CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2009:
WITHOUT POWER: Rainier Rosado
WITH POWER: Lauren Sullivan, Lawrence Maguire, Anthony Tuccinardi

2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 09-64, regarding a report on the nature and purpose of multi-unit building inspections.

3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation from the Boston Ultimate Disc Alliance to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs in the amount of $1,000.00 to the Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account in support of the annual Cambridge Youth Games for Cambridge youth.

4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $25,000 from the Cambridge Housing Authority to the Grant Fund Human Service Department Programs Salary and Wages account and will be used by the Multi Service Center to provide financial counseling and case management to residents of Washington Elms/Newtowne Court Apartments in an effort to prevent rental arrearages and evictions due to financial hardships.

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the City Council rezoning petition regarding Wind Turbine Installations.

6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge receiving $1,139,400 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

June 22, 2009

To the Honorable, the City Council:

The City of Cambridge is receiving $1,139,400 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Funds under the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These entitlement funds will be used for the following purposes:

I. Municipal Energy Efficiency -- $759,600 will be used to carry out energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings. Given the age of our building stock, there are many opportunities for upgrades that will result in significant energy savings. We anticipate that the funds will be used for upgrades to boiler equipment and controls, lighting upgrades and controls and heating systems controls, such as programmable thermostats. We expect that approximately $115,000 in other funds will be leveraged, from utility rebates.

II. Community-based Energy Efficiency Campaign -- $250,000 of the grant will go toward an energy efficiency organization that can develop and manage a one-stop energy efficiency and clean energy program focused on low-income residents, the residential building sector and the small commercial building sector. We expect the energy efficiency organization to deliver energy auditing and contracting services, financial services, outreach materials to educate the public, and initiatives to address barriers to implementation of energy efficiency measures. We expect that some $835,000 in additional funding will be leveraged from utility incentives and private investment.

III. Community Energy Efficiency Incentives -- $100,000 of the grant will go toward an energy efficiency organization that can design and implement a program to provide incentives to residential and business customers. The incentives will be in the form of matching grants for energy efficiency measures, as well as grants to encourage replacement of older window air conditioners with newer, more efficient models. We anticipate that $168,000 will be leveraged in the form of utility incentives and private investment.

IV. Bicycle Parking Program -- $29,800 of the grant will be used to increase the supply of bicycle parking in the city, a key part of our ongoing Vehicle Trip Reduction efforts. Approximately 80 additional bike racks throughout the city. $7,530 will be leveraged through a matching grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

We are pleased to have this opportunity to enhance the city's commitment to promoting energy efficiency in both the residential and commercial sectors.

Very truly yours, Robert W. Healy, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Study Report for the former North Prospect Church property at 1797-1803 Massachusetts Avenue. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Maher on City Mgr’s Agenda Item #17 of June 15, 2009.]
Adopted

ON THE TABLE
2. Opposition to the closing of the Oliver Farnum Senior Health Center. [Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Maher on Order Number Fourteen of Nov 3, 2008.]

3. That the City Manager is requested to make available adequate funds to the City Council so that the City Council can hire its own legal expert to review relevant issues in pending litigation. [Tabled on motion of Councillor Davis Order Number Two of May 18, 2009 together with motion to amend by substitution submitted by Councillor Toomey. On June 15, 2009 motion of Councillor Kelley to take from the table failed on a roll call vote of 4-4-1. Councillor Decker made a motion to suspension of the rules to reconsider the vote that failed to take from the table. Suspension of the rules failed on a roll call vote of 3-4-1-1.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a meeting held on Nov 18, 2004 for the purpose of considering proposed amendments to Chapter 2.74 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Police Review and Advisory Board Ordinance. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 14, 2005. [Four sections of the proposed amendment were passed to be ordained as amended. Ordinance #1284. The remaining proposed amendments to chapter 2.74 remain on Unfinished Business.]

5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 06-87, 07-83 and 07-138, regarding the status of putting the City's self-evaluation on the website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on City Manager Agenda Item #16 of Dec 10, 2007. Dec 17, 2007 - Referred to 2008-2009 City Council as Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Kelley.]

6. An application from Alan L. Johnson, requesting a curb cut at the premises numbered 135 Western Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical, Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Mar 23, 2009. Meeting recessed on Mar 30, 2009. Referred to Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Ward on Apr 6, 2009.]
Adopted

7. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public meeting held on Apr 14, 2009 to consider a petition submitted by Lesley University to amend the Zoning Map and Article 10.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by adding "Section 20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District." The petition was passed to a Second Reading on May 11, 2009. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 25, 2009. Planning Board hearing held Apr 7, 2009. Petition expires July 13, 2009.
Ordained as amended 8-1 [Kelley voted NO] - Ordinance #1327

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Inman Exchange, Inc., doing business as The Ginger Exchange, requesting a sign at the premises numbered 1287 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.

2. An application was received from The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, 71 Cherry Street, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at Pearl and Norfolk Street for the period July 6-20, 2009 announcing the "Sweet Soul Supper".

3. An application was received from Syed Shahidullah, doing business as "Fresh Mart" requesting an awning at the premises numbered 220 Broadway. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Communication received from Howard P. Speicher, Davis Malm & D'Agostine, Attorneys At Law, transmitting the concerns of the residents of the Oxford Courts Condominium relative to the Lesley Porter Overlay District which can be addressed by revisions to the petition.

2. Communication received from Lauren Gibbs, 3 Newport Road, transmitting her concerns about the adequacy of the Lesley zoning petition plan for parking.

3. Communication received from Margaret Curtis, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, transmitting her concerns about density, traffic and parking, economic and financial responsibility relative to the Lesley Porter Square Overlay District.

