Cambridge City Council meeting - Mar 17, 2014 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account for the replacement of the air compressor that fills the air cylinders.
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) through the City of Boston's Office of Emergency Management for $50,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to purchase Paramedic and First Responder tactical medic body armors, vests, special medical carriers and equipment bags.
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services for $187,500 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for new and replacement equipment for the Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Team, including self-contained breathing apparatus, combustible gas indicators, diagnostic chemical detection kits, and upgrades to decontamination equipment.
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $3,618 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($2,500) and Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,118) to provide funds for the Senior SAFE Program that educates seniors in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety for $10,786 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($8,486), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,500) and Travel and Training account ($800) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $375,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training account (Judgments and Damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $123,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Veterans' Travel and Training account (Judgments and Damages) to cover additional veteran benefits and medical costs.
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-01, regarding the feasibility of providing the City Calendar on the Cambridgema.gov website as a Google calendar.
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a request from BRE/CPD LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("BRE/CPD"), the owner of the property commonly known as 180R CambridgePark Drive in Cambridge's Alewife district, to release a portion of a City-owned sewer easement across a portion of BRE/CPD's Property. [City Manager's Letter][City Manager Order #9A][City Manager Order #9B][City Manager Order #9C]
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2014 and ending Mar 31, 2015. [City Manager's Letter]
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to hire a team of technical consultants to work with the Getting to Net Zero Task Force and City staff and provide subject matter advice and analysis.
Mar 17, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account.
Funding will be used to hire a team of technical consultants to work with the Getting to Net Zero Task Force and City staff and provide subject matter advice and analysis. The consultants will provide expertise in the topics of building design, construction and operation, development economics, energy efficiency, and renewable energy technology and policy including the concept of Renewable Energy Certificates. They will assist in studying the technical aspects of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in greater detail and develop comprehensive, actionable, long and short term recommendations; these may include changes to City ordinances, zoning policies, and other directives with the following areas of focus:
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment
- improve energy efficiency and conservation in existing and new buildings
- support renewable energy generation, both on-and off-site
- best practices to engage/educate users and influence occupant behavior
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center. (Order Amended by Substitution.) [Order Number Ten of Jan 27, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Mayor Maher on Jan 27, 2014.]
2. An application was received from Ting-hsu Chen requesting permission to widen the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 14 Soden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Six of Feb 24, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Feb 24, 2014.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A petition has been filed by Dana M. Demetrio, et al. requesting the City Council to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge to pass "An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Wild and Exotic Animals in Traveling Shows and Circuses."
Referred to Ordinance Committee
2. An application was received from Clover Fast Food, Inc. requesting permission for twelve tables and twenty-four chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 7 Holyoke Street.
3. An application was received from Kundalini Yoga LLC requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 14 Arrow Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works and Community Development. Sign is pre-existing.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Vivian Poey, 16 Washburn Avenue transmitting support for the City Council resolution regarding Massachusetts State Senate Bill 270.
2. A communication was received from Jane Chiang transmitting support for City Council resolution regarding Massachusetts State Senate Bill 270, The dual Language Educational Programs Act.
3. A communication was received from Eurene Lashley, 2 Mount Auburn Street regarding problems and concerns at 2 Mount Auburn Street.
4. A communication was received from Ronald Benson, 2 Mount Auburn Street regarding heating problems at 2 Mount Auburn Street.
5. A communication was received from Mary Ellen Spence, 2 Mount Auburn Street regarding heating problems at 2 Mount Auburn Street.
6. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street regarding the case for Municipal Broadband in Cambridge.
7. A communication was received from Seth Teller, 281 Hurley Street transmitting support for the order regarding the renovation of Foundry Building in East Cambridge.
8. A communication was received from Sheila Layne and family transmitting thanks for the resolution honoring the memory of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Ina M. Smith.
9. A communication was received from Bethany Stevens, 100 Spring Street urging the City Council to pass Policy Order #13 relating to the Sullivan Courthouse.
10. A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, 67 Pleasant Street regarding the life of Steven Brion-Meisels.
11. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street transmitting her comments on the Foundry and the courthouse in East Cambridge.
12. A communication was received from Dr. Lester Hartman, 185 Manning Street, Newton transmitting information in support of the age restriction to purchase tobacco products together with a graph outlining the Tobacco 21 Massachusetts experience and the Needham experience.
