Cambridge City Council meeting - June 16, 2025 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 5th Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Report and Awaiting Report Item Number 25-3, regarding update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path. (CM25#154) [text of report]
2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the authorization for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction revolving fund. (CM25#155)
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am writing to request authorization of a spending limit of $3,800,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction revolving fund (Revolving Fund), pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Municipal Ordinance titled “Departmental Revolving Funds”.
In November 2019, the Council adopted the Departmental Revolving Funds Ordinance and also established the Revolving Fund. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44, § 53E½, the City Council must act on or before July 1st of each year to authorize a spending limit for each such year.
Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 2 June 16, 2025
ORDERED: That the City Council authorize the spending limit of $3,800,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction revolving fund (Revolving Fund), pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Municipal Ordinance titled “Departmental Revolving Funds.”
3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the Parking Impact Report. (CM25#156) [text of report]
4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#25 regarding a zoning petition on maximum unit size. (CM25#157) [text of report]
5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Housing Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support a municipal housing voucher grant program which will fund rental housing vouchers to be offered by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA). This appropriation will allow for City staff to work with CHA in FY26 to transition these households to a City-funded voucher as soon as possible. The program is anticipated to cost approximately $1,000,000 annually. (CM25#158) [text of report]
CM25#158 June 16, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting an appropriation, in the amount of $1,000,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Housing Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support a municipal housing voucher grant program which will fund rental housing vouchers to be offered by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA).
The Federal Grant Stabilization Fund was established to help address the impact of funding and policy changes that will affect vulnerable Cambridge residents. This appropriation will establish a new housing voucher program to support households who will be most affected.
The federal government has compelled CHA to make some changes to their program which will increase housing costs for voucher holders with mixed status households. We expect there may be additional efforts to limit funding or eligibility for these households which would add to the risks facing these residents.
The City of Cambridge municipal program would provide these funds and transition identified households from federally funded subsidies that are administered by the Cambridge Housing Authority to municipally funded subsidies. The Cambridge Housing Authority will continue to administer the city funded subsidies to these households in lieu of the previous HUD voucher.
This appropriation will allow for City staff to work with CHA in FY26 to transition these households to a City-funded voucher as soon as possible. The program is anticipated to cost approximately $1,000,000 annually.
Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update. (CM25#159)
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to require the Department of Transportation to study parking utilization of the broader neighborhood & provide parking alternatives before building Broadway bike lanes. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Toner (PO25#88)
2. That the City Manager is requested to suspend implementation of Broadway bike lanes. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (PO25#89)
3. That the City Manager is requested to establish a City policy that prohibits the use of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides on City-owned properties and by City contractors except in circumstances where, with a written emergency waiver provided by the Public Health Department, such is deemed to be required. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (PO25#90)
4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to apply for UNICEF’s Child-Friendly City certification on behalf of the City of Cambridge. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (PO25#91)
5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Transportation to evaluate adjustments to meter enforcement hours on Broadway Segment A, designating 25 spaces as residential permit parking overnight to increase overnight parking access for residents. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (PO25#92)
6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of modifying non-resident parking permit fees for households in within the Broadway Segment A project area, including offering a discounted rate structure for permits that are requested by residents with low- income residents. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (PO25#93)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. 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. [Charter Right – Nolan, June 9, 2025] (CM25#146)
2. 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. [Charter Right – Nolan, June 9, 2025] (CM25#147)
3. 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. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, June 9, 2025] (CM25#145)
4. 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. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 9, 2025] (PO25#86)
O-3 June 9, 2025 [photos] [proposed amendments by Zusy]; Charter Right - Simmons (Note: Councillor Nolan also distributed a Substitute Order)
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 [pollution] in [Greater] 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 its Boston Harbor cleanup commitments; and
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.
ON THE TABLE
5. 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)
6. 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
7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised draft of the “Eastern Cambridge Community Enhancements” Zoning Petition. [Placed on Unfinished Business, June 9, 2025] (CM25#153)
8. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District (“ECCE Overlay District”), which is governed by the regulations and procedures specified in this Section 20.1200. It is the intent of this Section that these regulations will apply to land within the ECCE Overlay District. [Passed to 2nd Reading, June 9, 2025] (ORD25#10)
9. 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. [Placed on Unfinished Business, June 9, 2025] (CM25#151)
10. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk, relative to Fresh Pond Golf Course Revolving Fund Amendments to Section 3.24.070 – Authorized Revolving Funds. [Passed to 2nd Reading, June 9, 2025] (ORD25#11)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. Adam Martin, re: Concerned bike commuter.
