Cambridge City Council meeting - April 7, 2025 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Cambridge Public Schools’ long-term facilities condition assessment. (CM25#76) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Interim School Superintendent David Murphy, Councillors Wilson, Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern; Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the re-appointment of Karim El Razzaz and the appointment of Raul Ripoll Vera and Sarah Figge Hussain as a members of the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. (CM25#77)
Appointments Confirmed 9-0
CM25#77 Apr 7, 2025
I am writing to recommend the following re-appointment and appointments to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC) for a term of three years, effective April 7, 2025:
CIRC, which was established in 2016, acts as a centralizing force in the City to deal with immigrant rights and citizenship issues, providing information, referral, guidance, coordination, offering and providing technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship. CIRC also works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against immigrants because of their status as immigrants and/or non-citizens.
This work is accomplished through educating the community and Commissioners about the rights of immigrants residing in Cambridge and the opportunities available to enhance immigrant participation in the Cambridge community through engagement with City services, resources, programs and local and regional efforts to address immigrants’ particular needs, with a focus on language access.
Commissioners must live or work in Cambridge, and support staff and the Language Justice Division, to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123). CIRC is made up of eleven volunteer members who reside in Cambridge and who bring their knowledge of the immigrant experience, as immigrants themselves or as persons whose life work is with immigrant-serving organizations.
The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for CIRC on the City website and via a news release first on February 6, 2025, with a closing date of March 10, 2025. Additionally, during that time, members of the Commission conducted outreach with their networks. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website.
There were 16 applicants, 4 of whom were interviewed. Of those 4, the interview panel, made up of City staff members and a current Commissioner, has recommended the appointment of 2 of those applicants.
Re-Appointment:
Karim El Razzaz: Mr. El Razzaz has been an active member of the Commission, attending meetings regularly and recommending topics for Commission engagement. An immigrant from Egypt, Mr. El Razzaz works for the City of Somerville’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. In the past, Mr. El Razzaz was the Community Project Manager with the Islamic Society of Boston (in Cambridge) and cares deeply about the Islamic faith community and the challenges faced by Muslim immigrants. His perspective and dedication make him a valued member of the Commission.
New Appointments:
Raul Ripoll Vera: Having navigated the complexities of the U.S. immigration system firsthand, Mr. Vera is deeply committed to supporting immigrant families and advocating for their rights. His journey involved understanding the intricacies of the U.S. school system, healthcare, taxes, and visa transitions, each step presenting its own challenges. At the heart of these difficulties, he encountered a critical gap: a lack of accessible, tailored information for families like his.
Mr. Vera is especially grateful for the Cambridge Affordable Housing Program, which provided his family with stable housing at a time when they were struggling to remain in the city. This program played a crucial role in their journey toward stability. Just one year into the affordable rent program, Mr. Vera and his family transitioned into the first-time homebuyers program and were eventually able to purchase their own home in Cambridge.
His experience has given him a deep appreciation for the importance of accessible resources and support networks for immigrant families. This appreciation fuels his dedication to volunteering with CIRC, where he hopes to use his knowledge and lived experience to help other immigrants navigate their own paths. Mr. Vera’s insight, resilience, and commitment make him a strong advocate and a valuable addition to the Commission.
Sarah Figge Hussain: Ms. Hussain has been working with immigrant community members in Cambridge since 2017. With firsthand experience navigating the immigration process in both the U.S. and India—alongside her husband, who is an immigrant—she understands the challenges, stress, and uncertainty many individuals face.
Currently, Ms. Hussain serves as a Program Coordinator and Family Literacy Class Advisor at the Community Learning Center. In this role, she recruits, onboards, and supports student interns throughout and beyond the seven-month program while also reporting to the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advisory Committee. She provides in-class digital literacy education and helps students engage with City services and initiatives, such as Center for Families programs and CSP services, including application support. Additionally, she assists students with issues related to immigration status, housing, childcare, food, clothing, and public assistance.
Ms. Hussain is deeply committed to ensuring that all community members—regardless of immigration status or language spoken—have access to essential resources and that their rights are protected. She will be an important voice on the Commission.
I am pleased to recommend these individuals whose expertise and experience will enable them to be valuable members of CIRC.
I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and, with your approval, look forward to their re-appointment and new appointments.
3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will be used to support a Mass Notification System Service to continue and enhance efforts to notify the public of emergency situations. (CM25#78)
Order Adopted 9-0
4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed amendment to the Drought Ordinance. (CM25#79) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Unfinished Business #4 brought forward; Placed on File 9-0
ORDERS
1. That the City Council send a formal invitation to Mr. Gerald Chan to come before the Economic Development and University Relations Committee to answer questions and present his plans for the Harvard Square Movie Theater, as well as his other vacant properties in the City. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (PO25#49)
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern (paradoxically endorsing nostalgia and preservation while simultaneously endorsing wholesale changes in built environment); comments by Siddiqui re: legal imitations in what Council can do; comments by Wilson, Simmons; Toner proposes amendment to bring in 23 other vacant storefront owners; Zusy supports amendment, wants to extend to other property owners but without shaming; McGovern OK with amendment but expects this will take several meetings, dismisses suggestion that this is “shaming”; Zusy suggests that singling out one property owner not ideal, there are broader considerations; Amendment Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
2. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson (PO25#50)
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern with some history of funding for this facility; Sobrinho-Wheeler advocates for keeping it open beyond ARPA funding; Wilson comments; Yi-An Huang notes current funding is ~$3 million/year which would likely rise, contracts would need to be extended, more information for these and similar services will be forthcoming; Charter Right - Toner
3. City Council support of S.447/H.750, S.456, H.556, and H.572 to ensure high school students receive CPR and AED training, equipping the next generation with life-saving skills. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner (PO25#51)
pulled by Toner - noting premature death of his father due to heart attack; Toner added as sponsor 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent); Sobrinho-Wheeler also notes premature death of his father due to heart attack; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)
4. That the City Council formally go on record to urge, in the strongest possible terms, the Harvard Corporation to stand up in defense of the values that are fundamental to both the University and our democracy; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to act with urgency and coordinate a response and consult with all relevant city, regional, and state entities to develop a united front and take all action possible to counter this assault on the foundational values of our city as a center of higher learning. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (PO25#52)
Comments by Nolan; Yi-An Huang remarks noting centuries-old relationship between Harvard and Cambridge, need to stand up to Trump Administration and their unlawful actions; Simmons and all councillors ask to be added as sponsors and that this be also directed to our legislative delegation; Siddiqui notes Globe opinion article by Niko Bowie and Benjamin Edelson entitled “Harvard’s Moment of Truth”; McGovern comments re: “vindictive bullies” (irony noted); Azeem asks about what actions City could take; Yi-An Huang notes that having City Council on record is important, ongoing meetings with the Harvard Corporation, action of taking a $750 million bond to ensure liquidity in the event of shut-off of federal funding, growing set of faculty and alumni speaking up, “there is a voice of truth and integrity that needs to come out”; Nolan amendment Adopted as Amended 9-0
CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 re: Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025] (CM25#71) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW) along with Charter Right #3; Placed on File 9-0
2. On the Annexation of Boston and Formation of MegaCambridge on April 1. [Charter Right – Azeem. Mar 31, 2025] (Res25#77 - Joke Resolution)
pulled by Zusy; Azeem motion to Withdraw Accepted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Wilson Absent)
R-12 Mar 31, 2025 Charter Right - Azeem
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Cambridge was originally founded to be the capital of Massachusetts in 1630 before this esteemed status was assigned to Boston, a historic slight that demands rectification; and
WHEREAS: The annexation of Boston would serve as a culmination of a 400-year-old grudge, fulfilling Cambridge’s long-standing municipal security needs to create a buffer zone around Harvard and MIT, safeguarding intellectual capital and bicycle lanes from undue external influence; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston possesses an abundance of strategic resources essential for the continued prosperity of Cambridge, including Dunkin’ Donuts locations, Fenway, and untapped artisanal craft breweries; and
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge formally initiates conversations to annex the City of Boston on April 1st, 2025; and now therefore be it
RESOLVED: that a copy of this resolution, exploring the exciting possibilities of a unified “MegaCambridge”, be sent to each Boston City Councillor and Mayor Michelle Wu.
