2016 CCJ Notes - July through December
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Cambridge Civic/Political Review 2016 Great Events: May 7 - Moving Day at MIT celebrating the 100th Anniversary of MIT's move from Boston across the river to Cambridge Crossing the Charles Suffragist Katharine Dexter McCormick (who is a dead ringer for our friend Martha Eddison) and MIT President Rafael Reif June 4 - Cambridge River Festival along Cambridge Parkway and Lechmere Canal. Aug 25 - The 2016 Oldtime Baseball Game at St. Peter's Field on Sherman St. in North Cambridge Glory March 12 - Under the guidance of Coach Lance Dottin, Cambridge defeated Lowell by a score of 54-38 to win the Division 1 North Championship. March 14 - At the Boston Garden, the Falcons won over Catholic Memorial in the semifinals by a score of 77-73. March 19 - In Springfield, Cambridge defeated St. John's by a score of 66-51 to win the Division 1 State Championship. Retirements and Appointments (just a few significant ones of many): Susan Flannery retired as Director of the Cambridge Public Library. She was succeeded by Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley. Police Commissioner Robert Haas retired and Police Superintendent Christopher J. Burke was appointed as Acting Police Commissioner, effective May 8, 2016. Retirement of Terry Dumas, Director of the Planning and Development Department for over 25 years and as a staff member for a total of 33 years at the Cambridge Housing Authority. On July 1, CPS welcomed Dr. Kenneth Salim as the new Superintendent of Schools succeeding Jeffrey Young. Appointments by the City Council: Mar 11 - Announcement by Richard Rossi that he would not seek a contract extension as City Manager. Sept 12 - Reappointment of James Monagle as City Auditor. Sept 12 - Reappointment of Donna P. Lopez as City Clerk. Sept 29 - Appointment of Louis DePasquale as City Manager. Nov 14 - Oath of Office for Louis DePasquale as Cambridge City Manager The City Clerks and City Managers of Cambridge Deaths (only a few of the significant passings this year): Feb 18 - Death of Marci Mitler in Porter Square Feb 28 - Death of Dorothy Steele on Columbia Street Mar 28 - Death of Election Commissioner Peter Sheinfeld. April 14 - Death of Suzanne Schell Pearce. June 23 - Death of cyclist Amanda Phillips in Inman Square June 25 - Murder of Anthony Clay on Harvard Street Oct 5 - Death of Lexington cyclist Bernard "Joe" Lavins in Porter Square In the wider world, let's take special note of the passing of musicians David Bowie (Jan 10), Glenn Frey (Jan 17), Paul Kantner (Jan 28), Keith Emerson (Mar 11), Prince (Apr 21), Leonard Cohen (Nov 10), Leon Russell (Nov 13), and Greg Lake (Dec 7). Politics and Elections: Inauguration of City Council and School Committee One new city councillor: Jan Devereux Election of the Mayor (Denise Simmons) and Vice Mayor (Marc McGovern) Two new School Committee members: Manikka Bowman and Emily Dexter Election of School Committee Vice Chair (Fred Fantini) March 1 Presidential Primary (Super Tuesday) September State Primary: Connolly defeats Toomey; Jehlen defeats Cheung November 8 - Election of "He Who Shall Not Be Named" as President Initiative Petition on Lifting of Cap on Charter School Defeated Initiative Petition on Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Narrowly Wins David Maher selected as next President & CEO of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce   • Maher will not seek re-election to City Council Day-to-Day Stuff and Around Town: The Plastic Bag Ban went into effect on March 31. Sept 19 - DPW Commissioner Owen O'Riordan reported on issues relating to the implementation of the Polystyrene Ordinance. October - Harvard dining hall workers strike over wages, benefits (Cambridge Chronicle, by Amy Saltzman) Cambridge and much of eastern Massachusetts suffered a severe drought that required Cambridge to purchase water from the MBTA so that the Cambridge reservoirs would not fall below critical levels. [October 31 Committee Report]. Dec 14 - Participatory Budgeting Results Announced [Total Budget $706,000] Solar Power Shines! ($260,000) Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads ($104,000) Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays ($150,000) Kinetic Energy Tiles ($50,000) Hydration Stations in Four Locations! ($37,000) Upgrade the Moore Youth Center ($80,000) Cambridge Street Art Trail ($25,000) Many Election-Related Proposals: Mar 21 - City Council Order seeking to allow Cambridge to institute municipal lobbying regulations. [Never went anywhere] Mar 21 - City Council Order to hold hearings on the feasibility of facilitating the appointment of an “Non-Citizen Representative” to the City Council. [Never went anywhere] May 2 - City Council Order seeking to publish a Cambridge voter guide to be distributed to each household in Cambridge a month before the 2017 municipal election. June 13 - City Council Order asking that Cambridge operate at least 5 early polling locations, for the entire day, for the entirety of the 11-day early voting period. Turnout figures for Early Voting (complete) Early Voting Location Oct 24 Oct 25 Oct 26 Oct 27 Oct 28 Oct 29 Oct 31 Nov 1 Nov 2 Nov 3 Nov 4 Total Main Library (449 Broadway) 619 396 465 262 289 688 483 376 624 436 848 5486 Election Commission (51 Inman St.) 576 399 465 304 304 401 532 399 571 455 564 4970 O'Neill Library (Rindge Ave.) 387 208 302 171 207 373 273 216 395 279 478 3289 Water Department (at Fresh Pond) 368 207 218 131 157 429 233 216 348 254 474 3035 Police Department (East Cambridge) 290 186 225 93 104 263 251 205 349 260 508 2734 All Locations 2240 1396 1675 961 1061 2154 1772 1412 2287 1684 2872 19514 June 13 - City Council Order asking to explore voter reward options for municipal elections. June 20 - City Council Order to hold hearings of the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration, and the Government Operations committee to discuss different models for campaign finance reform and publicly-funded municipal elections in Cambridge. Nov 7 - City Council Order asking opinion of City Solicitor on the possibility of allowing non-citizen Cambridge residents to vote in municipal elections without a home-rule petition. [This Order was subsequently amended to actually send such a Home Rule Petition to the State Legislature without holding any hearings or debate on the proposal.] Civics and Government: Envision Cambridge continues: Workshops, Outreach, Appointment of Advisory Committees, Committee Meetings, Updates Charter School Roundtable and Ballot Question [Divide widens on Question 2 in Cambridge (Cambridge Chronicle, by Natalie Handy)] Traffic/Transportation: Mar 21 - The City Council adopted the Complete Streets Policy and Council Order. Mar 21 - The City Council adopted a Policy Order committing Vision Zero, a set of goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries. Apr 25 - City Council Order requested information on the feasibility of waiving the motor vehicle excise tax for electric vehicles. Apr 25 - City Council Order asking if any progress has been made on the willingness of the City of Cambridge (and local developers) to contribute to a successful Green Line Extension. May 9 - City Manager Richard Rossi communicates to City Council that City intends to commit $25 million toward successful completion of the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project. Somerville will commit $50 million and Medford will also commit funds. May 31 - Waverly Path Project Opening Celebration June 9 - Grand Opening of the first phase (Main Street to Broadway along Galileo Galilei Way) of the Grand Junction Pathway. June 20 - Communication from Richard C. Rossi regarding the acquisition of two parcels of the Watertown Branch railroad from B&M Corporation for the purpose of creating a future multi-use path and greenway. June 22 - City presentation of possible reconfigurations for Inman Square roadways June 27 - City Council Order regarding feasibility of the City of Cambridge filing its own home rule petition to reduce local speed limits (as Boston was then also seeking to do). Sept 12 - City Council Order prematurely call for declaring all residential zones in Cambridge to be “Safety Zones” with 20mph speed limits and all office and business zones reduced to 25mph. [Council adopted state's enabling legislation two months later and set citywide 25mph speed limit.] Sept 12 - City Council Order asking City Solicitor and other relevant City departments to report back to the City Council on next steps on how to go about lowering our speed limits as well as the timeline for these actions. Sept 12 - City Council Order seeking to increase the parking permit fee and consider other changes to towards reducing vehicle miles traveled and promoting alternative forms of transportation. Sept 26 - City Manager Richard Rossi conveys City's Agreement with MassDOT and MBTA regarding funding contribution agreement for Green Line Extension Project. Oct 17 - City Council Order seeking to form a Vision Zero Working Group comprised of staff from the relevant City departments and residents to collaboratively develop and review traffic safety plans, street designs, public education initiatives, traffic enforcement and related policies with the shared goal of eliminating crashes that result in serious injuries and deaths as quickly as possible. Oct 17 - City Council Order seeking to restrict the routes of travel and delivery hours of oversized trucks on City streets. Nov 7 - City Council adopts Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2016, “An Act Modernizing Municipal Finance and Government”, Sections 193 and 194 giving municipalities the authority to reduce speed limits on all ways other than state highways. Dec 8 - Speed Limit on City-Owned Streets Reduced to 25mph City of Cambridge implements component of Vision Zero Initiative Bicycle Specific Blitz of No-Process Orders: Sept 12 - City Council Order asking for hearing of Transportation and Public Utilities Committee to discuss how City staff review use of bike infrastructure to determine what works, what does not work and what could be improved and to specifically discuss the possibility of making the Western Avenue cycle track a two-direction bike facility. Oct 17 - City Council Order seeking information from Community Development Department and the Cambridge Police Commissioner on specific recommendations and measures the City should consider in order to prevent future bicycle accidents and fatalities from occurring, and to make our streets safer for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. Oct 17 - City Council Order calling for pilot system of flex-post separated bike lanes and intersections, along Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, and Cambridge Street. Oct 17 - City Council Order to schedule hearing of Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee to discuss the possibility of adding a bike-bus lane to Pearl Street and any measures that can be taken to accommodate on-street parking preferences of residents. Oct 17 - City Council Order asking to include separated bicycle facilities or adjacent off-street paths in any plans for reconstructing all or part of Massachusetts Avenue. Oct 17 - City Council Order seeking a pilot program of segregated bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue between Cedar Street and Harvard Square; on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Quincy Street; and on Broadway between Prospect Street and Quincy Street. Oct 17 - City Council Order asking for segregated bike lanes on both sides of Huron Avenue for the full length of its reconstruction. Nov 7 - City Council Order seeking a deadline of Nov 1, 2017 for fully implementing the various street improvements and safety measures for increasing bicycle safety that were passed during the Oct 17, 2016 meeting. Housing/Zoning: Jan 11 - Ordination of Barrett Petition to modify zoning relating to Accessory Apartments and Basement Space Apr 11 - Inclusionary Housing Study followed by many hearings of the City Council's Housing Committee [Aug 11 Committee Reports: Report #1, Report #11, Report #12] The proposals are now before the Ordinance Committee with action expected in early 2017. Multiple Medical Marijuana Dispensaries filed zoning petitions for favorable sites. The City Council is currently attempting to address this by alter the allowed uses in certain business zones. Aug 1 - City Council Order seeking update on the status of the Classification of Commercial Land Use and Recommendations Study. Sept 12 - The Classification of Commercial Land Use and Recommendations study is reported to the City Council This may play a significant role in 2017 if the City Council chooses (as is expected) to update the "Table of Uses" for the various business zones in the city. The series of marijuana dispensary zoning matters plus the recent initiative petition regarding recreation marijuana and potential retail stores may necessitate this discussion. Harvard Square: Aug 1 - Committee Report of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee on topic of possible formation of a special working group tasked with developing a framework for the continued stewardship, curatorship and oversight of the Out of Town News Kiosk in Harvard Square. Sept 12 - City Council Order asking Historical Commission to produce a new status report that reviews the Harvard Square Conservation District’s effectiveness since 2005, and that considers whether new zoning regulations may be necessary to fulfill the community’s goals. Oct 17 - Committee Report of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee on the redesign of the Out of Town News Kiosk. The year ended with significant activism regarding the future of Harvard Square and specifically the plans for the Abbot Building (Curious George) and neighboring buildings recently purchased with plans for significant alterations. The status of some major vacant spaces, esp. the Harvard Square Cinema, have also been central to this discussion. Central Square: Dec 19 - Ordinance Committee Report on zoning petition submitted by Nabil Sater, et al to amend the Zoning Ordinances in the Central Square Overlay District, Section 20.300 (a.k.a. - the Central Square Restoration Petition). This petition received unanimous approval by the Planning Board at its initial hearing. Kendall Square and Nearby: Sept 12 - Notification from City Manager of approval of the Kendall Square Foundry Development Partners as the development entity for the Foundry. This was followed by irate reaction from at least one city councillor. [Councilor calls Foundry process egregious; city manager says project not finalized (Cambridge Chronicle, by Adam Sennott)] The latest word is that the entire process is being restarted. Volpe Working Group Formed Oct 3 - As part of the City's continuing effort to plan for the future redevelopment of the Volpe National Transportation Research Center site in Kendall Square, the City Manager has appointed a "Volpe Working Group" consisting of residents of the surrounding neighborhoods - East Cambridge, the Port, and Wellington-Harrington - along with representatives of the Kendall Square business community and other community stakeholders. Nov 15 - MIT tapped to redevelop Volpe Center in Cambridge (Boston Globe) Wellington/Harrington Neighborhood: Dec 3 - The Berkshire Street Fire The Dec 3, 2016 fire in the Harrington/Wellington/East Cambridge neighborhoods caused significant damage to six buildings, and fire or water damage to at least five others. Initial estimates were that there were 48 displaced families, representing 104 individuals, registered with the Red Cross of Massachusetts. The public can donate to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund online at www.cambridgema.gov/firefund or by sending a check to: Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund Cambridge City Hall 795 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA 02139 By all accounts, the City, many relief agencies, and a tremendous number of individuals really stepped up to the plate to assist others in the wake of this catastrophic event. Other City Council Initiatives: Minimum Wage: June 13 - City Council Order asking that the Mayor convene a Task Force charged with establishing recommendations for the City Council on what the ideal minimum wage in Cambridge should be, and how to best implement this increase without creating unintended consequences in Cambridge or elsewhere. Outdoor Lighting: There were various hearings and other meetings on the recommendations from the Outdoor Lighting Task Force (and related proposals for zoning changes) that address the potential detrimental impact of outdoor lighting and propose solutions that diminish existing problems and address problems that may be created by new development. [Report][Proposed Ordinance]. The Task Force was appointed Dec 2, 2013 and was originally expected to complete its report and draft Ordinance by Spring 2014. It took a lot longer than that with many different iterations of the proposed Ordinance. Short-Term Rentals: June 20 - City Council Order calling for a joint hearing of the Public Safety and Housing Committees for the purpose of gathering testimony from stakeholders in the City regarding the impact of short-term rentals on our communities with a view in mind to draft an ordinance that meets the goals outlined above, and to refer that proposed ordinance to the Ordinance Committee at the appropriate time. Councillor Kelley's June 20 Communication on "Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge: An Overview of Current Usage and Patterns as well as Policy Recommendations". Aug 1 - Committee Report of Public Safety Committee and Housing Committee on the presence and impact of short-term rental units (Airbnb, FlipKey, VRBO, etc.) in Cambridge. Broadband Task Force: Sept 26 - Broadband Task Force recommendations and Tilson Report. One estimate is that it would cost $187 million dollars to build such a network with no guarantee that customers would leave Comcast or another Internet service provider in favor of such a new network. Nov 17 - Joint Statement of Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale Regarding Cambridge as a Sanctuary City Eminent Domain: June 13 - City Manager's recommendation that the City Council approve an Order to take the property at 859 Massachusetts Avenue by eminent domain at a cost of $1,363,875. (This would be a friendly taking from the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.) June 20 - City Council approves this taking and related expenditure. City Manager Richard Rossi explained at the meeting that the facilities study as well as the $5 million renovation cost will cover three buildings - the newly acquired 859 Mass. Ave. building as well as 831 Mass. Ave. (the Lombardi Building) and 3 Bigelow St. (currently used for transitional housing). It is anticipated that 859 Mass. Ave. will be used for housing and 3 Bigelow St. will be converted to municipal uses and possibly joined to an expanded 831 Mass. Ave. Sept 26 - After multiple City Council Orders calling for the City to take the long-derelict Vail Court property on Bishop Allen Drive, the City Manager brought in a recommendation and plan to take Vail Court by eminent domain. This was approved by the City Council, and the cost is now being challenged by the previous property owners. Now, on to 2017 - a municipal election year!