2. Aiste Lazauskaite, re: We need bike lanes on Broadway.
3. Alexander Poulsen, re: Broadway Bike Lanes YES.
4. Alida Castillo, re: Support of PO#3.
5. Amy Brown, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
6. Amy Waltz, re: Revised for clarity: ZWMP Waste - Climate Destruction; We have years, not decades to act!
7. Ann Spanel, re: Linear Park and Green Open Space at all parks.
8. April Monchik, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
9. Ariana Olson, re: Continue planned installation of bike lanes on Broadway.
10. Arti Pandey, re: Longfellow Music Program and SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
11. Ashton Lindhorst, re: Value Cyclist Lives & Safety - Broadway Separated Bike Lane.
12. Ausra Kubilius, re: Alewife Brook.
13. Austin Breeding, re: Broadway Bike and Pedestrian Safety Improvements.
14. Barbara Meyer, re: Please add my name to the Petition To Save Broadway Parking.
15. Basak Ozer, re: Longfellow Music Program.
16. Becky Sarah, re: Please continue installing bike lanes and pedestrian safety improvements.
17. Ben Brophy, re: Access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.
18. Bernice Buresh, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
19. Beryl Minkle, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
20. Beth Applebaum, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
21. Beverly Mire, re: Parking on Broadway.
22. Brendan Hickey, re: CM25#145 and NCD term limits (re: CM25#146-147).
23. Bronwen Murphy, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
24. Candace Young, re: PO#3.
25. Carolyn Magid, re: Supporting Charter Right 1 on tonight’s Council Agenda.
26. Catherine Coleman, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
27. Catherine Rondeau, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
28. Celeste Ng, re: please KEEP BIKE LANES on Broadway.
29. Charles Teague, re: No more gates to Linear Park, we do have bodies in the street.
30. Charles Welsh, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
31. Chris Morris, re: Broadway infrastructure improvements.
32. Chris Smilie, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
33. Christine Mathison, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
34. Christine Tessier, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
35. Christopher MagoonIn, re: support of continuing safer bike infrastructure.
36. Dalisa Morales, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY.
37. Dan KatsIn, re: support of the Broadway bike lanes.
38. Daniel Gottesman, re: Broadway Bike Lane Project.
39. Daniel Heller, re: Ending Alewife Sewage PO#3.
40. Dave Neiman, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
41. David Dixon, re: Please help make Broadway Safer.
42. David Lyon & Patricia Harris, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
43. David Myers, re: Stop Broadway Bike Lanes Where Will Health Care Workers Park!
44. Dean Eckles, re: In support of Linear Park improvement and increased access.
45. Debby Ngo, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE installation!! SAVE PARKING on BROADWAY!!
46. Desiree Koh, re: Broadway bike and pedestrian safety improvements.
47. dreposa, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
48. Eileen McCullough, re: Vote NO on bike lanes on Broadway - for now.
49. Elana Furman, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
50. Elizabeth Conley, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
51. Eric Nugent, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY.
52. Ethan Frank, re: Mass Ave. zoning (should be more).
53. Flynn LeFebvre, re: Bike lanes.
54. Francis Ahern, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
55. Gene Doyle, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
56. Genghis Lapointe, re: Do the right thing and save Broadway parking!
57. Greg Hsu, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
58. Hannah Mahoney, re: Pass PO#3.
59. Hannah Shumway, re: Keep going with bike improvements on Broadway!
60. Hannah, re: In support of the Broadway bike lanes.
61. HECTOR GARCIA, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
62. Ian McGoldrick, re: Please support access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.
63. Ira Hochman, re: Opposed to PO25#82, which requests that the City Manager work with relevant departments to open a new access point to the Linear Park from Westley Avenue.