3. That the City Manager and appropriate staff move forward with Option 4 to reopen Garden Street to two-way traffic while maintaining separated bike lanes. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025] (PO25#47)
pulled by Toner along with Charter Right #1; JSW proposed amendment by substitution calling for more analysis and not moving forward with Option #4; Toner expresses appreciation for JSW amendment but wants to move forward with 2-way preference; Nolan notes that there have already been many changes to other road redesigns, supports bi-directional bike lanes as safest alternative; Siddiqui aligns w/JSW; Azeem agrees w/JSW amendment and focuses on cost of different options; TPT Director Brooke McKenna suggests estimated cost of Option #4 to be $137,000 with timeline of Summer 2026, additional costs associated w/utilities; Azeem uses cost to rationalize making no changes; Zusy suggests that JSW amendment would just be “kicking the can down the road”, need to take a vote on this now and resolve outstanding issues re: loading zones, etc.; Wilson appreciates spirit of JSW amendment, notes that these issues are city-wide pinning neighbors against each other, making movement across the city difficult, insufficient outreach to those affected; McGovern notes dissatisfaction of some neighbors but wants to keep current configuration; JSW Amendment Fails 4-5 (BA,MM,SS,JSW-Yes; PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-No); Toner notes that some will be unhappy either way, resounding push-back after restricting to 1-way; Nolan notes that many came out in support for Option #1 (keep 1-way) due to organized effort, speaks in support of bi-directional bike lanes, notes $50 million on Mass. Ave. due to provision of bike lanes; Zusy notes that while TPT reports were rational there is also need for safety for drivers and not just cyclists, 42,000 registered vehicles and Garden Street a strongly preferred route for hundreds of years, rollover accidents caused by current configuration, school-related traffic increases anticipated; Siddiqui says safety data supports Option #1, but McKenna says crash analysis has not been done, acknowledges increase in rollover crashes but does not ascribe cause; McKenna notes potential congestion problems (which is interesting in that the TPT position has been in favor of congestion in that it leads to reduced speeds); Yi-An Huang notes that bike lane debates among most contentious in many communities, notes the many trade-offs; Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan notes thought given by TPT in regard to Garden Street and other streets where road configurations are planned, notes that all four options provide safe passage for all users; Wilson comments on difficult and divisive conversation, notes similar shifting points of view in Cambridge and other communities, fact that there have been fatalities last year - all on roads with separated bike lanes; JSW notes that if Option #4 is chosen there are limited means to provide replacement parking or loading zones (which didn’t seem to be a concern for the Mass. Ave. bike lanes); McGovern expresses concerns about the “pendulum” of changing back and forth, acknowledges complaints about Brattle Street bi-directional bike lanes; McKenna notes concerns about people not looking both ways when crossing bi-directional bike lanes; Simmons motion to end debate Prevails 8-1 (SS-No); Order (to move forward w/Option #4 - 2-way operation of Garden Street) Adopted 5-4 (PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW-No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Note: The notion that the City Council should not be making decisions on road configurations that would revert Garden Street to 2-way traffic is ironic to say the least. The entire (amended) Cycling Safety Ordinance that mandated specific treatments for specific roads was based on this same sort of “political traffic engineering”. It seems pretty clear to many of us that this level of micromanagement is fundamentally problematic, and it is, in fact, the rigidity of the timelines that were established in the Ordinance that have created all of this mess. I will add that this entire topic is mainly about “winning” for the Cambridge Bike Safety group.
Calendar Item #3 Mar 31, 2025
COUNCILLOR TONER
ORDERED: That the City Manager and appropriate staff move forward with Option 4 to reopen Garden Street to two-way traffic while maintaining separated bike lanes.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Cambridge Municipal Code 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 24, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained Apr 7, 2025] (ORD25#8) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Ordained as Amended 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Aaron Berman, re: Support for Garden St option 1.
2. Aaron Greiner, re: Keep Garden Street as-is (Option 1).
3. Aaron Gunderson, re: Garden St Road Design.
4. Abigail Donohoe, re: Garden Street.
5. Abigail White, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5, in support of Option #1.
6. Adam Baratz, re: City Manager’s Agenda #5, in support of Option 1.
7. Adam Brod, re: Garden Street: Restore 2-way traffic the whole way.
8. Adam Luban, re: City Manager Agenda Item 5 in support of Opt. 1, no change on Garden.
9. Adam Odzer, re: In Support of Garden St Option #1.
10. Adi Osovsky, re: Garden Street 2-way; Option 4.
11. Adriana Messina, re: Option 1 for Garden St - Safe streets.
12. Adriane Bishko, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
13. Adriane Musgrave, re: Support Garden St. Bike Lanes.
14. Agnes Huszti, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden.
15. Aimee Scott, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
16. AJ Hodgson, re: Garden Street- don’t cheat the people!
17. Akim Lennhoff, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
18. Alex Galimberti, re: Garden Street bike lane.
19. Alexander von Hoffman, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
20. Alice Sullo, re: Garden Street.
21. Alison Anna Bensted, re: Garden Street - please please restore to two lanes!
22. Alison Munroe, re: support for current configuration of Garden St.
23. Allison, re: Garden St One Way.
24. Ally Chang, re: City Manager’s agenda #5 in support of Option #4.
25. Alyssa, re: Garden Street.
26. Amanda Leifer, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
27. Amar Bhide, re: Fwd URGENT Garden Street in jeopardy - PLEASE E-MAIL CITY COUNCIL TODAY.
28. Amy Clarkson, re: In support of the following.
29. Amy Singer, re: In support of Option #4 to restore two-way traffic on Garden Street.
30. Andrea Karls, re: City Manager item #5 In favor of Option #1: No change to Garden Street.
31. Andrea Yakovakis, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
32. Andreea Ilisei, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 In Support of Option #: NO Change on Garden St.
33. Andrew Chess, re: Support for Option 4: 2-way Garden St. entire stretch that was made one-way.
34. Andrew Elk, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
35. Andrew Rueb, re: Option #4.
36. Andrew Ullmann, re: Urgent Request to Maintain One-Way Street Configuration on Garden Street.
37. Angela Kimberk, re: Our squares and corridors.
38. Ann Densmore, re: Please restore 2-way traffic on Garden.
39. Ann Elliott-Holmes, re: Garden Street.
40. Ann Neczypor, re: Garden Street.
41. Anna Ferrigno, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
42. Anne Lowell, re: Our squares and corridors.
43. Annette LaMond and Joe Moore, re: Building Heights in Corridors & Squares.
44. Annette LaMond and Joe Moore, re: Please Return Garden Street to Two-Way Traffic (Option 4).
45. Annette LaMond and Joe Moore, re: Please Support Renewal of Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
46. Annie Barnett, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden St.
47. Annie Shapiro, re: keep Garden St safe for bikers.
48. Arleen Henry, re: Our squares and corridors.
49. Arthur L. Gilman, re: Garden St. Two-way Traffic.
50. Arti Pandey, re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
51. Ashley G. Pittman, re: PO#1: please do NOT revert to two-way traffic on Garden St, leave as presently configured.
52. Audra Dainora, re: Option 4 - Garden Street 2-way.
53. Austin Ledzian, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
54. Axel Kilian, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
55. Ayal Naor, re: Please vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
56. Sabina Islam, re: Subject City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
57. Bannus Van der Kloot and Arianna Moshary, re: Keep Garden St safe and comfortable.
58. Barbara Anthony, re: Garden Street.
59. Saj-Nicole Joni and Katherine Chi - Restore, re: Garden Street to 2-way traffic.
60. Sally Edmonds, re: to not destroy our City and vote to support Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District, no more upzoning areas and Return Garden Street to 2-way traffic.
