Cambridge City Council meeting - June 9, 2025 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. C.A. No. 2017- cv-2459); and strategy with respect to litigation known as Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Jim Monteverde as member of the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals et al. (Land Court Docket No. 24 Misc 00622), John W. Toulopoulos Trustee of the Toulopoulos Realty Trust, et al. v. Lubavitch of Cambridge Inc. et al. (Land Court, Docket No. 24 Misc 000528), and Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal and City of Cambridge. (CM25#140)
CM25#140 June 9, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting that the City Council move to Executive Session in order to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. C.A. No. 2017- cv-2459). I am asking that the City Council move to Executive Session because discussion of this matter in open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the City.
Additionally, I am hereby requesting that the City Council move to executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Jim Monteverde as member of the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals et al. (Land Court Docket No. 24 Misc 00622), John W. Toulopoulos Trustee of the Toulopoulos Realty Trust, et al. v. Lubavitch of Cambridge Inc. et al. (Land Court, Docket No. 24 Misc 000528), and Lubavitch of Cambridge, Inc. v. Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal and City of Cambridge (United States District Court District of Massachusetts, Docket No. 1:24-cv-12403.). I am asking that the City Council move to Executive Session because discussion of these matters in open session may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the City.
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an order authorizing the City Manager to transfer necessary funds needed to maintain appropriation control as part of the fiscal end-of-year closeout process. (CM25#141)
Agenda Item No. 2 June 9, 2025
ORDERED: That pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 33B, and prior to the close of books for FY25, the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations from the allotments with available balances to those needing supplementation.
3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $118,620 funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($11,762), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($106,858). (CM25#142)
4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-24 regarding a critical drought status report. (CM25#143) [text of report]
5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the Zero Waste Master Plan. (CM25#144) [text of report]
6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Florrie Darwin, Scott Kyle, and Michael Rogove and the reappointments of Chandra Harrington, Joseph Ferrara, Elizabeth Lyster, Yuting Zhang, Gavin Kleespies, Paula Paris, and Kyle Sheffield to the Cambridge Historical Commission. (CM25#145)
CM25#145 June 9, 2025
I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments of members and alternates to the Cambridge Historical Commission for terms of one, two, and three years, effective June 30, 2025.
New Appointments
• Florrie Darwin, 7 Follen Street. Ms. Darwin, a lawyer, is an educator in the Program on Negotiation at the Harvard Law School. From 1991 through May 2024, she served as chair of the Cambridge Rent Control Board, member and chair of the Planning Board, and trustee of the Affordable Housing Trust. Appoint as an alternate for a three-year term ending 6/30/28.
• Scott Kyle, 15 Clifton Street. Mr. Kyle is a semi-retired general contractor with 40 years’ experience doing residential construction in the Boston area. He served on the Lexington Historic District Commission from 2006 until 2011. Appoint as an alternate for a two-year term ending 6/30/27.
• Michael Rogove, 65 Sparks Street, is a software engineer who has resided in Cambridge for many years; he is currently a tenant in the Huron Village area. Until recently he served as Secretary to the board of the Livable Streets Alliance, an advocacy organization. Appoint as an alternate for a one-year term ending 6/30/26.
Reappointments
• Chandra Harrington (Chair), 360 Concord Avenue. Member since 2005, term expired 6/26/23. Ms. Harrington is a fourth generation Cambridge resident, a retired museum executive, and an active member of the Cambridge Black History Trail Committee. She serves as the Commission representative on the Community Preservation Committee. Reappoint for a two-year term ending 6/30/27.
• Joseph Ferrara, 195 Brattle Street. Member since 2009, term expired 7/7/23. Mr. Ferrara is the president and CEO of Veranex Solutions, a life-sciences consulting company. He serves as the required nominee of the Cambridge Historical Society. He is a resident of the Old Cambridge Historic District and has experience in architecture, which he practiced from 1985 until 1996. Reappoint for a three-year term ending 6/30/28.
• Elizabeth Lyster, 62 Kinnaird Street. Member since 2019, term expired 12/18/22. Ms. Lyster is the required nominee of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. Reappoint for a three-year term ending on 6/30/2028.
• Yuting Zhang, 169 Msgr. O’Brien Highway. Member since 2022, term expired 2/28/25. Ms. Zhang is the required nominee of the Boston Society of Architects. She is a practicing architect and principal at Studio RE + N. Reappoint for a three-year term ending 6/30/2028.
• Gavin Kleespies, 26 Cpl. McTernan Street. Alternate since 2017, term expired 10/18/23. Mr. Kleespies began his career in local history at the age of 13 as a Harvard Square tour guide. He served as Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Society and is now President of Gore Place, an historic house museum in Waltham. He is also the City’s representative to the Massachusetts 250th Commission. Appoint as a member for a one-year term ending 6/30/2026.
• Paula Paris, 169 Fayerweather Street. Alternate since 2017, term expired 10/18/23. Ms. Paris is a lifelong resident of West Cambridge. She is Deputy Director of the educational non-profit JFY NetWorks, which prepares underserved youth for college and the workplace and is an active member of the Cambridge Black History Committee. Appoint as a member for a two-year term ending 6/30/2027.