64. Itamar Turner-Trauring, re: A reminder of who is biking on Broadway, some photos from CRLS.
65. Ivan Petkov, re: Westley Ave Connection to Minutemen.
66. Jacob Getto, re: Support for access from Westley Ave into the Linear Park!
67. Jacqueline Lutz, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
68. James Stathis, re: New 29 unit apartment with NO PARKING SPACES proposed on Ellery near Broadway.
69. James Zall, re: Access to Linear Park from Westley Ave.
70. Jane Knowles, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
71. Jason Sakos, re: Please Vote “NO” To Open Fence at Westley Ave (Linear Park Path).
72. Jean Ann Martin, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
73. Jean Leventhal, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
74. Jen Fries, re: Please vote For calendar #1 Monday June 9.
75. Jim Stathis, re: New 29 unit apartment with NO PARKING SPACES proposed on Ellery near Broadway.
76. Jo Solet, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
77. Joan FitzGerald, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
78. Joel T. Patterson, re: Vote for Calendar #1 on Monday June 9.
79. John Hanratty, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
80. John O’Reilly, re: Cambridge: Airbnb Market Statistics & Data, The United States.
81. Joseph Hajjar, re: Broadway safety improvements.
82. Joyce Singer, re: Oppose another Linear Park Entrance at Westley.
83. Julia Bishop, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
84. Julie Ray, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
85. Kari Sizemore, re: Ending Alewife Sewage PO#3.
86. Katrin Peterson, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
87. Kent Lydecker, re: STOP CSO DUMPING INTO ALEWIFE BROOK.
88. Kevin Coady, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
89. Kevin F. Branley, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
90. Laura Foley, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction.
91. Laura McMurryI, re: support PO25#80 - revision of the Welcoming Community Ordinance.
92. Lee Farris, re: Residents Alliance supports PO#3 – include Alewife CSO in MBTA RFP and Residents Alliance in support of Charter Right #1 to strengthen Welcoming City Ord.
93. Leslie Shelman, re: Linear path reconstruction meeting.
94. Lisa Birk, re: Please Support PO#3, to End the Dumping of Sewage into Alewife Brook and In Support of PO25#82, access to Linear via Westley.
95. Louise Weed, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
96. Lucy W, re: Please end sewage releases into Alewife Brook.
97. Maggie Baratz, re: Keep going w/Broadway Bike Lane Installation.
98. Maggie Ferguson, re: Broadway Bike Lanes would be Wonderful.
99. Margery Blacklow, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!!
100. Marina Atlas, re: Public Comment 6/9/25 – Writing re: PO#3 CSO Sewage Pollution from Alewife.
101. Maritza Soto, re: motion PO25#80, Charter Right #1 & PO25#87, to support state bill H2634.
102. Mark O’Donnell, re: Broadway Protected Bike Lanes Support.
103. Martha O’Mara, re: Broadway parking - residents’ needs must be respected.
104. Martin Bakal, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
105. Mary Jane Rupert, re: save parking on Broadway (in the face of bike lanes and new housing developments).
106. Mary K Eliot, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
107. Matt Connolly, re: Linden Park Letter re: BioMed Petition for 320 Charles Street.
108. Matthew LauIn, re: Support of Continued Bike Lane Installation in Cambridge.
109. Melanie Abrams, re: Ending Alewife Sewage PO#3.
110. Michael Benton, re: Please Support Westley Ave access to Linear Park.
111. Mike Rowland, re: In support of access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.
112. Natalie Sherman Jollis, re: Support for Broadway separated bike lane project.
113. Natasa Ristivojevic, re: Support For Bike Lanes.
114. Nili Pearlmutter, re: Please stop Alewife Brook CSO.
115. Noah Epstein, re: Broadway Bike Lane Project.
116. Nonie Valentine, re: PO25#86 - Vocal support.
117. Patricia Harris, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
118. Patricia Jastrzebska-Perfect, re: Stop Broadway bike lane plan.
119. Paul Barringer, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
120. Paula Van Gelder, re: Broadway Parking is Essential.
121. Peter Kroon, re: support of Policy Order asking the MBTA to amend its garage redevelopment RFP to include ending sewage releases into Alewife Brook as a priority.
122. Quinten Steenhuis, re: Please support access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.
123. Rebecca Ramsay, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
124. Regis Shields, re: Public Comments 6/9/25.
125. Rika Welsh, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
126. Rona Flippo, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
127. Ruth Loetterle, re: Stop paving our parks.
128. Ruth Ryals and James Cornie, re: Ending Alewife Sewage, PO#3.
129. Sarah Block, re: items yes to an entrance to the park on Westley, no cooperation with ICE, yes on PO25#87, get curb cuts out of the council, build the protected bike lanes on Broadway now, no raw sewage.