61. Sam Polzin re: renewal of the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
62. Sam Ribnick Please don’t change Garden St.
63. Barbara Glick, re: Garden Street.
64. Sara Dadkhah re: City Manager’s Agenda Item 5 in support of Option 1: No change on Garden.
65. Sara Levy re: support Option #4
66. Barbara H. Lloyd, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
67. Sara Rostampour re: Please maintain current design of Garden St.
68. Barbara Lemmel, re: Please don’t change Garden Street Back to 2-Way.
69. Barbara Sinclair Noyce, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
70. Sarah Bazarian re: Cambridge City Council Meeting 3/31 Testimony.
71. Sarah Block re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1
72. Barry Mazur, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
73. Belinda Rathbone, re: Our squares and corridors.
74. Sarah Gordon re: Keep Garden St one-way.
75. Sarah Messenger, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
76. Ben Wurgaft, re: Our squares and corridors.
77. Sarah Ouadghiri re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
78. Scott Kilcoyne, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option #1).
79. Seth Riskin re: Support retaining renewal of Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
80. Sharon Mombru to Support Option #4 - Garden Street.
81. Sharon Sears VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
82. Shawdee Eshghi, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
83. Benjamin Flaim, re: Garden Street fix.
84. Bennett Garner, re: Garden Street support for option 1.
85. Shehime Arshad, re: Garden Street.
86. Shelagh Hadley, re: Garden Street 2-way traffic.
87. Betsy V. G. Mariere, re: Fairness and support for Paul Toner.
88. Bill Kimball, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
89. Shellburne Thurber re: Garden Street.
90. Bill Kirtley, re: No change on Garden Street.
91. Bill Luther, re: One-Way Traffic on Garden Street.
92. Shireen Damghani, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
93. Bill McAvinney, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5: Keep Garden St safe by keeping it one way (Option #1).
94. Shoma Aditya Support for Option 4 for Garden St. proposal.
95. Simon Williams, re: Zoning to protect solar.
96. Bob Hsiung, re: Garden St. Bike Lane.
97. Bob Leigh, re: Garden Street two-way traffic.
98. Sonia TAKTAK, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
99. Bob Stern and Fran Arnold, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
100. Stephanie Berk and Charles Welch Please return Garden St. to 2-way.
101. Bob Stern, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
102. Stephen Helfer PLZ MAKE GARDEN ST TWO-WAYS.
103. Bonnie Albright, re: Parking on Garden Street.
104. Steve Dickman re: Garden Street - please support Option #4.
105. Steven Seeche VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
106. Bonnie Bertolaet, re: Fwd Letter of support for BioMed Realty and 320 Charles St.
107. Brady McNamara, re: Keep Garden St. Safe!
108. Brendan Hickey, re: Keep Garden one-way.
109. Stu Rosner re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
110. Brennan Waters, re: Yay bike lanes, yay housing.
111. Sue Wentworth re: the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
112. Brian Liang, re: Garden St. Bike Lane.
113. Susan Labandibar re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
114. Brian O’Keeffe, re: Upzoning city wide-YES!!
115. Susan M. Carter, re: Current City Planning Decisions.
116. Caitlin Heber, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
117. Camilla Elvis, re: Keep Garden Street as is - option 1.
118. Susan Reed, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
119. Susan Strang re: Our squares and corridors.
120. Susan Turner re: Garden St. change opt 2,3.
121. Susanne Freidberg re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
122. Suzanne Blier re: Keep Marsh NCD, Make Garden 2-Way, & Pause Corridors until we have a plan.
123. Candice Driver, re: BioMed Letter of Support.
124. Suzanne Schell re: City Council Agenda #6 Toner must resign.
125. Suzanne Watzman re: Option #4 for Garden Street.
126. Suzanne Watzman re: Our squares and corridors.
127. Tania Maxwell and Chris Osborne re: Garden Street.
128. Tania Yannas Re: Garden Street 2-way + Option 4,5.
129. Tara R Greco re: Our squares and corridors.
130. Ted Live re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
131. Ted Live supporting Garden Street option 4.
132. Theresa Cloutier regardiing Keep Garden Street safer and more comfortable with design option #1 - it’s one of my favorite bike routes in Cambridge.
133. Thomas Anninger re: Let him who is without sin cast the first stone: Paul Toner should not resign.
134. Thomas Collet, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
135. Thomas Hentschel re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
136. Tim Covello re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - in Support for Option #1 (No Change to Garden Street).
137. Tim Russell Prioritizing Student Safety and Accountability, Comments on CM25#71 and PO#6.
138. Tina Lieu re: My public comment Policy #5 (keep Garden St. as is) #6 (remove Paul Toner from committee assignments and council).
139. Tina Lieu re: Policy Order #6.
140. Tina Lieu re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
141. Tiya Miles and Joe Gone re: Please Restore Garden as Decided by the Council.
142. Todd Rogers re: Agenda Item 5 in support of Option 1: No change on Garden.
143. Tom Culotta re: Recommendation to Restore Two-Way Traffic on Garden Street.
144. Tom Hirschi re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
145. Tom Rodriguez re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
146. Tommasina Olson re: Our squares and corridors, THIS IS INSULTING TO ALL BOSTON RESIDENTS!
147. Travis McGrath Writing in support of maintaining Garden St’s Safe Design.
148. Ryan Grams, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
149. Ruthann Rudel, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1) - CM25#71.
150. Carlos Loya, re: Re_ Please help Daycare in Cambridge - Elizabeth’s Daycare Huron Street - Case Study and learning for City of Cambridge.
151. Carol Anastasi, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
152. Carol Birnbaum, re: Our squares and corridors.
153. Trina Lorch re: Garden Street - Option #4.
154. Van Wallach VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
155. Vanessa Ruget Please restore Garden Street to two-way traffic.
156. Virginia Maurer re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
157. Ruth Ryals, re: Policy Order #6.
158. Virginia Pye re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
159. Ruth Plaut Weinreb, re: Preserve the current historic Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
160. Wayne Marshall Re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
161. Will Borchard re: Keep Garden Street as is.
162. Ruth Allen, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
163. Will Golay and Linh Pham Concerning City Manager’s Agenda Item #5: Support for Option #1.
164. Russ Haddleton, re: Garden Street lanes.
165. Rumiko Pacifis, re: Keep Garden Street 1-WAY for SAFETY - City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1.
