Cambridge City Council meeting - June 8, 2026

Cambridge City Council meeting - June 8, 2026 - AGENDA
[Councillor Nolan was Absent, Siddiqui using a countdown clock to limit councillors’ speaking time]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the assignment of 32 officers for the State Primary, Sept 1, 2026 and 26 for the State Election, Nov 3, 2026. (CM26#175) [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women. (CM26#176) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

3. A communication transmitted by Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-40 relative to preparations for the City’s LGBTQ+ Pride celebration on June 20. (CM26#173)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Shameka Gregory (LGBTQ+ Commission; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriations to the Combined Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (CSO Advisory Committee) for a term of five years, effective June 8, 2026. (CM26#182) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reauthorization of a spending limit of $3,800,000 for Fiscal Year 2027, for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction revolving fund (Revolving Fund). (CM26#177) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to authorization of a spending limit of $240,000 for Fiscal Year 2027, for the Fresh Pond Golf Course Pro Shop revolving fund (Revolving Fund), pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Municipal Ordinance titled “Departmental Revolving Funds”. (CM26#179) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a five-year progress review of the Affordable Housing Overlay. (CM26#171) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern about “housing crisis”, Chris Cotter (Housing) touting the AHO, Zusy says report “impressive” and intent of MFH amendments not to thwart this, Simmons stating how much “hard work” done by councillors and staff, Siddiqui touting AHO; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $18,970.32 from the HOME Grant Program. (CM26#180)
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-31 regarding updates to succession-planning and employee-ownership materials. (CM26#172) [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to authorization to transfer appropriations from the allotments with available balances to those needing implementation. (CM26#181) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-30 regarding a report on how the decision to install artificial turf was made. (CM26#174) [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins on greater cost of maintaining a grass field, claims about micro-plastics, discontinuation of use of crumb rubber; Al-Zubi suggesting that artificial turf raises environmental concerns and risk of injury concerns; Zusy on pros and cons, says putting in a “plastic field” is “so weird”, claims insufficient community process (so what else is new?), says that in ten years we won’t want a turf field, notes East Cambridge Planning Team letter, asks if turf fields are sterilized; Kathy Watkins says fields are tested for “bounce” periodically; Flaherty on joys of baseball, insufficient outreach, cooling; Watkins on scheduling, cooling, outreach; Sobrinho-Wheeler on process, original budget request that he wanted reduced, suggests that City staff conspired to create community advocacy to support the City plans, objects to City Manager having ultimate authority hinting at preference to have a popularly elected strong mayor form of government; Yi-An Huang acknowledges need for improvement in community engagement, notes similar discussion of trade-offs in other cities and towns, notes fact that natural grass cannot sustain the kinds of activities in demand; McGovern says this has been difficult conversation, asks “Is this a done deal?”; Watkins states that decision was made long ago; Huang notes that the trade-offs are real and that if given the choice between grass and turn, people will always choose grass, but the issue is the ability to maintain the fields so that they be used to meet the actual demand and utilization, need to stay the course; Azeem with questions about relative overall costs, sports vs. picnics, says there is strong public interest in maintaining Ahern as a grass field, suggests that City should change their position; Adam Corbeil (Recreation) comments, says conversation will continue; McGovern expresses frustration (curiously concerned about public outcry in this case - even though he is generally dismissive of public outcry on other issues), wants to know what options the Council has, when is this moving forward; Watkins says the design team is actively working on designs for turf field - imminent process; McGovern suggest bringing Office of Sustainability into discussion, Watkins says they have regularly been consulted; Zusy suggests putting turf field at Gold Star Mother’s Park, put a field on top of First Street Garage under a bubble; Watkins debunks these suggestions; Kevin Beutel (DPW) explains why Zusy suggestions infeasible; Zusy says Ahern Field more like a “common” than just a playing field, suggests delaying this for another week; Watkins says that all the alternatives have been explored; Zusy suggests using Volpe site temporarily - debunked by Watkins; Siddiqui suggests that this matter could be Tabled, notes concerns about community process; Al-Zubi moves to Table; Tabled 5-3-1 (AAZ,MM,JSW,CZ,SS - Yes; BA,TF,DS - No; PN - Absent)

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty (PO26#119)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, Nolan - Absent)