130. Sarah Merin, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
131. Seamus Joyce-Johnson, re: Broadway Bike Lanes.
132. Seth Pate, re: Continue Installation of Bike and Pedestrian Improvements on Broadway.
133. Shellburne Thurber, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
134. Shireen Damghani, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
135. Susan Corcoran, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
136. Susan McDonald, re: This is just cruel.
137. Susan Murphy, re: Bike lanes on Broadway.
138. Susan Ringler, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
139. Suzanna Schell, re: Public Comment in Support of PO#3 Ending Alewife Sewage.
140. Suzanne Watzman, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
141. Tal Seiberg, re: Pro bike lanes.
142. Tatiana Kelly, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE Installation!!! SAVE PARKING!!!
143. Tere Santiago, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
144. Terry Crystal, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
145. Thomas Hirschi, re: We want more bike infrastructure.
146. Tim Russell, re: PO25#82, Support for Removing Fence at Westley Ave.
147. Tom Serwold, re: Public Comment Re: Fair Process in upcoming June 12 Chabad House Zoning Hearing.
148. Valerie Hammond, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
149. Vivek Sikri, re: No (further) delay on Broadway.
150. William Dean, re: Broadway Bicycle Safety.
151. ALAN JOSLIN, re: 250611 RE: Response to Lubavitch of Cambridge misrepresentation of RLIUPA.
152. Amy Butcher, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction) (1).
153. Amy Park, re: Longfellow Music Program.
154. Anna Ferrigno, re: More parking pressures on Broadway, SAVE Broadway parking.
155. Annette LaMond, re: Broadway Separate Bike Lanes – Please Oppose.
156. awtappan, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
157. Christine Tessier, re: Broadway parking.
158. Daniel Bourque, re: STOP Broadway Bike Lane
159. Elise Moore, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
160. Elizabeth Greywolf, re: OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
161. Emily Talcott, re: STOP BROADWAY BIKE LANE INSTALLATION.
162. Hannah Boyce, re: Keep Separated Bike Lanes on Broadway.
163. Helen Snively, re: Please don’t ruin Broadway with bike lanes!
164. Jeanne Petropoulos, re: Please support access from Westley Ave into Linear Park.
165. Jonathan Joseph, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
166. Josefa Perez, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
167. Karen Crusco, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
168. Kasey Geremia, re: Save Broadway parking please!!!
169. Kellie DeJon, re: SAVE PARKING ON BROADWAY!! (In the face of Bike Lanes + New Housing Developments + Port Construction).
170. Linda Moussouris, re: trees, Redesign of the Linear Park & the Medellin Example.
171. rosemous, re: 6/9/25 Cambridge City Council Meeting, Calling for Ending Alewife Sewage PO#3.
172. Susan Ringler, re: Limit Spending to Necessary.
173. jatennis, re: PO#3 Alewife Brook.
174. G Speeth, re: Please Pass PO#3 tonight, Mon, June 9, 2025.
RESOLUTIONS
1. That the City Council go on record thanking SEIU 32BJ for their vigilance, partnership and advocacy on behalf of unionized workers. Mayor Simmons
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF25#95)
HEARING SCHEDULE
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 17
3:00pm The Housing Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint public hearing to discuss draft zoning recommendations for Cambridge Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
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.
2:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion on a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, and Table 5.1.
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 16, 2025
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: We all support sustainable transportation and the City’s need to have a network of safe, separated bike lanes to encourage cycling, yet motor vehicles are an essential part of our transportation system and many residents rely on cars; and
WHEREAS: Along the densely populated Broadway corridor now, many residents already find parking difficult for themselves as well as visitors, caregivers and service providers, and any walk of Broadway and its abutting streets reveals that most on-street parking places are filled; and
WHEREAS: Among those parking on Broadway are City employees and City vehicles, parking beside CRLS, Fletcher-Maynard Academy and Tobin-Montessori School and City Hall Annex; and
WHEREAS: The broader neighborhood has already lost much parking, including, in recent years, 94 places on Cambridge St., 30+ on mid Mass Ave., 3 on Ellery St. and 90 on Hampshire St. and it will soon lose 50 places on Main St.; and
WHEREAS: Things are about to get worse. Parking in the adjacent Port neighborhood will be disrupted from 2025-2030 during the Port Infrastructure Improvement Project, which will dig up streets from Harvard to Essex to Bishop Allen and School to Windsor Streets, forcing Port residents to park elsewhere, adding to the Broadway corridor load for long periods; and
WHEREAS: In addition, with no parking required of new developments coming soon at 60 Ellery and 240 Broadway, the parking load will be increased along this corridor; and
WHEREAS: Even though the City of Cambridge launched new Flexible Parking Corridor rules in December 2024, making it easier for property owners along designated streets to share existing off-street parking (that the Transportation Department said could yield as many as 3,400 parking places to replace the 800-900 parking places lost to bike lanes), few if any parking places have been created; and few such off-street facilities are in reasonable distance to serve the neighborhoods along Broadway; and
