Somerville has declared a housing emergency.
Davis Square should be part of the solution.
Somerville is currently seeking input on the future of Davis Square via a Technical Advisory Committee that is asking the community what they think Davis Square should look like. We think the answer is simple: more housing, more businesses, more Davis Square.
It needs to be Davis
Davis Square is one of Somerville’s most vibrant commercial squares, with grocery stores, bars and restaurants, theaters, and more. It’s immensely walkable, and has one of Somerville’s very few heavy rail transit stations, Davis Square Station on the Red Line.
With the Community Path, the addition of the Elm–Beacon bike lanes, and regular bus service, Davis Square is the most well-connected place in all of Somerville.
What it doesn’t have is housing. Look around and you’ll see single-story retail, office buildings, and the occasional triple-decker or three-story apartment building. You won’t see anywhere for the many people that support Davis to live. That’s a problem.
Who wins when we build?
Two-thirds of Somerville households rent. More homes means more supply, more options, and more accessibility.
When we build more homes, we give people a place to live that doesn’t involve displacing someone else. Instead of bidding on your home, new neighbors can bid on a newly built home and not drive your rent up or force you out.
When we build more homes, we give people more choices to pick their housing situation. Instead of four friends having to share a 4-bed, they can each get their own apartment and leave that 4-bed for a family with kids. Empty nesters can downsize or switch to single-floor living and remain in their cherished neighborhoods.
When we build more homes, we build homes that meet modern standards. Old housing doesn’t meet the needs of our elderly or disabled neighbors. There aren’t elevators or wheelchair accessible units in our older homes. Newer, denser buildings are required to provide these services so that our more vulnerable neighbors can continue to live where they grew up.
In short, when we build more homes, we all win.
Make your voice heard
Tell Somerville you want more housing in Davis.
The Technical Advisory Committee is asking what Davis Square should look like. Answer it.
Join our mailing list ↗ Join the Davis Square Neighborhood Council ↗Please reach out to info@vibrantdavis.org if any links are broken & let us know.