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the City previously served by ShotSpotter technology. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty (PO26#120)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Al-Zubi proposes amendments (w/Sobrinho-Wheeler), claims to support public safety (?); Sobrinho-Wheeler also claims to support public safety; Azeem says he doesn’t really care about ShotSpotter, not sure what purpose of amendments are; Al-Zubi continues to question effectiveness of ShotSpotter; Zusy says she supports Al-Zubi amendments, says we should work smarter rather than add resources; McGovern proposes amendment to Al-Zubi amendment (OK by voice vote); Simmons expresses Al-Zubi efforts; Charter Right - Simmons

3. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty (PO26#121)
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (on $1 million for vouchers for those who were in Transitional Wellness Center); McGovern says those funds have been allocated; Siddiqui offers some details; Yi-An Huang says it’s in FY26 Budget for one, other out of federal stabilization fund ($3.7 million remaining in fund); Azeem asks what would happen if federal funds canceled, Huang says we would partially “backfill” the funding; McGovern comments about federal government and current funding needs; Flaherty asks if we can do the additional $1.6 million, Huang says discussion is about keeping things whole rather than simply backfilling all funding; Flaherty added as sponsor; Charter Right - Al-Zubi

4. That the City Council shall complete the required review and determinations prescribed by Section 2.128.060(c) before taking any future vote regarding the continued use of ShotSpotter or any other surveillance technology. Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons (PO26#122)
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty - “rules matter”, says that in this instance the Surveillance Technology Ordinance requires that certain determinations are required prior to discontinuing any given technology - and this was not done, says this policy order specifically addresses the procedure - “we need to follow the rule of law” - suggests that the prior vote was invalid - cut off by Siddiqui’s clock; JSW/McGovern motion to extend meeting for one hour passes 7-1-1 (DS - No; PN - Absent); JSW says this Order of out-of-order, suggests this is just being a sore loser; JSW calls the question (passes 7-1-1); Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1 (TF,DS - Yes; Nolan - Absent)

5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, and other relevant City departments, to examine and report back to the City Council with a feasibility analysis with findings, options, and recommendations regarding the following proposed amendments to the multifamily zoning ordinance. Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Zusy (PO26#123)
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty regarding consequences of the Multi-Family Housing Ordinance, tremendous market upheaval, and how middle-class families are being forced out of the city in favor of young professionals and empty-nesters; Azeem moves to suspend rules to bring forward Brown Petition (Appl. & Petitions #1), says there is space for amendments and there is a committee meeting coming up on this matter, suggests referring this Order to the committee meeting, suggests that this Order and Brown Petition will put a range of projects on hold; Siddiqui notes that only option here is to refer the Petition; Zusy complains about not being recognized (as a co-sponsor of this Order), says purpose of this Order is not to rescind to MFH zoning but to make it better, provide greater flexibility, says height is a real issue - OK with height but only on major thoroughfares, wants green space to be actual green space at ground level [Note: many of these suggestions reflect what Tim Love stated at a prior NLTP Committee meeting]; Zusy also notes need to greater regulate AirBnB’s and for universities to produce more graduate student housing; Sobrinho-Wheeler defends minimal setbacks as a good thing, noting that he can reach out his window and touch the next building, notes that one sponsor (Flaherty) accepts thousands of dollars from real estate developers, says that last election was primarily a referendum on the Multi-Family Housing ordinance (not true), brings up capitalism, says there should be even more height; McGovern says he is open to amendments to ordinance as long as they don’t stall housing development, questions where the numbers quoted are coming from, suggests that these amendments will make housing less affordable, disagrees with having any parking, suggests that allowing six-stories is how we get inclusionary units in the neighborhoods (except that it’s not actually working out that way), acknowledges that a lot of people are upset - but that’s because the ordinance is working; McGovern suggests that the ordinance is producing multi-family housing in neighborhoods where there are none (but this is false - it’s really about much larger buildings typically next to existing smaller multi-family buildings); Al-Zubi comments that she wants an “authentic dialogue”, we should be “centering housing as a human right” and “something we should build so that we are not dependent on market forces” (i.e. government housing); Siddiqui comments; Azeem says that no inclusionary housing has been built that is not more than four stories; Zusy suggests referral to joint meeting of Housing Committee and NLTP Committee; Flaherty notes that 9 Wyman St. is an example of why this ordinance does not work - 56 units, but only one 3-BR unit and the rest very small units, notes that this is a regional problem; Referred to Housing, NLTP 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