13. A communication was received from Michael Hawley, 101 Third Street regarding the Sullivan courthouse parking.
14. A communication was received from Jacqui Gamparini and Dana Demetrio transmitting material to support a ban on the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows and circuses.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Antonio D. Andrade. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of Mary M. (Lopes) Ferreira. Councillor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of John M. Raulinaitis. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Cameron John (CJ) Kosinski. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulations to Cambridge Rindge and Latin Wrestling Coach Roy Howard for his success season. Councillor Cheung
6. Congratulations to Kevin Fenlon on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
7. Congratulations to Markus Mcguffie on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulations to Bryan Douyan on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulations to Toru Goto on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
10. Congratulations to Daniel Roth on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
11. Congratulations to Carlos Aquino on receiving a wrestling medal at the Massachusetts Division 1 Central Sectional. Councillor Cheung
12. Resolution on the death of Francis J. Reilly Sr. Mayor Maher
13. Resolution on the death of Gilma D. Rijo. Vice Mayor Benzan
14. Retirement of Lieutenant Robert J. Bell from the Cambridge Fire Department. Mayor Maher
15. Congratulations to the MIT Energy Club on their successful 9th annual MIT Energy Conference. Councillor Cheung
16. Resolution on the death of Rosemary "Rosy" White. Mayor Maher
17. Congratulations to the recipient of the 2014 Good Scout Award. Mayor Maher
18. Congratulations to the recipient of the 2014 Lady Baden Powell Award. Mayor Maher
19. Happy Birthday wishes to Dan DiPaolo. Councillor McGovern
20. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School Track Team on their stellar athletic performances at the 29th Annual MIAA All State Track and Field Meet. Vice Mayor Benzan
21. Retirement of Stephen Dussault from the Electrical Department. Mayor Maher
22. Resolution on the death of Marilyn (Sagansky) Riseman. Councillor Toomey
23. Resolution on the death of Mary D. Paula. Mayor Maher
24. Resolution on the death of Luis E. Colon. Vice Mayor Benzan
25. Congratulations to Elyse Cherry on being presented the Dr. Susan M. Love Award at Fenway Health's 2014 Women's Dinner Party on Mar 29, 2014. Councillor Simmons
26. Congratulations to Mayor Thomas M. Menino on being awarded the Congressman Gerry E. Studds Award at the Fenway Health Annual Men's Event on Apr 26, 2014. Councillor Simmons
27. Resolution on the death of Steven Brion-Meisels. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor McGovern
28. Congratulations to the workers of Le Meridien on the occasion of joining UNITE HERE Local 26. Councillor Cheung
29. Happy 50th anniversary to the Cambridge Montessori School. Councillor Toomey
30. Congratulations to Elisa Spelman on her appearance on WBUR's Morning Addition. Councillor Cheung
31. Retirement of Austin Maxwell from the Cambridge Police Department. Mayor Maher
32. Congratulations to Tutoring Plus on its 50th anniversary. Councillor Cheung
33. Condolences to Tom Lucey on the death of his father. Mayor Maher
34. Resolution on the death of Helen M. (Kotapski) McIntyre. Mayor Maher
35. Resolution on the death of retired Cambridge Fire Chief Thomas Victor Scott. Mayor Maher
36. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Lucille Rebello. Councillor Toomey
37. Congratulations to Bryan Pierre for being named the Cambridge Boys & Girls Club 2013 Youth of the Year. Mayor Maher
38. Best wishes to Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court on his upcoming retirement. Mayor Maher
39. Condolences to Nan Waldstein on the death of her husband George. Councillor Cheung
40. Resolution on the death of Margaret M. (Morrison) Renzi. Mayor Maher
41. Best wishes to Susan Wornick on her retirement. Mayor Maher
42. Congratulations to Gregory Barnett and Telesha Mervin on their recent marriage. Councillor Simmons
43. Happy Birthday wishes to Carmen Milagros Benzan. Vice Mayor Benzan
44. Congratulations to the adjunct faculty of Lesley University on their vote to unionize. Councillor Cheung
45. Congratulations to Unite Here Local 26 and Lesley University food service workers on ratifying their first union contract. Councillor Cheung and Councillor McGovern
46. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to a special Cantabrigian. Mayor Maher
47. Happy Birthday wishes to Oneida Carrion. Vice Mayor Benzan
48. Happy Birthday wishes to Cassandra Lee Colon. Vice Mayor Benzan
49. Congratulations to Alanna T. Logan on her participation in the prestigious "Pulse on Tour" dance convention and commending her for her artistic accomplishments. Vice Mayor Benzan
50. Happy Birthday wishes to Lisette Williams. Vice Mayor Benzan
51. Congratulations to Cira Vicente, Cambridge Health Alliance medical interpreter, on winning the International Medical Interpreters Association's 2014 Interpreter of the Year Award. Vice Mayor Benzan
52. Congratulations to Matt Smith on being elected to the Board of Directors of the Folk Alliance International. Councillor Cheung
53. Resolution on the death of Clayton D. Johnson. Councillor Toomey
54. Congratulations to Senator Linda Dorcena Forry on hosting her first St. Patrick's Day Breakfast and best wishes for many more successful years at the helm of the annual tradition. Councillor Toomey
55. Thoughts and prayers to former Boston Mayor Tom Menino as he works toward recovery. Councillor Toomey
56. Congratulations to Michael Kantor and Elizabeth Stagl for being recognized for their work on raising the minimum wage. Councillor Cheung
57. Happy 90th Birthday wishes to Jessie Harris. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel in order to determine the feasibility of establishing an online list or map that indicates all outstanding pothole repair requests. Councillor Simmons
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to develop proposed ordinance language that will limit the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in the City of Cambridge to individuals 21 years of age or older. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher and Councillor Carlone
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel to determine whether the City can implement a no parking/buffer zone of one or two car lengths around the entrance to 217-229 Putnam Avenue, and also whether it may be feasible to post signage just after the intersection to indicate that there is a hidden driveway from which cars are exiting, and also that children frequently cross in this area. Councillor Simmons
4. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from the Russell family for a sign dedication in honor of Edward and Mary Russell. Mayor Maher
5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to prepare proposed amendments to Chapter 2.76 to include "transgender" "gender identity or expression" where necessary in the entire Chapter. Councillor Cheung
Amended
6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of harnessing the City's Cambridge Alert Network to alert residents to various upcoming neighborhood meetings organized by the City. Councillor Simmons
7. That the City Council go on record urging Cambridge residents and all uninsured individuals across the country to go online and enroll in health insurance before the Mar 31, 2014 deadline. Councillor Cheung
