Cambridge City Council meeting - April 27, 2015 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a request to increase the Section 101 allowance, a benefit for surviving spouses of a disabled employee, from the current annual amount of $9,000 to $12,000.

Agenda Item No. 1A     Apr 27, 2015
ORDERED: That the City Council goes on record accepting the recommendation of the Retirement Board to increase the Section 101 benefit for surviving spouses of a disabled employee from $9,000 to $12,000 annually.

3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-10, regarding a report on contracts to obtain electricity from TransCanada and the possibility of entering into an agreement to obtain up to 100% renewable power for all municipal electricity needs.

4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-139, regarding a report on a feasibility study and subsequent action plan on instituting suffrage for immigrants in Cambridge.
Referred to Gov't Operations Committee

5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-130, regarding a report on whether preference points can legally be allotted to all city employees for affordable housing units.
Referred to Housing Committee

6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-27, regarding a report on the feasibility of launching a pilot program for heated bus shelters.

7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-39, regarding a report on the Citywide Planning Process (Master Plan) including next steps and timeline. [Word][PDF]

8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $13,000 from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Salary and Wages account to the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department Travel and Training account (judgment and damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for Traffic and Parking personnel injured in performance of their duties.

9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the FY2016 submitted budget and appropriation orders. [attachment]
Referred to Finance Committee

Apr 27, 2015
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting the FY2016 submitted budget and appropriation orders. The budget book and back up materials will be available in the City Council Office prior to the City Council meeting scheduled for Mon, Apr 27, 2015 at 5:30pm.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Ronald Smith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 139 Charles Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey on Applications and Petitions Number Three of Apr 13, 2015.]
Placed on File under Rule 19 (no action taken)

2. That Article 13 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinances entitled "Planned Unit Development Districts" be amended in section 13.53.2 of 13.50 entitled "PUD-4, PUD-4A, PUD-4B and PUD-4C Districts: Development Controls" by adding after the first sentence: The minimum size of the Development Parcel within PUD-4B shall be two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) square feet. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Cheung on Order Number Fourteen of Apr 13, 2015.]
Failed 2-6-1 (Cheung, Simmons - YES; Benzan, Kelley, Mazen, McGovern, Toomey, Maher - NO; Carlone - PRESENT)

ON THE TABLE
3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status and next steps for the Beekeeping ordinance. [Order Number Ten of Mar 30, 2015 Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 30, 2015.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.

5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an update on the Foundry Building process, including the City's plans to collaborate with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (the "CRA") to redevelop the Foundry building in a way that meets the vision and objectives expressed by the City Council and the community. City Manager Agenda Number Seventeen of Dec 15, 2014 Referred to Unfinished Business. City Manager Agenda Item Twenty-four of Jan 29, 2015 referred to Unfinished Business.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Patrick Barrett, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 41 Pleasant Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from one neighborhood association.

2. An application was received from CVS requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1430 Mass. Ave. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development, Historical Commission, one abutter and no opinion from the other abutter.

3. An application was received from Citizens Bank requesting permission for ten banners at the premises numbered 30 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development, Historical Commission and abutters.
Charter Right - Kelley

4. An application was received from Lulu Cuisine LLC d/b/a Shepard requesting permission for a sign at the premises numbered 1 Shepard Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutter.

5. Petition filed by Jimmy Tingle, 27 Lawrence Street, et al. in opposition to either Lawrence or Corporal McTernan Streets as a permanent location for the Dana Park Hubway Station.
Referred to City Manager

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Giovani Hoyos-Corrales, 211 Putnam Avenue, transmitting thanks to the City Council for their support against his deportation from the U.S.A. and receiving his American citizenship on Mar 26, 2015.

2. A communication was received from Caroline Jaffe, 18 Amory Street, regarding Pearl Street.

3. A communication was received from David Quinn, 17 Fairmont Avenue, regarding Pearl Street.

4. A communication was received from Sam Christy, 166A Elm Street, regarding Pearl Street.

5. A communication was received from Lauren Donahue, 32 Calvin Street, Somerville, regarding Pearl Street.

6. A communication was received from Steven H. Adelson, Owner, Teddy Shoes, Inc, 548 Mass. Ave., transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

7. A communication was received from Patrick Verbeke, 91 Sidney Street, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

8. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, regarding Pearl Street.

9. A communication was received from Matt Haymer, Owner, Cafe Luna and Sola Handcrafted Sandwiches, 350 Mass. Ave., transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

10. A communication was received from Bob and Mary Woodbury, River Street, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

11. A communication was received from Christopher Sol Gully, Owner and Coach, Redline Fight Sports MMA, 614 Mass. Ave., transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

12. A communication was received from Sibylle DeCarlo, Employer Services Representative, Career Source, 186 Alewife Brook Parkway, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

13. A communication was received from Tom Spataro, Managing Director, Improv Boston, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

14. A communication was received from Huan Zhang, Chief Instructor and Executive Director, Huan's Tai Chi, 7 Temple Street, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

15. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, regarding the future of technology.

16. A communication was received from Will Wood, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

17. A communication was received from Paul R. Lohnes and Charles R. Laverty, Jr., General Partners, Laverty Lohnes Properties, transmitting opposition to Policy Order #12 Apr 13, 2015.

18. A communication was received from the Department of Public Utilities transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return for the year ended Dec 31, 2014 for NSTAR Gas Company.

19. A communication was received from the Department of Public Utilities transmitting a copy of the Condensed Financial Return for the year ended Dec 31, 2014 for NSTAR Electric Company.

20. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, regarding Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

21. A communication was received from Jeff Byrnes, 7 Lawrence Street, regarding Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

22. A communication was received from Alec Papazian, 105 Norfolk Street, regarding Policy Order #12 of Apr 13, 2015.

23. A communication was received from Barbara Broussard, 148 Third Street, transmitting support for housing in Central Square at the corner of Mass. Ave. and Main Street.

24. A communication was received from Olivia Fiske, 131 Magazine Street, transmitting support for the Mass+Main project.

25. A communication was received from Charlotte Watson, in support of the zoning proposal for Mass+Main.

26. A communication was received from Ilan Levy, 148 Spring Street, urging that the impropriety appearance be lifted regarding the Normandy/Twining petition.

27. A communication was received from Amanda Tramont, 3 Dana Street, in support of the Mass+Main income housing subdistrict.

28. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, urging the City Council to let the Normand/Twining petition expire.

29. A communication was received from Kasper H. Bejoian Jr., 544 Huron Avenue, supporting the Mass+Main proposal.

30. A communication was received from Richard Clarey, Brookford Street, transmitting an article from the "New York Times" regarding the purchase of apartment buildings in New York by private investment firms who harass the tenants living in rent regulated apartments.

31. A communication was received from Laurie A. Friedman, 33 Essex Street, in opposition to the Normand/Twining petition.

32. A communication was received from Carolyn Fuller, 12 Douglass Street, in support of the Mass+Main project.

33. A communication was received from Bill McAvinney, 12 Douglass Street, in support of Mass+Main as a way of preserving diversity, reducing the carbon footprint and keeping Cambridge welcoming and growing.

34. A communication was received from Christine Jelstrup, 120 Pleasant Street, regarding steps taken by Cambridge to mitigate climate change.

35. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, in support of expanding Hubway program, switching municipal electricity to 100% renewables and negotiating a new service contract and in opposition to the petition for ten banners by Citizens Bank and to the Normandy/Twining upzoning petition.

36. A communication was received from David Chilinski, 221 Hampshire Street, in support of the Twining petition.

37. A communication was received from Carole Bellew, 257 Charles Street, in support of the Twining building as something that is needed in Central Square.

38. A communication was received from Richard Krushnic, 20 Oak Street, regarding the Mass+Main petition as spot zoning.

39. A communication was received from Jo M. Solet, PhD., 15 Berkeley Street, regarding noise enforcement and in support of noise mapping.

40. A communication was received from Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, urging the City Council to let the Normandy/Twining expire.

41. A communication was received from Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street, in support of the Normand/Twining petition for the much needed additional units of affordable housing.

42. A communication was received from Andrea Wilder, 12 Arlington Street, regarding the Twining Building is an abomination.

43. A communication was received from Larry Ward, 372 Broadway, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition.

44. A communication was received from Juliet Blackett, 30 Churchill Avenue, in opposition to the Normandy/Twining proposal for Central Square.

45. A communication was received from Paul Dennis, 156 Cherry Street, in support of the Mass+Main petition.

46. A communication was received from Kathy Watkins, 80 Fawcett Street, urging the City Council to not pass the Normandy/Twining petition.

47. A communication was received from Elizabeth NcNally, 31 Lawrence Street, in support of Order #8 for installing bike sharing stations in West Cambridge.

48. A communication was received from Robin Lapidus, CSBA, urging the City Council to pass the Mass+Main petition.

49. A communication was received from Alec Papazian, 105 Norfok Street, in support of the Mass+Main petition.

50. A communication was received from Marge Amster, 10 McTernan Street, in support of the Mass+Main petition.

51. A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, 10 Dana Street, in opposition to the 195 foot Twinings Tower at Mass+Main.

52. A communication was received from Hubert Murray, 204 Erie Street, in support of the Mass+Main zoning petition.

53. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, 234 Broadway, in support of Normandy/Twining project.

54. A communication was received from Mark Boyes-Watson, 100 Pacific Street, in support of the Mass+Main petition.

55. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, relating to the homeless and the Foundry.

56. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, read by Heather Hoffman, regarding the recommendation of the Planning Board on the proposed banners requested by Citizen's Bank.

57. A communication was received from Sylvia Rozwadowska Shah, 341 Pearl Street, in opposition to a 19 story building in Central Square.

58. A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, 201 Franklin Street, urging the City Council to let the Normandy/Twining petition expire.

