Cambridge City Council meeting - April 14, 2025 - AGENDA
[Azeem “phone it in” remote]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update. (CM25#80)
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang re: Harvard President Alan Garber’s announcement to not cooperate w/threats from Trump Administration, courage of students and others in standing up to administration; cancellation of federal grants, breach of order by federal government, positions terminated, programs cut or eliminated (such as LIHEAP), danger of the coming years, confronting the federal government; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui (asks about Volpe, no word yet); Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. (CM25#81) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner (Finance), Joseph McCann (Auditor), Robert Mahoney (independent audit consultant), Zusy, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0
3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-67 regarding Cambridge Bicycle Plan Update and Consideration of Network Connections. (CM25#82) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Stephanie Groll (Transportation Planning - now part of Transportation Department), Toner (on how CSO might be modified), Owen O’Riordan (looking at all modes of traffic, achieving a high degree of consensus), Zusy, Wilson (wants more details in spelling out the “network”, EW routes vs. NS routes; McKenna talks about the 2015 process and “vision”, calls NS routes “low speed, low volume” vs. EW routes “requiring” separation; Wilson asks how Broadway became included in current plan, McKenna says it was added in the 2020 plan; Nick Schmidt (new pedestrian and bicycle program manager) introduced; McKenna says development of the Network Vision independent of the Cycling Safety Ordinance, claims there was a public process [Is that really true? - I don’t recall there be any such process.]; Wilson addresses broader concerns re: CSO and needs of actual people; McGovern says Main Street was not part of the Ordinance, McKenna says the Ordinance calls for 25 miles, some streets (the “special four”) specified, says Brattle Street and Main Street “essential” to be added to network; Placed on File 9-0
4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-6 regarding safety improvements at the intersection of Cambridge Street, Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, and Warren Street. (CM25#83) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nola, Jeff Parenti (TPT), Brooke McKenna, Siddiqui, Zusy, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Owen O’Riordan (on utilities); Placed on File 9-0
5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-23 regarding a Citywide Shuttle Bus Pilot program. (CM25#84) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Toner, Zusy, Siddiqui, Brooke McKenna; Referred to both Neighborhood & Long-Range Planning Committee and Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0
6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds are to be used to support the Cambridge Food Pantry Network. (CM25#85)
Order Adopted 9-0
7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $57,626.50 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account. These funds will be used to reimburse the City for salary and program costs associated with enrolling income-eligible youth in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. (CM25#86)
Order Adopted 9-0
8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $17,621 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds will be used for program supplies, the Summer Food Program Kick Off Event held in June, and outreach and community engagement to encourage program participation throughout the summer. (CM25#87)
Order Adopted 9-0
9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $77,100 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($70,560) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,540). Funds will be used for the Cambridge Youth Programs Boys II Men Internship (created in 2012) and the Blooming into Womanhood Internship Program. (CM25#88)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Ellen Semonoff (DHSP), Wilson; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern-Absent)
10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $504,198 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. (CM25#89)
Order Adopted 9-0
11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $57,900 to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account. This grant continues the work started last year under a similar grant to develop resources for municipalities focused on inspection and maintenance of stormwater treatment systems. (CM25#90)
Order Adopted 9-0
ORDERS
1. City Council opposition to Federal efforts to defund or censor museums. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#53)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Simmons, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
2. That the City Council go on record declaring Earth Day, April 22 in the year 2025 “Sustainable Cambridge Day” and that the City Manager is requested to communicate to all City departments the City’s commitment to our climate goals and the need to support the efforts of the Sustainable Cambridge initiative. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem (PO25#54)
