Calendar Pieces

4:00pm Inaugural School Committee meeting (King Open School Auditorium, 850 Cambridge Street)

Tues, Jan 2

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Jan 2 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Dec 28 through Tues, Jan 2 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.

Mon, Jan 8

Tues, Jan 9

6:00pm Special School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
There will be a Special Meeting of the School Committee on Tues, Jan 9 at 6:00pm for the purpose of the swearing-in of the remainder School Committee Elects, an organizational meeting to elect a Vice Chair, and the adoption of the 2024-2025 Rules of the School Committee. There will be no public comment.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual. For those who wish to view the meeting via Zoom, please use the link to access the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96081106637

6:30pm PB-401
655 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Beantown Donuts, LLC to establish a Formula Business occupying approximately 1259 square feet in the existing building pursuant to Section 20.304.5.4 Formula Business. (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.iqm2.com. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Jan 10

Tues, Jan 16

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Jan 16 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Jan 11 through Tues, Jan 16 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual. For those who wish to view the meeting via Zoom, please use the link to access the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96081106637

Mon, Jan 22

Tues, Jan 23

5:30-7:30pm Charter Review Committee Virtual Meeting #35 (Zoom) – Final Meeting
Note: The fact that the requirement for Charter Review is part of the revised Plan E Charter means that appointments to the committee should have been made by the City Manager subject to review by the full City Council. Instead, all of the appointments were made by an ad-hoc group of 4 councillors without any review of the full City Council. Archived recordings of virtual meetings are available here. The official site is: cambridgema.gov/charterreview
Index of agendas, minutes, and video recording links

6:30pm PB-400 (continued hearing from 11/21/2023) – Request for Continuance
8 Thingvalla Avenue – Special Permit application by Gregory Matteosian to construct a single-family residence greater than 75 feet from the front line and to the rear of an existing single family residence, which will be renovated pursuant to Section 5.53 – more than one structure on a lot in a Residence B district. The existing single-family structure will be replaced with a new single-family structure. (Materials)

2. Advisory Design Review AHO-7
87-101 Blanchard Road – Affordable housing project proposal by B’nai B’nai Community Development, LLC. to construct a senior housing in place of an existing 2-story commercial building to create 110 affordable rental units and amenities, and 87 long-term and 12 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 103,726 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab).

3. PB-364
Lechmere Canal Park Improvements – Informational Update (Materials)

BZA-252059 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 1/25/2024)
1 Langdon Street - Variance for conversions of basement office space to two residential apartments. Art. 5.000, Sec. 5.31 (Table of Dimensional Requirements). Sec 5.26 (Conversion). Art. 8.000, Sec. 8.22.3 (Alteration to Non-Conforming Structure). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance). (Materials)

BZA-250990 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 2/8/2024)
2 Alewife Park - Variance to allow restaurant use for approximately 6,500 sq. ft. of GFA in Special District 3. Art. 17.000, Sec. 17.32.2 (Permitted Non-Residential Uses). Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.35.f.1 (Restaurant Use). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance). (Materials)

BZA-251572 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 1/25/2024)
1350 Massachusetts Avenue - Special Permit for AT&T facility modification by replacing 12 antennas with 12 new panel antennas as well as replacing 6 remote radio heads and certain equipment in existing rooftop equipment . Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.32.G.1 & Sec. 4.40 (Footnote 49) (Telecommunication Facility). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.40 (Special Permit). 6409 (Middle Class Tax Relief Act). (Materials)

Wed, Jan 24

Mon, Jan 29

Tues, Jan 30

3. PB-364
Lechmere Canal Park Improvements – Informational Update (Materials)

Mon, Feb 5

3:00pm-5:00pm City Council Roundtable meeting to review the results of the 2023 Resident Survey. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm-8:00pm City Council Joint Roundtable meeting with School Committee to discuss CPS FY25 budget priorities (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, Feb 6

3:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss the potential for our business corridors and squares to promote urban scale, mixed use development in which the provision of Innovation Space subsidizes the delivery of housing and ground-floor retail. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS) - Agenda
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Feb 6 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Feb 1 through Tues, Feb 6 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.
There will be a Special Meeting of the School Committee immediately after the Regular Meeting to entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel (Superintendent) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating positions of the School Committee. Votes will not be taken in Executive Session and the School Committee will not reconvene in an open session

Wed, Feb 7

Mon, Feb 12

Tues, Feb 13

8:30am Special City Council meeting to discuss Goal Setting for the 2024-2025 Council term (City Hall Annex, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)
This public meeting is in person only and there is no public comment.

