Cambridge City Council meeting - September 15, 2025

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2026. (CM25#224) [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Taha Jennings, Nolan, Zusy
VOTE 1: Fiscal Year 2026 Local Funds ($19,700,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 2: Fiscal Year 2025 State Matching Funds [received in FY2026] ($2,800,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 3: CPA Fund Balance - Administration ($15,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 4: Historic Preservation Reserve ($113,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 5: Open Space Reserve ($331,000) voted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-50, regarding a Deadline for Charter Change. (CM25#225)
pulled by Simmons; Megan Bayer notes that House and Senate approved, sent to Governor to sign, Election Commission preparing guides, ballot; Yi-An Huang thanks Sal DiDomenico, Marjorie Decker, now just waiting for Governor’s signature; Tanya Ford provided updates; comments by Simmons, Nolan, Megan Bayer (not the full text on the ballot or the guide - just the summary), Wilson, Siddiqui, Zusy, Simmons (special thank you to Tanya Ford); Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Cambridge Election Commission regarding the assignment of twenty-six (26) police officers and any additional officers as required to the City’s polling locations for the 2025 Municipal Election, pursuant to G.L. c. 54, §72. (CM25#226)

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an FY26 State 911 Department Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Grant in the amount of $28,512 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Other Ordinary Maintenance Account, which will support quality assurance (call review) of the emergency medical protocol used by staff to provide pre- and post-dispatch instructions for medical emergencies. (CM25#227)

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-45, regarding the siting of needle drop boxes and Naloxone boxes in high priority locations throughout the city. (CM25#228) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Kathy Watkins, Cynthia Brown (Dir. of Community Engagement, Community Health Dept.), Zusy, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Wilson (w/M6 and questions re: Needle Exchange), Ellen Semonoff, Nolan, Sam Lipson; Placed on File 9-0

6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a transfer in the amount of $1,703,731.64 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Special Revenue Fund. (CM25#229)
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 25-38, 25-39 and 25-41, regarding issues related to parking in the area surrounding the eastern end of Broadway. (CM25#230) [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna (evasive re: parking for employees at 344 Broadway), Wilson (notes large number of School and City staff who park on Broadway), Siddiqui, Toner, Nolan, Stephanie Groh; Placed on File 9-0

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-27, regarding 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. (CM25#231) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Stephanie Groh, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-42 regarding pedestrianization of Lower Bow Street. (CM25#232) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan (wants auto-bollards), Kathy Watkins; Placed on File 9-0

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-32, regarding a request that the City engage in discussions with leadership from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) regarding a proposal to explore the feasibility of repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square into a commercial or cultural space. (CM25#233) [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons (disappointed), Zusy, Azeem; Charter Right - Azeem

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. (CM25#234) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Zoning Petition referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy - No)

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition. (CM25#235) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Zoning Petition referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy - No)

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-43, regarding a request for an interim report on demolition and building permit applications received during the six-month period following the City Council’s adoption of the Multifamily Housing Zoning Amendment on February 10th, 2025. (CM25#236) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (17 demolition petitions filed, 7 issued since MFZ passed); Jeff Roberts (CDD) says 46 applications submitted and of these 13 issued to date, 13 for residential demolitions and 7 issued; McGovern desperately trying to put a positive spin on this; Nolan; Melissa Peters (CDD); Jacob Lazzara (ISD); Zusy (notes that some developers may be waiting pending possible changes in Inclusionary rate); Azeem says we’re not going to lower the Inclusionary requirement; Toner; Placed on File 9-0

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update to the City Council at the September 29, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the status of discussions with the MBTA and HSBA, the potential allocation of funds for the tunnel feasibility RFP, and any anticipated next steps in this process. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner (PO25#125)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to review current crisis prevention protocols, strengthen them by clearly defining the role and deployment of mental health professionals. Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (PO25#126)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship, the City Solicitor, the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate and implement ICE Encounter Guidance. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#127)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide an update on rodent control measures citywide and especially how the City addresses rodent mitigation through large construction projects, both public and private. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (PO25#128)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Wilson (add as sponsor); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the timely release of body-worn camera footage. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui (PO25#129)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Azeem, Nolan, McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to ensure that, effective immediately (and for each fiscal year in which the Office for Tourism continues to receive TDMD funding) that the City shall redirect its municipal funding to distribute those funds equally among the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), the East Cambridge Business Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the Kendall Square Association. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 8, 2025] (PO25#117)
Comments by Toner (w/Comm #1); Comments by Simmons, Wilson; Referred to Econ. Development & University Relations Committee 9-0

