90 Washington Street in Somerville: the 418-apartment plan and why Cobble Hill neighbors object
Wood Partners plans about 418 apartments at 90 Washington St in East Somerville. Cobble Hill seniors object. What's proposed, the concerns and what's next.
Mateus MagnoLicensed Construction Supervisor · November 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Wood Partners was chosen in July 2026 to develop 90 Washington Street, a site of nearly four acres next to the East Somerville Green Line station. Its plan was reported at 418 apartments, with 20% affordable, retail and civic space. Residents of the neighboring Cobble Hill Apartments object to losing trees and a green buffer. The City Council still has to approve the deal.
One of the biggest housing projects in East Somerville is heading toward a City Council vote, and its neighbors are pushing back. Cambridge Day reported on November 1, 2026 that residents of Cobble Hill Apartments are fighting parts of the plan for the lot next door.
Here's what's proposed, what neighbors are worried about and what comes next.
What is planned at 90 Washington Street?
| Item | As reported |
|---|---|
| Developer | Wood Partners, chosen by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority on July 13, 2026 |
| Apartments | 418 rentals in the plan reported in July |
| Height | Up to seven stories |
| Affordable homes | 20% |
| Parking | 244 underground spaces in the July plan |
| Other space | About 15,000 sq ft of retail, 6,000 sq ft of civic space and public open space |
The other bidder, North River Leerink, withdrew, as the City's project page explains. Banker & Tradesman has more on how the plan grew to 418 units.
Why did the plan change from a public safety building to housing?
The City took this former shopping center by eminent domain to build a public safety complex. A later court ruling on the land's value left the City facing about $30 million in added costs, according to Cambridge Day. Selling the land for housing helps recover some of that public money, and the City lists recovering its costs as a project goal.
What do Cobble Hill residents object to?
Cobble Hill Apartments is next door. About 300 people live there, mostly older adults, people with disabilities and other income-eligible tenants. As reported, their concerns include:
- Trees and the berm. Residents say the trees and the raised strip of land along Washington Street provide shade and block traffic noise.
- A new roadway. It would run along the western side of the complex for emergency and trash vehicles. It's also meant to be a secondary fire route.
- Parking. 37 spaces would be moved.
- Dust and soil. Residents worry about construction dust. The property manager's letter to the Council cites past findings of possible contaminated fill under parts of the berm, which could mean testing and special handling.
What does the City say?
A senior city planner told Cambridge Day that the City is trying to balance greenery with the need for dense housing near transit. Councilor Matthew McLaughlin supports the housing, retail and a senior center, but wants more trees and green space kept.
What happens next?
- The City, the Redevelopment Authority and Wood Partners negotiate a land disposition agreement.
- The City Council and the Authority must both approve it. McLaughlin expects a Council vote by the end of 2026.
- The site has to be rezoned, and the land sale is expected by the end of 2027.
- If it's approved, construction could start around mid-2028, according to the planner.
These numbers can still change during negotiations. Questions can go to sra@somervillema.gov.
A builder's view of the concerns
I haven't seen the site's soil reports, so I won't guess about this one. But on any dig near where people live, the same questions are worth asking early: Who tests the soil? How will dust be controlled and monitored? Where will trucks go? Who do neighbors call? It's easier to get those answers written into the approvals than to ask for them once work begins. For more on the rules at a smaller scale, see Somerville construction hours and dumpster permits.
What it means for East Somerville homeowners
New apartments near a Green Line station are part of a wider change in this area. See my post on the Green Line Extension and Somerville homes and my September 2026 home prices map. I wouldn't assume any project raises or lowers your home's value on its own.
Own a home in East Somerville?
I'm Mateus, a licensed builder based in Davis Square. Book a free walkthrough and you'll get a written line-item budget, usually within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is being built at 90 Washington Street in Somerville?
Wood Partners was chosen to develop the site. Its plan was reported at 418 rental apartments, 20% affordable, with retail, civic space and public open space. The final agreement still needs approval.
Why are Cobble Hill residents opposed?
Residents have raised concerns about losing trees and a berm that block noise and provide shade, a new roadway next to the complex, moved parking, and construction dust.
When will construction start at 90 Washington Street?
A city planner told Cambridge Day that construction could start around mid-2028 if the project is approved.
Has the City Council approved the 90 Washington Street project?
Not as of early November 2026. The land disposition agreement is still being negotiated, and it needs approval from the City Council and the Somerville Redevelopment Authority.
Planning work near Somerville? See the towns I work in, with local permit notes, and how I price work.
Mateus Magno founded Magno & Co in 2020. He is a licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor (CS-123658), registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #220484) and certified Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor who has renovated and managed over $5 million in projects across Greater Boston.
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