Somernova did this same thing a couple years back, three blocks from my house.
They came in with a wildly oversized proposal that basically the whole neighborhood barfed on, and then negotiated and negotiated and eventually got a merely huge development approved.
medium.com/@fdmts/somer...
3/?
They came in with a wildly oversized proposal that basically the whole neighborhood barfed on, and then negotiated and negotiated and eventually got a merely huge development approved.
medium.com/@fdmts/somer...
3/?
Somernova
Somernova — a subsidiary of Rafi Properties —is applying for a zoning overlay under which they would demolish the low-slung industrial…
medium.com
September 1, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Somernova did this same thing a couple years back, three blocks from my house.
They came in with a wildly oversized proposal that basically the whole neighborhood barfed on, and then negotiated and negotiated and eventually got a merely huge development approved.
medium.com/@fdmts/somer...
3/?
They came in with a wildly oversized proposal that basically the whole neighborhood barfed on, and then negotiated and negotiated and eventually got a merely huge development approved.
medium.com/@fdmts/somer...
3/?
I was vote number 259 this morning at the USNC/Somernova CBA ratification.
It looked like democracy!
It looked like democracy!
June 4, 2025 at 1:42 PM
I was vote number 259 this morning at the USNC/Somernova CBA ratification.
It looked like democracy!
It looked like democracy!
✊Truly inspired by the amazing energy at last night’s Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) update meeting w/ SomerNova. Incredible to feel how much community power has been built since Somerville’s very first CBA back in 2018. Labor, affordable arts space, community center, climate…list goes on.
January 23, 2025 at 2:23 PM
✊Truly inspired by the amazing energy at last night’s Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) update meeting w/ SomerNova. Incredible to feel how much community power has been built since Somerville’s very first CBA back in 2018. Labor, affordable arts space, community center, climate…list goes on.
🔍 SomerNova Zoning Update: renderings of the the buildings that would be allowed under the proposed zoning changes were just provided to the City Council - you can view them at the link below. Images on the left show what's allowed now, on the right show the proposal
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qs33j...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qs33j...
May 15, 2025 at 4:53 PM
🔍 SomerNova Zoning Update: renderings of the the buildings that would be allowed under the proposed zoning changes were just provided to the City Council - you can view them at the link below. Images on the left show what's allowed now, on the right show the proposal
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qs33j...
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qs33j...
Blows my mind that I probably going to write a seventh article about the damn SOMERNOVA project.
December 7, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Blows my mind that I probably going to write a seventh article about the damn SOMERNOVA project.
Hey folks, I'm live and in the elementary school cafeteria for tonight's mid-point update on the negotiations between the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Somernova AKA Rafi Properties.
It's a big crowd. Easily more than 100 people.
1/?
It's a big crowd. Easily more than 100 people.
1/?
January 22, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Hey folks, I'm live and in the elementary school cafeteria for tonight's mid-point update on the negotiations between the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Somernova AKA Rafi Properties.
It's a big crowd. Easily more than 100 people.
1/?
It's a big crowd. Easily more than 100 people.
1/?
(While we await results from yesterday’s CBA vote) - don’t forget TONIGHT Land Use Committee will continue our ongoing deliberations on the SomerNova zoning proposal, including a presentation on traffic & mobility management. Study linked here: somervillema.legistar.com/MeetingDetai...
June 5, 2025 at 1:44 PM
(While we await results from yesterday’s CBA vote) - don’t forget TONIGHT Land Use Committee will continue our ongoing deliberations on the SomerNova zoning proposal, including a presentation on traffic & mobility management. Study linked here: somervillema.legistar.com/MeetingDetai...
Real talk: I am, once again, having to choose battles, conserve energy, and set things aside to make it through the days.
If you're feeling like that too, it's perfectly normal (though shitty).
Related: If you're waiting on me for an analysis of the proposed Somernova zoning overlay - I'm sorry.