O-4 Sept 8, 2025 Charter Right - Toner
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has funded the Cambridge Office for Tourism for nearly three decades, with total funding exceeding $10 million; and
WHEREAS: The Office for Tourism is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(6) organization; and
WHEREAS: Other Cambridge-based 501(c)(6) organizations — including the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), the East Cambridge Business Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the Kendall Square Association — play similarly important roles in promoting commercial vitality and economic development; and
WHEREAS: The Office for Tourism is now receiving more than $1.5 million annually through the Tourist Destination Marketing District (TDMD) fund; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Post-Pandemic Commercial Study Report affirms the significant role that local business associations play in supporting the City’s economic recovery and long-term financial health; and
WHEREAS: Despite their proven value, the City provides comparatively limited financial support to these business associations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to ensure that, effective immediately (and for each fiscal year in which the Office for Tourism continues to receive TDMD funding) that the City shall redirect its municipal funding to distribute those funds equally among the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), the East Cambridge Business Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the Kendall Square Association; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

ON THE TABLE
2. 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)

3. 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)

4. That the City Council go on record thanking SEIU 32BJ for their vigilance, partnership and advocacy on behalf of unionized workers. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 16, 2025; Tabled – June 23, 2025]

5. That the City Council go on record expressing its profound disappointment over Apex Clean Energy’s decision to forgo the use of local union labor on the Bowman Wind Project. [Tabled as Amended June 23, 2025] (PO25#94)
Removed from Table by Simmons for amendment by substitution (Toner amendments); comments by Nolan, Zusy

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Harvard Art Museums requesting permission for 22 temporary pole banners around Cambridge Commons, Quincy Street and Cambridge Street announcing the Master brand Campaign from September 15, 2025 through January 15, 2026. (AP25#36)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Candice Beaulieu, re: CIVITAS- TDMD FAQ Sept 2025.
pulled by Councillor Toner; Referred to Econ. Development & University Relations Committee 9-0

3. Carlos Loya, re: [urgent] Please help open - Elizabeth’s Daycare and Preschool Center in Cambridge.

5. Gerald Bergman, re: Axe wielding incident on August 10…hate crime charges brought!

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Steve McAuliffe who will be honored as the Massachusetts Red Sox Volunteer of the Year on Saturday, September 27, 2025 for his outstanding volunteer service with the Cambridge Girls Softball League. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern

3. That the City Council go on record recognizing and commending Priyota for her leadership in creating the Mother Language Poetry Contest, her ongoing advocacy for language preservation, and her contributions to celebrating the diversity and cultural richness of Cambridge. Councillor Siddiqui

5. Congratulations to Cambridge Day and Michael Fitzgerald. Councillor Nolan
comments by Nolan, Zusy

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF25#120)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a report on the Cambridge Zero Emission Transportation Plan. (COF25#121) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan for comments; Tabled 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Tues, Sept 16
2:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems.

Thurs, Sept 25
10:00am The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss whether we should reinstate something similar to the exemption of the Dover Amendment to regulate the density and impact of institutional development within residential districts. Our 1979 & 1980 exemption was eliminated February 10, 2025 with the passage of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance.

Tues, Sept 30
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on PO24#33, regarding a request to amend Cambridge Code of Ordinance 6.08.10 (“Regulation of vicious dogs”) to bring into compliance with State law; and to create a “Kennel License” that complies with MGL Section 137A.

Tues, Oct 7
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 with the intent to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.”

Wed, Oct 8
2:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity and Development Division, to provide an update on the city’s efforts to support small businesses and commercial districts in Cambridge.