Wed, Feb 14

Thurs, Feb 15

9:00am The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing from 9:00am-11:00am to review and discuss possible amendments to the City Council Rules. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

12:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00pm-2:00pm to discuss the current lab, office, and retail vacancies in Cambridge and their expected impact on City revenues in the near and long term. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Fri, Feb 16

1:00pm Special School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS) - Agenda
There will be a Special Meeting of the School Committee on Fri, Feb 16 at 1:00pm to entertain a motion to convene in executive session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel (Superintendent) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating positions of the School Committee.
Note: Votes may be taken in Executive Session and the School Committee will not reconvene in an open session.

Mon, Feb 26

10:00am The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing from 10:00am-12:00pm to continue the discussion and review possible amendments to the City Council Rules. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, Feb 27

6:30pm PB-402
815 Somerville Avenue – Special Permit application by Johanna Schneider on behalf of KS Partners, LLC to alter an existing building in excess of 25,000 square feet to accommodate a new use pursuant to Section 19.51.2 Building and Site Plan Requirements. (Materials)

Wed, Feb 28

3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will have a public meeting to review and discuss the Operating Budget in advance of the FY25 budget season including a discussion of budget obligations and future spending planning and to discuss City Council budget priorities and goals. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm Special School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
There will be a Special Meeting of the School Committee on Wed, Feb 28 at 6:00pm to entertain a motion to convene in executive session for the purposes of discussing strategy for collective bargaining (CEA Units C, D and E, Family Liaisons, Food Service and AFSCME) and for the purpose discussing strategy for a Level III grievance as part of collective bargaining (CEA Unit A) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining and litigation positions of the School Committee. Votes will be taken in Executive Session and the School Committee will reconvene in an open session.

Mon, Mar 4

Tues, Mar 5

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS) - Agenda
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Mar 5 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Feb 29 through Tues, Mar 5 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.

9:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

Wed, Mar 6

12:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the appointments to the Cambridge Housing Authority: Victoria Bergland (CM24#12) and Elaine DeRosa (CM23#238). In addition to the appointments, the Housing Committee will review and discuss any necessary edits to the zoning language that would allow unrelated people to live together in the City of Cambridge, PO24#9. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing on the recent CSO Economic Impact Report. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (51 Inman Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room)

Mon, Mar 11

~~5:30pm~~ ~~City Council meeting~~ (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled for National League of Cities meeting

Tues, Mar 12

6:00pm Virtual Special School Committee Meeting (Zoom)
There will be a Virtual Special Meeting of the School Committee on Tues, Mar 12, 2024 at 6:00pm for the purpose of a presentation of the Superintendent’s Proposed FY25 Budget. It is anticipated this meeting will end by or before 8:00pm. No votes will be taken and there will not be Public Comment.

2. Advisory Design Review AHO-3
21 Walden Square Road – Affordable housing project proposal by Winn Development Company LP to construct 2 buildings to add 95 affordable rental units with 74 long-term and 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 140,550 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials ‐ under Planning Board Materials tab)

Thurs, Mar 14

4:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a potential amendment to Section 3.24.070, entitled “Authorized Revolving Funds” which would be amended by adding a subsection (B), entitled “Fresh Pond Gold Course Pro Shop Fund.” (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm Virtual Special School Committee Meeting (Zoom)
There will be a Virtual Special Meeting of the School Committee on Thurs, Mar 14, 2024 at 6:00pm for the purpose of a Budget Workshop to review the FY25 Proposed Budget. The Meeting is anticipated to end by or before 8:00pm. No votes will be taken and there will not be Public Comment.
The meeting will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26.
For those who wish to view the meeting via Zoom, please use the link to access the meeting: https://zoom.us/j/96081106637

Mon, Mar 18

Tues, Mar 19

3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to review and discuss the FY25 Capital Budget and to continue the Dec 12, 2023 City Council discussion on Public Investment Planning and to discuss City Council budget priorities and goals. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Mar 19 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Mar 14 through Tues, Mar 19 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.