Participatory Budgeting Results Announced: December 14, 2016!

Please join us tonight from 6-7 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber at City Hall when we announce this year’s winning Participatory Budgeting (PB) projects!

Over 4,700 residents voted last week in the City’s third PB process. Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. It's residents making real decisions about real money. Find out how the $700,000 will be spent on projects to improve Cambridge! http://pb.cambridgema.gov/

Past winning PB projects include 100 new street trees, a public toilet in Central Square, water bottle fill stations, painted bike lanes, bilingual books for kids, bicycle repair stations, and many others. What projects will win this time? You decide!

For more information, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact Budget Office staff at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270. See you at the PB polls!

The Winners!

Solar Power Shines! ($260,000)

Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads ($104,000)

Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays ($150,000)

Kinetic Energy Tiles ($50,000)

Hydration Stations in Four Locations! ($37,000)

Upgrade the Moore Youth Center ($80,000)

Cambridge Street Art Trail ($25,000)

The total budget for these 7 winners is $706,000

14 Families Displaced by December 3, 2016 Fire Receive Keys to New Housing in Cambridge
City Disperses more than $184,000 in First Week Following the Fire

Dec 9, 2016 - Today, 14 families displaced by the December 3, 2016 fire in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood of Cambridge can receive keys to their new permanent housing in Cambridge. The City Manager’s Office and the Mayor’s Office are working closely with a housing team comprised of City departments, the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Cambridge Housing Authority to assist displaced households in securing permanent housing. Five additional families will be able to move in to new units at the beginning of next week. The City has identified 37 households needing to find permanent housing.

“The entire citywide response to this fire has been incredible,” said Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “From the opening moments when the first fire fighters arrived on the scene, to the next 48 hours as money started flooding in to assist these victims, to this past week as City Hall was converted into a bustling hive of activity, with scores of victims getting connected with the services they need. This tragic event has shown the very best of Cambridge. The fact that so many of these families are now on the precipice of signing leases or getting the keys to their new homes speaks to the level of coordination and collaboration among the City staff and State agencies. It has truly been a fantastic effort on all fronts.”

Throughout the week, a Disaster Relief Resource Center has been operating at Cambridge City Hall. A collaborative inter-agency team has been able to verify and register 80 families impacted by the fire, representing 166 individuals. The resource center has taken a holistic approach to supporting the various needs of the fire victims, ranging from applying for new housing to providing immediate financial support from the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund. While the resource center at City Hall will close on Friday at 5pm, displaced victims can continue calling 617-349-9484 for assistance.

“Within 72 hours following the fire, the City dispersed more than $87,000 in direct support to the victims,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Today, we are dispersing an additional $79,000 in bank cards to the 14 families getting keys to their new housing. In total, we have dispersed over $184,000 in donations from the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund. In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to distribute the donations that are coming in. All of the money being donated is going to the victims.”

More than $600,000 dollars have been contributed online to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund. Online donations can be made at www.CambridgeMA.GOV/FireFund.

The Cambridge Fire Department confirmed earlier in the week that 18 properties were impacted by the fire, representing a total of 75 separate units. The fire is being jointly investigated by members of the Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge Police Department, State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshall, and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Cambridge Disperses Over $87,000 Within Days of Fire
Residents displaced receive initial round of gift cards and checks

Dec 7, 2016 - Over the past three days, the City of Cambridge has produced $64,200 in checks and provided $23,400 in gift cards for the families displaced by the Dec 3, 2016 fire in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood. As more families complete the verification process - which begins when they register with the Red Cross - the City will continue to issue gift cards and initial funding. In the days and weeks ahead, the City will be distributing additional assistance beyond this initial funding to those impacted by the fire.

“The kindness and generosity we have witnessed since Saturday has been phenomenal,” said Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “In just four days, we have raised over half a million dollars to help the people impacted by this devastating fire start to rebuild their lives. The people who have lost everything in this fire have also gained something – the sense that thousands of their neighbors and fellow residents are standing with them, rooting for them, and rallying to their side. As mayor of this city, I could not be prouder of our community response.”

The Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund’s online donation page met the City’s goal of $500,000 on Tues, Dec 6.

“The collaboration among various Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s agencies, the Cambridge Community, our partner organizations, and the public at large is making it easier for people to begin the recovery process,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “I would strongly encourage any family or individual displaced by the fire to visit the resource center at City Hall to connect with the recovery services available. I am proud that we have been able to provide $87,600 in immediate assistance within 3 days of the fire.”

The Disaster Recovery Resource Center on the 2nd floor of City Hall will remain open for the rest of the week, from 8:30am–5:00pm. Of the 75 units affected, the American Red Cross has already interacted with residents from almost 70 units.

The City is also focused on identifying permanent rental housing for tenants and property owners displaced by the fire. Any Cambridge property owner with permanent rental housing that could be offered to victims should call 617-349-4321. Housing needs include both affordable and market-rate housing, with a particular need for housing with three or four bedrooms that can accommodate families. To date, 11 families have been placed in new permanent housing and additional families are being assessed and processed.

The City Manager’s Office and the Mayor’s Office are working with a housing team that includes several City departments, the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Cambridge Housing Authority.

Speed Limit on City-Owned Streets Being Reduced to 25 MPH
City of Cambridge implements component of Vision Zero Initiative

Dec 2, 2016 − On Thurs, Dec 8, 2016, the speed limit on City-owned streets in the City of Cambridge will be reduced to 25 Miles Per Hour (MPH), unless otherwise posted. This is an important step towards improving the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits Cambridge, and is a significant component of the City’s Vision Zero Initiative.

Speed is one of the most important factors in traffic safety; crashes that occur at lower speeds cause less injury. In fact, a pedestrian hit by a car traveling 40 MPH has a 1 in 10 chance of surviving a crash, while a pedestrian hit by a car traveling 20 MPH has a 9 in 10 chance of surviving. “By lowering the speed limit in Cambridge, we are prioritizing safety and making our City more walkable, bikeable and livable,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.

“We know that lowering car speeds is one of the most important ways to protect our most vulnerable users and work together to achieve our Vision Zero goals,” said Joseph Barr, Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation. “I encourage everyone who travels in Cambridge to take their time as they move through the city; by staying under 25 MPH you’ll be keeping all of our citizens safer and be able to better enjoy our beautiful city.”

The Cambridge City Council approved the new lower speed limit reduction on November 7th, by accepting Sections 193 and 194 of the Municipal Modernization Act. These sections grant municipalities the right to lower speed limits in thickly settled areas and to create 20 MPH safety zones. The City will be posting the new speed limit at the City line at various locations, as permitted by State law.

With this change, Cambridge will be joining neighbors like Boston, Somerville, and Arlington that are making the whole region safer by creating a 25 MPH zone within the inner core.

For additional information contact Brooke McKenna, Assistant Director for Street Management, at bmckenna@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4723, or visit www.cambridgema.gov/visionzero.