4. Communication received from Dr. Wallace J. Gardner, 1791 Massachusetts Avenue, transmitting his opposition to congestion and construction relative to the Lesley Porter Square zoning petition.

5. Communication from Harriet Ahouse transmitting her support for the Lesley Porter Square zoning petition.

6. Communication received from Ron Axelrod, Lesley Working Group Member, 26B Shepard Street, transmitting his support for the Lesley Porter Square Zoning District.

7. Communication received from Elizabeth Wente, 49 Sacramento Street, transmitting her support of the Lesley University Zoning Petition.

8. Communication received from Loring L. Stevens, 14 Channing Street, transmitting his support of Lesley University's Zoning Petition to extend the Business C zone in Porter Square to include the North Prospect Church building.

9. Communication received from Ellen Winner, Professor and Chair Department of Psychology, Boston College, transmitting her support for the Lesley Zoning Petition by extending the Business C zone in Porter Square to include the property of the former North Prospect Church and to establish a Lesley Overlay District.

10. Petition received from Mark Rosenstein and forty-two residents of the Neighborhood Nine, transmitting their strong support of the overly zoning proposal submitted by Lesley University which will allow the university to bring the Art Institute of Boston to Porter Square.

11. Communication received from Geoffry Fried, 648 Green Street # 1, transmitting his support for the Lesley University petition to change the zoning on their properties adjacent to Porter Square, through an overlay district, to allow the construction of a new building for the Art Institute of Boston.

12. Communication received from Sarah M. Farrington, 18 Frost Street, transmitting seven written protest letters attached in opposition to the Lesley Overlay District.

13. Communication received from Constantin von Wentzel, 101 Washington Avenue, transmitting opposition to the Church project proposed by Lesley University on Massachusetts Avenue.

14. Communication received from Andrew Enright 74R Cushing Street, transmitting his support of Lesley University's proposal to rezone the area near the Porter Exchange Building in Porter Square.

15. A communication was received from Michael and Katherine McWey, 34 Sparks Street, transmitting their support for Lesley University to establish a Lesley Porter Overlay District.

16. Communication received from Lisa Crow, Otis Street, transmitting her utmost support for the zoning changes in Porter Square proposed by Lesley University for a new Art Institute of Boston building on Massachusetts Avenue.

17. Communication received from Lauren Gibbs, 3 Newport Road, transmitting her concerns and suggestion regarding parking as it relates to the Lesley University zoning petition.

18. Sundry communications received at the meeting were in support of the Lesley petition: Wendy Prellwitz, Jacy Edelman, Kate Summey Frank, petition signed by seventeen residents of Neighborhood Nine, petition signed by sixty-seven residents, Jennifer Fuchel, petition signed by twelve residents, John Hubbell, Stephanie McCole Correia, Mark D. Hammer, Gaby Whitehouse, Joseph Mitchell, MD, Ted Live and Gene Diaz.

19. Sundry communications received at the meeting in opposition to the Lesley petition: Inge Schneier Hoffman, Peter Lan, Sarah Farrington, Sara Dilliplane, Martha Shanley Hass, Burton and Rhoda Unger.

20. Communication from Attorney Howard P. Speicher, representing the Oxford Street Condominium, transmitting three issues of concern for the residents of Oxford Courts.

21. Sundry communications received regarding the Lesley petition as follows: Brian Kopperl, Esq., Elizabeth Taylor-Mead, Eve Endicott, Babette Meyer, Amery Burnham, Todd Brown, Drew Hammond and Minka vanBeuzekom.

RESOLUTIONS
1. That the City Council go on record wishing a Happy 50th Birthday to Gloria Kinkead.   Mayor Simmons

2. That the City Council go on record wishing a Happy 50th Birthday to Adrienne Benton.   Mayor Simmons

3. Congratulating Jarrett Barrios on his new position as the President of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.   Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Seidel

4. Resolution on the death of James J. Lynch, "Jimmy" Jr.   Councillor Maher

5. That the City Council go on record welcoming the guests of The Cambridge-Yerevan Sister City Association and its many volunteers for developing the exchange program.   Mayor Simmons

6. Resolution on the death of Captain Kafele H. Sims.   Councillor Decker

7. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant Edmond L. Lo   Councillor Decker

8. Speedy recovery wishes to Doyel Sarkar.   Mayor Simmons

9. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth I. (Dudley) Burke.   Councillor Toomey

10. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Adelaide Chamblin.   Councillor Decker

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the affordable housing units at 303 Third Street.   Councillor Toomey
Amended

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine what can be done to immediately address the traffic concerns of the intersection of Gore and Fifth Streets and to report back to the City Council on what actions can be taken.   Councillor Toomey

3. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate compliance of billboard companies with the city's billboard regulations.   Councillor Davis

4. That the City Manager is requested to review whether the City of Cambridge, including the Cambridge Retirement System, has any investments in which Evergreen Investment Management Company and its affiliates are involved, and is further requested to divest itself of any such investments that may exist, and to report back to the City Council on his findings at the City Council Meeting on July 27, 2009.   Councillor Toomey

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Director of Environmental Health to determine how the City can play an active role in inspecting roof top mechanicals on commercial buildings to be sure they are functioning properly and within the noise ordinance and to determine whether or not the city could require upgrades to aging systems when appropriate, and to report back to the City Council.   Councillor Toomey

6. That the City Council go on record urging that the DCR keep the Magazine Beach Pool open until August 30.   Councillor Davis

7. The City Manager to report on painting pedestrian lines on all raised crosswalks near schools, playgrounds, or other areas with high pedestrian use similar to the crosswalk at Walden and Raymond Streets.   Councillor Decker
Kelley voted NO

8. That the City Manager is requested to inquire with the Department of Human Services how that department can support the Housing Authority's ability to continue to support the Purple Hats Club.   Councillor Decker