• Kyle Sheffield, 13 Ellsworth Avenue. Alternate since 2016, term expired 7/20/22. Mr. Sheffield is a practicing architect at Blue Hour Design. Appoint as a member for a one-year term ending 6/30/26.
The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Cambridge Historical Commission (CHC) on the City website and via a news release on November 15, 2024, with a closing date of December 16, 2024, which was later extended to January 27, 2025. During that time, the CHC advertised the vacancies on the CHC website and CHC social media channels (7,000+ followers). Outreach to the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (required by our ordinance) was conducted, but a response was not received. The call for applicants was also posted in a City press release, the Daily Update newsletters, the website, and social media. There were twenty-one applicants, eleven of whom were interviewed (six of whom were interviewed a second time with the Deputy City Manager). The interview panel, made up of City staff members and the CHC chairperson, has recommended the appointment of three of those applicants.
The proposed distribution of one, two and three-year terms is intended to bring the Historical Commission into compliance with its enabling legislation. MGL Ch. 40C states, “The appointments to membership in the commission shall be so arranged that the term of at least one member will expire each year, and their successors shall be appointed in the same manner as the original appointment for terms of three years. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired term.” That pattern has been lost, and reappointments reflecting the expiration dates of past appointments would result in two reappointments ending later in 2025 and four members’ terms expiring in 2026. Proposed terms were randomly assigned to existing and new members listed in alphabetical order:
Term in Years Member or Alternate Ferrara, Joseph 3 Member Harrington, Chandra 2 Member Kleespies, Gavin 1 Member Lyster, Elizabeth 3 Member Paris, Paula 2 Member Sheffield, Kyle 1 Member Zhang, Yuting 3 Member Darwin, Florrie 3 Alternate Kyle, Scott 2 Alternate Rogove, Michael 1 Alternate Members appointed to one and two-year terms are expected to be reappointed to three-year terms beginning in 2026.
I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Cambridge Historical Commission and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.
7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment Sarah Holt, Emily Oldshue, and Ruth Webb and the reappointments of Marie-Pierre Dillenseger, Donna Marcantonio, and Peter Schur to the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. (CM25#146)
CM25#146 June 9, 2025
I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments of members and alternates to the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission for staggered terms of one, two, and three years, effective June 30, 2025.
New Appointments
1. Sarah Holt, 106 Foster Street
Sarah is an award-winning producer, director, writer and filmmaker who recently moved to the neighborhood. She is a homeowner and is currently developing a film about the U.S. housing crisis. Appoint as a member to a 1-year term ending June 30, 2026.2. Emily Oldshue, 245 Mt. Auburn Street
Emily recently moved to the Half Crown-Marsh neighborhood with her family, purchasing her residence and is a practicing attorney in Boston with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, showcasing ability to navigate challenging and complex issues. Appoint as a member to a 2-year term ending June 30, 2027.3. Ruth Webb, 4 Sparks Place
Ruth is a practicing landscape architect who has also taught courses at local universities. She owns her residence in the district and has expertise in planning projects and landscape design, which is especially valuable in the Marsh district. Appoint as a member to a 3-year term ending June 30, 2028.Reappointments
1. Marie-Pierre Dillenseger (Chair), 140 Foster Street.
Member since 2013, term expired 02/28/2025. Marie-Pierre is an esteemed author and lecturer specializing in Chinese strategic arts in the service of vitality. She was a head librarian in Paris and has restored numerous historic homes, including her residence in Cambridge. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending February 28, 2028.2. Donna Marcantonio, 8 Brewer Street
Alternate since 2023, term expires 08/01/2026. Donna is a licensed real estate broker with a strong understanding of the intricacies of the local housing market. She is a trained visual artist and designer and oversaw a massive renovation of her property following a fire. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending August 1, 2029.3. Peter Schur, 17 Hilliard Street
Member since 2013, term expired 02/28/2025. Dr. Schur is a long-time resident of Cambridge and was until recently, Co-Director of the Lupus Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and professor at Harvard Medical School. He has served on multiple committees and boards for medical foundations. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending February 28, 2028.The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the HCM NCD Commission on the City website via a news release on November 18, 2024, with a closing date of December 16, 2024, which was later extended to January 27, 2025. During that time, the CHC advertised the vacancies on the CHC website and CHC social media channels (7,000+ followers). The call for applicants was also posted in a City press release, the Daily Update newsletters, the website, and social media. CHC Staff additionally sent out a mailing to all properties in the district soliciting new members. There were five applicants, three of whom were interviewed as the other two would not be allowed to serve given the requirements of NCD membership as established in Chapter 2.78.
The proposed distribution of one, two and three-year terms for new members is established in Chapter 2.78.160. Proposed terms were assigned to new members listed in alphabetical order. The new members appointed to one- and two-year terms are expected to be reappointed to three-year terms beginning in 2026.
I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission, and with your approval, look forward to their appointments.
8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Nondita Mehrotra, and the reappointments of Constantin von Wentzel, Heli Meltsner, McKelden Smith, Theresa Hamacher, and Freweyni Gebrehiwet to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. (CM25#147)
CM25#147 June 9, 2025
I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments of members to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission for terms of three years.