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):

Looking back at 2016 in Massachusetts (Dec 27, 2016 by Gerry Tuoti)

Million-square foot development coming to Kendall (Dec 21, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Retiring Cambridge K9 officer petitions to keep his dog (Dec 20, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

MassHousing donates to Homeowners Rehab Inc. (Dec 20, 2016)

Cambridge Historical Commission releases publication (Dec 18, 2016)

Cambridge announces participatory budgeting results (Dec 17, 2016)

Baker cuts funds for Cambridge emergency food program (Dec 16, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Cambridge Health Alliance recognized for excellence (Dec 16, 2016)

Police say man claiming to be Cambridge fire victim tried to steal relief funds (Dec 16, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Fear, frustration voiced over future of Harvard Square (Dec 14, 2016 by Monica Jimenez)

Swastikas, racist graffiti found in Cambridge Rindge bathrooms (Dec 14, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Cambridge councillors push to build affordable housing on Bishop Allen lot (Dec 13, 2016 by Adam Sennott)

Five things to know about Super PACs in Massachusetts (Dec 10, 2016 by Gerry Tuoti)

Cambridge Public Library Foundation elects board president (Dec 9, 2016)

Transition House's video project breaks down domestic violence stereotypes (Dec 6, 2016 by Emily Cataneo)

Focus shifts to helping victims of 10-alarm fire in Cambridge (Dec 6, 2016 by James Sanna)

Cambridge fire witness: 'It was like an explosion' (Dec 6, 2016 by James Sanna)

ELECTION FOLLOWUP: Find out how many people in your town voted early (Dec 5, 2016 by Caitlyn Kelleher)

PHOTOS: Aftermath of Cambridge fire (Dec 5, 2016)

How to help victims of the massive Cambridge fire (Dec 4, 2016 by James Sanna)

First third of Newtowne Court renovations completed (Dec 1, 2016)

Cambridge to remain sanctuary for immigrants, no matter the cost (Nov 29, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Cambridge councillors want to keep close eye on police surveillance technology (Nov 28, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

'This is huge:' Cambridge looks to double affordable housing requirement (Nov 28, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Guest column: The in-town argument for Out of Town News (Nov 22, 2016 by James Mahoney)

Cambridge resident, Apollo code developer Margaret Hamilton awarded Medal of Freedom (Nov 21, 2016 by MIT News)

Cambridge Police Department swears in 9 officers (Nov 17, 2016)

Envision Cambridge reveals explosive growth among students, faculty (Nov 16, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Feds select MIT to redevelop Volpe site (Nov 16, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Council grapples with city's explosive growth (Nov 16, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Cambridge celebrates veterans present and past (Nov 14, 2016 by Bill Whelan)

Cambridge Health Alliance expands primary care services in Cambridge (Nov 11, 2016)

Longtime Cambridge councilor leaving for Chamber of Commerce (Nov 9, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

ELECTION: Early voting begins October 24 (Oct 21, 2016)

Plans for Out of Town News kiosk in Harvard Square draw more fire (Oct 20, 2016 by Joanna Duffy)

'Safe Streets Now:' Cambridge City Council endorses safety measures following fatal bike crash (Oct 19, 2016 by Joanna Duffy)

'Drought of record' forces Cambridge to pay double for water (Oct 18, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

'Close to home:' Cambridge hospice celebrates 25 years pioneering end-of-life care (Oct 18, 2016 by Monica Jimenez)

Shuttered MONROE club to be taken over by Spanish-Caribbean restaurant (Oct 14, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Porter Square crash victim Joe Lavins remembered at vigil (Oct 11, 2016 by Al Gentile)

Harvard, MIT professors win Nobel in economics (Oct 11, 2016 by Paul Wiseman and Karl Ritter, Associated Press)

Councillor calls Foundry process egregious; city manager says project not finalized (Oct 10, 2016 by Adam Sennott)

Central Square's Dance Complex celebrates 25 years in Cambridge (Oct 6, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Lexington cyclist killed after crash with 18-wheeler in Cambridge's Porter Square (Oct 5, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

EDITORIAL: Changes come to the Cambridge Chronicle, reporter moves on (Oct 4, 2016)

New Cambridge Dads podcast focuses on overcoming absent fathers (Oct 4, 2016 by Amy Saltzman w/Natalie Handy)

Guest column: Vote for equity, vote yes on Question 2 (Oct 3, 2016 by Patricia Nolan and Jan Devereux)

King Open School construction begins in Cambridge (Oct 2, 2016)

Site for Cambridge Selected: December 28, 1630

ON THIS DAY...
   ...in 1630, the Massachusetts Bay Colony proprietors chose a site along the northern bank of the Charles River for their capital. They named it Newtowne, and laid out an orderly grid of streets fortified by a wooden palisade. It was the first planned town in English North America. Six years later, the colony's first college was established in Newtowne. In honor of the English university town, Newtowne was renamed Cambridge. Contemporary William Wood noted "this is one of the neatest . . . towns in New England, having many fair structures with many handsome . . . seats." Despite its well-ordered appearance, Cambridge did not remain the colony's capital. In 1638 the General Court settled five miles downstream, in the neighboring town of Boston.

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City of Cambridge Schedules for Street Cleaning, Curbside Collections, & more for December-January

Dec 8, 2016 - The following contains information about City services this holiday season.

December 12th-December 16th is the final week for Curbside Yard Waste Collection in Cambridge. Set yard waste out by 7am on your regular collection day, or after 6pm the night before.

During the week of December 19th, trash and recycling collection will be performed on a regular schedule. During the week of December 26th, there will be no trash or recycling collection on Monday, December 26th and collections will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week. During the week of January 2nd, there will be no trash or recycling collection on Monday, January 2nd and collections will be delayed one day for the remainder of the week.

The Recycling Drop-off Center will not be open on Saturday, December 24th but will be open on Saturday, December 31st.

Curbside collection of bare holiday trees (weather permitting), will take place December 27th, 2016 - January 13th, 2017 on your regular trash/recycling day. Decorations and stands must be removed and trees should not be in a plastic bag. Residents can also bring bare trees to the Recycling Center during open hours (Tues/Thurs 4pm-7:30pm and Sat 9am-4pm) from December 27th - January 31st.

Street cleaning operations will not take place on Monday, December 26th and, weather permitting, those streets will be swept on Friday, December 29th, the last day for street cleaning operations in 2016. Street cleaning services will resume in April 2017.

The Cambridge Cemetery gates will be open from 7am until 5pm throughout the holiday season. Cemetery and Public Works Administrative Offices will be closed on Friday, December 23rd; Monday, December 26th; and Monday, January 2nd.

If your yard waste, holiday tree, trash, or recycling are missed, please let us know immediately by submitting a service request via the Commonwealth Connect app for iPhone and Android or at www.CambridgeMA.Gov/CommonwealthConnect.

Members Sought for Cambridge GLBT Commission

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking individuals to fill vacancies on the GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Commission. Prospective Commissioners must either reside or work in Cambridge.

The mission of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Commission also monitors policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of all persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Current projects include working with Housing and Health Care organizations who serve LGBTQ+ Seniors and Youth After School activities.

The Commission normally meets on the 4th Thursday of each month and Commissioners are expected to volunteer some time outside of meetings for various projects. Although it is not a requirement for application, it is recommended that applicants attend a Commission meeting to see how it operates; the next meeting is on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 6-7:30 p.m., at Windsor Street Community Health Center, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 119 Windsor St., Cambridge.

For more information about the Commission, visit www.cambridgema.gov/glbt. Minutes, and other information can be found there. Visit the Commission’s FaceBook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Cambridge.GLBT.Commission.

A Letter of Interest with a brief resumé should be sent via mail or e-mail by Monday, Dec 12 to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Nov 15, 2016 - MIT tapped to redevelop Volpe Center in Cambridge (Boston Globe)

Know Your Rights Workshop
Monday, December 12, 6-8pm
Community Room, 14 Roosevelt Towers, Cambridge
Come learn about your rights from immigration attorneys and ask immigration related legal questions. Light dinner will be served and childcare will be provided. Translators will be available for Spanish and Haitian Creole.

This workshop is co-sponsored by Cambridge Housing Authority, Community Legal Services and Counseling, Cambridge Commission on the Status on Women, Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative and Transition House.

Event Flyer (English)     Event Flyer (Spanish)     Event Flyer (Haitian Creole)

City of Cambridge to Host Fire Recovery Resource Center; Buildings Sustain Serious Damage
Residents Displaced by December 3 Fire Encouraged to Register with Red Cross of Massachusetts

Dec 4, 2016 - Three buildings are being torn down in Cambridge and at least one other will be partially razed for safety reasons. The Dec 3, 2016 fire in the Harrington/Wellington/East Cambridge neighborhoods caused significant damage to six buildings, and fire or water damage to at least five others.

As of 3pm, 48 displaced families, representing 104 individuals, have registered with the Red Cross of Massachusetts. There may be more families and individuals that have not yet registered and the City is strongly encouraging all displaced individuals to register with the Red Cross by calling 800-564-1234 or by coming to the City’s Fire Recovery Resource Center at City Hall.

The first step in receiving assistance from the City is to contact and register with the Red Cross of Massachusetts.

On Mon, Dec 5, from 8:30am-8:00pm and Tues, Dec 6, 8:30am-5:00pm, the City is hosting a Fire Recovery Resource Center on the 2nd floor of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. Impacted residents can meet with representatives from the City of Cambridge, American Red Cross, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of insurance, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Transitional Assistance, Housing and Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health, National Organizational Voluntary Active Disaster, and Riverside Community Care.

The public can donate to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund online at www.cambridgema.gov/firefund or by sending a check to:

Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

While greatly appreciated, the City is urging people to hold off on donating food, clothing or material goods at this time. Should this change, an announcement will be made in the media and on the City’s website and social media outlets.

A number of street closures will remain in place in Cambridge. The following streets have no access for pedestrians or vehicles:

• Berkshire Street – from York Street to Plymouth – indefinite
• Plymouth Street – Cardinal Medeiros Ave to Berkshire Street – indefinite
• Vandine Street – Cardinal Medeiros to Berkshire Street
• York Street – Willow Street to Berkshire Street

Residents impacted by the fire can call the City’s dedicated phone line, 617-349-9484, with questions regarding the fire or recovery assistance.

City Encourages Families and Individuals to Register with the Red Cross of Massachusetts
Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund Accepting Online Donations

Dec 4, 2016 - The City of Cambridge is encouraging displaced families and individuals impacted by the December 3, 2016, fire in the Harrington/Wellington/East Cambridge neighborhoods to contact the Red Cross of Massachusetts to register for assistance.

“The most important first step displaced families and individuals can take is to register with the Red Cross of Massachusetts,” said Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager.

Individuals can register by calling the Red Cross at 800-564-1234 or by stopping by one on of the following drop-in sessions:

• Sun, Dec 4, from noon - 6pm at the Frisoli Youth Center, 61 Willow Street;
• Mon, Dec 5, from 8:30am until 8:00pm on the 2nd floor, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave.; or
• Tues, Dec 6, from 8:30am to 5:00pm on the 2nd floor, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave.

The key first step that needs to occur for the City to assist and communicate with the impacted families and individuals is for them to register their information with the Red Cross.

Members of the public can donate to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund online at www.cambridgema.gov/firefund or by sending a check to:

Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

The City appreciates the numerous offers for volunteers and donations of physical assets; however, what is needed most is donations to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund. The City is currently not accepting physical donations.

Next Participatory Budgeting VOTE: December 3-9, 2016!

Do you live in Cambridge? Are you at least 12 years old? Then come out and vote between December 3-9 for your favorite PB projects and decide how to spend $700,000 of the City's capital budget!

Residents can vote online at pb.cambridgema.gov or in person at dozens of events around town. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to participate in this process.

What's on the ballot?

Over 60 volunteer Budget Delegates worked hard this fall researching 548 ideas submitted by community members and developed 20 final proposals for the ballot. Voters can choose up to 5 of the following 20 projects. You don't need to rank your choices or do any math.

