Davis Square Tufts Survey 3/18/2023
DavisNow has been asked by a group of Tufts University graduate students in the department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning to advise you of an anonymous survey they are conducting on transportation and business activities in Davis Square. Their goal is to gain a better understanding of how the Square is currently used and how it could be improved to be more walkable. If you are interested in providing your (anonymous) input about Davis Square, please follow the link below. The survey will be open until early April and takes only 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is much appreciated. .
https://tufts.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24y4YL07r7qr9ki
https://tufts.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_24y4YL07r7qr9ki
City of Somerville FY 2023 Budget Announced 5/31/2022
The City of Somerville is inviting all interested community members to attend and speak at the Budget Public Hearing before the City Council's Committee on Finance on Monday, June 6 at 6 p.m. to provide input on the proposed FY 2023 municipal budget. This meeting will be conducted via remote participation online in a webinar hosted on GoToWebinar. Residents can join online by visiting somervillema.gov/fy23budget
While the previous administration gave us assurances that the Punch List items would be addressed in a timely manner, for the most part, little has been done and conditions continue to deteriorate. We encourage our readers to reach out to government representatives to advocate for the much needed repairs and improvements identified in the Davis in Decline tab above.
While the previous administration gave us assurances that the Punch List items would be addressed in a timely manner, for the most part, little has been done and conditions continue to deteriorate. We encourage our readers to reach out to government representatives to advocate for the much needed repairs and improvements identified in the Davis in Decline tab above.
The future of brick in Davis Square - YouTube video December 2021
DavisNow recently invited three experts to share their knowledge and perspectives on brick walks with Mayor Curtatone, Ward 6 Councilor Davis, and Somerville department directors. The purpose of this presentation was to provide information about how brick walkway systems have evolved, and how they are being successfully implemented by cities and towns throughout New England. The YouTube video of the presentation can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/mexSEVcI9oE
DavisNow recently invited three experts to share their knowledge and perspectives on brick walks with Mayor Curtatone, Ward 6 Councilor Davis, and Somerville department directors. The purpose of this presentation was to provide information about how brick walkway systems have evolved, and how they are being successfully implemented by cities and towns throughout New England. The YouTube video of the presentation can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/mexSEVcI9oE
Mayoral Candidates On Davis Square's Future
DavisNow asked the four candidates for Somerville Mayor about their positions on repairing and improving Davis Square. We received replies from Katjana Ballantyne and Mary Cassesso by our August 20 deadline, which are in the PDFs below. Will Mbah and William Tauro were also invited but did not respond.
Update: August 26, Will Mbah has now submitted his response, which is added below.
Here's what we asked:
The Issues
Back in September 2018, DavisNow published a Punch List documenting the deteriorating state of Davis Square’s public realm. Mayor Curtatone met with DavisNow and agreed to move forward with all of the issues we identified. However, as of now, the City has not followed through with most of the punch list items, and Davis Square remains in very poor condition.
DavisNow asked the four candidates for Somerville Mayor about their positions on repairing and improving Davis Square. We received replies from Katjana Ballantyne and Mary Cassesso by our August 20 deadline, which are in the PDFs below. Will Mbah and William Tauro were also invited but did not respond.
Update: August 26, Will Mbah has now submitted his response, which is added below.
Here's what we asked:
The Issues
Back in September 2018, DavisNow published a Punch List documenting the deteriorating state of Davis Square’s public realm. Mayor Curtatone met with DavisNow and agreed to move forward with all of the issues we identified. However, as of now, the City has not followed through with most of the punch list items, and Davis Square remains in very poor condition.
- As mayor, how would you move to fully restore Davis Square and why should we trust what you say?
- We believe brick walks can be installed level and without accessibility issues (as at Kenney Park and the recently restored West Branch Library). What will you do to restore the brick walks and plazas of Davis Square?
- How would you make the city accountable to DavisNow and the Davis community for following through on agreed work to be done?