8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to develop a City parking ticket for parking in bike lanes. Councillor Kelley
9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City Departments to put information about traffic enforcements, accidents and parking tickets on-line in a format that would allow electronic data analysis by the general public. Councillor Kelley
10. That the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee hold an appropriate number of public hearings to investigate internet access issues in Cambridge, to include possible expansion of the City's fiber optic network and use by private entities and business of that network. Councillor Kelley
11. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the City's plans to involve bomb sniffing dogs in general public safety efforts, during dignitary protection operations and during large scale events such as the Boston Marathon and the 4th of July celebrations. Councillor Kelley
12. That the City Manager is requested to consult with appropriate City staff, cyclists and others in an attempt to figure out a more effective way for cyclists to use public bike parking for short, medium and long-term bike storage to alleviate the problem of abandoned bikes clogging bike parking facilities and to ensure that cyclists have appropriate public space in which to lock their bikes. Councillor Kelley
13. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the First Street Garage RFP process and that the City Council urge the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance and the developer of the Sullivan Courthouse to work together to reduce the height, traffic, and environmental impacts of the developer's proposal so as to gain community support and resolve the uncertainty that surrounds the project. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern and Councillor Toomey
Amended
14. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of the IT Department to determine what solutions, either short term or long term, can be offered to increase the amount of email storage space afforded to the City Council. Councillor Simmons
15. That the City Manager is requested to confer with a representative from MIT with the view in mind of arranging attendance by an MIT representative and the entire MIT Graduate Student Working Group to present the findings of the Graduate Student Housing Working Group to the City Council in either a roundtable or special meeting format. Councillor Cheung
Amended
16. That the City Manager is requested to determine the legal and regulatory process necessary to collaborate with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), companies in the private sector, and/or local universities, and/or donors that are willing to partner with the City to achieve the desired development objectives at the Foundry Building and report back to the City Council on the best manner in which to implement and fund the future community use of the building. Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Carlone and Councillor Toomey
17. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Mar 31, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the Superintendent of Schools and school administrators to provide an update to the City Council and School Committee on technology, achievement gap and other related issues. Mayor Maher
18. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for May 12, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the purpose of the City Manager and appropriate City staff to provide the City Council with an overview of the capital budget and capital projects. Mayor Maher
19. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for June 23, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the purpose of discussing affordable housing. Mayor Maher
20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor regarding the possibility of contacting the Attorney General's Office and requesting that a representative be made available to attend an upcoming Open Meeting Law training for the City Council. Councillor Mazen
21. The City Council go on record urging the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the Massachusetts Buffer Zone law which ensures safety and privacy and protects the lives of women and clinic workers. Councillor Cheung
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Feb 20, 2014 to conduct a public hearing on a re-filed zoning petition by the City Council, originally filed by John Chun, et al requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the entire district currently zoned Residence B located in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood, situated north of Concord Avenue, south of and adjacent to the Blair Pond Reservation, and east of and adjacent to the municipal boundary with the Town of Belmont by deleting the designation Residence B and substituting therefore a designation of Residence A-2.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk transmitting National League of Cities information from Councillor Leland Cheung regarding Cities Calling for More Federal Partnership to Drive Innovation and Opportunity and Cities' Top Federal Action Priorities in 2014.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting [City Manager will submit recommendation for water/sewer rates.] (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 20
5:30pm The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss issues of diversity in the City of Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Mar 26
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a re-filed zoning petition by the City Council originally filed by Christopher H. Lutz, et al. requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by rezoning an area on the northern border of Richdale Avenue from Upland Road to Walden Street from its C1-A designation to residential C-1. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a re-filed zoning petition by the City Council originally filed Michael Phillips, et al to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge as follows by increasing the setback requirement abutting Linear Park and to clarify language defining "form and density compatible with the adjacent residential neighborhood" by limiting the number of dwelling units in a single structure. The petition would create a new Section 17.26 - Access to streets, a new Section 17.27 - Transfer of Development Rights, a new Section 17.28 - Transfer of Development Rights to preserve Publicly Accessible Open Space, and amend Section 17.28.2 to include Special District 2 in the Areas of Special Planning Concern. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 2
3:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the latest challenges to, and changing face of, affordable housing in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 3
5:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration will conduct a public meeting to discuss open data and civic programming volunteerism, including corporate and university stakeholders in out of school education discussion. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 8
4:00pm Human Services and Veterans Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 12
4:00pm 2014 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 28
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge offers residents the ability to report potholes via its website (at https://www.cambridgema.gov/iReport/pothole.aspx), or via smart phone through the use of the iReport app (at https://www.cambridgema.gov/iReport); and