9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to review the parking situation at 356 and 356A Harvard Street to determine if the use complies with City parking and curb cut policies.   Councillor Reeves

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with Inspectional Services and report back to the City Council in a timely manner regarding a reported bedbug infestation in a building on Lee Street.   Vice Mayor Seidel

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to address neighbors' concerns regarding public drinking, loitering, fighting and trash at 53 Tremont Street.   Councillor Maher

12. That the City Manager is requested to direct Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas to convene a timely neighborhood meeting to discuss these violent episodes, and to discuss what efforts the City is conducting to contain the violence and promote the safety of its residents.   Mayor Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Communication received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Seidel and Councillor Maher, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, transmitting an Ordinance Committee Report for a hearing held on June 17, 2009 on a petition by Lesley University to amend the zoning of certain property owned by Lesley in Porter Square to create a Lesley/Porter Overlay District.  Report Accepted - Petition Ordained as Amended

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 22
5:00pm   Special Presentation welcoming representatives from our Sister City Yerevan.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 23
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss information and support for homeowners and tenants who may be facing displacement due to economic distress.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   The Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider claims filed against the city.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, June 24
2:00pm   The Human Services Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue to discuss how Cambridge can adapt the Harlem Children's Zone Baby College Program and/or principles to provide parent education for low income families that will provide the tools they need to help their children succeed.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 25
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Boundary Study Addendum Report and Revised Recommendations.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, June 30
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance to provide for Wind Turbine Installation subject to certain requirements and limitations. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to amendment Chapter 8.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Code "Refuse and Litter" as well as a new proposed ordinance Chapter 8.25 "Dumpster Licenses."  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 1
5:00pm   The Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public meeting to explore the possibility of creating small scale solar panels that would enable the powering of small household items.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, July 2
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider a zoning petition filed by Jean Connor, et al., to amend the Zoning Map from its current designation as a Residence C-1 to a Residence B District encompassing all or portions of lots on Assessors Plats #205, #206 and #228 including but not limited to those abutting Garden, Winslow, Fenno, Stearns, Esten, Sherman Streets and Upland Road. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 8
3:00pm   The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss neighborhood rents for retail space.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, July 27
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, July 28
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Sept 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Tues, Oct 6
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Oct 20
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Mon, Nov 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 3
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Nov 17
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Tues, Dec 1
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Dec 15
6:00pm   School Committee Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 22, 2009  Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: In 2003, the developer of University Residential Communities at MIT, located at 303 Third Street, obtained approval from the Cambridge Planning Board for a cooperative ownership residential development, providing 168 housing units for, among other, former MIT and Harvard faculty seeking a stimulating environment and residence that will provide supportive services for aging population. Twenty-two units were committed to the City of Cambridge for affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: The Developer, despite having signed 38 purchase and sale agreements for the units, and having obtained certificates of occupancy from the City of Cambridge, has failed to close on any of the units and has notified the Cambridge Planning Board that it is considering converting the building to rental units; and
WHEREAS: On June 15, 2009, a Suffolk Superior Court judge issued a preliminary injunction which prohibits the developer from renting or leasing the condominiums units it is supposed to sell to the plaintiffs; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record as opposing any conversion of 303 Third Street from condominiums to rental, that the developer, 303 Third SPE LLC, must fulfill its commitments to the City and to those individuals with executed Purchase and Sale Agreements; and be it further
ORDERED: That Her Honor, the Mayor send a letter to the developer communicating the City Council's very strong opposition to any conversion from condominiums to rental units; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on any and all discussions between the developer and/or its representatives and the City of Cambridge.

O-2     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Residents are increasingly concerned about traffic issues at the corner of Gore and Fifth Streets; and
WHEREAS: The most recent incident at this intersection involved a car driving on the sidewalk and destroying a newly planted tree; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to determine what can be done to immediately address the traffic concerns at this intersection and to report back to the City Council on what actions can be taken.

O-3     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to evaluate compliance of billboard companies with the city's billboard regulations.

O-4     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: On June 8, 2009 it was reported that The Securities and Exchange Commission charged Boston based Evergreen Investment Management Company LLC and an affiliate with securities law violations for overstating the value of a mutual fund and only selectively telling shareholders about the funds valuation problems resulting in Evergreen paying more than $40 million to settle the SEC's charges; and
WHEREAS: Less than two years earlier, on Sept 19, 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced settlement enforcement actions against Evergreen Investment Management Company and its affiliates, Evergreen Investments Services and Evergreen Service Company, alleging that, contrary to prospectus disclosures, they allowed certain shareholders to market time and engage in excessive exchange activities in the Evergreen mutual fund complex, which resulted in Evergreen and its affiliates paying more than $32.5 million to settle the charges; and
WHEREAS: Such deplorable actions by Evergreen and its affiliates, fostered by lax oversight during the Bush Administration, have played a major role in causing the current economic crisis, with disastrous effects not only for the residents of Cambridge, but the city itself as well as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review whether the City of Cambridge, including the Cambridge Retirement System, has any investments in which Evergreen Investment Management Company and its affiliates are involved, and is further requested to divest itself of any such investments that may exist, and to report back to the City Council on his findings at the City Council Meeting on July 27, 2009.

O-5     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Inspectional Services and the Director of Environmental Health to determine how the City can play an active role in inspecting roof top mechanicals on commercial buildings to be sure they are functioning properly and within the noise ordinance and to determine whether or not the city could require upgrades to aging systems when appropriate, and to report back to the City Council.

O-6     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR DAVIS
WHEREAS: For many years the Director of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed the Magazine Beach Pool in the middle of August and this year the scheduled date is August 16; and
WHEREAS: The DCR allows several other pools to remain open through August but has never kept the Magazine Beach Pool open for the extended weeks in recent years; and
WHEREAS: Most camps and summer programs end in the middle of August and Cambridge children and adults need exercise and activity for the remainder of the summer; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging that the DCR keep the Magazine Beach Pool open until August 30; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to DCR Commissioner Richard Sullivan and the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the City Council.