1. Universal Design: Playgrounds for Everyone! ($100,000)
2. Danehy Park: Fitness, Signs, Dog Park Lights & Scoreboards ($140,000)
3. Shade and Wet Weather Canopies for Playgrounds ($146,000)
4. Learn about Nature in the Port ($10,000)
5. Cambridge Street Art Trail ($25,000)
6. All-In-One Mobile Performance Stage & Art Space ($98,000)
7. Lighting Landmarks: CHLS Gate & Sumner Statue ($45,000)
8. Little Free Libraries for Children ($37,000)
9. Bicycle Desks for Cambridge Students ($113,000)
10. Wireless Speakers for Youth Centers ($25,000)
11. Upgrade the Moore Youth Center ($80,000)
12. Free Public WiFi in Columbia Park ($32,000)
13. Kinetic Energy Tiles ($50,000)
14. Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays ($150,000)
15. Building a Strong and Safe Bike Community ($114,000)
16. Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads ($104,000)
17. Solar Power Shines! ($260,000)
18. Hydration Stations in Four Locations! ($37,000)
19. Safe Naps for Cambridge Preschoolers! ($4,000)
20. (2-3) Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations ($30,000)

To learn more about each project and about the PB voting process, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact us in the City's Budget Office.

The PB Vote Kickoff took place on Saturday, Dec 3, from 12-4pm at the CambridgeSide Galleria Mall near the Food Court, where voters had a chance to view project displays and talk with PB volunteers.

Other voting locations include:

• Cambridge Main Library (449 Broadway): Sun 12/4 1:30-4:30pm
• North Cambridge Senior Center (2050 Mass. Ave): Mon 12/5 12-2pm
• City Hall (795 Mass. Ave): Mon 12/5 4-8pm, Tues 12/6 and Thurs 12/8 9am-1pm, Weds 12/7 1-5pm, and Fri 12/9 9am-12pm
• Cambridge Health Alliance (119 Windsor St): Mon 12/5 5-8pm
• O’Connell Library (48 Sixth St.): Weds 12/7 10:45am-12pm
• CRLS (459 Broadway): Weds 12/7 11am-1:15pm (students only)
• O’Neill Library (70 Rindge Ave): Weds 12/7 2:30-4pm
• Central Square Library (45 Pearl St): Thurs 12/8 10-11:30am
• Citywide Senior Center (806 Mass. Ave.): Thurs 12/8 10am-1pm
• Venture Café (1 Broadway, 5th floor): Thurs 12/8 5-8pm
• Collins Library (64 Aberdeen Ave): Fri 12/9 3-5pm

Paper ballots at voting events will be available in English, Amharic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish. For a full list of PB voting events, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact the Budget Office at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270.

Residents can also vote online at pb.cambridgema.gov. Online voting will be text message authenticated: voters will enter their cell phone number online and then will receive a code via text that must be entered online for one-time access to the ballot. If residents wish to vote online, but do not have a cell phone, they can email or call the City’s Budget Office to receive a code. The online ballot will be available in English and Spanish.

Past winning PB projects include 100 new street trees, a public toilet in Central Square, water bottle fill stations, painted bike lanes, bilingual books for kids, bicycle repair stations, and many others. What projects will win this time? You decide!

For more information, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact Budget Office staff at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270. See you at the PB polls!

Joint Statement of
Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale
Regarding Cambridge as a Sanctuary City

Nov 17, 2016 – The recent national political climate has generated considerable concern and anxiety on the part of many Cambridge residents, especially members of our immigrant communities. The City of Cambridge wants to clearly state to our community that it is committed to supporting and promoting the safety, health, and well-being of all of its residents. As a Sanctuary City, Cambridge affirms the basic human rights and dignity of every human being and provides education, health and other services to all residents of Cambridge, regardless of their immigration status.

“The City of Cambridge has been a Sanctuary City since April 1985, when the City Council first took steps to protect and support refugees fleeing from political violence and human rights violations in El Salvador, Guatemala and Haiti,” said Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “In 1999, the City Council expanded that support to all residents, regardless of immigration status, and has regularly reaffirmed that over the last 20 years. Today, the City of Cambridge remains just as committed to all of our residents as we have been over the past 31 years.”

The City provides support and resources ranging from a Cambridge Immigrant Rights Commission to programing at the Cambridge Community Learning Center to a Community Engagement Team that works to connect hard to reach populations with City services.

“Every Cambridge resident – regardless of their status – is encouraged to seek and obtain assistance from the many resources available to the Cambridge community. Cambridge remains a welcoming community for all,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.

Furthermore, a core principle of the Cambridge Police Department’s Community Policing philosophy is that all community members are encouraged to seek and obtain police assistance and protection, regardless of their specific immigration and/or documentation status. The enforcement of the nation’s civil immigration laws are the primary responsibility of the federal government and the Cambridge Police Department does not undertake immigration-related investigations and does not routinely inquire into the specific immigration status of any person encountered during normal police operations.

As Mayor and City Manager of Cambridge, we remain committed to the City’s Sanctuary City status and the services and support that we provide to the Cambridge Community.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons      City Manager Louis A. DePasquale

The full text of the Cambridge Police Department’s Secure Communities & ICE Detainers policy is available at www.cambridgepolice.org/Publications. Past City Council Policy Orders are available at www.cambridgema.gov/CityCouncil.

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions December 5

Nov 16, 2016 – The Housing Division of the City’s Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Monday, December 5, from 6-8pm, at the Pisani Center, 131 Washington St, Cambridge. Two sessions will be held at 6pm and 7pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

DAVID MAHER SELECTED AS NEXT PRESIDENT & CEO OF CAMBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
  • Unanimous choice of the Chamber's Board of Directors
  •Maher will not seek re-election to City Council

Nov 9, 2016 – The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce today announced that David Maher, Cambridge City Councilor and former two term Mayor of Cambridge, has been selected to be the Chamber's next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Maher was the unanimous selection of the Chamber's Board of Directors who, after considering a pool of more than 100 candidates, determined that Maher has the unique leadership experience and vision to guide the Chamber. “We are thrilled to have David on board as President and CEO of the Chamber,” said Jay Kiely, Chairman of the Chamber's Board of Directors. "His skills as a consensus builder, experience in the public and private sector and deep understanding of our city's strengths and challenges, make him the perfect choice to lead the Chamber into the future.”

Maher will assume leadership of the Cambridge Chamber, one of the largest business organizations in New England, in early December. He will not seek re-election to the Cambridge City Council in 2017.

“I am honored to be selected to lead the Cambridge Chamber,” said Maher, who was elected nine times to the Cambridge City Council and served four years as Mayor. “I am deeply honored by all the support I have received from the citizens of Cambridge throughout my political career and proud of the work I have done as City Councilor and Mayor. I look forward to building on that support with the Chamber and this great City.”

Maher brings deep ties to Cambridge's business, civic and political communities. In addition to serving as a City Councilor and Mayor, he also served as School Committee Member and School Committee Chair. Most recently, Maher oversaw the search and selection process for the City's new City Manager and Superintendent of Schools.

In the private sector, Maher has also worked for over 20 years as Director of Development & Public Relations for Cambridge Family & Children's Service, one of Cambridge's oldest human service agencies and spearheaded an ambitious capital campaign to further the agency's mission. Maher's selection was applauded by local leaders. “With a dynamic public background and strong private sector experience, David will excel in this new role and enrich the partnerships at the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce,” said Biogen Foundation Executive Director Chris Barr, who headed the search process for Chamber President.

“I've had the opportunity to work with David on many important issues,” said Cambridge's incoming City Manager Louis DePasquale. “Throughout his public career, he has always balanced the objectives of his constituents with the best interests of the City of Cambridge. His passion, commitment and love of Cambridge will serve him well in his new role.”

Maher, a graduate of Suffolk University, was born, raised and resides in the City.

Cambridge Unofficial Election Results (Nov 8, 2016)

Seeking Volunteers for Harvard Square Kiosk Working Group

The City of Cambridge would like to share two important updates regarding the Harvard Square Placemaking process.

The City is seeking volunteers to serve on a new Harvard Square Kiosk Working Group. This working group is being created to advise the City Manager on the vision, programming, operations and governance of the Harvard Square kiosk and plaza.

A key goal of this project is to develop a framework for ongoing operation of this significant space that ensures the public nature of the kiosk and its surrounding plaza over time. The working group will include residents, business and institutional representatives, and subject matter experts and will work with City staff and a consultant to develop options for programming, governance framework, and operations plan including ideas for budgeting/financing and possible revenue sources.

The outcomes of the group’s work should advance the City’s efforts toward public realm improvements in Harvard Square.

Individuals with interest in the Harvard Square area, experience/expertise in relevant topics (e.g. urban design, public space programming, fiscal management, public/private partnership development, and public facilities operations), and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints to craft consensus solutions are encouraged to apply. The group will meet approximately monthly for a period of six-eight months starting January 2017. Meetings of the work group will be open to the public.

For more information, contact Sandra Clarke at sclarke@cambridgema.gov. Please send a letter of interest by December 2, 2016 describing your interest and any experience you have working on similar issues to:
City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Comment Period Open on the Draft Request for Proposals Harvard Square Kiosk Consulting Services

The City is interested in issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for hiring a consultant to assist the City to create a vision for the programming, operations and governance of the Harvard Square Kiosk. We would like to provide an opportunity for input on the scope and evaluation for the RFP consulting services. The comment period on the RFP will extend through November 29th, and comments will inform any changes to the RFP before it is posted.

To review the RFP and directions to submit your comments, click on the link to the Harvard Square Placemaking webpage and look under the "Latest" tab: https://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/projects/parks/hsquarepublicspace

For more information, visit the Harvard Square Placemaking website:  http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Parks/hsquarepublicspace.aspx

Cambridge Human Rights Commission Vacancy - Deadline Extended to Dec 2

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Made up of 11 members who serve three-year terms, the CHRC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6pm. The Commission seeks Cambridge residents representing the diversity of Cambridge. The application deadline for this commission has been extended to Friday, Dec 2, 2016.

Commissioners are expected to work with other members of the Commission and staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.76). Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees on outreach and public education, and work with Commission staff on the investigation, mediation and resolution of complaints filed with the Commission which allege discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment or education based upon race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or source of income.

For more information, contact Nancy Schlacter, Cambridge Human Rights Commission, at 617-349-4396 or nschlacter@cambridgema.gov. Letters of interest, including resume and/or applicable experience, can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail by Friday, December 2, 2016 to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

City of Cambridge Recycling Advisory Committee Vacancy - Deadline Extended to Dec 2

The City of Cambridge is seeking residents and local professionals interested in serving on the Advisory Committee on Environmentally Desirable Practices/Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) beginning January 2017. The RAC is a volunteer committee which provides advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. The DPW strives to meet the goals of the MassDEP Solid Waste Master Plan to reduce residential trash. The RAC does this through research, feedback, public outreach, and event planning.

Cambridge Recycling began in 1989 with a few volunteers dedicated to beginning a recycling drop-off program. Today, the City recovers more than 11,000 tons/year of recyclables from more than 44,000 households. Many residents drop off food scraps and every public school has composting. The curbside food scraps collection pilot diverts over six tons per week, and will expand citywide in the fall of 2017.

Currently the City’s goals to reduce waste match those in the MA Solid Waste Master Plan. Using 2008 as a baseline year, the City aims to reduce trash 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Some strategies that City staff have identified to realize this reduction in trash include maximize recycling, educate and increase reduction of food waste while implementing food scrap collection programs; strengthen programs that encourage reuse, repair and donation of durable goods and materials; and support extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation for problem products.

The Committee has been active for over 20 years and consists of at least nine members with a demonstrated interest in the topics listed above. Members serve a three-year term and are expected to attend monthly meetings (Sept-June). The City seeks members that represent local businesses and property managers, Cambridge residents and users of the Recycling Center, universities, non-profit organizations and social service agencies whose goals overlap with waste reduction.