WHEREAS: The rollout of the bike lanes on Broadway, slated for 2025 & 2026, will eliminate 60% of its on-street parking; and
WHEREAS: Consequently, hundreds of local residents are distressed that 129 parking places will soon be eliminated when the current availability and needs for parking have not been assessed or addressed;
ORDERED: That before more parking is eliminated on Broadway, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to require that the Department of Transportation takes four actions:
(1) does a thorough assessment and report to the public of parking utilization and needs in the neighborhoods on the Broadway corridor (as they did for the Cambridge Street area in 2017), and comparing parking permits issued versus on-street parking spots; and
(2) plans and implements measures to meet the continuing need for parking in this area during the Port Infrastructure Improvement Project and beyond, including the needs at new housing developments—producing a minimum of 200 publicly available spaces; and
(3) asks the City Solicitor for language to incorporate these changes into the Cycling Safety Ordinance allowing for a delay in rolling out the Broadway bike lanes until these needs are satisfied; and
(4) provides the Council with monthly progress reports about how they are satisfying the needs of parking in the district; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Communications Department to partner with the Department of Transportation to conduct the outreach necessary to create these alternative parking places and thus treats the whole Broadway area in an equitable manner.
O-2 June 16, 2025
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Broadway is a densely populated residential street with minimal allowance for loading zones, residential, commercial, visitor, and handicap accessible parking; and
WHEREAS: Hundreds of residents have communicated to the City Council that the installation of protected/separated bicycle lanes in 2025 and 2026 and the removal of 60% of on street parking will have a negative impact on the residents and businesses of Broadway and the adjacent streets; and
WHEREAS: The City has already installed or is in the process of installing protected/separated bicycle lanes from East to West on Cambridge Street, Hampshire Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Harvard Street is already a safe alternative route for cyclists; and
WHEREAS: The City has not connected these East to West routes with North to South connections; and
WHEREAS: The City has been unable to identify alternative parking to replace the loss of parking and the adoption of the revised Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance has not yielded any of the hoped for parking; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That in order to save parking on Broadway, the City Manager be and hereby is requested to suspend installation of protected/separated bicycle lanes on Broadway and confer with the Transportation Department and all other relevant departments to develop and install traffic calming strategies and infrastructure to reduce automobile speed and provide clear bike lane markings to improve the safety for cyclists on Broadway; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Transportation to identify appropriate streets to create North/South connections from Cambridge Street, to Hampshire Street, Massachusetts Avenue and other East/West routes to provide a more complete and safe network of bicycle lanes while meeting the Cycling Safety Ordinance of approximately 25 Miles of protected/separated bike lanes by November 1, 2026; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update and any policy recommendations no later than the City Council’s summer meeting on August 4, 2025.
O-3 June 16, 2025
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge exercises a multi-faceted, community based, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to rodent control within the city through repair, maintenance and sanitation as opposed to strictly the use of pesticides and rodenticides; and
WHEREAS: The City works with property owners, businesses and neighborhood groups to advise and assist in incorporating preventative practices that discourage rodent activity within neighborhood areas; and
WHEREAS: The City continues to invest in infrastructure that helps prevent rodent conflicts, like Big Belly trash and recycling containers and City provided; trash, recycling and composting bins to homeowners and small businesses; and
WHEREAS: The City utilizes the latest technologies and knowledge available to provide targeted implementation of our program. These technologies include Smart Box and Smart Pipe systems where data is gathered identifying where rodent activity is most prevalent and where data relative to Smart program captures is uploaded onto the Open Data platform; and
WHEREAS: Certain rodenticide products, widely known as Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides, or SGARs, are used to control rats and/or mice but have been demonstrated to be harmful to nontarget predator species. This could cause harm to our larger ecosystem, and the secondary poisoning of natural predators of the target animals can have a counterproductive long-term impact on rodent control efforts; and
WHEREAS: The City Council is committed to reducing unnecessary wildlife poisoning and potential harm to pets and children and using the most humane methods available; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish a City policy that prohibits the use of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides on City-owned properties and by City contractors except in circumstances where, with a written emergency waiver provided by the Public Health Department, such is deemed to be required.