2. Resolution in Memory of Ann Whitford Lewis Austin. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

3. Condolences to the family of Barney Frank. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

4. That the City Council go on record congratulating the 2026 retirees of Cambridge Public Schools, thanking them for their many years of dedicated service, and extending best wishes to each of them for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

5. That the City Council go on record celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Cambridge Community Chorus and recognizing the Chorus for its extraordinary artistic achievements, community service, and commitment to making choral music accessible to all. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

6. Resolution on the retirement of Michael Rowell. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

7. Congratulations to the CRLS Boys Baseball team on winning the Dual County League Championship. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

ON THE TABLE
8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026] (CM26#170) [text of report]

APPLICATIONS & PETITIONS
1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Doug Brown to amend the current Article(s) and/or section(s) numbered and entitled Articles 2, 5, 6, 11 and 19 height, setback, parking, open space and design review requirements. (PET26#2) [text of petition]
taken up w/Order #5 (see above); Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Amanda Beatty – Do not put the brakes on affordable housing
2. Anne Warner – Tree Protection PO#4 support
3. Annette LaMond – Wyman Road NCD – Please Vote to Study
4. Aram Harrow – oppose Tree Protection Ordinance
5. Arti Pandey – Sidewalk Work
6. Barbara Anthony – Strengthening Tree Protection Act
7. Hans-Peter Biemann – Vote to help restore tree volume in Cambridge Vote Yes PO#4
8. Bjorn Poonen – PO26#111
9. Brendan Hickey – Please amend PO#4
10. Candace Young – Tree protection
11. Carol Lynn Alpert – Pass the PO to strengthen the Tree Protection Ordinance
12. Caroline Lowenthal – Please keep Ahern field grass
13. Catalina Arboleda – Stronger Tree Protections
14. Christina Mork – Ahern Field
15. Courtney Cogswell – Sustainability in East Cambridge
16. Dan Phillips – Continued support for by right multifamily housing
17. Dana Niu – Continued support for by right multifamily housing
18. Dave Halperin – Oppose PO#4
19. David Hattis – Please Don’t Weaken Multifamily Zoning
20. Debby Shapiro – Great, Elena! Let’s hope it has the impact it deserves.
21. Deborah Galef – Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0
22. Ed Henley – City Council Public Comment on Monday, 6/1/26
23. Elena Tate – I am writing in support of more affordable housing in Cambridge.
24. Emily Lee – Please enact ZWMP 2.0 on June 8
25. Federico Muchnik – Busted elevator at Winn’s 21 Walden Sq. Road going on 1 year.
26. Genevieve Coyle – Little Boxes (written in 1962 by Malvina Reynolds and popularized by Pete Seeger)
27. Jessica Grimsby – June 1 PO#4, Updates to Tree Protection Ordinance
28. Hannah Larsen – Continued Adjustments to Housing Overlay
29. Heddi Siebel – Public Comments for Tonight
30. Helen Snively – Please support Policy Order for Greater Tree Protection
31. Ira Nichols-Barrer – tree ordinance please protect the MZA
32. Jamie Sabino, Richard B. Klibaner – Vote NO on efforts that will block multifamily housing
33. Jan Puibello – Tree Protection Ordinance amendments
34. Jason Alves – Sign Applications
35. Jay Luker – Your Tree Canopy Will Be Fine.
36. Jill Linnell – PO#4
37. Jonathan Cohen – Support for by-right MFH zoning alongside Tree Ordinance
38. Jonathan Haber – Of Trees and Labs
39. Jonathan Haber – PO#4
40. Jules Kobek – Moderna just received 50M grant to study EBOLA; Cambridge does not allow BSL4 Labs required by EBOLA
41. Karen Biemann – Vote to help restore tree volume in Cambridge. Vote Yes – PO#4.
42. Kate Hanks – Ahern Field
43. Kathleen Moore – Vote no on PO#4
44. Kelsey Harris – Vote No on PO#4, Missing the forest for the trees
45. Larry – Tree Ordinance
46. Neal Leavitt – Health and Ahern Field
47. Marie Elena Saccoccio, Betty Lee Saccoccio – Please reconsider allowance of labs on Cambridge Street
48. Marie Elena Saccoccio – Moderna just received 50M grant to study EBOLA Cambridge does not allow BSL4 Labs required by EBOLA
49. Marie Elena Saccoccio – Moderna joins race to develop EBOLA vaccine
50. Marilee Meyer – Moderna just received 50M grant to study EBOLA Cambridge does not allow BSL4 Labs required by EBOLA. Please save significant trees as part of urban planning and the greater good.
51. Mary Dockray-Miller – support for ZWMP 2.0 ordinance
52. Mary Jane Kornacki – Tree Protection
53. Michael Buck – Traffic Sign Issue City of Cambridge
54. Michael Hoff – Multi-Family Housing Amendment
55. Nonie Valentine – PO26#111, Tree protection
56. Ovadia R Simha – Cambridge Street Zoning
57. Pat McCarthy – Please vote for the Tree Protection Ordinance
58. Jules Kobek – Re: Moderna just received 50M grant to study EBOLA; Cambridge does not allow BSL4 Labs required by EBOLA
59. Rebecca Pries – Please protect our Cambridge trees!
60. Reeva Meyer – PO#4
61. Rob Vandenabeele – Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 Ordinance Change Enactment
62. Robert Kinch – Mayor’s letter (Western Ave. concerns)
63. Sam and Melissa Allon – Do you live in a treehouse
64. Sara Nelson – Tree Ordinance Amendments
65. Sarah Block – Please vote NO on PO#4 making tree ordinance more difficult. Support for multi-family housing development
66. Sarah Wharton – Vote No on PO#4
67. Sean Joyce-Farley – Where is City Pride this year?
68. Stephanie Wasiuk – Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 Ordinance Changes
69. Su Chiang, Yakov Bart – please avoid new restrictions on MFH Ordinance
70. Sue Wentworth – Tree Protection Ordinance
71. Susan M. Carter – Housing Regulations
72. Susan Miller-Havens – Tree protection
73. Susanna Ryan – A resident against putting turf in at Ahern Field
74. Todd Chapin – Comments on June 2 Cambridge St rezoning
75. Valerie M. Bonds – Senior Parking Fee Exemption
76. Young Kim – My Comment at 6/1 Council Meeting
77. Susan Miller-Havens – Tree Protection