WHEREAS: Once an individual has submitted a claim of a pothole, they are issued a ticket number that allows them to track the request, until such time as the City has completed the pothole repair and the issue has been resolved; and
WHEREAS: Individuals are similarly able to report icy or snowy streets, as well as icy or snowy sidewalks, either online or via iReport. Maps illustrating where these reports have been filed are available for all to see on the City's website, in order to avoid unnecessary repetition (both maps are viewable at https://www.cambridgema.gov/iReport.aspx). As of yet, there is no corresponding map or list indicating open requests for pothole repairs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel in order to determine the feasibility of establishing an online list or map that indicates all outstanding pothole repair requests, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
O-2 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 8.6 million people in the United States have at least one serious illness caused by smoking including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; coronary heart disease; stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysm; acute myeloid leukemia; cataract; pneumonia; periodontitis; and bladder, esophageal, laryngeal, lung, oral, throat, cervical, kidney, stomach, and pancreatic cancers; and
WHEREAS: According to the American Lung Association, 85% of smokers begin smoking before the age or 21; and
WHEREAS: Daily, almost 3,900 children under 18 years of age try their first cigarette, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than half of those who become regular smokers will ultimately die from their tobacco habit; and
WHEREAS: People who begin smoking at an early age are more likely to develop a severe addiction to nicotine than those who begin at a later age; and
WHEREAS: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 18% of high school students are daily smokers; and
WHEREAS: 90% of the people who purchase cigarettes for distribution to minors are between the ages of 18 and 20 years old; and
WHEREAS: Sales to those under 21 years of age make up only 2% of cigarette sales; and
WHEREAS: Cities and counties across the United States including Needham, MA; Brookline, MA; Arlington, MA; Scituate, MA; Belmont, MA; Watertown, MA; Sharon, MA; Dedham, MA; Dover, MA; Canton, MA; Ashland; MA; Westwood, MA; New York City, NY; Onondaga County, NY; Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY; Hawaii County, HI; and the states of Alabama, Alaska, New Jersey and Utah have raised the age to purchase tobacco from the age of 18, showing an emerging trend; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to develop proposed ordinance language that will limit the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in the City of Cambridge to individuals 21 years of age or older, defining "tobacco product" as any product containing, made, or derived from tobacco or nicotine that is intended for human consumption, whether smoked, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, snorted, sniffed, or ingested by any other means including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, little cigars, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, snuff, or electronic cigarettes, electronic cigars, electronic pipes, or other similar products that rely on vaporization or aerosolization. "Tobacco product" includes any component, part, or accessory of a tobacco product. "Tobacco product" does not include any product that has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco cessation product and is being marketed and sold solely for the approved purpose.
O-3 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of residents from 217-229 Putnam Avenue have alerted the City Council to the fact that parking signage along Putnam Avenue allows cars to park right up to the edges of the building's parking lot from either side. This forces those residents who are exiting the parking lot to edge out and struggle to see beyond the parked cars a few feet away, in order to avoid hitting or being hit by oncoming traffic; and
WHEREAS: Vehicles coming down Putnam crossing Western Avenue tend to accelerate in order to make it through the traffic light that lies less than 50 yards ahead of the 217-229 Putnam Avenue parking lot. These speeding vehicles, combined with the cars parked along either side of the parking lot, place motorists who are exiting from 217-229 Putnam Avenue at increased risk of having a collision with passing vehicles, and there have been reports that such accidents have already occurred; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel to determine whether the City can implement a no parking/buffer zone of one or two car lengths around the entrance to 217-229 Putnam Avenue, and also whether it may be feasible to post signage just after the intersection to indicate that there is a hidden driveway from which cars are exiting, and also that children frequently cross in this area.
O-4 Mar 17, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from the Russell family for a sign dedication in honor of Edward and Mary Russell; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to forward this Order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.
O-5 Mar 17, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ , rights, justice, and equality; and
WHEREAS: Throughout Chapter 2.76 of the Municipal Code its states "that discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religious creed, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or source of income is unlawful in the City of Cambridge"; and
WHEREAS: Current State non-discrimination laws do not provide protections for transgender people in public places, it becomes imperative for the City of Cambridge to take the lead and do all that is necessary to ensure that people from all walks of life are protected and treated equal; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to prepare proposed amendments to Chapter 2.76 to include "transgender" "gender identity or expression" where necessary in the entire Chapter.
O-6 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel and report back to the City Council on the feasibility of harnessing the City's Cambridge Alert Network to alert residents to various upcoming neighborhood meetings organized by the City.
O-7 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: On Mar 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law which represented largest regulatory overhaul of the nation's healthcare system and paved the way for increased quality and affordability of health insurance for individuals; and
WHEREAS: Through the many efforts to repeal, defund, and block this historic piece of legislation, and the many challenges the federal government overcame to create and operate the online exchanges, Mar 31st, 2014 will mark the national deadline to enroll in health insurance; and
WHEREAS: Saturday, Mar 8th was designated as a State and Local Day of Action with events to across the country to provide residents information about the quality, affordable health coverage options available in the health insurance marketplace; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging Cambridge residents and all uninsured individuals across the country to go online and enroll in health insurance before the Mar 31, 2014 deadline.
