The Community Development Board in Medford approved a ten-story dorm for Tufts University despite vocal opposition from over 120 residents. Concerns surrounding the height of the building included potential sound, light pollution, and shadows affecting the neighborhood. Following a previous vote where the project barely failed, it was reconsidered and approved with five votes. Some board members expressed concern over community engagement during the process. Chair Emily Hedeman criticized the engagement efforts, highlighting the residents' perseverance in voicing their opposition to the project.
"With this outcome, we have to wonder if the board felt pressured to change their votes after the last hearing," said Jeremy Martin, part of the coalition of Medford Hillside residents.
"I hope to never see a project like this in front of us ever again, with this sort of horrible community engagement. Horrible community engagement," she said.
Despite widespread backlash from Medford residents and the Board chair's apparent agreement with their position, the city's Community Development Board approved a proposed Tufts University residence hall Wednesday.
The group shared its 'unified opposition' against the current proposal, saying that the residence hall will have 'severe, irreversible negative impacts on the surrounding Hillside community for generations.'
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