RECONSIDERATION LIST
1. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way. (PO23#159)
Motion to Reconsider Adopted 9-0; Simmons explains about unintended consequences of Order as written. Toner conveys remarks from Police Commissioner Christine Elow regarding preparation to critical incidents. Zondervan says this is just a resolution that conveys our feelings about it (actually, it's a policy order). McGovern engages in doublespeak, notes that his son lives in Atlanta and has participated in protests there, sees no reason why CPD would ever send anyone there. McGovern doesn't appear to understand that there are different kinds of training, and what Cambridge provides is not the same as what another jurisdiction might provide. Mallon says she was comfortable with original language and also says “this is just a resolution and not a policy order” but it is a policy order. She will not support any amendments. Nolan says we should only utilize facilities “that support our standards”. McGovern wants to add language to call out other facilities other than Atlanta. Carlone expresses confusion and lack of expertise to comment on it, and will vote Present. Siddiqui fine with original. Simmons Amendment Approved 5-4 (DC,MM,PN,DS-Yes; BA,AM,QZ,SS-No). Main motion Approved 6-1-0-2 (BA,AM,MM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; PT-No; DC,DS-Present)

O-11     Sept 11, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the City of Atlanta, with support of the Atlanta Police Foundation and private investors, has approved the construction of an Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed “Cop City”, on approximately 85 acres of deforested land in the Weelaunee Forest; and
WHEREAS: If built, the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center would be the largest police training facility in the US nearby a predominantly Black residential town just outside of Atlanta. The Center would hold shooting ranges, a helicopter pad, and a “tactical village” meant to mimic an Atlanta neighborhood. It would enhance the militarization of not just the Atlanta Police Department, but any municipal, state or federal agency invited to train there. The military-inspired style of training will assuredly make Black, disabled, poor, and other marginalized communities more vulnerable to the violence of over policing; and
WHEREAS: In May, 2009 the Cambridge City Council declared a climate emergency and we understand that the climate crisis is borderless. According to the Georgia Forestry Commission, Atlanta forests remove about 19 million pounds of air pollutants each year and the Weelaunee (South River) Forest is one of the last unspoiled forested areas in the metro Atlanta area; and
WHEREAS: The area that the Center is planned to be placed on was stolen from the Muskogee Creek Nation by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, it had been used for Indigenous burial and ceremonial sites. The land then housed a prison farm where many Black people were incarcerated and enslaved for accusations of violating Jim Crow laws. Building the Center would disturb this important land once again and “continue its long history of racism”; and
WHEREAS: Atlanta Police murdered Manuel “Tortuguita” Terán by shooting them 57 times during a multi-agency raid of the Weelaunee Forest (also known as the South River Forest). Autopsy reports show that Tortuguita had their hands raised when they were killed and there is no evidence that they were armed. Embedded in a long tradition of environmental activism, Tortuguita among many others was camping in the Weelaunee forest in order to prevent deforestation and construction. They were murdered over 4 months before the Atlanta City Council had even approved public funds for the Center; and
WHEREAS: In a survey written by lender Cadence Bank, the Atlanta Police Foundation’s Program Manager answered that 43% of recruited trainees at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center would be from out-of-state; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department should not be trained by or alongside a policing system that violates constitutional and human rights; and
WHEREAS: Chicago, Baltimore, Tennessee, and Houston have already built or proposed “tactical villages” similar to the Center, indicating a growing and deeply concerning militarization of municipal police departments nation-wide; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way [deletion proposed by Simmons]; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record strongly condemning the destruction of the Weelaunee Forest and the building and implementation of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center as a gross violation of human rights; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in urging Representatives Katherine Clark and Ayanna Pressley and Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to publicly condemn the destruction of the Weelaunee Forest and the building and implementation of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Atlanta City Council and Mayor Andre Dickens, and the offices of Senators Markey and Warren, and Representatives Clark and Pressley.

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Lauren Reznick as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years. (CM23#239)
pulled by Simmons; Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0

Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby recommending the appointment of Lauren Reznick, effective Sept 18, 2023, to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for a five-year term to begin immediately. Ms. Reznick fills a vacancy left on the CRA by long-term CRA member and former City Clerk, Margaret Drury.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications on the city website from March 5, 2023, through April 3, 2023. Extensive outreach was done through the City’s traditional outreach channels such as the Daily Update email. More outreach efforts were made by the CRA through their website, listserv and social media channels. A total of 20 applications were received. Applications were shared with the City’s Director of Equity and Inclusion. Representatives from the CRA and City Manager’s office reviewed applications to narrow the list down to four candidates for interviews. Those four candidates with interview by the current CRA Chair, Kathy Born and myself.

Amongst an applicant pool with many compelling candidates, Ms. Reznick stood out because of her passion for the City of Cambridge and its future as an inclusive and vibrant community and her subject matter expertise in real estate law. It is clear that she will be committed to listening to and engaging with fellow residents to inform the work of the CRA with a community-based perspective toward development.

Ms. Reznick is a resident of Central Square and for the past 15 years has practiced as an attorney in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. She brings diverse legal experience working in private practice and the public court system. Ms. Reznick currently works for the Land Court in Boston and will bring to the CRA a valuable legal perspective on issues pertaining to real estate and land use that are central to its activities as a real estate entity working in the public interest.

