Bill > H3851

This bill grants the city of Somerville the authority to require certain large institutions, such as hospitals and universities, to create and submit "institutional master plans" for municipal review and approval. An institutional master plan is defined as a long-term land-use and development strategy for all property owned or used by an institution within the city, outlining its planned growth and development over several years or phases. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that these institutions coordinate their development with the community, address potential impacts of their growth, and provide predictability for both the institution and the city. This authority is granted notwithstanding existing laws, such as Chapter 40A, Section 3 of the General Laws, which might otherwise limit such municipal oversight.