166. Roy Russell, re: Garden Street (tonights City Manager’s Agenda Item #5).
167. Rosemary Downer, re: Restoring Garden Street to 2-way traffic.
168. Ron and Emily Axelrod, re: SUPPORT FOR OPTION 1, CM#5 - March 31 2025.
169. Robin Tan, re: City Manager’s Agenda item #5 (Garden St).
170. Robin Chase, re: Garden St bike and car lanes.
171. Robert Skenderian, re: Garden Street.
172. Robert Fein, re: Please make Garden St two-way again.
173. Carol Goss, re: GARDEN STREET.
174. Robert Camacho, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
175. Robert Camacho, re: Our squares and corridors.
176. Rob Vandenabeele, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
177. Rob Everts, re: Restore Garden Street to 2-Way Traffic.
178. Rita Laguna, re: Yes for One-Way Garden St! Please keep us safer!
179. Carol Hauser, re: City Manager’s Agenda item #5 in support of Option #1.
180. William A. Graham re: Garden Street.
181. Carol Lee Rawn, re: Keep Current Configuration of Garden Street (Option 1).
182. Carol N. Weiss, re: Our squares and corridors.
183. William Graham re: Our squares and corridors.
184. William Morse re: Garden St. bike lanes.
185. Richard Freierman, re: Garden Street.
186. Carol Weinhaus, re: Our squares and corridors.
187. Carole Stern, re: Our squares and corridors.
188. Yolande Bennett re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
189. Caroline Adler, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
190. Young Kim Envision Cambridge Zoning Changes.
191. Caroline Lowenthal, re: Keep Garden St as is (support for option 1).
192. Young Kim re: My Oral Comment 3/31/2025.
193. Caroline Whitney, re: Garden Street.
194. Young Kim Reject Recommendation of Committee Report #1 from Joint NLTP and Housing.
195. Carolyn Fuller, re: Bystander Training re: ICE.
196. Carolyn Fuller, re: Garden Street.
197. Carolyn Stonewell, re: Monday meeting.
198. Casey Hogle, re: DON’T change Garden Street.
199. Casey Silver, re: TAKE ACTION TODAY (w/fixed link): Tell the Council to Keep Garden St safe and comfortable.
200. Casey Szilagyi, re: Keep Garden as is (option #1) and don’t renew the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
201. Larry Cetrulo and Lynn Cetrulo, re: Garden Street Safety Improvement Report.
202. Catherine Coleman, re: I support Option 4.
203. Catherine Conrow, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1 (No change on Garden).
204. O. Robert Simha re: Garden Street - traffic changes.
205. Larry Ward, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
206. Oliver Newman City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
207. Catherine Hoffman, re: What does repair look like?
208. Laura B. Roberts, re: upzoning.
209. Olivia Weisser re: Garden St.
210. Laura Conrow, re: Keep Garden a One-Way Street – Agenda Item #5, Option #1.
211. Catherine Santrock, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
212. Olivia Weisser Re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
213. Pamela Blau Keep Garden Street as is.
214. Laura Palumbo-Hanson, re: Restore 2-way on Garden Street.
215. Cathryn Herbst, re: Garden St Bike Lanes – Keep Option 1.
216. Pamela Enders and Bob Weber re: Garden Street Bike Lanes.
217. Celeste Ng, re: Agenda Item #5 - I support Option #1 (No change on Garden).
218. Pamela Winters re: Our squares and corridors.
219. Chantha Carter, re: Comments for Agenda #6.
220. Pat re: Paul Toner.
221. Charles Dewing, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
222. Pat re: Paul Toner.
223. Lauren Doctoroff, re: City manager’s agenda item #5 in support of Option #1: no change.
224. Patrice M. Miller VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
225. Lauren P. Burka, re: Garden Street is fine, Don’t mess with it.
226. Patricia David Please support this critical issue - make Garden Street two-way again!
227. Patricia Feliciano re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
228. Laurence Lesser, re: Garden Street redesign.
229. Patricia McGrath Please support these 3 critical issues.
230. Charles Krueger, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1 No change on Garden.
231. Laurence Lesser, re: tomorrow’s meeting.
232. Patrick Barton support for Option #4 Garden St.
233. Charlotte Bingaman, re: Make Garden Street 2-way car lanes again.
234. Patrick Murray re: Garden Street Decision.
235. Chelsea Kendall, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
236. Pattiemsw Heyman Please support these 3 critical issues.
237. Laurent Adamowicz, re: Keep Garden Street 1-WAY for SAFETY - City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1.
238. Paul Cronin re: Option #4.
239. Paul Lee re: two-way traffic on Garden St.
240. Lawrence J. Adkins, re: Sex Work & Sex Trafficking.
241. Paul Rhodes re: Keep Garden St Safe! Choose Option 1.
242. Chris Willard, re: please restore 2-way Garden Street.
243. Layla Cable, re: Our squares and corridors.
244. Ann Fleck-Henderson re: Paul Toner should resign.
245. Leah Tynan, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
246. Lee Farris, re: 100% affordable housing on city lots, support of PO#3.
247. Lee Farris, re: Support for PO#4 on immigrant rights.
248. Perry Lubin re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - Garden St. is good as-is.
249. Lee Jenkins, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
250. Chris Willard, re: SAVE CAMBRIDGE & Stop Building Tall Buildings.
251. Peter Glick re: Garden Street--In Support of Option #4.
252. Len von Morze, re: Garden St Project.
253. Peter James re: Our squares and corridors.
254. Lenni Armstrong, re: Traffic on Garden Street.
255. Christine M. Cannava, re: Option 4.
256. Peter James Our squares and corridors.
257. Leslie Bliss, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
258. Peter Kelsey re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
259. Leslie Jeng and Jon Biotti, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
260. Peter Kuhlmann re: Garden Street Bike Lane.
261. Peter Norris re: Our squares and corridors.
262. Lincoln Craven-Brightman, re: Keep Garden St. the way it is, please.
263. Christine Slywotzky, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
264. Peter Nugent re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
265. Linda Moussouris, re: Political events in Cambridge, Garden St., Broadway & Towers on the Corridors.
266. Peter Yeager VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
267. Linda Viens, re: Writing in Support of Option#4!!!
268. Philip Trackman maintain option 1 for Garden Street.
269. A communication was received Lisa Berkman, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET and bike lanes going on each side of street w/traffic.
270. Phillip Rothman re: SAVE CAMBRIDGE & Stop Building Tall Buildings.
271. Christine Tessier, re: Our squares and corridors.
272. Lisa Glover, re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
273. Phillip Sego Please support these 3 critical issues.
274. Lisa Ziegler, re: X VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
275. Phyllis Simpkins re: Garden Street.
276. Christopher Cullen, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
277. Lissa Galluccio, re: Support of Option #4.
278. Pjer Zanchi re: Garden Street disaster.
279. Christopher Dornin, re: I support Garden St. Option 1.
280. Liz Hanlon, re: Garden St Design - Support Option 1.
281. Prabal Chakrabarti Restore two-way to Garden (option #4).
282. Christopher Mackin, re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
283. Louis Menand and Alison Simmons, re: Garden Street.
284. Luca Campbell, re: Garden St options being discussed today.
285. Lydia Thompson, re: Keep Improvements to Garden Street.
286. Lyn Johnston, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden St.
287. Lynn Cetrulo, re: I support option 4.
288. M Philippides, re: Garden St., support for Option 4.
289. Madeleine Aster, re: Vote No to Garden Street Redesign - Fix Parking First.
290. Madeline Jacquet, re: For March 31st meeting.
291. Maggie Baratz, re: 531 Cambridge Petition Signatures to Leave Garden Street As-Is (Option #1).
292. Mai Nguyen, re: In support of Option 1.
293. Manny and Heather Pacheco, re: Garden Street (1).
294. Marc Herman, re: Please keep Garden Street one-way.
295. Rich Goode, re: Garden Street.
296. Marcelo Marchetti, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
297. Marci Spector, re: Garden St restoration to 2-ways.
298. Margaret Gadon, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
299. Rebekah Bjork, re: City Manager’s Agenda item #5.
300. Marilee Meyer, re: please renew Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
301. Randy Stern, re: Garden Street - Please pick option 1.
302. Marilee Meyer, re: please reject PO#3 - Zoning language.
303. Rachel Sussman, re: Garden St. Option #1.
304. Marilyn Wise, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
305. Rabbi David Kudan, re: Our squares and corridors.
306. Lakshay Sood, re: Supporting option #1 (current organization of bike lanes and traffic flow) re: Garden Street.
307. Lahra Tillman, re: Garden Street.
308. Maritza Soto, re: Comments from today’s City Council meeting re: Agenda Items 5 & 6.
309. Marjorie Hilton, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
310. Konstantinos Filiotis, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
311. Marjorie Hilton, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
312. Kitty Winter, re: Written statement re: PO#6.
313. Marjorie Hilton, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
314. Cid Tamagno, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
315. Mark Boswell, re: CMA Item #5: SUPPORT for OPTION 1.
316. Kitty Ascrizzi, re: Option 1 for Garden St.
317. Claire Goodman, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
318. Mark Dibble, re: in support of returning Garden Street to two-way vehicular traffic.
319. Kiersten Kerby-Patel, re: Don’t change the Garden St. bike lane.
320. Claire Wagner, re: Garden Street bidirectional traffic.
321. Mark Eisenberg, re: Garden Street bike lane.
322. Kevin Whalen, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
323. Claudia Caslon, re: Please restore Garden Street to two-way traffic and ease the chaos on Concord and surrounding streets.
