City to Begin Selecting Union Square Developer, Says Radio Station

The city of Somerville will begin taking proposals next month from developers interested in remaking Union Square, according to WBUR.

Read and listen to WBUR's report here.

What's more, the city hopes to select a developer by spring, the radio station said.

That's right: a—as in one—developer. After speaking with Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, WBUR reported, "The city prefers to have one developer for all Union Square properties taken by eminent domain."

The radio report dealt with eminent domain takings in Union Square stemming from the Union Square Revitalization Plan, which calls for the city to acquire seven "development blocks" in Union Square for disposition to developers. In all, those development blocks were assessed at about $26 million in 2012.

The WBUR report notes the city is trying to prepare for changes to Union Square that will happen when the Green Line Extension arrives, drawing from its experience with Davis Square when the Red Line came to that area of Somerville.

In June, the Somerville Redevelopment Authority acquired 21 parcels in one of the development blocks to make way for the Green Line station, which is expected to open in late 2017. The authority paid $4.5 million for the land.

It's possible not all of the parcels included in the development blocks will be taken by eminent domain.

But WBUR reported the fear of a possible eminent domain land taking has led at least one property owner to halt investment in his property.

More

• Authority Takes Union Square Parcels for Green Line Station
• Union Square Gym Members Rally Against Theoretical Eminent Domain Taking
• Aldermen Approve Union Square Revitalization Plan After Long Debate
• City Releases Major Plan for Redevelopment of Union Square