RESOLUTIONS
1. City Council thanks and warmest congratulations to S&S owners Gary Mitchell, Aimee Baum, and the entire Mitchell-Wheeler family on 107 extraordinary years of service to Cambridge and the Inman Square community, and in expressing its profound admiration for their dedication to preserving a beloved neighborhood institution across six generations. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

Resolution #1 June 8, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI

WHEREAS: The S&S Restaurant and Delicatessen, located in the heart of Inman Square, first opened its doors in 1919, when Rebecca “Ma” Edelstein greeted her neighbors with the warm Yiddish expression “es and es” – “eat and eat” – a phrase that gave the restaurant its name and defined its spirit of nourishment, welcome, and community for more than a century; and

WHEREAS: The S&S has remained in continuous family ownership across six generations – from Ma Edelstein through the Wheeler and Mitchell families to present-day co-owners Gary Mitchell and Aimee Baum – each generation tending this institution with devotion, creativity, and enduring pride in the legacy entrusted to them; and

WHEREAS: Over 107 years, the S&S has been far more than a restaurant: it has been a gathering place, a neighborhood anchor, and a living archive of Cambridge history, surviving the 1918 flu pandemic, the Great Depression, multiple relocations and renovations, and generations of change, always remaining a hometown favorite where residents could find generous portions, reasonable prices, and a warm welcome; and

WHEREAS: The S&S has been celebrated for its classic deli fare – pastrami sandwiches, matzo ball soup, knishes, blintzes, bagels and lox, corned beef, and the legendary chicken wings featured on the Phantom Gourmet – while adapting its menu across decades to reflect the diverse tastes of the Inman Square community; and

WHEREAS: The S&S has long been woven into the civic fabric of Cambridge, catering to City Council meetings, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, and countless City functions, and its walls – graced with hand-colored historic photographs, old menus, and decades of press coverage – have served as a neighborhood museum, preserving the story of Inman Square and the immigrant families who built it; and