324. Mark Kon, re: concerns about mis-direction of Cambridge.
325. Kevin, re: Our squares and corridors.
326. Cody Dunne, re: Please keep the design of Garden St. (re: City Manager Agenda Item #5).
327. Kenneth Walton, re: Garden Street changes.
328. Connie Biewald, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
329. Cooper Nissenbaum, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden.
330. Kenneth Osgood, re: Re_ City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
331. Courcelle Stark, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of option #1.
332. Ken Carlson, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
333. Mark Steffen and Sharanya Iyer, re: Support Option #4 for Garden Street.
334. Craig A. Lambert, re: Yes to option #4.
335. Marlene Brown, re: Our squares and corridors.
336. Ken Carlson, re: Please disregard my last email-DO NOT RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
337. Cynthia Broner, re: Our squares and corridors.
338. Marni Clippinger, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
339. Ken Carlson, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1.
340. Cynthia Broner, re: Please vote to support 3 critical items.
341. Marty Mauzy, re: City Manager’s Agenda #5 in support of Option 1.
342. Cynthia Connard, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5.
343. Kathy Smith, re: Garden Street.
344. Mary Anne Carlsob, re: Restore Garden Street.
345. Cynthia Reid, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
346. Mary Byrne, re: Our squares and corridors.
347. Mary Byrne, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
348. Kathy Dahl, re: Garden Street.
349. Mary Ellen Wynn, re: Our squares and corridors.
350. Mary Jane Kornacki, re: Restore Garden Street to two-way traffic.
351. Kathleen Murphy, re: Garden St.
352. A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, re: Preserve Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District and reconsideration of tall buildings.
353. Kathleen Gallery, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
354. Mary K. Eliot, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
355. Katherine Slive, re: Garden Street 2-ways.
356. Mary Rowe, re: Support for option #4.
357. Mary Speta, re: The EMMA Coalition’s Statement on the Cambridge brothel case.
358. Katherine Beaty, re: Keep Garden St.’s current configuration.
359. Maryam Hussaini, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #4, 2-way traffic.
360. Kate Cetrulo Bjornlund, re: Untitled.
361. Maryann Doiron, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
362. Kasey Geremia, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
363. Matt Fox, re: Garden Street traffic.
364. Matthew Brelis, re: Our squares and corridors.
365. Karl Schmeckpeper, re: Keep Option 1 for Garden Street.
366. Matthew Leung, re: Opposition to Proposed Change from One-Way to Two-Way on Garden Street.
367. Matthew Sutton, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
368. Karin Öberg, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
369. Maureen Carey-Medlock, re: In support of Garden St. option 1.
370. Karen Crusco, re: Paul Toner.
371. Max Kaplan, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5: No change on Garden! Keep it safe! (Option 1)
372. Kai Grunewald, re: Please support Option #4.
373. Max Meinhold, re: Speaking to City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden Street.
374. Kai Feldman, re: Garden St bike lane.
375. Justin Abbey, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 – in support of Option #1 (No change on Garden).
376. Julieanna Bacon, re: Garden St.
377. Julie Ray, re: In favor of Option 1 for Garden St.
378. Julia Sharpe, re: Keep Garden Street as is (Option #1).
379. Julia Hansen, re: Keep Garden St the way it is! (option 1).
380. Julia Fuller, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
381. Judy Singer and Beth Gamse, re: Please return Garden St to Two-way traffic.
382. Judy Kugel, re: Restore Garden Street to two-ways.
383. Judy Bright, re: Garden Street 2-way + Option 4,5.
384. Judith Rosen, re: No more upzoning!
385. Judith Farris Bowman and Dorian Bowman, re: Council meeting 3/31/25.
386. Jude Sirois, re: Option 4.
387. Joyce Myers, re: Garden Street vote - support for option 4.
388. Joyce Devlin, re: Our squares and corridors.
389. Joshua Hartshorne, re: Taking away parking and loading from Garden Street is too expensive and In favor of POs #44 and #46.