- What is your position on making Elm Street a pedestrian street?
- How would you fund the restoration of Davis Square?
| katjana_balantine_responses.pdf |
| mary_cassesso_responses.pdf |
| mbah_davis_square_questionnaire.pdf |
Somerville Live Wire - Episode 7
Jack Connelly and Chris Iwerks talk with Mary Ellen Myhr about DavisNow's proposal to make Elm a pedestrian street.
Watch it here:
Jack Connelly and Chris Iwerks talk with Mary Ellen Myhr about DavisNow's proposal to make Elm a pedestrian street.
Watch it here:
Proposal for Making Elm a Pedestrian Street
One unexpected bright spot for Davis Square during 2020 was opening up Elm Street to outdoor dining. This fledgling success can be advanced right now by rethinking how to permanently modify Elm Street to support pedestrian uses and expand business potential, instead of optimizing for vehicular traffic and parking.
As a consequence of pedestrianizing Elm Street, the main Davis Square intersection can also be vastly simplified and made safer for pedestrians.
If this idea makes sense to you, please take action: we ask that you call or write your City Councilor, Councilors at large, and the Mayor to advocate for advancing this concept. The time is now to consider how Elm Street could become a vibrant pedestrian street.
| 210314__elm_st_poster.pdf |
NOTE for 2020
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there has been little action by the City of Somerville with regard to repairs in and around Davis Square. The Punch List of repair items we issued in 2018 is still largely unaddressed, and the paving deficiencies seem to have been dismissed altogether. See the most recent Report Card under the Progress tab.
---------------------------------
PAST ALERTS & NOTICES
Public Meeting - Thursday 8/13/2020
Re-profiling and reconstruction of Holland St & College Ave.
Even with the continued shutdown there are some things happening in Davis.
On August 13th at 6.30pm there will be a virtual meeting on the Holland / College Street pavement for design considerations. Actual work has been deferred till next spring but the design moves forward. This is a follow on meeting from the initial meeting on February 24th of this year. With the changes to Davis Square to accommodate outside dining we have a good reference as to traffic issues in Elm, Highland and Dover and this can be useful in reclaiming our streets. Register for this web based meeting at: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3409700315414795275
Other news:
There have been some trees removed in Seven Hills park that were deemed dangerous, dying/dead or diseased. The pruning that has been approved has been minimal and there has been no update on replacement of the trees removed. The city position is that it is negotiating with the MBTA on the re-plantings.
The conversion of parking spaces into outdoor dining areas is proving popular with people and the traffic seems to flow easily. There is less jockeying for parking places with cars veering across the street and it’s much easier for pedestrians. Though there were doubts from some early on it seems to be working well. Perhaps it could become a permanent spring/summer/fall feature of Davis Square?
West Branch library restoration was delayed 55 days during the peak of the COVID-19 shutdown but has resumed. The work is proceeding well and a photographic archive of the work can be found on:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=somerville%20historic%20preservation%20commission&epa=SEARCH_BOX
There have been no identifiable progress on other issues in the square identified in the Punch List on the website (www.DavisNOW.org). We are trying to set up a meeting with the city to ascertain next steps and the schedule changes.
Hope you can register and log on to the Holland / College design online meeting on the 13th.
New Zoning Ordinance Approved - December 2019
The Somerville City Council has approved the new Zoning Ordinance, effective December 19, 2019. There is a link on the city website to the full ordinance and zoning atlas at: www.somervillezoning.com
In response to the overwhelming responses from scores of local residents and businesses, the Davis Square CBD, shown on Map 5 below, has been restored to 4 story height limits (although the city appears interested in testing around the edges for parcels that could be exceptions to this limit in return for community benefits, as yet to be defined).
In a related matter, there has been no further word from Scape on their development plans as their parcel is no longer zoned for residential use.