Wed, Mar 20

Thurs, Mar 21

6:00-8:00pm Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board (Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, and Zoom)

Item 7: Watershed Manager’s Report (D. Kaplan, CWD)
Status of other projects within, along Reservation Landscape Management Report: (V. Falcione)

Item 8: Organizing an event formally designating Pat Pratt Oak Grove & Chip Norton Conifer Grove

Item 9: Buffer/Transition Zones within the Reservation (J. Snow et al.)
Reviewing types & sizes of zones

Item 10: Preliminary Agenda for May 16, 2024
Watershed Manager’s Report; Status of designating Joe Harrington Way; Upcountry Reservoir Report;
Golf Course Landscape Report; 2023-2024 Term Proposed Meeting Schedule

Mon, Mar 25

Tues, Mar 26

3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to receive a status update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge, as well as to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY25 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

8:00pm There will be a Virtual Special Meeting of the School Committee on Tues, Mar 26, 2024, at 8:00pm to entertain a motion to convene in executive session for the purpose of conducting a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating positions of the School Committee. Votes may be taken in Executive Session and the School Committee will not reconvene in an open session.

Wed, Mar 27

12:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss regional coastal flood resilience interventions required to address increased vulnerability due to climate change risk. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, Mar 28

Mon, Apr 1

Tues, Apr 2

3:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing on the State of Policing and Community Safety in Cambridge with an update on recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) report. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Apr 2 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee. The School Committee will also vote on the adoption of the FY 2025 Proposed School Department Budget.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign-up window is Thurs, Mar 28 through Tues, Apr 2 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.

Mon, Apr 8

Wed, Apr 10

3:00pm The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss how the city factors potential street congestion into street re-design, monitors and adjusts for street congestion (especially in newly reconfigured areas such as North Mass Ave., Garden Street, and Inman Square/Cambridge Street) and understand its impacts on residents, businesses, and public safety. In addition, the Committee will review and learn how the City is planning for potential impacts on Cambridge streets of DCR’s plan to reduce Memorial Drive from four lanes to two lanes between the JFK Street and the Eliot Bridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, Apr 11

3:00pm Special Meeting of the Cambridge City Council from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in the 2nd Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. The purpose of this Special Meeting is to continue the work of setting goals for this Council term. (City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway Chamber and Zoom)

Fri, Apr 12

10:30am The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the 2024 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, Apr 17

Wed, Apr 24

11:00am The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the Net Zero Action Plan annual report, including review of yearly action items, progress made, and next steps to reach annual goals. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing on the Digital Navigator Pilot Program (DNP), a collaborative effort between the City of Cambridge Information Technology Department, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools Department, Just A Start, and Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) to discuss how this initiative is designed to support residents’ digital needs. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, Apr 29

Tues, Apr 30

10:00am Continuation of recessed Apr 29, 2024 City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers as referenced in PO24#24. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (1/9/2024, 1/23/2024, 1/30/2024, 2/13/2024, 2/27/2024, 3/12/2024, 3/19/2024)

4. Planning Updates – Briefing on Current Transportation Planning & Policies

Wed, May 1

3:00pm The City Council’s Human Service and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the progress being made to bring universal afterschool to Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, May 2

1:30pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with Harvard, MIT, and Lesley Universities to receive their “Town Gown” reports and to discuss current and potential programs and partnerships with the City. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - This meeting was cancelled.

Mon, May 6

Tues, May 7

9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY25 City Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
General Government & Public Safety:

6:30pm Family Definition AP24#12
Zoning Petition by the City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, 13.000, 14.000, 17.000, 20.000, and 22.000 to remove references to “degree of kinship” from the definitions of “Family” and “Lodging House;” delete the definition of “Group Quarters;” create definitions for “Residence,” “Transient Accommodation,” “Rooming Unit,” “Guest Unit,” “Tourist House,” and “Hotel or Motel;” define and categorize “Lodging House” as a residence and “Tourist House” and “Hotel or Motel” as transient accommodations; and amend other Sections of the Zoning Ordinance for consistency with those amended definitions. (Materials)

7:00pm Khalida Griffin-Sheperd et. al. AP24#10
Zoning Petition by Khalida Griffin-Sheperd et al. to amend Section 11.206.1 “Affordable Housing Trust,” Subsections 11.206.1 “Board of Trustees” and 11.206.2 “Receipt and Use of Funds and Property” to add two explicit additional purposes for the Trust’s funding, requiring reporting of Trust business to the City Council, requiring payment of stipends for Trust members, requiring the Trust to include members affected by housing instability, and expanding the Trust board from 9 to 13 members. (Materials)

2. PB-386
36 JFK Street, 81 Mount Auburn Street, 33 Dunster Street – Special Permit Extension (Materials)

Wed, May 8

12:30pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the City (PO24#37). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

4:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY25 School Department Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, May 13

Tues, May 14

9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY25 City Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 (if necessary). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Community Maintenance and Development; Human Resources Development; Intergovernmental; & Public Investment:

Wed, May 15

Thurs, May 16

9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 (if necessary). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled

Mon, May 20

Tues, May 21

12:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the upcoming Central Square zoning process and next steps following the Central Square Lots Study with a focus on 105 Windsor Street, 205 Western Ave, and 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive (Lots 4 and 5) (CM24#33).

3:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss Citizen’s Zoning Petition from Khalida Griffin-Sheperd, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Section 11.206.1 and Subsections 11.206.1 and 11.206.2 (AP24#10). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:30pm Joseph Ronayne et. al. AP24#14
Zoning Petition by Joseph S. Ronayne et al. to allow multifamily residential uses across the city and eliminate footnotes that further restrict residential development within fully residential districts and to bring Res A and B uses in line with existing Res C uses, making multifamily uses both permissible and feasible. (Materials)

2. PB-381
544-550 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit Extension (Materials)

4. PB-361
711-727 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit Extension (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, May 22

10:00am The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 11:00am-1:00pm to discuss a City Council Zoning Petition to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, 13.000, 14.000, 17.000, 20.000, and 22.000 (AP24#12). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to continue its May 8, 2024 discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city (PO24#37).

Thurs, May 23

3:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss the ongoing partnership with Neville Manor. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, May 28

12:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00pm-2:00pm to discuss Citizen’s Zoning Petition from Joseph S. Ronayne et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 4, 5, and 8 (AP24#14). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, May 29

11:30am The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to follow up on its Sept 27, 2023 meeting on our recent Disparity Study focused on the procurement of goods and services. The purpose of the hearing is to receive an update from City staff on any progress made in developing strategies to reduce barriers and promote City efforts to contract with more minority- and women-owned businesses identified in the Disparity Study. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss close circuit cameras and other surveillance technologies in addition to the 2024 Annual Surveillance Report (CM24#28). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, June 3

5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Anticipated Budget Adoption

Tues, June 4

3:00pm The City Council’s Human Service and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update from the City’s Opioid Task Force and local providers regarding the opioid crisis in Cambridge and current and future interventions. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled (to be rescheduled)

The Cambridge Planning Board (the “Board”) will meet in the Zoom public session to vote to go into executive session, under a different platform to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as Harvard House of Pizza, Inc., et al v. 1730 Mass. Ave, Inc., (Docket No. 2381-1479), which is an appeal before the Middlesex Superior Court. Discussing this matter in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Planning Board.

For the above-stated reasons, the Board will meet in executive session to discuss the litigation strategy with respect to the matter listed above.

2. Advisory Design Review AHO-7 (continued from 1/30/2024)
87-101 Blanchard Road – Affordable housing project proposal by B’nai B’nai Community Development, LLC. to construct a senior housing in place of an existing 2-story commercial building to create 110 affordable rental units and amenities, and 88 long-term and 14 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 189,505 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials- under Planning Board Materials tab).

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, June 5

3:00pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold an initial meeting to discuss Charter Review recommendations and develop draft recommendations to the Full City Council for reviewing, deliberating, adopting, and processing possible changes to the Cambridge City Charter for a future vote by Cambridge voters. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, June 10

Tues, June 11

11:30am The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to receive a report and get updates from PRAB on general issues and the implementation of the Procedural Justice Data Board. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled

2. Annual Utility Reports
• Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) • Cambridge Water Department (CWD)
• Vicinity Energy • Eversource Energy

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, June 12

2:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Utilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss municipal broadband. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Sat, June 15

11:00am-6:00pm Cambridge Arts River Festival (Along a mile-long stretch of Memorial Drive on the banks of the Charles River between JFK St. and Western Ave.

Mon, June 17

Tues, June 18

3:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the first annual Green Jobs report, as required by the Green Jobs Ordinance, Article III Ch. 2.66.100. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Thurs, June 20

1:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss Amendments to the Tenant's Rights Ordinance recommended by the Law Department. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Sat, June 22

Mon, June 24

Tues, June 25

11:00am The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the June 5, 2024 discussion on Charter Review recommendations and develop draft recommendations to the full City Council for reviewing, deliberating, adopting, and processing possible changes to the Cambridge City Charter for future vote by Cambridge voters. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the micromobility memo prepared by Acting City Solicitor Bayer, for updates from the Community Development Department and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation on related topics and to discuss the next steps. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, June 26

1:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with Harvard, MIT, and Lesley Universities to receive their “Town Gown” reports and to discuss current and potential programs and partnerships with the City. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, June 27

2:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to further discuss multi-family housing and hear updates from the Community Development Department. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Fri, June 28

Tues, July 2

6:30pm PB-403
2400 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by 2400 Mass Ave LLC to construct two 6-story mixed-use buildings of total 94,867 square feet gross floor area with 56 residential units, ground floor retail uses, and 67 below grade parking spaces pursuant to Section 19.20 Project Review Special Permit, Section 20.108 Modification of design standards, and Section 22.35.3 Reduction of Green Roofs requirement. (Materials)

3. Advisory Design Review AHO-3 (continued from 3/12/2024)
21 Walden Square Road – Affordable housing project proposal by Winn Development Company LP to construct 2 buildings to add 95 affordable rental units with 74 long-term and 10 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 132,226 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, July 10

12:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee and Finance Committee will hold a joint public hearing to review and discuss the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and to discuss the City’s relationship with the Trust, consider funding priorities, and ways to fund affordable housing development in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, July 16

12:00pm The City Council’s Human Service and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update from the City’s Opioid Task Force and local providers regarding the opioid crisis in Cambridge and current and future interventions. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, July 17

2:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the City. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, July 24

Mon, Aug 5

10:30am The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the City Manager to receive an update on and offer suggestions for consideration in the city’s negotiations with Harvard regarding future Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, Aug 6

11:00am The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update from the City Manager on progress in meeting annual goals, as well as the timeline and process for completing this year’s evaluation. In addition, the Committee will begin discussions for creating a process for evaluation of the City Clerk, Auditor and Executive Assistant to the City Council. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (5/21/2024, 6/4/2024, 6/11/2024, 6/18/2024)

6:30pm PB-252A
40 Norris Street – Special Permit application by Ahmed Farah to amend PB-252A to allow daycare center use in the previously permitted two commercial spaces in the basement pursuant to Section 5.28.2 Conversion of Non-residential Structures to Residential Use. (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Aug 7

3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss status updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, Aug 14

Wed, Aug 21

11:00am The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the City. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Oldtime Baseball Game – Thurs, Aug 22, starting at 6:00pm

Jonathan Papelbon and Lou Merloni to Play in Oldtime Baseball Game for The Boston Home!

Former Red Sox stars Lou Merloni and Jonathan Papelbon will play in the 30th annual Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game on Thursday, August 22 at St. Peter’s Field in Cambridge. Merloni, whose nine-year big-league career included parts of six seasons with the Red Sox, will be making his 12th appearance in the Oldtime Baseball Game. During pregame ceremonies he will receive the 2024 Greg Montalbano Award, given in memory of the late Red Sox pitching prospect who appeared in the Oldtime Baseball Game in 1997 and ’98. Papelbon, an All-Star closer who pitched seven of his 12 major-league seasons with the Red Sox and was a member of Boston’s 2007 World Series championship team, will be making his first appearance in the Oldtime Baseball Game.

Jonathan Papelbon

It’s throwback uniforms. It’s period music. It’s local baseball talent. Put it all together and you have the 30th annual Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game, which will be played Thursday, August 22 at 6:00pm at St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge.

The Boston Home is incredibly proud and grateful to be the beneficiary of the Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game! Last year, the Oldtime Baseball Game raised over $80,000 to support life enhancing programs for The Boston Home’s residents and outpatients. This year, we are swinging for the fences with an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological disorders. You can help make it happen!

The Oldtime Baseball Game is FREE to attend with free, nearby parking! Paul Wahlberg will be at the game with his team from Wahlburgers, serving up delicious ballpark fare. Silent and live auctions offer the chance to win exciting prizes including outstanding sports memorabilia! All proceeds benefit The Boston Home.

Seating at the ballpark is limited. Please plan to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. View a map of the location. For more information, please contact Victoria Stevens, Director of Communications, at 617-326-4310 or vstevens@thebostonhome.org.

About Oldtime Baseball Game

The Oldtime Baseball Game is a celebration of our national pastime, played each year at beautiful St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge. From its humble beginnings in 1994, the game has grown considerably over the years, yet has remained loyal to its mission of offering a glimpse of what it was like in the old days, when hundreds of fans would turn out to root for their “town” team in various local semipro leagues. Lou Merloni

What makes the Oldtime Baseball Game so special is our dazzling collection of flannel uniforms that represent virtually every era in baseball history. Used just once a year for the Oldtime Baseball Game, and then returned to storage the uniforms include such long ago teams as the Boston Braves, St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Dodgers. Teams from the old Negro Leagues are represented by the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays and Baltimore Elite Giants. Cuba is represented by the legendary Cienfuegos Elefantes. We even have a uniform from a team that never actually existed: the New York Knights for whom Robert Redford’s Roy Hobbs character played in “The Natural.”