59. A communication was received from Michael Hawley, 101 Third Street, in opposition to Normandy/Twining proposal.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to CCTV on being named a finalist in the Knight News Challenge.   Councillor Cheung

2. Congratulations to MassChallenge on their acquisition of Start Tank Boston.   Councillor Cheung

3. Congratulations to the adjunct faculty at Lesley University and the SEIU on forming a long-term partnership focused on generating mutual growth and improving industry-wide labor relations.   Councillor Cheung

4. Congratulations to netBlazr and CEO Jim Hanley on their new round of funding.   Councillor Cheung

5. Congratulations to Bill Doncaster and the cast and crew of "Two Boys Lost" on their nominations and success.   Councillor Cheung

6. Congratulations to the organizers of Immigrant Heritage Month on their commitment to acknowledging the importance of the immigrant experience in America.   Councillor Cheung

7. Resolution on the death of Daniel J. "Danny" Dowd.   Mayor Maher

8. Resolution on the death of Louis J. Crusco.   Mayor Maher

9. Resolution on the death of Angelina (Marra) Killion.   Mayor Maher

10. Thanks to VAST Capital Management for their choice to eliminate the use of rodenticides on their property in order to make the property a safer place for Buzz and Belle, the two red tail hawks, to live.   Councillor Cheung

11. Speedy recovery wishes to Barbara Taggart.   Councillor Simmons

12. Retirement of Maria Almeida from the Cambridge Health Alliance.   Mayor Maher

13. Thanks to Sarah Boyer for her work writing We Are the Port: Oral Histories of the Port/Area4.   Councillor Toomey

14. Recognition of the dedication of the Officer Sean Collier Memorial and gratitude to Officer Collier for his service and sacrifice.   Councillor Toomey

15. Congratulations to Giovani Hoyos-Corrales on the occasion of becoming a United States citizen.   Councillor McGovern

16. Happy 65th Birthday wishes to Dan Epstein.   Vice Mayor Benzan

17. Recognition to Sara Mae Berman for her accomplishments and for leading the way in women's sports and congratulations on her induction into the Distance Running Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern

18. Best wishes to Paul Fallon as he undertakes a bike ride throughout the continental United States.   Councillor Cheung

19. Resolution on the death of Leo F. Malloy.   Mayor Maher

20. Resolution on the death of James Thornhill.   Councillor Simmons

21. Resolution on the death of Jacqueline L. Carroll.   Councillor Simmons

22. Happy Birthday wishes to Ambassador Swanee Hunt.   Councillor Simmons

23. Condolences to Boston City Councilor Matt O'Malley on the loss of his sister Jill O'Malley Conroy.   Councillor Simmons

24. Congratulations to Rachel Sundet on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

25. Congratulations to Patrick Campbell on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

26. Congratulations to Carl Dooley on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

27. Congratulations to Jason Bond on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

28. Congratulations to Clover HFI on its grand opening at 496 Mass. Ave.   Councillor Cheung

29. Congratulations to Cara Chigazola on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

30. Congratulations to Renae Connolly on receiving a Boston's Rising Star award from Star Chefs.   Councillor Cheung

31. Best wishes to the Kendall Square Association as they host the Kendall Non-Profit Volunteer Fair on Apr 29, 2015 at the Technology Square Atrium, 100 Technology Square.   Mayor Maher

32. Congratulations to the 2015 City of Cambridge Outstanding City Employee Awards.   Mayor Maher

33. Congratulations to Liz Phipps-Soeiro for her commitment to creating an epicenter of engagement and community activism at the Cambridgeport School by establishing a monthly ongoing "Coffee and Conversation" event.   Councillor Cheung

34. Congratulations to Reverend Dr. Nerissa C. Wyzzard and the Cambridge Community Outreach Tabernacle on their successful Cambridge Shines Area IV Cleanup Day which was held on Apr 18, 2015.   Councillor Simmons

35. Happy Birthday wishes to Tony Brooks.   Vice Mayor Benzan

36. Happy Birthday wishes to Bruni Guzman.   Vice Mayor Benzan

37. Congratulations to Dorie Clark on the publication of her book "Stand Out: How to Find Your Breakthrough Idea and Build A Following Around It."   Councillor Simmons

38. Condolences to Joe Kaplan on the death of his father, Leonard Kaplan.   Councillor Simmons

39. Speedy recovery wishes to Former Mayor and City Councillor Sheila Russell.   Mayor Maher

40. Congratulations to Timothy Downey and Rebecca Koocher on the birth of their son and Glenn Koocher and Wendy Silverberg on the birth of their grandson.   Mayor Maher

41. Proclaim Apr 24, 2015 as Arbor Day in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Maher

42. Condolences to the family of Kimberly S. Thorne-Willis.   Councillor Simmons

43. Condolences to the family of Robert L. Ward.   Councillor Simmons

44. Condolences to the people of Nepal and to Cantabrigians with friends and family that may have been impacted by the earthquake in the Nepali region.   Councillor Toomey

45. Resolution on the death of William Harrison Phillips.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan

ORDERS
1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Marc McGovern for a street corner dedication in honor of Cambridge firefighter Lieutenant William R. Skelley.   Councillor McGovern

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to investigate the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers.   Councillor Cheung

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Retirement system to investigate the potential of excess fees charged by UBS Realty to investors.   Councillor McGovern and Councillor Simmons

4. Support of the work done by the City Clerk's Office and of the IT Governance Committee process and funding to prioritize the procurement of a back-end and customer-facing City Council database that simplifies administrative workflow, allows documents attached to the meeting items to be searchable, and moves the City Council towards paperless meetings.   Councillor Mazen and Councillor Cheung

5. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine what steps the City must take in order to opt in to the new Earned Sick Time law, to apply this to full time as well as part time employees of the City, and to report back to the City Council prior to July 1, 2015 as to how soon the City of Cambridge can formally implement this new law.   Councillor Simmons and Councillor Cheung

6. Amendment by adding new Rule 31C regarding City Manager appointments to the Cambridge Housing Authority.   Councillor Kelley
Placed on Unfinished Business (proposed Rules change)

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff to: determine the existing capacity of the City to address excessive noise complaints; analyze past complaints to determine if there have been any trends in type, location, time or any other aspect of formal noise complaints and response actions in Cambridge; create a noise map focusing on existing noise from industrial, lab and office buildings and the impact of that noise on residential structures; review opportunities to provide noise measurement and enforcement capabilities and responsibilities within the Police Department, Inspectional Services, DPW and the Department of Public Health to provide comprehensive, 24/7 noise response capacity with Cambridge.   Councillor Kelley and Councillor McGovern

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and Hubway representatives to determine the feasibility of putting bike share stations in West Cambridge at places such as the West Cambridge Youth Center, the Tobin School, Fresh Pond or other private or public locations and the feasibility of having all Hubway stations be situated so that they are available year round.   Councillor Kelley

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back to the City Council with suggested language for either a Home Rule petition or a change to general state law that requires all individuals involved in a collision, to include dooring, to give everyone else involved written contact information, not just to offer it.   Councillor Kelley

10. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine the feasibility of establishing a planting and beautification program for the tree wells along Harvard Street, Windsor, Washington, and Pine Streets in Area IV, with the purpose of encouraging dog owners to pick up after their pets and to make the neighborhood more attractive in general.   Councillor Simmons
Amended

11. That the City Council go on record supporting the American Postal Workers Union in its efforts to protect living wage jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer services, and the City Council opposes efforts to privatize postal operations, and calls upon all residents of Cambridge to consider this issue when deciding whether or not to patronize Staples.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung and Councillor McGovern

12. City Council support of Amendment #665 to restore the provisions of the Taxpayer Protection Act at the MBTA.   Councillor Cheung and Councillor Simmons
Withdrawn by unanimous consent

13. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Affordable Housing Trust about the progress being made at the former Tokyo Restaurant Site and to report back to the City Council with any findings and recommendations.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher, and Councillor Cheung

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on Mar 19, 2015 to provide an update and continue discussion on the incentive zoning study from the Community Development Department.
Placed on File

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 1, 2015 to continue discussions on the Normandy/Twining petition.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-2 (Carlone, Mazen - NO)

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Judith T. Martin, Executive Secretary to the School Committee transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee recommending the FY16 General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum of $163,940,420.
Referred to Finance Committee

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting & Budget Overview  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 28
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code in Chapter 9.04 entitled "Offenses Against Property."  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Apr 29
4:00pm   The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss recommendations to ensure that all positions hired directly by the City of Cambridge, or by outside vendors, uphold the same high employment standards that the City urges all businesses to uphold.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)
7:00pm   The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposal by the City of Cambridge to dispose of a long-term leasehold interest in the Foundry Property at 101 Rogers Street to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and on a request for diminution of the full disposition process. The public hearing is being held pursuant to the requirements of Section 2.110 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, regarding Disposition of City Property.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 5
5:00pm   Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee  (TBD)

Wed, May 6
4:00pm   The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss domestic violence and anti-domestic violence initiatives in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 7
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2016 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 11
4:00pm   2015 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Cambridge Housing Authority to discuss RAD. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 12
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, Section 20.600 Basement Housing Overlay District by including language to clarify the intent of the provisions to apply to multifamily structures that are wholly or partially located in Residence C, C-1, C-1A, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A, or C-3B base zoning districts. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 13
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2016 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 14
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2016 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 19
5:30pm   The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss how economic development impacts and supports the quality of life of Cambridge residents, and to investigate the feasibility of establishing an agreement with ride-share services such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 20
5:30pm   Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 21
9:00am   The Finance committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss FY2016 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting & Budget Adoption  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 8
5:30pm   Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the master plan. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 22
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 29
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 10
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Marc McGovern for a street corner dedication in honor of Cambridge firefighter Lieutenant William R. Skelley, the vicinity of which is to be determined by the family; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-2     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is blessed with a wealth of well-maintained parks and playgrounds dotted around the City; and
WHEREAS: Both the active and passive parks in the City of Cambridge offer oases where citizens can relax, socialize, and engage in recreational activities; and
WHEREAS: Encouraging citizens to make use of the parks and their many facilities falls in line with the Council's goal of fostering community and neighborhood vitality; and
WHEREAS: Grilling and cook-outs are activities commonly associated with summer time recreation and parks, and the City of Cambridge does not currently offer grilling installations for such activities at the majority of the City's parks; and
WHEREAS: The grill installation at Danehy park has been a great success, and sees frequent use throughout the summer; and
WHEREAS: Many Cambridge residents do not have access to grilling equipment without such public installations because they lack the fire safe space necessary to own a grill, and expanding access to this pursuit is in the interest of both equity and summer fun; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to investigate the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-3     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Retirement System makes investments in accordance with their fiduciary duty; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council offers its appreciation to the board and staff of the Cambridge Retirement System as CRS diligently labors to ensure that those who work to keep our city running, growing, and thriving are able to retire with dignity at the end of their public service; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has been made aware of a report that focuses on the potential of excess fees charged by UBS Realty to investors; and
WHEREAS: CRS is a limited partner in the UBS Trumbull Property Fund (UBS-TPF); and
WHEREAS: An analysis of some recent filings from UBS-TPF owned properties with county tax assessors reveals disparities in some valuations provided to investors; and
WHEREAS: Research into three different properties in UBS-TPF reveals that values which were appealed as too high already averaged 40% less than values reported to limited partners as of September 2013; and
WHEREAS: If such a disparity were applied to the $51 million CRS has invested with UBS, CRS could potentially have been significantly overcharged on fees; and
WHEREAS: If correct, a 40% overvaluation would mean that in 2014 $215,528 of the fees charged to CRS may have been in error; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Retirement system to examine these claims and report back to the City Council with any relevant findings.

O-4     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: A searchable record of meetings and the documents discussed in those meetings is beneficial to increasing the transparency, effectiveness, and institutional memory of the Cambridge City Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of the work done by the City Clerk's Office and of the IT Governance Committee process and funding to prioritize the procurement of a back-end and customer-facing City Council database that simplifies administrative workflow, allows documents attached to the meeting items to be searchable, and moves the City Council towards paperless meetings.