New appointments
• Nondita Mehrotra, 77 Avon Hill Street, is an architect working in the United States and India. She is also an instructor at several local architecture programs including MIT and the Rhode Island School of Design. Prior to moving to Cambridge, she lived in Brookline and served on the Board of the Brookline Community Development Corporation which owns and maintains affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households. Appoint as a member for a three-year term ending 6/30/28.
Reappointments
• Constantin von Wentzel, 101 Washington Avenue. Member since 2007, term expired 2025. Constantin is a neighborhood resident and homeowner. He is an economist and works in a management position at Navigant Consulting. He has extensive knowledge of mechanical systems for buildings. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending February 28, 2028.
• Heli Meltsner, 74 Avon Hill Street. Member since 2002, term expired 2025. Heli is a neighborhood resident and homeowner. She is an architectural historian with a degree in historic preservation and has authored several books on the architectural history of Massachusetts. Appoint as an alternate to a 3-year term ending February 28, 2028.
• McKelden Smith, 153 Upland Road. Member since 2022, term expired 2025. McKelden is the retired president of the New York Genealogical & Biographical Society and has historic preservation experience through a former position at the non-profit Historic Hudson Valley. He lives outside the District. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending April 25, 2028.
• Theresa Hamacher, 95 Raymond Street. Member since 2006, term expired 2025. Theresa is a neighborhood resident and homeowner. She is the president of Versanture Consulting and an independent director of mutual funds. Appoint as a member to a 3-year term ending February 28, 2028.
• Freweyni Gebrehiwet, 13 Lincoln Way. Member since 2022, term expired 2025. Freweyni immigrated to the U.S. from Ethiopia and has lived in Cambridge for over ten years. She has been a medical assistant and medical receptionist for the Cambridge Health Alliance. Her children attend Cambridge public schools. She is a tenant and lives adjacent to the district, on the opposite side of Walden Street. Reappoint as a member to a 3-year term ending April 25, 2028.
I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission.
9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $40,625 received from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition’s Community Safety Initiative through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account ($32,025) and the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($8,600). Funds will be dedicated to hot spot patrols, youth violence reduction strategies, and the Focused Deterrence program. The Other Ordinary Maintenance allocation will support a Teen Public Art program “Upcycling and Entrepreneurialism” through the Community Art Center. (CM25#148)
10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the Kennedy-Longfellow School Project. (CM25#149) [text of report]
11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-25, regarding a request to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall. (CM25#150)
12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an amendment to the Fresh Pond Golf Pro Shop Fund ordinance to enable the funds to be used to cover the purchase of office supplies for the shop and the purchase of supplies and services for the care, maintenance, and improvement of the golf course, shop, and parking lot. (CM25#151) [text of report]
13. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request for authorization of a spending limit of $200,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, 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”. (CM25#152) [text of report]
14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised draft of the “Eastern Cambridge Community Enhancements” Zoning Petition. (CM25#153) [text of report]
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to determine whether the City Council can revoke an already approved curb cut application if said application was incomplete due to applicant failure. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy (PO25#84)
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Clerk, the Information Technology Department, the Law Department, and any other relevant departments to draft an ordinance establishing the City of Cambridge Electronic Records Archiving Policy. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner (PO25#85)
3. Policy Order urging Governor Healey, the MBTA Board of Directors and General Manager Phillip Eng to amend the MBTA Alewife Station Complex redevelopment RFP to include as a priority eliminating untreated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) sewage in our neighborhoods by incorporating green and gray infrastructure as central components of the project. The order further calls on the MBTA to collaborate with the MWRA, DCR, DPH, the City of Cambridge, and the community to address this public health threat. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson (PO25#86) [photos]
4. City Council support of H2634: An Act relative to sexual assault by an officer. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui (PO25#87)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040 Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge city employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of Cambridge city employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ICE. [Charter Right – Toner, June 2, 2025] (PO25#80)
O-2 June 2, 2025 Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been reported to be active in Cambridge, and recent actions by ICE around the country – including in Somerville and Worcester – have raised concerns about the safety of community members and the legality of the agency’s actions; and
WHEREAS: In carrying out immigration enforcement, the current federal administration has repeatedly violated court orders, undermining public trust in the rule of law and the integrity of federal institutions; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge’s Welcoming Community Ordinance was adopted prior to these recent and increasingly aggressive federal actions, and must now be strengthened to ensure the continued safety and protection of all Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040 Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge city employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of Cambridge city employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ICE, especially given that those actions may be unlawful; and be it further
ORDERED: That language be added to the ordinance to clarify that if Cambridge Police Department officers are called by residents to the scene of an ICE action, that in addition to protecting public safety, they should document the actions of ICE employees, including their badge numbers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the reporting requirements in Chapter 2.129.060 be enforced with regular updates to the City Council about ICE’s actions in Cambridge per the language in the ordinance; 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, including with a draft of the requested Ordinance amendments.