Duties, Responsibilities, and Minimum Requirements include:

• Attend and participate in monthly meeting, held second Wednesday of the month (September-June) at 8am;
• Participate in creating committee direction and implementation of ideas;
• Take a leadership role in projects, such as doing research, organizing & attending events, advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, etc;
• Work with the Public Works Recycling Division, Climate Protection Committee, and other appropriate City staff to provide feedback on City initiatives and collaborate on various projects;
• Research different approaches to communication, education and best practices for recycling, composting, reuse and waste reduction programs;
• Disseminate outreach materials and post flyers in the community to educate the public;
• Write articles for all varieties of media promoting City programs and services including newspaper editorials, blog posts, newsletter articles, etc;
• Initiate, plan, attend and run events to promote recycling, composting, reuse and waste reduction;
• Recruit additional volunteers for specific events and projects;
• Meet with the community and participate in at least 2-3 events, such as Danehy Park Family Day, Family Fun Day, Fresh Pond Day, May Fair, block parties;
• Continually promote positive recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Helpful Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Marketing;
• Advocacy for state and federal policy on extended producer responsibility;
• Knowledge of the reuse industry;
• Familiarity with the Cambridge Public Schools;
• Knowledge about using recycled materials

Interested persons should submit a letter of interest by email by Friday, December 2, 2016 describing their relevant experience and their professional/personal interest in these issues to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Please note that all current Committee members interested in serving again must submit a letter of interest.

Volunteers Sought for Envision Cambridge Working Groups - Help shape the plan!

We are seeking volunteers to serve on four, newly formed Envision Cambridge Working Groups. The Working Groups will be convened around the following topics:

• Housing
• Climate and Environment
• Economy
• Mobility

The Working Groups will be tasked with developing topic-specific recommendations towards goals identified during the planning process.

Find out more about the Working Groups and how to apply (by November 18).

Cambridge Conservation Commission Member Sought

Acting City Manager Lisa Peterson is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), a state law governing activities in and immediately adjacent to local wetlands, waterways and floodplains. The Commission holds two regularly scheduled public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits. and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Cambridge residents with expertise in landscape architecture, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology, or law are encouraged to apply.

The Commission generally meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at the Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 4th floor conference room. Please note that due to holidays and other scheduling conflicts, the Commission only has three meeting dates for the remainder of 2016, on October 24, November 14 and December 12.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by Friday, November 18, 2016 to:
Lisa Peterson, Acting City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

2016 Post Election Audit

In accordance with the provisions of Section 109A of Chapter 54 of the Massachusetts General Laws the City of Cambridge was chosen for a post-election audit during a random drawing held by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth. The Election Commission will audit the office of President and Ballot Question #1 on the ballots for Ward 11 Precinct 3 and Ward 9 Precinct 2. The Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners will begin the post-election audit on Tues, Nov 15, 2016 at 8:30am and it will be conducted at City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, Mass.

The audit may take up to three days - same time and location each day, Tues, Nov 15 through Thurs, Nov 17.

Ward 3 Precinct 1 - Polling Precinct Relocation

Please be advised that the polling precinct for Ward 3 Precinct 1 (King Open School) has been relocated to:

Frisoli Youth Center
61 Willow Street
Exercise Room

All those who normally vote at the King Open School, 850 Cambridge Street, Cambridge will now vote at the Frisoli Youth Center. On Election Day signs will be placed at the old and new locations to help direct the voters. The new site is handicap accessible.

The Cambridge Election Commission approved the relocation of the polling precinct for Ward 3 Precinct 1, from the King Open School to the Frisoli Youth Center at a meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

All registered voters in Cambridge will receive a polling notification card in the mail informing them of the location of their polling place prior to the November 8, 2016 State/Presidential Election. Registered voters may also verify their address, voting status, party affiliation and polling location on our website at https://www.cambridgema.gov/election/voterregistrationsearch.aspx.

All polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm. For more information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office located 51 Inman Street during office hours, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

List of Polling Locations

Early Voting Over - See you at the November 8 State/Presidential Election

Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

Turnout figures for Early Voting (complete):

It should be emphasized that Early Voting is an option and not a requirement.
Most voters will cast their ballots on Election Day - Tuesday, November 8.

Absentee Ballots for the State/Presidential Election, November 8th

The State/Presidential Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Absentee Ballots are now available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, November 7, 2016 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Mon, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tues-Thurs, 8:30am-5:00pm; Fri, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for extended hours on the following dates:

Tues, Oct 25 & Nov 1, 8:30am-6:00pm
Wed, Oct 26 & Nov 2, 8:30am-8:00pm
Thurs, Oct 27 & Nov 3, 8:30am-6:00pm
Fri, Oct 28 & Nov 4, 8:30am-6:00pm
Sat, Oct 29, 9:00am-5:00pm

The polls will be open on Election Day, November 8th from 7:00am until 8:00pm. For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Cambridge Employment Program Launches Ask the Career Counselor Series

July 27, 2016 – The Cambridge Employment Program (CEP) provides free, individualized career counseling to support Cambridge residents in achieving their short and long-term employment goals.

In August, CEP is launching its new Ask the Career Counselor Series in collaboration with Cambridge Public Library. Drop by for a 15-30 minute session with a career counselor on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from August through December 2016 at Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway.

Session dates are: August 1, 15
September 19* (Note no session on September 5 due to Labor Day Holiday)
October 3, 17
November 7, 21
December 5, 19

No pre-registration is necessary. Limit one session per month. Please check CPL website, www.cambridgema.gov/cpl for changes or cancellations.

For more information, contact Susan Mintz at smintz@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-6166.

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):

Longtime city employee, Louis DePasquale, selected as Cambridge's next city manager (Sept 29, 2016 by Monica Jimenez)

Play Me, I'm Yours: Pianos placed in public spaces throughout Cambridge (Sept 29, 2016 by Julie Cohen)

Magazine Beach Park to undergo renovations (Sept 29, 2016)

Ash withdraws candidacy for Cambridge city manager post; says 'not the right fit' (Sept 28, 2016 by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service)

COLUMN: Shaping the future of our public schools in Cambridge (Sept 23, 2016 by Mayor E. Denise Simmons and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Salim)

YWCA Cambridge launches Girls Only Leadership Development Program (Sept 21, 2016)

Corner of Ivy Street dedicated to Edward Cyril Chase (Sept 23, 2016)

3 vie for Cambridge city manager post; recent forum focuses on their visions for city (Sept 21, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

LETTER: Cambridge mayor writes of daughter's chemo treatment (Sept 20, 2016 by Mayor Denise Simmons)

Police: Woman's face slashed during 15-person fight after Cambridge Carnival (Sept 16, 2016)
[Ed. Note - I suppose that's in improvement over last year's shooting incident at Cambridge Carnival.]

PROJECT TRACKER: Update on the King Open School redesign in Cambridge (Sept 16, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

'Celebrating a milestone:' Italian Feast of Saints ushers in 90th anniversary (Sept 16, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

60 SECONDS: Cambridge City Council meeting highlights (Sept 14, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge councillors 'lukewarm' on Foundry proposal (Sept 14, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Connolly wins big victory over Toomey; Jehlen secures seat against Cheung (Sept 8, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

60 SECONDS: Cambridge School Committee meeting highlights (Sept 8, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

DPW employees honored with Barron Family Award (Sept 9, 2016)

COLUMN: Cambridge mayor responds to Black Lives Matter demonstration (Sept 6, 2016 by Mayor Simmons)

Superintendent: Five things to know before heading back to school in Cambridge (Aug 27, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Former 'Car Talk' producer writes first novel about Cambridge (Aug 26, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Retirement prompts Lanes and Games apartment project (Aug 25, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Village People, The Platters and Tony Orlando to perform at Italian Feast in Cambridge (Aug 23, 2016)

'Salt and pepper' tower restoration almost complete on Longfellow Bridge (Aug 22, 2016)

Remains of Cambridge POW found 65 years after death (Aug 10, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

How many marijuana dispensaries does Cambridge need? (Aug 3, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

'Another chance at life:' Cambridge vigil highlights the hundreds of lives saved with Narcan (Aug 2, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Louis A. DePasquale Selected as Next Cambridge City Manager
Cambridge City Council votes to make an offer of employment

September 29, 2016 – The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously to make an offer of employment to Louis A. DePasquale as the next City Manager at a special meeting held on Thursday, September 29, 2016. Mr. DePasquale will succeed City Manager Richard C. Rossi who is retiring on September 30, 2016. The appointment of Mr. DePasquale is contingent on successful contract negotiations. He is currently the City’s Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs.

The City Council also voted to appoint Deputy City Manager Lisa C. Peterson as Acting City Manager effective October 1, 2016. She will serve as Acting City Manager until Mr. DePasquale is appointed.

Additional information on the Cambridge City Manager search process can be found at: www.cambridgema.gov/citymanagersearch

Louis A. DePasquale was appointed Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs in 2002 after serving as the City’s Budget Director for twenty years. As Assistant City Manager, Mr. DePasquale is responsible for setting financial policy direction for the City; planning, implementing and overseeing the City's operating and capital finances; and managing the City's investment, debt service, and reserve policies. In his current role, he also oversees the management of eight City departments, is a member of the City’s senior management team, and has been actively involved in major City policy and programmatic initiatives.

Mr. DePasquale currently serves as the Finance Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cambridge Health Alliance, an appointed member of the Neville Communities, Inc. Board, and as member of the Cambridge Community Preservation Act Committee and the Cambridge Family Policy Council. Louis is a lifelong Cambridge resident and is married to Cheryl DePasquale and has two children, Kristen DePasquale and Louis DePasquale, both of Medford. He has been a coach in the Cambridge Youth Baseball Programs for 35 years. He received a Bachelor of Science from Boston State College and a Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.

The City Clerks and City Managers of Cambridge

City of Cambridge Designated Early Voting Sites Locations, Dates and Hours for the State/Presidential Election, November 8, 2016

We are excited to announce that all registered voters will be able vote before Election Day for the first time ever in Massachusetts. Early voting will begin on October 24th and continue through November 4th, 2016. Prior to the enactment of this new law, the only way a registered voter was allowed to vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting will still be available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day, or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. If you need to register to vote, you may do it online by visiting: www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. All you need is a license or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the November 8th State Election, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by October 19th, 2016.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. In the City of Cambridge, early voting can be done in person at any of the five (5) designated early voting sites during the scheduled dates and times. To request a ballot by mail, simply fill out an application and mail it to the Election Commission, 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. You can find the application on the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele

Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

For the first time in Massachusetts, the first choice all voters will make is which day to vote. Early voting will make the most fundamental right of our citizens more convenient than ever to exercise. We encourage all of our citizens to exercise that right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote on the sites during the scheduled dates and times. For public convenience, the City of Cambridge will also offer weekday evening hours and weekend hours on Saturday, October 29, 2016 from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the State/Presidential Election, November 8th

The State/Presidential Election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, October 19, 2016 until 8:00pm. The Office of the Secretary of State has developed an Online Voter Registration System at www.registertovotema.com. Individuals may use the online system to submit an online application, update their address, or change their party affiliation. You must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must also have a signature on file with the RMV. If you do not have an RMV ID you can use the system to create an application. Print and sign the completed form and mail or bring it to the office of the City Cambridge Election Commission.

Absentee Ballots are now available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, November 7, 2016 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for extended hours on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 25th & November 1st, 8:30am-6:00pm
Wednesday, October 26th & November 2nd, 8:30am-8:00pm
Thursday, October 27th & November 3rd, 8:30am-6:00pm
Friday, October 28th & November 4th, 8:30am-6:00pm
Saturday, October 29th, 9:00am-5:00pm

The polls will be open on Election Day, November 8th from 7:00am until 8:00pm. For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Volpe Working Group Formed

Oct 3, 2016 - As part of the City's continuing effort to plan for the future redevelopment of the Volpe National Transportation Research Center site in Kendall Square, the City Manager has appointed a "Volpe Working Group" consisting of residents of the surrounding neighborhoods - East Cambridge, the Port, and Wellington-Harrington - along with representatives of the Kendall Square business community and other community stakeholders.

