…Somerville gets $1.8M for transportation plan

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Boston, along with Congressman Mike Capuano, D-Somerville, today announced that Somerville will receive $1.8 million in funding to complete a comprehensive citywide transportation plan and capitalize on the six new rapid transit stations that will come to Somerville by 2015.

As Somerville implements a new comprehensive transportation plan, the grant will allow the city to prepare and implement plans for land use and infrastructure around new stations, prepare a new zoning ordinance for the city, streamline permitting, and create a land bank for affordable housing.“A streamlined, modernized transit system means a better commute for everyone who lives or works in Somerville,” said Sen. Kerry.“This federal funding will help the City of Somerville as it prepares for the Green Line, increasing the resources available to implement a thoughtful approach to transit oriented development planning,” said Rep. Capuano