The Somerville City Council has approved the new Zoning Ordinance, effective December 19, 2019. There is a link on the city website to the full ordinance and zoning atlas at: www.somervillezoning.com
In response to the overwhelming responses from scores of local residents and businesses, the Davis Square CBD, shown on Map 5 below, has been restored to 4 story height limits (although the city appears interested in testing around the edges for parcels that could be exceptions to this limit in return for community benefits, as yet to be defined).
In a related matter, there has been no further word from Scape on their development plans as their parcel is no longer zoned for residential use.
DavisNow Somerville City Council Candidate Questionnaire
| candidate_statements.pdf |
| davisnow_city_council_candidate_questionnaire.pdf |
Zoning higher buildings
Among the many changes in the new V4 Zoning Ordinance is the proposed zoning Map 5 which permits entire blocks of 5 and 6 story buildings flanking Elm and Highland. This will transform these streets into canyons, even with upper floor setbacks. Heights under this plan will be much taller than current and sunlight will be reduced. We believe that with 86% (1.27 million additional square feet) of the potential commercial building volume in the Davis Central Business District existing under the current 4 story height limit, that smart growth can occur without exceeding 4 stories. We can greatly increase the commercial tax base and also preserve the character and scale of the square without going to 5 and 6 stories, 85 feet high.
The following graphics visualize how dramatic and undesirable these proposed changes are.
We are a community organization for the preservation & repair of
Davis Square - NOW
The Punch List
In 2018, DavisNow developed a detailed, illustrated Punch List documenting the myriad problems with Davis Square’s walkways, open space, and streetscape elements. The Punch List was endorsed by the Mayor in December of 2018 and the City has begun work on the repair scope.
Use our website to get updates on our public meetings, track progress on repairs, and signup to be on our email list.
Link to the Punch List Book is below. Note that green check marks on images represent an element that has been attended to.
| 210324_davis_now_punch_list_.pdf |
Most Recent (lack of) Progress
SEPTEMBER 2019
The city received three bids for reconstruction of crosswalks and repair of sidewalks in the square. All three bids were over the engineer's estimate of $462,000. As a result, the city has decided not to proceed with any work at all. DavisNow has attempted to learn if anything will be done, but our emails have not been answered.
We are disappointed to report that after almost a year of pushing for repairs in Davis Square, there has been almost no progress on any front. There is no progress on: brick walkways, asphalt patches, granite pavers, tree wells, intersection timing, litter pickup, tree lighting, sign straightening, ponding, landscaping, etc. The square continues to be a mine-field of tripping hazards and, as best we can tell, no one in a position to take action cares to do so. Even though this scope of work was endorsed by the Mayor and heads of other departments.
AUGUST 2019
The city is currently soliciting bids for reconstruction of crosswalks and repair of sidewalks in the square. The estimate for the work is $462,500 and the city has set aside $600,000 for Davis Square. Bids are due August 15, 2019.
As of mid August we have observed no city work progressing on the punch list, this despite promises from the city that work would be done this summer.
JUNE 2019
We held our Spring 2019 Public Meeting on June 10, 2019 at the new Dilboy Post. Updates on progress were presented by representatives from the City's Engineering and Planning Departments. DavisNow also presented on recent developments, including:
Where we are as of June 15, 2019
1. Brick sidewalks (asphalt patches and uneven surfaces) – Engineering Department is advancing this scope with HSH. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2019.
2. Brick crosswalks – Engineering Department is advancing replacement of 11 crosswalks with HSH. The new crosswalks will be mostly red stamped asphalt to simulate brick. The Engineering Department informed us that they will not consider replacing the existing brick crosswalks with new brick or concrete unit pavers. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2019.
3. Granite pavers – some of these need to be removed to create new accessible curb cuts. DavisNow has provided detailed information to the Engineering Department for fixing the few areas of granite repairs that stand out (11.5 LF of asphalt patches and a handful of pavers that present tripping hazards). As of this time this scope is not included.