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to ensure that there is full open access for all users to Linear Park from Westley Avenue as an additional community access point. [Charter Right – Toner, June 2, 2025] (PO25#82)
O-4 June 2, 2025 Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Opened in 1985, Linear Park is a popular open space corridor in North Cambridge for commuting and recreation; and
WHEREAS: Given its age and condition, the City of Cambridge is undertaking the redesign and reconstruction of Linear Park between the Russell Field Fieldhouse and the Cambridge-Somerville city line, just north of Mass Ave; and
WHEREAS: The goal of the redesign project is to create a cohesive open space corridor that provides increased access for the community and improved opportunities for passive recreation and leisure, play, enjoyment of the landscape, and a reliable transportation corridor for commuters and recreational park users; and
WHEREAS: Public meetings, per the attached slides from the November 16, 2022, hosted by CDD reference specific goals of strengthening and adding community access points along Linear Park, specifically at Westley Avenue, which is set up and meant to be open to Linear Park and community surveys by CDD requested that access point and the desire for connections has persisted over the project’s development; and
WHEREAS: A connection on the south side of the park is especially important since there are currently no access points on the south side between the gateways at Massachusetts Avenue and Russell Field, while there will be four access points on the north side, which makes the park access inequitable for the large number of residents on the south side; and
WHEREAS: Community access to Linear Park should be broadened as it makes the park more accessible to more people and facilitates safe off-street transportation for users of all ages including the school bike bus and allows residents and visitors to take advantage of valuable open space within the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to ensure that there is full open access for all users to Linear Park from Westley Avenue as an additional community access point; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council in a timely manner.
ON THE TABLE
3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request 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. [Tabled – May 5, 2025] (CM25#113)
4. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025; Tabled June 2, 2025] (PO25#76)
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 5.50 CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING. [Referred to Ordinance Committee Mar 17, 2025; Passed to 2nd Reading May 19, 2025] (ORD25#5)
6. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Zoning Petition to remove the repackaging prohibition as a City Council Zoning Petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 19, 2025] (ORD25#6)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Nicolaii Cauchy Huron Village and Businesses requesting permission for a temporary banner along Huron Ave pole #62, 65, 66, 70 and 73 announcing Huron Village on June 9, 2025. (AP25#23)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Adriane Bishko, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
2. Alex Jablokow, re: Please continue with installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.
3. Alexandra Irving, re: “Anyone care about the impact on taxpaying neighbors?”
4. Alison Harris, re: We want bike lanes!!
5. Allison Brassard, re: Westley at Bikepath – public comment.
6. Aly Suman, re: Opposition to Policy Order PO25#82.
7. Amy Manion, re: Common-Home Written Comment.
8. Amy Park, re: Longfellow Music Program (1).
9. Andrea Yakovakis, re: Bike Lane Installation.
10. Andrew Morvay, re: Supporting Bicycle lanes for Broadway.
11. Andrew Morvay, re: Supporting Bicycle lanes for Broadway.
12. Haley Higginbotham, re: Broadway bike lanes.
13. Andzela Aseriskiene, re: Longfellow Music Program.
14. Zhanina Boyadzhieva, re: Broadway bike lanes - keep us safe.
15. Areeba Khan, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!.
16. Hannah CordiscoI, re: Support the Broadway Bike Lanes.
17. Areeba Khan, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
18. Will Schmitt, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
19. Heather Cheney, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
20. Heather Parker, re: Support for the Broadway Separated Bike Lane Project.
21. Vikram Sambharya, re: Broadway bike lane support.
22. Helen Snively, re: Policy Order 4 tonight: Please no gate at Westley Park.
23. Helen Walker, re: Urgency of PO#3.
24. Hunter Dinkins, re: Broadway safety improvement project.
25. Arti Pandey, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
26. Inés Ortea, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
27. James Mahoney, re: Broadway Parking Coalition Group Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!
28. Augusta Stanislaw, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
29. Trevor Zou, re: Support for the Linear Park Connection to Westley Ave.
30. James Schlitt, re: Cambridge constable attempted to forcefully enter two homes.
31. Austin Ledzian, re: Support for Broadway Safety Improvements.
32. James Stathis, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
33. Thomas Hentschel, re: Linear Park connection and Broadway bike lanes.
34. Jane, re: Broadway bike lanes.
35. Ayal Naor, re: parking on Broadway.
36. Janee Townes, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
37. Ayal Naor, re: Please save parking on Broadway.
38. Jenna Hay, re: Please DO install bike lanes on Broadway!!
39. Jennifer, re: testimony in favor of automated traffic enforcement for speeding and running red lights.
40. Jerray Chang, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
41. B Hom, re: Broadway bike lane.
42. Jessica Corbin, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
43. Bernice Buresh, re: 241220_CPP_Linear Park.
44. Jessica Fernandes, re: Broadway parking.
45. Jing Li, re: Broadway bike and pedestrian safety improvements -- in support of more and safer bike lanes.
46. Bernice Buresh, re: Linear Park, Keep Westley Avenue closed.
47. Joanna Morris, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
48. John Penniston, re: Balance autos and bikes, SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
49. Jolita Seckute, re: THANK YOU for the Broadway separated bike lane project.
50. Bess Whitesel, re: bikes lanes are important.
51. Theresa Cloutier, re: Please support bike and pedestrian improvements on Broadway!
52. Jose Rojas, re: Support for Broadway bike lane.
53. Joseph Moore, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
54. The Residents and Direct Abutters of Westley Avenue, re: Letter from Residents in Opposition to Opening Westley Avenue to Linear Park.