O-5     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: In 2014, Massachusetts voters went to the polls and voted in favor of allowing Earned Sick Time for Employees at businesses and agencies that met a number of specific criteria, and this new law shall go into effect as of July 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS: The conditions that must be met in order for a business or agency to take advantage of this new law can be found online on the Secretary of the Commonwealth's website at http://electionstats.state.ma.us/ballot_questions/view/2468/; and
WHEREAS: In order for the employees of any city to take advantage of Earned Sick Time, the specific municipality must actively opt in to the law; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine what steps the City must take in order to opt in to the new Earned Sick Time law, to apply this to full time as well as part time employees of the City, and to report back to the City Council prior to July 1, 2015 as to how soon the City of Cambridge can formally implement this new law.

O-8     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City and various other entities have invested significantly in the bike share program, Hubway, providing year-round bike sharing options throughout much of the City and regional bike sharing options in non-winter months; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Hubway stations are clustered in the eastern part of the city, with no stations west of Garden Street, thus leaving all of West Cambridge unserved by this City resource; and
WHEREAS: The City has committed to ensuring that Hubway remains a fiscally and operationally sound transportation option for the indefinite future; and
WHEREAS: It is important to have Hubway stations near people's homes if it is expected that people will use them on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS: It is important to have Hubway stations located in areas where year-round access is possible; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and Hubway representatives to determine the feasibility of putting bike share stations in West Cambridge at places such as the West Cambridge Youth Center, the Tobin School, Fresh Pond or other private or public locations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and Hubway representatives to determine the feasibility of having all Hubway stations be situated so that they are available year round; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-10     Apr 27, 2015  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council's attention that a number of tree wells along Harvard Street, Windsor, Washington, and Pine Streets in Area IV are regularly filled with dog feces, and neighborhood residents have been upset by the mess that has been accruing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine the feasibility of establishing a planting and beautification program for the tree wells along Harvard Street, Windsor, Washington, and Pine Streets in Area IV, with the purpose of encouraging dog owners to pick up after their pets and to make the neighborhood more attractive in general; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-11     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council's attention that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has entered into a no-bid deal with Staples to operate postal counters in Staples Stores and to provide nearly all the services that the USPS provides; and
WHEREAS: The USPS and Staples have been unwilling to staff Staples' postal units with unionized USPS employees, who have the training and experience to properly handle U.S. mail, have sworn an oath to uphold the highest standards of public service, and are accountable to the American people; and
WHEREAS: If this policy is not changed, low wage, non-union "postal" jobs at Staples could ultimately replace the living wage, union jobs held by USPS employees, with Staples stores eventually completely replacing USPS Post Offices, and using non-union employees to process mail at privately owned facilities would amount to a virtual, and unauthorized, privatization of the USPS, which would also risk jeopardizing the sanctity and security of the mail; and
WHEREAS: Postal workers have been resisting this plan to privatize the USPS, replace their living wage jobs with low wage jobs, and potentially degrade service, and protecting high quality public services, protecting living wage jobs, and maintaining universal, affordable mail service for the American people should be a priority not just for the postal workers, but all Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting the American Postal Workers Union in its efforts to protect living wage jobs and its insistence on the highest possible standards of customer services, and the City Council opposes efforts to privatize postal operations, and calls upon all residents of Cambridge to consider this issue when deciding whether or not to patronize Staples; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Katherine E. Lydon, Cambridge Postmaster General, to the USPS Board of Governors, to Ronald Sargent, CEO of Staples, and to the Board of Directors of the Staples Corporation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge takes strides to balance fiscal prudency with measured consideration, and encourages other government entities to take the same balanced approach; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that a proposal contained in the Massachusetts state budget would exempt the MBTA from the Taxpayer Protection Act, which ensures that any privatization measures are subject to a cost-benefit analysis performed by the State Auditor prior to their undertaking; and
WHEREAS: As a community served by the MBTA, Cambridge has a vested interest in having all services provided by the MBTA held to the same level of scrutiny as other items in the Massachusetts state budget; and
WHEREAS: State Representative Nick Collins has introduced Amendment #665 to restore the provisions of the Taxpayer Protection Act at the MBTA; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Amendment #655; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and is hereby requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-13     Apr 27, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR MAHER
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Affordable Housing Trust about the progress being made at the former Tokyo Restaurant Site and to report back to the City Council with any findings and recommendations.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Mar 19, 2015 beginning at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to provide an update and continue discussion on the incentive zoning study from the Community Development Department.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Marc McGovern; Mayor David Maher; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Nadeem Mazen; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Chris Cotter, Housing Director, Community Development Department (CDD); Cassie Arnaud, Housing Planner (CDD); Linda Prosnitz, Housing Planner (CDD); Jeff Roberts, Land Use Planner (CDD); Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Relations; Vali Buland, First Assistant City Solicitor; Neal Alpert; Mike Connolly; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Karl F. Seidman; Dave Slaney; Sarah Gallop, MIT; Alexandra Lee, Executive Director, Kendall Square Association; Arthur MacEwan; Alexa Holmes, Carpenters Local 40; Kelly Thompson Clark, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; Peter Daly, Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust; Lee Farris; Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Affordable Housing Trust; Susan Schlesinger, Affordable Housing Trust; Hasson Rashid; Esther Hanig; Elaine DeRosa, CEOC; Robin Lapidus, Central Square Business Association; Denise Jillson, Harvard Square Business Association; John Hawkinson; and James Williamson.

Councillor Simmons convened the hearing and read an opening statement. (Attachment A). She advised the attendees of the agenda for the meeting (Attachment B).

Chris Cotter gave an overview of the ordinance. He stated that the Incentive Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1988 and applies to commercial development over 30,000 gross square feet in which developers seek special permits to increase density. He stated that this ordinance requires housing contributions of $4.58 per sq. foot. He noted that the first 2,500 square feet are exempt. Mr. Cotter stated that from the years 2004 to 2013, this ordinance generated $1.79 million in housing contributions. Mr. Cotter then invited Mr. Karl Seidman to give his presentation.

Mr. Seidman gave an overview of his presentation. (Attachment C). He stated that the study purpose and scope of the study was to address the legal need to demonstrate a rational basis (nexus) for the requirement and contribution rate, update Cambridge's current rate, assess the existing policies and options and to recommend a new contribution rate and policy changes. He stated that the recommendations that have come out of the study are: expand uses subject to housing contributions, remove the special permit trigger, raise housing contribution from $4.58 to $10 to $12 per square foot, and to continue to apply a single contribution rate and make regular CPI adjustments.

Mr. Seidman explained the study methodology and its steps and noted that this methodology is a data driven methodology. He noted that the impact of the calculated contribution rate was considered and all of the information was wrapped into the final recommendations.

Regarding the estimate of projected new development and jobs, Mr. Seidman stated that this study is the foundation. He stated that these numbers are based on a number of factors, including market absorption, economic trends and industry growth. He noted that one thing that is different when looking forward ten years is the fact that in the last ten years, there was a large amount of institutional development, which is currently not the case.

When looking at the estimated housing demand from projected new development, Mr. Seidman stated that there would be a projected demand for 692 new units of housing which would consist of 108 low income units, 231 moderate income units, and 353 middle income units, based on development and employment projections. He noted that this is the demand for housing that the housing contribution rate is intended to address. Assumptions in the calculations note that the low-income units are all rental units, moderate income units are 30% ownership and 70% rental, and middle income units are 50% ownership and 50% rental. He gave a breakdown of the number of bedrooms per unit and noted that 446 would be rental units and 246 would be ownership units based on these assumptions.

Mr. Seidman explained that the methodology is different when looking at development costs and subsidy for rental units versus ownership units. He stated that the estimated total development cost for 446 rental units based on recent comparable projects is $214.4 million. The rental operating income is based on rent at 30% of household income less operating costs. The operating income of $3,752,690 supports mortgage debt of $53.019 million and equity investment of $4,691,000. He noted that the required subsidy is $156,717,000. Mr. Seidman stated that $118.3 million is the total development cost for 246 ownership units based on recent comparable projects. He stated that the sale price is based on 30% of household income to pay mortgage principal, interest, taxes and insurance with 5% down payment. He noted that the total revenue from housing sales equals $72.9 million with a required subsidy of $45,242,000.

Mr. Seidman stated that when looking at the combined subsidy and unadjusted calculated impact contribution rate, the total development subsidy is $202 million dollars. He noted that other non-Cambridge sources help fund required subsidy for low and moderate income housing. He stated that the Affordable Housing Trust Fund contributed 33.9% of subsidy to recent low and moderate income projects. He added that no outside subsidy is assumed for middle income units.

Mr. Seidman then spoke of the regional context which factors into the competitive analysis. He presented Cambridge's current policy compared to that of Boston, Somerville, and Barnstable County. He gave a summary of the competitive impact of the incentive requirements and noted that if Cambridge's rate is raised to a level well beyond neighboring communities it could lead developers to look at locating new developments there. This fee will add to project development costs.

In summary, Mr. Seidman stated that final recommendations of the study are:
Remove the special permit trigger and apply housing contributions to all projects over 30,000 square feet with defined uses
Expand the project definition to add seven uses (Hotel/motel, radio/TV studios, institutional health, education and social services, light industry/wholesale and heavy industry
Set rate at $10 to $12 per square foot which will limit disparity with surrounding communities and reduce the impact on Cambridge competitiveness
Continue single rate across uses and CPI increases; and
Eliminate 2,500 square foot exemption.

Councillor Simmons thanked Mr. Seidman for his presentation and opened the discussion to comment.

Councillor McGovern stated that as it relates to the dollar amount, we all want to maximize the amount of money that we get to put toward affordable housing. He stated that his emotional response is to try to get every penny that we can get, but if we seek too high a rate, we may well end up with no new development. He asked Mr. Seidman about the risks when setting the rate of linkage fees. Mr. Seidman responded that it does involve an educated judgment. The first impact in setting a high rate would be that developers would see Cambridge as a less desirable place to build, which could slow new investment and development. Another factor is that developers may increase rents as a result of a high linkage fee. He stated that Cambridge would then see development, but it might then be difficult to find tenants for said development. He stated that the developer could also pass on an increase within the rental cost. He noted that large firms will pay the added cost, but stated that Cambridge might lose the ability to retain small firms.

Councillor McGovern stated that it has been a long time since Cambridge has increased its incentive rate. He questioned that if the City does not increase the fee to the maximum amount, what would be the timeframe in which the City would need to review and conduct a "check and balance." Mr. Seidman responded that five years is a reasonable time to look at the issue again.

Councillor McGovern asked if there is concern about the preservation of affordable housing and expiring use buildings when thinking of building new affordable housing. He questioned if there is a portion of money that could be set aside if the city needs to step in and purchase some of these expiring use buildings. Mr. Seidman stated that this scenario was not included in the scope of the study. Mr. Cotter pointed out that the Affordable Housing Trust could use funds to assist in such a sale if necessary. He noted that preservation of expiring use buildings has been and remains a priority for the Community Development Department.

