Cambridge City Council meeting - April 28, 2025

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the School Department Salary and Wages account to the School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($600,000) and the School Department Travel and Training Account ($400,000). The transfer will be used to fund the costs of medical services and bills for staff receiving worker’s compensation and settlement costs related to School Department personnel and/or students, as well as for increased costs for transportation for students experiencing homelessness, eligible through the McKinney-Vento Act. (CM25#91)

2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2026 submitted budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. (CM25#92) [text of report]

3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Ahern Field and surrounding amenities. (CM25#93) [text of Loan Order]

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. (CM25#94) [text of Loan Order]

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,100,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries, fire stations, and deferred maintenance. (CM25#95) [text of Loan Order]

6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $19,986,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. (CM25#96) [text of Loan Order]

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $27,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in Central Square. (CM25#97) [text of Loan Order]

8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Program and for planning and design of a floodwater storage tank. (CM25#98) [text of Loan Order]

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts. (CM25#99) [text of Loan Order]

10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,250,000 to provide funds for Ozone Generator replacement; Lead Service Line replacement; and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include repair and or replacement of water infrastructure at Dana Street, Sciarappa Street, Massachusetts Ave 4, Haskell Street and Hillside Avenue. (CM25#100) [text of Loan Order]

11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,600,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Wilder Lee Playground and play areas at 359 Broadway. (CM25#101) [text of Loan Order]

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Summer 2025 Programs. (CM25#102) [text of report]

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Community Safety Department. (CM25#103) [text of report]

14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-9, regarding protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders. (CM25#104) [text of report]

15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-8, regarding a request to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years. (CM25#105) [text of report]

16. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000, to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,000) and the Grant Fund Police Department Salaries and Wages Account ($4,000). This is the third year of this multi-year grant. Grant funds will be used for costs related to providing aftercare support and supplies for individuals as part of detox including clothing; supplies (including Narcan) and personal hygiene products; transportation to treatment or clinical care services; assistance with vital documents to aid reinstatement of identification documents; and communication services so individuals can communicate with care providers. (CM25#106) [text of report]

17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report #25-21, regarding implementing an outreach and assistance campaign to assist with eviction records. (CM25#107) [text of report]

18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager regarding the Transition Wellness Center (TWC). (CM25#108) [text of report]

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in green for Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, in coordination with the Cambridge Public Health Department’s awareness efforts. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#59)

2. That the City Manager is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#60)

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (PO25#61)

4. City Council requesting that the Chair of the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee initiate the process of re-appointing the City Auditor. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner (PO25#62)

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to assemble a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors, noting contact information and any associated requirements, ensuring that there are public meeting places identified in each neighborhood. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan (PO25#63)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Metro Sign & Awning Brian representing BAKEY, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 238 Main Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided. (AP25#18)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Alexandra Irving, re: Affordable housing replaced with multimillion single family homes.

2. Daniel Vlock, re: Garden Street Outcome.

3. Ethan Frank, re: Cambridge Access and Mobility Plan.

4. Franklin Reece, re: Garden Street Outcome.

5. Fred Fantini, re: BioMed project.

6. Helen Walker, re: Qualified Support for AHO Heights Zoning Petition (ORD25#7).

7. John Leo, re: Support for Eliminating Renter-Paid Broker Fees in Cambridge.

8. Marilee Meyer, re: support museums and cultural institutions from defunding.

9. Nonie Valentine, re: Thank you for Harvard demonstration.

10. Timothy O’Donnell, re: Shelter @ Spaulding.

11. Norman Daoust, re: PO25#50 Transitional Wellness Center.

12. John Trever, re: I continue to support Paul Toner.

13. Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, re: Urgent Need for Tenant Right to Counsel in Light of Federal Fair Housing Enforcement Cuts re: Federal Update (CM25#80).

14. Nolan Surma, re: Keep Spaulding Shelter Open.

15. Jane Park, re: PO25#50 Continued funding of the transitional wellness center.

16. Ellen Mei, re: Keep the Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding open!

17. Deb Nicholson, re: Keep Spaulding Open.

18. Jane Park, re: PO25#50 Continued funding of the transitional wellness center.

19. Nolan Surma, re: Keep Spaulding Shelter Open.

20. Heather Hoffman, re: a quibble on the March 24 minutes.

21. Michael A Connolly, re: N9C: Rising Rents - Bye Bye Mr. Bear.

22. Robert Cesari, re: The Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding.

23. Richard Freierman, re: Garden Street Outcome.

24. Nicolai Cauchy, re: Cambridge No Longer in a ‘Critical’ Drought - so let’s BUILD ASAP.

25. Lucy Murray-Brown, re: Please support these 3 critical issues.

26. Joe Adiletta, re: Garden Street Outcome.

27. Jeffrey Singer, re: Garden Street Outcome.

28. Benjamin Flaim, re: Garden Street Outcome.

29. Nike Tirman, re: RETAIN ALL PARKING ON BROADWAY.

30. Nike Tirman, re: RETAIN ALL PARKING ON BROADWAY.

31. Helen Abraham, re: Removing Broadway Parking and Cambridge Upzoning.

32. Rabbi Yoni, re: Strong Support for Fuel Assistance for FY26 Budget.

33. Rabbi Yoni, re: Shows the importance of reliable broadband.

34. Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, re: Union $5M Stabilization Fund for Federal Funding Gaps.

35. Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, re: Fund a Legally Defensible, High-Impact Right to Counsel Pilot for Indigent Tenants in Inclusionary and Subsidized Housing with Pending Fair Housing Complaints More Targeted Than Rise.

36. Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, re: Fund a Right to Counsel Pilot to Support Indigent Tenants in Inclusionary and Subsidized Housing who Filed MCAD Complaints.

37. Taylor Shay, re: Unit 421 mice infestation causing illness.

38. Cynthia Hibbard, re: Cambridge Climate Committee Review and Comments on the Draft Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Lieutenant Thomas Glynn on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Firefighter Stephon Kinn on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations to Captain John R. Mulligan on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

4. Congratulations to Sugar & Spice Thai Restaurant for being named the 2025 New England Family-Owned Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan

5. Congratulations to Lieutenant Steven Brown on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Anthony Macone on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

7. Congratulations to Officer Victor Martignetti on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

8. Congratulations to Bernard Ahearn on his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

9. Congratulations to Frances Kleiger on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update re: legislative activity. (COF25#68)

Tues, Apr 29
11:30am The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 11:30am to 1:30pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent of limiting allowable height increases in Residence C-1 districts, removing references to provisions in the base zoning that are no longer applicable, and clarifying references to departments responsible for enforcement.

Wed, Apr 30
1:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 1:30pm to 3:30pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 5.000 and Section 20.70 with the intent of (1) replacing the Floodplain Overlay and Planning Board Special Permit with the Massachusetts model ordinance structure for permitting development in the flood plain through administrative review; (2) updating references to the most recent FEMA maps to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency.

Thurs, May 1
1:00pm The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the 2025 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process.

Tues, May 6
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss all Workforce Development/Job Training programs provided for and/or funded by the City, School Department, and non-profits, and discuss a possible future “Jobs Trust” may do differently, or in addition to, current programming funded and/or operated by the City.

Wed, May 7
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend a subsection of the Cannabis Uses standards, Section 11.800 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent to remove the provision that prohibits the packaging or repackaging of cannabis products on the premises of a Cannabis Retail Store. The Committee will also review and discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 5.50, Cannabis Business Permitting.

Thurs, May 8
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Tues, May 13
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 School Department budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Wed, May 14
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Thurs, May 15
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 (if necessary).

Tues, May 20
10:30am The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 10:30am to 1:30pm on a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, and Table 5.1 with the intent to remove gross floor area (GFA) and floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for religious uses, permit conforming additions to nonconforming structures without limitation for religious uses, and permit religious uses with the same dimensional limitations as residential uses except that in a Residence C-1 district permeable open space would not be required, buildings would be permitted up to 6 stories and 74 feet above grade without meeting inclusionary housing requirements, and buildings taller than 35 feet and 3 stories above grade would not be required to notify neighbors and hold a meeting.
In addition, the Ordinance Committee will review and discuss a Zoning Petition by BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 20.000 with the intent to create a new overlay district called the East Cambridge Community Enhancement (ECCE) Overlay District that would 1) allow for increases in height and floor area by special permit to facilitate the conversion of older industrial properties to new structures in a way that will 2) improve the edge of the district adjacent to Ahern Field, improve the pedestrian experience within the zoning district, and/or provide support for community services in East Cambridge.

Wed, May 21
3:00pm The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss whether the City Council can be removed from the process of approving/denying curb cuts, whether abutters should continue to be part of the process of approving/denying curb cuts and if abutters remain part of the process including renters in definition of “abutters,” and to prepare draft Ordinance language.

Mon, June 2
12:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing for an update and review of the Cambridge Police Department’s use of “Shot-Spotter” technology. Public comment will be allowed if time permits.
5:30pm City Council Meeting

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 28, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each May, seeks to elevate understanding of mental well-being and break down the stigma associated with mental health challenges; and
WHEREAS: During this month, mental health organizations across the country mobilize to expand access to care, raise public awareness, and challenge the stigma surrounding mental health conditions — a mission made all the more urgent in the wake of the global pandemic and amid ongoing societal challenges that have intensified the need for equitable, accessible mental health support for individuals, families, and communities; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a community culture that supports mental health awareness, encourages open dialogue, and empowers those experiencing mental health challenges to seek care without fear of judgment; and
WHEREAS: In 2023, the City supported efforts to illuminate City Hall in green, the official awareness color for Mental Health Awareness Month, but was unable to do so due to ongoing construction to the building’s exterior in 2024; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Health Department has reserved the billboard outside City Hall from May 5 – May 18, 2025 to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge, and in reaffirming its dedication to promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, and supporting accessible mental health services for all; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in green for Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, in coordination with the Cambridge Public Health Department’s awareness efforts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge Public Health Department for their records.