55. Beth BaniszewskiIn, re: support of Broadway bike lanes.
56. Josh Aronson, re: improvements to Broadway.
57. Judith E Smith, re: supporting petition to save Parking on Broadway.
58. Brian McCormack, re: PO25#82 - Westley Ave access to Linear Park.
59. Judy Levin, re: Westley Ave.
60. Tatiana Kelly, re: bike lanes.
61. Julia Sharpe, re: PLEASE Continue Broadway Safety Improvement Project.
62. Tali Freed, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
63. Juliana Castedo, re: Broadway bike lanes.
64. Brian McCormack, re: PO25#82 - Westley Ave access to Linear Park.
65. Suzanne Watzman, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
66. Julie Lugten, re: In Support of Bike Lanes.
67. Susanne Schindler, re: Supporting bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.
68. Ted Jack Kaptchuk, re: Letter to City of Cambridge concerning Linear Park access.
69. Susan McDonald, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
70. Brian Schaefer, re: Support for Broadway safety improvement project.
71. Karen Wilber, re: Bike lanes.
72. Susan Johansen, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
73. Broadway Parking Coalition Group, re: Can you also send your email to City Council as well?
74. Kasey Geremia, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
75. Katherine Slive, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
76. Susan A. Hall, re: PO25#82.
77. Camilo “Cam” Atehortua, re: Please Continue the Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.
78. Kathy Roberts, re: Take a Stand.
79. Katinka Hakuta, re: Protect bikers and pedestrians.
80. Jennifer, re: support of Linear Park connection and Broadway bike lanes.
81. Madeleine Aster, re: Keep Westley Avenue closed – do not add more crime to our neighborhood.
82. CAROL DOYLE, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
83. Stuart Gedal, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
84. Ligia T. Kelly, re: changes.
85. Sophie Lehar, re: Letter re: Prop. 82.
86. Kerrie Nelson, re: Resident request from 9 Westley Ave abutting the bike path.
87. Sophie Kaufman, re: Bike & Pedestrian Infrastructure on Broadway.
88. Kevin Smith, re: Keep the Broadway bike lane plans!
89. CAROL DOYLE, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
90. Skylar Lai, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
91. Kini Udovicki, re: Save Broadway parking please!!!!!!
92. Kitty Ascrizzi, re: Continue safety improvements to Broadway.
93. Carol Munroe, re: North Cambridge resident in support PO25#82 to open fence from Westley Avenue to the Linear Park.
94. Kristen Roggemann, re: Longfellow Music Program.
95. Sherry Oliver, re: STOP THE RUSH – PETITION AMENDMENTS DO NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUES VOICED BY THE COMMUNITY.
96. Shellburne Thurber, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
97. Carolyn O’Hara, re: Please Read, Listen and Hear this re: Broadway.
98. Latoya Weaver, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
99. Laura Foley, re: Save Parking on Broadway.
100. Sean Burke, re: Separate bike lanes on Broadway.
101. Laura McMurry, re: Please continue bike and pedestrian projects on Broadway.
102. Sazzad Hussain, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
103. Lauren Cosulich, re: Please proceed with bike lane implementation on Broadway.
104. Lawrence Blum, re: Broadway parking petition.
105. Janice Lichtman, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
106. Sarah Block, re: PO25#82 YES! Please open up full open access for all pedestrians and cyclists to enter the new and improved Linear Park from Westley Avenue.
107. Sara Rosen, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
108. Lee Farris, re: Residents Alliance in support of PO#2 to strengthen Welcoming City Ord.
109. Leon Zhelnin, re: Support for the Broadway separated bike lane project.
110. Leslie E Garvey, re: Council Meeting June 2, 2025.
111. Sam Allon, re: Please Continue with Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.
112. Ryan Houlette, re: please continue with installation of bike safety improvements on Broadway.
113. Lida Nabati, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
114. Linda Moussouris, re: Message to City Council concerning Councilor Nolan’s proposal for new entrance to Linear Park on Westley Ave.
115. Ruth Ryals, re: [trees] Linear Park - no need to open gate on Westley St.
116. Lizzie Marr, re: Support cyclist and pedestrian safety on Broadway.
117. Luis Mejias, re: Broadway bike lanes.
118. RP Weinreb, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
119. Ron Newman, re: [Porter square] Linear Park: Keep Westley Avenue closed.
120. Madeleine A, re: trees, Linear Park - no need to open gate on Westley St.
121. Marianne Crane, re: Resident Parking.
122. Marilee Meyer, re: Please deny the Marasao zoning petition and #3 legal opinion MULTIFAMILY AND DOVER AMENDMENT EXEMPTION.