390. Joseph Shipman, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
391. Joseph Poirier, re: CM Agenda Item 5 supporting Option 1: no change on Garden.
392. Joseph Nakhosteen, re: Garden Street.
393. Jonathan Haber, re: Agenda Item #5 - maintain Garden St. configuration.
394. Jonathan Freidin, re: Please support Option 1, current design for Garden Street.
395. Jonathan Elsner, re: Garden Street 2-way, Option 4.
396. Jonathan Dutch, re: Support for Garden Street Option #4.
397. Jonathan Ashcom, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
398. Jonathan Aaron, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
399. D. Biba, re: Vote YES on Option 4, restore Garden St. to two-way traffic.
400. Dalia Dainora, re: Option 4 for Garden St traffic.
401. Jon Chen, re: Support Option 1: Keep Garden Street Safe for All.
402. Dan Cottle, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
403. John Trever, re: Our squares and corridors and support Paul Toner.
404. Dan Mazur, re: Keep Half-Crown Marsh Conservation District!!
405. John Macomber, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
406. Dan Sprague, re: NCDs Reduce Housing in Cambridge.
407. John Leo, re: Keep Garden Street as is (City Manager Agenda Item #5).
408. John Henn, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
409. Dan Totten, re: Committee hearing on Bishop Allen lots.
410. John Hanratty, re: Restore Garden Street - Vote YES on Option #4 and order a fix to the parking, loading issue.
411. Dan Weissman, re: Garden St.
412. John Gazley, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5.
413. Dana Tighe, re: Option 4 Garden St.
414. John Ezekowitz, re: Support of the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Renewal.
415. Daniel Heller, re: Agenda 3/31/25.
416. John Bright, re: Strong support for Option #4 re: Garden St.
417. Daniel Palevski, re: Pedal Power Please!
418. McKelden Smith, re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District building heights.
419. Daniel Vlock, re: In support of Option 4 - 2-way traffic on Garden St.
420. Joe Nakhosteen, re: Garden Street.
421. Melanie Abrams, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - Please protect my safety.
422. Jody Garber, re: Garden Street Traffic Flow.
423. Jocie Sobieraj, re: option 1 for Garden St bike lanes.
424. Melanie Abrams, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - Please protect my safety.
425. Joanne Dermody Mullan, re: Leave Garden Street as is, Choose option #1.
426. Dave Halperin, re: Support keeping Garden St as is.
427. Meredith Lyngbaek, re: Maintain One-Way on Garden St.
428. Joanna Breyer, re: Garden St back to 2-way traffic.
429. Joan Krizack, re: Please Support.
430. Meredith Stoddard, re: Garden Street bike lanes.
431. Maggie, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
432. Joan Friebely, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
433. David Ager, re: Garden Street.
434. Michael Buck, re: Garden St.
435. David Byrne, re: Garden Street.
436. Michael Buck, re: Garden St.
437. Michael DeMichele, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
438. David Demme, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
439. Jill S., re: Please retain Garden Street AS IS.
440. Jill Crittenden, re: preserve Garden Street as one-way.
441. Michael Massagli, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
442. David Katz, re: I support OPTION 4.
443. David Keith, VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
444. Michael Sipser, re: Please return two-way traffic to Garden St.
445. David Mazumder, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
446. Michael Whelan, re: Option 1 is right for Garden St.
447. Jessy LeClair, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
448. Michal Regunberg, re: Our squares and corridors.
449. Michele Nasella, re: Our squares and corridors.
450. Jessica Bryant, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
451. Susan Ringler, re: Garden St. Vote to support OPTION #4.
452. Jerry Brown, re: Proposed changed on Garden St.
453. Michele Nasella, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
454. David Myers, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET and Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
455. Michele Nasella, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
456. Jerome Ryan, re: Bike Safety.
457. Michele Polese, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
458. Jeremy Burns, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
459. David Wyman, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
460. Jennifer Smith and John Little, re: Our squares and corridors.
461. Michelle Murray, re: support the Garden Street traffic design remaining as it is.
462. Davide Marini, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
463. Jennifer Payette, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
464. Jennifer Miles, re: April 1st City Council Meeting Actions Worth Supporting.
465. Mike R, re: Garden St. Bike Lane - maintain parking and bike infrastructure.
466. Deb Olken, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
467. Mike R, re: Opposing Half-Crown Marsh NCD renewal as written.
468. Jen Craft, re: concerned residents want more careful planning.
469. Mike Rodman, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
470. Debjani Banerji, re: Garden St.
471. Mike Rosenberg, re: No More Upzoning.
472. Deborah Valenze, re: Our squares and corridors.
473. Jeffrey Singer, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
474. Deepak Singh, re: Garden Street - 2-way.
475. Molly Cooper, re: Untitled.
476. Jeffrey S. Oishi, re: Garden Street preserve the current design.
477. Derek Lichter, re: City manager agenda item #5 - Garden St. support option 1.
478. Jeffrey R Williams, re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
479. Jeffrey Peterson, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
480. Nadia Mykolayevych, re: Our squares and corridors.
481. Jeff Whitley, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
482. Dewey Cyr, re: Re_ VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
483. Jeanne Petropoulos, re: Garden St.
484. Nancy Pendergas, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
485. Jean Spera, re: Our squares and corridors.
486. Diana Meservey and Thomas Dinwoodie, re: Support for Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District & other items.
487. Jean Leventhal, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
488. Nancy Preis, re: Garden Street.
489. Jean Kindleberger, re: Our squares and corridors.
490. Gabriel Grand Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
491. Diane Ballestas, re: Please support.
492. Jean Berry, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
493. Nancy Salzman, re: Our squares and corridors.
494. Gabriela Romanow Please support these 3 critical issues.
495. Jean Berko Gleason, re: Please preserve our city.
496. Diane Covello, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - Support for Option #1: No change on Garden Street.
497. Nancy Salzman, re: Our squares and corridors.
498. Jansen Manahan, re: Please keep the safe bike lanes and trees on Garden.
499. Diane Reposa, re: Option 4 Garden St.
500. Gary Madrigal re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
501. Janet Kinasewich, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
502. Diane, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
503. Naomi Karmel, re: Agenda Item 5.
504. Gayle and Steve to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
505. Jane Wolfson, re: Restoring Garden Street.
506. Don Abrams, re: Garden Street - Please leave it as it is.
507. Geet Sing re: Garden Street.
508. Nat Wang, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
509. Jane Williams, re: Our squares and corridors.
510. Donald and Susan Ware, re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
511. Jane Shih, re: PLEASE RESTORE GARDEN STREET.
512. Gene Hull to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
513. Nate Sharpe, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
514. Donna Marcantonio, re: Your Support to Maintain the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD).
515. Jane Murphy, re: Garden Street.
516. Geoffrey Movius to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
517. Donna Stone, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
518. Neil Breyer, re: Garden Street in jeopardy, PLEASE E-MAIL CITY COUNCIL TODAY.
519. Jane Hirschi, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1 No change on Garden.
520. George Beal re: Garden Street.
521. Jana Odette, re: for tonight! ARGH!!! THE TIME!!!.
522. George Metzger re: Garden Street Two-Way Traffic Restoration.
523. Dorothy Koesler, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
524. Nicholas Travers, re: Our squares and corridors.
525. Jan Devereux, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
526. James Zall, re: Garden Street – 3/31/25 Council meeting and Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
527. Doug Elmendorf, re: Walker Street.
528. Nicolas Sterner, re: Your Support to Maintain the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD).
529. Douglas Bauer, re: one- or two-way traffic on Garden Street.
530. George Soule re: Garden Street issue.
531. James Paterson, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1 No change on Garden.
532. Nicole Barna, re: City Managers’s agenda Item #5 - Support of OPTION #1.
533. Dudley Wyman, re: Support for Garden Street Option #1.
534. James Maloney, re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
535. Dura Winder, re: VOTE NO! KEEP AS IS!
536. Nicole Terrien, re: Keep Garden St Bike Lanes as is!
537. James Lloyd, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
538. Georgie Bishop to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
539. Gleb Bahmutov re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
[Note: Mr. Bahmutov has expressed the view that only people with driveways should be allowed to own cars.]
540. James Kenny, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
541. Nike Tirman, re: GARDEN STREET - OPTION #4 PLEASE.
542. James Hutchison, re: Our squares and corridors.
543. Glenna Lang Please support Policy Order #1 restoring Garden Street to a two-way street.
544. Nina Farouk, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
545. James Cornie, re: Policy Order #6.
546. James Bertram, re: Garden Street.
547. Nina Herrera, re: Option #4.
548. Jacqui Fahey Sandell, re: Please support Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District and comprehensive zoning plan.