WHEREAS: Gary Mitchell, who began working at the deli counter at age twelve, has been the heart of the S&S for decades, guided by the generations before him and sustained by his sister Aimee Baum and a loyal staff – many of them with the restaurant since the 1970s and 1980s – who together kept the S&S open and serving its neighbors even through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is deeply grateful to the Edelstein, Wheeler, and Mitchell families for 107 years of generosity, hard work, and genuine love for this city and its people; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest thanks and warmest congratulations to Gary Mitchell, Aimee Baum, and the entire Mitchell-Wheeler family on 107 extraordinary years of service to Cambridge and the Inman Square community, and in expressing its profound admiration for their dedication to preserving a beloved neighborhood institution across six generations; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council honors the memory of all those who built and sustained the S&S – Ma Edelstein, Lottie and William Wheeler, Robert Mitchell, Doris and Chester Mitchell, and the many loyal staff members who made it a home away from home for generations of Cambridge residents; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council wishes Gary Mitchell, Aimee Baum, and their families every happiness and success as they turn toward new pursuits, confident that the legacy they have tended so faithfully has left an indelible mark on Cambridge, and that the warmth of the S&S – its spirit of welcome, generosity, and community – will endure long after its doors have closed; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Gary Mitchell and Aimee Baum on behalf of the entire City Council.

2. Congratulations to Simply Erinn’s on their 24th Anniversary. Councillor Simmons
Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

3. That the Cambridge City Council go on record congratulating Transition House on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and extending its deepest gratitude for five decades of leadership and service to survivors of domestic violence and their families. Mayor Siddiqui
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

4. Happy 101st Birthday to True Miller Bacon. Councillor Simmons
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity. (COF26#85)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. (COF26#86) [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Tues, June 2
3:00pm The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss possible changes relating to setbacks, stepbacks, open space and wet labs to the recently adopted Cambridge Street Zoning.

Tues, June 9
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will convene a roundtable of representatives from the Cambridge and Greater Cambridge startup ecosystem to provide insight into current conditions, emerging needs, and specific ways the City can strengthen its support for startups and enhance the local innovation environment.

Tues, June 16
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on two City Council zoning petitions to amend Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding active use requirements on North Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, including a special permit requirement for Formula Businesses on Cambridge Street.

Mon, June 22
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the 5-year update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) including recommendations from the analysis and evaluation and feedback from community meetings.
5:30pm City Council Meeting

Tues, June 23
10:00am The City Council shall hold a Special Meeting for a mid-year check-in on the City Manager’s 2026 Performance Review Process and progress towards annual goals.

Thurs, June 25
12:30pm The Housing Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint public hearing to continue discussion of the 2025 Multifamily Zoning Amendments and consider potential modifications.

Mon, June 29
4:00pm The City Council will hold a Joint Roundtable/Working Meeting with the School Committee to discuss the Cambridge Preschool Program, including means testing and program expansion, as outlined in CM26#92, originally referred to the Human Services and Veterans Committee.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 8, 2026
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: Hidden behind and between properties near Winthrop Street, Charlie’s Kitchen Beer Garden, and Eliot Street is a dry-laid fieldstone retaining wall known as the Old Stone Wall, believed to have been built in the late 1700s and early 1800s to help channel the spring-fed Town Creek toward the Charles River and stabilize what is now Winthrop Square; and
WHEREAS: This wall is one of the most significant surviving physical links to the earliest planned settlement of Newtowne, which later became Cambridge, and has been described by the Cambridge Historical Commission as the largest and most significant historic stone wall in Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: Despite its historic significance, much of the wall is hidden from public view and remains unknown to many residents, visitors, and passersby, making it all too easy for this important piece of Cambridge history to be overlooked, neglected, or lost; and
WHEREAS: A portion of the wall collapsed in 2020 and has not yet been repaired, while the remaining structure continues to face threats from age, erosion, weather, surrounding development, and severe rodent activity that may be further destabilizing the site; and
WHEREAS: An earlier repair effort stalled after the estimated cost exceeded the available Community Preservation Act funding and no final agreement was reached among the City and abutting property owners regarding funding, access, and long-term responsibility; and
WHEREAS: As Cambridge approaches its 400th anniversary in 2030, the City should make every reasonable effort to protect historic resources that tell the story of its earliest settlement, while also addressing any related public health and safety concerns; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource; and be it further
ORDERED: That said plan should include an updated assessment of the wall’s current condition, estimated repair costs, immediate stabilization needs, the impact of rodent activity and other environmental conditions, and the legal or practical responsibilities of the City and abutting property owners; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to identify potential funding and partnership options, including Community Preservation Act historic preservation funds, private contributions, preservation grants, easements, public-access agreements, and other public-private partnership models; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with findings, options, and recommended next steps within 120 days.

