Tools

181 Washington Street Proposed for Affordable Housing

Posted on January 19, 2012 by unionsquaremain

The Somerville Community Corporation in the fall 2011 announced its intention to purchase 181 Washington Street, the former home to the Somerville Boys and Girls Club, and redevelop the parcel into 45 units of affordable rental apartments with first floor … Continue reading →

Somerville Shift Your Shopping

Posted on December 5, 2011 by unionsquaremain

Somerville is alive with a bounty of holiday shopping this season! Move away from the crush of the malls and go local, supporting neighborhood entrepreneurs as you uncover unique items for sale all around the City. Union Square Main Streets has … Continue reading →

Documentary Screening on Cities in Transition

Posted on December 1, 2011 by unionsquaremain

Mass 1978: a FREE COMMUNITY SCREENING of two 1978 documentaries about cities in transition, both filmed in Massachusetts. When: Thursday, December 15, 6 p.m. Where: Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave Coordinated by Nellie Kluz as part of a community … Continue reading →

Greater Somerville Interview on Shift Your Shopping Campaign

Posted on November 29, 2011 by unionsquaremain

Tonight (Tuesday, November 29, 2011) at 7:30 on Somerville Community Access Television’s award winning “Greater Somerville”, join host KyAnn Anderson as she talks with Union Square Main Street’s Mimi Graney and Somerville Local First’s Joe Grafton about the “Shift Your Shopping” … Continue reading →

Somerville Seeks to Lift Limited on Alcohol Permits

Posted on November 22, 2011 by unionsquaremain

A while back USMS wrote about the role that liquor licenses play in the success of a vibrant restaurant and in the revitalizing of neighborhoods like Union Square. The City of Somerville has appealed to the state with a home … Continue reading →

Possible Tools For Revitalization

Uncovering the means to fund the redevelopment of Union Square is an evolving process. The area is currently recognized by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development as a “Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Area.” This provides federal Community Development Block Grants to assist with economic development efforts in the district. But this funding is increasingly limited and the planning and infrastructure needs are significant. From addressing the necessary environment clean up of a number of brownfields to improving the roadway, from purchasing strategic parcels to maintaining affordable housing, from loan programs for small businesses to prevent displacement to contracts with developers that ensure priority for local, independent businesses, there’s a lot to understand, evaluate, and if appropriate, to implement.

DIF (District Incremental Financing)

Other Tools

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