Roundtable Discussion Series #2: Implications of Gentrification and Displacement in Somerville

As more families and individuals seek to remain in Somerville amid market forces that are creating a crunch of affordable and moderate-priced housing across the metro area and in Somerville, the City of Somerville, Somerville Community Corporation (SCC) and Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) invite the community to three public forums starting the first week of February to discuss housing issues in the city and to help inform and shape future housing policy.

After an initial forum on 2/4 focusing on housing for families in Somerville, a second meeting will feature the special release of the brand new report "Dimensions of Displacement", offering compelling data and findings on the impacts of the Green Line Extension on the housing market and community in Somerville. Members of the press and public are invited to attend a press conference directly preceding the event at 4:30 pm (also at Argenziano School):

Workshop #2: Implications of Gentrification & Displacement in Somerville

Tuesday, February 11th, 2014; With Special Guest, Tim Reardon, Asst. Director of Data Services at MAPC  and featuring newly released MAPC report, “Dimensions of Displacement”

This second meeting will directly follow a press conference outside the meeting space (which all are welcome to attend) for the newly released MAPC report about the impacts of new transit on the housing market in Somerville. Using the findings from this report, we will discuss the implications of displacement resulting from gentrification and how our community can work together to ensure that changes coming to Somerville benefit all segments of the city’s population.

3. Taking Action: Rolling Up Our Sleeves to Ensure Housing for All

Tuesday, March 4th, 2014

At the third and final meeting, the analyses and discussions from the first two forums will be used by participants to develop concrete strategies and tools for moving forward with a strong and effective housing agenda for Somerville

Residents and public officials of Somerville are encouraged to attend any of all of these forums and to contribute their thoughts and experiences related to these very important issues affecting our community. City staff as well as staff from SCC and MAPC will be present at these discussions which are ultimately opportunities for residents to be heard and to share conversations that will shape the future of housing in Somerville.

All meetings will be held at the Argenziano School at 290 Washington Street in Somerville from 6:00-8:00 pm (doors open 5:30) and will include childcare, snacks, and interpretation services. These forums are funded in part by the US HUD Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Grant Program.

More info: www.tinyurl.com/HousingWkshops