I am confident Ms. Reznick will both contribute her own expertise and invite the perspective of other Cambridge residents to the important issues before the CRA including the development of affordable housing, stewardship of accessible commercial space, enhancement of public open space, and investments in vital community infrastructure.

Therefore, in accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, I am submitting Ms. Reznick’s name for City Council confirmation as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. I appreciate Ms. Reznick’s willingness to serve and look forward to her contributions to the CRA and the Cambridge Community.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Agenda Item No. 1     Sept 18, 2023
ORDERED: That in accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, that the recommendation of City Manager Yi-An Huang on the appointment Ms. Reznick’s as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of 5-years be approved.

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2024. (CM23#240) [Manager’s message] [Message from Taha Jennings, Chair of Community Preservation Act Committee] [FY24 Project Recommendations]
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Nolan re: cost for parks; remarks by Mallon re: cost of 2 BR apartment; all votes Adopted 9-0; Vote to not suspend rules for reconsideration (which is not the same as “moving Reconsideration hoping the same will not prevail”)

Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Listed below are the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2024. For additional information, please see attachments from the CPA Committee Chair, Taha Jennings, dated Sept 8, 2023.

The CPA process included a virtual public hearings held on June 26, 2023 to solicit proposals and ideas on CPA projects for FY2024 and July 28, 2023 to solicit recommendations on the percentage of CPA funds allocated to each funding category (Affordable Housing, Historic Preservation, and Open Space). The CPAC also received online submissions and emailed comments regarding potential CPA projects and the allocation percentages. The CPAC, on Sept 7, 2023, voted unanimously for an allocation of 80% for Affordable Housing, 10% for Historic Preservation projects and 10% for Open Space projects.

In accordance with the CPAC’s recommendations, I am requesting that the City Council appropriate a total of $20,610,000 in CPA funds raised by the City’s FY2024 CPA surcharge, the FY2023 state match funds received in FY2024 and a portion of the existing CPA Fund Balance.

For this appropriation, it is estimated that the net local receipts from the CPA surcharge for FY2024 will total $13,000,000, added to an anticipated FY2023 state match of $3,000,000 and an additional $4,600,000 from CPA Fund Balance. Additionally, $10,000 from CPA Fund Balance will go to the City’s annual membership in the Community Preservation Coalition.

On Sept 7, 2023 the CPAC made recommendations for allocation of these FY2024 funds. The CPAC recommended to the City Council, through the City Manager, that the CPA funds be allocated and appropriated as follows:

VOTE 1: Fiscal Year 2024 Local Funds ($13,000,000)

Vote 1A
80% of FY2024 CPA Local Fund revenues ($10,400,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
Adopted 9-0

Vote 1B
10% of FY2024 CPA Local Fund revenues ($1,300,000) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:

1. $500,000 appropriated to 1627 Massachusetts Ave. restoration
Adopted 9-0

2. $700,000 appropriated to Historic Preservation Grants
Adopted 9-0

3. $100,000 appropriated to Preservation Projects Administrator
Adopted 9-0

Vote 1C
10% of FY2024 CPA Local Fund revenues ($1,300,000) allocated to Open Space as follows:

1. $1,300,000 appropriated to Gold Star Mothers (Gore St) Park Paved Area Renovation
Adopted 9-0

VOTE 2: Fiscal Year 2023 State Funds [received in FY2024] ($3,000,000)

Vote 2A
80% of FY2023 State Match revenues ($2,400,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
Adopted 9-0

Vote 2B
10% of FY2023 State Match revenues ($300,000) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:

1. $200,000 appropriated to Legislative Records Preservation Processing
Adopted 9-0

2. $100,000 appropriated to Stony Brook Gatehouse Masonry Restoration
Adopted 9-0

Vote 2C

10% of FY2023 State Match revenues ($300,000) allocated to Open Space as follows:

1. $300,000 appropriated to the Rafferty Park Partial Construction
Adopted 9-0

VOTE 3: CPA Fund Balance ($4,600,000)

Vote 3A
80% of the Fund Balance (3,680,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust
Adopted 9-0

Vote 3B
10% of the Fund Balance ($460,000) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:

1. $12,000 appropriated to 22-CityView Record Material preservation processing
Adopted 9-0

2. $194,000 appropriated to Fresh Pond Clubhouse Windows
Adopted 9-0

3. $20,000 appropriated to Sennott Park Historic Marker
Adopted 9-0

4. $150,000 appropriated to Stony Brook Gatehouse Masonry Restoration
Adopted 9-0

5. $84,000 appropriated to Library special collections preservation processing, including newspapers, assessor’s records, and the reference collection
Adopted 9-0

Vote 3C

10% of the Fund Balance ($460,000) allocated to Open Space as follows:

1. $460,000 appropriated to the Rafferty Park Partial Construction
Adopted 9-0

VOTE 4: CPA Fund Balance - Administration ($10,000)

Vote 4A
1. $10,000 appropriated to Administrative Costs for Community Preservation Coalition membership dues
Adopted 9-0