123. Marji Gere, re: Bike lanes.
124. Robin Weatherill, re: please keep Broadway bike lane project on track.
125. Mark Boswell, re: Support for PO#4 – Westley Ave access to Alewife Linear Park.
126. Robert Humphreville, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!
127. Mark VanMiddlesworth, re: Support Westley Ave Bike connection!
128. Rita Olans, re: PLEASE KEEP THE BIKE LANES.
129. Mary Carmona, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
130. Mary Ellen Kent, re: Access to Linear Park from Westley Avenue PO25#82.
131. Rika Welsh, re: [trees] Linear Park - no need to open gate on Westley St.
132. Mary K Eliot, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
133. Matt Pennock, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.
134. Max Kaplan, re: In support of the Broadway safety improvements.
135. Meghan O’Brien, re: Continue Building Broadway Bike Lanes.
136. Melaku Mohammed, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
137. Melissa Berlin, re: Please Continue with Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.
138. Richard Goldberg, re: Support PO#2.
139. Micayla LeLugas, re: ShotSpotter Public Comment.
140. Michael Drake Alpert, re: Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Broadway.
141. Richard Freierman, re: PO25#82 - Linear Park to Westley Ave. Connector.
142. Michael Rodman, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
143. Rebecca Listfield, re: Writing in support of a Linear Park connection to Westley Ave.
144. Michaela Olson, re: Broadway Safety Project.
145. Rachel Knipe, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
146. Rachel Johnson, re: Broadway Bike Lane!
147. Mike Oltmans, re: Install the Broadway bike lanes!
148. Mohd Bari, re: STOP BROADWAY Bike Lane Installation!!! SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!!
149. Lorejna Qoshja, re: Longfellow Music Program.
150. Charles Teague, re: OPPOSE O-4_ Not another Linear Park access.
151. Lee Farris, re: Move quickly to begin city housing vouchers.
152. Philippa Lehar, re: Linear Park Westley Ave Fence Vote.
153. Young Kim, re: My oral comment re Proposed FY26 Budget.
154. Charlotte Hambley, re: Please save parking on Broadway!
155. Chris Lentner, re: Support Broadway Safety.
156. Charles Teague, re: OPPOSE O-4_ Not another Linear Park access.
157. Peter Yeager, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
158. Christian Denckla, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
159. Charlotte Hambley, re: Please save parking on Broadway!
160. Peter J. Liang, re: w_r_t_ BROADWAY BIKE LANE.
161. Chris Lentner, re: Support Broadway Safety.
162. Peter Falb, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
163. Paula Van Gelder, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE “Quick Build”.
164. Christina Curran, re: Broadway.
165. Christian Denckla, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
166. Christine Mathison, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
167. Christina Curran, re: Broadway.
168. Christine Mathison, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
169. Christine Tessier, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
170. Paul Murray, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
171. Paul Barringer, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
172. Christopher Cullen, re: Please continue with installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.
173. Christine Tessier, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
174. Christy Denckla, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
175. Patricia Lotterman, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
176. Christine Tessier, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
177. Oliver Breese, re: Support for the Broadway Safety Improvement Project.
178. Daivat Bhatt, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.
179. Christine Tessier, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
180. Dalisa Morales, re: STOP BROADWAY Bike Lane Installation!!! SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!!
181. Christine Tessier, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!
182. Dan and Jillian Fulop, re: Broadway safety improvements.
183. Christopher Cullen, re: Please continue with installation of bike and pedestrian safety improvements on Broadway.
184. Nonie Valentine, re: Please keep parking on Broadway and various other issues.
185. Dan Totten, re: Voucher timing.
186. Dana Quinn, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
187. Christy Denckla, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
188. Daniel Bourque, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
189. Daivat Bhatt, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.
190. Daniel Santiago, re: Please Stop this nonsense!!!
191. David Bass, re: Policy Order PO25#82.
192. Niko Kotsatos, re: save lives, install a bike lane.
193. David Dean, re: Support for connection point from Linear Park to Westley Ave.
194. David Hattis, re: In Support of Broadway Protected Bike Lane.
195. Nicolai Cauchy, re: Application to reinstall Huron Village banners.
196. David Lyon & Patricia Harris, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
197. Nick Silverman, re: Opposition to PO25#82.
198. Neheet Trivedi, re: PO25#82 - Linear Park.
199. Dalisa Morales, re: STOP BROADWAY Bike Lane Installation!!! SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!!