O-7     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to paint pedestrian lines on the raised crosswalk on Oxford Street, similar to the crosswalk at Walden and Raymond Streets; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to consider painting pedestrian lines on all raised crosswalks near schools, playgrounds, or other areas with high pedestrian use; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-8     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR DECKER
WHEREAS: The Purple Hats Club provides an important social network for seniors at Roosevelt Towers; and
WHEREAS: At a small expense, sustaining the hosting and activities of the Purple Hats Club provides the significant benefits of a safe space to gather and necessary social engagement for many seniors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Housing Authority on the status of the Housing Authority's ability to continue to provide support for the Purple Hats Club; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inquire with the Department of Human Services how that department can support the Housing Authority's ability to continue to support the Purple Hats Club; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-9     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR REEVES
WHEREAS: At 356 and 356A Harvard Street there is a four unit dwelling where two sections of the corner and side yards are used as parking spaces, but there are no curb cuts which apply to 356 and to 356A Harvard Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to review the parking situation at this location and determine if the use complies with City parking and curb cut policies.

O-10     June 22, 2009
VICE MAYOR SEIDEL
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Inspectional Services and report back to the City Council in a timely manner regarding a reported bedbug infestation in a building on Lee Street.

O-11     June 22, 2009
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The residents of 53 Tremont Street are dealing daily with inebriated persons who loiter and litter their property; and
WHEREAS: The residents of 53 Tremont Street are confronted with fights, empty bottles, cigarette boxes, take-out containers and all manner of trash; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner and the Commissioner of Public Works to address neighbors' concerns regarding public drinking, loitering, fighting and trash at this location.

O-12     June 22, 2009
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge has seen a rise of violent incidents, including shootings and stabbings, across the city in recent weeks, and residents are becoming increasingly worried about the safety of their neighborhoods; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas to convene a timely neighborhood meeting to discuss these violent episodes, and to discuss what efforts the City is conducting to contain the violence and promote the safety of its residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That this meeting shall be publicized and open to the public, and that one of its purposes shall be to envision ways in which the police and the citizenry can work together to share information and foster an atmosphere of cooperation and citizen empowerment.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 17, 2009 at 4:15pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The hearing was held for the purpose of continuing discussion on a petition by Lesley University to amend the zoning of certain property owned by Lesley in Porter Square to create a Lesley/Porter Overlay District.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Sam Seidel and Councillor David Maher, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Henrietta Davis; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Larry Ward; and City Clerk D. Margaret Drury. Also present were Beth Rubenstein, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Lester Barber, Director of Zoning and Land Use Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of the Historical Commission; Sarah Burks, Historical Commission.

Councillor Maher opened the hearing and explained the purpose. He noted that in response to issues raised by members of the community, he and Vice Mayor Seidel had requested that CDD staff draft amendments to the petition as originally proposed. He stated that copies of the draft (Attachment A) were handed out at the beginning of the meeting and he invited Mr. Barber to summarize the changes to the original petition that appear in the draft.

Mr. Barber said that the first substantive change occurs in 20.203.2 Floor Area Ratio Limitations, which limits the allowed education uses and the transfer of development rights. It also requires projects subject to Section 19.20 Project Review to submit traffic studies meeting the requirements of Section 19.24. The second paragraph further elucidates the type of retail that would qualify for the FAR exemption and provides for Planning Board review as part of the annual Town Gown Report for five years after initial occupancy of the space. Section 20.203.3 establishes a different measure of height for this overlay district: height is to be measured from final mean grade measured at the perimeter of the lot and lowers the proposed new height for the Mt. Vernon lots from the 45 feet proposed in the original. Section 20.203.4 establishes a new 20 ft. side lot setback requirement for the side of the church lot perpendicular to Roseland Street.

Section 20.203.5 allows the waiver of parking requirements by special permit except for the existing accessory parking that must be replaced. Above ground parking is prohibited with the possible exemption by special permit for the area of University Hall lot abutting the railroad right of way and Roseland Street.

Section 20.203.6 removes the word "usable" as a description of allowed open space because the City Council adopted an ordinance that eliminated the word "usable" and replaced it with "private," a change aimed at residential districts, where the wording "usable" was employed. Instead, the draft now provides that the required open space may be any combination of Green Area, Permeable, Public, Private or Publicly Beneficial Open Space. The section also requires that there be at least 10% ratio of open space to lot area on the church lot south of Roseland Street and at least 5,000 contiguous sq. ft., that open space located along Massachusetts Avenue have a minimum area of 3,000 contiguous square feet, and that, for the portion of the University Hall lot bordered by Roseland Street, the MBTA railroad right of way, and a line parallel to and 250 ft. easterly of the easterly street line of Massachusetts Avenue, there be at least 20% open space and a goal of 25%.

Section 20.203.61 provides a link between the church lot development and the University Hall lot open space requirements. When applying for a special permit for development of the church lot, the applicant must submit a plan for part of the open space on the University lot required by Section 20.203.6.2, particularly focused along the Roseland Street edge, and the plan must include proposed improved pedestrian connections throughout the lot. The open space for the University Hall Lot would be required to be developed at the same time as the construction on the church lot.

Section 20.203.7 provides three additional criteria for special permits aimed at protecting existing residential developments by design, landscaping, etc., inclusion of physical improvements to the public right of way along Massachusetts Avenue to enhance the pedestrian, retail and public meeting space aspects of the area, as well as requiring evaluation of the proposed construction mitigation plan.