Mon, Oct 27
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the launch of the update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and hear a status report on the current plan including any adjustments that have been or might be made before any update.
5:30pm City Council Meeting

Wed, Oct 29
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss energy planning in Cambridge including expanding electricity capacity, expanding renewable energy productions, BEUDO energy requirements, and thermal energy network planning and any other topics relevant to the city’s overall planning for ensuring city goals of electrification may be met.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 15, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Harvard Square remains one of the most iconic and economically vital commercial districts in Cambridge, and sustained efforts to ensure its vibrancy and long-term success are of paramount importance to the broader health of the City; and
WHEREAS: On May 19, 2025, the City Council passed a policy order urging the City Manager to engage with the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) and the MBTA to discuss the HSBA’s proposal to explore the feasibility of reactivating the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square for future commercial or cultural use; and
WHEREAS: That order specifically requested that the City Manager consider the use of $72,000 from the $300,000 budgeted for a pedestrianization study of Harvard Square to support the drafting and release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an engineering feasibility study of the tunnel space; and
WHEREAS: It has now been approximately four months since the passage of that order, and the City Council is eager to understand what progress has been made toward engaging stakeholders, identifying potential funding sources, and advancing this proposal toward implementation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council at the September 29, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the status of discussions with the MBTA and HSBA, the potential allocation of funds for the tunnel feasibility RFP, and any anticipated next steps in this process.

O-3 Sept 15, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, after the close of regular business hours, the Mayor’s Office received an urgent call involving a Cambridge Rindge and Latin School student and their family, who were in the midst of an immigration-related emergency following escalating interactions with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents; and
WHEREAS: The call came at a time when all City departments and most legal and social service organizations were closed for the day, significantly complicating efforts to obtain timely, coordinated support for a family in crisis; and
WHEREAS: Despite these constraints, the Mayor and staff worked into the evening to verify facts, locate an interpreter, and make initial contact with the family and with legal resources — ultimately discovering that both parents were wearing ICE-issued ankle monitors, had their visas confiscated, and were facing imminent risk of detention and deportation, all without access to clear guidance or rights-based information; and
WHEREAS: This incident exposed serious after-hours operational gaps in the City’s emergency response infrastructure with regard to immigration enforcement cases, including the absence of:

• A clear and designated protocol for triaging and escalating ICE-related emergencies outside of normal business hours;

• Immediate access to multilingual interpreter support during evenings or weekends;

• A centralized directory of legal and community-based organizations with afterhours availability;

• Trauma-informed strategies and legal guidance for interacting with families under federal surveillance, particularly those who may be facing imminent detention; and

WHEREAS: Immigration enforcement actions are unpredictable and often occur outside traditional working hours, and it is therefore critical that the City be prepared to respond with structure, speed, competence, and compassion whenever these cases arise; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship, the City Solicitor, the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate and implement the following recommendations:

• Create a Designated 24-Hour Immigration Emergency Hotline for City staff, staffed by trained professionals or contracted experts who can walk City staff through appropriate legal, communications, and support protocols;

• Develop a Vetted Interpreter Network, including after-hours and weekend availability, prioritizing high-demand languages including but not limited to Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, and Amharic;

• Assemble a Centralized Legal and Community Response Directory of immigration attorneys, advocacy groups, and mutual aid networks prepared to assist in after-hours detention or deportation risk cases;

• Establish Internal Protocols for Handling ICE-Related Incidents, outlining who to notify, how to document interactions, how to communicate with affected families, and how to ensure next-day follow-up;

• Designate an On-Call City Liaison to serve as a centralized point of contact and coordination during after-hours emergencies; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than Monday, October 13, 2025.