4. Granite curbs @ trees – thus far it appears that no City department will touch these.
5. Granite Belgian blocks at tree wells – thus far it appears that no City department will touch these either.
6. Missing street trees – most missing trees have been replaced. DavisNow has requested that 3-4 new trees be installed on the west side of Grove Street where a new concrete sidewalk is slated for installation.
7. Parking meters – The city has purchased a pole straightener and says it is being used. As of this time we do not see that all meters have been straightened.
8. Street tree lighting – The City spoke of the light wrapping technique being problematic and that they are studying the best way to do it. DavisNow has provided the city with a “how to guide” produced by the Seattle DOT - https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/SDOT/CAMs/CAM2301.pdf. Thus far the City has offered no plan for how lighting conduit will be repaired and the trees lighting system returned to working order.
9. Bike Racks – these are unchanged - they have not been straightened
10. Signs and sign poles – City reported that they have hired summer help and work will be done over the next few months.
11. Signals and signal poles – Same as #10 above
12. Temporary signs – OSPCD reported 4 months ago that warning letters had been sent out to violators. Since that time we have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
13. Seven Hills Park brick walks – DavisNow uncovered 1984 MBTA-City Easement Agreement which requires the City to maintain the park and make repairs to landscape (including tree replacement), and elements. We discovered that the brick walks are loose laid on sand and are therefore easily repaired. Correcting the ponding area where an electrical junction box is perpetually under water and posing a safety risk would be easy to correct. DavisNow took a line and level to the area and discovered that the walk needs to be raised on the flooded side by a mere 3-5” to cause water to drain away to the northeast side where there is already a catch basin.
DavisNow is working with OSPCD and Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis to get this fixed. We also can clearly state that, under the Easement Agreement, this is minor repair work and can be done without going through a lengthy approval process with the MBTA. 3"-5” of sand added on the north side of the walk is insignificant. The City was required to obtain an MBTA license for the Community Path work because it entailed heavy equipment and excavation to replace piping and asphalt roadwork above. But the brick leveling work here is simply routine maintenance needed to fix a sunken/ponding area and electrical box which sits underwater. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
14. Seven Hills Park barren earth – the City planted grass seed throughout the center section of the park, but has ignored the edges and margins entirely, which remain in disrepair. The irrigation system is also broken, so watering the lawn will not happen. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
15. Seven Hills Park trees – City stated that they are “looking” to engage an outside botanist to take care of tree pruning and care. There has also been no response on the issues of tree stump removal or replanting of 5 trees that are missing. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
16. Seven Hills Park sculptures – City reported to DavisNow that they have approached the original artist and obtained a cost to restore the sculptures, which was in excess of $200,000. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
SEPTEMBER 2019
The city received three bids for reconstruction of crosswalks and repair of sidewalks in the square. All three bids were over the engineer's estimate of $462,000. As a result, the city has decided not to proceed with any work at all. DavisNow has attempted to learn if anything will be done, but our emails have not been answered.
We are disappointed to report that after almost a year of pushing for repairs in Davis Square, there has been almost no progress on any front. There is no progress on: brick walkways, asphalt patches, granite pavers, tree wells, intersection timing, litter pickup, tree lighting, sign straightening, ponding, landscaping, etc. The square continues to be a mine-field of tripping hazards and, as best we can tell, no one in a position to take action cares to do so. Even though this scope of work was endorsed by the Mayor and heads of other departments.
AUGUST 2019
The city is currently soliciting bids for reconstruction of crosswalks and repair of sidewalks in the square. The estimate for the work is $462,500 and the city has set aside $600,000 for Davis Square. Bids are due August 15, 2019.
As of mid August we have observed no city work progressing on the punch list, this despite promises from the city that work would be done this summer.
JUNE 2019
We held our Spring 2019 Public Meeting on June 10, 2019 at the new Dilboy Post. Updates on progress were presented by representatives from the City's Engineering and Planning Departments. DavisNow also presented on recent developments, including:
- Discovery of two key MBTA-City Easement Agreements from 1984 and 1987 that define the City's responsibility to maintain the spaces above the MBTA property, and the City's right to make repairs to plaza and park elements.