Councillor McGovern asked if any other factors can be included in the ordinance such as the hiring of a certain percentage of Cambridge residents and other pieces beyond. Mr. Seidman responded that the intent of the study was to look at the impact of development on affordable housing and the financial aspects of that. He noted that no research was undertaken regarding jobs and hiring or other potential policies. Councillor McGovern asked Mr. Seidman if he was aware of any cities that have policies regarding local hiring, procurement, etc. in place. Mr. Seidman responded in the affirmative.

Councillor Simmons stated her belief that there was a recommendation in the report wherein the City Council should build into the ordinance an automatic increase in linkage payment after a certain timeframe which would result in less lag time between rate increases. Mr. Seidman stated that there is currently a provision for an annual increase based on cost of living. He stated that the Affordable Housing Trust can do that on its own and he believes that is wise to do so. He stated that having it built into the ordinance ensures that it happens regularly. He stated that within the scope of the study, the City Council could authorize a gradual increase within the calculated impact. Councillor Simmons stated that it would make sense to have a natural progression so that there would not be another long period of time before any adjustment.

Councillor Carlone stated that the process has been done correctly. He stated that one other effect is that an increase may lower the price of land. From an affordability point of view, he stated that buying land is almost out of the question. He noted that if land value goes up, affordability becomes even more expensive. He stated his recommendation of a linkage fee of $10-$12. He asked what happens with the other $12 per square foot. Mr. Seidman responded that there are few options. The city could allocate other revenues to cover some of that. It also may be possible to address some of that need through other housing programs and policies. Councillor Carlone stated that to meet the full demand it would be an additional $10 million. Mr. Seidman stated that it varies from year to year. Councillor Carlone stated that if the total subsidy is $214 million we are only meeting half of it. Mr. Seidman referred Councillor Carlone to Slide #11. Councillor Carlone stated that the unit count is based on new development pressures but there are existing development pressures. Mr. Seidman stated that the Incentive Zoning Ordinance is based on addressing the impact of new development.

Mayor Maher stated that the subject is easy to understand with the information that has been presented. He stated that he is pleased to have this matter before the committee. He stated that it looks to him as if it is about finding the right balance. He stated that The Globe recently wrote about Akamai locating its business to outside of the City of Cambridge due to the rising cost of commercial space. He stated that the reality is that commercial rates and rents are high. Regarding Slide #17 and the expanded project definition, Mayor Maher asked that if a community group got together and put a center in, would we be saying that this would be applied to that group. Mr. Seidman stated that the notion is to be consistent in development that is generating employment that will lead to demand for affordable housing. He stated that all development has that impact. He noted that while Cambridge has some large non-profit institutions, to say that non-profits would be excluded would include drivers of development. Mayor Maher stated that he is concerned with community-based non-profits. Mr. Seidman responded that there may be a way to define use categories to make a distinction. Mayor Maher asked about the rationale of a 30,000 sq. ft. base. Mr. Seidman stated that it is the standard that is in place now, but that it would not have huge impact if that number was raised, and could also be lowered and noted that it is a balancing issue. That is an option. Regarding Slide 15, Mayor Maher asked when Boston, Somerville and Barnstable last adjusted their fee. Mr. Seidman responded that Somerville adjusted their fee last year and in Barnstable it was adjusted circa 2009. He stated that Boston adjusted their fee in November of 2013. Mayor Maher asked if a CPA designation is a big part of the difference. Mr. Cotter responded that CPA funds have been used to preserve existing buildings and to create new development and have allowed the city to carry out its housing goals. Mayor Maher asked what the estimated CPA revenue has been for housing. Mr. Cotter responded approximately $115 million dollars. He noted that CPA funds were used to aid in 1,500 units.

Councillor Mazen stated other cities have clear ordinances. He asked about the non-profit vs. for-profit. He wondered what the marginal increase in cost due to this fund is. He questioned the cost of building new space. Mr. Seidman stated the increment is what the contribution rate is. Councillor Mazen asked about other total costs. Mr. Seidman stated that the developer has to raise money to build a project. The amount that a lender will provide is based on the appraised value. He stated that it could play out differently for different developers. Councillor Mazen stated that as the value of being in Cambridge continues to increase, developers see return but at the same time that number is increasing. He commented that there is a moving target and Cambridge needs to arrive at a number that is still attractive.

Councillor Simmons asked about the impact of other requests/fees that apply in the City of Cambridge. She questioned if there is a way to incorporate a living wage ordinance and a "hire local' provision to the ordinance. Mr. Seidman responded that it would be valuable for the city to look at the combined impact of the several requirements. He explained that some developers mentioned that they are often asked to build parks. He stated that he does not know what the combined impact is. He stated that a hire local provision is a very important issue that might also be examined in a study. He stated that it is important to look at how city policy could lift the citizens' well-being in addition to raising incomes and economic well-being as another way to deal with housing related issues.

Councillor McGovern stated that if we went with 12 or 15, there is a gap that the city would have to make up. If we expand the definition of what is included, how much does that make up? Mr. Seidman stated that that is already built into the analysis. He recommended including new uses including industrial and tv/radio stations. That development would have comparable types of impact.

At this time Councillor Simmons asked that four communications received by the committee be made part of the permanent record of the committee. Said communications were received by The Cambridge Residents Alliance; John T. Kiely, Jr., Forest City Enterprises; the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust; and Sarah E. Gallop, Co-Director, Government and Community Relations, MIT. (Attachments D-G)

Councillor Simmons then opened the meeting to public comment at 6:43pm.

Dave Slaney, Norfolk Street, stated that he has been a member of the Living Wage Commission and the Income Security Commission. He stated that he is speaking on his own behalf. He noted that he supports all of the recommendations with the exception of a higher rate per square foot. He asked the committee add an additional component to the Incentive Zoning Ordinance. He suggested that there be a requirement that any developer covered by ordinance place a 25-year entailment on their developments mandating that owners and tenants of such developments comply with Fair Employment practices and require any contractors/subcontractors they hire to do the same. He stated that he would like preferential hiring for Cambridge residents. He stated that this would be the components of a fair employment practice policy. He stated that there is not a local hiring preference and he would like this proposed. The problem with the current Living Wage Ordinance is that it only applies to people who have contracts to do business with the city, which is a small number. If we could bring more employers under the provisions of the Living Wage Ordinance it would be beneficial. He noted that if people earn more money they can better afford to live in Cambridge. He stated that if you look at his proposal, it does not impose any direct additional costs on any developer. He stated that this proposal is being discussed in the Income Security Commission. He stated that he would like the committee to discuss this matter further. (Attachment H)

Sarah Gallop, MIT, on behalf of MIT, stated that MIT believes that the Incentive Zoning Ordinance has served the Cambridge community well. She stated that MIT is concerned about the impact of the proposed fees on the trajectory of the City's vital knowledge economy. She stated that Cambridge's ability to compete in the regional competitive market relies, in part, on the existence of a reliable level-playing field in the region. She stated that higher standards than those in Boston and Somerville can impact development decisions and the attractiveness to innovative companied because of increased costs. She stated that Kendall Square/Cambridge is viewed as the most promising innovation district in the world and we do not want to create obstacles in the path of that progress. She stated that there are several new regulations coming on-line in Cambridge related to other laudable efforts, including new sustainability requirements and other policy initiatives. She stated the concern about the cumulative impact of current and proposed policies and regulations on the City's business sector. She stated further analysis of the impact of the proposed increase is warranted.

Alexandra Lee, Executive Director, Kendall Square Association, stated that housing is an important commodity in Cambridge and adjacent cities and towns. She stated that this is a regional issue and is addressed in the Boston Foundation report produced by Barry Bluestone at Dukakis Center which was released this week. She stated that many members of the Kendall Square Association have perspectives on this study. She stated that a jump from $4 to $10 or $12 dollars seems high in comparison to Boston, particularly, with Boston's threshold of 100,000 square feet and in light of Vertex moving and news of Akamai considering relocation. She stated that perhaps this high a jump would trigger unintended consequences.

Mark McEwen stated that it is important to keep in mind that when thinking of new development, you are not just talking about high level professionals. There are cleaners, security guards, etc. that would be affected. He stated that this is important to keep in mind due to the number of people that would be affected by the Living Wage Ordinance. He stated the difficulty with the report is that we don't know in general what the rates of return are in Cambridge as opposed to rates of return elsewhere. He stated that his sense is that many of the large developments are not readily transferrable. He stated that he lives near University Park. He stated that these developments benefit due to their close proximity to MIT. That is a great value of the city from the point of view of investors. He stated that the city needs to get an idea of what the potential is for some large exodus. He stated that in order to get the general picture we need analysis of the difference that it makes. He noted that Cambridge is a special place from a business point of view and stated his belief that it is safe to raise the fee well beyond Boston.

Alexa Holmes, Carpenters Local 40, stated that development means work for the members of the Carpenters Local 40.

Kelly Thompson Clark read from a prepared statement (Attachment I). She stated that the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce acknowledges that it has been over 25 years since the linkage fee has been analyzed for adjustment and that reevaluating the contribution rate to the Affordable Housing Fund is appropriate. She stated that the proposed rate changes have the Chamber concerned based on the impact these fees will have on Cambridge's development activity. She stated that Cambridge is fortunate to experience growth that other communities wish they were experiencing. She stated that additional units of housing are being built, new companies are relocating to Cambridge and existing companies are expanding. She noted that each of these constituencies, both owners and renters, would be impacted greatly by an immense increase. She asked for further analysis of the proposed increase.

Peter Daly stated that this has been a long time coming and would like to see this enacted. This is the right approach. He looks forward to a second hearing and recommendations following.

Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, Cambridge Residents Alliance (CRA), stated that the CRA gave a letter to the City Council in January when the report was considered by the City Council saying that they like the proposed changes with the exception that the rate is higher. As it relates to the issue of land price going down if the fee is higher, she asked if there could be an answer to that question? She stated that Cambridge has a large amount of commercial development compared to residential. She stated that if this amount increases, it seems to her that it would tend to slant the balance towards residential. Is that correct? She asked if the city has to have the same fee all over Cambridge. She stated that she appreciated the Affordable Housing Trust proposal for an increase for the next three years and likes the idea of reviewing this subject every three years.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza Zeoli stated that the City Council has the ability and responsibility to look at this every three years. She is in favor of increasing the rate to $10-$12, as this raises the rate to an appropriate degree, without going so high that it chills development. She also says that the Affordable Housing Trust can be helpful in this conversation in determining how to increase the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Susan Schlesinger, member of the Affordable Housing Trust, stated that it is a pleasure to hear the comments about how important it is to get some action related to this. She knows that there is a lot going on but she urged the committee to move expeditiously on this matter. She stated that the Affordable Housing Trust is usually rabid for money. She stated that incentive zoning is not the final answer when dealing with housing need. She stated that there is a range of other things that could close the gap. The $10-$12 square foot range makes sense as a pilot and then look at it again in three years. She stated that the Affordable Housing Trust will help in any way possible.