O-8 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Vehicles parking in bike lanes endanger cyclists; and
WHEREAS: Vehicles are not legally allowed to park in bike lanes; and
WHEREAS: There is no specific parking ticket for parking in bike lanes so any tickets given are less likely to realize that they should not park in bike lanes; and
WHEREAS: Having a specific ticket for parking in bike lanes will allow related enforcement efforts to be better organized and monitored; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to develop a City parking ticket for parking in bike lanes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-9 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Publicly available data about traffic enforcement efforts (citations for cyclists, motor vehicles and pedestrians) would allow the public to better understand the City's related traffic safety work; and
WHEREAS: Such data would better allow the City Council to allocate resources during the budget process and throughout the rest of the year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City Departments to put information about traffic enforcements, accidents and parking tickets on-line in a format that would allow electronic data analysis by the general public; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-10 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee hold an appropriate number of public hearings to investigate internet access issues in Cambridge, to include possible expansion of the City's fiber optic network and use by private entities and business of that network.
O-11 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Cambridge is in the process of acquiring a team of bomb sniffing dogs and their handlers to address explosive threats in the City and, as appropriate, in other municipalities; and
WHEREAS: Bomb dogs represent a type of public safety effort that has not recently been field by the Cambridge Police Department; and
WHEREAS: The use of these dogs as a regular safety tool throughout Cambridge rather than only being targeted at specific needs such as providing protection during dignitary visits may be surprising and somewhat disconcerting to the general public; and
WHEREAS: An explanation of the City's plans to deploy these dogs prior to their deployment may lessen public concern about this new step in police work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the City's plans to involve bomb sniffing dogs in general public safety efforts, during dignitary protection operations and during large scale events such as the Boston Marathon and the 4th of July celebrations.
O-12 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Bikes are often locked to signs and bike lock facilities and elsewhere for weeks at a time without moving; and
WHEREAS: During that time, these bikes take up increasingly scarce bike locking space, especially in popular business areas; and
WHEREAS: These bikes often deteriorate over time, becoming visual clutter as tires, seats, chains and other parts are removed or are vandalized; and
WHEREAS: In winter, these seemingly abandoned bikes make it difficult to clear snow from nearby by sidewalks; and
WHEREAS: In order for cycling to achieve the high level of use that the City hopes it does in order to alleviate motor vehicle traffic and parking issues, cyclists need safe and accessible places to park their bikes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with appropriate City staff, cyclists and others in an attempt to figure out a more effective way for cyclists to use public bike parking for short, medium and long-term bike storage to alleviate the problem of abandoned bikes clogging bike parking facilities and to ensure that cyclists have appropriate public space in which to lock their bikes; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council on this issue.
O-13 Mar 17, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Edward J. Sullivan Courthouse is a 22-story tower located on 40 Thorndike Street that directly abuts the modest residential neighborhood of East Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is in the process of abandoning the Courthouse building and disposing of it through the state's Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM); and
WHEREAS: Residents of East Cambridge, who have lived with this inappropriate and overwhelming structure for some forty years, have expressed a preference for a redevelopment project that would reduce the height and bulk of the existing structure; and
WHEREAS: On Dec 14, 2012, irrespective of neighborhood concerns, DCAMM awarded redevelopment rights to Leggat-McCall Properties based on the developer's proposal to maintain all of the existing height and bulk and "re-skin" the structure as a commercial office tower; and
WHEREAS: The East Cambridge Planning Team has a proud reputation of working with developers to ensure that new development works positively for the community; and
WHEREAS: The Neighborhood Association of East Cambridge is a newly-formed organization that is seeking recognition from the Community Development Department and has rallied community opposition to the developer's current plans; and
WHEREAS: On Wednesday evening, Feb 26, 2014, the East Cambridge Planning Team heard from the developer with regard to neighborhood concerns over wind, glare, and light pollution; and
WHEREAS: After three hours of discussion and debate before a crowded audience, the East Cambridge Planning Team voted to ask the Planning Board to reject the developer's Special Permit application #288; and
WHEREAS: The vote was recorded as unanimous among all members present; and
WHEREAS: On Oct 7, 2013, the City Council approved a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to facilitate the transfer of city-owned parking spaces at the First Street Garage to the developer in order to help satisfy the extensive parking requirements of the proposed office building; and
WHEREAS: The disposition of city-owned parking cannot proceed unless the City Council, by a vote of two-thirds majority, finds that the arrangements specified through the RFP process will lead to the greatest public benefit that can be obtained from the City property in question, pursuant to Chapter 2.110 of the City of Cambridge Municipal Code; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the First Street Garage RFP process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with City staff to determine the relevant zoning requirements for this property and report back to the City Council on this issue; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the First Street Garage RFP process; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record to indicate that it will not simply consider whether the RFP's agreed-upon price represents the fair market value of the city-owned parking spaces in the First Street Garage, but rather, the City Council will listen closely to the concerns of East Cambridge residents and consider the overall impact of the Sullivan Courthouse redevelopment project in order to determine whether the developer's proposal will lead to the greatest public benefit that can be obtained from the City property in question, pursuant to Chapter 2.110 of the Cambridge Municipal Code; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record strongly encouraging DCAMM and the developer to work together in an expeditious and creative fashion to substantially reduce the height, traffic, and environmental impacts of the developer's proposal so as to gain community support and resolve the great uncertainty that now surrounds the project.