If you're feeling like that too, it's perfectly normal (though shitty).
Related: If you're waiting on me for an analysis of the proposed Somernova zoning overlay - I'm sorry.
February 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Real talk: I am, once again, having to choose battles, conserve energy, and set things aside to make it through the days.
If you're feeling like that too, it's perfectly normal (though shitty).
Related: If you're waiting on me for an analysis of the proposed Somernova zoning overlay - I'm sorry.
If you're feeling like that too, it's perfectly normal (though shitty).
Related: If you're waiting on me for an analysis of the proposed Somernova zoning overlay - I'm sorry.
speaking of, when are we getting that 230-foot market basket that nimby guy threatened about if SomerNOVA was built next to it?
One of my all-time favorite NIMBY statements is when someone said the new three-story development in our downtown area would blot out the sun and cast the main street in eternal shadows. My wife and I still joke about it.
Those buildings should have had six floors, not three.
June 10, 2026 at 5:44 PM
speaking of, when are we getting that 230-foot market basket that nimby guy threatened about if SomerNOVA was built next to it?
The proposed Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and Rafi Properties (AKS Somernova) has been released.
Combined with the city's proposed new zoning for the site, it's really quite good. I plan to vote in favor.
www.somernova.community/blog/cba
1/?
Combined with the city's proposed new zoning for the site, it's really quite good. I plan to vote in favor.
www.somernova.community/blog/cba
1/?
USNC & Rafi Reach Landmark Community Benefits Agreement on Somernova Expansion — SOMERNOVA - Co-creating the future
Milestone Agreement Moves to Community for Public Vote on June 4, 2025 SOMERVILLE, MA – May 21, 2025 – The Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and Rafi Properties are proud to a...
www.somernova.community
May 22, 2025 at 11:21 AM
The proposed Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) between Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and Rafi Properties (AKS Somernova) has been released.
Combined with the city's proposed new zoning for the site, it's really quite good. I plan to vote in favor.
www.somernova.community/blog/cba
1/?
Combined with the city's proposed new zoning for the site, it's really quite good. I plan to vote in favor.
www.somernova.community/blog/cba
1/?
End of day report from USNC/SomerNova CBA voting:
Turnout was really good. Around 2,000 votes cast ... which is enough to elect a ward councilor in most wards, most years.
We don't know the results yet.
Turnout was really good. Around 2,000 votes cast ... which is enough to elect a ward councilor in most wards, most years.
We don't know the results yet.
June 5, 2025 at 12:38 AM
End of day report from USNC/SomerNova CBA voting:
Turnout was really good. Around 2,000 votes cast ... which is enough to elect a ward councilor in most wards, most years.
We don't know the results yet.
Turnout was really good. Around 2,000 votes cast ... which is enough to elect a ward councilor in most wards, most years.
We don't know the results yet.
Latest newsletter is up! Civilian flaggers, Charter, SomerNova CBA and more: eepurl.com/jfwiiw
Ben Ewen-Campen's Somerville Newsletter
Civilian flaggers, City Charter, Community Benefits Agreement, and more
eepurl.com
May 24, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Latest newsletter is up! Civilian flaggers, Charter, SomerNova CBA and more: eepurl.com/jfwiiw
On the USNC/Somernova CBA vote tomorrow:
I am pretty bummed to see several people, local activists and elected who I respect deeply, affecting a frankly disingenuous surprise here at the end of a two year public process.
Like, y’all were at the meetings you seem to be claiming didn’t happen.
1/?
I am pretty bummed to see several people, local activists and elected who I respect deeply, affecting a frankly disingenuous surprise here at the end of a two year public process.
Like, y’all were at the meetings you seem to be claiming didn’t happen.
1/?
June 3, 2025 at 1:49 PM
On the USNC/Somernova CBA vote tomorrow:
I am pretty bummed to see several people, local activists and elected who I respect deeply, affecting a frankly disingenuous surprise here at the end of a two year public process.