549. Gloria Korsman re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
550. Jacquelyn Smith, re: Former starlight parking lot in Central Square.
551. Nina R. Alonso Hathway, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
552. Nonie Valentine, re: Restoring Garden St. - thanks for looking again.
553. Glover Taylor re: Garden Street.
554. Jacquelyn Smith, re: Paul Toner.
555. Nonie Valentine, re: Non-cooperation.
556. Jackie, re: Our squares and corridors.
557. Gord Kluzak re: Garden Street.
558. Nonie Valentine, re: Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
559. Gordon Moore to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
560. Jack Silversin, re: Requests re: 3 Issues you are discussing at tonight’s meeting.
561. J., re: Please keep Garden Street one way.
562. Nonie Valentine, re: Simply include Central Square.
563. Grace Dane Mazur re: Garden St_ Vote Yes on Option #4.
564. J. Cohen-Tanugi, re: Untitled.
565. Greg Ferland re: Garden St Bike Lanes.
566. Norman Daoust, re: opposition to Garden Street to two-way automobile traffic.
567. Greg Hsu Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
568. Greg Stanton Marra to Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
569. Gretchen Adams to Keep Garden Street as is.
570. Gunnel Schmidt re: Our squares and corridors.
571. Haden Smiley re: Garden Street.
572. Haley Goodman re: Bike Lane on Garden Street.
573. Hank Long re: Garden St.
574. Hannah Houley re: Maintain one-way traffic on Garden St.
575. Ed Bacher, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
576. Hans Peter Koesler to VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
577. Edith Rathbone, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
578. Harry Bullivant Please Retain Garden Street Option 1.
579. Edward Kerslake, re: Garden Street Proposal – Support for Option 4.
580. Federico Muchnik Restore, re: Garden Street to two-way traffic.
581. Harry Flamm Please vote YES for Option #4 for Garden Street re-design.
582. Fran Arnold, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
583. Edward Saad, re: Garden Street - Support Option 4.
584. Frank Kramer, re: 2 VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
585. Frank Kramer, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
586. Elena Ilisei, re: City Managers’s Agenda Item #5 in Support of Option #1 - No Change on Garden Street.
587. Elena Stein, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5, Support Option 1: No change on Garden!
588. Frank, re: Reece Plea For Garden St. To Remain One-Way.
589. Helen Abraham re: Please support these 3 critical issues.
590. Frank Scibilia, re: Garden Street.
591. Elise Moore, re: in support of returning Garden Street to two-way vehicular traffic.
592. Helen Snively re: Please Maintain the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD).
593. Elizabeth Bartle, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 - we support of Option #1.
594. Fred Good, re: Keep Garden St. ONE-WAY.
595. Helen Snively re: Garden Street, 2-way traffic please, Option 4.
596. Elizabeth Cabot, re: Our squares and corridors.
597. Fred Leventhal, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
598. Helen Walker re: Please Reapprove the Half Crown - Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District.
599. Phyllis Simpkins, re: Support options 4, 3, and 2.
600. Alex, re: Sex-Trafficking victims.
601. Fred Leventhal, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
602. Elizabeth Coxe, re: Concord Ave.
603. RIA, re: Women-led nonprofit organization.
604. Helen Walker Please Reject Policy Order 3.
605. Frederic Atwood, re: Keep Garden Street as is.
606. Elizabeth Coxe, re: Keep NCDs!
607. Julia Schlozman, re: Petition to Leave Garden Street 1 Way for cars.
608. Frederik Brasz, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
609. Elizabeth and John Gilmore, re: March 31 Council meeting.
610. Helene Bank re: Our squares and corridors.
611. Heli Meltsner to Please support these 3 critical issues.
612. Elizabeth Houghteling, re: Our squares and corridors.
613. Hugh L. Warren re: Our squares and corridors.
614. Elizabeth Petit, re: Keep Garden St one way.
615. Hugh Russell Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
616. Elizabeth Poirier, re: Keep Garden Street One-Way.
617. Elizabeth Shelburne, re: Option 4 for Garden St!
618. Hunter Aldrich re: Our squares and corridors.
619. Elizabeth Van Ranst, re: Neighborhood Conservation Districts and Towers.
620. Ian Hutchinson Please keep Garden St safer and more comfortable with design option #1.
621. Ellen Leopold, re: my support for the following votes.
622. Irene Kang re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
623. Ellen Nelson van Bever, re: Garden Street Traffic.
624. Ivy Lee re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1).
625. Ellen Welling, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
626. Ember Sawady, re: Keep Garden St one-way for cars (support for option #1 in CM25#71).
627. Emilie Heilig, re: Please support option #1 for Garden Street.
628. Emily Axelrod, re: Our squares and corridors.
629. Emily Harris, re: Garden Street change.
630. Emma Batson, re: Keep Garden St as is.
631. Eric Aronson, re: Garden Street vote on Monday.
632. Eric Colburn, re: Keep Garden Street as is (Option 1).
633. Eric Grunebaum, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
634. Eric Menchi, re: Garden Steet Bike Lanes and The Safety of Neighborhoods in Cambridge.
635. Erica Reisman, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
636. Erin Brennan, re: Option #4 Garden St: return two-way traffic.
637. Esther Dominguez, re: Garden Street.
638. Andy Gao, re: Garden Street Redesign.
639. Ethan Frank, re: ICE & NCDs.
640. Ethan Moore, re: Keep Garden Street as is (option 1) for the safety of CRLS Students and beyond.
641. Eve Sullivan, re: Garden Street change, supporting Option #4.
642. A communication was received from Caitlin HeberIn, re: support of Option #1: No change on Garden St.
643. Camden Bauchner, re: Garden Street.
644. Eric Nugent, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
645. Frank LoGerfo, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
646. Franklin Reece, re: VOTE SAFETY - VOTE ONE-WAY ON GARDEN ST.
647. Ian Whitney, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
648. Jill R Crittenden, re: Save money, preserve Garden street as one-way.
649. Joseph Faraguna, re: Garden Street Design Option #1.
650. Marilee Meyer, re: my letter wasn’t included in last packet.
651. Olivia Weisser, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
652. Reilly Johnson, re: Keep Garden St 1-way for Pedestrian and Biker Safety.
653. Sam Reece, re: A plea for Garden St_ to remain one-way.
654. Taylor Lowe, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5 in support of Option #1: No change on Garden.
655. Title IX Aurelia Advocates, re: Title IX Aurelia Advocates Petition.
656. Young Kim, re: Vigil to protest City’s push for housing agenda based on faulty analysis without clear goal and urban planning.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Andrew Satter for his Diner Project Exhibit. Mayor Simmons
2. Condolences to the family of James L. Lewis. Mayor Simmons
3. Condolences to the family of Hector L. Cabrera Calzada. Mayor Simmons
4. Resolution in recognition of the Department of Transportation. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons
5. Congratulations to Bishop Cristiano Barbosa for earning the prestigious honor as the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ Person of the Year. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Toner to note that this resolution was previously filed; Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent
6. Congratulations to Edilia Gomes for earning the prestigious honor as the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ 2025 Mary & Manuel Rogers Lifetime Community Service Award. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Toner to note that this resolution was previously filed; Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent
7. Congratulations to Michael Carreiro for earning the prestigious honor as the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ 2025 Alvaro Lima Outstanding Business Award. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Toner to note that this resolution was previously filed; Withdrawn by Unanimous Consent
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 11, 2025 with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity Division, to discuss concerns with vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge, and prior efforts and possible options such as new policies, taxes, and/or fines to reduce the number of vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson
Also Present: Nolan (remote)
The Committee voted favorably to recommend to the full City Council that the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to draft language to create an ordinance to insure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions, including but not limited to placing clean paper or artwork in the windows, placing leasing contact information if vacant, and registering the vacant property with the City, and report back to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee before the summer recess. (PO25#32 in Council 03/17/2025)
2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 31, 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs, to include revised drought regulations and procedures. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem, Nolan, Toner, Simmons
Absent: Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, re: a request for the City Council to rescind the vote taken on Mar 31, 2025 relative to the minutes from Feb 10, 2025. (COF25#57)
Acceptance of Minutes Rescinded 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Minutes of Feb 10, 2025 Executive Session Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Minutes of Mar 17, 2025 Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update re: legislative activity. (COF25#58)
Placed on File 9-0
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Thurs, Apr 10
3:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss services being provided to the unhoused community and an update on the opioid settlement funds.
Mon, Apr 14
2:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. (PO25#7)
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Wed, Apr 16
3:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss capital and large-scale programs and projects currently underway and in the funding plan, and potential future programming and projects that would need to be planned and incorporated into medium- and long-term capital and operating budgets.
Thurs, Apr 17
3:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up.
Mon, Apr 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, May 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Thurs, May 8
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Mon, May 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, May 13
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 School Department budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Wed, May 14
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Thurs, May 15
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (if necessary).
Mon, May 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 7, 2025 Amended
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: On March 11, 2025, the City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a meeting to discuss issues surrounding commercial/retail buildings being left vacant and the impact they have on the community; and
WHEREAS: The City Solicitor informed the Committee that the City cannot issue additional taxes or fines to property owners whose properties are vacant; and
WHEREAS: The report provided to the Committee indicated that there are 27 storefronts that have been vacant for two to five years, and 23 vacant storefronts that have been vacant for five years or longer; and
WHEREAS: One property that has been vacant for over 10 years is the Harvard Square Movie Theater located at 10 Church Street, owned by Mr. Gerald Chan, who owns multiple properties around the city, several of which have been vacant for multiple years; and
WHEREAS: These vacant properties, particularly the Harvard Square Movie Theater, which will be 100 years old in 2026, have a negative impact on surrounding businesses and the community at large and at times can fall into disrepair, as is happening with the Harvard Square Movie Theater; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council send a formal invitation to Mr. Gerald Chan and the owners of the 23 vacant storefronts that have been vacant for five years or longer to come before the Economic Development and University Relations Committee to answer questions and present his plans for the Harvard Square Movie Theater, as well as his other vacant properties in the City, so that the City Council and the community can better understand Mr. Chan’s plans for these very important and long vacant properties.