200. Nathan Lingafelter, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.
201. Gus Rancatore, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
202. Dan and Jillian Fulop, re: Broadway safety improvements.
203. Gretchen Adams, re: Broadway bike lanes! Yes!!!
204. Dan Totten, re: Voucher timing.
205. David Myers, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!
206. Greg Hsu, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
207. Dana Quinn, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
208. David Sullivan, re: Further support for policy order strengthening noncooperation with ICE.
209. David Whelan, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
210. Ginny Dorne, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
211. Dena Brody, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
212. Daniel Bourque, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
213. Denise Belloste, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
214. Gene Doyle, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
215. Diana Brody, re: Please protect bike lanes!
216. Diana Yousef, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
217. Diane ONeill, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
218. Gale Doane, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
219. Diane Reposa, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
220. Elaine Spatz-Rabinowitz, re: STOP THE BORADWAY BIKE PLAN it’s BAD FOR OLD PEOPLE!!!!
221. Elizabeth Conley, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
222. Emily Moreshead, re: Strong Opposition to PO25#82 – Opening Linear Park Access at Westley Avenue.
223. Emily Park, re: Bike Lanes on Broadway.
224. David Dean, re: Support for connection point from Linear Park to Westley Ave.
225. Eric Nugent, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
226. Francesca Gordini, re: STOP putting Bike Lanes where they don’t belong!!!
227. Ezra Rudel, re: Support for Alewife Linear Park - Westley Ave Connection and Broadway Bike Lanes.
228. Erin Howell, re: June 2nd hearing.
229. Evie Aaron, re: Keep separated bike lanes!
230. Ethan Frank, re: Supporting Broadway safety.
231. Eve Carr, re: Fence at Linear Park boarding Westley Ave.
232. Evan Moreshead, re: Strong Opposition to PO25#82 – Opening Linear Park Access at Westley Avenue.
233. Daniel Bourque, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
234. David Lyon & Patricia Harris, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
235. Dalisa Morales, re: STOP BROADWAY Bike Lane Installation!!! SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!!
236. Jonathan Slate, re: Request “NO” vote to open Westley Avenue to Linear Park.
237. David Myers, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!
238. David Myers, re: Please ACT NOW to preserve all resident parking on Broadway!
239. David Myers, re: SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
240. David Sullivan, re: Further support for policy order strengthening noncooperation with ICE.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Janet Forte on her retirement from the Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons
2. Condolences on the death of Joan Marie (Downing) Lachance. Councillor Toner
3. Commending Firefighter Nicole Signoretti’s commitment to the wellbeing of her fellow First Responders and the broader Cambridge community and welcoming Raven to the Fire Department. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Friday, May 1, 2025 to discuss the 2025 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. [text of report]
Present: Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Toner
Also Present: Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson
2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on May 20, 2025 to discuss two Zoning Petitions. The first Petition was 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. The second Petition was 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. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the BioMed Realty Zoning Petition regarding the ECCE Overlay District, with proposed amendments from BioMed dated April 18, 2025, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Zusy, Simmons
Remote Present: Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF25#94)
HEARING SCHEDULE
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
Mon, June 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Wed, June 11
3:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss how Cambridge can proactively prepare for the growing challenges associated with elder care. The discussion will focus on critical areas including: senior housing needs, equitable access to medical and mental health care, and the mounting shortages in the healthcare workforce that impact elder services.
Mon, June 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, June 18
11:00am The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to help define a study, including its focus, areas of consideration and expected outcomes to identify service gaps and potential improvements in the public transit and shuttle network in the city. This discussion will build on Awaiting Report 25-23 dated 4/10/2025.
Mon, June 23
1:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing inviting representatives from the 23 long term vacant properties (defined as has been vacant for more than five years) on the record, to share updates on their tenancy efforts, short and long-term plans, and to provide the community with an opportunity to weigh in on this important discussion (PO25#49).
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 9, 2025
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: On March 3, 2025 the City Council reviewed an application for a curb cut (AP25#10) and later voted to approve the application on March 17, 2025; and
WHEREAS: In subsequent weeks, abutters alerted the City Council of a discrepancy in notices submitted by the applicant to the Inspectional Services Department, and that although only seven notices were submitted by the applicant (3 in approval and 4 in disapproval), an additional six abutters claimed to have submitted disapproval notices to the applicant that were not included in the application documents; and
WHEREAS: Abutting residents are concerned that by ignoring these additional abutter notices that the City Council voted on March 17, 2025 with incomplete information; and
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee met on May 21, 2025 to discuss changes to the curb cut application process to more clearly define the process, abutter input, and the role of the City Council; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to determine whether the City Council can revoke an already approved curb cut application if said application was incomplete due to applicant failure; 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-2 June 9, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to preserving the integrity and accessibility of its public records, including those that are created and maintained in electronic formats; and
WHEREAS: An increasing number of official City records are now born digital, with no paper equivalents, and the City must take proactive steps to ensure that these permanent digital assets are properly preserved and accessible for future generations; and
WHEREAS: The State’s Municipal Records Retention Schedule identifies certain records as permanent, and the City must manage these digital records in a way that upholds archival best practices for preservation, chain of custody, authenticity, and integrity; and
WHEREAS: Permanent records that have been scanned and appropriately archived may be eligible for paper destruction, provided that digital preservation standards are met; and
WHEREAS: The establishment of an Electronic Records Archives for the City of Cambridge would create the necessary infrastructure and operational protocols to meet these archival requirements and position the City as a forward-thinking municipal leader in digital records management; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Clerk, the Information Technology Department, the Law Department, and any other relevant departments to draft an ordinance establishing the City of Cambridge Electronic Records Archiving Policy, to include policies and procedures that:
• Ensure permanent digital records are preserved and migrated to updated formats as needed;
• Govern the scanning and digital retention of records identified as permanent by the State’s Municipal Records Retention Schedule;
• Establish operational infrastructure for long-term preservation that maintains authenticity, integrity, and chain of custody of official City records; and
• Provide for public access and transparency while safeguarding sensitive information; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a proposed ordinance and implementation timeline no later than September 8, 2025.