O-2 Apr 28, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: City Hall is a busy public building that serves residents, staff, elected officials, contractors, and visitors for a range of services and events; and
WHEREAS: It is common for individuals to accidentally leave behind personal items such as keys, wallets, phones, and documents while at City Hall, and there is currently no formal or well-publicized process for handling lost or found items, which can lead to confusion and unreturned property; and
WHEREAS: A designated Lost and Found with clear procedures for intake, storage, and retrieval would improve City Hall operations and customer service, and centralized location for lost property enhances security and demonstrates the City’s commitment to supporting visitors and staff; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall, including designation of a responsible staff member or department, development of a simple intake and retrieval process, and public communication through signage and the City’s website; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner, including within 30 days a proposed implementation plan with location, procedures, and retention policy for unclaimed items.

O-3 Apr 28, 2025
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Access to the internet, a modern utility, is a vital part of everyday life and essential for the citizens of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In 2014 the City formed a Broadband Task Force to work on issues of internet access and evaluate the city’s internet infrastructure with a final report delivered in 2016 with recommendations for future actions including a municipal broadband feasibility study and ways to ensure digital equity; and
WHEREAS: The city completed a citywide comprehensive digital equity study in 2021 which was a result of City Council actions and was meant to serve as a foundation for the city’s future digital equity and broadband initiatives; and
WHEREAS: It seems unlikely that the city will now have the funds to implement the proposed $150m-$200m municipal broadband at this point in time; and
WHEREAS: It is critical that we ensure that underserved audiences have internet access, which is very expensive; and
WHEREAS: To achieve this, over the past almost decade, the city has partnered with many to implement internet access programs; and
WHEREAS: In 2016, MIT, Google, Boston Properties, the City of Cambridge, and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), established a free Wi-Fi network at Newtowne Court and Washington Elms public housing—this continues to function; and
WHEREAS: In December 2024, with $1.1m of ARPA funds, Cambridge funded a three-year test program between Starry and the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) to provide internet access to the residents of the Frank J. Manning, Washington Elms and Newtowne Court apartments; and
WHEREAS: In 2022, the CHA launched a computer training program for senior residents at a few CHA properties, including Manning apartments, offering free Chromebooks, funded by Google; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge also provides public Wi-Fi in our schools, libraries and public buildings and the Cambridge Public Library offers a Digital Equity Initiative, offering free tech classes, help and take out technology; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs by October 2025; and be it further
ORDERED: That this evaluation include exploration of the federal USAC Lifeline and BEAD programs.

O-5 Apr 28, 2025
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR TONER
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Freedom of assembly is a constitutional right and the very act of gathering has tremendous health benefits, including reducing social isolation (which can impact mental health) and lowering the likelihood of diabetes and depression; and
WHEREAS: Despite there being a plethora of places to meet in Cambridge, they can be difficult to identify and secure, challenging our democracy and greater public health; and
WHEREAS: Indoor public spaces include schools, libraries, youth and senior centers; private spaces including churches, universities, lodges, associations, public housing, and rooms specified for public gatherings as per community benefit agreements; and
WHEREAS: Outdoor public spaces include our many city and state parks; and
WHEREAS: Before COVID, the Cambridge Community Development used to list our indoor meeting and gathering spaces by neighborhood on their website; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to assemble a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors, noting contact information and any associated requirements, ensuring that there are public meeting places identified in each neighborhood, and to make this list available to the public, and report back to the City Council by October.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-64. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.
(Calendar Item #1) from 11/18/2024

24-66. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/18/2024

25-3. The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path and how implementation between Gore Street and Little Binney could coincide with Phase 2 of the CSO implementation on Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 1/27/2025

25-4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop zoning recommendations, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A §9B, for regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems that have been in existence for one year, per Ordinance Ch. 22.60, specifically on structures over 4 stories.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 1/27/2025

25-5. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a report on the use of M.G.L. Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local-option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances and provide a recommendation to the City Council for implementation of Ch. 40U procedures.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-2) from 2/3/2025

25-8. The City Manager is requested to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years. See Mgr #15
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson (O-3) from 2/10/2025

25-9. The City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments about exploring how the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can advance protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders as authorized by the two new Massachusetts laws. See Mgr #14
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner (O-4) from 2/10/2025

25-11. The City Manager is requested to exert all appropriate influence on EZ Ride and Passio to take immediate and concrete steps to fully resolve tracking deficiencies and improve real-time transit accuracy for riders.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/3/2025

25-12. The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 3/3/2025

25-13. The City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-7) from 3/3/2025

25-15. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (O-13) from 3/3/2025

25-16. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-3) from 3/3/2025

25-18. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to ensure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/17/2025

25-19. The City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt.
Councillor Toner (O-4) from 3/17/2025

25-20. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy (O-1) from 3/24/2025

25-21. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants. See Mgr #17
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 3/24/2025

25-22. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 3/24/2025

25-24. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/31/2025