O-14 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Apr 22, 2013, the City Council passed an Order requesting that the IT Department explore the feasibility of providing the City Council with more Exchange server space in order to accommodate the increased role that email plays in the communications between City Councilors and their constituents; and
WHEREAS: As technology has progressed and the ease of sending large files via email has grown, it has become increasingly common for people to send emails to the City Council that contain photos and other large attachments that can quickly take up significant amounts of server storage space. The expectation that the members of the City Council will have ready access to these emails and their attachments has also, likewise, grown more common; and
WHEREAS: On June 3, 2013, the City Manager responded to the Council Order with a report from Mary Hart, Director of the City's IT Department, that read in part that "...the IT Department continues to investigate options for raising the limits of e-mail that can be stored in Exchange. None of the options thus far would be feasible with the current ITD staff or budget;" and
WHEREAS: Ms. Hart suggested that the current email system for the City is expected to remain in place for another three years, and that the next major upgrade will "investigate the possibility" of raising the amount of email server storage space that each City Councilor will have access to. The full text of Ms. Hart's assessment can be read online at http://www2.cambridgema.gov/cityClerk/cmLetter.cfm?item_id=25604; and
WHEREAS: The City Council is mindful of the IT Department's assessment of the constraints under which it operates, and of the desire to avoid taxing the existing infrastructure to the point that it may become damaged; yet, the City Council is also mindful that there may be ways to temporarily work around this issue. Considering that Google provides 15 gigabytes of free storage space to individual email accounts, and Yahoo provides 1 terabyte of free storage space to individual email accounts, it is hoped that the City's IT Department can offer up a greater amount of storage than the 340 megabytes that are currently available to the City Councilors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of the IT Department to determine what solutions, either short term or long term, can be offered to increase the amount of email storage space afforded to the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on these proposed solutions in a timely manner.
O-15 Mar 17, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been an invaluable partner to the City of Cambridge and has taken great strives to be community partner to its surrounding residents; and
WHEREAS: In 2012, MIT's Task Force on Community Engagement in 2030 Planning recommended that a Graduate Student Housing Working Group be created to undertake a study of graduate student housing needs; and
WHEREAS: The goal of the working group is to "1. Evaluate the ways in which the graduate student housing needs are currently met, and identify strengths and weaknesses in the current system, and make recommendations for meeting graduate housing needs in the future"; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with a representative from MIT with the view in mind of arranging attendance by an MIT representative and the entire MIT Graduate Student Working Group to present the findings of the Graduate Student Housing Working Group to the City Council in either a roundtable or special meeting format.
O-16 Mar 17, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Foundry Building at 101 Rogers Street was acquired by the city as the result of a real estate development proposal from Alexandria Real Estate in 2012; in public forums since that time, there has been overwhelming community support for the Foundry to be reestablished as a multi-purpose community center; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to appropriate up to $6 million and move forward in facilitating the necessary initial capital improvements to the Foundry Building; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to engage residents and stakeholders in a community process to further establish the development objectives, building programming, governance and management strategies, and monetization strategies consistent with City Council goals for the Foundry building; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the legal and regulatory process necessary to collaborate with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), companies in the private and public sector, and/or local universities, and/or donors that are willing to partner with the City to achieve the desired development objectives in a manner most cost effective to the City and that ensures the City will retain a high degree of flexibility and control over the ultimate outcome before any additional future investment is made; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the best manner in which to implement and fund the future community use of the Foundry Building, and continue to provide periodic updates on the community process, anticipated schedule, funding, building programming, and status of the capital improvements to the Foundry Building.
O-17 Mar 17, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Mar 31, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the Superintendent of Schools and school administrators to provide an update to the City Council and School Committee on technology, achievement gap and other related issues.
O-18 Mar 17, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for May 12, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the purpose of the City Manager and appropriate City staff to provide the City Council with an overview of the capital budget and capital projects.
O-19 Mar 17, 2014
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for June 23, 2014 be changed to a Roundtable meeting for the purpose of discussing affordable housing.
O-20 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor regarding the possibility of contacting the Attorney General's Office and requesting that a representative be made available to attend an upcoming Open Meeting Law training for the City Council.
O-21 Mar 17, 2014
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Cambridge have long supported women's rights and have been on the forefront of protecting women's rights especially a woman's right to choose; and
WHEREAS: In 2007 Massachusetts became the only state in the country to pass a law creating 35 foot buffer zones in front of abortion clinics to quell aggressive demonstrations that have congested sidewalks and to prevent harm to individuals entering clinics; and
WHEREAS: Supreme Court of the United States is currently reviewing the case of Eleanor McCullen v. Martha Coakley where they will be deciding if the 2007 Massachusetts law is constitutional or not based on the First Amendment right of freedom of free speech; and
WHEREAS: The law was enacted after years of violence, chaos, and threats surrounding the entrances to clinics and with the goal to protect individuals from harm, their privacy, and allowing access to clinics; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has had a past history of public safety concerns at clinics including an incident in 1994 where two individuals were shot and killed at a Planned Parenthood clinics; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Council go on record urging the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the Massachusetts Buffer Zone law which ensures safety and privacy and protects the lives of women and clinic workers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Supreme Court of the United States on behalf of the entire City Council.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
Meeting Purpose: The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a re-filed zoning petition by the City Council, originally filed by John Chun, et al, requesting to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge in the entire district currently zoned Residence B located in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood, situated north of Concord Avenue, south of and adjacent to the municipal boundary with the Town of Belmont by deleting the designation Residence B and substituting therefore a designation Residence A-2.
Meeting Details - Date and Time: Feb 20, 2014 at 4:14 PM.