pulled by Nolan for comments; Order Adopted 9-0
3. Specify State Representative Marjorie Decker to file the Charter Home Rule Petition and that the rest of our state delegation be invited to join as sponsors. Councillor Siddiqui
Nolan amends to have rest of delegation invited, Siddiqui very truculent in response; Amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 7, 2025] (PO25#50)
McGovern proposed amendment Adopted 7-0-0-2 (Azeem, Zusy - Present); Toner notes Human Services Committee meeting on this topic, Manager was clear about lack of funding for continued operation; City Manager Huang comments on Cambridge many investments for unhoused communities, fact that this proposed expenditure would add considerable expense and City is already opening permanent supporting housing; Toner, Zusy to vote No while acknowledging good services provided by the TWC; McGovern challenges Zusy unnecessarily, gets agitated suggesting he’ll just bring this up again, suggests false choices between this and trees and other matters, calls his colleagues statements “shameful”; Sobrinho-Wheeler supports the Order and suggests lack of prioritization process, wants the City Council to take more control of the Budget process (bad idea); Nolan notes that there is a lot of desire to fund everything, but it’s unfair to shame each other on financial and other decisions, does not agree with referring this to Finance Committee; Simmons expresses concerns about promoting a program that is not well run; Wilson will vote Yes on the proposal; McGovern comments; Yi-An Huang notes that if we had no resources there would be no hard choices, and some (limited) funding creates environment where priorities must be set and choices must be made, and further notes that federal cuts can affect local choices, each year’s budget feeds into the next year’s budget; McGovern again suggests that this should be a priority in addition to other pet projects like municipal broadband; Siddiqui suggests rethinking the Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting agenda, continues to promote her own “Rise Up” local welfare program; Azeem notes simultaneous expiration of ARPA funding and losses in federal funding, asks when any decisions re: Spaulding program must be made; Ellen Semonoff says a date is difficult to determine - there are 22 people still at TWC, and the longer people stay based on possibility of extension the more likely they may find themselves with no next step, notes that if TWC does not close now it will be more difficult to do so in the future; City Manager notes that funding TWC will make it more difficult to fund a successor program to the “Rise Up” local welfare program; Nolan additional comments re: many proposed projects; McGovern objects to suggestion of vouchers vs. TWC; Order Adopted as Amended 5-4; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
[My own personal opinion is that this entire conversation is proof positive why it would be a terrible idea to have legislators wrest more control over city management with the goal of promoting specific (often politically motivated) projects - the essential definition of political patronage – which can sometimes produce good benefits, but often not. I will add that if some of the current councillors could have their way, property taxes would soar, especially in light of recent news regarding Kendall Square commercial property challenges and their tax levy implications.]
O-2 Apr 7, 2025 Charter Right - Toner [amended Apr 14, 2025]
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 Managerand the Finance Committee of the City Councilbe 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.
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council forward this policy order to the Finance Committee to consider funding of the TWC in the FY2026 Budget.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Adam Luban, re: Charter Right Item 1.
2. Adam Luban, re: Comment on City Manager Agenda #5 NO CHANGE.
3. Adam Mitchell, re: Garden Street Bike Lanes.
4. Ajay Sonalkar, re: Safe Biking Street on Garden Street.
5. Alain Duchemin, re: Vacant Harvard Square Property.
6. Alex Rubin, re: support for PO25#49.
7. Alexandra Irving, re: Please Include with Communications.
8. Alice Sullo, re: Harvard Square Movie Theater.
9. Alisha Jansky, re: pass PO25#49.
10. Allen L. Pierce, re: policy order re: Harvard Square Theatre.
11. Amanda Tweed, re: support for current configuration of Garden Street.
12. Andreea Ilisei, re: Charter Right Item #1 - YES to Option #1 - NO Change on Garden Street.
13. Andrew Kim, re: Comment on PO#2.
14. Andrew Rogers, re: Support for PO#2.
15. Andrew Strassman, re: support option #1.
16. Andy Nash, re: PO#2.
17. Andy Zucker, re: PO25#49.
18. Angela M. Sullivan, re: PO25#49.
19. Angelica Piz, re: Option #1.
20. Anil Singh, re: Get the theatre wall ready for 100th celebration?
21. Ann Fleck-Henderson, re: PO25#49 on vacant buildings in Harvard Square, particularly the old Harvard Square Theater.
22. Ann Szerlip, re: PO25#49.
23. Anna Bensted, re: Garden Street.
24. Annette LaMond & Joe Moore, re: Please return TWO-WAY traffic to Garden Street.
25. Arabella, re: Support for Option #1 for Garden Street.
26. Arlene Chung, re: Garden Street comment.
27. Ashley G. Pittman, re: PO#1, 12/9/24, please do NOT revert to two-way traffic on Garden St. - leave as presently configured.