Like, y’all were at the meetings you seem to be claiming didn’t happen.
1/?
I am pretty bummed to see several people, local activists and elected who I respect deeply, affecting a frankly disingenuous surprise here at the end of a two year public process.
Like, y’all were at the meetings you seem to be claiming didn’t happen.
1/?
the person who chose the name "somernova" deserves our pity, not our scorn
July 12, 2024 at 12:51 PM
the person who chose the name "somernova" deserves our pity, not our scorn
Join us Tuesday, August 26th, 6-8pm @ Somernova, for a panel on interaction design!
Designing museum installations 🏦, using game engines as live performance tools 🎭, finishing projects fast 💨, and more. #livecode #gamedev #vj @travh98.bsky.social
Designing museum installations 🏦, using game engines as live performance tools 🎭, finishing projects fast 💨, and more. #livecode #gamedev #vj @travh98.bsky.social
August 19, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Join us Tuesday, August 26th, 6-8pm @ Somernova, for a panel on interaction design!
Designing museum installations 🏦, using game engines as live performance tools 🎭, finishing projects fast 💨, and more. #livecode #gamedev #vj @travh98.bsky.social
Designing museum installations 🏦, using game engines as live performance tools 🎭, finishing projects fast 💨, and more. #livecode #gamedev #vj @travh98.bsky.social
Opening alert -- Mimi's Chūka Diner has its grand opening at Aeronaut Foods Hub at Somernova in Somerville today. bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2025/01/mimi...
#restaurant #somerville #diner
#restaurant #somerville #diner
Mimi's Chūka Diner Has Its Grand Opening at Aeronaut Foods Hub at Somernova in Somerville
A new restaurant has officially opened within a building that houses a brewery. According to a press release, Mimi's Chūka Diner is having i...
bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com
January 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Opening alert -- Mimi's Chūka Diner has its grand opening at Aeronaut Foods Hub at Somernova in Somerville today. bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2025/01/mimi...
#restaurant #somerville #diner
#restaurant #somerville #diner
/ TEMPS UP IN2 THE LO2MID 70S IN UR TUESAFT
/ COMFY DEW PTS
/ 4 MEYE LECTURE 2NITE BTWIXT 6 - 8 PM @ SOMERNOVA IN SOMERVILLE
/ 6 PM: 64 DEGREES
/ 7 PM: 63 DEGREES
/ 8 PM: 61 DEGREES
/ 10 PM: 60 DEGREES
/ PERFECT WEATHER 4 A REPENTFUL WEATHER IS HAPPENING LECTURE
/ PLS COME ON BEYE
/ COMFY DEW PTS
/ 4 MEYE LECTURE 2NITE BTWIXT 6 - 8 PM @ SOMERNOVA IN SOMERVILLE
/ 6 PM: 64 DEGREES
/ 7 PM: 63 DEGREES
/ 8 PM: 61 DEGREES
/ 10 PM: 60 DEGREES
/ PERFECT WEATHER 4 A REPENTFUL WEATHER IS HAPPENING LECTURE
/ PLS COME ON BEYE
September 30, 2025 at 12:15 PM
/ TEMPS UP IN2 THE LO2MID 70S IN UR TUESAFT
/ COMFY DEW PTS
/ 4 MEYE LECTURE 2NITE BTWIXT 6 - 8 PM @ SOMERNOVA IN SOMERVILLE
/ 6 PM: 64 DEGREES
/ 7 PM: 63 DEGREES
/ 8 PM: 61 DEGREES
/ 10 PM: 60 DEGREES
/ PERFECT WEATHER 4 A REPENTFUL WEATHER IS HAPPENING LECTURE
/ PLS COME ON BEYE
/ COMFY DEW PTS
/ 4 MEYE LECTURE 2NITE BTWIXT 6 - 8 PM @ SOMERNOVA IN SOMERVILLE
/ 6 PM: 64 DEGREES
/ 7 PM: 63 DEGREES
/ 8 PM: 61 DEGREES
/ 10 PM: 60 DEGREES
/ PERFECT WEATHER 4 A REPENTFUL WEATHER IS HAPPENING LECTURE
/ PLS COME ON BEYE
Anyway, here's what I had to say about Somernova today.