TABLE 1. Summary of FY2023 Recommended Appropriations by Expenditure Type

Affordable Housing	$16,480,000
Historic Preservation
22-CityView Recorded Media Preservation Processing	$12,000
1627 Mass Ave Restoration	$500,000
Fresh Pond Clubhouse Windows	$194,000
Legislative Records Preservation	$200,000
Preservation Grants	$700,000
Preservation Projects Administrator	$100,000
Sennott Park Marker	$20,000
Stony Brook Gatehouse Masonry Restoration	$250,000
Library - Newspaper, Assessor’s Records, Reference	$84,000
Subtotal (Historic Preservation)	$2,060,000
Open Space
Gold Star Mothers (Gore St) Park Paved Area Renovation	$1,300,000
Rafferty Park Partial Construction	$760,000
Subtotal (Open Space)	$2,060,000
Administration/ Community Preservation Coalition	$10,000
Grand Total	$20,610,000

TABLE 2. Summary of Recommended Appropriations by Funding

	FY2024 Local Funds	FY2023 State Funds	CPA Fund Balance	FY2024 Total
Affordable Housing Trust	$10,400,000	$2,400,000	$3,680,000	$16,480,000
Historic Preservation Projects	$1,300,000	$300,000	$460,000	$2,060,000
Open Space Projects	$1,300,000	$300,000	$460,000	$2,060,000
Admin./Community Preservation Coalition Membership Dues			$10,000	$10,000
Total	$13,000,000	$3,000,000	$4,610,000	$20,610,000

I request the appropriation of funds recommended by the CPAC.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department Update. (CM23#242)
pulled by Zondervan who asks about HEART; Liz Speakman responds; Zondervan continues pressure about contract with HEART and is informed that there is not yet a contract (so much for separation of roles of City Council and Executive; McGovern chimes in about “the community” and wait for contract, wants to know when department will be up and running; Speakman says they are aiming for March 2024 and need to build trust and credibility (good luck); Speakman notes plan to have response to 911 calls; Mallon is “excited” and notes that she was able to meet the team of respondents, asks where policy of “mandatory reporting” stands; McGovern elaborates on questions surrounding the filing of reports and possible consequences; Zondervan harps on role of HEART and that “they are up and running” and that they have submitted a proposal; Speakman says there was a meeting but no proposal or scope of services was ever submitted; Zondervan wants more info on HEART and how they will fit in; Placed on File 9-0

Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please see attached Fall Update from the Director of Community Safety, Liz Speakman.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City Manager’s Fall Update. (CM23#243)
pulled by Nolan to say “kudos to the team”; Carlone concurs; Zondervan expresses appreciation and notes Budget discussion more collaborative, desire to include more residents, wants more promo on “green jobs”; Nolan would like more on municipal broadband (not in report); Huang says more on municipal broadband coming as well as capital planning; Siddiqui notes UPK, Rise-Up. Placed on File 9-0

Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please see attached an update highlighting some of the major areas of work over the last six months.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Introduction

I can hardly believe it’s been a year since my first day! I’m incredibly grateful to the Mayor, Vice Mayor, City Councilors, City leaders and staff, and so many in the community who I’ve gotten to work with over the last twelve months. I have felt the weight and demands of this job, but I have also continued to have a deep appreciation and respect for the role. I have worked hard to find consensus within the City Council, to follow their direction, to balance the many voices in our diverse community, and to bring forward the professional experience and expertise of City department leaders and staff.

One of my goals has been to bring greater transparency to our City and to help everyone understand what we are working on and how decisions are made. I provided an initial 90-day update in December 2022 and a Spring update in April 2023. In this Fall update, I’m excited to highlight some of the major areas of work over the last six months.

FY24 Budget

The City’s FY24 Budget was submitted in May, discussed across two and a half days of public hearings, and adopted in June. I’m thankful to Councilors Nolan and Carlone for their leadership as co-chairs of the Finance Committee and to David Kale, our Assistant City Manager of Finance who retired this past July after a long career in public service. David guided me through my first budget cycle and, over the last year, helped me understand the City’s complex financials. He has been a steady hand and has left the City in a strong financial position and with the ability to continue to invest in our collective priorities.

Over the years, our budget document has become increasingly detailed and transparent, including dollars spent across priority areas, key initiative descriptions, data and trends, and long-term capital plans. Our FY24 budget reflects that continued practice and I encourage everyone who wants to better understand the City to engage with this document.

The FY24 budget reflects the Council’s priorities, and we have made significant commitments across these major areas:

1. Affordable housing continues to be one of our highest priorities. We have allocated $46 million in FY24, including $41 million into the Affordable Housing Trust. We have a lot more work to do to address high housing costs and we are making unprecedented contributions, with our annual financial commitment more than tripling over the last decade.

2. Supporting our unhoused community continues to be an important priority. The City has allocated $16 million across homelessness and housing stability. In FY24, we added $2.8 million in new funding to maintain our shelter capacity coming out of the pandemic. Providing support to our unhoused while maintaining thriving city squares continues to be a focus across city departments.

3. Universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) represents the largest new financial investment across FY24 and FY25. The application and matching process for the City’s UPK program will begin this year with classes beginning in Fall 2024 that would offer all four-year-olds and prioritized three-year-olds high-quality pre-school programs.

4. We are facing a global climate crisis and Cambridge is rising to meet it. We have allocated $18 million in FY24 toward reducing building emissions, vehicle electrification, and investments in renewable energy with significant City ordinances and programs rolling out this year.

5. Finally, making our streets safer for all is a key priority for the City. We continue to invest in our urban infrastructure to repair damaged roads, improve accessibility, address dangerous intersections, and expand protected bike lanes.