O-2 June 8, 2026 Charter Right - Simmons; one Al-Zubi/JSW amendment approved (as amended by McGovern), more to follow
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
WHEREAS: The City Council recently voted to discontinue the City’s use of ShotSpotter technology following concerns regarding the accuracy, reliability, privacy implications, civil liberties impacts, and overall efficacy of the technology, yet the underlying public safety concerns that led to the original deployment of the technology have not disappeared; and
WHEREAS: Residents in every neighborhood of Cambridge deserve to feel safe in their homes, on their streets, in their parks, and in their public spaces, and they deserve to know that the City is taking practical, visible, and effective steps to prevent violence and respond quickly when serious incidents occur; and
WHEREAS: The discontinuation of any public safety tool should be accompanied by a serious review of what additional resources, strategies, staffing, partnerships, or investments may be needed to ensure that the City is ~~not merely removing an existing tool, but~~ actively and concurrently strengthening its broader approach to neighborhood safety; and
WHEREAS: Such a strategy may include, but need not be limited to, targeted and community-oriented patrol presence, expanded violence prevention and youth outreach efforts, improved coordination following serious incidents, environmental safety improvements such as lighting and visibility upgrades, strengthened community reporting practices, and any technology alternatives that may be considered in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: Any future public safety strategy should be evidence-informed, transparent, equitable, respectful of civil rights and civil liberties, and subject to meaningful public accountability; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the City previously served by ShotSpotter technology, as well as any other areas where residents, neighborhood groups, or City departments have identified recurring concerns regarding gun violence, violent incidents, or serious public safety conditions; and be it further
ORDERED: That this plan should identify concrete resources, investments, staffing strategies, operational changes, interdepartmental protocols, community partnerships, and public-space improvements that may be added or expanded to improve neighborhood safety following the discontinuation of ShotSpotter; and be it further
ORDERED: That this plan should specifically address the feasibility and potential impact of increased foot and bicycle patrols in targeted areas, expanded community-based violence prevention and youth outreach resources, improved follow-up after serious incidents, strengthened public reporting and communication practices, environmental safety improvements such as lighting and visibility upgrades, and any technology alternatives that may be considered in full compliance with the City’s Surveillance Technology Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council within sixty days with a written report that includes recommended actions, estimated costs, implementation timelines, responsible departments, opportunities for community input, and proposed metrics for evaluating whether these added investments are improving neighborhood safety.

O-3 June 8, 2026 Charter Right - Al-Zubi
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA) provides critical funding, supported by federal dollars, for services to victims and survivors of crime, including domestic violence, sexual assault, housing instability, legal advocacy, counseling, crisis response, and related supports; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations have reported significant FY27 MOVA funding reductions, affecting Transition House, Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers, De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, and On The Rise; and
WHEREAS: The City has been in communication with representatives of affected organizations that requested a combined total of $4,224,675 for FY27 and were awarded $2,548,104, resulting in an estimated funding gap of $1,676,570; and
WHEREAS: This gap will have serious impacts on direct services, including reductions in clinical support, legal advocacy, housing stabilization, food and transportation assistance, culturally responsive services, multilingual services, and staffing capacity; and
WHEREAS: Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, immigrant survivors, unhoused residents, youth, LGBTQIA+ residents, elder survivors, and transgender survivors may face longer wait times, fewer available supports, and greater barriers to safety as a result of these reductions; and
WHEREAS: These reductions are the result of a federal funding crisis and not a reflection of reduced community need, organizational performance, or importance of these services to Cambridge residents, and the City recognizes the need to engage the wider nonprofit community to fully understand the scope and consequences of federal funding reductions on Cambridge’s safety net services; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a responsibility to protect essential safety net services and ensure that residents that rely on them are not left without support during a period of federal disinvestment; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, including the balance of the Federal Stabilization Fund and a proposed timeline for disbursement; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on the record reaffirming its commitment to standing with victims and survivors of crime, and preserving Cambridge’s network of victim services, violence prevention, legal advocacy, housing stabilization, and culturally responsive community-based support during this extraordinary period of federal disinvestment.