It starts with: "We are down to it."
1/?
It starts with: "We are down to it."
1/?
March 21, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Anyway, here's what I had to say about Somernova today.
It starts with: "We are down to it."
1/?
It starts with: "We are down to it."
1/?
Folks, I am LIVE AND IN THE CHAMBERS for tonights joint meeting of the planning board and the city council regarding the somernova zoning.
There are a lot of people here and I am in a -real- bad mood. I may not last, but I kinda want to say my thing.
Let's see how it goes.
1/?
There are a lot of people here and I am in a -real- bad mood. I may not last, but I kinda want to say my thing.
Let's see how it goes.
1/?
March 20, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Folks, I am LIVE AND IN THE CHAMBERS for tonights joint meeting of the planning board and the city council regarding the somernova zoning.
There are a lot of people here and I am in a -real- bad mood. I may not last, but I kinda want to say my thing.
Let's see how it goes.
1/?
There are a lot of people here and I am in a -real- bad mood. I may not last, but I kinda want to say my thing.
Let's see how it goes.
1/?
Speaking only for me, I think that the negotiating team did a good job and I plan to vote "yes." The joint press release that Rafi and USNC created is linked below if you want to read more about the CBA.
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
4/?
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
4/?
USNC Somernova Press Release 5/21/25
Union Square Neighborhood Council and Rafi Properties Reach Landmark Community Benefits Agreement on Somernova Expansion Milestone Agreement Moves to Community for Public Vote on June 4, 2025 SOMERVI...
docs.google.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Speaking only for me, I think that the negotiating team did a good job and I plan to vote "yes." The joint press release that Rafi and USNC created is linked below if you want to read more about the CBA.
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
4/?
docs.google.com/document/d/1...
4/?
For those following the SomerNova zoning deliberations, last Thursday’s Committee meeting was an exceptionally informative & clarifying update on the details of traffic mitigation efforts. Video & PDFs linked here: somervillema.legistar.com/MeetingDetai...
June 9, 2025 at 12:53 PM
For those following the SomerNova zoning deliberations, last Thursday’s Committee meeting was an exceptionally informative & clarifying update on the details of traffic mitigation efforts. Video & PDFs linked here: somervillema.legistar.com/MeetingDetai...
My notes on the midpoint update on a community benefits agreement for the Rafi / Somernova project.
medium.com/@fdmts/commu...
medium.com/@fdmts/commu...
Community Benefits from Somernova
The mood was cautiously optimistic at the Argenziano School cafeteria on a Wednesday night a couple of weeks ago. Nearly a hundred people…
medium.com
February 8, 2025 at 2:50 AM
My notes on the midpoint update on a community benefits agreement for the Rafi / Somernova project.
medium.com/@fdmts/commu...
medium.com/@fdmts/commu...
January 9, 2024 at 7:22 PM
🚨COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT NEWS🚨 Last night I was thrilled to learn that the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Rafi/SomerNova have reached a tentative CBA agreement - huge. Enormous congratulations on this milestone.
Next step: this will soon come to a vote of the public for ratification.
Next step: this will soon come to a vote of the public for ratification.
May 2, 2025 at 2:04 PM
🚨COMMUNITY BENEFITS AGREEMENT NEWS🚨 Last night I was thrilled to learn that the Union Square Neighborhood Council and Rafi/SomerNova have reached a tentative CBA agreement - huge. Enormous congratulations on this milestone.
Next step: this will soon come to a vote of the public for ratification.
Next step: this will soon come to a vote of the public for ratification.