This year, the City made adjustments to the budget process to increase transparency and engagement with the Council. The City worked closely with the City Council Finance Committee Co-Chairs and held several public hearings prior to budget submission. We also engaged in substantive discussions on the budget and the City Council made formal requests for budget increases for affordable housing and for the public health department. The City worked to meet these requests and built in additional funding in the final adopted FY24 budget. I believe this collaborative approach is a good foundation for us to build on and continue.

An area where we need to improve is developing greater community input into our budget process. We already have a robust participatory budget program and I’m excited about expanding this as we enter our tenth year. We will also explore ways to bring greater community engagement into the overall FY25 budget process and will look forward to sharing more.

Climate Change

Climate change is the fight of our generation. Warnings from scientists are only getting more dire and 2023 is likely to be the hottest year on record, driving extreme weather events both around the world and very close to home. The transformation we need is not going to be easy and we are facing a massive restructuring of our economy, energy production, and infrastructure.

The last five months have seen us grapple with climate action as a city. How do we set aggressive goals and policies while mapping a realistic path that is achievable for our businesses and residents? How do we act on a ten-year plan while recognizing that science and technology are rapidly evolving? And how do we balance the difficult trade-offs that we will have to make as a community?

I’m proud of where we have landed together and this has been an incredibly productive City Council term. We have adopted climate-resilient zoning that builds efficiency standards and protections against future heat and flooding into our building codes. We have amended our Building Energy Use and Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) to include a 2035 net zero target for large commercial buildings that represent the largest portion of our carbon footprint. And we are on track to participate in the state’s Fossil Fuel Free pilot which would eliminate fossil fuel installations for new construction and major renovations with limited exemptions. These ordinances were vigorously debated, and I have seen us bring together diverse voices into the conversation, rely on our hard-working staff and expert opinions, and make compromises and adjustments while staying true to our ambitious goals.

The city also continues to build programs to support our residents and businesses through this transition, especially with the new regulations we have passed. The City has launched Electrify Cambridge, a new program that provides no-cost technical consultation to residents on clean and green home energy upgrades such as heat pumps, solar panels, and induction stoves. We have continued to build out public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and even developed accommodations for EV charging across sidewalks, recognizing the limited number of driveways in the city and the need for our sidewalks to remain accessible. And we are developing new technical assistance programs that can provide support to small business and property owners.

There is still so much work ahead of us and we are committed to doing this together as a community. This is a global challenge but the local work that we are doing is a critical piece. There can be federal and state policies and actions, but cities and towns are where we live and our decisions matter. I believe that the real changes we are making will become a model for municipalities and I’m excited about the path and work ahead.

Alewife Zoning

Alewife is the last large area of the city with opportunity for major planning and redevelopment. Prompted by the rapid acquisition of 35 acres of land by Denver-based developer Healthpeak, the City Council imposed a construction moratorium for new commercial development until new zoning was adopted. The Council asked City staff to convene an Alewife Zoning Working Group to build off the recommendations from the 2019 Alewife District Plan and provide zoning rules that would guide the creation of a vibrant new neighborhood that enabled commercial development while also advancing the City’s goals of housing production, economic vitality, and environmental resilience.

Over the last 18 months, city staff led an inclusive working group process that brought together the diverse interests of residents, business community, institutions, property owners, and developers. I’m excited to report that the process resulted in a shared vision for a mixed-use district that balances economic growth with housing development and delivers significant infrastructure improvements. The final zoning that was adopted 9-0 by the Council creates the framework for a multimodal, resilient, and sustainable neighborhood with strong community amenities. The zoning incentivizes the construction of a bike/pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks and requires commercial development over a certain threshold to contribute to our housing supply and fund infrastructure improvements. Estimated development projections by 2040 would result in approximately 3,500 new housing units, including 700 affordable units.

This process showcases the tremendous work we can accomplish when we come together as a community, listen to differing opinions, and identify pathways to reach our shared goals and values. I’m incredibly thankful to the members of the Alewife District Working Group who spent so much time together over the last year to make this a reality, to the City Council for their leadership, city staff for their expertise and guiding an inclusive and effective process, and to Healthpeak for their engagement and vision for development that is collaborative and aligns with the community’s needs and desire.

Final Reflections

I continue to be humbled by the dedication, efforts, and expertise across City leadership and staff and feel such privilege to be working for the City. We have accomplished a lot in just one year and I’m looking forward to continuing to make progress on Council and community priorities. Thank you to the City Council for this privilege, and to our community for their trust.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo and technical edit of the Affordable Housing Overlay language and Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation. (CM23#244) [memo and technical edit] [Planning Board report]
pulled by Carlone who notes that corridor heights have now been jacked up from 120' to 140' on corridors, 150' to 170' in squares; Farooq says they did not change the text and that the text was just moved from one section to another; Carlone notes concern about perceived added height; McGovern suspends rules to bring forward Unfinished Business #6 (AHO); Rules Suspended; Moves to amend language by substitution of CDD language; Nolan asks why these amendments are before Council; Farooq explains that these amendments are just refinements at request of Planning Board and that there are still a couple of issues that have come up regarding “split lots” that might thwart the “intended outcome” - working with the project proponents, i.e. the developers who stand to benefit from the changes; Amendments to Petition Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Sept 18, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a memo and technical edit related to the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition from Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, and a Planning Board Report with no positive or negative recommendation.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Date: September 14, 2023
Subject: Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) Amendments Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board makes the following report with no positive or negative recommendation.

To the Honorable, the City Council,

On August 8 and August 29, 2023, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss the AHO Amendments Zoning Petition (the “Petition”). City Councillors Marc McGovern, Quinton Zondervan and Burhan Azeem presented the Petition at the hearing. Staff from the City’s Community Development Department (CDD) also attended the hearing and answered questions from the Board. Following a presentation by the Petitioners, and extensive public comment, Board members posed a number of questions to the Petitioners and City staff, and discussed the merits of the Petition. Following deliberation, the Board voted to forward a report to the City Council summarizing the Board’s comments, without making a positive or negative recommendation.

The following is a summary of the main comments made by Board members:

• Board members agreed that building more affordable housing is a top policy priority for the City. Envision Cambridge set a discrete goal for the number of new affordable housing units to be produced by 2030, and the units produced through inclusionary zoning and other means will not be sufficient to achieve that goal. Further, some Board members noted that the affordable housing crisis deserves urgent action, and waiting for area-specific planning to conclude could delay the City’s ability to solve the crisis in sufficient time.
• Board members offered a variety of solutions for addressing potential impacts from the proposed heights under the Petition. Solutions could include new design requirements to mitigate shadow and wind impacts; adding an additional community meeting for certain types of AHO projects; and/or updating the AHO Design Guidelines to address the new building scale that would be enabled by the Petition.
• Some Board members expressed concern about the process, and noted that the original AHO included a provision for annual reporting as well as a five-year “look back” to determine the success of the original zoning. They felt that it would be better to wait for City of Cambridge, MA AHO Amendments Zoning Petition Page 2 of 2 September 14, 2023 the five-year review to determine if and what changes are needed. Conversely, some Board members noted that the AHO was originally established with a competitive edge over market-rate developments, and that competitive edge has eroded with further zoning changes that are applicable to all new developments, such as the elimination of parking minimums citywide.
• Board members believe that the advisory design review process under the AHO is effective, and that initial concerns about AHO projects have been addressed as design development occurs. Board members noted that the original AHO eliminated the Planning Board’s discretionary vote on certain projects, but was balanced by a reasonable expectation on what could be built in certain parts of the city and what the impacts of height and setbacks would be. Some were concerned that without careful study, that same predictability is not as easy to surmise under the current Petition.
• While some Board members were comfortable with the heights proposed established in the Petition, other Board members were concerned that the heights may not be appropriate in all of the areas proposed for rezoning and felt that additional study and modeling should be done before arriving at specific dimensional requirements. Some Board members also expressed concern about the proposed elimination of the side yard setbacks, noting the negative impact this could have on adjacent properties.
• Board members had differing opinions on the proposed heights as illustrated in the following range of comments and as such were not able to reach consensus on either a positive or negative recommendation. Comments included:
  • Taller heights and density around transit nodes and corridors is an environmentally friendly and sustainable development pattern.
  • Taller heights may introduce additional impacts and compatibility challenges with the smaller scale adjacent development in some areas of the City.
  • It is difficult to determine what heights are needed and feasible for affordable housing developers without supporting study and analysis.
  • While the height increases appear significant, it may be unlikely that a large number of development proposals advance at the maximum allowed heights due to other limitations and constraints; such as funding, construction technology and the cost of high-rise construction.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Chair

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Policy Order re Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square. [Charter Right – McGovern, Sept 11, 2023] (PO23#153)
pulled by McGovern, watered down Substitute Order introduced removing references to unhoused community and proposed task force; Toner asks if there was intention to not have Task Force (miscommunication); Substitute Order Adopted 9-0 (Voice Vote)

O-5     Sept 11, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Central Square, once a bustling hub for commerce and community, has seen a concerning increase in homelessness, drug use, public intoxication, violence, and aggressive panhandling since the onset of the Covid pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Such issues not only jeopardize the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable populations, including seniors and the unhoused, but they also deter residents and visitors from freely walking, shopping, and engaging in the Square, causing significant harm to local businesses and the overall vibrancy of the area; and
WHEREAS: The ripple effects of the ongoing situation at Mass and Cass in Boston have intensified challenges in Central Square, highlighting the interconnectedness of our metropolitan areas and the pressing need for sustained, coordinated efforts; and
WHEREAS: Resolving these challenges requires proactive, robust, and systematic approaches, transparency and regular communication with the public and stakeholders, and a willingness on the part of the City to not only identify potential corrective actions but to actually commit to and follow through on these plans; and
WHEREAS: Central Square has been the focus of numerous studies and City action plans for over 40 years, yet despite such attention, many of the plans arising from these sessions remain unimplemented, leading to a frustratingly continuous cycle of task forces being convened, studies being commissioned, recommendations being issued, and the City’s failure to fully and coherently follow through on the necessary actions to truly address the issues in Central Square that can truly revitalize the area; and
WHEREAS: It would be prudent for the City’s leadership to take this time to pledge a fresh approach with an unyielding commitment to take the necessary steps to diagnose the issues that need attention, to craft a long-term, comprehensive strategy to address those issues, and to fully and completely adhere to this strategy over the course of the coming weeks, months, and years; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene a Taskforce, inclusive of relevant stakeholders and experts, to review and analyze the most recent policy initiatives focused upon Central Square, to prioritize immediate, actionable “lowhanging fruit” recommendations, and to develop a comprehensive, longer-term plan on how to address the quality-of-life issues in and around Central Square; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide monthly progress reports to the City Council, detailing the strategies being designed and implemented to address the issues in Central Square, including the metrics being used to measure success, as part of the “City Manager’s Agenda” section of the regular council meetings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council reaffirms its commitment to work collaboratively with the City Manager, the Taskforce, and all relevant parties to ensure Central Square remains a cornerstone of the City, safe and inviting for all who live, work, or visit the neighborhood.