O-4 June 16, 2025
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge is an innovative city that has numerous existing youth friendly programs, legislation, and opportunities; and
WHEREAS: As highlighted by Cambridge Public Schools eighth graders Caroline Orr and Eliza Luszcz—finalists selected to represent CPS at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) 2025 Civics Projects Showcase in Boston on June 6 — many youth continue to face challenges related to educational outcomes, food security, access to mental health support, housing stability, and representation in decision-making processes; and
WHEREAS: The UNICEF Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) is a global program that supports and inspires municipalities to protect and prioritize their youth rights, safety, health, and well-being, by providing a framework for cities to assess and improve their policies and practices; and
WHEREAS: To achieve the CFCI certification, a city must complete six key steps: formally join the initiative and partner with UNICEF, conduct a situation analysis across five categories — Safety and Inclusion, Children’s Participation, Equitable Social Services, Safe Living Environment, and Play and Leisure — engage stakeholders, develop an action plan, implement that plan, and participate in a year-long evaluation to determine progress toward designation; and
WHEREAS: A Child-Friendly Cambridge would ensure that all young people have access to the resources, programs, and opportunities needed to meaningfully participate in civic life and achieving this designation would affirm Cambridge’s commitment to building a city where youth are fully supported, empowered, and heard — not only as future leaders, but as valued members of the community today; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on the record in support of the City’s pursuit of UNICEF’s Child-Friendly City designation as a meaningful step toward advancing equity, inclusion, and well-being for all youth; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to apply for UNICEF’s Child-Friendly City certification on behalf of the City of Cambridge.
O-5 June 16, 2025
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Speed data electronically collected on Broadway show that 50% of vehicles exceed the 25-mph speed limit and 5% exceeding 37 mph, and since 2022, there have been almost 40 crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists on Broadway, resulting in at least 17 injuries, underscoring the need for improved bike infrastructure, which has been proven to reduce crashes and speeding; and
WHEREAS: Broadway is a corridor lined with important destinations for children and families – including the Fletcher-Maynard Academy, Tobin Montessori School, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, several preschools and daycares, Joan Lorentz Park, Sennott Park, City Hall Annex, the Main Public Library Branch–making safe, multimodal access along this street essential; and
WHEREAS: The installation of separated bike lanes on Broadway Segment A will require removal of approximately 50 existing on-street parking spaces; and
WHEREAS: Parking utilization data from Broadway Segment A shows that metered spaces are underutilized during morning and evening hours, suggesting that shifting meter enforcement to begin later than 8am or end earlier than 8pm, and designating those 25 spaces as residential permit parking overnight could provide additional flexibility to use these 25 metered spaces to provide additional parking for residential use overnight; and
WHEREAS: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Transportation when implementing the Broadway Safety Improvement Project, to evaluate adjustments to meter enforcement hours for Broadway Segment A, and designate these spaces as residential-permit parking from 6pm to 10am, to increase overnight parking access for residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Transportation to develop and implement clear signage and on-street notices informing residents and visitors of the purpose of the proposed meter policy changes, and adjusted enforcement hours; and be it further
ORDERED: Speed data electronically collected on Broadway show that 50% of vehicles exceed the 25-mph speed limit and 5% exceeding 37 mph, and since 2022, there have been almost 40 crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists on Broadway, resulting in at least 17 injuries, underscoring the need for improved bike infrastructure, which has been proven to reduce crashes and speeding; and…….
O-6 June 16, 2025
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge offers a range of non-residential parking permits, including long-term home care and childcare permits, designed to ensure that aides and service providers can park near the homes and facilities they serve; and
WHEREAS: Fees for these caregiver permits may pose a significant financial barrier for low-income households who rely on in-home elder care or childcare services; and
WHEREAS: According to the parking utilization study conducted as part of the Broadway Safety Improvement Project, a substantial number of residential permit spaces remain unoccupied between 10am and 6pm, indicating available capacity; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Department of Transportation is planning to offer a reduced fee structure for residential permits for low-income residents in the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of modifying non-resident parking permit fees for households in within the Broadway Segment A project area, including offering a discounted rate structure for permits that are requested by residents with low- income residents, and to report back to the City Council as soon as possible with proposed recommended eligibility criteria, a fee schedule, and a timeline for implementation if they are proposed.
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. See Mgr #1
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
25-26. 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
25-34. 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 from 6/9/2025
25-35. 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, Councillor Zusy from 6/9/2025
25-36. 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.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson from 6/9/2025
25-37. 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.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern from 6/9/2025