O-4 June 8, 2026
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On June 1, 2026, the City Council voted to disapprove further use of SoundThinking’s Acoustic Gunshot Detection Technology (“ShotSpotter”) pursuant to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance, Section 2.128.060; and
WHEREAS: Section 2.128.060 sets forth clear and unambiguous procedures that the City Council must follow before voting to approve or disapprove the use of surveillance technology; and
WHEREAS: The City Council did not follow the required procedures outlined in Section 2.128.060(c) before voting to disapprove ShotSpotter; and
WHEREAS: Section 2.128.060(c) requires, as a condition precedent to any such vote, that the City Council examine the information contained in the Annual Surveillance Report; and
WHEREAS: The City Council did not conduct such an examination; and
WHEREAS: Section 2.128.060(c) further requires the City Council to determine, based on the Annual Surveillance Report, whether the benefits of continued use of the technology outweigh its financial and operational costs; and
WHEREAS: The City Council did not make such a determination; and
WHEREAS: Section 2.128.060(c) also requires the City Council to determine whether reasonable safeguards exist to address concerns regarding privacy, civil liberties, and civil rights; and
WHEREAS: The City Council did not make such a determination; and
WHEREAS: Section 2.128.060(c) provides that only after making these determinations may the City Council consider one of the following actions:
1. Recommend modifications to the Surveillance Use Policy to the City Manager;
2. Request a report from the City Manager on steps taken to address concerns; or
3. Disapprove further use of the technology; and
WHEREAS: The City Council did not make the required threshold determinations and did not consider these options in the manner prescribed; and
WHEREAS: On May 11, 2026, the City Council adopted Policy Order 2026-98, which states that the Annual Report was reviewed by the Public Safety Committee rather than the full City Council, and identifies concerns about the technology but does not make the determinations required by Section 2.128.060(c); and
WHEREAS: These actions are inconsistent with the requirements of the Surveillance Technology Ordinance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council shall comply with the procedures outlined in Section 2.128.060 of the Surveillance Technology Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the June 1, 2026, vote to disapprove ShotSpotter be declared null and void; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council shall complete the required review and determinations prescribed by Section 2.128.060(c) before taking any future vote regarding the continued use of ShotSpotter or any other surveillance technology.

O-5 June 8, 2026
COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: On February 10, 2025, the Cambridge City Council voted to adopt a zoning petition to allow multifamily housing citywide; and
WHEREAS: The zoning changes were intended to enable multifamily housing across all Cambridge neighborhoods, increase overall housing production, prioritize income-restricted affordable units through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program, and eliminate certain requirements such as minimum lot sizes, limits on the number of dwelling units, and restrictions on floor area; and
WHEREAS: The zoning code amendments established a unified residential zoning district, “Residence C-1,” applicable across all neighborhoods, allowing buildings up to four stories in height, or up to six stories for projects that meet inclusionary housing requirements (20% affordable) and are located on lots of at least 5,000 square feet; and
WHEREAS: The amendments eliminated minimum lot size requirements, limits on dwelling units, and the total allowable floor area for housing; and
WHEREAS: The amendments also reduced setback requirements and imposed new open space and Green Factor standards for new buildings; and
WHEREAS: The adoption and implementation of the multifamily zoning ordinance have led to significant unintended consequences across all neighborhoods, as real estate development activity has increasingly focused on maximizing profits while avoiding the provision of income-restricted affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Community Development Department has undertaken extensive and detailed analysis to develop proposed amendments to the multifamily zoning ordinance aimed at addressing unintended consequences while advancing the goal of increasing housing production, particularly income-restricted affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: Residents across all Cambridge neighborhoods have expressed widespread concern and dissatisfaction regarding the unintended consequences of the multifamily zoning ordinance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department, and other relevant City departments, to examine and report back to the City Council with a feasibility analysis with findings, options, and recommendations regarding the following proposed amendments to the multifamily zoning ordinance;

1. Require front, side, and rear setbacks totaling at least 35 feet, with at least one side setback of no less than 10 feet;

2. Explore possibility of relating building height to width of right of way; 6 story buildings only on major thoroughfares, not on narrow residential streets. Consider right of way widths of 55’ and greater;