Location: Sullivan Chamber
Attendees
Councillor Carlone, Co-Chair; Councillor Cheung; Councillor Mazen; Councillor McGovern; and Mayor Maher; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Jeff Roberts, Land Use and Zoning Planner, CDD; and Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk.
Other Attendees
Danica Mari, 23 Normandy Avenue; Ed Hovsepian, 46 Loomis Street; Ann George, l Normandy Avenue; Ann Sobolewski, Posternak, Blankstein & Lund, LLP, 800 Boylston Street, Boston; Patricia Amoroso, 40 Loomis Street; Clare Fabianski, 75 Blanchard Road; and Nancy Jordalen, 73 Blanchard Road.
Minutes
Councillor Carlone stated that a quorum being present convened the meeting at 4:14pm and stated the purpose. He announced that the meeting is being audio and video recorded.
Mayor Maher gave a brief history of the petition. In the fall neighbors where concerned with changes that could happen to the neighborhood. The concerns were regarding tear downs of single and two family homes with the possible replacement with multiple townhouse development. The timing of this was not ideal because there were projects that were moving quickly. The petition was filed by John Chun to put an A district over a B district. An A district is the most restrictive district that the City has and it was not the most appropriate way to go, but this was done to keep what is currently in place until there was time to do further research to prepare a good zoning petition for the neighborhood. The timing of the last legislative term came up against the new legislative term. This is the reason that the zoning petition was re-filed. The Ordinance Committee held a hearing and the Planning Board held a hearing. Most of the lots on Griswold Street, Sunset Road and Normandy Avenue are typical lots of a B district; between 2-5,000 square feet. The Loomis Street side abuts the commercial district and the lots are larger and are around 10,000 square feet. After the first hearing it was determined that perhaps an overlay district on the larger lots on Loomis Street would be something to look at. This was also discussed at the Planning Board. He spoke about the integrity of the neighborhood and the possibility of not allowing townhouses. The goal was to limit development to single and two family homes or limiting the number of units put on the site. The Community Development was preparing language that the City Council could look at but do not have this language today. As a result of this hearing the proposed language change will come back to the Ordinance Committee and the City Council. On the downside the goal has been to do this in an expedited fashion in an effort to not prevent any neighbor on any of the surrounding streets from doing work to their homes. Currently if a neighbor went to pull a building permit to do a moderate change to their home it would be covered by the A district and this is not what people are looking for. He suggested this be done in a quick fashion to not impede homeowners from making changes to their homes.
Councillor Carlone noted a Memo # 2 distributed by the Community Development Department on the Chun, et al petition (ATTACHMENT A). Mr. Dash stated that this petition is scheduled to be discussed with the Planning Board on Mar 4, 2104 and will bring back more information to the Ordinance Committee. Mr. Roberts stated that this petition was discussed in November by the Planning Board. The concerns expressed by the neighbors were the potential conversion of lots that are single and two family lots to townhouse style development. The Planning Board was asked to look at the district and to look at if there was a rational to treat this district differently, based on the character of the neighborhood, than other Residential B districts. Also to look at the concerns by the neighbors regarding the traffic on Loomis Street and whether the development patterns and conditions at the end of Loomis Street were related to the traffic issue. This is an area uniform with single and two family homes unlike other Residential B districts which contain a variety of development types. There are 5 lots that are larger than normal that have townhouse development on these lots. There are two lots in the district, one lot at the corner of Griswold/ Concord Avenue and one at the end of Loomis Street that currently have single family homes but the lots have the potential to have up to 3 dwelling units under the Residential B district and could be developed into a three unit townhouse development. There is a vacant lot on Loomis Street and this is where the district converts from Residential to a historically industrial district. He stated that the public way on Loomis Street ends before it reaches the industrial district. Traffic from the industrial area comes through Loomis Street. Any traffic between Loomis Street and the industrial district is passing on private lots and not on the public way. The Planning Board requested that the district be looked at to maintain the uniformity of the district without creating excessive non-conformities or additional issues for the single and two family lots in the neighborhood.
Mr. Roberts discussed the options.
One option was to prohibit townhouse as a use type which would prohibit new townhouse development. On the larger single family lots there could still be redevelopment of three or more units but they must be detached buildings. The existing five townhouses would be non-conforming by use.
Another option was changing the minimum lot are within the district which would mean that lots that could potentially have three units would only be allowed two units. Only a two family home or two single family homes would be allowed to be built.
Another option was to have a special permit provision for townhouse development. He stated that if a townhouse development were proposed for the large vacant lot at the end of Loomis Street the Planning Board could look at the site and put conditions on the development that would help with cut through traffic or any other impact with the industrial use being adjacent to the residential district. Mr. Roberts stated that this is what is planned to be discussed with the Planning Board at its next meeting.
Councillor Carlone asked if other reasonable options were reviewed to solve the issue and that respect present ownership. Mr. Roberts stated that these are the approaches to address the issues that were raised. Mr. Dash stated that any of the options may be mixed with the statements made by Mayor Maher to focus on specific areas such as Loomis Street.
Councillor Carlone asked the City Council for their comments.
Councillor Mazen stated that he was looking for next set of recommendations. The set of outcomes on page two of the attached memo has a large range of potential outcomes.
Councillor Carlone commented that the other issue beyond the zoning was traffic from the industrial area going thru residential streets. Is there anything that the Ordinance Committee could do about this? Mr. Roberts stated that the zoning tools are limited for addressing lot access to public way. Site or design plan review could be reviewed. These tools are available through zoning. What properties have access to the public way is a matter of property law and right.
