Union United Steps Up Message: Holds Rally for Community Benefits
With a crowd of over 45 members and supporters, Union United held a successful rally and press conference on March 11th to say loud and clear: this community deserves better!
We heard from Union Square business owners Angelica Benatti and Pokye Casserly and local youth Bukhari Brown on the importance of addressing community needs and having development without displacement. We shared that we want to meet with the mayor to discuss our priorities and negotiate a community benefits agreement (CBA) with Union Square Station Associates (US2) that includes the whole redevelopment area.
Earlier this month a Somerville Journal editorial asked Mayor Joe Curtatone to bring Union United to the table and help negotiate a CBA. We also had a strong presence during the Somerville by Design meetings this week to share our ideas, concerns, and bring the conversation back to a community-led CBA.
Since the rally, there have been a series of articles published concerning the rally, Union United’s cause, and dissecting the City’s community process around the Union Square redevelopment:
- Mayor must give Somerville residents a seat at the table in Union Square (The Somerville Journal, March 12)
- Design process for Somerville’s Union Square leads to frustration, protests (The Somerville Journal, March 16)
- Plans for Union Square in Somerville not meeting community goals (The Somerville Journal, March 20)
- Somerville mayor: CBA comes before Union Square development (The Somerville Journal, March 26)
Union United Members Selected for Civic Advisory Committee
Union United is proud to have four coalition members on the Union Square CAC, a City-appointed community advisory committee. Congratulations to
- Angelica Benatti, Master Printing;
- Pokye Casserly, New Reliable Market;
- Fr. Richard Curran, St. Joseph’s Church and Somerville Tri-Parish Community;
- Chris Mancini, Groundwork Somerville
Union United is stronger than ever. We have over 100 members, 15 community groups, 14 small businesses, religious congregations, immigrant groups, and labor unions all making waves in this city and beyond!
To find out more about Union United and this campaign, contact Mashael atmmajid@somervillecdc.org or 617-776-5931 x228.