O-3 June 9, 2025
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) occur when wet weather overwhelms sewer and stormwater systems, causing untreated wastewater — including raw human waste and harmful pathogens such as E. coli — to be discharged into local waterways; and
WHEREAS: Each year, tens of millions of gallons of untreated sewage is discharged into the Alewife Brook, a tributary of the Mystic River, which flows into Boston Harbor, impacting surrounding densely-populated neighborhoods including environmental justice communities. In 2023 alone, 26 million gallons were discharged into Alewife Brook, making it the site of the highest concentration of untreated sewage in Boston; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is currently working in coordination with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the City of Somerville to draft a new CSO Long-Term Control Plan (LTCP), with draft recommendations due by the end of 2025 and final recommendations by January 2027; and
WHEREAS: The planned demolition of the Alewife Garage and redevelopment of the MBTA Alewife Complex presents an extraordinary opportunity for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to improve current deplorable conditions in Alewife Brook and to take a significant step towards helping to fulfill it’s Boston Harbor cleanup commitments.
WHEREAS: The 10-13-acre site of the garage and surrounding property includes MWRA’s MWR003 CSO regulator and outfall and Cambridge’s CAM401A outfall — both outfalls together accounting for the area’s highest volume discharges of untreated sewage which courses through MBTA-owned land into Alewife Brook — thus the project site is ideally located to support green and gray infrastructure that could greatly reduce future sewage overflows; and
WHEREAS: Green stormwater infrastructure on this site would not only help capture and filter stormwater — improving water quality and reducing the frequency and volume of CSO sewage discharges — but also reduce urban heat, absorb carbon, and improve air quality; and
WHEREAS: These improvements would also expand public access to open space, improve neighborhood livability, and boost public health in the Alewife area — especially important as new housing is anticipated in the redevelopment of this site; and
WHEREAS: The current MBTA Alewife T Complex RFP merely states that the City’s request for on-site storage will be “evaluated,” rather than treated as a core requirement:
“In connection with its long-term planning for the CSO [CAM401A], the City has requested that the MBTA accommodate storage on the site of the Garage. That request will be evaluated as a part of the Project.”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The Cambridge City Council go on record urging Governor Maura Healey, the MBTA Board of Directors and General Manager Phillip Eng to:
1. Immediately amend the MBTA’s Alewife T Complex RFP and rewrite it in collaboration with the MWRA, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the City of Cambridge, Green Cambridge, local residents and other stakeholders, to ensure that this project plays a central role in ending raw sewage discharges into Alewife Brook;
2. Require the redevelopment to include a minimum of three acres of green stormwater infrastructure, as well as a major underground storage tank to help control CSO discharge; and
3. Convene all relevant parties to ensure that the Commonwealth, the City of Cambridge, the MWRA, the MBTA, and the selected developer are able not only to deliver transportation and housing improvements, but also leverage this state-owned land to make meaningful progress in addressing this public health threat; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, the DCR, the MBTA, the MWRA, the DPH and to Cambridge’s State House delegation.
O-4 June 9, 2025
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Survivors of sexual violence deserve comprehensive legal protections that fully recognize the dynamics of power, coercion, and control, especially in interactions involving law enforcement officers; and
WHEREAS: Current Massachusetts law does not sufficiently account for the unique power dynamics and vulnerabilities that arise when law enforcement officers engage with individuals in custodial, investigative, or supervisory settings; and
WHEREAS: A pending state bill, H2634, strengthens legal definitions of “control” and “coercion” in sexual assault statutes to include specific circumstances in which law enforcement officers abuse their authority—such as during investigations, arrests, training programs, or through implicit or explicit use of legal powers; and
WHEREAS: The bill also mandates that all law enforcement agencies in Massachusetts adopt and publicly post clear policies prohibiting sexual contact between officers and individuals under investigation, particularly in the context of prostitution-related investigations, within 180 days of the bill’s enactment; and
WHEREAS: These measures are necessary to close legal loopholes, protect vulnerable individuals, and uphold the integrity and accountability of law enforcement institutions across the Commonwealth; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in strong support of H2634 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to pass it without delay; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge state legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
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
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
25-5. 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
25-12. 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
25-15. 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
25-20. 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
25-24. 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. See Mgr #4
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 3/31/2025
25-25. That the City Manager is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall. See Mgr #11
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 4/28/2025
25-26. 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 (O-5) from 4/28/2025
25-27. That the City Manager investigate bike pod storage options to be placed in suitable areas in the city to provide residents and visitors safe storage options.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-3) from 5/5/2025
25-28. That the City Manager is requested to prepare an update with details on the status of potential civilian flagger operations in the Cambridge police union contract and work with relevant city staff to explore a civilian traffic flagger program and update the current police union contract on the City’s website.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 5/5/2025
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
25-30. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Inclusionary Housing Study, explore remedies to address the lack of housing starts and provide for consideration draft amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and explore other incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units beyond the requirement voluntarily.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Charter Right #1) from 5/12/2025, based on (O-5) from 5/5/2025
25-32. That the City Manager is requested to meet with the leadership of the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss the proposal and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the release of $72,000 to fund the RFP development for the tunnel engineering study.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #1) from 5/19/2025
25-33. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a legal opinion outlining, in light of current zoning including the most recent Multifamily Zoning Amendments, the ability of Cambridge to regulate institutional and religious uses in C-1 residential districts and what state and federal law allows in terms of local restrictions, if any, for institutional and religious uses.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/2/2025