The purpose of this working group is to develop an urban design framework and planning principles to provide guidance to potential developers about the City's priorities and expectations for the site. This work will build on the Kendall Square ("K2") Planning Study, conducted in 2012-2013, and the zoning discussions that occurred at the Cambridge Planning Board and City Council over the past two years.

The initial issues and recommendations raised by the Volpe Working Group will inform the City Council's Ordinance Committee, and will precede a more detailed and focused planning and zoning process involving the Working Group, Ordinance Committee and Planning Board that would occur after the GSA has announced its selected development partner for the site.

The Volpe Working Group's first meeting will be held Thursday, October 20, 2016, 5:30-8:00pm, at the Cambridge Innovation Center, One Broadway. Meetings will be open to the public. Attendees are asked to bring identification for entry into the building. [Note: This date was changed from earlier message.]

More information about the Volpe Working Group, including a list of members and background materials from past work related to the Volpe site, is available at www.cambridgema.gov/volpe.

Thurs, Sept 29 - At 5:30pm tonight, the Cambridge City Council will meet to decide who the next Cambridge City Manager will be. There will first be a period of Public Comment, then the councillors will make statements, and then they will vote. I'll be there for at least the start of the meeting, and hopefully they'll get down to business relatively quickly. I'll be giving a lecture at Harvard at 7:40pm and may have to leave before things are decided. In any case, look to Twitter or the Cambridge Chronicle or elsewhere for the result or, better yet, watch it live on Cable TV or on the web. I'll offer a few comments at the end of the evening when my lecture is over. - Robert Winters

And then there were two:

Ash withdraws candidacy for Cambridge city manager post; says 'not the right fit' (by Michael P. Norton, State House News Sevice)

PAOLO, Armando Of Arlington, formerly of Benevento, Italy, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sept 16, 2016. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Tortorici). Loving father of Rina Bonavita of Malden, Angela Gallego and her husband William of Chelmsford and Linda Gullotti and her husband Glenn of Everett. Devoted grandfather of Christina Gallego, Michael Bonavita and Daniella DiCenso. Great grandfather of Stella and Luna Bonavita. Brother in law of Stephen Bosco of Winchester. Brother of the late Elena Bosco, Alvaro Paolo, Stephano Paolo and Liberata Parlante. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Visitation in St. Peter's Church, 100 Concord Ave., Cambridge, Wednesday (Sept 21) from 9AM to 10:15AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:30AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment St. Michael's Cemetery, Roslindale. Please OMIT flowers. Donations may be made in Armando's memory to the Italian Home for Childen, 1125 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. Armando was the beloved owner of Armando's Pizza for 45 years. He was a humanitarian, a friend to all who walked through his door! View online guestbook at www.brownandhickey.com.
Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 617-484-2534, 617-547-1500 - [See more here]

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions - September 29 and October 17

The Housing Division of the City of Cambridge Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Thurs, Sept 29, from 6-8pm, at the Russell Youth Community Center, 680 Huron Ave, Cambridge. Two sessions will be held at 6pm and 7pm.

The Housing Division will also be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Mon, Oct 17, from 12-2pm, at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Second Floor Community Room, Cambridge. Two sessions will be held at 12pm and 1pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

Cambridge Citywide Domestic Violence Training: September 29 - November 10, 2016

The City of Cambridge Domestic & Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative and Transition House will be co-hosting a free, citywide domestic violence training series facilitated by expert guest speakers from Cambridge and Massachusetts based domestic violence programs and local non-profits.

The series will include two introductory, overview sessions at the City Hall Annex on September 29 and October 3, and a number of subsequent, specialized sessions at various locations in Cambridge. Topics include: Domestic Violence Basics, Local and Regional Resources, Domestic Violence and Cultural Differences, Domestic Violence in GLBTQI Communities, Effects of Abuse on Children, Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, High Risk Assessment & Response, Housing, Trauma, Substance Abuse & Mental Health, and Health & Domestic Violence.

Intro to DV Part 1: Thursday, September 29, 2-5pm, Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway
This session will discuss the history of domestic violence, domestic violence basics, and how to work with survivors around safety planning.

Intro to DV Part 2: Monday, October 3rd, 2-5pm, Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway
This session will be part 2, as we will give participants an opportunity to "walk in the shoes" of a survivor and then learn about local and regional resources in our area.

Participants can select to attend specific workshops, but are expected to attend the first two sessions on September 29 and October 3. The training is free. Space is limited and registration ends September 19, 2016.

For more details and to register, go to www.cambridgema.gov/domesticviolence, contact Kara Blue at kblue@transitionhouse.org or 617-868-1650, or register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/domestic-violence-fall-training-tickets-27289821591.

Sept 20 - Tonight was the "Meet the Finalists" forum at CRLS at which the three finalists vying to become the next Cambridge City Manager (Jay Ash, Paul Fetherston, and Louis DePasquale) appeared before an audience consisting or residents, activists, City staff, and other interested parties. It was interesting in many ways. First, these are interesting and well-qualified candidates - all of them. The people from the GovHR USA search firm and the 19-member screening committee all did a good job in attracting about 55 applicants for the position and whittling that down to these three finalists. The City Council will meet Wednesday night (Sept 21) to conduct their own public meeting with these candidates. In addition to that, councillors have also been meeting privately with the candidates. The actual vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 29.

I have been scrupulously avoiding making any statements about the candidates, but perhaps some words are in order based on tonight's forum.

Jay Ash came across very well as a very capable manager with a strong background - especially in his former role as City Manager of Chelsea, but also in his current role with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Many of his responses to questions posed at the forum related to his experiences in Chelsea and much of that experience was very relevant to a possible future role in Cambridge. His presentation was impressive, and he definitely attracted quite a few members of the public at the conclusion of the forum.

Paul Fetherston was very tentative in many of his responses, but he eventually came across as quite thoughtful. His experience did not match up well against Jay Ash, but as the candidate from out of state it was clear that some members in the audience were giving him special attention simply because he had the least connection to Cambridge. This continues to strike me as odd, but there is definitely a cynical element within the activist community of Cambridge who are convinced that only someone totally disconnected from Cambridge should be given the job.

Then there was Louis DePasquale - the clear crowd favorite, in part because there were quite a few people in the audience who have worked with Louie over the years who really like him. In addition to having by far the greatest personal connection to Cambridge, Louie also has incredibly strong credentials working with the City's budget and finances over many years. His appeal is extremely personal, and he made clear in his opening statement and in his responses to the questions posed just how much he loves this city and how he wants only the best for Cambridge. His passion is clearly matched by his incredible competence.

Let me be clear. All three candidates are good candidates and Cambridge would be well-served by any one of them. Ultimately, only the nine city councillors will be making the choice, and there's a real possibility that the choice may come down to a choice between outsider vs. insider. I certainly hope that everyone, especially the activist community, can see past any prejudices they may have about internal candidates, especially when that internal candidate is such a cooperative and effective person as Louis DePasquale. - Robert Winters

Preliminary Screening Committee Announces City Manager Finalists
Schedule for Public forums and meetings announced

September 15, 2016 – Today, City Councillor David P. Maher and City of Cambridge Personnel Director Sheila Keady Rawson, co-chairs of the Cambridge City Manager Preliminary Screening Committee (PSC), announced the names of the three finalist candidates being forwarded to the entire City Council for consideration. The PSC’s decision was unanimous.

The three finalists are:

Robert “Jay” Ash Jr. - Mr. Ash is currently the Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Previously, he served in a variety of roles in the City of Chelsea, including fourteen years as City Manager. Mr. Ash also served as a legislative aide to Representative Richard Voke. He is a graduate of Clark University.

Louis A. DePasquale - Mr. DePasquale is the City’s Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs in Cambridge. Prior to taking on that assignment, he was the City’s Budget Director, and also worked in other capacities in the City’s Budget and Treasury Departments. Mr. DePasquale is a graduate of Boston State College and received his MPA from Northeastern University.

Paul J. Fetherston - Mr. Fetherston is currently the Assistant City Manager in Asheville, NC. He has previously served as Deputy City Manager in Boulder, CO, and has held a variety municipal management positions in Connecticut. He is a graduate of Trinity College, CT, and received his J.D. from Western New England School of Law.

Note: Photos from Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NEREJ, and City of Asheville

A “Meet the Finalists” forum will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, from 6:00-9:00pm., in the Fitzgerald Auditorium at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, where members of the public will have an opportunity to meet and hear each finalist’s vision for the City and answer questions. On Wednesday, September 21, beginning at 5:30pm, in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, the City Council will conduct public interviews with the three finalists.

The City Council is expected to vote to appoint the next City Manager during a Special City Council Meeting on Thursday, September 29. Each meeting will be broadcast on 22-Cityview (the municipal cable channel) and can also be livestreamed online at www.CambridgeMA.GOV. Those attending the “Meet the Finalists” forum and the City Council’s public interviews will be provided the opportunity to give written feedback to the City Council.

The PSC was appointed by Mayor E. Denise Simmons and was comprised of 15 community members reflecting citywide constituencies, and four City Council members. GovHR USA, the professional consulting firm hired to assist with the recruitment and hiring process, presented candidates for the committee’s review. According to Joellen Earl, CEO of GovHR USA, the Cambridge position attracted a diverse group of 55 candidates. The PSC conducted an in-depth review of 15 candidates, 27% of which were women or persons of color. The PSC ultimately offered interviews to 8 candidates. The interviews were held on September 12 and 13.

“This was a comprehensive well organized process to review and screen City Manager candidates for submission to the City Council,” said committee member Elaine DeRosa. “This was the first time that the City initiated a national search for the City Manager's position. The committee worked hard to complete its task. I was honored to be a part of the process.”

The PSC members included resident representatives Peter Traversy, Elaine Thorne, and Laura Booth; large business representative Jay Kiely; small business representative Patrick Magee; Cambridge Public School representative Richard Harding; public safety representative Gerald Reardon; a person with demonstrated knowledge of municipal finance representative Fred Fantini; health and human services/public health representative Claude Jacob; person with knowledge of city planning/urban development representative Susan Schlesinger; higher education/institutional partner representative Kevin Casey; public art and/or recreational representative Ellen Semonoff; affordable housing advocate Susan Connelly; nonprofit community representative Elaine DeRosa; advocate for the quality of our community’s civic and social well-being representative Reverend Lorraine Thornhill; and City Councillors Leland Cheung, David Maher, Nadeem Mazen, and Timothy Toomey.

“The screening committee was an extremely diverse and well informed group representing a wide range of interests in Cambridge,” said committee member Susan Schlesinger. “The process was professionally conducted and we had a talented group of candidates to consider. “It was honor to participate with other Cambridge residents and I look forward to following the extensive process which will occur in the next few weeks to select the next City Manager.”

The initial interviews performed by the PSC were preceded by a series of community focus groups, public meetings, and surveys, leading to the development of a leadership profile used during the recruitment phase.

“It was an honor to serve on the City Manager's Preliminary Screening Committee with people who are committed and passionate about the growth and well-being of the City,” said committee member Rev. Lorraine Thornhill. “The diversity of opinions that were expressed highlighted the incredible richness of resources that this City is known for.”

For additional information about the City Manager search process, please visit www.CambridgeMA.GOV/CityManagerSearch.

