USQ/Graffito + USMS hosts open houses for local businesses to explore potential retail opportunities
November 2021- In collaboration with @unionsquarems and our partners at @graffitosp, USQ hosted a preview of our retail leasing opportunities to the small local business community. With a strong turnout, we were able to connect local retailers and restauranteurs, allowing them to expand the resources available to them and learn about project implementation and chances to grow in their respective markets. Graffito SP produced the retail marketing materials for D2 in English, Portuguese and Spanish to make the opportunities more accessible to a range of interested parties.
Somerville Utility and Streetscape Improvement (SAUSI) project elevates Union Square toward a transit-oriented future
October 2021 - This month, substantial completion of the Somerville Avenue streetscape and utility improvements project was achieved, marking a milestone several years in the making. This City-led project moves Union Square infrastructure toward the future, addressing legacy stormwater management challenges and repositioning the streetscape to a mobility-focused future. The project delivers raised bicycle cycle tracks, green infrastructure, floating bus stops, new sidewalks, street furnishings, and 55 new street trees. Below the surface, the project incorporated 2,000 linear feet of new drainage through a 24’ x 6’ culvert, 4,000 feet of new water mains, 6,000 feet of sewer linings, and new storm drainage.
US2 Sponsors 2021 Fluff Festival
September 2021 - Onwards and Fluffward! USQ joins in a weekend of celebration through sponsorship of this year’s Fluff Festival. The multi-day event commemorates the invention of marshmallow fluff in Union Square, and through collaboration with independently-owned businesses, seeks to elevate Somerville’s proud tradition of innovation with live music, food, events, and more!
USQ’s MBTA Elevator Rises from the Ground
August 2021 - This month, USQ installed the steel for the the MBTA elevator on the 20-50 Prospect Street site. The elevator will provide critical vertical transportation from the Propsect Street bridge to Station Plaza and the MBTA station that was identified as a important community priority during D2 planning and CBA discussions. The elevator is anticipated to be completed in Q1 2022.
US2 and Gilbane visit with Somerville High School Students
May 2021 - US2 and its development team partners continued our collaboration with the Somerville High School Career and Technical Education program and hosted the third “Learning Lab” session with Somerville High School Seniors this month. The goal of the program is to introduce Somerville High School to the real estate, design and construction industry through exposure to the Union Square Revitalization Project.
Union Square Main Streets hires Small Business Liaison via pre-funded US2 CBA funds
May 2021 - We were very excited that Union Square Main Streets (USMS) was able to bring Michael Robles on board to serve as the Small Business Liaison at the end of May. Welcome aboard, Michael!
US2 Contributes Additional Community Benefits Funds: $467,000 to date
April 2021 - As part of its commitment to providing community benefits for the Union Square neighborhood through the Union Square Revitalization, USQ agreed to contribute more than $3.6 million in community benefits funds over the course of project implementation. Contributions will be made to this fund as building permits and certificates of occupancy are achieved for each building. With the start of the 20 – 50 Prospect project (D2.2-D2.3), US2 has contributed a total of $467,000 in community benefits monies to date to the City of Somerville stabilization fund.
USQ Careers in Construction Information Session & Jobs Fair
April 2021 - US2 hosted a virtual Construction Jobs Fair in conjunction with Somerville Community Corporation – First Source (SCC) and its general contractors in April 2021 in an effort to get local Somerville residents involved in the construction industry and the USQ project.
Small Business Construction Task Force Starts Meetings
February 2021 - In February, US2 convened the first Construction Mitigation Task Force meeting. The meeting included representatives from Union Square Main Streets, the City and US2. The parties discussed upcoming construction activities and efforts to mitigate impacts to small businesses.
Somerville Community Corporation’s First Source program receives critical resources via pre-funded US2 CBA Funds
August 2020 - Somerville Community Corporation’s First Source workforce development program received a $100,000 grant this month to advance it’s workforce development goals. The grant was underwritten by pre-funded US2 community benefits funds from the USQ project.
US2 and USNC begin quarterly Community Benefits Program implementation Meetings
April 2020 - US2 began quarterly community benefits implementation meetings with a seven-member committee from USNC. The goal of the meetings is to collaborate on the implementation of the community benefits program, report progress and ensure compliance. The quarterly agenda includes a review of community benefits priorities for the year, progress to date and a question and answer session.
Discover the Benefits: Union Square Revitalization
December 2019 - Since it was first envisioned, Union Square’s Revitalization (USQ) has been focused on making the Union Square neighborhood even better. Years of public process and community input has shaped a plan that not only delivers on key SomerVision goals like jobs, housing and open space, but also provides community benefits developed by and for the needs of local residents, workers and businesses. Transformation of Union Square into a vibrant, transit-oriented employment center will unlock wide ranging community benefits valued at more than $100 million and over $475 million in new taxes over the next three decades.
Community Benefits Agreement terms finalized between US2 and USNC
December 2019 - On Monday, December 2nd, the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and Union Square Station Associates (US2) will sign the long-anticipated Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the Union Square Revitalization Area Development adjacent to the new Green Line MBTA station.