Hasson Rashid stated that it is not clear to him where the homeless sector have a place in this conversation. Nothing has been mentioned about the homeless. They are an element of the local region. He is concerned that the city will allow developers to come into the city and exploit resources that are supposed to be used to eradicate and ease homelessness.

Esther Hanig stated that the Affordable Housing Trust is excited that the study is out. She stated that she supports the Affordable Housing Trust proposal of going up every year and re-looking at the matter again in three years. She stated that this is overdue and she implored the City Council to act upon this as expeditiously as possible.

Elaine DeRosa, 4 Pleasant Place, stated that the study is comprehensive. The other piece is extending the base of who it applies to and it levels the playing field. She stated that with regard to the amount being proposed, what makes it effective is that it is legally sound. She stated that in terms of affordable housing, Massachusetts is #3 in terms of income equality in the nation. The living wage is a token but it is a beginning. She stated that there are thousands in Cambridge that cannot stay in Cambridge. She stated her support for the annual increase.

Robin Lapidus, Executive Director, Central Square Business Association, stated concerns about the impact of the proposed fee increase on potential improvements and activation of Central Square. She stated that the business and cultural district desperately needs both exciting things and to be full of more residents now and in the future. She stated that fees increased to the higher magnitude could damage the City's ability to have both. She stated that higher fees will likely be passed on to tenants and businesses and eventually passed along to resident consumers, employees, visitors and students, making Central Square less affordable for smaller and less wealthy companies and individuals. She stated that a reasonable and appropriate adjustment is in order and she urged the committee to carefully consider the future impacts on the business community as it seeks balance. (Attachment J).

Denise Jillson, stated that if the city begins to discourage additional commercial development, other cities will want the business. She stated that if we think that developers are not looking elsewhere, we are fooling ourselves. She stated that it is important to remember the link between commercial tax revenue and quality of life. She stated that she was reminded by an event she attended earlier in the day that the children of Cambridge should have the ability to live and work in Cambridge in the future. She stated that if development is jeopardized, the ability to build workforce development is also jeopardized.

James Williamson stated that he would like to see consistent language and fairness when it comes talking about subsidies. He stated that a problem is that it is difficult to gain a good understanding when people talk about not wanting to push too hard. He stated the need to be better-educated about the details. He noted the need for a better understanding of the numbers involved when thinking about development projects. He stated that the city needs to be careful not to put all our eggs in one basket when it comes to incentive or inclusionary zoning.

Peter Graham, Just A Start, stated that as an agency on frontlines of supporting affordable housing, they applaud the long overdue recommendations and urged action. He noted that the suggested fee is a prudent number and well-balanced.

Public comment closed at 7:29pm.

Councillor Carlone said that it would be great to learn what the CPA contributions and projection numbers were yearly over the last 10 years to better understand the gap. This study focuses on new pressures and this would give a sense of existing pressures.

Iram Farooq stated that this is clearly a complex topic. She stated that when thinking about how much a developer can afford to pay, it is not uniform across Cambridge. She stated that the Community Development Department is trying to get people who understand topics and convene meetings for edification. She suggested the possibility of bringing together developers or developer finance individuals to discuss the issue in general as it applies to the metro region because this problem is not only a Cambridge problem. She noted that to better understand housing policy, regional housing policy experts would be helpful. She stated that Mr. DePasquale and Mr. Reardon would be important to these conversations. She stated the possibility of gathering experts for a panel discussion.

Councillor Mazen then asked about the fee scale and questioned if the fee needs to be the same throughout the city. Mr. Cotter stated that differing fees throughout the city is not something that has been discussed. He stated that CDD will consider this. Councillor Mazen stated that at the next meeting of the committee he would like to procure numbers to be able to see tradeoffs to consider all different parameters. Mr. Cotter stated that it is difficult to predict how changes will impact the overall revenue as the study can only estimate project development but it is something that can be discussed.

Councillor Simmons encouraged her colleagues to submit to her any questions which would then be forwarded to the Community Development Department in advance of the next meeting.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance and participation.

The hearing was adjourned 7:40pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Apr 1, 2015 beginning at 4:04pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to continue discussions on the Normandy/Twining Zoning petition.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that the meeting is being privately recorded. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he is implementing a 3 minute rule for public comment. This is the second hearing on the refiled petition; third hearing on petition. The City Council will debate on this issue.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Stuart Dash, Director, Community Planning, CDD; Jeff Roberts, Land Use and Zoning Project Planner, CDD; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Attorney Anthony Galluccio, Real Estate Attorney; Mark Roopenian, Principal, Normandy Real Estate Partners; Alex Twining, President, Twining Properties; David Nagahiro, Principal, CBT; Justin Haymer, 403 Mass. Ave.; Micelle Micallef, 195 Binney Street; Cathie Zusy, 202 Hamilton Street; Kathy Watkins, 80 Fawcett Street; Kasper Bejoian, 544 Huron Avenue; Richard Klibaner, 54 Western Avenue; Joseph Caparco, 411 Franklin Street; Michael Monestine, 20 Chestnut Street; Jesse Kanson-Benanav, 26 Willow Street; Olivia Fiske, 131 Magazine Street; Lawrence Lessig, Safra Center for Ethics; Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue; Richard Goldberg, 170 Harvard Street; Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street; Davis Bas, 614 Mass. Ave.; Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place; Owen Kennett, 472 Mass. Ave.; David Chilinski, 221 Hampshire Street; Sarah Kennedy, 12 Inman Street; Hubert Murray, 204 Erie Street; Gerald Bergman, 82 Elm Street; Solmon Chowdhury, 450 Mass. Ave.; Laurie A. Friedman, 33 Essex Street; Steve Harris, 4 Malcolm Road; Gindy Singh, 546 Mass. Ave.; Barbara Taggart, 2Cottage Court; Mike Stead, 598-602 Putnam Avenue; Lang Keyes, 92 Chilton Street; Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street; Ben Roopenian, 3 Dana Street; Patrick Barrett, 234 Broadway; Mark Boyes-Watson, 100 Pacific Street; Carolyn Fuller, 12 Douglass Street; Bill McAvinney, 12 Douglass Street; Ellen Shachter, 846 Concord Avenue; Micha Schattner, 198 Lexington Avenue; Elie Yarden, 143 Pleasant Street; Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street; Matthew LaRue, 88 School Street; George Metzger, 130 Bishop Allen Drive; Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street; Joseph Elder, 243 Broadway; Phyllis Bretholtz, 65 Antrim Street; Saundra Graham, Western Avenue; Larry Ward, 372 Broadway; Patrick Verbeke, 91 Sidney Street; Peggy Barnes Lenart, 115 Fayerweather Street; Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street; Amanda Tramont, 3 Dana Street; James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place; Pebble Gifford, 15 Hilliard Street; Paul Denis, 156 Cherry Street; Marilee Meyer, 10 Dana Street; Kenneth E. Reeves, 340 Harvard Street; Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street; and Carole Perrault, 9 Dana Street.

Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Carlone convened the hearing and explained the purpose.

Public Comment began at 4:06pm.

Justin Hamer, 403 Mass. Ave., owner of Cafe Luna and Café Sola, supported the petition. He stated that the development of affordable housing is a good idea. Cafe Luna has been owned for 10 years and the Mass + Main proposal is awesome. He submitted his communication (ATTACHMENT A).

Michelle Micaleff, 195 Binney Street, stated that she understands the value of being near the T. Kendall Square development freaks her out. She loved the culture of Central Square and is fearful that it will become Kendall Square. She is thinking of moving to Central Square. She noted Cambridge's old manufacturing properties.

Cathie Zusy, 202 Hamilton Street, stated her support for the proposal. She stated that providing more affordable housing is a priority in Cambridge. She was concerned about the shadow caused from the development and hoped that the city and Normandy Twining could swap the parking lot. She submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT B).

Kathy Watkins, 80 Fawcett Street, lives in affordable housing. This proposal is not about affordable housing. This is a 2.5 more than what is allowed. This is creating a big wall. Central Square needs planning. The up zoning devalues the city owned parking lot on the city owned land. She suggested keeping the parking lot and building housing above it. Cambridge is giving the city away to developers.

Kasper Bejoian, 544 Huron Avenue, supported the project and that the petitioner has had so many open houses and need to be applauded for their efforts. This effort is unprecedented in the city. His family lives at 55 Essex St. The Quest building is dark and unfriendly. This proposal will enhance Central Square. This is a tremendous opportunity for Cambridge. No more office or labs are needed in the City. The family environment needs to be sustained with independent retailers. He urged passage of the petition.

Richard Klibaner, 54 Western Avenue, supported the petition for the low income housing, good example of mixed used development to replace ugly development and transit oriented development.

Joseph Caparco, 411 Franklin Street, expressed his concern for low income housing. He was happy with the 20% low income housing but is concerned about large buildings In Central Square and for the retailers. This building is in the wrong place. He wanted the planning to have choices for all, both low and high income. He does not want to see tall buildings in Central Square.

Michael Monestine, 20 Chestnut Street, stated that Central Square is a cultural district. He supported the proposal. He spoke on enhancement of Rhone Park and the diverse retail opportunity.

Jesse Kanson-Benanav, 26 Willow Street, A Better Cambridge, fully supported the Mass. + Main development. The proposal will provide a diverse community. There are 47 new units of affordable housing proposed in Central Square and this is impressive and the petition should be passed. In the last 10 years there has been a resurgent of urban living. He stated that the demand for high luxury housing will not go away. Developers will always be profit driven and public benefits for housing must be allowed. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT C).

Olivia Fiske, 131 Magazine Street, stated that the developers have presented a good building. It is tall and between two intersections. The city needs housing located near public transit, MIT and Kendall Square. The petitioner has increased the affordable housing units to 47. She submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT D).

Lawrence Lessig, Safra Center for Ethics, stated that at a Feb 20, 2015 City Council meeting a proposal was considered regarding the benefits for publicly funded elections and it was stated what this would solve. This proposal is a perfect example of what this would solve. Three years ago a C2 study began to represent all the interests of all of the citizens and residents of Cambridge. The study should be translated into zoning and implemented. Now the planning process has been changed to ad-hoc. He stated that 75% of the Mayors largest contributor came from employees of real estate companies doing business in Cambridge. He is not saying anything illegal or unethical was done but this shows the cynicism that people feel about government. This is a reasons for publicly funded elections. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT E).

Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, spoke about the planning process being broken. This project has never been about housing; it is about capitalizing the planning process. This is a bad example. She urged the City Council not to pass it but to do the master plan process.

Richard Goldberg, 170 Harvard Street, submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT F). He stated that all agreed with the need for building more inclusionary and affordable housing. The questions that the elect officials ask will lead to more units. Once the developer has the green light all negotiations stop. What is decided on this proposal will set the standard for Central Square. If this is the best that can be done for the community vote on project.

Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that you would never know that this is a public hearing on zoning. People want to talk about planning before zoning. All the issues are part of the planning process. He urged that this petition needs to be refiled and revamped by the Ordinance Committee. He urged a new version of the petition. This would be a healthy process. He wanted to see vehicle sharing added to the petition. He would like a plan to utilize the City's parking lot. This would fill in the holes.

Councillor Kelley stated that this is an emotional issue. Clapping should stop for common courtesy and the City Council Rule 37.

Dave Bas, 614 Mass. Ave., stated that he endorses the project. He spoke about the expeditiousness of this process. Influx of climate migrants will be seen due to water shortage.

Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place, stated that this project needs to be taken off the fast track. It needs to be kept in the Ordinance Committee. She wanted something between the city and the developer for underground parking.

Owen Kennett, 472 Mass. Ave., an employee of The Middle East stated that this area needs more affordable housing. This was seen this winter because of the public transit issue. Cambridge is an awesome destination.

David Chilinski, 221 Hampshire Street, supported the petition. This is a zoning petition that will be voted up or down. The zoning as of right would create a commercial building which would allow 350 more employees. Using the site for housing is a better use. The location is near transit. Residents will benefit from the retail. He applauded the increase in the affordable housing units.

Sarah Kennedy, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber of Commerce supported the petition. It is opportunity to create 231 units of housing with 20 units of affordable housing. She urged passage.

Hubert Murray 204 Erie Street, supported the project with reservation. There is a public housing crisis. He thought that fixed income should be included. There is a need for a comprehensive master plan that includes all sectors. High rise buildings should occur near transit hubs. He stated that 20% housing is a good amount. He spoke about the environment and storm water overflow.

Gerry Bergman, 82 Elm Street, stated that he wanted the petition to stay in committee because the petition gets better. He wants more affordable units and more 3 bedroom units. He did not have a problem with the height of building. Surface parking elimination is not a good thing for this area. He stated that there is no planning done. Parcel by parcel development cannot be done. Work needs to be done on this so he favored keeping the petition in committee. This will not solve the affordable housing issue.

Solmon Chowdhury, 450 Mass. Ave., stated that he is excited about project in Central Square. He supported the 20% affordable housing -- it is generous offer. - make it happen. Cambridge is walkable and should have housing near transit.

Laurie A. Friedman, 33 Essex Street, stated that she was opposed to the building size recommended which is 40% higher than the C2 recommendation which have not been enacted and the city is in the middle of the master plan process. This building causes more problems than it solves. The motivation for the project is money for the developer. The benefits do not outweigh the harm the massive building will cause to Central Square. She submitted her communication (ATTACHMENT G).

Steve Harris, 4 Malcolm Road, opposed to the petition. No one is opposed to housing. He stated that the issue is the way the building is being ramrodded. It is a bad process.

Barbara Taggart, 2 Cottage Court, spoke about what works in buildings in Central Square. She stated it is the size of building and people walking to patronize retail. She stated that with a high-rise building the residents do not get to know each other and the Fire Department cannot get to 7th floor. The city has a responsibility to stand up for this neighborhood. The city needs to develop a master plan and come up with a livable city. We need to take back control of our city.

Mike Stead, 598-602 Putnam Avenue, supported the project because there is a need for affordable housing. He stated people cannot afford to live in Cambridge. He wanted to see more affordable housing. He spoke about the lack of 3 bedroom units. If the City Council works with the people the process can work.

Lang Keyes, 92 Chilton Street, stated that he came here to listen. He stated that the housing issues is being forced.5 He spoke about the issues of design, planning and zoning. This is creating spot zoning. The master plan has been dropped off the agenda. Keep looking at this in the context of the issues.

Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street, supported the petition. This is to create a sustainable city and create retail, retain diversity. She stated that as a member of the C2 committee the issue was density and whether it was sufficient. This is not the way to create more affordable housing, but the city cannot supply the additional housing units. The 47 units of housing are needed. She submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT H).

Ben Roopenian, 3 Dana Street, supported the project and wanted to maintain diversity and provide the services. Build density where it can be sustained. Normandy Twining has proposed unprecedented amounts of affordable housing units. He urged passage. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT I).

Patrick Barrett, 234 Broadway, supported the petition. Central Square is a great area and where he will move his family to. He stated that 47 privately funded built housing units is significant. Cambridge is a real democracy. It is insulting to hear that elected officials are corrupt because they receive contributions. This project will be a catalyst for change in Central Square which is needed in Central Square. This will make Central Square a community and this cannot be overlooked. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT J).

Mark Boyes-Watson, 100 Pacific Street, stated that he was unhappy that he participated in C2 process and nothing has happened. C2 promised things. Delaying will make housing crisis worse. No housing does not imp affordable housing in Central Square or in the City. This will help to take the pressure off of the housing stock. He supports the project and move it forward as well as C2. There have been years of planning in Central Square he urged connecting the planning.

Carolyn Fuller, 12 Douglass Street, lives in the shadow of project and supported the project and the petition. She supported transit oriented housing and building more housing in the city so that workers can get to work without cars. She loves Central Square and watched it changed over the years and wanted it to remain vibrancy and diverse. She submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT K).

Bill McAvinney, 12 Douglass Street, supported the petition. He stated there is a problem now of people moving out of Central Square. Something will be built on this property. It will either be lab or housing. This will add 185 market units; 45 affordable housing units; 700 residents to Central Square. It will be tall and thin because we like it and if it is lab it will force long term residents out of Cambridge because lab workers will want to live where they work. He urged passage. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT L).

Ellen Shachter, 346 Concord Avenue, Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services, stated that there is a housing crisis. There are 11,000 applicants on the housing list with 3,000 Cambridge residents on this list and CHA has closed their list for 2 years. Inclusionary zoning is critical to bring units on line. Cambridge cannot turn away 47 units of affordable housing. The City Council needs to get the maximum units. Developers are asking for a lot and now the proposal is proposing a lot. It is critical not to turn this away. This should be passed. This is critical for each family in need.

Larry Ward, 72 Broadway, supported the petition. This is offering more affordable housing than what was being offered. You take the best plan and go forward. Cambridge is in a crisis for housing and it is a crisis if this is turned down. He spoke about who we want to live in our city. We are saying that we do not want diversity because we do not want height. He urged the City Council to pass the proposal without delay.

Saundra Graham, Western Avenue, stated that she has fought developers in her past, but this proposal is unique. Affordable housing has to be a priority. CHA or the City Council have not expanded affordable housing. Studies have been conducted and not acted upon. This is a good opportunity to support the proposal. There are no 3 bedroom units in the city and there is no room for families. This is not diversity. Too many people are on the waiting list for section 8 unit. She stated that a wall of high rises is not wanted in Central Square. She stated that tall buildings block the breeze from the Charles River and creates shadows. This is an opportunity to look at Central Square and put a plan together. She liked the Homes building and it has affordable housing.

Micha Schattner, 198 Lexington Avenue, stated that his problem is the process. He spoke about master plan and the C2 study and the height allowed with a special permit. The City Council should protect citizens and create order.

Eli Yarden, 143 pleasant Street, stated that the proposal rezoning increases FAR greatly at a key location in Central Square. He stated that this is a spot zoning question. He spoke of the increasing number of people living in poverty. He explained the Next System Project which signals needs for challenges facing US. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT M).

Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, wanted the Ordinance Committee to consider the proposal longer. She was happy with affordable housing units. The need for affordable housing needs to be balanced with a good Central Square. She is not worried about a lab being built; this needs to be taken off the table. She wanted more affordable housing. She agrees there is an affordable housing crisis. She stated that according the MAPC 6,157 housing units should be built by 2020. She stated that the City Council has not heard from the Planning Board on this. We need to take time and get want we want.

Matt LaRue, 88 School Street, stated the project will have an impact, but the benefits outweigh the impacts. He supported the project and Central Square being built up around the transit node and maintain the character of the neighborhood - this project fulfills the vision. He wished that the parking requirements were lower.

Robin Lapidus, CSBA, stated that this is a rare opportunity to get consensus to do something good for Central Square. She spoke about what makes up a neighborhood. This proposal embodies the spirit of C2 including affordable housing, ground floor retail for small footprint, maintenance of Jill Rhone Park and design guidelines of Central Square. She urged the City Council to view the petition favorably. She submitted a communication from George Metzger (ATTACHMENT N).

Joseph Elder, 243 Broadway, stated it is important for affordable housing to allow people to move back to Cambridge who have been forced out of Cambridge. The proposal includes 3 bedroom units; he hopes there are 4 bedroom units. He is supported of the petition for social economic diversity continuation. He urged city to go forward.

Patrick Verbeke, 91 Sidney Street, supported the petition. The location is a good for high density. He urged the City Council to support the petition. He submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT O).

Peggy Barnes Lenart, 115 Fayerweather Street, spoke on the planning context. This location is good because of its proximity to transit. This requires looking at the infrastructure.

Charles Teague, 23 Edmonds Street, opposed the development only because we could do better. If it is done right the developer will get his money. His procedural opposition was that a citizen petition was premature because of C2 so we only have to wait until Apr 15th for the discussion on C2. We need a housing plan. The Redline is decades from expansion. He stated that transit orient planning is a lie.

Amanda Tremont, 3 Dana Street, supported the Mass + Main project. She spoke of the benefits of the project and submitted a communication (ATTACHMENT P).

James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that Cambridge is giving developers 11 stories that will profit and double the FAR and create additional value. Public transportation is a catastrophe. He asked why 19 stories is needed. He commented that the architect of project contributed to the campaign of public officials and this information is available on the website of the Office of Political Finance.

Pebble Gifford, 15 Hilliard Street, stated that when this building is built and rented out and 47 families benefit what about the remainder of the 2950 families? This is a sell out for the remainder of families looking for affordable housing. Start looking at this issue before it is passed. This will have a domino effect. She questioned the whole process. Issue of Cambridgepark Drive and this was a building approved by the Planning Board. This was an enormous project with no planning. This is a failure of her government. No master plan process. What has happened to this process? The projects would be approved one by one.

Paul Denis, 156 Cherry Street, supported Mass + Main project to increase lab, office and commercial space in Central Square and Kendall Square. He stated project would address market rate housing and address affordable housing. It also addresses the issue of the lack of 3 bedroom housing. He would love to keep his family in Cambridge and could use 3 bedroom unit.

Marilee Meyer, 10 Dana Street, stated that this building has been given accolades. She hopes Cambridge has not sold its soul. An oversized building is a beacon and does not belong in Central Square. Several issues need to be teased out. This building is out of scale and wrong.

Kenneth Reeves, explained that the CSBA invited him to see Mass+ Main proposal. His reaction was this is a tower from Kendall Square that has wondered into Central Square. The tower proposed does not mirror Central Square. He wanted this reflected that Central Square is not Kendall Square. This does not introduce anything special and it will not solve affordable housing and the number of units is not much. What are residents of Cambridge getting for this proposal other than the affordable housing units? What are the community benefits - he cited Margaret Fuller House and Cambridge Community Center as site that could benefit from community benefits. He asked "what did I get for giving away millions of dollars of earnings?" He stated that the City Council needs to come up with a process to allot the community benefit money.

Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street, stated that he is opposed to giving away open space, but supported affordable housing. What is the hurry he asked? He suggested that the City Council not vote now. Why has the City Council not brought C2 before this proposal? He stated that other developers will want the same consideration given Twining. He urged the City Council to ask City Manager to have city provide its own affordable housing

Carole Perrault, 9 Dana Street, stated that the petition is problematic to the design of Central Square and its surrounding neighborhood. The character of the Central Square is not enhanced by this petition. The significant increase of height would lead to detrimental change along Mass. Ave. and be the death of Central Square. She opposed the petition.

Vice Mayor Benzan closed public comment at 6:37 PM.

At this time the petitioner made a presentation. (ATTACHMENT Q)

Councillor Carlone made a presentation entitled Mass + Main Petition Alternative (ATTACHMENT R). He stated that it is the responsibility of Ordinance Committee to find common ground for what works well. Councillor Carlone stated that New York has a proposal of 50% market rate and 50% affordable housing in new housing developments (ATTACHMENT S). Studies show that the 80/20 split over the long time will not work. Councillor Carlone stated that his alternative proposal is to have housing above grade and parking below grade. He proposed a C2 modified petition.

Attorney Galluccio responded about the alternative. He stated that the courthouse is an inappropriate analysis. The petitioner has models to show the scale of the petition and the alternative. He commented about the 50/50 split when compared to public versus privately owned land.

David Nagahiro, stated that 6.5 versus 5.2 are not the same. He suggested the comparison be 6.5 with the original and the alternative. He commented on the shadow impact on the city property. A broader tower has a broader shadow. He stated that the shadow impact of a higher tower produces a smaller shadow. The two towers in the alternative is the efficiencies of needing two of everything. He commented on this from a financing point of view.

Vice Mayor Benzan questioned the vulnerable study in Area 4 and discussed the differences of underground parking and water storage. Attorney Galluccio stated that the Mass. + Main team are meeting with the Department of Public Works on this issue.

Councillor Simmons thanked residents for discussing the proposal with her. Councillor Simmons thanked Councillor Carlone for his proposal. She stated that 3,000 Cambridge residents are on the CHA waiting list which will be frozen. She noted her priorities for the housing committee. How do we know that the housing for Mass + Main is environmentally sound? She wanted to ensure that the affordable and market rate units will be the same. Mr. Twining explained that the inclusionary housing mandates that the quality of the affordable and the market rate units are the same and must be evenly distributed and be the same. The building will have amenities. She asked if low and moderate tenants have access to amenities. Mr. Twining responded in the affirmative. Councillor Simmons wanted to see this in writing. Mr. Twining wanted to equally mix the tenants in the building. Attorney Galluccio stated that the units will be reflective of the inclusionary and the parking was capped so that the affordable tenants would not be priced out of the units.

Councillor Simmons asked about car sharing units and how distributed. Attorney Galluccio responded that the minimum requirement is being figured out for all units. Mr. Twining explained that this is a third party service. Councillor Simmons wanted local residents to get job preference and be provided benefits and asked if local businesses will be supported. Councillor Simmons spoke of Central Square in the l960-1970. She wanted a commitment for diversity for the ground floor retail. Attorney Galluccio stated that the zoning as drafted requires that 25% of retail space has to be local independent retail and banks were restricted. Mr. Twining stated that this was provided in Kendall Square. Local independent retailers were helped to start up in Kendall Square. Councillor Simmons stated that she is cautions and skeptical. Parking in Area 4 is an issue. She wanted to get as close to what is desirable for community. She was happy with the change in the orientation of the building to stop sunlight. She wanted a building that looks forward and reflects the history of Central Square. Councillor Simmons stated that there are still parcels not in play, what is the intention of petition. She stated that the city owned lot is a public bidding process that takes a long time. This is not the petitioners land and they have oriented the building to provide affordable housing. The options are either office or housing. Attorney Galluccio parking is across from St. Paul's; a surface lot that has 51 spaces. Councillor Simmons wanted more housing, commitment on ground floor retail and parking to accommodate people who come to Central Square.

Councillor Simmons asked Councillor Carlone how he visualize green space. Councillor Carlone stated that there are garages in East Cambridge that flood; when it floods you get your car out of the garage. He commented on figuring out what are the recommendations for C2. He stated that without a strong design review process opportunities are lost. Councillor Carlone stated 5.2 fits the area better than 6.5.

Councillor McGovern stated that on the retail he wanted the rents subsidized for the retailers. He stated that lower income residents go to Dunkin Donuts because they cannot afford the local independent retailer. He spoke about the lack of ability to purchase clothing. He spoke parking and the lack of it for teachers. Are there other community wide things that petitioner is thinking about? Attorney Galluccio stated that there is no displacement of parking because tenant is leaving. He spoke about the petitioners being a good neighbor. He heard the message from the community that it is all about affordable and middle housing. He stated that they will continue to improve the petition. Mr. Twining stated that every building built is LEED certified. The building mixed use allows you to walk to work. Councillor McGovern asked Mr. Twining to provide information about the LEED standards and what will be used for this building.

Councillor McGovern asked Ms. Farooq if there are only certain places in Central Square where a building this size can occur. Ms. Farooq stated that most of the Mass. Ave. corridor is a historic district and it is difficult to tear down buildings that contribute to the historic district. There are 5 historic buildings and potential buildings which can be landmark. It will be difficult to get rid of historic structures in the corridor. Ownership along the corridor is fragmented. There are 2-4 opportunities along Mass. Ave. to transfer property rights. The significant lots are the city parking lots. Councillor McGovern stated that inclusionary zoning is a mechanism. He spoke of the importance of the 47 affordable housing units. The affordable housing is the most significant piece. The easier thing to build is office or lab. This is a real possibility that he does not want to see. He stated that the 3% middle income is important.

Councillor Mazen stated that he recognized the good work done by the petitioner. He would like to see 10% 3 bedroom units. He did not know where the affordability could be. He is concerned with the unexplored option of the city lots. It would be irresponsible of the City Council to not look at these opportunity. He questioned the cost to build one unit. The fee shown is the construction cost plus the loss of revenue. Councillor Mazen asked what the active financial life of the building is. Mr. Twining stated that the building will need to be maintained; new money will be put into building to maintain it. Councillor Mazen asked what the net loss is of a unit. There is no return on affordable or market units. A member of the Mass + Main team stated that the units cost $450,000 per unit without land cost. He stated that the subsidy cost equals rent for affordable unit, real estate taxes, maintaining building equals the cost of the rent earned. Attorney Galluccio added that the value needs to be calculated on what the City's value is. Councillor Mazen stated that the figures do not show that you are making a pittance profit. Councillor Mazen no one commented on the alternative affordable housing suggested by Councillor Carlone. He stated that he is not sure the most is being sought for the community. He is not certain that the city lots are integrated He stated that it would be premature to refer this petition to the full City Council.

Vice Mayor Benzan noted e-mails received as follows:

George Thrush, Professor and Director, School of Architecture, 17 Tufts Street, supported the petition (ATTACHMENT T).

David Day, Dorchester, representing a business at 614 Mass. Ave., supported the need for more residential buildings. (ATTACHMENT U).

Parker Brooks Heckner, 105 Norfolk Street, in support of the Normandy Partner/Twining Properties development proposal at Mass + Main. (ATTACHMENT V).

Charley Francis, 12 Inman Street, strongly supporting the Normandy/Twining proposal (ATTACHMENT W).

Mary Vanderwicken, 139 Pine Street, expressing absolute objection to the Twining/Normandy tower on Mass. Ave. (ATTACHMENT X).

Vivek Sikri, Allston Street, in opposition to changing the zoning for the Twining/Normandy petition (ATTACHMENT Y).

Jeff Byrnes, 7 Lawrence Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT Z).

Ann Fleck-Henderson, 113 Richdale Avenue, expressing concern for a more general development plan to guide new projects (ATTACHMENT AA).

Lyn Kardatzke, 20 Second Street, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT BB).

Larry Rosenberg, 48 Antrim Street, suggested planning the whole development of Central Square with a focus on ensuring a good amount of affordable housing before any big decisions are made (ATTACHMENT CC).

John Hong, AIA, LEED AP, Principal SsD, 171 Brookline Street, in full support of the redevelopment of the former Quest site by the Twining/Normandy petition (ATTACHMENT DD).

Lawrence Bluestone, 18 Centre Street, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT EE).

Jacquelyn Smith, 7 Ashburton Place, urging the City Council to not support the Normandy/Twining proposal (ATTACHMENT FF).

Catherine LeBlanc, 104 Magazine Street, in support of affordable housing but is concerned with building proposed for Central Square (ATTACHMENT GG).

Sheli Wortis, 106 Berkshire Street, in opposition to the scale of the proposed building and the amount of affordable housing is too small (ATTACHMENT HH).

Cindy Marsh expressing that the proposed building is a wall not a streetscape and not a conduit for connectivity (ATTACHMENT II).

Robin Finnegan, 31 Hubbard Avenue, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT JJ).

Jeanne Koopman, 248 River Street, in opposition to the 19 story luxury high rise apartment building for Central Square (ATTACHMENT KK).

Kent Johnson, in opposition to the Normandy/Twining zoning petition (ATTACHMENT LL).

Gile Beye, 18 Harrington Road urging the City Council to deny the Normandy/Twining zoning petition (ATTACHMENT MM).

Richard C. Odom, in opposition to the rezoning petition filed by Normandy/Twining (ATTACHMENT NN).

Jack Boesen, 25 Suffolk Street, in opposition to the Twining/Normandy tower (ATTACHMENT OO).

Minga Claggett-Borne, in opposition to the Normandy/Twining tower so close to residential homes (ATTACHMENT PP).

Alex Papazian, 105 Norfolk Street, in support of the increased affordable units and the Normandy/Twining proposal (ATTACHMENT QQ).

Seth Zeren in support of the overall project vision and the zoning petition for the Mass + Main residential development in Central Square (ATTACHMENT RR).

Rachel Wyon, 283 Sidney Street, expressing the need for more affordable housing in the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT SS).

Teresa Cardosi, in opposition to rezoning the entire block of Central Square proposed by the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT TT).

Justin Crane, 220 Harvard Street, in support of the Normandy/Twining proposal (ATTACHMENT UU).

Charles J. Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street, expressing support for building more affordable housing and the Twining's team support for local business and the need to produce more parking for the future (ATTACHMENT VV).

Sylvia Barnes, Harvey Street, in opposition to the Normandy proposal for Central Square (ATTACHMENT WW).

Salim E. Kabawat, M.D., 52 Shepard Street, in support of the Twining/Normandy petition (ATTACHMENT XX).

Peter DiMuro, Executive Director, The Dance Complex, in support of the Mass + Main project (ATTACHMENT YY).

