Attend meetings in Somerville December 5-12 on energy consumption and plans for homes and offices

These are just a few of the community meetings and civic events taking place next week. For more information, visit the City of Somerville website.

Radiators, a symbol of Somerville’s energy consumption, at A-1 Plumbing Supply in Union Square in 2009 – five years before they were approved for the Green Line extension. (Photo: Elliot Harmon via Flickr)

Living above Lyndell’s; Laboratory plan

Planning board and Land Use CommitteeThursday, 6 p.m. The board is hearing from developers who hope to continue work on a nine-story lab building approved two years ago next to McGrath Highway and plans from DiCamillo Associates to build 30 apartments, including six affordable units, at Lyndell’s Bakery, an iconic eatery at 720 Broadway . Ball Square. It also hears from representatives of Union Leaf, appropriately a pot shop at 71-72 Union Square, appealing a board determination – the need for an appointment-only business model at all Somerville dispensaries in 2021.

Greystar, a global real estate company, is applying for a special permit for a 1.3 million-square-foot laboratory, office, hospitality and parking facility at 20-23 Cummings St., Assembly Square. Greystar – also a few blocks away at 74 Middlesex Ave. a 16-story laboratory building – says this project would take place on the site of the La Quinta Hotel and Restaurant 99.

The board also hears about an ordinance proposed by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne that would allow apartments and multiplexes in the city’s urban areas. The Board was asked to make a recommendation on the proposed policy change. View via video conference.

Garfield backyard renovation

Neighborhood meetingTuesday, 6:30 p.m. Public input is being sought on the proposed construction of a two-story addition and roof deck at the rear of 11 Garfield Ave., East Somerville. The building’s development team will present the proposed permit plans. View via video conference.

Energy information for tenants

Somerville Commission on Energy Use and Climate ChangeTuesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To increase energy efficiency, the city is proposing a measure that would require landlords to disclose the energy consumption of their properties to current and future tenants. The disclosures, which could include information such as the type of fuel used and energy saving measures installed, would be posted on a property for tenants to consider when looking for a home. The ordinance will spur landlords to take steps toward lower utility costs — now easily accessible — and ease the burden on tenants while making older properties more attractive, officials said.

The commission is also addressing two developments at the state level: First, officials’ decision in October not to join Somerville in a fossil fuel-free initiative that would have allowed future fossil fuel connections to be banned as a cost-effectiveness test for all-electric development; Second, the Nov. 20 passage of a law aimed at “promoting a clean energy grid, promoting equity and protecting ratepayers” and its impact on Somerville. View via video conference.