SAHTF) was established by City

Ordinance in 1989. Its purpose is to preserve and create affordable rental and

homeownership units in Somerville and carry out programs to directly assist

homeowners and renters.  All of its

activities must benefit low to moderate-income households. The Board of

Trustees for the SAHTF is composed of nine members who fulfill certain roles,

and are appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.

The Board of Trustees currently has one vacancy that must be filled by a

representative of a Somerville non-profit organization whose primary mission is

affordable housing. In making an appointment, the Mayor and BOA must also

insure that the composition of the Board of Trustees reflects the geographic

and ethnic mix of the City. Appointments are for a period of three years and the

Board of Trustees meets monthly.

4.  Fair Housing Commission

The

Fair Housing Commission was established by City Ordinance in 1985. Its purpose

is to receive complaints about possible fair housing violations and provide

assistance and referrals, undertake activities to improve the understanding of

fair housing laws in the city, and undertake activities that minimize

discrimination in housing. The Fair Housing Commission is composed of five

members who fulfill certain roles, and are appointed by the Mayor, subject to

approval by the Board of Aldermen. The Fair Housing Commission currently has

one vacancy that must be filled by a tenant who, at the time of his or her

appointment, is eligible on the basis of income for assisted housing in the

city. Appointments are for a period of three years and the Fair Housing

Commission meets monthly.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a

resume and cover letter, as well as any relevant supplemental material by email

to: planning@somervillema.gov.  Applicants are asked to indicate with their

application the committee or committees on which they would like to serve.