New Somerville Neighborhood Council Holding Inaugural Board Election

SOMERVILLE, MA — The new Davis Square Neighborhood Council is holding its first-ever election later this month.

For the past year, residents and business owners in the neighborhood have been working to be officially recognized as a nonprofit organization. The board has gotten to the point where it can elect a Board of Directors.

The election will be held on Saturday, Aug. 16, Saturday, Aug. 23, and Monday, Aug. 25 at the Somerville Library’s West Branch. Eligible voters are those who live within a half mile of the boundary of the Davis Square business district and those who work, receive services, operate a business, regularly volunteer at an organization/agency, or own real estate within the business district as well.

In addition to regular members, the Board will also have the leadership positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

The group will be able to negotiate with potential developers and form community benefit agreements. The Union Square Neighborhood Council successfully reached one with Rafi Properties on the major expansion of the Somernova business park campus.

According to the DSNC, its priorities once officially established are Improving the Davis Square Plaza, Elm Street Development, housing development, community Path wayfinding and art, pedestrian safety, and community-building.