SRA Reviews Two Competing Proposals to Redevelop 90 Washington Street

Other Committee · Meeting of May 6, 2026

Somerville Redevelopment Authority weighs two bids to redevelop a prime Union Square parcel. The SRA heard detailed technical reviews of competing proposals for 90 Washington Street at its May 6 meeting: a single seven-story, 324-unit building from Wood Partners featuring a 398-space parking structure, and a three-building, 426-unit proposal from North River Lyrnc reaching 16 stories with 200 underground parking spaces. Economic Development Planner Ben DeMars told the board that the civic advisory committee "strongly preferred" the North River Lyrnc proposal for its density and multi-building format, though members raised concern that its central green space could feel privatized.

A heated discussion focused on North River Lyrnc's plan to concentrate all 86 income-restricted units in one building and finance them with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, which DeMars said conflicts with Somerville's inclusionary zoning policy requiring affordable units to be distributed throughout a project. The board voted 5-0 to enter executive session on the financial offers; a special City Council session is set for the following Monday.

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Source: the Other Committee meeting of May 6, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.