Featured stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):

Cambridge named clean energy leader (July 30, 2016)

Cambridge to host Bread & Puppet Theater's 'Whatforward Circus' (July 30, 2016)

Cambridge Health Alliance raises $118K to support addiction services (July 29, 2016)

Ban on Styrofoam, other plastics at Cambridge businesses to take effect in October (July 28, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge police officer placed on leave after 'bloody' assault in Revere (July 27, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Marijuana ballot question showcases Cambridge candidates' differences (July 27, 2016 by Kimberly Barnett)

MONROE nightclub slapped with one-week suspension, reduced hours after Cambridge disciplinary hearing (July 26, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Senate candidates square off; charter schools, GLX and income inequality top debate in Cambridge (July 25, 2016 by Kimberly Barnett)

Cambridge Police column: Looking beyond an officer's uniform (July 21, 2016 by Christopher J. Burke, Police Commissioner)

Inman Square redesign prioritized; 'bending' streets suggested for safer passage (July 21, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

'Not an attack on Airbnb:' Cambridge councilors look to protect homeowners while mulling regs (July 20, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

PROJECT TRACKER: What's happening with the Volpe site in Cambridge? (July 20, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Charles River swimming area proposed at North Point in Cambridge (July 19, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge's Stellabella Toys closes after losing business to online shopping (July 18, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge study recommends 20 percent of new housing units be affordable (July 13, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Two women hospitalized after another weekend of unrest at MONROE nightclub in Cambridge (July 13, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

'Long live River Gods:' Beloved restaurant closes in Cambridge (July 12, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge, Belmont residents team up to open first senior cohousing (July 8, 2016 by Bram Berkowitz)

Zeroing in on 'Vision Zero:' Call for safer streets amplified after Cambridge cyclist's death (July 7, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Rossi kicks off first Cambridge Talks (July 6, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Square dedicated to Cambridge's first black pharmacist (July 6, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge cabbies sue city over 'unfair' regs; demand level playing field (July 5, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

City Manager Candidates will Share Their Vision and Answer Questions at Public Forum
Public Invited To Participate In Meet The Finalists Forum

Sept 14 - The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee, is inviting the public to a Meet the Finalists forum on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. in the Fitzgerald Theater located in the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. This forum is an opportunity for the public to meet the three finalist vying to succeed outgoing City Manager Richard C. Rossi. The meeting will be broadcast live on the City’s Municipal Cable Channel, 22-CityView.

City Councillor David Maher, Chair of Committee that is leading the search process, said “During this forum, each finalist will present their vision for the City, answer questions, and meet members of the public. This is a great opportunity for the public to hear directly from the finalists selected by the Preliminary Screening Committee.”

A Preliminary Screening Committee, comprised of 15 community members reflecting citywide constituencies and four City Council members, has been interviewing the most qualified applicants and is recommending the three finalists to the City Council. The names of the finalists are expected to be released by Thursday, September 15, 2016.

The public can submit suggested candidate questions to the Committee until to noon on Monday, September 19. Based on the submissions received, GovHR USA, the professional recruiting consultant assisting the City Council with the hiring process, will generate questions based on the themes submitted by the public. Suggested questions can be emailed to cambridge@GovHRUSA.com.

Following the formal presentation and question part of the program, the finalists will be on hand to answer individual questions from members of the public.

For additional information or questions about the Meet the Finalists forum, please contact Fran Cronin, at 617-349-4276 or fcronin@cambridgema.gov. For information on the City Manager Search Process, please visit www.CambridgeMA.GOV/CityManagerSearch.

Note: There's also this Special City Council meeting the following day:

Wed, Sept 21

5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting to publicly interview finalists for the position of City Manager, the City Council may meet in Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the prospective City Manager or to conduct contract negotiations with the prospective City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Cambridge Fire Department: A visual exhibition celebrating 184 years of service
8:30am, August 15 – 5:00pm, September 30 at Cambridge Arts Gallery 344, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor

The exhibit explores the incredibly varied aspects of the past 184 years of service provided by the Cambridge Fire Department. The installation contains stories of famous fires, the evolution of the department, people, and equipment through text, photos, and an artistic display using materials found at the Fire Houses.

Gallery 344 is free and open to the public.

Exhibit Reception: Monday, August 29, 6-8pm

Ward 3 Precinct 1 - Polling Precinct Relocation

Please be advised that the polling precinct for Ward 3 Precinct 1 (King Open School) has been relocated to:
Frisoli Youth Center
61 Willow Street
Exercise Room
Cambridge, MA

All those who normally vote at the King Open School, 850 Cambridge Street, Cambridge will now vote at the Frisoli Youth Center. On Election Day signs will be placed at the old and new locations to help direct the voters. The new site is handicap accessible.

The Cambridge Election Commission approved the relocation of the polling precinct for Ward 3 Precinct 1, from the King Open School to the Frisoli Youth Center at a meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.

The relocation will be effective as of the State Primary which will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016. As in past years, all registered voters in Cambridge will receive a polling notification card in the mail informing them of the location of their polling place. Registered voters may also verify their address, voting status, party affiliation and polling location on our website at https://www.cambridgema.gov/election/voterregistrationsearch.aspx.

All polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm. For information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office located 51 Inman Street during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Ward 3 Precincts 2 & 2A - Polling Location Renaming

Please be advised that the Area IV Youth Center, Ward 3 Precincts 2 & 2A, Area IV Youth Center has been renamed the Moses Youth Center. Only the name of the youth center has changed but the address will remain the same.

All those who normally vote at the Area IV Youth Center will now vote at the Moses Youth Center (formerly Area IV Youth Center), 243 Harvard Street, Lower Level, Rear Entrance, Cambridge.

As in past years, all registered voters in Cambridge will receive a polling notification card in the mail informing them of the location of their polling place and any changes to that location.

August 11 - A little friendly advice to Cambridge City Councillors, their personal aides, and any advocacy group acting under the auspices of a city councillor

The Plan E Charter under which the City of Cambridge operates requires that any city councillor (and, by extension, anyone acting on his or her behalf) must interact with City departments through the City Manager except for the purpose of inquiry. Violation of this provision can result in very severe penalties, including a fine, imprisonment, being removed from office, and prohibition from ever again holding City office or working for the City.

Mass. General Laws, Chapter 43: Section 107. Interference with city manager by council forbidden; penalty
Section 107. Neither the city council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office by the city manager or any of his subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in that portion of the service of said city for whose administration the city manager is responsible. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and its members shall deal with that portion of the service of the city as aforesaid solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city manager either publicly or privately. Any member of the city council who violates, or participates in the violation of, any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, and upon final conviction thereof his office in the city council shall thereby be vacated and he shall never again be eligible for any office or position, elective or otherwise, in the service of the city.

This section of the Plan E Charter is worth considering the next time a member of an advocacy group working on behalf of an individual city councillor (regardless of how official-sounding a name they choose for their group) leans on a City department head or any other City employee for any purpose other than a simple inquiry. Even in the case of inquiries it is still advisable to introduce a City Council Order requesting the desired information.

There are important reasons why this clause is included in the Charter. Essentially, the City Manager acts on policies established via majority vote of the City Council - and not based on the whims of any individual councillor no matter how well-meaning his or her intentions may be. - RW

Floyd Freeman - neighbor, friend, philosopher
Nov 7, 1915 - July 11, 2016, age 100 years

Floyd Freeman and Robert Winters at Floyd's 90th birthday party (2005)

Danehy Park Family Day – Saturday, Sept 17

The City of Cambridge will host the 21st Annual Danehy Park Family Day on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11am to 4pm. Enjoy a fun-filled day of children's amusement rides, arts and crafts, live music and roving performers, plus free hot dogs, chips, sodas and T-shirts while supplies last! Check out performances throughout the day at the children's stage. Rain Date is Sunday, Sept 18.

Danehy Park is a 55-acre facility located at 99 Sherman Street in North Cambridge (adjacent to Garden and New Streets). This free event, sponsored by the City of Cambridge, attracts over 4,000 people annually and offers something for everyone.

Free shuttle buses will be running throughout Cambridge neighborhoods and from Alewife MBTA Station. Danehy Park can also be reached by #74 bus or #78 bus from Harvard Square; #83 bus from Central Square. Picnics and lawn chairs are encouraged.

For more information, including free, neighborhood shuttle and event schedule, visit the Danehy Park website: www.cambridgema.gov/danehypark

Preliminary Screening Committee for New City Manager Selected

Aug 19, 2016 – The Mayor is pleased to announce the appointment of the following people to participate in the Preliminary Screening Committee for a new City Manager. We also extend our appreciation to the 50 people who submitted applicants and were generously willing to volunteer their time in support of our search efforts.

The Preliminary Screening Committee, comprised of 15 community members reflecting citywide constituencies and four City Council members, will be facilitated by our search firm GovHR USA. The purpose of the Committee will be to interview the most qualified applicants and determine the three finalists to present to the public and to the City Council for their vote.

The public will have opportunities to meet the three finalists and provide feedback prior to the nominating vote taken at a City Council meeting in late September.

The following provides a list of the Committee’s constituent members and a brief recap of their qualifying credentials.

Baker’s economic development chief wants to be Cambridge city manager (Boston Globe)
August 10 - We now have at least one really excellent candidate publicly declaring his interest in the Cambridge City Manager position. Jay Ash's credentials are pretty great. - RW

Partial Election Results (Thurs, Sept 8 State Primary)

Note: Turnout in Cambridge was 52.0% of registered Democrat voters and 29.5% of eligible voters (Democrat plus Unenrolled).

The State Primary takes place on Thursday, Sept 8. Don't forget to vote!

Update: State Rep. and State Senate races - Primary Election Day is Thurs, Sept 8, 2016

Sen. Pat Jehlen vs. Councillor Leland Cheung (Second Middlesex - Senate)
This is an election in which two very qualified and electable candidates are competing.

Sen. Sal DiDomenico (Middlesex and Suffolk - Senate) - unopposed

Sen. Joseph A. Boncore (First Suffolk and Middlesex - Senate) - unopposed

Rep. Timothy Toomey vs. Mike Connolly (26th Middlesex - House)

There was quite a battle for endorsement by the Cambridge Ward 6 Democratic Committee. The votes were there for Tim Toomey from the start, but the insistence of a few Connolly supporters and the Ward Chair caused all of the trouble. In the end, it became necessary to force a vote over the objection of the Chair, and that vote was 11-3 for Tim Toomey of people actually present (with, I believe, 2 abstentions and one person voting Present). Had everyone been counted who "phoned it in" under rules made up on the spot by the Chair and her partner, it still would have been about 14-8 for Tim Toomey. Though the Chair has been known to send out press releases at the drop of any hat, it's unlikely that the results will be communicated to the Cambridge Chronicle or anywhere else since the vote was taken only after the committee voted to overrule the ruling of the Chair. The result is less important than the manipulations that went on in an effort to force one result. In some ways it was like the whole Bernie phenomenon in miniature - creative math, bending rules as a means to an end, and the intrinsic problem of small, not-necessarily-representative groups engaging in candidate endorsements.

Rep. Marjorie Decker vs. Leslie R. Phillips (25th Middlesex - House)
This is the same matchup every two years and the results will likely be the same as last time (83.2% Decker, 16.6% Phillips (and those were mainly anti-Decker votes)).

Rep. Jay Livingstone vs. Keith R. Anderson (8th Suffolk - House)
Nothing whatsoever from Keith Anderson - no website, nothing in Google - 29 years old, registered to vote in Cambridge on Jan 18, 2016.

Rep. Jonathan Hecht (29th Middlesex - House) - unopposed

Rep. David Rogers (24th Middlesex - House) - unopposed

Note: There are no Republican, no Green-Rainbow, and no United Independent Party challengers for any of these seats.

Where Do I Vote?

Democratic Debate for 2nd Middlesex Senate [Patricia Jehlen vs. Leland Cheung]

On July 21, 2016, Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) and Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV) hosted a debate between the 2 candidates for the 2nd Middlesex Senate District, incumbent Patricia Jehlen and challenger Leland Cheung. The debate was produced and hosted by Joe Lynch, producer of Greater Somerville. Panelists included Donald Norton, publisher and editor in chief of the Somerville Times, Alex Ruppenthal from the Medford Transcript and wickedlocal.com, and Robert Winters, founder of the Cambridge Civic Journal.