Substitute Order (Simmons, Toner, McGovern)
O-5     Sept 11, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Central Square is Cambridge’s busiest and most diverse square, serving thousands of people each day; and
WHEREAS: Central Square has been the focus of numerous studies and City action plans over the past 40 years; and
WHEREAS: Despite such attention many of the plans arising from these sessions remain unimplemented, which has led to a frustratingly continuous cycle of committees, task forces, studies, and reports being issued while the City Council and Administration have failed to coherently follow through on these plans and recommendations to meaningfully address quality of life issues and revitalize the area to enhance the designated cultural district, add housing, music and art venues to the area; and
WHEREAS: Resolving these challenges requires proactive, robust, and systematic approaches, transparency and regular communication with the public and stakeholders, and a willingness on the part of the City Administration and the Council to not only identify potential corrective actions but to commit to and follow through on these plans; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with his senior leadership team, relevant stakeholders and experts to review and analyze all prior studies, reports, and recommendations regarding Central Square and develop an action plan to implement the most recent planning and policy initiatives for Central Square, prioritizing immediate actionable “low-hanging fruit” recommendations, zoning changes, and to develop a comprehensive plan to address the quality of life issues in and around Central Square; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide monthly progress reports to the City Council, detailing the strategies being designed and implemented to address the issues in Central Square, including the metrics being used to measure success, as part of the City Manager’s Agenda section of the regular council meetings and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council reaffirms its commitment to work collaboratively with the City Manager and all relevant parties to ensure Central Square remains a cornerstone of the City, safe and inviting for all who live, work, or visit the neighborhood.

CENTRAL SQUARE PLANNING STUDIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
(As compiled by Robert Winters and available at http://www.rwinters.com/)

Feb 1980: CDD report entitled “Central Square - Commercial Area Revitalization District”

June 1980: CDD booklet entitled “Facade Improvements” with focus on Central Square

Apr 1983: “Central Square Report” produced by City Council’s Central Square Subcommittee (study began in 1980 or 1981)

1987: A report produced in 1987 about a Subcommittee that allegedly built on the 1983 report (may be same as Central Square Action Plan)

Nov 1987: Central Square Action Plan

1989: Draft Central Square Development Guidelines

May 1993: Results of the “Mayor’s Forum on Central Square”

Oct 1993: Report by the Committee to Promote and Enhance Central Square Now!

Aug 1994: A Study of the Visual Images and Signage of Central Square (CDD)

May 1995: Central Square Improvements Project, Master Plan Report

May 1995: An Urban Design Plan for Central Square (executive summary)

May 2001: Summary Notes from “A Conversation about Central Square”

Feb 2000: The Gibbs Report, Central Square Commercial Market Study

Oct 2004: Central Square, Cambridge - Rising Fortunes at a Regional Crossroads (Rekha Murthy)

Dec 2004: Reviving a Traditional City - Central Square, Cambridge, gets a facelift (Rekha Murthy)

June 2005: Street Media: Ambient Messages in an Urban Space - a photographic analysis of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rekha Murthy)

2009: CDD Central Square Customer Intercept Survey Report

2011: Central Square Market Profile

2011: Red Ribbon Commission Study Report

2012: Goody/Clancy report and recommendations

2013: K2C2 Final Reports (Dec 30, 2013)

Kendall Square Central Square Planning Study (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)

Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023] (PO23#157)
Toner wants to move to Housing Committee; Zondervan says that idea is to add CDD for their thoughts first before referring to committee; Simmons supports referral to Housing Committee but also voting for it as is; McGovern agrees with Zondervan re: sending to CDD only for now with a suggestion that CDD report directly to Housing Committee; Referral to Housing Committee 6-3 (BA,MM,QZ-No)

O-9     Sept 11, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: To undo decades of racial discrimination and denial of homeownership opportunities to Black and Brown residents, Cambridge must intentionally change its policies and regulations to promote and create homeownership opportunities for disenfranchised communities; and
WHEREAS: The existing financing mechanisms for affordable housing development preferentially generate income-restricted rental housing, which is also the greatest need, but further limits homeownership opportunities for people who have been economically disenfranchised; and
WHEREAS: The current low-rise residential height and density limitations in our zoning code perpetuate historically racist housing policies, but simply removing them would produce additional luxury housing that remains largely unaffordable to economically disenfranchised community members; and
WHEREAS: The opportunity exists to conditionally allow for more height and density if a portion of the additional units produced by private market rate developers are made available for purchase through our income restricted affordable homeownership programs; and
WHEREAS: Our existing affordable homeownership programs understandably include limited equity provisions to maintain the limited supply of affordable units that is produced, but permanently limiting the equity that affordable homeownership participants can recover is a further perpetuating of historical and ongoing racist and economic disenfranchisement; and
WHEREAS: Utilizing the private market rate developers to produce additional affordable homeownership units creates a potentially renewable supply of affordable homeownership units, and hence could allow for less strict limited equity requirements for our affordable homeownership units; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023.