- Discovery that brick walks in Seven Hills Park and Statue Park are all set on sand and thus very easy to restore to correct level and slope profiles.
- Review of HSH drawings for the replacement of 11 crosswalks and repair of brick sidewalks throughout Davis Square (excluding walks in Seven Hills Park and Statue Park)
Where we are as of June 15, 2019
1. Brick sidewalks (asphalt patches and uneven surfaces) – Engineering Department is advancing this scope with HSH. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2019.
2. Brick crosswalks – Engineering Department is advancing replacement of 11 crosswalks with HSH. The new crosswalks will be mostly red stamped asphalt to simulate brick. The Engineering Department informed us that they will not consider replacing the existing brick crosswalks with new brick or concrete unit pavers. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2019.
3. Granite pavers – some of these need to be removed to create new accessible curb cuts. DavisNow has provided detailed information to the Engineering Department for fixing the few areas of granite repairs that stand out (11.5 LF of asphalt patches and a handful of pavers that present tripping hazards). As of this time this scope is not included.
4. Granite curbs @ trees – thus far it appears that no City department will touch these.
5. Granite Belgian blocks at tree wells – thus far it appears that no City department will touch these either.
6. Missing street trees – most missing trees have been replaced. DavisNow has requested that 3-4 new trees be installed on the west side of Grove Street where a new concrete sidewalk is slated for installation.
7. Parking meters – The city has purchased a pole straightener and says it is being used. As of this time we do not see that all meters have been straightened.
8. Street tree lighting – The City spoke of the light wrapping technique being problematic and that they are studying the best way to do it. DavisNow has provided the city with a “how to guide” produced by the Seattle DOT - https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/SDOT/CAMs/CAM2301.pdf. Thus far the City has offered no plan for how lighting conduit will be repaired and the trees lighting system returned to working order.
9. Bike Racks – these are unchanged - they have not been straightened
10. Signs and sign poles – City reported that they have hired summer help and work will be done over the next few months.
11. Signals and signal poles – Same as #10 above
12. Temporary signs – OSPCD reported 4 months ago that warning letters had been sent out to violators. Since that time we have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
13. Seven Hills Park brick walks – DavisNow uncovered 1984 MBTA-City Easement Agreement which requires the City to maintain the park and make repairs to landscape (including tree replacement), and elements. We discovered that the brick walks are loose laid on sand and are therefore easily repaired. Correcting the ponding area where an electrical junction box is perpetually under water and posing a safety risk would be easy to correct. DavisNow took a line and level to the area and discovered that the walk needs to be raised on the flooded side by a mere 3-5” to cause water to drain away to the northeast side where there is already a catch basin.
DavisNow is working with OSPCD and Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis to get this fixed. We also can clearly state that, under the Easement Agreement, this is minor repair work and can be done without going through a lengthy approval process with the MBTA. 3"-5” of sand added on the north side of the walk is insignificant. The City was required to obtain an MBTA license for the Community Path work because it entailed heavy equipment and excavation to replace piping and asphalt roadwork above. But the brick leveling work here is simply routine maintenance needed to fix a sunken/ponding area and electrical box which sits underwater. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
14. Seven Hills Park barren earth – the City planted grass seed throughout the center section of the park, but has ignored the edges and margins entirely, which remain in disrepair. The irrigation system is also broken, so watering the lawn will not happen. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
15. Seven Hills Park trees – City stated that they are “looking” to engage an outside botanist to take care of tree pruning and care. There has also been no response on the issues of tree stump removal or replanting of 5 trees that are missing. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
16. Seven Hills Park sculptures – City reported to DavisNow that they have approached the original artist and obtained a cost to restore the sculptures, which was in excess of $200,000. We have not been able to learn if there is plan or time frame for action.