Barbara E. Rodriguez, 140 Columbia Street, in support of the Mass + Main development in Central Square (ATTACHMENT ZZ).

Paul Chiusano, in support of the Normandy/Twining zoning petition (ATTACHMENT AAA).

Mark Young, owner of Viale Restaurant, in support of the Mass + Main construction project (ATTACHMENT BBB).

Jeff Keating, 3 Percy Place, in opposition to the size and scope of the Normandy/Twining project (ATTACHMENT CCC).

Christopher Sol Gully, Owner and Coach, Redline Fight Sports MMA, 614 Mass. Avenue, in favor of the Mass + Main project moving forward (ATTACHMENT DDD).

Judith Black endorsing the proposal from Normandy/Twining to develop mixed residential and commercial projects in Central Square (ATTACHMENT EEE).

Resident of 55 Essex Street in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT FFF).

Bernard Hicks, Sr., 55 Essex Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT GGG).

Mark J. Yeskutis, 45 Linnaean Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT HHH).

Dennis M. Kenney, 45 Linnaean Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT III).

Ken McGaughey, 45 Linnaean Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal B (ATTACHMENT JJJ).

Marina Colonas, 625 Putnam Avenue, in support of more affordable housing at the Normandy/Twining site (ATTACHMENT KKK).

Sam Seidel, in support of the Mass + Main zoning proposal (ATTACHMENT LLL)

Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition that will rezone a portion of Central Square to allow for much needed housing (ATTACHMENT MMM).

Leah Byrnes, Lawrence Street, in support of the Normandy/Twining zoning petition (ATTACHMENT NNN).

Patrick Magee, owner, Atwood's Tavern, President, East Cambridge Business Association, in support of the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT OOO).

Carolyn Shipley, 15 Laurel Street, in opposition to the Normandy/Twining petition because it goes against the recommendations of the C2 Committee (ATTACHMENT PPP).

Loryn Sheffner, 73 Howard Street, in support of the development proposal of the Normandy/Twining petition (ATTACHMENT QQQ).

Rena Leib, 10 Arnold Circle, expressing concern for a 195 foot residential building in Central Square (ATTACHMENT RRR).

Alex Tannenbaum, owner, Naco Taco, 297 Mass. Avenue, in support of the Mass + Main zoning proposal (ATTACHMENT SSS).

Daniel Jeffs, 6R Eaton Street, in opposition to the Normandy/Twining zoning proposal (ATTACHMENT TTT).

Evan Glover, Pacific Street, in support of the Mass + Main project (ATTACHMENT UUU).

Satwant Saini, India Pavilion Restaurant, 17 Central Square, in support of the Mass + Main project (ATTACHMENT VVV).

Sally Watermulder, Cambridgeport resident, expressing concern that the high rise tower is out of scale for Central Square (ATTACHMENT WWW).

Eleanor Janeway, MD, Cambridgeport, asking if an 18 story luxury apartment building is needed at the intersection of Mass. Ave. and Main Street (ATTACHMENT XXX).

Robert, Paul and Rose Bejoian, 55 Essex Street, in support of the Mass + Main proposal (ATTACHMENT YYY-1-3).

Councillor Mazen asked his colleagues to comment on the alternative option submitted by Councillor Carlone.

Councillor McGovern stated that this is the first time he saw this; he does not know how this will play out.

Councillor Mazen stated that this represents a lot of work and he thought it would represent a win/win situation.

Councillor Carlone stated his concerns for a new better design and what the zoning implications are.

Councillor Toomey noted that this is the third hearing on this petition. The petitioner had increased the affordable units. There are some areas of the city that have no affordable units. This is an opportunity to have residents stay in the city. This is a time for City Council to stand up for affordable units.

Councillor Toomey moved to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation.

Councillor Kelley stated that he supported moving the petition to the full City Council and keeping the subject in committee. Zoning, block by block, this is what has been done in variety of places in the city. He worries that there will be a lab if this is not moved forward.

On the motion of Councillor Kelley to amend the motion to refer the petition to the full City Council and keep the subject matter in committee the roll was called and resulted as follows:
YEAS: Councillors Carlone, Kelley and Mazen - 3
NAYS: Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillors Cheung, McGovern, Simmons, Toomey and Mayor Maher - 6
ABSENT: None - 0
and the amendment - Failed.

On the motion of Councillor Toomey to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation the roll was called and resulted as follows:
YEAS: Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillors Cheung, McGovern, Simmons, Toomey and Mayor Maher - 6
NAYS: Councillors Carlone, Kelley and Mazen - 3
ABSENT: None - 0
and the motion to refer to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation - Carried.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 8:46pm on motion of Councillor Simmons.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chair
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)

14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)

14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)

14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)

14-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)

14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)

14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)

14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are choosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)

14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)

14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the ML King School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)

14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)

14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or group of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)

14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)

14-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on negative impacts of street-narrowing initiatives.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-4)

14-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on review of drone use in Cambridge for developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-5)

14-122. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on organizing a series of meetings with residents to discuss the future of North Mass. Ave.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-9)

14-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts Area Hospitals.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-15)

14-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Masse Hardware sites at 243 and 253 Walden Street for affordable housing.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-17)

14-130. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on whether preference points can legally be allotted to all city employees for affordable housing units.
Councillor Cheung & Vice Mayor Benzan 11/03/14 (O-1)

14-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how private citizens can best protect their property and claim redress for alleged damages from private contractors during City-funded construction projects. Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on 1/29/2015.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 11/10/14 (O-1)

14-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the legal limitation of the City to regulate all manner of vehicular traffic within Cambridge borders, including loading and unloading zones, truck and bus timing regulations.
Councillor Kelley 11/10/14 (O-6)

14-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of posting speed limit signs of 20-25 miles per hour on city streets.
Councillor Carlone 11/24/14 (O-2)

14-139. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on a feasibility study and subsequent action plan, instituting suffrage for immigrants in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-5)

14-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City divesting from all manner of engagement with Dow Chemical Company, including Retirement Board investments.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-12)

14-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible changes to the "Super Crosswalk" including the bike crossing at Church Street.
Councillor Kelley 12/08/14 (O-12)

14-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the citywide planning efforts will impact staff workload and any capacity considerations the City Council should take into account when contemplating these or other initiatives.
Councillor Cheung 12/08/14 (O-13)

14-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to streamline both the City's process and the City's technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and to examine how major cities' open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk's office, the City Solicitor's office, and IT.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-13)

15-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of taking Vail Court lot by eminent domain.
Vice Mayor Benzan 01/05/15 (O-3)

15-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on constructing 1,000 brand new affordable housing units in the City by the end of this decade.
Councillor Simmons 01/05/15 (O-9)

15-05. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining a way to fund and supply an additional 100 shelter beds as soon as possible so that the City can better address the immediate shelter needs of our homeless community members while ongoing conversations are taking place regarding long-term solutions to this crisis.
Councillor McGovern 02/23/15 (O-3)

15-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reaching out to representatives and city officials in surrounding communities to gauge interest in forming an inter-city committee which would meet three times per year to discuss and develop strategies for common issues that would be best handled regionally with support from the state.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Cheung 02/23/15 (O-4)

15-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with applicable boards and commissions to assist them in clarifying yearly goals and initiatives, to provide increased administrative oversight and accountability where necessary, and where possible, discuss ways to increase resident involvement.
Councillor Mazen 02/20/15 (O-15)

15-10. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on contracts to obtain electricity from TransCanada and to investigate the possibility of entering into an agreement to obtain up to 100% renewable power for all municipal electricity needs.
Councillor Carlone 02/20/15 (O-18)

15-12. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on status of the Cambridge Common renovation project along with an update on next steps and the projected date of completion.
Councillor Carlone 02/23/15 (O-21)

15-13. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining how the median strip was removed at Russell Street despite official documents that clearly stated that the median strip would not be affected.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-22)

15-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to determine if they can be of further assistance in understanding how the portion of the path from Binney to the Somerville border can be completed and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor Toomey 02/20/15 (O-23)

15-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on with language that could create a Grand Junction Overlay District that would help to create incentives and ensure the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path.
Councillor Toomey 02/23/15 (O-24)

15-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the feasibility of executing the recommendations of the STEAM Working Group.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone & Councillor McGovern 02/23/15 (O-25)

15-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the feasibility of renaming Area 4 "The Port."
Vice Mayor Benzan 02/23/15 (O-27)

15-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of renaming the Area IV Youth Center the "Dr. Robert and Janet Moses Youth Center"
Vice Mayor Benzan 02/20/15 (O-30)

15-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the results from the PSI pilot and coordinate with the legal department to report back to the City Council on whether aspects of the ordinance could be safely adopted with specific attention to disposal of unwanted phone books.
Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-34)

15-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of licensing the same technology to establish an online portal that indicates all of DPW's heroic street-clearing efforts.
Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-41)

15-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a tax exemption that is an opt-in system and is based on progressive income
Councillor Mazen 02/20/15 (O-47)

15-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing text to 911.
Councillor Cheung 03/16/15 (O-3)

15-27. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #6
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a pilot program for heated bus shelters.
Councillor Simmons 03/16/15 (O-1)

15-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on studying emerging business types and how they are affected by the Zoning Ordinance; evaluate ways to facilitate home-based businesses; and report on the status of the Table of Use work.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Vice Mayor Benzan 09/22/14 (O-5)

15-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there is a liquor license cap in Central Square and on the suitability of raising the cap in and around Central Square.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-6)

15-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with an update on the reconstruction of the Longfellow Bridge including a timeline for completion of the project.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-8)

15-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the analysis that has been done on financial conditions that apply to new development in Central Square, including the report by economic consultant Sarah Woodworth.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley & Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-9)

15-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on parking needs and availability in Central Square including the possibility of adding additional levels to the Green Street garage.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Carlone 03/30/15 (O-12)

15-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on inventorying a small set of innovative urban planning researcher at local universities and bring these resources into Cambridge's planning discussions.
Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-14)

15-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how best to develop partnerships with local universities developing software and other resources related to city planning.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-15)

15-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining what types of traffic, parking, and other citations the city has legal jurisdiction over and to confer with the appropriate city departments to institute a day-fine policy in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen 04/13/15 (O-2)

15-37. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on procuring a high precision natural gas analyzer for the City Arborist to use to detect possible gas leaks surrounding City trees.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-3)

15-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing "smart" parking solutions in the City of Cambridge, including: multi-spot meters, demand based price structuring, solar powered meters, RFID payment, floating car share vehicle spots as Boston is pursuing, pay by phone, meters that accept credit/debit or rechargeable parking card, and smart phone application integration.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-4)

15-39. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on the Citywide Planning Process (Master Plan) including next steps and timeline.
Councillor McGovern 04/13/15 (O-5)

15-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on responding to the International Town-Gown Association's Town-Gown Relations Survey.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-6)

15-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any discussions regarding fee increases held by the License Commission and on the Council's opposition to any fee increases proposed for no-value liquor licenses due to the undue financial burden they would place on business owners in the City.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-8)