Councillor Quinton Zondervan
Affordable Homeownership Overlay Policy Order
Sept 11, 2023
(with Attachment A)

Whereas: To undo decades of racial discrimination and denial of homeownership opportunities to Black and Brown residents, Cambridge must intentionally change its policies and regulations to promote and create homeownership opportunities for disenfranchised communities; and

Whereas: The existing financing mechanisms for affordable housing development preferentially generate income-restricted rental housing, which is also the greatest need, but further limits homeownership opportunities for people who have been economically disenfranchised; and

Whereas: The current low-rise residential height and density limitations in our zoning code perpetuate historically racist housing policies, but simply removing them would produce additional luxury housing that remains largely unaffordable to economically disenfranchised community members; and

Whereas: The opportunity exists to conditionally allow for more height and density if a portion of the additional units produced by private market rate developers are made available for purchase through our income restricted affordable homeownership programs; and

Whereas: Our existing affordable homeownership programs understandably include limited equity provisions to maintain the limited supply of affordable units that is produced, but permanently limiting the equity that affordable homeownership participants can recover is a further perpetuating of historical and ongoing racist and economic disenfranchisement; and

Whereas: Utilizing the private market rate developers to produce additional affordable homeownership units creates a potentially renewable supply of affordable homeownership units, and hence could allow for less strict limited equity requirements for our affordable homeownership units; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023

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ATTACHMENT A

Notwithstanding other provisions in the zoning code, a developer may build as of right multi-family housing, up to 3 stories tall (35’) or taller if allowed by the underlying base district, including standalone, attached, and semi-attached structures, up to 9 total units per lot, with no limits on density, and no minimum lot size per unit, but meeting the setback requirements of Section 11.207.5.2.3 “Yard Setbacks”, and the open space requirements of Section 11.207.5.2.4 “Open Space” of the Affordable Housing Overlay, provided that the developer make a portion of the units available to the city under a right of first refusal affordability covenant as follows:

Total Units	Affordable Units
2 or 3	1
4,5 or 6	2
7,8 or 9	3

Prior to obtaining a building permit, the developer will confer with CDD to identify the affordable units to confirm that the city is interested in purchasing them at cost plus a fee. The price shall be negotiated and agreed upon prior to the issue of a building permit. The requirements of Section 11.203.3, “Standards for Providing Affordable Dwelling Units Created through Inclusionary Housing”, shall apply to the affordable units.

The city will not agree to participate in any project involving the demolition of an existing structure, unless the existing structure is not suitable for conversion to residential use, has been condemned, or is otherwise in a state of disrepair so severe that demolition is the only option.

Upon completion of construction (certificate of occupancy obtained), the affordable units will be offered to the city for purchase under an expiring limited equity affordability covenant. The city will have up to 60 days (with a 30 day extension if needed) to complete the purchase, either via the AHT, through a designated third party (e.g. CHA, JAS, HRI, etc.), or through an income-restricted qualified home buyer(s).

The city will make every effort to make the units available for purchase to qualified first-generation home buyers already living in Cambridge.

The city may purchase the unit and operate it as an affordable rental unit, managed by a third party of its choosing. However, the preferred option will be to sell the unit to a qualified home buyer, via the affordable homeownership resale pool.

If the city or its designee fails to complete the purchase within 90 days, the developer may choose to sell the unit on the open market, however, 80% of the net proceeds above the cost plus fee pre-negotiated with the city shall be contributed to the Affordable Housing Trust. Net proceeds shall not include any transaction fees or other carrying costs associated with selling the property on the market.

If the unit is purchased by qualified home buyer(s), full market equity in the property shall vest at a rate of 5% per year, so that after 20 years of continuous ownership by the same individual buyer(s) or their heirs, they will have 100% full equity in the property. After 20 years, the unit may be sold on the open market by the owner(s). However, if the unit is sold prior to 20 years of continuous ownership, the limited equity provisions shall apply to the new owner, and the 20 year clock is reset. After 5 years (25% vested) the property may be passed on to legal heir(s) in case of death, in which case the vesting will confer onto the heir(s) and will not start from 0.

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023] (PO23#158)
Order Adopted 9-0

O-10     Sept 11, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City Council adopted the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance in June of 2021 which requires certain new construction buildings to install a Green Roof or Solar Energy System; and
WHEREAS: Technology and economic improvements make it feasible to require solar installations in areas that were rightfully excluded from the Green Roofs requirement, including parking decks, rooftop HVAC equipment and access pathways on the roof, through the use of solar canopies; and
WHEREAS: The ongoing and worsening global climate crisis that continues to deliver unprecedented catastrophes on an almost daily basis compels us to maximally leverage the urban spaces available for renewable energy production, in Cambridge primarily through the deployment of Solar Energy Systems; and
WHEREAS: The City Council would like to propose appropriate amendments to the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance to maximize the solar energy potential of new construction in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.