Councillor Maher stated that there has also been work on a memorandum of agreement, which they expect to accompany the proposal. He then invited questions and comments from other members of the City Council.

Councillor Reeves urged the Council to think of public benefit more broadly than financial, specifically to include arts benefits.

Councillor Kelley asked why not use an approach similar to the Inclusionary Zoning approach which requires a measurable financial contribution rather than the memorandum of agreement approach. He said that he would prefer that any community benefits be in the actual zoning ordinance.

Councillor Ward asked what would happen if Lesley applied for and received special permits and then found that it could not afford to complete the work.

Councillor Reeves asked whether there has been any thought of landmarking the Sears Building. Mr. Sullivan said that it had been discussed, but there was such a total renovation in the 1980's that there were serious questions about whether it would be eligible.

Councillor Kelley said that he also has some concerns with regard to the provision that allows the Planning Board to limit parking vastly by special permit. On the one hand, it seems appropriate to limit parking when there is a rapid transit system right next door. On the other hand, residents are very concerned about the difficulty of parking in Cambridge and are loathe to accept any laws that add more demand for on-street parking. He said that the special permit criteria for protection of the neighborhood are too vague. The section should specify how protection of privacy will be measured, etc.

Councillor Kelley said that unfinished buildings in Cambridge do occur. He pointed to a residential structure on Churchill Avenue and another building that was unfinished for a long time in Kendall Square. He asked whether the special permit could be conditioned upon proof of financing, and if not the special permit, what about the building permit. Ms. Rubenstein said that she did not believe that either would be permissible under existing state law. Councillor Kelley also said he would like to see the certificate of occupancy conditioned upon providing the agreed-upon amenities.

Vice Mayor Seidel then invited public comment. Please note that all written communications mentioned in this report can be found in the Communication agenda for the City Council meeting of June 22, 2009.

Attorney Howard Speicher, 1 Boston Place, stated that he represents the residents of the Oxford Courts condominiums. He submitted a letter and summarized his concerns. While they are gratified by some of the changes, more are needed in the area of FAR, height and the way it is measured, and setbacks.

Stephen Diamond, 61 Frost Street, stated that more open space should be required. The University Hall lot requirement for contiguous square feet should be 10,000, not 5,000, and a total of 25,000 square feet of open space should be required.

Carol Weinhaus, 64 Oxford Street, urged a requirement for more open space and that it be required to be green and permeable.

Andrea Wilder, 12 Arlington Street, stated that her main concern is the North Prospect Church. She strongly disapproves of moving it to the other side of the site. It should stay where it is.

Brian Kopperl, 17 Arlington Street, urged the City Council to allow a parking structure on part of the University Hall lot and stated that the rest of the University Hall lot and the back of the church lot should be used for the Art Institute of Boston (AIB).

Lauren Gibbs, 3 Newport Road, urged that a comprehensive traffic and parking study be done before the zoning is changed, and requested that the City Council ask Lesley for documentation on the number of Lesley students that have Cambridge parking permits.

Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, said that zoning should not exclude retail space from the calculation of FAR. It is confusing and leads to the belief that the zoning is intentionally deceptive. She stated that she is baffled as to what Sec 20.203.1c could possibly mean. She criticized the parking studies that are allowed; they pick days when there is the least traffic and the fewest number of parked cars.

Sam Gifford, 1 Hillside Place, stated his objection to any changes to the church. He also expressed his disapproval of the new Harvard building on Wendell Street, which was designed by the architectural firm that has provided a design for the AIB.

Susan Hunziker, 80 Orchard Street, stated her agreement with Mr. Diamond's remarks on the need for more open space on the University Hall lots.

William Bloomstein, Cambridge, stated that he was a member of the working group. In the process of producing a master plan, Lesley's proposal doubled in size. He believe a memorandum of agreement is enforceable. There is need for a serious parking study. He urged the City Council to listen carefully to the closest neighbors and abutters.

Inga Hoffman, 91 Washington Avenue, stated that she would like to see AIB in Porter Square, but with this proposal, the cost is too high. She is opposed to the proposal; it is overdevelopment.

Peter Cardellichio, 7 Arlington Street, Oxford Courts, said that he is very happy to see the dormitory prohibition for the Mount Vernon lots. He objects to the method of measuring the height and he would like 20 foot setbacks.

James Rafferty, 130 Bishop Allen Drive, attorney for Lesley University, stated that Lesley and the neighborhood have been engaged in a very lengthy process, and overall a process where the participants listened to each other. He believes that the new amendments do an excellent job of addressing the concerns that have been raised. He noted the areas that have been narrowed, in particular retail uses and the transfer of development rights. Attorney Rafferty also noted the significant level of protection of the North Prospect Church that the landmarking will bring and Lesley's support of the landmarking.

Harriet Ahouse, 4 Newport Road, member of the working group, spoke in support of the amendments.

Theo Forbam, 21 Frost Street, stated that there are too many unanswered questions for him to support this proposal. He expressed his dismay about the lack of specifics regarding traffic and parking.

Hong Liu, stated that she has been a resident of Cambridge for 25 years and a teacher for 20 years. She strongly supports this proposal. She is also concerned about traffic and parking issues and urged the limitation of allowed parking. She suggested more open space on the church lots in exchange for more height at the Mt. Vernon lots.

Stephen Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, noted that again this is a signed owner proposal. It is an upzoning and, as presently proposed, represents a gift by the City of Cambridge to Lesley. Lesley should be required to pay for the benefits it would receive through this upzoning. Single-owner petitions are a very bad idea. Excluding FAR is a very bad precedent. He does not believe that memoranda of agreement are enforceable. Mr. Kaiser suggested looking at NorthPoint to see the results of beginning the work under a special permit and not being able to complete it.