Players from the game are chosen from colleges and universities from throughout New England, with an occasional high school player or retired big-leaguer added to the mix. Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez came out of retirement in 2017 to work two shutout innings in the Oldtime Baseball Game. The 2018 game featured one of the most interesting pitcher-batter match-ups in our game’s history, as legendary Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield faced Pro Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. In 2019, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens pitched pitched two innings, and then played two more innings at first base. Jim Lonborg, Cy Young Award winner for the 1967 Red Sox, pitched a shutout inning in 2015. Other former big-leaguers include Oil Can Boyd, Mike Pagliarulo, and, of course, Lou Merloni, an annual fixture at the Oldtime Baseball Game.

Admission to the Oldtime Baseball Game is free. Fans are asked to bring a beach blanket or chair and camp out along the foul lines, as it is the crowd that makes the game so electric.

PS - I NEVER miss this game. - RW

Wed, Aug 28

Tues, Sept 3

8:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave., 1st Floor)

Wed, Sept 4

3:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (51 Inman Street, 2nd Floor Conference Room)

Mon, Sept 9

12:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss truck safety in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, Sept 12

9:00am The Cambridge Election Commission will conduct a Recount for the office of Representative in General Court, 25th Middlesex District, in the Democratic Primary held on September 3, 2024, for the following precincts: Ward 3, Precinct 3A; Ward 4, Precincts 2, 2A, 3; Ward 6, Precincts 2 & 3; Ward 7; Ward 8; Ward 10, Precincts 1A & 2 (Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Avenue, 2nd Floor)

Mon, Sept 16

Thurs, Sept 19

5:00pm The Cambridge Election Commission will meet to conduct the Vacancy Recount to fill the City Council vacancy caused by the death of City Councillor Joan Pickett. (City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room)

6:00-8:00pm Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board meeting (hybrid)

4) FY24 Budgeting & Master Plan Projects (D. Kaplan and Managing Director Mark Gallagher)

5) Watershed Manager’s Report (D. Kaplan)
Status Reports:
Huron Forest Phase 1 pilot project Old Field Birch Grove Seating Area
Little Fresh Pond Shoreline Reconstruction Black’s Nook
Greenway entrance signs to Huron Forest (safety, nighttime, seasonal and wildlife crossings)
Fresh Pond Day Report (6/22/24), Monarch Release (8/18/24)

6) Landscape Management Report: (V. Falcione)
Monitoring tree diseases, especially beech and pine
Erosion along Black’s Nook Forested hillside below soccer field
Other landscape management issues, deer, invasives, etc.

7) Status of Designating Joseph Harrington Way (A. Roosevelt)
Advisory Board’s Jan 21, 2020 recommendation letter to the Manager to officially rename a restored landscape and walkway near treatment after the late Water Board President, Dr. Joseph (Joe) John Harrington (See attached letter)

8) 2024-2025 Term Meeting Schedule Reminder
Nov 14, 2024; Mar 20, 2025; May 15, 2025; Optional meeting dates if needed: Jan 16, 2025 and/or April 16, 2025

9) Preliminary Agenda for Nov 14, 2024
Watershed Mangers Report; Updates on Pine Forest Pilot; Maynard Ecology Center Report; Adding Buffer/Transition Zones Section to 2019 Master Plan Plant List Update Item

Fri, Sept 20

Mon, Sept 23

Wed, Sept 25

Sat, Sept 28

Sun, Sept 29

9:30am-12:00pm Annual Fall Bow Tie Bike Ride [map] (meet at Main Library, ride starts at 10:00am)

1:00pm-3:00pm Emily Street Block Party – 50th anniversary of the Emily Street Community Garden (corner of Brookline and Emily Streets, Cambridgeport)

Mon, Sept 30

Tues, Oct 1

6:30pm PB-404
8 Thingvalla Avenue - Special Permit application by Gregory Matteosian to construct a single-family residence greater than 75 feet from the front line and to the rear of an existing single family residence pursuant to Section 5.53 – more than one structure on a lot in a Residence B district. The existing single-family structure will be replaced with a new single-family structure. (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Oct 2

Sun, Oct 6

11:00am-6:00pm 45th Annual Harvard Square Oktoberfest and HONK! Parade (Harvard Square)

Mon, Oct 7

6:30pm PROPERTY TAX RATE CLASSIFICATION - The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. … Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the city’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025, including the granting of the residential exemption.