O-4 Sept 15, 2025 amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: In previous years, the City Council has asked City staff for periodic updates on rodent control measures including PO22#68, PO22#184, and PO23#154, and City staff have been responsive on updating the Council and the community regularly, including with CM22#102, CM22#226, CM23#296, and CM24#258 and dedicated City staff from ISD and DPW have been readily available to meet with residents and investigate rodent issues throughout the city along with providing accessible resources; and
WHEREAS: Reducing access to food waste is the most important action that can be taken to combat rodent populations, and after several years of work by the Department of Public Works and in consultation with the Health and Environment Committee, the City Council adopted the updated Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP 2.0) in June 2025 which will over time improve food waste diversion for residents, restaurants, and commercial buildings, which will dramatically reduce food access for rodents; and
WHEREAS: Additionally, as part of an ongoing initiative DPW will be installing 200 new fully enclosed BigBelly bins to combat rodent activity and prevent litter, and these new bins, which include both trash and recycling stations, will replace almost all of the open-top trash cans currently in the city and will be a great benefit in reducing access for rodents, compacting trash, and allowing DPW to optimize waste pick-ups; and
WHEREAS: Soil and landscape disruptions due to construction and demolition can have a large effect on how residents experience rodent activity throughout the city, and reports of rat population exploding across the city, in every area, and with large construction projects ongoing, having a mitigation plan will be important in dealing with increased rodent activity in the area; and
WHEREAS: In CMA 2022 #102, then DPW Commissioner Owen O’Riordan suggested that DPW would like to propose changes in the Refuse and Litter Ordinance of 1991, which are especially relevant now since the ZWMP 2.0 update and ongoing rodent control initiatives; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to provide an update on rodent control measures citywide and especially how the City addresses rodent mitigation through large construction projects, both public and private; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to provide recommendations to update the Refuse and Litter Ordinance at the time of other upcoming ZWMP recommended related ordinance updates; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-5 Sept 15, 2025
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department has now deployed body-worn cameras for all officers, ensuring an important tool for transparency and accountability; and
WHEREAS: While there are legitimate sensitivities around ongoing investigations, the City has a strong interest in promoting public trust by releasing body-worn camera footage in a timely and consistent manner; and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities have adopted clear timelines for releasing body camera footage, and Cambridge should consider establishing a policy that such footage be released within 30 days of an incident or at minimum that the Council and community hold a discussion thereof; and
WHEREAS: There is no legal barrier preventing the City from releasing body camera footage to the public once appropriate privacy protections are considered; and
WHEREAS: In a recent incident, Cambridge Police officers deployed a pepper ball into a private apartment and body camera footage has not yet been released, raising community concern and underscoring the urgent need for timely public access to footage; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the timely release of body-worn camera footage, including consideration of release within 30 days of an incident, and to report back to the City Council on this matter.

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

25-5. 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

25-20. 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

25-27. 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. See Mgr #8
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-3) 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

25-32. 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. See Mgr #10
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

25-38. 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. See Mgr #7
Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler from 6/16/2025

25-39. 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. See Mgr #7
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem from 6/16/2025

25-40. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor, in consultation with relevant City departments and the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, to draft amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance that allow for the use of funds for capital expenses, provided that such expenses clearly advance the goals of the Community Benefits program.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/23/2025

25-41. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore creative solutions that reduce car dependency, while expanding access to parking options nearby Broadway. See Mgr #7
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 6/30/2025

25-42. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to continue to work with stakeholders in the area including Harvard University and the Harvard Square Business Association to pursue options for pedestrianization on Lower Bow Street and to report on the option for automatic bollards for Winthrop and/or Bow Street. See Mgr #9
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-3) from 6/30/2025

25-43. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare an interim report on demolition requests and building permit applications, in order to facilitate a discussion on the outcomes observed during the first six months of the new Multifamily Housing Zoning. See Mgr #13
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 6/30/2025

25-44. The City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Finance Department, to conduct a comprehensive review of current permitting fees for residential development projects, with a focus on identifying opportunities to create a tiered fee structure that reduces or eliminates fees entirely particularly for smaller-scale and affordable housing developments.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 8/4/2025

25-45. The City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant City departments to develop a plan to install needle drop boxes in identified problem areas throughout the city. See Mgr #5
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (O-5) from 8/4/2025

25-46. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Community Safety Department, the Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant parties to ensure that the overnight use of the garden area between St. James Episcopal Church and the Beech Street condos is actively monitored.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner from 9/8/2025

25-47. the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Transportation, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and any other relevant City departments to assess the current accessible parking capacity in the vicinity of Kendall Square and identify potential solutions, which may include adding dedicated accessible parking spaces, creating short-term accessible loading/unloading zones, or implementing other reasonable accommodations.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern from 9/8/2025

25-48. The City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments, including the City Solicitor’s Office, to establish a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson from 9/8/2025

25-49. the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the City Assessor, and all other relevant departments to develop a comprehensive policy for future private development projects in the city.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy from 9/8/2025

25-50. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission, the City Solicitor, and the City Clerk, and report back to the City Council no later than the September 15, 2025 City Council meeting on the Policy Order regarding the deadline for Charter Change. See Mgr #2
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner from 9/8/2025

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

25-52. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and multi-member bodies to report back to the City Council and inform the community of the work of, and when the recommendations coming from the Micromobility Commission will be available.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy from 9/8/2025

25-53. The City Manager is requested to consult with relevant departments about the implications of deploying license plate readers and provide recommendations as to whether adjustments in plans for deployment should be made in light of changes since approval in February.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler from 9/8/2025