Fred Meyer, Hammond Street, said that the issue of unfinished development under a special permit is easily solved by requiring a completion bond, as other communities have done. He urged the City Council to require 25% open space on the University Hall lots, and 10,000 rather than 5,000 contiguous square feet. He does not agree with the previous speaker who called the Oxford/Wendell Street building ugly.

Constanza Edmonds, Porter Road, said that this petition constitutes spot zoning. We need a whole city design, not zoning of spot development by spot development.

James Freeman, Cambridge, urged exclusion of the church lots. The church should remain. Lesley can achieve virtually all of its goals for AIB under the current zoning.

Carolyn Mieth, 15 Brookford Street, stated that she is Vice Chair of the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee and Vice Chair of the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods. She commended the work that has been done on this petition, but said that much more is needed before a zoning amendment is adopted.

Sarah Farrington, Frost Street, expressed concern about the canyonization of Massachusetts Avenue and Roseland Street. A 55 foot height limit for the church lots is too much, as is the 95,000 square feet of development that would be allowed under the proposal.

Peter Lang, 1 Frost Street, said that he is a direct abutter. He said that it is just not appropriate to have this meeting at this hour and with so little notice.

Councillor Davis noted the vast support for AIB and the concern of those who live closest to the affected area. She said that 25% open space requirement for the University Hall lots should be 25%, and the 3,000 square foot contiguous space requirement along Massachusetts Avenue is very minimal. More clarity of language is required. She stressed the importance of being fair to all.

Councillor Maher asked Mr. Barber to clarify the above-ground parking issue. Mr. Barber said that in trying to edit the original language of the prohibition of above-ground parking "with the possible exception" of the area on the University Hall Lot" by special permit, the language required for ordinances ended up sounding more ominous and possible. Councillor Maher said that the language seems to go further than they thought they were going, so they would need more discussion.

Vice Mayor Seidel and Councillor Maher thanked all those present for their participation.

The hearing adjourned at 7:08pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor David Maher, Co-Chair
Vice Mayor Sam Seidel, Co-Chair

ATTACHMENT A

6/17/09 DRAFT [edited to better reflect the DRAFT distributed at the meeting - RW]
Note: Additional amendments were made prior to Ordination.

Lesley Porter Overlay District

20.200 Lesley Porter Overlay District

20.201 Establishment and Scope

There is hereby established the Lesley Porter Overlay District which shall be governed by the regulations and procedures specified in this Section. The District encompasses property constituting Lesley University's Porter Square campus and has a Business-C District base zoning designation.

20.202 Purpose

It is the purpose of this Section to augment existing zoning regulations to respond to issues associated with institutional uses and unique planning opportunities immediately adjacent to Porter Square's MBTA station. These regulations are intended to allow for the establishment of an emerging art district associated with the University, to enhance the vitality of Massachusetts Avenue by encouraging ground floor uses that will serve the needs of abutting neighborhood residents and enhance the established streetscape, to create a more harmonious and consistent character for the development along Massachusetts Avenue and where such development faces or abuts low density residential districts, and to encourage the retention and appropriate reuse of buildings of historic value.

20.203 Applicability

The Lesley Porter Overlay District shall be an Overlay District on the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge established in Section 3.20.

20.203.1 The buildings and land uses within this district shall be controlled by the pertinent regulations of the applicable base Business C zoning district and the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District, Section 20.100, except as modified by the requirements of this Section 20.200. Where regulations differ among the several applicable zoning districts, the provisions of this Section 20.200 shall apply.

20.203.1.1 The following terms shall apply in the Lesley Porter Overlay District.

1. Lots located westerly of Massachusetts Avenue shall be known as the Mt Vernon Lots.

2. Lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue and north of Roseland Street shall be known as the University Hall Lot.

3. Lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue and south of Roseland Street shall be known as the Church Lot.

20.203.2 Floor Area Ratio Limitations

1. Institutional Uses

Not withstanding the FAR limits set forth in Article 5.000 or elsewhere in this Ordinance, the maximum FAR permitted in the Lesley Porter Overlay District shall be 2.5 for those lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue and 2.0 for those lots located westerly of Massachusetts Avenue for all educational institutional uses set forth in Article 4.33.b (1) as further limited in Section 4.56 c (4) and (6), after the granting of a Special Permit from the Planning Board, subject to the following conditions and limitations:

a. Notwithstanding the definition of Lot in Article 2.000, a development project in this Lesley Porter Overlay District may consist of non-contiguous lots and lots separated by streets, which lots are held in common ownership. In calculating the gross floor area (GFA) permitted for a development consisting of institutional uses, the area of noncontiguous lots held in common ownership within the Overlay District may be combined. For those lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue, the resulting permitted Gross Floor Area may be located on the individual University Hall or Church Lots or transferred in part from the University Hall Lot to the Church Lot in an amount not to exceed 25,000 square feet. any one of the constituent lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue without limit as to the FAR on any individual lot.

b. Any Special Permit issued by the Planning Board in the Lesley Porter Overlay District for increased FAR as permitted in this Section 20.203.2 (1) that includes development rights involving any of the lots located westerly of Massachusetts Avenue shall result in a prohibition on dormitory uses on the Mt Vernon said Lots.

c. Where, in seeking a special permit under the provisions of this Section 20.203.2, a development project is determined to be subject to the provisions of Section 19.20 - Project Review Special Permit, that project shall be required to submit a Traffic Study as required in Section 19.24, notwithstanding any other provision of Section 19.20.

2. Retail Uses

For a building abutting Massachusetts Avenue on the University Hall Lot or the Mt. Vernon Lots that is occupied by retail uses set forth in Section 4.35 that are located on the ground (first) floor of that building, which building is otherwise at least 50% occupied by institutional uses, those retail uses shall be exempt from the requirements of FAR and shall not be counted as Gross Floor Area. In no event, however, shall this retail FAR exemption exceed more than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area in any single building.