3. 30% open space should be green open space at grade. Green roofs and balconies should not qualify as part of green open space, nor should permeable pavers;

4. Max building wall length 25-40 long side setback line (length to be studied). Building wall longer than 25-40’ to set back an additional 5’ to allow for privacy, light, new plantings, etc.;

5. Require one off-street automobile parking space for each dwelling unit above four units in any new construction, whether in Residence C-1 or otherwise.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council within 60 days with a feasibility analysis, including findings and options regarding the above-referenced items.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
25-29. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 5/12/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Nolan as AR26-2]

25-51. The City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to seek input from the community as well as direct outreach to condo owners and short-term rental operators and develop additional recommendations based on the discussion in the Ordinance Committee.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-8) from 9/8/2025. [forwarded by Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui as AR26-4]

26-7. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments.
Councillor Zusy, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 12/22/2025, Charter Right #2 of 1/12/2026

26-14. That the City Manager conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, including an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring.
Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 1/12/2026, Charter Right #2 from 1/26/2026

26-15. The City Manager is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to examine if and how the City may prevent the hiring by the Cambridge Police Department of any sworn officer who was hired by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, or Customs and Border Patrol, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-1) from 2/9/2026

26-16. The City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified third-party guarantors or co-signers for applicants to Inclusionary Housing units and provide recommendations as to whether such a policy could responsibly expand access to these units.
Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/9/2026

26-19. That the City Manager is requested to assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 3/2/2026

26-22. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments as well as the Election Commissioners to review guidance from the IRS and consult with other municipalities in order to simplify our processes for paying election workers.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy (O-6) from 3/2/2026

26-26. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to meet with Harvard’s Office of Community Relations and the Longwood Collective (MASCO) to harmonize institutional bus protocols with public-facing commitments.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-3) from 3/23/2026

26-27. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments and staff to examine and report back on whether the city can require single-stall public bathrooms to be gender-neutral.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Azeem (O-4) from 3/23/2026

26-28. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review the current legal landscape and provide recommendations for how to regulate construction of large data centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 3/30/2026

26-30. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf was made, the rationale for artificial turf, and what process was taken to ensure community concerns and public health considerations were fully addressed, and to ensure that construction will not move forward until a report is delivered. See Mgr #11
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 4/13/26

26-31. That the City Manager is requested to update the City’s “Succession Planning and Employee Ownership Workbook” and any comparable written or online guidance so that worker buyouts and worker cooperatives are clearly presented as standard succession options for retiring business owners. See Mgr #9
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 4/27/26

26-32. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review City ordinances regulating the operation of food vendors in City parks.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi (O-3) from 5/4/26

26-33. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant staff to explore options for commissioning a comparable housing needs study through a qualified research institution.
Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty (O-5) from 4/27/26 (Charter Right #1 from 5/4/26)

26-34. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to do extensive outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the current water level status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 5/11/26

26-35. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations as outlined in H.3754 and S.2344 and the prior home rule.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 3/2/26

26-36. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments stop using ShotSpotter, including turning off and physically removing the surveillance tools no later than 90 days.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 5/11/26 and Charter Right #2 from 5/18/26

26-37. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City Departments to engage the Collins Center in assisting the City in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 5/11/26 and Charter Right #3 from 5/18/26

26-38. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to keep unchanged the current fee treatment for senior citizens, as for persons with handicap permits, by maintaining the existing exemption for seniors with respect to the proposed new charges.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy (O-6) from 5/11/26 and Charter Right #4 from 5/18/26

26-39. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic or relocate the existing Bluebikes station and provide the City Council with a written update within six months of passage of this Order describing an alternative set of safety improvements that do not restore two-way motor vehicle traffic on Garden Street.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-2) from 4/13/26 and Charter Right #1 from 4/27/26

26-40. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that Cambridge City Hall is illuminated with appropriate Pride colors in advance of the City’s June 20th Pride Celebration and report back to the City Council on the status of these efforts in sufficient time to ensure that the work is completed prior to the June 20th celebration. See Mgr #3
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 6/1/26

26-41. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-9) from 6/1/26

26-42. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department and Law Department to develop and implement a policy requiring the posting of “Know Your Rights” informational and educational materials in all police department facilities.
Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (O-11) from 6/1/26