Somerville site to receive state preference

The massive Assembly Square retail center along the Mystic River in Somerville will be designated as a state "growth district" by the Patrick Administration on Monday, making it eligible for fast-track development review and other assistance.

Federal Realty Investment Trust is proposing to build an "urban village" on the 66 acre site, including 1.75 million square feet of office space, 1.15 million square feet of retail space and space for 2,100 housing units.

The growth district designation means the Assembly Sq. site will be subject to a concentrated effort from city and state officials to get the development's permits and other required planning in order quickly. It would also be eligible for funds to improve infrastructure, such as roads, and marketing help from the state to find businesses willing to locate there.

Officials of the Patrick Administration will announce the Assembly Sq. designation on Monday. The Somerville site is the fourteenth of an initial 16 growth districts targeted by the governor; others already selected include the former naval air base in South Weymouth, Cordage Park in Plymouth and the Network Drive commercial office park in Burlington.
(Globe Staff)