Tues, Oct 8

11:00am The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update from City staff on BEUDO implementation and to review and discuss regulations, elements of BEUDO, and possible future updates. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:30pm Dormers
Zoning Petition by City of Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one-family and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2 in order to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right. (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Oct 9

6:00pm Central Square Advisory Committee (344 Broadway, 2nd floor Conference Room)

Thurs, Oct 10

1:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss preliminary recommendations from the Central Square rezoning process. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, Oct 15

11:00am The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion from the meeting that was held on April 30, 2024 on the feasibility of municipally funded housing vouchers as referenced in PO24#24. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the City of Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000 and 8.000 with the intent to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2 in order to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Wed, Oct 16

Mon, Oct 21

Tues, Oct 22

11:00am The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the updates on the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:30pm PB-405
425 Massachusetts Avenue - Special Permit application by Cambridge Stretch LLC to establish a Formula Business occupying approximately 754 square feet in the first floor of the existing building pursuant to Section 20.304.5.4 Formula Business. (Materials)

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Oct 23

11:30am The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss issues facing homeless shelters in Cambridge and concerns raised by the unhoused community. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

3:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to hear specific ideas from neighborhood leaders about revisions to the Multifamily Housing Proposal. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Thurs, Oct 24

3:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss research on four day work week pilot programs with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits and models for a four day work week that have been implemented locally. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, Oct 28

5:30pm Joint Roundtable with the City Council and School Committee to discuss macro-economic trends in Cambridge and the City’s budget (no Public Comment) (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, Oct 29

12:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion from the Oct 15, 2024 hearing on a Zoning Petition by the City of Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000 and 8.000 with the intent to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2 in order to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

5:30-7:30pm Open House – Learn about Proposed Zoning for Multifamily Housing Citywide (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
Note: The proposed changes to allow multi-family housing in all residential zones is NOT the most substantial part nor the most controversial aspect of the currently proposed zoning changes. It is the proposal to allow much taller and much denser apartment buildings in all residential zones as of right with reduced setback requirements. The proposed increases would eliminate the existing Res A and Res B zones and make all residential zones taller and denser than the current Res C-1 zoning - citywide. There is much concern that this will lead to many teardowns of existing residential buildings (and the loss of what some euphemistically call “naturally affordable housing”). It also seems likely that the proposal will affect the currently rigged advantage for AHO (Affordable Housing Overlay) projects – which will then likely lead the City Council to write yet another AHO iteration (AHO 3.0) to give even greater allowances in height and density for AHO projects.

Wed, Oct 30

Thurs, Oct 31

12:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Economics of Real Estate: Housing, Zoning, and the Economic Impact of Zoning Proposals. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, Nov 4

Tues, Nov 5

9:00pm Cambridge Election Commission (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave., First Floor)

Wed, Nov 6

5:30pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update on Afterschool programming in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Mon, Nov 11

11:00am-12:00pm City of Cambridge Veterans Day Observance Event (Cambridge Common)

The City of Cambridge Department of Veterans Services will host a Veterans Day Observance event at the Cambridge Common, by the Civil War monument, which is bordered by Mass. Ave., Garden Street, and Waterhouse Street, near Harvard Square. Please join us as we welcome Retired Justice Shannon Frison (USMC Major) as our keynote speaker. An informal gathering and free luncheon will follow from 12-3pm, at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, Liberty Revolution Ballroom, 16 Garden Street, Cambridge, adjacent to the Cambridge Common. In case of inclement weather, the 11am ceremony will move to the Sheraton Commander. [flyer]

Tues, Nov 12

9:00am Cambridge Election Commission (Citywide Senior Center, Windsor Room, 806 Mass. Ave., Entrance on Green Street)

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (8/27/2024, 10/1/2024, 10/8/2024, 10/22/2024)

6:30pm Multifamily Housing
Two Zoning Petitions by Cambridge City Council. (Materials)

The first Petition (Multifamily Housing Zoning Petition Part One) would amend the Cambridge Zoning Map and Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 7.000, 8.000, 10.000, 11.000, 13.000, 14.000, 16.000, 17.000, 20.000, and 21.000 with the intent of:

(1) removing zoning districts that are intended to permit single-family or two-family but not multifamily residences;

