-
Actively
participated in drafting of zoning changes for Union
Square through participation in focus group and
community meetings. Conducted community education and
advocacy through website.
-
Secured
grant from the Community Design Resource Center of
Boston for pro-bono assistance from Perkins+Will to
create visual reference materials for the public to
better interpret potential development changes under the
City’s zoning proposal.
-
Provided
technical assistance to entrepreneurs investigating
business potential of Union Square.
-
Assisted
new business openings including housewares store Grand,
Bloc 11 café, pet service business Dogma and Catma Too,
dance studio called Dance @ Union, martial arts studio
Shobu Aikido, restaurants Cantina La Mexicana and Machu
Picchu Charcoal Chicken, and bookstore Hub Comics.
-
With the
City of Somerville and East Somerville Main Streets
began in May a bi-monthly
workshop series for
current business owners and start-ups. Topics included
commercial lending, marketing, PR, legal issues,
licensing and permits.
-
Led the
workshop on “Understanding Local Markets” as part of
that series that compiled demographic and market
information specific to Union Square. Made this
information available to entrepreneurs interested in
investing in Union Square.
-
Conducted
outreach to commercial lenders to encourage investment
in area businesses and hosted workshop on lending.
-
Began
participation in Massachusetts Community and Banking
Council to advocate for small business lending.
-
Researched
Community Reinvestment Act compliance by local
commercial banks.
-
Produced
and hosted “Talking About Somerville” cable access
program to discuss commercial lending practices
assistance programs for small businesses.
