Politics & Government
Possible New Plans for IKEA Site in Assembly Square
A proposed zoning amendment that would allow for a large supermarket at the site has been withdrawn, and a new proposal may be in the works.
It appears new plans are in the works for the former IKEA parcel in Assembly Square.
Federal Investment Realty Trust, the developers of Assembly Row, agreed to purchase the land from IKEA after the big-box furniture company decided in July of 2012 not to build in Somerville.
Federal Realty's plans to build a large supermarket at the site, however, led to opposition from some who argued for mixed-use development that would generate more tax dollars for the city.
Some, including Somerville Board of Alderman President William White, were skeptical of a proposed zoning amendment in Assembly Square that would have allowed for the supermarket.
However, at a Somerville Board of Aldermen meeting on Aug. 22, Alderman At-Large John Connolly withdrew the proposed Assembly Square supermarket zoning amendment.
"It appears the opportunity exists for a mutually beneficial arrangement to happen at Assembly Square," Connolly said.
He said Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone's administration may come forward in the next 30 or 60 days with information about a new proposal for the IKEA site that would be "to the benefit of all."
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