At 4:31pm Councillor Carlone opened the meeting to public comment.
Danica Mari, 23 Normandy Avenue, expressed thanks for the history of the petition. It was presented at the Planning Board that this was an impact to the entire neighborhood, but it is to focus on the one area. She did not know how to address the traffic issue. Loomis Street functions as a dead end.
Ed Hovsepian, 46 Loomis Street, stated that he is an adjacent abutter to the petitioner. He purchased the lot for development purposes. The options are workable. He is a developer and is sensitive to the neighborhood.
Ann George, 1 Normandy Avenue, represented the owner of 3 Normandy Avenue, Ms. Schipani, who was not timely notified of the first hearing on this petition. Ms. Schipani is opposed to the zoning change. Ms. George stated that all she heard about the issues from Mr. Chun were cars, trucks and the safety of children-- these are traffic issues not zoning issues. There is congestion on Loomis and Griswold Streets for parking, not with respect to cars driving. This is a parking issue. She stated that there are three corrections to what she perceives is the problem. She stated that Residents only parking may help with the number of people parking on the street. When there is a parking ban due to snow the City should tow the cars on Griswold Street so that the street can be adequately plowed. She suggested that at end of Loomis Street the industrial area has an opening to the street behind the business. She suggested that trucks be prohibited from the neighborhood and that the business owner exit the trucks from the industrial side of the site. These are traffic solutions to what is a traffic problem. She stated that 60 % of allowable units are in the A district. By her estimate there are 30% of homes in the neighborhood would be non-conforming to the subsequent zoning. Her client is opposed to the petition.
Ann Sobolewski, represented Mr. Gray on Loomis Street, and stated his opposition to petition and converting the existing townhouse into non- conforming use property. This would affect future changes and modification to those properties. There are other options investigated and would be interested in the other options. There have been attempts to block off traffic on Loomis Street from the industrial area.
Patricia Amoroso, 40 Loomis Street, she spoke in favor of the petition. She has 4 family members living in 4 different properties on Loomis Street and she speaks in favor for them. She wanted a framework created for the developers. This is an old-time neighborhood. She wanted the neighborhood to stay the way it is. She spoke about the industrial area traffic coming into Loomis Street; there is traffic from the other way too. Traffic is a concern; the space is limited. She welcomes change but wants constraints for the multi-unit dwellings.
Nancy Jordalen, 17 Blanchard Road, stated that she favored the most restrictive option available which is no townhouses. Access to the neighborhood is difficult; Concord Avenue is more congested as well as Route 2 and the rotary. It is not easily accessible to live here. It retains its charm because there is not a lot of turnover. No visitor pass to park is needed. The neighborhood is small and insulated, but it is not easily accessible. She favored it being zoned for single and two family homes.
Public comment closed at 4:55pm.
Councillor Cheung asked what the next steps are. Will there be another hearing on this petition.
Councillor Carlone stated that the Planning Board will meet on Mar 4th to discuss the range of 4 options and modifications of the options. The City Council needs to hear back from the Planning Board after their meeting.
Mayor Maher suggested holding the matter in committee awaiting the Planning Board recommendations and holding another Ordinance Committee hearing. This is a unique neighborhood. He would like to see the City center the change to the neighborhood concerns and the property lots affected.
Councillor Cheung stated that this makes sense. He toured the neighborhood and his impression is that there are a few bad actors developing properties out of scale and out of spirit of Cambridge for affordability and diversity. Developers have found loopholes and are working around them. If this entire area does not allow townhouses and only allows single and two family houses what will this be? He is worried about the unintended consequence that in the future the only people who will be able to purchase a house in this area are those who purchased property a long time ago or those who are wealth. This is a vibrant and close knit neighborhood and he wants to ensure that people with moderate means can have access to the neighborhood.
Councillor Carlone stated that he has a background in urban design and he feels that the City should encourage development that is in character with the neighborhood and not create something completely out of place.
Councillor Cheung moved that the matter remain in committee awaiting the recommendations from the Planning Board. The motion carried on a voice vote of four members.
Councillor Carlone thanked all attendees for their presence.
Adjournment
On motion of Councillor Carlone the hearing adjourned at 4:57pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis Carlone, Co-Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-01. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on the feasibility of providing the City's calendar on the cambridgema.gov website as a Google calendar.
Councillor Simmons 01/27/14 (O-6)
14-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of allowing Cambridge residents and visitors to pay parking violations instantly via cell phone application.
Councillor Cheung 02/10/14 (O-2)
14-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on engaging with the leadership of Globe Direct to ensure that Cambridge residents who have not subscribed to weekly Globe Direct circulars and have indicated that they do not wish to receive more are promptly removed from further distribution lists.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Carlone 02/10/14 (O-3)
14-07. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what steps would be necessary to change the method by which surplus votes are transferred in municipal elections and whether the Fractional Transfer Method could replace the Cincinnati Method and whether this requires a Charter Change.
Councillor Carlone & Councillor Mazen 02/10/14 (O-6)
14-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the State Department of Public Health factored in appropriateness of site and local support for the Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey 02/10/14 (O-8)
14-09. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of new Lechmere Station development and plans for the current Lechmere site.
Councillor Toomey 02/24/14 (O-3)