O-2 Apr 7, 2025 Charter Right - Toner
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: During the COVID pandemic, the City opened the Transitional Wellness Center (TWC) at Spaulding Hospital on Cambridge Street as a temporary shelter to address the loss of shelter beds in other Cambridge based shelters; and
WHEREAS: The TWC was funded through ARPA funds with a budget of $3 million per year; and
WHEREAS: As ARPA funds are expiring, City Manager Huang has announced that the City will not fund the 58-bed Transitional Wellness Center beyond June 2025; and
WHEREAS: Although the city has made bold investments in permanent supportive housing options including at 116 Norfolk St and on Wendell St, a range of options to address homelessness are sorely needed, and the creation of new permanent supportive housing should not lead to the closure of a non-congregate shelter facility; and
WHEREAS: Numerous studies have shown the huge importance of non-congregate shelter options; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s Ad Hoc Working Group on Homelessness stressed the importance of non-congregate shelter options; and
WHEREAS: The TWC has been a largely successful model for non-congregate shelter, filling a gap and offering increased privacy, stability, and dignity—particularly for individuals who are underserved in traditional congregate settings, including LGBTQ+ residents and others who may not feel safe or welcome at facilities like 240 Albany Street; and
WHEREAS: Finding a way to keep the TWC open beyond June 2025 is highly consistent with Cambridge’s self-proclaimed status as a sanctuary city for marginalized communities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Finance Committee of the City Council be and hereby are requested to explore options for continuing TWC funding, including, but not limited to:
-The cost of continuing this program for another year through the city budget/Free Cash
-The possibility of securing state funding
-The possibility of committing funds from the Affordable Housing Trust
-The possibility of partnering with outside stakeholders such as biotech companies to ease the funding burden on the city.
O-3 Apr 7, 2025 Amended
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and second leading cause of death in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Heart disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmia, significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest, a condition in which the heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction; and
WHEREAS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), in conjunction with the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), is the most effective way for bystanders to save someone experiencing cardiac arrest, as CPR keeps blood circulating to vital organs while an AED can restore heart rhythm; and
WHEREAS: According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival after cardiac arrest, yet only about 40% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive the immediate help they need before professional help arrives; and
WHEREAS: 41 states have recognized the importance of CPR training by mandating it for high school students, making Massachusetts one of only nine states that does not require it for high school graduation; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts legislators have introduced four bills that seek to make CPR and AED training a requirement in high schools across the commonwealth:
• S.447/H.750, An Act providing hands only CPR training and the use of defibrillators
• S.456, An Act requiring instruction in CPR and the use of defibrillators for high school graduation
• H.556, An Act providing CPR and AED Education for All, AKA The CPR and AED Education for All Act
• H.572, An Act relative to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic defibrillator education in public schools; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of S.447/H.750, S.456, H.556, and H.572 to ensure high school students receive CPR and AED training, equipping the next generation with life-saving skills; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Policy Order to the Cambridge State House delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Apr 7, 2025 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The country and the City have been roiled by actions taken by the Trump administration, many of which fall outside the bounds of democratic norms and established legal frameworks; and
WHEREAS: On March 31, 2025, three federal agencies announced a review of nearly $9 billion in federal grants and contracts to Harvard University, and a few days later issued a list of demands to prevent the loss of funding; and
WHEREAS: Losing this funding, much of which covers basic research in many areas including disease prevention, cancer, and other lifesaving efforts, would be devastating for people across the country, not only the economic impact from job loss in the region; and
WHEREAS: Among the demands listed in the letter are the elimination of Harvard’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs, a ban on masks at campus protests, and a requirement for “full cooperation” with the Department of Homeland Security on enforcing immigration policy, as well as other federal regulators to ensure “full compliance” with federal guidelines; and
WHEREAS: After receiving similar threats from the federal government, Columbia University capitulated to the Trump administration’s demands within two weeks; however, despite Columbia’s agreement to make changes, the impact on the funding restoration remains unresolved; and
WHEREAS: According to the Crimson, the Harvard Corporation and the Harvard Board of Overseers, the University’s governing bodies, convened in Cambridge over the weekend to prepare a response to the Trump administration; such response will have significant implications not only for Harvard, but for the City, the region, and beyond; and
WHEREAS: In an extraordinary display of unity, more than 800 Harvard faculty members signed a letter urging the University’s governing boards to “refuse to comply with unlawful demands that threaten academic freedom and university self-governance;” and
WHEREAS: Thousands of Harvard alumni from across the country, despite differing opinions on the University’s response to the protests about the ongoing violence in Gaza, are united in urging Harvard to defend the core values of academic freedom and democracy and the rule of law by resisting these demands, and responding in a forceful, thoughtful, and principled manner to the administration; and
WHEREAS: President Eisgruber of Princeton University has spoken out about the dangers of acceding to the administration’s demands, which are a direct attack on academic freedom; and President Paxson of Brown University has signaled resistance to unacceptable demands; and
WHEREAS: Former Harvard President and Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers has also strongly emphasized the necessity for Harvard to uphold free speech and academic inquiry, to “resist the arbitrary application of government power,” and to reject the false narrative that the administration’s actions are due to concerns about antisemitism; and
WHEREAS: It is not hyperbole to draw a parallel between the current administration’s demands and the appeasement policies of the 1930s, when several European nations conceded to the demands of Hitler, contributing to the horrific rise of the Nazi regime and World War II; and
WHEREAS: Harvard University’s response will have profound impact on the City of Cambridge, the region, the state, and the nation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council formally go on record to urge, in the strongest possible terms, the Harvard Corporation to stand up in defense of the values that are fundamental to both the University and our democracy, follow the lead of Princeton University and former Harvard President Summers, and use all measures possible, including the University’s endowment funds, if necessary, to safeguard academic independence, the rule of law, and democracy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to act with urgency and coordinate a response and consult with all relevant city, regional, and state entities to develop a united front and take all action possible to counter this assault on the foundational values of our city as a center of higher learning; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this policy order to the Harvard Corporation and to the Governor, federal delegation and state delegation as soon as possible.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-64. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.
(Calendar Item #1) from 11/18/2024
24-66. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/18/2024
24-67. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review with a robust and inclusive community process the Cambridge Bicycle Plan, most recently updated in 2020, and identify potential improvements and consider next steps for a network of Separated Bicycle Facilities, and Separated Bicycle Facilities on streets across the city in order to facilitate safer travel and ways to coordinate routes with neighboring communities including Arlington, Somerville, Watertown, Belmont, Boston, and others.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/2/2024
25-3. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path and how implementation between Gore Street and Little Binney could coincide with Phase 2 of the CSO implementation on Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 1/27/2025
25-4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop zoning recommendations, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A §9B, for regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems that have been in existence for one year, per Ordinance Ch. 22.60, specifically on structures over 4 stories.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 1/27/2025
25-5. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a report on the use of M.G.L. Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local-option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances and provide a recommendation to the City Council for implementation of Ch. 40U procedures.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-2) from 2/3/2025
25-6. The City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to investigate safety improvements such as signalization to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge Street, and Warren Street, and to implement these changes as soon as possible.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/10/2025
25-8. The City Manager is requested to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson (O-3) from 2/10/2025
25-9. The City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments about exploring how the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can advance protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders as authorized by the two new Massachusetts laws.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner (O-4) from 2/10/2025
25-11. The City Manager is requested to exert all appropriate influence on EZ Ride and Passio to take immediate and concrete steps to fully resolve tracking deficiencies and improve real-time transit accuracy for riders.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/3/2025
25-12. The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 3/3/2025
25-13. The City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-7) from 3/3/2025
25-15. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-13) from 3/3/2025
25-16. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-3) from 3/3/2025
25-18. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to ensure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/17/2025
25-19. The City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt.
Councillor Toner (O-4) from 3/17/2025
25-20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-1) from 3/24/2025
25-21. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/24/2025
25-22. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 3/24/2025
25-23. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and institutional stakeholders currently operating some form of shuttle to explore options for a municipal transit pilot program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy (O-4) from 3/24/2025
25-24. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/31/2025