The retail enterprises receiving such FAR exemption shall be open to the general public during normal business hours and are expected to provide goods and services of interest to the general public not affiliated with any institutional occupant of such building. The institution shall report to Planning Board on the leasing activity in such exempt retail space in its annual "Town Gown Report" presentation to the Board for five years after initial occupancy of the last exempt Gross Floor Area.

20.203.3 Height

1. Height shall be that permitted in the base Business C zoning district and, notwithstanding other provisions in the Zoning Ordinance, shall be measured from final mean grade measured at the perimeter of the lot.

However, the height of any historic structure (including any building determined to be a Preferably Preserved Significant Building by the Cambridge Historical Commission under the provisions of Ordinance No. 965, designated as a landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Municipal Code or the subject of a Preservation Easement granted to the Cambridge Historical Commission) shall be exempted from the provisions of Article Sections 5.33.2 and 5.43. All other new construction within the Overlay District, however, shall be subject to these sections.

2. For the Mt Vernon Lots located westerly of Massachusetts Avenue, the maximum height shall be limited to 45 forty (40) feet and shall be measured from grade as provided for in Paragraph 1 above. The 35 foot transition height limit required in Sections 5.33.2 and 5.43 shall continue to apply.

20.203.4 Setbacks (Yards)

1. Setbacks, except as otherwise provided in Section 20.203.4 (2) below, shall be the same as required in the base zoning district (Business C) for all new construction provided, however, that historic structures (as defined above) shall not be subject to the yard requirements of Article Sections 5.41 and 5.42, including if all or a portion of such structures is relocated on the same lot in the Overlay District.

2. Church Lot Side Yard Setback. There shall be a required setback of twenty (20) feet from the side lot line of the Church Lot perpendicular to Roseland Street. In granting a special permit for development on the Church Lot the Planning Board shall pay particular attention to the design details of the building wall facing this lot line and the landscape treatment of the yard provided, as required in Section 20.203.7 (9) below. In general building walls should not remain uninterrupted for more than thirty (30) feet, with changes in the plane of building wall of up to four (4) feet encouraged.

20.203.5 Parking and Loading

Parking and loading requirements for any institutional use contained in the Overlay District may be waived by the granting of a Special Permit from the Planning Board except that any new Gross Floor Area in a building authorized by Special Permit in the Lesley Porter Overlay District that results in the elimination of existing parking spaces on the lots located westerly of Massachusetts Avenue or in the surface parking lot along Roseland Street on the University Hall Lot shall not be permitted unless replacement parking is provided.

Above ground parking structures shall not be permitted in the Overlay District with the possible exception of except that for the area on the University Hall Lot bordered by Roseland Street, the MBTA railroad right of way, and a line parallel to and 250 feet easterly of the easterly street line of Massachusetts Avenue, but only an above ground parking structure may be permitted by special permit from the Planning Board after a determination by the Planning Board that the parking structure will be architecturally and visually well integrated within the overall development. In order to make such a determination the Planning Board must find the following:

1. The parking structure shall contain a principal use other than parking.

2. Portions of the structure containing parking that can be viewed from a public way shall be architecturally treated so as to not appear to be a parking facility.

3. The portion of the structure where parking is located does not have an adverse effect on the architectural character of the proposed building.

4. Portions of the parking structure are located below grade where feasible.

20.203.6 Open Space Requirements

The following Open Space requirements shall apply to those lots or portions of lots located easterly of Massachusetts Avenue. The required Open Space may be any combination of Green Area, Permeable, Public, Private or Publicly Beneficial Open Space.

1. For the Church Lot in the Business C District located south of Roseland Street there shall be a minimum ratio of Usable Open Space to Lot Area of ten (10) percent. For purposes of calculating Usable Open Space under this provision the following requirements shall apply:

a. Usable Open Space shall be located along the Massachusetts Avenue frontage and have a depth of at least twenty (20) feet and shall have a minimum area of 3,000 contiguous square feet;

b. Area that is covered by a portion of a building but is open on three (3) sides with a height of at least twelve (12) feet may be included;

c. Area that is ten (10) feet or more in any direction may be included.

2. For that portion of the University Hall Lot bordered by Roseland Street, the MBTA railroad right of way, and a line parallel to and 250 feet easterly of the easterly street line of Massachusetts Avenue there shall be a minimum ratio of Usable Open Space of twenty (20) percent and contain a minimum of 5,000 contiguous square feet of Usable Open Space. While a minimum of 20 % of the identified portion of the University Hall Lot is required to be Open Space, a goal of 25% Open Space is encouraged.

20.203.6.1 Special Church Lot and University Hall Lot Provisions

Where a special permit is required for any development on the Church Lot under the provisions of the Lesley Porter Overlay District, the applicant shall be required to submit as part of that application a plan for providing a portion of the Open Space required in Section 20.203.6 (2) above on the University Hall Lot, including an improved landscape edge along Roseland Street and improved pedestrian connections throughout the lot.

The plan as approved by the Planning Board shall be implemented simultaneously with the construction authorized by the special permit for the development on the Church Lot.

20.203.7 Special Permit Criteria

In granting a Special Permit under this Section 20.200, in addition to the other criteria specified in Section 10.40, the Planning Board shall take into consideration the following and make appropriate findings related thereto:

1. Contribute to the vitality of Porter Square by concentrating academic activities that will provide publicly accessible uses including arts libraries, galleries and a wide range of activities and classes and that will have positive spillover effects on the retail environment of the Square.

2. Contribute to Porter Square's vitality, identity and sense of place by removing existing on-grade parking lots and constructing new structures that spatially define and enrich Massachusetts Avenue and incorporate active ground floor uses and buffering them from the activity and noise along Massachusetts Avenue.

