Ecological Commitment
Dear friends and neighbors,
Over the past few weeks, we (Rafi & the 599 development team) have spent significant time in conversations internally and externally trying to answer two questions: how did the 599 tree mismanagement happen and what can we (Rafi) do better as a neighbor and partner moving forward?
We listened to feedback from Somerville residents, City and elected officials and those who care deeply about Somerville’s urban forest. Based on the feedback and suggestions we heard in those many conversations, meetings, emails, we have devised a plan of actions below and pledge of our commitment to you, Somerville, as your neighbor and partner.
Somerville Community Ecological Enhancements
Rafi will fund the planting of 100 trees over the next 10 years in Somerville. (Details and the placement of trees to be driven in coordination with the Spring Hill community and the city’s Public Space & Urban Forest Department.)
Rafi commits to using 100% native species on its Somerville owned assets and future development opportunities.
Rafi will require all members of its Somerville project teams to sign a community volunteer pledge acknowledging their commitment to a minimum of 10 volunteer hours per year in Somerville.
599 Ecological Enhancements
Create bird habitat by planting native fruiting shrubs.
Mimic pollinator meadows by planting native grasses and flowering forbs.
Plant 50+ native tree seedlings under Somerville required screening plants to promote natural succession.
Plant native flower trees to encourage pollinators.
Use ecological gardening principles throughout all aspects of 599 landscaping such as no leaf blowing and ensuring there is bare ground nesting space for bees.
The below 599 landscape plans compare January 2022 (original plan) to August 2022 (ecological enhancement plan).
Internal Project Management & Oversight
The foreman responsible for the mismanagement of the trees has been removed from the project and reassigned.
We have instituted increased oversight on the project team from foreman level on up to involve ownership and executive team members in the day-to-day operations of the project.
Rafi plans to hire certified arborists and or member of Green and Open Somerville to conduct mandatory training and education for all relevant 599 Somerville team members around Somerville’s ecological priorities, importance of the city’s tree canopy as well as the City of Somerville’s most up to date urban forestry protocol.
We commit to hosting 599 Somerville monthly office hours at a time/location determined by the Spring Hill Community.
Rafi has paid the required $27,200 fee to Somerville’s Public Space & Urban Forest Department.
We thank you again for holding us accountable and ensuring the neighborhood’s urban forest is protected.
Your Neighbor & Partner,
Rafi & the 599 Development team