(2) permitting multifamily and townhouse residences as-of-right in all zoning districts except Open Space and removing special requirements applicable to multifamily and townhouse residences;

(3) removing dimensional requirements including minimum lot width and area and minimum lot area per dwelling unit, removing floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for residences, reducing minimum yard requirements for residences, and increasing height limitations for residences to permit at least six stories above grade in all districts except Open Space to allow for additional housing units beyond what is permitted under current zoning;

The second petition (Multifamily Housing Zoning Petition Part Two) would amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 5.000, 11.000, 15.000, 17.000, 19.000, and 20.000 with the intent of:

(1) revising open space standards to provide greater flexibility by allowing all types of open space to contribute to meeting requirements;

(2) revising certain standards of the Affordable Housing Overlay so they are not more restrictive than comparable standards for residences in base zoning;

(3) making project review special permit requirements applicable in all zoning districts and applicable to residential development of 75,000 square feet or more;

(4) updating advisory development review procedures and introducing a new Planning Board Advisory Consultation for some larger development not subject to a special permit, similar to what is currently required in the Affordable Housing Overlay; and

General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Wed, Nov 13

Fri, Nov 15

1:00pm Cambridge Election Commission (City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Second Floor)
1:00pm – COUNTING OF PROVISIONAL BALLOTS
5:00pm – COUNTING OF OVERSEAS BALLOTS

Mon, Nov 18

Tues, Nov 19

2:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Multi Family Zoning Petition – Part 1 and Multi Family Zoning Petition – Part 2. This meeting will consist of staff presentation, Councillor questions, and discussion only. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

6:30pm Multifamily Housing (continued from 11/12/2024)
Two Zoning Petitions by Cambridge City Council. (Materials)

(1) removing zoning districts that are intended to permit single-family or two-family but not multifamily residences;

(2) permitting multifamily and townhouse residences as-of-right in all zoning districts except Open Space and removing special requirements applicable to multifamily and townhouse residences;

The second petition (Multifamily Housing Zoning Petition Part Two) would amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 5.000, 11.000, 15.000, 17.000, 19.000, and 20.000 with the intent of:

(1) revising open space standards to provide greater flexibility by allowing all types of open space to contribute to meeting requirements;

(2) revising certain standards of the Affordable Housing Overlay so they are not more restrictive than comparable standards for residences in base zoning;

(3) making project review special permit requirements applicable in all zoning districts and applicable to residential development of 75,000 square feet or more;

BZA-1139918 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 11/21/2024)
1350 Massachusetts Avenue - Special Permit for Verizon Wireless to replace 2 antennas and hardware with new equipment. Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.32.G.1 & Sec. 4.40 (Footnote 49) (Telecommunication Facility). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.40 (Special Permit). 6409 (Middle Class Tax Relief Act). (Materials)

BZA-1140206 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 11/21/2024) 1350 Massachusetts Avenue - Special Permit for Centerline to replacing 2 antennas with 2 new antennas as well as replacing 6 remote radio heads with 10 remote radio heads in addition to replacing certain equipment in the existing rooftop equipment shelter. Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.32.G.1 & Sec. 4.40 (Footnote 49) (Telecommunication Facility). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.40 (Special Permit). 6409 (Middle Class Tax Relief Act). (Materials)

City Clerk City Council Election Commission Employee Benefits Equity and Inclusion Equity and Inclusion - Diversity Equity and Inclusion - DGVPI Executive - Leadership ✓ Executive - Communications ✓	Executive - Housing Liaison ✓ Executive - Tourism ✓ Finance - Administration ✓ Finance - Auditing Finance - Assessing ✓ Finance - Budget Finance - General Services Finance - Information Technology ✓	Finance - Purchasing Finance - Treasury/Revenue Human Resources ✓ Law Mayor’s Office* Public Celebrations ✓ Reserve Animal Commission	Community Safety ✓ Emergency Communications Fire Department ✓ Inspectional Services ✓ License Commission Police Department ✓ PRAB / Peace Commission ✓ Traffic, Parking & Transportation ✓
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. *to appear at May 14 hearing

*Mayor’s Office ✓ Cambridge Health Alliance ✓ Cable TV Capital Building Projects ✓ Community Development ✓** Debt Service	Historical Commission Housing ✓ Office of Sustainability ✓ Public Works ✓ Water ✓ Women’s Commission	Human Rights Commission Human Services ✓ Library Veterans’ Services Cherry Sheet	MWRA City Overview Section Financial Summaries Section Revenue Section Public Investment Section ✓
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. *postponed from May 7 hearing

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