28. Barbara Elfman, re: PO25#49.
29. Ben Duggan, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
30. Benjamin N. Levy, re: Support for PO25#49.
31. Betsy Groban, re: PO25#49.
32. Bev Thornton, re: PO25#49.
33. Beverley Coniglio, re: PO25#49.
34. Beverly Mire, re: Gerald Chan’s vacant properties.
35. Beverly Thornton and Richard Landau, re: PO25#49 Harvard Square Theater.
36. Bill Sage’s, re: support of Cambridge extends to Councilor Paul Toner.
37. Brian Gilmore, re: Maintain a safe Garden Street by selecting Option #1.
38. Cambria Russell, re: Garden St.
39. Carol Hauser, re: Garden Street in support of Option 1, remaining one-way.
40. Carolyn Magid, re: Supporting PO#2 (on tonight’s Council Agenda).
41. Charlie Liu, re: Keep Garden Street 1-WAY for SAFETY - Agenda Item #1 in support of Option #1.
42. Christopher Chippendale, re: Return Garden Street to a two-way Street.
43. Christopher Cullen, re: Support for PO25#49 (vacant storefronts).
44. Christopher Jeffrey, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
45. Christopher Schuler, re: Support for Transition Wellness Center.
46. Claudia Secundy, re: Please restore Garden Street to two-way traffic. It’s an urgent need. Thank you.
47. Colin Connolly, re: Keep the current 1-way configuration of Garden Street.
48. Courcelle Stark, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1. No change on Garden Street.
49. Crista Martin, re: PO25#49.
50. D. Meservey and T. Dinwoodie, re: Support for PO25#49.
51. Dan Cohn, re: PO25#49.
52. Daniel Andrew Bodt, re: Support - PO25#49.
53. Daniel B. Hogan, re: Vacant store fronts and vacant commercial properties.
54. Daniel Roughan, re: PO25#49.
55. David Dean, re: Garden Street.
56. David Grewal, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1. No change on Garden Street.
57. David Keyworth, re: Pushing for Option 1 on Garden Street.
58. David Wyman, re: City Manager’s Agenda Item #5, in support of Option #1, no Garden change.
59. Davide Marini, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
60. Deborah A. Colburn, re: URGENT: Garden Street in jeopardy - Please Email City Council again today.
61. Denise Jillson, re: Support for PO25#49.
62. Dominic Amenta, re: PO25#49.
63. Earl K. Miller, re: Please keep the current Garden Street design.
64. Edward Rosser, re: PO25#49.
65. Eleanor (Nell) Beram and Joe Klompus, re: PO25#49 (Harvard Square Theater).
66. Elena Ilisei, re: Charter Right Item #1 - YES to Option #1 - NO Change on Garden Street.
67. Elena Saporta, re: Garden Street - please select Option 1.
68. Elise Moore, re: Please Support Option #4 to maintain bike lanes and make Garden Street open to two-way traffic for the full length of the street.
69. Ellen Leopold, re: my support for the following votes.
70. Ellen Mei, re: Keep the Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding open!
71. Ellen Nelson van Bever, re: Garden Street Traffic.
72. Ember Sawady, re: Don’t change Garden St.
73. Emily DeGuzman, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
74. Emily Massey, re: Keep Garden Street Option 1.
75. Erica Reisman, re: Writing in support of PO25#49.
76. Ethan Frank, re: Garden Street & Making Decisions.
77. Farid ARTHAUDO, re: Option 1 for Garden St.
78. Felipe M Pait, re: Garden Street bike lanes.
79. Franklin Reece, re: PLEASE POSTPONE THE GARDEN STREET VOTE.
80. Fred Huang, re: PO25#47 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
81. Gabe Grand, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
82. Georgia Indigo, re: Support Option 1 for Garden Street.
83. Georgia Lyman, re: PO25#49.
84. Emma Johnson, re: issue PO25#40.
85. Gleb Bahmutov, re: support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
[Note: Mr. Bahmutov has expressed the view that only people with driveways should be allowed to own cars.]
86. Greg Hsu, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
87. Greg Stanton Marra, re: Garden St Option #1.
88. Gregg Greenough, re: Garden St configuration.
89. Harris, re: Communications Group. PO25#49.
90. Helen Snively, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
91. Henry Chueh, re: Harvard Square.
92. Hunter Dinkins, re: Garden Street design.
93. Isabella Caruso, re: Please maintain Garden Street’s current configuration!
94. Ivy Moylan, re: Public comment in support of PO25#8.
95. Jack Corcoran, re: On the Matter of the Garden Street Redesign.
96. Jacquelyn Smith, re: Spaulding Transition Shelter.
97. Jacquie L. KayIn, re: support of PO25#49.
98. James Bertram, re: Garden Street Option #4.
99. James Russell, re: Please leave Garden Street as is.
100. Janet Cahaly, re: PO25#49.
101. Janie Katz-Christy, re: Harvard Square Theatre.
102. Jasmine G. Winship, re: Garden Street, please support option #1.
103. Jasmine Huang, re: Supporting PO25#49.
104. Jay Diengott, re: Garden St Concerns.
105. Jean Berry, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
106. Jean Knapp, re: Writing in support of PO25#49 being addressed at this afternoon’s meeting (4/7/2025).
107. Jean Leventhal, re: Harvard Square Theatre Policy Issue.
108. Jeff Purcell, re: Please save the Spaulding Rehab Center.
109. Jeffrey Peterson, re: Garden Street.
110. Jennie Song, re: PO25#49.
111. Jennifer Abigail, re: PO25#49.
112. Jennifer Kay-Goodman, re: Order about Movie Theater in Harvard Square.
113. Jennifer Payette, re: Garden Street.
114. Jeremy Cohen, re: Support for PO25#49 – Re: Harvard Square Theatre and Vacant Storefronts.
115. Jessica Sculley re: supporting this PO25#49.
116. Jessie Lan, re: Garden St Redesign.
117. Joe Bradlee, re: PO25#49.
118. Joel Wachman, re: Harvard Square Theatre.
119. John Bright, re: Please vote for Option #4 for Garden St Proposal Monday night!
120. John Manson, re: Garden St.
121. Joseph Shipman, re: Councilor Toner needs to resign!
122. Joyce Benenson, re: Maintain a safe Garden Street by selecting Option #1.
123. Joyce Klein, re: PO25#49.
124. Joyce Singer, re: PO25#49.
125. Judith Quillard, re: PO25#49.
126. judy levin, re: Garden St traffic.
127. Judy Singer and Beth Gamse, re: Please return Garden St to Two Way traffic.
128. Julia Fuller, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
129. Julia Quinlan, re: Harvard Square Movie Theater.
130. Julie Ingelfinger, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
131. Kaitlin Robinson, re: Garden Street, Please Vote for Option 1.
132. Karen Price, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
133. Karin Öberg, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
134. Kate Flaim, re: PO25#49 and PO25#47.
135. Kate Layzer, re: Cambridge Wellness Center.
136. Katerina Soltan, re: Garden St Option #1.
137. Katherine Day Rose, re: bike lanes Garden St.
138. Kathleen Gallery, re: VOTE YES FOR OPTION #4 TO RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.
139. Kathleen Kerry Dexter, re: PO25#49.
140. Kathleen Moore, re: Garden Street Bike Lane Option 1.
141. Kathleen Pilat, re: Garden St Bike Lanes – Please choose Option #1!
142. Kathy Watkins, re: Continue to fund housed shelter, support order #2.
143. Katie Challinor, re: Support Option 1 on Garden Street.
144. Kilo3, re: Garden St.
145. Larry Cetrulo and Kate Bjornlund, re: Option 4, Garden Street.
146. Laura DeMarco, re: Garden Street & bikes Option 4.
147. Laura Rogers, re: PO25#49.
148. Lauree Mansour, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
149. Laurent Adamowicz, re: Keep Garden Street 1-WAY for SAFETY - Agenda Item #1 in support of Option #1.
150. Lee Farris, re: Support for PO#2 saving Spaulding shelter.
151. Lisa Sebell-Nevins, re: Garden Street - Option #4.
152. Lisa White & Michael LaVigne, re: PO25#49.
153. Liz Dawes Duraisingh, re: PO25#49.
154. Liz Walker, re: Thank you for voting to keep Garden St as-is!
155. Lizzie Bell, re: Harvard Square Movie theater.
156. Lynne Miller, re: Garden Street Compromise.
157. Lynne Reiss, re: PO25#49.
158. Madeleine Aster, re: Please vote yes to invite Gerald Chan to a discussion.
159. Maggie Baratz, re: Garden Street - Option 1 Supporters Petition.
160. Maia McAleavey, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
161. Manny Rogers, re: PO25#49.
162. Marcella Framondi, re: PO25#49.
163. Marcelo Marchetti, re: Option #4, maintain to make Garden Street open to two-way traffic for the full length of the street.
164. Margaret Ann Brady, re: PO#2, Real sanctuary!
165. Margaret Beck, re: PO25#49.
166. Margaret Flanagan, re: Support for PO25#49.
167. Maribeth Kaptchuk, re: PO25#49.
168. Marie Elena Saccoccio, re: Opposition to PO25#49.
169. Mariel Vandersteeldjillson, re: harvardsquare.
170. Marilee Meyer, re: Ask for a cinema but be respectful.
171. Maritza Soto, re: Please Keep Garden Street as a One-Way Street.
172. Mark Boswell, re: CMA Item #5, SUPPORT for OPTION 1.
173. Mark Dibblein, re: support of Garden St., Option #4.
174. Mark Steffen and Sharanya Iyer, re: Support Option #4 for Garden Street.
175. Marla Felcher, re: PO25#49.
176. Martin Richard, re: Garden Street, Go with Option 1.
177. Mary Jane Kornacki, re: PO25#47, Two-way car traffic on Garden Street.
178. Mary K Eliot, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
179. Mary Stack, re: Letter supporting PO25#49.
180. Matt Wagers, re: PO#2.
181. Matthew Carter, re: Garden Street Changes.
182. Max H. Bazerman, re: empty properties.
183. Max Kaplan, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
184. Max Meinhold, re: Bike Lanes.
185. Melissa Smith, re: Harvard Square Movie Theater.
186. Meredith Lobel, re: 4/7/2025 Petition to Keep Garden Street as is Option 1.
187. Meredith Moore, re: Garden St separated bike lanes.
188. Miah Ebels Duggan, re: Incident - Police Harassment of Bicyclists 4/5/25.
189. Michael A Connolly, re: Vacant storefronts in Harvard Square.
190. Mihnea Popa, re: Garden Street - Bikes Option 4.
191. Missy Page, re: 320 Charles Street project - Letter of Support.
192. Monet Uva, re: Support for PO25#49.
193. Morgan MacLeod, re: Garden Street traffic pattern.
194. namastedc, re: written comments in favor of Garden St. two-way.
195. Nancie Dangel, re: Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
196. Nate Sharpe, re: Charter Right Item #1 in support of Option #1, No change on Garden Street.
197. Neil Stottler, re: Garden Street.
198. Nell Breyer, re: Vote for option #4.
199. Nicholas Wolf, re: PO25#49.
200. Nick Petrulakis, re: Writing in support of PO25#49.
201. Nicole Barna, re: Keep Garden Street as is - OPTION #1 – Charter Right #1.
202. Nike Tirman, re: GARDEN STREET.
203. Olivia Farrar, re: PO25#49 - In Support.
204. Olivia Weisser, re: Garden Street.
205. Pat Grimsted, re: Please return GARDEN Street to two-way!
206. Pat O’Neill, re: NO CHANGE TO GARDEN STREET.
207. Patrice Liu, re: Keep Garden Street 1-WAY for SAFETY - Agenda Item #1 in support of Option #1.
208. Patrick W Barrett III, re: PO25#49. [text of communication]
From: Patrick W Barrett III
Sent: Friday, April 4, 2025, 10:23am
To: City Council
Cc: City Clerk; Michael Monestime; Huang, Yi-An
Subject: RE: PO25#49Honorable Mayor Simmons and Cambridge City Council,
The policy order filed by the Mayor and Councilors McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrino-Wheeler, and Wilson sets what I believe to be an inappropriate precedent for private citizen engagement. The policy cites 27 vacant storefronts presumably throughout the city yet names only Gerlad Chan, a private citizen and notable philanthropist, to come before the economic development committee. The standard set here sits in stark contrast to how the City has dealt with vacancies by much larger institutions like MIT and Harvard and further sets itself apart from other more direct action like the taking of Vail Court; which remains unresolved in the courts 11 years later.
MIT, for instance, purchased the entire block of Main St from Windsor St to Portland St around 2001 when Polaroid went bankrupt and kept the block empty up until 2022 when they reopened as The Engine, recently sold to Biomed. For 20-years MIT held that entire block, which fronts a low-income residential community, hostage to the sound of crickets from this legislative body. Maybe if the neighbors were in a better financial position, as they are in Harvard Sq, there would have been more pushback or maybe it’s easier to name a private citizen? Further, when MIT went before this Council to share their grand scheme for Volpe, I personally handed to this Council a map and locations of over 600,000 square feet of vacancy and over 3 acres of land vacancy to use as leverage in the negotiations and to highlight the utter hypocrisy of an institution that prides itself on being a “good neighbor.” The Council declined to push back.
Vacancies, wherever they may be, happen for only a handful of reasons. Cambridge has one of the largest, most expensive, and ultimately backwards set of regulatory hurdles for development as compared to nearly anywhere else in the country. You may remember that Chan did propose a wonderfully modern building for this site that was mired in a protracted 2-year historical process and attacked on multiple fronts by entitled neighbors who happily dragged the process out while the City sat on its thumbs. Article 19, Article 22, Inclusionary Zoning, anachronistic commercial zoning regulations, the CDD application process in general, and the list literally goes on as to why most people hit the pause button on development in this City.
Lastly, where is the vision in this City? How many meetings and charettes and studies must we engage before this Council recognizes their role in the lack of vision this City has? You should not be dragging private citizens into the Sullivan Chamber to explain themselves, instead you should be asking your planners what they can do to spur development and what the City is doing to meet the extreme financial challenges of this moment. For all these reasons and more please vote NO on this policy order.
Regards,
Patrick W. Barrett III
209. Paul Macdonald, re: PO 2025#49.
210. Paula Antonevich, re: Charter Right Item #1, NO Change on Garden Street, Support Option #1.
211. Perry Lubin, re: Garden Street.
212. raj dhanda, re: PO25#49.
213. Ran Bechor, re: PO25#49.
214. Ravi Raju, re: Thoughts on Garden Street Changes.
215. Rebekah Bjork, re: City Manager’s Agenda item #5.
216. Richard Freierman, re: Garden Street doesn’t end at Huron Avenue.
217. Rita Laguna, re: Please ask for Paul Toner’s resignation.
218. Rob Everts, re: Once again, Restore Garden Street to 2-Way Traffic.
219. Rob Leith, re: Vacancies in Harvard Sq.
220. Robert McCarthy, re: PO25#49.
221. Tania Kluzak, re: URGENT: Garden Street – please choose option 4.
222. Tania Maxwell and Chris Osborne, re: Garden Street.
223. Ronald Axelrod, re: Establish a Neighborhood Task Force to Develop an overall traffic and pedestrian plan.
224. Rosalind Michahelles, re: Church Street Theater.
225. Roy Greenwald, re: Bike lanes in Garden Street.
226. Ted Galante, re: PO25#49.
227. Roy Russell, re: Garden Street CM25#71.
228. Ruth Kirchwey, re: PO25#49.
229. Saira Prasanth, re: Support for PO#2, continued funding of the TWC.
230. The Black Response, re: TBR Letter to Cambridge City Council – Re: FY26 Budget.
231. Thea Weitz, re: Observatory Commons Condominium - Request for Reimbursement.
232. Theo Yannekis, re: Garden St.
233. Thomas Markovich, re: Garden Street.
234. Tim Russell, re: Opposition to Option 4 to reopen Garden Street to two-way traffic.
235. Salim Kabawat AND Ann O’Connell, re: In support of PO25#49.
236. Sam Ratliff, re: Select Option #1 to maintain Garden Street Redesign.
237. Sam Reece, re: Restore Garden Street to two-way traffic, Really.
238. Tina Lieu, re: Keep Garden St, As is, don’t choose option 4.
239. Todd Zickler, re: Bike lanes on Garden St.
240. Tracy Kukkonen, re: In Support of PO25#49.
241. Virginia Fisher, re: PO #2, Transitional Wellness Center.
242. Will Golay and Linh Pham, re: Concerning City Manager’s Agenda Item #5, Support for Option #1.
243. Yann Dardonville, re: Supporting PO#2 to keep the Transitional Wellness Center open (4/7).
244. Young Kim, re: City of Cambridge’s Response to the Division RE Appeals SPR25-0658 and SPR25-0661.
245. Young Kim, re: Vigil to protest City’s push for housing agenda based on faulty analysis without clear goal and urban planning.
246. Sam Seidel, re: PO25#49.
247. Zander Keith, re: Garden St. Option 1.
248. Sylvia Wheeler, re: In Support of PO25#49.
249. Sweta Joshi, re: Public Comment on the Women’s Community Cancer Project Mural – Apr 7, 2025.
250. Suzanne Watzman, re: I support PO25#49.
251. Samantha Nelson, re: Fund Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding.
252. Sarah Block, re: Please pause the decision on Garden Street - Choose option 1 or pause this.
253. Sarah Cole, re: Garden Street bike lanes are fine.
254. Sarah Hill, re: PO25#49.
255. Suzanne Blier, re: Garden Street and Lingering Harvard Square Questions.
256. Sarah Messenger, re: Charter Right Item #1, Support for Option #1, Please leave Garden Street AS IS.
257. Scott Kilcoyne, re: Keep Garden St as is (Option 1).
258. Sharman Altshuler, re: Comments re PO25#49.
259. Susan Miller-Havens, re: PO25#49.
260. Sheila Butler, re: Yes for Option 4.
261. Susan Matkoski, re: Garden St.
262. Shellburne Thurber, re: Garden Street.
263. Susan Lapides, re: Garden Street.
264. Sonia Wallenberg, re: PO25#49 for Council meeting – Mon, Apr 7, 2025.
265. Sophia Sordilla, re: Garden Street.
266. Sarah Hill, re: Stand in support of City PO25#49.
267. Stephanie Crayton, re: Harvard Sq Movie Theater, PO25#49.
268. Lance Li, re: Support for PO25#49 – Vacant Storefronts and Harvard Square Theatre.
269. Stephen Moss, re: Garden Street Reforms.
270. Sue Downing, re: Garden Street separated bike lanes
271. Steve Nadis, re: PO25#49.
272. Steve Wineman, re: Please support PO #2 at the Apr 7 Council meeting.
273. Stu Rosner, re: Garden St. vote.
274. Sue Downing, re: Charter Right items 1 3 support Option 1 Garden Street Maintain Current Configuration Agenda 5 or Chart 1 or 3 Maintain current Garden Street configuration option #1 for safety, less congestion.
275. Jill R Crittenden, re: curious about deliberation.
276. Marilyn Frankenstein, re: in support of keeping Spaulding open.
277. Blake Howard, re: Cambridge resident supporting PO25#49.
278. Thomas M. Pounds, re: PO25#49 - Harvard Square Theater.
279. Jamie Ciocco, re: Please keep Garden St. one-way.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Condolences on the death of Barbara (Caulfield) Jump. Councillor Toner
2. Congratulations on the Grand Opening of McCarthy’s and Toad, a new Irish pub in Porter Square. Councillor Toner
3. Condolences to the family of Linda Marie Galloway. Mayor Simmons
4. Congratulations to The Cambridge Program’s Basketball Teams - The Warriors capturing their 9th consecutive State Championship win, The Falcons securing silver, and the newest team The Ryders, learning and developing their skills each game. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner for comments; amended to add Wilson as sponsor
5. Congratulations to David Tynes, Program Director at The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs, on receiving the Heroes Among Us Award. Councillor Toner
6. National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.
7. Supporting Harvard University’s decision regarding academic freedom and potential losses in federal funding. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Nolan remarks re: City “having Harvard’s back”
8. Resolution re: Patriot’s Day. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Mar 5, 2025 to receive an update on the state of the arts in Cambridge and discuss how the City is currently supporting artists and art organizations through grant programs and funding, with a focus on the Central Square Cultural district. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
Present: Nolan, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem
Also Present: Wilson
Absent: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler
2. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 17, 2025 with MIT transportation experts and City staff to brainstorm ways to better accommodate mobility for all users as we continue to promote the use of sustainable modes. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
Present: Wilson, Zusy
Remote Present: Sobrinho-Wheeler
Also Present: Nolan (remote), Simmons
Absent: Azeem, Toner
3. The Cambridge City Council’s Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review was held on Fri, Mar 28, 2025 to review the communication from the City Solicitor with updates in the Charter review process that was referred from the Mar 17, 2025 City Council meeting. [text of report]
Rules Suspended to take up early along with Comm & Reports #2 and #3; Siddiqui thanks all involved; Toner comments; March 28, 2025 revisions voted Adopted 9-0; Committee Report Placed on File 9-0; Comm. & Reports #2 Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by ; City Solicitor Megan Bayer walks through changes in latest Draft; Siddiqui motion to accept latest changes Adopted 9-0; comments by Nolan re: Charter Review Committee; Sobrinho-Wheeler addresses removal procedures, McKenna notes state law regarding conviction of felony and removal upon sentencing (as was the case with former Councillor William Walsh in 1994); Zusy on review of ordinances every decade, Mayer responds [Note: They used to be not only reviewed but frequently published as a bound volume], McKenna notes that existing ordinances would be a 6 inch wide bound volume; Simmons speaks on half of School Committee member Caroline Hunter re: role of the Mayor on the School Committee; McGovern remarks on review of ordinances suggesting that the period of review be baked into the ordinance language itself; Wilson expresses gratitude to Law Department and Charter Review Committee, how to put into practice the review of ordinances, Bayer notes this would be a significant undertaking; Megan Bayer notes that many City departments are affected by ordinances and that they should be involved in their review; Siddiqui acknowledges Clerk’s Office, notes many CRC recommendation that have been referred to Government Operations for future consideration; McGovern says Gov’t Operations meetings will be scheduled; Toner asks if charter review must be done every 10 years or does clock start w/adoption of any revision, Bayer notes that it would be every 10 years (in a year ending in a ”2”); Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons
Absent: Azeem
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF25#61)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
2. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting an update regarding Revised Charter Draft including Home Rule Draft. (COF25#62)
Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by late communication below)
a. Law Dept Letter to City Council with Charter Home Rule Petition
b. City Charter Draft – Changes Accepted 3/28/25 vote - REDLINE Version
c. Updated City Charter Draft – Changes Accepted 3/28/25 vote - REDLINE Version
d. City Charter Final Draft – Changes Accepted 3/28/25 vote CLEAN FINAL Version
3. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting - Updated City Charter Revised Charter Draft. (COF25#64)
Placed on File 9-0; Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0
a. Updated Law Department Cover Letter
c. Updated City Charter Draft - Changes Accepted 3/28/25 vote - Collins Center CLEAN Version (4/14/25)
HEARING SCHEDULE
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
Tues, Apr 29
11:30am The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 11:30am to 1:30pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent of limiting allowable height increases in Residence C-1 districts, removing references to provisions in the base zoning that are no longer applicable, and clarifying references to departments responsible for enforcement.
Wed, Apr 30
1:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 5.000 and Section 20.70 with the intent of (1) replacing the Floodplain Overlay and Planning Board Special Permit with the Massachusetts model ordinance structure for permitting development in the flood plain through administrative review; (2) updating references to the most recent FEMA maps to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency.
Mon, May 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, May 6
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss all Workforce Development/Job Training programs provided for and/or funded by the City, School Department, and non-profits, and discuss a possible future “Jobs Trust” may do differently, or in addition to, current programming funded and/or operated by the City.
Wed, May 7
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend a subsection of the Cannabis Uses standards, Section 11.800 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent to remove the provision that prohibits the packaging or repackaging of cannabis products on the premises of a Cannabis Retail Store. The Committee will also review and discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 5.50, Cannabis Business Permitting.
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 14, 2025 amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Museums are among the most essential cultural institutions in our society, serving as places of learning, reflection, and community connection – preserving history, celebrating creativity, encouraging curiosity, and fostering civic knowledge; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is home to a rich and diverse landscape of museums that serve residents, students, and visitors alike – including, but not limited to, the Harvard Museums of Science and Culture, the MIT Museum, the Harvard Art Museums, and the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology – all of which play a vital role in making history, science, art, and culture accessible to people from all backgrounds; and
WHEREAS: Museums play a crucial role in collecting, cultivating, and curating our collective stories – preserving the artifacts, narratives, and lived experiences of communities past and present, and providing spaces where people can come together to engage with the complexity of our shared history; and
WHEREAS: This work is particularly vital in animating local emerging institutions, like the Cambridge Museum of History and Culture and longstanding institutions like History Cambridge as well as new and emerging local institutions, which is are working to lift up the voices, histories, and contributions of Cambridge residents, particularly those whose stories have too often been overlooked or marginalized, and which seeks to create an inclusive space that reflects the full richness of our community; and
WHEREAS: The Trump Administration has recently issued Executive Orders that attempts to rewrite American history through the lens of censorship, division, and falsehood, proposing to restrict federal funding for museums and cultural institutions that present honest, evidence-based, and inclusive accounts of American history and culture, and seeking to impose politically motivated limitations on what may be taught, exhibited, or explored in these spaces; and
WHEREAS: The City Council rejects in the strongest possible terms the deeply troubling and unprecedented efforts to gut funding for institutions like the Smithsonian, impose ideological litmus tests on historical narratives, and suppress discussions of race, gender, power, and equality – actions that politicize and sanitize American history, undermine academic freedom, and threaten the fundamental mission of our nation’s museums to present the full, complex, and sometimes painful truths of our shared past; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record expressing its unwavering support for the museums and cultural institutions of Cambridge, the Commonwealth, and the nation – recognizing them as vital to civic life, education, and community building – and in denouncing, in the strongest possible terms, the Trump Administration’s Executive Orders and any related efforts to censor, defund, or politically manipulate these institutions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in urging our State House delegation and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation to actively oppose these reprehensible policies, to work to ensure that federal funding for museums is not only protected but expanded, and to defend the principle that history must be told fully, truthfully, and free from political interference; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, the members of the Cambridge State House delegation, and the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 Apr 14, 2025
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: More than 25 years ago the City of Cambridge officially recognized the threat of climate change and the need to take action in Cambridge to reduce climate pollution and in 2002 released one of the first municipal climate plans in the country; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has adopted Net Zero Action Plans for buildings and waste, and will soon adopt a Net Zero Transportation Plan; and
WHEREAS: The City has matched efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the Resilient Cambridge plan to reduce the risks to our community from increasing temperature, precipitation, and sea level rise; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge requires high energy efficiency standards, participates in the state’s pilot program on eliminating fossil fuels in most new building construction and requires strict building performance standards for large non-residential buildings; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge will be the first community in the Northeast to entirely offset its municipal emissions through renewable energy credits from new solar energy production; and
WHEREAS: The City has reduced trash by more than a third since 2008 and has strategies in place to reduce trash 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is one of the most bikeable and walkable cities in the country; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge remains fully committed to playing a regional leadership role in climate action; and
WHEREAS: To better coordinate and communicate the range of programs and policies required to make Cambridge more welcoming, inclusive, neighborly, and beautiful in a climate-altered era, the City has launched its Sustainable Cambridge initiative; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record declaring Earth Day, April 22 in the year 2025 “Sustainable Cambridge Day” in recognition of our unwavering commitment to moving Cambridge to zero emission pollution; protecting our residents, businesses, and institutions from climate-accelerated extreme weather; and being a role model for other communities; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to all City departments the City’s commitment to our climate goals and the need to support the efforts of the Sustainable Cambridge initiative; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this policy order to the Chief Climate Officer on behalf of the entire City Council.
Full Late Order Text to follow
3. Specify State Representative Marjorie Decker to file the Charter Home Rule Petition and that the rest of our state delegation be invited to join as sponsors. Councillor Siddiqui
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. See Mgr #3
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. See Mgr #4
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. See Mgr #5
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