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When most people hear the word “zoning,” they don’t exactly think “innovation.” Zoning is often seen as dry, technical, and bureaucratic. But in Somerville, we’re using zoning as a tool to do big things: protect the arts, tackle climate change, support small businesses, and grow an inclusive economy. Most recently, with four new zoning amendments I recently signed into law, we’ve cleared the path for a transformational new master plan at Somernova, a 7.4-acre innovation campus in Union Square.
Yes, this is zoning. But it’s also vision, strategy, and community-driven progress.
Somernova is already home to organizations like Greentown Labs, The Engine by MIT, Aeronaut Brewing, and the Somerville Bike Kitchen. It reflects the eclectic, future-focused spirit of our city. But its buildings are aging, and demand for space is growing. These new zoning amendments will ensure that as Somernova expands, it grows in a way that reflects Somerville’s values.
First, we’ve created some of the strongest arts protections the city has ever seen. In response to a risk assessment from the Somerville Arts Council and artist advocates, we’ve established an Arts Overlay District that guarantees at least 100,000 square feet of Arts and Creative Enterprise space. At least 60,000 square feet must be located right on campus and remain permanently affordable. These new rules help safeguard Somerville’s creative economy and restore the original vision for the site as a place where arts and innovation go hand in hand.
We’re also using zoning to shape Somerville’s economic future. As the life sciences market cools, we’re seeing a surge in climate tech, companies focused on energy storage, sustainable materials, and decarbonization. These are businesses looking to grow, and Somerville is ready to welcome them.
Greentown Labs, which opened here in 2013, helped make Somerville a national hub for climate innovation. Now we’re building on that success. Our new Research and Development District zoning is designed to attract and accommodate climate tech companies by replacing outdated lab definitions with flexible, clearly defined use categories. This supports job creation in a growing sector and opens up a new revenue stream for the city.
At full buildout, the Somernova redevelopment could bring up to 1.5 million square feet of new space to the site, including up to 1.4 million square feet of commercial uses. That scale of development could generate more than $37 million in combined jobs and housing linkage fees over time. These funds will be dedicated to affordable housing and job training programs. It’s a bold investment in Somerville’s long-term resilience.
Mobility was one of the top concerns we heard from residents throughout this process. That’s why the new rules include the most ambitious transportation management standards in city history. We’ve capped on-site parking at 750 spaces and set aggressive mode shift goals, requiring that no more than 25 percent of all trips be made by car at full occupancy. Developers must provide free MBTA passes, carpool incentives, and hundreds of bike parking spaces. If those targets aren’t met, future construction phases can be delayed.
The new zoning also brings a more thoughtful approach to development overall. Under the new Master Planned Development overlay, any proposal for Somernova must be phased over time, with rigorous public review at each stage. Each building must meet high design standards and deliver real public benefit, such as civic space, child care, job training, or affordable housing.
Taken together, these changes send a clear message. In Somerville, we guide development and help set the expectations. We use every tool available, including zoning, to make room for the people, jobs, and ideas that will define what’s next.
I’m proud of the years of collaboration that led us here. City staff, community leaders, the Union Square Neighborhood Council, and Rafi Properties worked hard to reach a visionary Community Benefits Agreement. It includes union jobs, deeply affordable housing, and a new community center, alongside robust arts investments and transparent mobility enforcement.
Now, Somernova will submit its formal master plan for public review. The work continues. But with these new zoning tools in place, we’re on solid ground.
September 22, 2025