3. Minimize adverse impacts on abutting low-density housing by appropriately designing and programming new structures' location on the lot, massing, scale, use and operations.

4. Preserve, reuse and highlight historic structures as integral, publicly accessible parts of the overlay district.

5. Provide retail activity that serves local residents' and Lesley community needs, strengthens the corridor's existing retail base and provides a more dynamic, mixed-use image.

6. Minimize vehicular traffic and demand for on street parking in the residential neighborhood by concentrating activity near the T station, maximizing a mix of uses that reinforce each other, and enhance the pedestrian environment.

7. The Usable Open Space along the easterly side of Massachusetts Avenue south of Roseland Street, described in Section 20.203.6.1, should be inviting and provide places for rest and gathering with an appropriate public art focus.

8. The Usable Open Space along Roseland Street described in Section 20.203.6.2 should reflect an "urban campus" character, which would include an entry forecourt along the axis of neighboring Frost Street. There shall also be a well-defined walkway through this area that provides pedestrian connections from Roseland Street to Massachusetts Avenue.

9. Where proposed construction abuts existing residential development, special attention should be paid to proposed setbacks, location of open space features, and building design to ensure reasonable compatibility between the scale and extent of new construction and the scale and character of the existing pattern of residential development. Use of variable height and variable setback planes, reduction in the length of continuous building walls, amount of landscaping, etc. should be employed to achieve these objectives.

The Board shall consider the impact of the development on residential neighbors as it may affect privacy. Location and size of windows, screening elements, decks, entries and other aspect of the design shall be reviewed to maintain reasonable levels of privacy for abutters. The Board shall also consider the nature of the uses contained in the buildings constructed.

10. Inclusion of physical improvements to the public right of way along Massachusetts Avenue that enhance its quality as a pedestrian environment, retail shopping district and place for meeting and congregating for neighborhood residents and visitors.

11. The adequacy of the proposed construction mitigation plan, as set forth in Section 18.20 of the Zoning Ordinance.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
08-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what process is being followed to develop programs for the new West Cambridge Community Center.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Murphy, Councillor Reeves, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 03/17/08 (O-15)

08-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on changes to the intersection of River Street and Mass Avenue to allow more pedestrian crossing time before vehicles are allowed to turn.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 04/28/08 (O-15)

08-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how local construction lighting could be limited to the minimum necessary for safety.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/02/08 (O-2)

08-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with Boston to create a policy to keep truck traffic to a minimum within the City.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 07/28/08 (O-25)

08-105. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using the parcel on Binney and Fulkerson Streets for a dedicated dog park.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Murphy & Mayor Simmons 07/28/08 (O-40)

08-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on appointing a public housing or Section 8 tenant to fill the existing vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/08/08 (O-2)

08-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of establishing a Walden Street Cattle Pass observation point.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/15/08 (O-1)

08-158. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible funding to deal with hoarding and to preserve housing.
Councillor Davis 12/22/08 (O-8)

09-11. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the removal of the Homeland Security Surveillance cameras and infrastructure and who is responsible for the removal.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 02/09/09 (O-7)

09-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on survey of surrounding cities and towns on the hours of operation of their libraries and a survey of patrons as to their needs and desires with respect to library hours.
Councillor Davis 03/09/09 (O-14)

09-22. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to implement the recommendations made in A Look at Women in Cambridge Now.
Mayor Simmons and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-7)

09-23. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of doubling the number of solar panels to be installed on the high school using stimulus funds.
Councillor Davis, Vice Mayor Seidel and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-8)

09-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on potential amendments to the zoning ordinance to bring city lighting more in line with dark sky principles and address problems of enforcement of existing regulations.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 03/23/09 (O-16)

09-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of the Healthy Parks and Playground Initiative Task Force.
Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-2)

09-39. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what economic stimulus funds are available to the City.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher & Mayor Simmons 04/27/09 (O-9)

09-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on planting trees in parking lot #8 and surveying all city parking lots and library branches with a plan for tree maintenance.
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-2)

09-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing changing tables in both the men’s and women’s bathrooms in all city-owned buildings.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 05/11/09 (O-7)

09-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the warranty on city street trees.
Councillor Davis 05/11/09 (O-25)

09-54. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on Black MSM issues in Cambridge.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 05/18/09 (O-12)

09-55. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the problem of lice and on preventative measures to combat such infestation from occurring.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 06/01/09 (O-1)

09-56. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on analyzing the current development patterns in the Residence C-1 area.
Councillor Maher, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-2)

09-59. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing signage in crosswalks at intersections on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor Seidel, Mayor Simmons & Councillor Ward 06/01/09 (O-11)

09-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to reduce speed on Magazine Street.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-1)

09-62. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on keeping the Magazine Beach pool opened.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-2)

09-64. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #2
RE: report on nature and purpose of multi-unit building inspections.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-6)

09-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on clarification of the policy on posting "no parking" signs.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/08/09 (O-7)

09-66. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on efforts to prohibit smoking in parks.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Davis, Councillor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Ward 06/08/09 (O-8)

09-67. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential use by City departments and staff of social networking programs such as Twitter and Facebook.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-1)

09-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a review of the parking conditions on Massachusetts Avenue north of Porter Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Reeves & Vice Mayor Seidel 06/15/09 (O-2)

09-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current status of the City's 5-year plan for road and sidewalk work.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-3)

09-70. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the effectiveness of the traffic-calming program including any potential problems.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-4)

09-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining if there was any improper asbestos removal at the Just-A-Start property at 1066 Cambridge Street.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-5)

09-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether city streetlights are configured to prevent "disability glare."
Councillor Davis and Full Membership 06/15/09 (O-11)