Democratic Debate for 2nd Middlesex Senate from Cambridge Community Television on Vimeo.

Democratic Debate for 26th Middlesex State Representative [Tim Toomey vs. Mike Connolly]

On July 21, 2016, Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) and Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV) hosted a debate between the 2 candidates for 26th Middlesex Representative district, incumbent Timothy Toomey and challenger Mike Connolly. The debate was produced and hosted by Joe Lynch, producer of Greater Somerville. Panelists included Donald Norton, publisher and editor in chief of the Somerville Times and Susana Segat, correspondent from Cambridge Community Television.

Democratic Debate for 26th Middlesex State Representative from Cambridge Community Television on Vimeo.

Availability of Absentee Ballots for the State Primary, September 8, 2016

The State Primary will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016.

Absentee Ballots are available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Tuesday, September 6th from 8:30am until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election .

Busy Thursday - August 25

Today's a busy day in Cambridge. In addition to the comings and goings of thousands of new and returning students (and the usual wealth of curbside treasures from people moving out), there's an important meeting on the City Manager search, a City Council committee meeting on a proposal to pay disinterested voters to vote, and, most importantly, the Oldtime Baseball Game tonight at St. Peter's Field on Sherman Street. I may briefly attend the meeting on "voter rewards" to express my opposition, but my highest priority is the baseball game - one of the great get-together events for Cantabrigians around this time of year. - RW

“Dear City Manager…” – a Video Letter to the Next Cambridge City Manager

What would you like to say to the next City Manager? What do you want him or her to know about you, your neighborhood, organization, or business? Be part of the Video Letter to the Next City Manager, a project of Cambridge Community Television.

The CCTV recording studio at 438 Massachusetts Avenue will be open on Wednesday, July 20 from 2-6pm for you to record a minute or two of your thoughts. Please let us know you are coming and we will schedule you for a slot: info@cctvcambridge.org or 617-661-6900.

Can't make it on the 20th? Let us know and we will schedule another time.

Be a part of the future of Cambridge!

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the State Primary, September 8, 2016

The State Primary will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016. Please be advised that under the authority provided to the Secretary of the Commonwealth under section 75 of chapter 119 of the Acts of 2015 the deadline time for the last day to register to vote for the State Primary has been changed and will end at 5:00pm instead of 8:00pm. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote is Friday, August 19, 2016 from 8:30am until 5:00pm. The Office of the Secretary of State has developed an Online Voter Registration System at www.registertovotema.com. Individuals may use the online system to submit an online application, update their address, or change their party affiliation. You must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must also have a signature on file with the RMV. If you do not have an RMV ID you can use the system to create an application. Print and sign the completed form and mail or bring it to the office of the City Cambridge Election Commission.

Please contact the Cambridge Election Commission office to find out when the Absentee Ballots will be available for the State Primary. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Tuesday, September 6th from 8:30am until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Cambridge Planning Board Vacancy

July 28, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking residents interested in serving on the Cambridge Planning Board. The Planning Board is the special permit granting authority for the city and is responsible for the review of special permit requests, the review and development of zoning proposals, and the study of land use throughout the city.

The Planning Board includes seven members and two associate members. The Board meets approximately three times a month on Tuesday evenings. Persons with a general interest in effective city planning and/or specific expertise in such areas as architecture, urban design, urban planning and zoning are encouraged to apply. Planning Board members must be residents of the City of Cambridge.

Interested persons should submit a résumé and a brief letter describing their interest via e-mail, mail or fax by Friday, August 26, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Members Sought for Cambridge Council on Aging Board

July 27, 2016 – The Cambridge Council on Aging is seeking interested individuals to serve on its board and help advocate for important senior issues. Applicants must be age 60 or older and a Cambridge resident.

The purpose of the Council on Aging Board is to: promote and encourage existing and new services and activities intended to enhance and improve the quality of life of older persons in the city; advise the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the welfare of elderly Cambridge citizens; and advocate for Cambridge elderly residents. Board members also support the Council on Aging and Senior Center staff with community outreach related to senior services, benefits, activities and programs.

Interested applicants should submit a letter describing any applicable experience by Friday, August 26, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

For more information, please contact the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Susan Pacheco at 617-349-6220 or at spacheco@cambridgema.gov.

Nominations Sought for City Manager Search Process Preliminary Screening Committee

July 21, 2016 – In anticipation of the expected great interest in the City Manager position, City officials are assembling a 19-member Preliminary Screening Committee, facilitated by its consultant, GovHR USA, to screen résumés and conduct preliminary interviews with the highest-qualified candidates. The Preliminary Screening Committee will determine the finalists to be presented to the City Council for their consideration.

The Preliminary Screening Committee will be composed of:

(4) City Council members;

(3) Resident representatives* (who have demonstrated advocacy in support of community needs);

(2) Business related representatives (with demonstrated partnership experience, ideally from a large and a small business);

(1) Representative from Cambridge School Committee or a senior School Department administrative representative;

(1) Public Safety representative (Police/Fire departments);

(1) Person with demonstrated knowledge of municipal finance;

(1) Health and Human Services/Public Health representative;

(1) Representative with knowledge of City Planning and Development (experience in urban design and transportation issues preferred);

(1) Higher education/institutional partner;

(1) Public art and/or recreational representative;

(1) Affordable housing advocate;

(1) Non-profit community representative;

(1) Representative who advocates for the quality of our community’s civic and social well-being;

* Please note: The total number of resident members will be significantly higher as many of the designated category representatives will be Cambridge residents.

Criteria for Preliminary Screening Committee Membership:
Committee members will be selected by their ability to represent one or more of the identified constituency groups. All applications will be reviewed and the goal is to select a broadly representative and diverse group of committed participants. Experience with executive recruitment is highly desirable. Availability is a key criteria. Participants must commit to each of the following three (3) predetermined days. Day one will be Thursday, Aug. 25 for participant training. The group will convene again for two consecutive days on Wednesday, Sept. 7 and Thursday, Sept. 8 to conduct candidate interviews. Meals will be provided. The Cambridge location for the training and interviews has yet to be determined. This phase of the City Manager hiring process is strictly confidential, and as a result, all Preliminary Screening Committee participants will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

How to become a member of the Preliminary Screening Committee:
To be considered for the Preliminary Screening Committee, applicants can either self-nominate or be nominated. Online applications are due by 5pm on Friday, August 12, 2016. The online application can be found on the City Manager Search webpage, www.cambridgema.gov/citymanagersearch.

Paper applications are available upon request from the Personnel Department, Cambridge City Hall, Room 309, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02139, or by calling 617-349-4332. Completed paper applications must be submitted to the attention of Sheila Keady Rawson, Personnel Director, by 12pm on Friday, August 12, 2016.

If you would like to recommend a participant for consideration or have questions, please email managersearch2016@cambridgema.gov or call Sheila Keady Rawson at 617-349-4332.

The City of Cambridge appreciates your interest and extends its gratitude for your support of this search process. Community involvement and participation is critical to selecting the right and best new City Manager for our great city!

July 20, 2016 – Just in case you were wondering, Alfred P. Baldasaro, the Trump Veterans advisor who called for the execution of Hillary Clinton, is originally from Cambridge. His father worked for many years at the Cambridge Department of Public Works. He is the grandson of former Cambridge Mayor Alfred Vellucci. - RW

On Cambridge InsideOut this week (July 19 at 5:30pm and 6:00pm on CCTV) we'll be showing a pair of programs recorded in 1996 on the topic of rent control for the original Cambridge InsideOut. The guests are former City Councillor Bob Moncrieff and Denise Jillson who was affiliated with the Massachusetts Homeowners Coalition in 1994 when they were successful in their referendum campaign for Question 9 that effectively ended rent control statewide in Massachusetts. The panelists are Glenn Koocher, Saundra Graham, Tom Rafferty, and Marty Foster.

Open House at Hooper-Lee-Nichols
The Cambridge Historical Society Is Throwing Open Its Doors To Visitors With a New Monthly Event

Catch a rare glimpse into Cambridge's past! The historic Hooper-Lee-Nichols House at 159 Brattle Street, West Cambridge, will be open to the public on Sunday, July 31, from 12-1pm for a brief guided tour by archivist Irina Sandler and an opportunity to explore how the house has been affected by centuries past. Built in 1685, and the second-oldest house in Cambridge, Hooper-Lee-Nichols is a trip back in time that includes:

• The original 17th-century fireplace
• A Revolutionary War-era Stamp Act stamp
• A full room beautifully renovated by Joseph Everett Chandler, a Colonial Revival expert
• Lush gardens featured in the annual Cambridge Secret Garden tour
• Full rooms of mid-19th-century scenic Parisian wallpaper

In keeping with the mission of the Society, the cost of the event is minimal: $5 for members and $10 for all non-members. Visitors are invited to RSVP either by email (info@cambridgehistory.org) or phone: 617-547-4252. Future dates for the Open House are: August 28th and September 25th.

About the Cambridge Historical Society: The Cambridge Historical Society's offices are in the Hooper-Lee-Nichols House, a history center, where the Society works to bring history into the open and make a place for the community's rich past. In addition to events such as #Instameets and a monthly History Cafe, the Cambridge Historical Society is welcoming visitors into its home to celebrate this year's theme of what makes Cambridge "home".

Hooper-Lee-Nichols House - 159 Brattle Street

Cambridge Water Board Member Sought
Application Deadline Extended to August 19, 2016

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Water Board.

The Cambridge Water Board is a five-member board appointed by the City Manager that acts in an advisory role to the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department. Members typically assist in developing, modifying and approving policy related to Water-Department owned land and land use.

The board generally meets on the second Tuesday of the month, from 5-6:30pm, at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge.

Interested persons should send a letter and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by Friday, August 19, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions - August 9

July 18, 2016 – The Housing Division of the City’s Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Tuesday August 9, from 6-8pm, at Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS), 1046 Cambridge St, Cambridge. Two sessions will be held at 6pm and 7pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

Community Preservation Act Committee Public Hearing - July 28

July 13, 2016 – The Community Preservation Act Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 28, at 6pm, in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The purpose of the hearing will be to take public comment regarding allocation of Community Preservation Act Funds for FY17. These funds may be allocated to affordable housing, open space and historic preservation.

For more information, contact Karen Preval, Sr. Management Analyst, at 617-349-4221 or kpreval@cambridgema.gov.

On Cambridge InsideOut this week (July 19 at 5:30pm and 6:00pm on CCTV) we'll be showing a pair of programs recorded in 1996 on the topic of rent control for the original Cambridge InsideOut. The guests are former City Councillor Bob Moncrieff and Denise Jillson who was affiliated with the Massachusetts Homeowners Coalition in 1994 when they were successful in their referendum campaign for Question 9 that effectively ended rent control statewide in Massachusetts. The panelists are Glenn Koocher, Saundra Graham, Tom Rafferty, and Marty Foster.

Cambridge Urban Gardening Series Continues with Tough Plants for Tough Places - July 23

July 18, 2016 – The next session of the Cambridge Urban Gardening Series will be held Saturday, July 23, from 10:30am-12pm, at Cambridge Public Library, Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway. Learn what will grow well under that hemlock tree, or out back on the edge of the neighbor’s lawn where the goutweed pushed in, or in those really difficult places where nothing grows? Join Dan Jaffe to learn about the toughest of the New England flora, from black cohosh, which thrives in dry, acidic, shady ground to little blue stem, at home in sunny, barren, dry sites.

This Urban Gardening Series is a set of free classes designed to help city dwellers grow healthy, sustainable, and beautiful urban gardens. Classes are led by New England Flower Society staff in partnership with the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Application Deadline Extended to July 22, 2016

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

CCPD seeks to build a membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the City, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works dynamically to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, and strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD members are expected to work with other members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.96). CCPD members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at ccpd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4692 (voice) or 617-492-0235 (TTY). Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, July 22, 2016 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a résumé if possible) to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov