4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Victoria Harris as an Election Commissioner for a term of four years, effective April 1, 2022. (CM22#82)
Placed on File 9-0

Apr 25, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Victoria Harris as an Election Commissioner effective April 1, 2022 for a term of four years. Ms. Harris was first appointed to the Election Commission in 2018.

Ms. Harris holds a Master’s Degrees in Public Health and Social Work from Boston University and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Cambridge Community Center and the Advisory Committee for the Friends of Cambridge Rindge and Latin school. Her experience includes community advocacy, non-profit management, volunteer coordination, community based participatory research and working with diverse populations.

The recent amendment to the Charter that gave the City Council approval authority over many City Manager appointments to City boards and commissions does not apply to the Board of Election Commissioners by virtue of the Special Act that established the Board.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-8, regarding eliminating hostile architecture. (CM22#83)
pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner, Public Works Department
Date: Apr 20, 2022
Re: Policy Order POR 2021 #23 dated February 8, 2021 re ‘hostile architecture’ in public spaces and approach to ensuring that existing bench fixtures and public seating supports all residents who use them

‘Defensive design’, sometimes called ‘hostile architecture’ are strategies used in the design of public spaces and public amenities to guide or restrict behavior. While typically intended to create safety, these can sometimes create exclusionary results. Common examples include benches with armrests positioned to stop people from lying down, ledges with metal clamps to prevent skateboarding, and handrails with spikes preventing users from sliding down.

By limiting the use of a space, such measures disproportionately impact people who rely more on public space, including the unhoused. However, depending on context and use of the space, certain design interventions, which may be viewed as hostile, may serve a positive public health and safety function. For instance, bollards, which may seem like a barrier, generally serve as an important safety measure to separate vehicular traffic from pedestrian spaces. It is, therefore, important to consider site conditions and user perspectives from both a safety and inclusion perspective. For example, a well-designed plaza may include a mix of benches with and without armrests. This variety would allow people to lay down and rest while also providing arm support to those that need assistance raising or lowering themselves. We note that the City’s standard benches now used by the Department of Public Works are 6 feet long with arm rests at the ends. They do not include middle arm rests and are accommodating to all users.

To formalize principles for inclusion in design while balancing different public space goals, the Community Development Department is starting a process to develop Public Realm Design Guidelines. These guidelines will recommend principles for creating high quality public spaces that encourage pedestrian activity, provide public amenities, promote social interaction, and create a welcoming environment. The guidelines will include design principles for creating inclusive public spaces; recommendations on universally accessible and welcoming street furniture; and streetscape standards for public spaces in Cambridge, including sidewalks, plazas, and parks. The City will use these to guide design of new public space – both City-owned spaces and privately owned public spaces. We also expect the guidelines to be an important tool when existing spaces are being redesigned to make any needed changes to ensure that public spaces in Cambridge are welcoming and inclusive to all.

The Department of Public Works has begun a survey of all those benches the city is responsible for, be it in parks, in squares, at bus stops or along various streets throughout the city. Preliminary counts indicate that there are in excess of 600 hundred benches citywide. Of those that we have surveyed thus far, approximately 1/3 have bars across the middle that divide the bench in half. The majority of these appear to be easily modified to allow for the bar to be fully removed and/or relocated.

In some of the older model benches the bars were part of the original design making them impossible to modify. In those case we will evaluate the need for full bench replacement or look to relocate benches to locations where there are other options available to people and ensure that the benches suit the location and adequately provide an inclusive space for neighbors and visitors.

While the Department of Public Works has already begun removing bars from benches in various locations in parks and elsewhere, in furtherance of the council order request DPW will work with the Department of Human Services, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Council on Aging, and other relevant departments as we move through this evaluation and relocation/removal and replacement process.

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update from the Planning Board on discussions of allowing Multifamily Housing citywide. (CM22#84)
pulled by Azeem; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Apr 25, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a communication received from the Planning Board relative to an update on discussions of allowing Multifamily Housing citywide.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

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Date: Apr 19, 2022
Subject: Update on Discussions of Allowing Multifamily Housing Citywide

To the Honorable, the City Council,

Since January, 2022, the Planning Board has held three discussions on the topic of allowing multifamily housing in all zoning districts of Cambridge. These discussions were initiated by a City Council request made on November 16, 2021, for “CDD to work with the Planning Board to develop concepts and principles to eliminate single family and two family only zones in the City of Cambridge, and to report back to the City Council as soon as practicable.”

Over the course of these discussions, staff from the Community Development Department (CDD) presented information about Cambridge’s current zoning requirements and the specific ways in which those requirements prevent multifamily housing in different parts of the city. CDD also presented information about the issues and goals articulated in the Envision Cambridge comprehensive plan and how they relate to the subject of restrictive single-family and two-family zoning districts.

After the most recent discussion, the Board voted to send a report to the City Council with an update on its process so far and a request for further guidance from the Council on the intended policy goals and outcomes of a zoning change that would eliminate single and two-family only zoning and permit multifamily housing citywide.

Below is an update on the Board’s discussion to date.

Zoning Principles

The Board’s discussion raised several important planning issues, which highlight the need for clear policy guidance in order to evaluate the benefits and tradeoffs of different zoning strategies. They reflect the range of viewpoints expressed by Board members.

• Zoning should allow for an equitable range of housing types and unit sizes in all residential districts. In other words, some neighborhoods should not be exclusively limited to large, single-family, and two-family homes while other neighborhoods allow more variety in housing types. There is no compelling reason to prohibit multifamily housing and townhouses throughout the city.

• More housing opportunities could be created in restrictive zoning districts, which currently do not support as much housing as other neighborhoods of the city. New housing opportunities in residential neighborhoods should be viewed in the context of the City’s overall strategy for housing growth, as articulated in Envision Cambridge.

• Residential neighborhoods should have open space for children and families, as well as tree canopy and other features that have a larger environmental benefit to the public as well as residents. However, that should not necessarily be a justification to oppose the creation of any new housing opportunities.

• Neighborhood streets should not be overburdened with parking. Although there is a desire to plan for a future that is less reliant on private automobile use, the impacts on public resources, including on-street parking, need to be considered.

• Housing costs are a major concern. Some Board members noted that new market-rate housing units are likely to be very expensive and accessible only to wealthier households, and that a change to allow multifamily housing throughout the City, in isolation, would not produce new affordable housing units. Other Board members noted that housing is already expensive, whether it is existing or new, and that retaining the current restrictive zoning in some neighborhoods would result in fewer units that will still be out of reach to all but the wealthiest households. Board members also acknowledged that demand for housing has led to increased property values, placing pressure on longtime residents.

• Opportunities to create affordable housing are desired. Changes to zoning should be carefully assessed for how they might affect the viability of opportunities pursued under the Affordable Housing Overlay.

• It is worthwhile to identify and preserve building exteriors that contribute positively to the architectural character of a neighborhood. However, there can be flexibility to make changes within the interiors of buildings and develop complementary infill.

Concepts for Amending Zoning

Board members agreed that in order to enable multifamily housing citywide, it would be necessary both to increase the allowed range of housing types in Residence A-1, A-2, and B districts, and to amend the “minimum lot area per dwelling unit” requirements which currently limit housing in those districts to fewer, larger-sized units.

• Allowing More Housing Types: There is broad support for allowing multifamily and townhouse development in Residence A-1, A-2, and B districts. Planning Board members discussed the following specific options:

o Allow the same range of uses as in Residence C and C-1 districts. These would include multifamily, townhouse, and some group housing such as elderly congregate housing and lodging houses. Board members had differing views on whether to allow group housing, noting that they can provide more affordable alternative housing options, but can also have parking impacts.

o Allow a broader range of uses, but with limitations on building size. This would allow for additional unit types while keeping building sizes consistent with the prevailing neighborhood patterns.

o Allow multiple buildings on a lot. Currently, only a single principal building is allowed per lot in Residence A-1 and A-2 districts, and there are some limitations on detached buildings on a lot in Residence B. Allowing more flexibility would allow for different building and site development options that could be tailored to different sites.

• Recalibrating Unit Density: Residence A-1, A-2, and B districts have higher ratios of allowed floor area to allowed number of units than other zoning districts. There is broad support for changing the limitations so that more units could be allowed in those districts within the same amount of floor area. Planning Board members discussed the following specific options:

o Reduce the minimum lot area per dwelling unit in those districts so that, when combined with floor area ratio (FAR) limitations in that district, it results in a consistent average unit size across neighborhoods. Some Board members suggested that an average Gross Floor Area per dwelling unit of 1,200 square feet could be a consistent standard across neighborhoods.

o Instead of lot area per dwelling unit limitations, rely on other limitations such as allowed building types (such as three-unit, four-unit, six-unit buildings) without specific limitations on unit density.

Board members discussed other zoning requirements that could be changed, but would likely require more extensive study that could delay the implementation of the immediate objective of allowing multifamily housing citywide.

• Parking: The requirement to provide parking affects the feasibility of housing production, but also impacts the availability of public on-street parking. Board members are aware that the City Council and CDD are studying parking policies more broadly, and the outcome is likely to affect any discussions related to housing.

• Dimensional Standards: Dimensional requirements such as height, setbacks, and open space can affect housing development. Because they interact in complex ways, it would require exhaustive study to evaluate options for changing them and what outcomes would likely result. Overall, Board members were supportive of retaining requirements for setbacks and open space, though the specific requirements could be studied further and adjusted if desired. Some Board members discussed whether changes in allowed height could provide more open space, while others appreciated the consistency of the 35-foot height limit across neighborhoods.

• Affordability: It is very difficult to create affordability requirements that are both effective and legally enforceable. However, Board members emphasized that it is important to continue working toward possible strategies that could increase the supply of affordable housing in all neighborhoods.

• Broader Housing Production: Some Board members suggested taking a more holistic view of the housing goals of Envision Cambridge, such as looking at whether more housing can be permitted in transit-served areas. These ideas may be worthwhile to discuss, but would be somewhat different than the current discussion, which is focused on a citywide approach to eliminating zoning that restricts certain types of housing in certain areas. If the Council’s policy goal is to create new housing opportunities more broadly, it may be worthwhile to look beyond only the most restrictive residential districts.

Next Steps

The Board welcomes input from the City Council on specific policy objectives that would help to further refine the zoning concepts under discussion. With that guidance, CDD and the Planning Board can further pursue options for zoning changes that would meet the stated objectives.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Catherine Preston Connolly, Chair

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Kathleen Born as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years, effective June 26, 2022. (CM22#85)
Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0

Apr 25, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby recommending the reappointment of Kathleen L. Born to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for a term of 5 years, effective June 26, 2022.

Ms. Born currently serves as the Chair of the Board, and has remained a central figure in the CRA’s organization development and strategic growth. She has been instrumental in the launching of new initiatives with the City, most recently the delivery of the MXD substation alternative location.

Ms. Born has been actively engaged in local development and city planning issues for years, and brings a technical perspective on urban design as well as a thoughtful community lens to project review and decision making regarding redevelopment programs.

Ms. Born’s leadership is critical to the work of the CRA and her reappointment is strongly supported by the Executive Director.

Therefore, in accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, I am submitting Ms. Born’s name for City Council confirmation as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee or other suitable committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on MassAve4 and request for approval for the approach and timeline for implementing separated bike lanes on these critical segments of Massachusetts Avenue. [Charter Right - Carlone; Apr 11, 2022] [Cover Letter] [Report] [Order]
Order Adopted 8-1 (Simmons - NO)

Agenda Item Number 2     Apr 11, 2022
ORDERED: That the City Council approve of the approach and timeline for implementing separated bike lanes on the segments of Massachusetts Avenue identified as the MassAve4, as set forth in the City Manager’s recommendation submitted to the Council on this date, pursuant to the Cycling Safety Ordinance, Chapter 12.22 of the Municipal Code, which states:

a) Massachusetts Avenue between Beech Street and Dudley Street by December 31, 2026;

b) Massachusetts Avenue between Waterhouse Street and Roseland Street by December 31, 2026;

c) Massachusetts Avenue/Peabody Street northbound from Church Street to Garden Street by June 30, 2025, and;

d) Massachusetts Avenue between Plympton Street and Dunster Street by June 30, 2025.

ON THE TABLE
5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for new appointments and reappointment to Open Data Review Board for a term of two year. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for reappointment and new appointment to the Water Board. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for reappointments to the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for new appointments and reappointments to the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for a new appointment and reappointments to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for reappointments to the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to approval requested for a new appointment and reappointments to the Historical Commission. [Charter Right – Mallon, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone - ABSENT)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance Projects.

2. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Qualifications to Bid for Designer Services Process.

3. A communication was received from Vickey Bestor, regarding QuickBuild parking proposal -petition from mental health clinicians.

4. A communication was received from Tobin Scipione, regarding Community Servings Public Comment Statement 420 Finance Committee Meeting.

5. A communication was received from Thouis Jones, regarding Please support Partial Reconstruction for MassAve4.

6. A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding ARPA funding for HEART.

7. A communication was received from Shelagh Hadley, regarding bike lanes on Mass. Ave.

8. A communication was received from Sharon Cerny, regarding Letter City Council.

9. A communication was received from Ruonan Li, regarding Opposing Removal of Parking from Mass Ave.

10. A communication was received from Ramya Krishnamurthy, regarding Parking on Mass Ave.

11. A communication was received from Phyllis Pownall, regarding Please Submit as a Communication to be read at Monday’s City Council Meeting.

12. A communication was received from Oscar Wilde, regarding Parking on Mass Ave.

13. A communication was received from Nancy Given, regarding Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance.

14. A communication was received from Michelle Hewitt, regarding Please vote YES on MassAve4!.

15. A communication was received from Michael Bogenstaetter, regarding Please DO NOT remove metered parking between Beech Street and Roseland on Mass Ave.

16. A communication was received from Micaiah Barley, regarding Please Vote for Bike Lanes on Mass Ave.

17. A communication was received from Melissa Ludtke, regarding Vote YES on the partial Mass Ave (MassAve4) reconstruction proposal.

18. A communication was received from Matt Wagers, regarding Vote yes on the city’s partial Mass Ave (MassAve4) reconstruction proposal.

19. A communication was received from Maria, regarding The Plan to Remove All Parking in Porter Square.

20. A communication was received from Lily Cohen, regarding please vote in favor of protected bike lanes.

21. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Cambridge Residents Alliance supports ARPA funding for HEART.

22. A communication was received from Laura Palumbo-Hanson, regarding Please Submit as a Communication to be read at 429’s City Council Meeting.

23. A communication was received from Kathleen Beckman, regarding Removal of Parking Along Mass Ave.

24. A communication was received from Jurgen Weiss, regarding MassAve4.

25. A communication was received from Jeremy Raynor, regarding Please do not add bike lanes.

26. A communication was received from Jenny Payette, regarding Save Mass Ave.

27. A communication was received from Janet Noonan, regarding QuickBuild parking proposal -petition from mental health clinicians.

28. A communication was received from Jana Pickard-Richardson, regarding Vote Yes on Porter Square Bike Infrastructure.

29. A communication was received from Jack Heavner, regarding Support the MassAve4 Reconstruction Proposal.

30. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Written Comment for the Finance Committee Public Hearing Concerning ARPA Funding Initiatives.

31. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Written Comment on The Climate Crisis Working Group Findings and Recommendation (Please add Item to Upcoming City Council Agenda).

32. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, regarding ARPA funds and HEART.

33. A communication was received from Genevieve Coyle, regarding Heart funding and a transparent process.

34. A communication was received from Eric Grunebaum, regarding letter of support for ARPA funding.

35. A communication was received from Eric, regarding do not support plan that will remove all metered parking between Beech St. and Roseland on Mass Ave.

36. A communication was received from Curtis Butcher, regarding Hotel 1868 Porter Square Safety Improvements.

37. A communication was received from Conor Henrie, regarding Mass Ave Bike Lane Reconstruction.

38. A communication was received from Charles Harrington, regarding Porter Square Bike Lane Plan.

39. A communication was received from Charles Harrington, regarding Porter Square Bike Lane Plan.

40. A communication was received from Casey Silver, regarding my thoughts on bike lanes in Porter Square (I love them!).

41. A communication was received from Bonnie Miller, regarding Please Postpone Implementation of Separated Bicycle Lanes!.

42. A communication was received from Lesley Bannatyne, regarding a capsule created by eighth grade students in the then Harrington School as part of their curriculum. The capsule was to be opened in 25 years.

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43. Sundry communications were, regarding Bike lanes.

44. Sundry communications were, regarding Calendar items #3 and #6 Cycling Safety Ordinance.

45. A communication was received from Susan Labandibar, regarding Support for Charter Right #2, POR #6 and #3.

46. A communication was received from Stephen Capuccio, Patricia Capuccio and Richard Dunn, regarding Please Enter Into Public Record Vote Yes On Policy Order #2, #3. AND #6 .

47. A communication was received from Marjorie Hilton, regarding Please rethink plans for removing all metered parking and interfering with small important business.

48. A communication was received from Jose Jimenez, regarding 2 children that I carry on my bike.

49. A communication was received from Jenny Payette, regarding Charter Right #2.

50. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, regarding communication #388 Oscar Wilde on parking on Mass Ave.

51. A communication was received from Arks Smith, regarding We are at another important juncture in the reconfiguration of Mass Ave.

52. A communication was received from Annette Osgood and Jeanne Oster Save Mass Ave Save Our City, regarding Please Pass Charter Right #2, Policy Orders #6, #3.

53. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding Multi-family housing action needs leadership.

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2. Congratulations on the Promotion of Sergeant David M. Brown of the Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

3. Congratulations on the Promotion of Sergeant Thomas J. Glynn from the Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

4. Congratulations on the Promotion of Sergeant Michael S. Medeiros of The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

5. Congratulations on the Promotion of Sergeant Buckowe Yam from The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Lieutenant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

6. Congratulations on the Promotion of Patrol Officer James F. Diggins from The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Sergeant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

7. Congratulations on the Promotion of Patrol Officer Ashley Kmiec from The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Sergeant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

8. Congratulations on the Promotion of Patrol Officer Matthew J. Mahoney from The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Sergeant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

9. Congratulations on the Promotion of Patrol Officer Thomas Maldonado from The Cambridge Police Department to the rank of Sergeant.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

11. Resolution on the death of Mary M. (Sullivan) Carven.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Adopted as Amended 9-0

R-11     Apr 25, 2022  Amended
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of Mary M. (Sullivan) Carven on April 10, 2022; and

WHEREAS: Mary was born on April 23, 1949, and was the daughter of Marion (Colarusso) Sullivan and the late Walter J. Sullivan, Mayor Emeritus City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: Mary was the beloved wife of the late William R. Carven and the very devoted mother of William Jr. and his wife Elizabeth, Christopher and his wife Brenda, Michael and his wife Kate, and James and his wife Jessica. She was the cherished “Nannie” to Grace, Mary, William III, Christopher Jr., Donovan, Laken, Michael Jr., Olivia, Eloise, and Duke; and

WHEREAS: Mary grew up in her beloved hometown of Cambridge, where she was a member of St. Paul’s Church. She graduated from Mount St. Joseph Academy and the Mary Brooks School. On a snowy afternoon the day after Christmas in 1970, she married the love of her life and best friend, William “Whitey” Carven. Over the course of their 49 years of marriage, Mary and Whitey raised their family in Hanover, cheering on their boys from the sidelines of every sports field or court imaginable. She welcomed her sons’ friends into her home, laughing and hugging everyone who walked through her door. She had a special way of making everyone she met feel loved; and

WHEREAS: Mary’s first job was being a mother, she also brightened the lives of countless students over the course of her 25 years in the classroom. She had a deep faith and was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, teaching religious education there for many years. She loved sunshine, blue skies, birds (always seen in 4s), and beaches, and she and Whitey cherished every moment of their retirement in their little slice of paradise in Delray Beach, Florida. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that she could also bargain shop with the best of them - her grandchildren being the lucky recipients of many of Nannie’s finds! Above all though, family was her life. She was utterly devoted to her husband and four boys – and they to her; and

WHEREAS: Mary’s passing will leave a void in the lives of all her surviving family, her siblings Marion Murphy and her husband Patrick, Maureen Santoro and her husband Richard, Walter Sullivan Jr. and his wife Susan and Michael Sullivan and his wife Denise; and

WHEREAS: Mary will be sorely missed by all she touched and loved; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Mary Carven at this time of such personal loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Carven family on behalf of the entire City Council.

13. Wishing Artis Spears a Happy 90th Birthday.   Councillor Simmons

R-13     Apr 25, 2022
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: On May 12, longtime Cambridge resident Artis Spears shall be celebrating her 90th birthday; and

WHEREAS: Artis Spears is co-founder and owner of the A.J. Spears Funeral Home, she has served as the City of Cambridge Election Commissioner for over 28 years and held various positions during her tenure, and she is a truly beloved member of the Cambridge community; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in wishing Artis Spears a very happy, healthy 90th Birthday, with many happy, healthy birthdays yet to come; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Artis Spears on behalf of the entire City Council.

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the Universal PreK ad-hoc for Universal Pre-K. (COF22#50)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner - ABSENT)

To: Cambridge City Council
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Date: Apr 21, 2022
Subject: Communicating Information on Joint CC and SC Ad-Hoc for Universal Pre-K

Through the Cambridge Early Childhood Task Force, the Birth to 3rd Grade Partnership (B3) was launched in 2016 to implement a set of recommendations to improve early education and care throughout the community and to ensure that all children receive high quality early education and care. B3 is developing and designing a universal Pre-K (UPK) system to include a program guide for participating programs, and a single point of access for information and application for families applying for Pre-K within this system.

The B3 has created a structure consisting of a UPK leadership team, an advisory committee, a family advisory committee, and three task forces. The work of these groups will be led by B3’s Executive Director and a newly hired UPK Project Manager.

• The leadership team represents the school department and City and will make decisions and advance necessary items to final approval through the School Committee or City Council.

• The UPK advisory committee is composed of the UPK leadership team and representatives of the School Department, City, and community and will provide expertise in making final recommendations.

• The family advisory committee will consist of Cambridge families with young children. This group will provide input and feedback through a variety of strategies (focus groups, surveys, interviews, meetings) to key teams as needed, to ensure family voice is represented throughout the UPK design and development process. The three UPK task forces will provide expertise and make/advance preliminary recommendations in the areas of workforce development (i.e., teacher qualifications), program quality (i.e., quality standards), and family hub (i.e., application process).

• A UPK Project Manager will support the design and implementation of the city’s universal Pre-K system; managing each constituent group, synthesizing data, supporting the overall communication strategy, and ensuring timelines are met.

In addition to the B3’s proposed advisory structure for advancing the work of UPK, a joint ad hoc committee composed of City Councillors and School Committee Members, chaired by the Mayor, will regularly meet to hear updates provided by the UPK Leadership Team. The purpose of the joint ad-hoc committee is to receive frequent updates on progress made, engage in thoughtful conversations about findings, and provide guidance about implementation for Universal Pre-K. The ad-hoc committee will be responsible for providing feedback to the leadership team. The ad-hoc committee will meet every 6 weeks following Memorial Day, in order to synthesize through updates and provide any necessary approvals on steps towards advancing the work of Universal Pre-K.

I will keep the City Council informed about the make-up of the ad-hoc and the meeting dates.

Respectfully,
Mayor Siddiqui

3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting a letter sent to the MBTA. (COF22#51)
Placed on File 9-0

Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Apr 21, 2022

Steve Poftak, General Manager
MBTA
10 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116

Dear Mr. Poftak:

We are writing regarding the MBTA’s on-going efforts to convert the North Cambridge bus facility from an electric trolley bus facility to one able to accommodate Battery Electric Bus (BEB) technology and move the MBTA forward on the commitment to electrify the entire 1,150 bus fleet by 2040. We appreciate the work the MBTA staff is doing on this and the commitment to removing the full catenary system (wires, poles and underground conduit), which encumbers our right-of-way and limits our ability to implement improvements for people biking, walking and taking the MBTA along Mass. Ave. Since the catenary system is no longer serving any transit purpose, it should be removed as quickly as possible.

While it is critical that the full system be removed, the highest priority is removing the overhead wires on Mass. Ave. between Roseland St and Beech St. The City’s Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) requires the implementation of separated bike lanes on a number of city streets, including Mass. Ave. The City is committed to installing separated bike lanes on this section this summer and the overhead wires are significantly compromising our ability to do so. We implore you to make immediate arrangements to remove the overhead catenary wires on this section of Mass. Ave. to support critical bike improvements, while we continue to work together on the plan to remove the full catenary system.

Please contact Katherine Watkins, City Engineer, at 617-349-4751 / kwatkins@cambridgema.gov with any questions or to continue coordination on these projects.

With gratitude,
Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui
City Manager Louis A. DePasquale

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 25, 2022  Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Community Center (CCC) has been planning to expand their mental and behavioral youth and family health services into an unused Cambridge Health Alliance facility located at 205 Western Avenue; and
WHEREAS: In June 2019, the CCC applied for and received the necessary zoning relief needed from the Board of Zoning Appeals for a change of use to social center during that summer; and
WHEREAS: At that time, the City inspected the site and found both the HVAC and elevator weren’t functioning properly and the building could not be occupied until those issues were resolved; and
WHEREAS: Neither the HVAC nor the elevator were repaired, and the temporary zoning expired without the Cambridge Community Center using the space; and
WHEREAS: In September 2021, the Cambridge Community Center hired a full-time Social Worker who has advanced our efforts in this area and they also have been able to attract additional funding and interest to support this initiative; and
WHEREAS: The goal of this new programming is to increase access to mental/behavioral health treatment for community members by reducing barriers related to logistics and stigma; and
WHEREAS: These mental/behavioral health needs issues existed in our community prior to COVID, but they significantly increased during the pandemic and this program would help connect many residents to the mental/behavioral health services that they need; and
WHEREAS: There is a significant lack of mental/behavioral health services in Cambridge and in the region, even as more residents are in need of these critical services; and
WHEREAS: Specifically, the Cambridge Community Center hopes to provide:

1. Support for youth with high-level mental/behavioral health risks through therapeutic treatment (with caregiver consent). These services will take place during program hours. Services will be provided in a setting that’s familiar to the youth at a time and location that’s convenient for their caregivers.

2. Support for caregivers who require additional support and/or therapeutic treatment themselves. Caregivers will be able to receive these services while their children are being cared for in our program; and

WHEREAS: CCC has asked the City administration to determine if the building would still be available for use and what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space and provide these critical services; and
WHEREAS: No information has been provided since meeting in November 2021; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Cambridge Heath Alliance, the Department of Public Works, the Inspectional Services Department and other relevant departments regarding the building condition and what repairs are needed at 205 Western Avenue to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager respond to this request by the May 16th regular City Council meeting.

O-2     Apr 25, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
ORDERED: That based on the discussion at the Apr 12th, 2022, Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee that the City Manager, the City Solicitor, and other relevant departments report back to the full City Council on the following items:

• Developing a standard operating procedure for recruiting candidates to Boards and Commissions which is better aligned with current City staff recruitment standard operating procedures, including but not limited to: where to advertise and for how long, in what languages, what personal criteria should be added to the application process to ensure diversity (gender, age, race, ethnicity, rent/owner, etc.)

• Developing a comprehensive strategy to provide anti-bias training and onboarding to new Boards and Commission members, and exit interviews to members upon leaving

• Providing a report of Boards and Commissions that have term limits where applicable, and a strategy for imposing term limits based on best practices

• Developing a standardized presentation of appointments and re-appointments to City Council including, but not limited to, number of applicants, length of opening, current demographic breakdown of the Board or Committee, where outreach was done etc.

• Exploring ways we can provide stipends to boards and commission members, particularly those who meet more regularly like the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals.

• Providing a report on how Boards and Commissions can meet the city’s goals for diversity and inclusion, while ensuring that any required professional expertise and/or specific knowledge that may be statutorily required will continue to be represented; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager report back by the May 30th regular City Council meeting.

O-3     Apr 25, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Manager and Cambridge Traffic and Parking Planning Department have requested approval at the Apr 11th City Council meeting and now before the Council for a vote tonight, Apr 25th, of a “partial construction plan” for segments of Massachusetts Avenue from Dudley Street to Beech Street and Roseland Street to Waterhouse Street sections of the “Mass Ave 4” portion of the project to be completed no later than April 2026; and
WHEREAS: Many in the Massachusetts Avenue and broader community – residents, property owners, small businesses, and nonresident patrons – have all expressed concerns about the potential loss of 90% of all parking on Massachusetts Avenue and the negative impact on residents and small businesses up and down Massachusetts Avenue, unless the MBTA removes the catenary wires along Massachusetts Avenue and parts of the median strip are removed which will possibly save 50% of parking spaces on the avenue; and
WHEREAS: It is stated intent of the Cambridge Traffic and Parking Department to complete the project by December of 2026 but with the expectation that the catenary wires and significant portions of the median strip will be removed before beginning the “partial construction” implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance which will allow the retention of approximately 50% of parking; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic and Parking Department to work diligently with the MBTA to remove the catenary wires as soon as possible, and/or investigate the possibility of the City removing the catenary wires itself and commit to moving forward with the design and installation of the proposed “partial construction” bike lanes only when the wires have been removed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council ask the City Manager for language that may be needed to adjust and update the Cycling Safety Ordinance to reflect this change in the current timelines as soon as possible, while keeping the overall time frame of the ordinance.

O-4     Apr 25, 2022
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City Council is supportive of the Department of Public Works’ plan for distributing new trash bins to all residents over the course of a few weeks in June and welcomes the plan to standardize trash barrels; and
WHEREAS: The standardization of the bins should have many benefits, including benefits to DPW workers’ health and better control of rodents; and
WHEREAS: The standard bin for single- and two-family residences will be either 45 gallons and residences with more units will be 65 gallons; and
WHEREAS: The City has successfully reduced the amount of trash the average household generates, through innovative initiatives such as curbside composting and textile recycling efforts, such that 35 gallon bins suffice for most households; and
WHEREAS: The City’s Zero Waste Master Plan anticipates a continued reduction in household trash as an important part of our sustainability initiatives, to avoid contributing to the many harmful effects of landfills on public health and the environment; and
WHEREAS: Many residents want to contribute to the solution and having larger trash bins could inadvertently send the message that more trash is acceptable, and a large bin may incentivize residents to produce more waste, not less; and
WHEREAS: Encouraging households who need only a smaller bin (35 instead of 45 gallon or 45 or 65) to request smaller ones would send a message that less waste is a city goal and would be in line with the stated zero waste plan, without risking an increase in rodent activity (which is often related or to dumpsters and uncovered bins); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to devise ways to encourage residents to request the smallest size they need and to keep waste output low with the rollout of the new bins in June; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council no later than May 1st, 2022.

O-6     Apr 25, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Traffic and Parking Planning Department and the City Manager have developed plans for installing “quick build” infrastructure in furtherance of implementing the Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) in Porter Square on Massachusetts Avenue from Roseland Street to Beech Street; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager and Cambridge Traffic and Parking Planning Department requested approval of a delay in implementing this plan due to the need to gather further community input and analysis of the impact on the Porter Square residents and businesses and the impossibility of meeting the original deadline but committed to installing quick build lanes as quickly as possible within this construction season; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager and Cambridge Traffic and Parking Planning Department have also requested approval at the Apr 11th City Council meeting and now before the council for a vote tonight, Apr 25th, of a “partial construction plan” for segments of Massachusetts Avenue from Dudley Street to Beech Street and Roseland Street to Waterhouse Street sections of the “Mass Ave 4” portion of the project to be completed no later than April 2026; and
WHEREAS: Many in the Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue community - residents, property owners, small businesses, and nonresident patrons - have all expressed concerns about the “quick build” plan and its impact on parking and small businesses in the area and have questioned why Porter Square is being treated differently than the rest of Massachusetts Avenue to be completed on a separate, quicker timeline from the rest of Massachusetts Avenue while the MBTA catenary wires are still in place requiring the City to eliminate more parking than if it waited until the catenary wires are removed from this section of Massachusetts Avenue without any compelling reason; and
WHEREAS: Best practices in urban planning and transportation planning ensures planning is accomplished with a holistic view and comprehensive approach; and
WHEREAS: It is the stated intent of the Cambridge Traffic and Parking Department to revisit the Porter Square infrastructure in the future after the catenary wires are removed to make further changes to this area and this will only disrupt the Porter Square community twice in a relatively short period of time at substantial expense to the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic and Parking Department to forego its original plan for “quick build” implementation and ensure that the implementation of bike lane infrastructure in Porter Square is accomplished as part of the whole of the Massachusetts Avenue 4 section, when the catenary wires and median strip are removed so that Porter Square may be included in the plans for ‘partial construction” infrastructure as part of one, cohesive plan stretching from Dudley Street to Waterhouse Street to be completed no later than April 30, 2026; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council ask the City Manager for language that may be needed to adjust and update the Cycling Safety Ordinance to reflect this change in the current timelines as soon as possible, while keeping the overall time frame of the ordinance.