Councillor Quinton Zondervan
Solar Requirement - Green Roofs Amendment
Sept 11, 2023
(with Attachment A)

Whereas: The City Council adopted the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance in June of 2021 which requires certain new construction buildings to install a Green Roof or Solar Energy System;

Whereas: Technology and economic improvements make it feasible to require solar installations in areas that were rightfully excluded from the Green Roofs requirement, including parking decks, rooftop HVAC equipment and access pathways on the roof, through the use of solar canopies;

Whereas: The ongoing and worsening global climate crisis that continues to deliver unprecedented catastrophes on an almost daily basis compels us to maximally leverage the urban spaces available for renewable energy production, in Cambridge primarily through the deployment of Solar Energy Systems;

Whereas: The City Council would like to propose appropriate amendments to the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance to maximize the solar energy potential of new construction in Cambridge; therefore be it

Ordered: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2nd, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting

Please see attached additional text

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ATTACHMENTA

22.30 - GREEN ROOFS

22.31 Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to remove potential impediments to the development of green roof systems on new and existing buildings by clarifying that such systems should not count against a building’s Gross Floor Area, and by providing for limited access and enjoyment of green roofs by occupants of a building, and to require new buildings of substantial size to include vegetation and/or solar energy roofing systems on much or most of the available roof area.

22.32 Green Roof Area as defined in Article 2.000 of this Zoning Ordinance may be accessible by means of a roof entrance.

22.33 Floor Area Exemptions for Green Roof Area.

22.33.1 Spaces meeting the definition of Green Roof Area, which are to be accessed only for maintenance purposes and are not intended to be used by building occupants or others, shall be exempt from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of a building.

22.33.2 Spaces meeting the definition of Green Roof Area, which are intended to be accessed for use by occupants of the building or others, and which are located above the third floor of the building, may be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of a building only after the granting of a special permit by the Planning Board. The proponent seeking such a special permit must demonstrate that the Green Roof Area is designed such that the vegetation will withstand the foot traffic associated with its anticipated use. The Planning Board shall also consider the potential visual, noise and privacy impacts of the anticipated use on neighbors. Unless such a special permit is granted, any Green Roof Area located above the third floor of a building that is intended to be accessed for use by building occupants or others shall be counted as Gross Floor Area.

22.34 Floor Area Exemptions for Patios or Decks Adjacent to Green Roof Area.

22.34.1 In non-residential zoning districts and in Residence C-1A, C-2, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A, and C-3B zoning districts, where a rooftop surface above the third floor includes Green Roof Area, adjacent open-air outdoor space intended for use by building occupants or other persons that does not meet the definition of Green Roof Area, such as a patio or deck, shall be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of the building, provided that the total space exempted in such a manner shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the amount of Green Roof Area on the building and that all such usable outdoor space shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all outer roof edges.

22.34.2 In residential zoning districts not listed in Section 22.34.1 above, where a rooftop surface above the third floor includes Green Roof Area, adjacent open-air outdoor space intended for use by building occupants or other persons that does not meet the definition of Green Roof Area, such as a patio or deck, may be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of the building only after the granting of a special permit by the Planning Board. The total space exempted in such a manner shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the amount of Green Roof Area on the building and all such usable outdoor space shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all outer roof edges. In granting the special permit, the Planning Board shall consider the location and orientation of the patio or deck in relation to adjacent properties and potential visual, noise and privacy impacts of the anticipated use on abutters.

22.35 Green Roofs Requirement.

22.35.1 Applicability. This Section 22.35, et. seq., shall apply to any new building or structure of twenty-five thousand (25,000) gross square feet or more, except it shall not apply to affordable housing buildings that either are developed under the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) as defined in Section 11.207 or have a majority of their units permanently reserved for households at or below 100% of AMI.

22.35.2 Requirement.

(a) At least 80% of the roof area of the building as measured in plan view, excluding those portions of the roof listed below, shall be devoted to Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy Systems.

1. Areas having a slope greater than 3 in 12 or twenty-five percent (25%).

2. Areas designed and managed for use by building occupants or the general public.

3. Vehicular parking decks.

4. Chimneys, water towers, air conditioning equipment, elevator bulkheads, skylights, ventilators and other necessary features appurtenant to buildings which are usually carried above roofs and are not used for human occupancy, in addition to conduit, visual and acoustical screening, access routes for maintenance and service, and other areas that must be clear of obstruction to comply with applicable building and safety codes.

(b) In the case of non-residential or mixed-use buildings in which at least half of the Gross Floor Area is devoted to one or more of the non-residential uses listed below (with reference to the Table of Use Regulations, Section 4.30 of this Zoning Ordinance), excluding any municipal buildings, at least 80% of the roof area of the building as measured in plan view, excluding those portions of the roof listed above, shall be devoted to Green Roof Area or Biosolar Green Roof Area:

1. Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses (Section 4.32);

2. Educational Purposes (Section 4.33-b.);

3. Noncommercial Research Facilities (Section 4.33-c.);

4. Other Institutional Uses (Section 4.33-h.);

5. Office and Laboratory Use (Section 4.34);

6. Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments (Section 4.35);

7. Open Air or Drive In Retail & Service (Section 4.36);

8. Light Industry, Wholesale Business and Storage (Section 4.37); or

9. Heavy Industry (Section 4.38).

(c) In addition to the above, any remaining portions of the roof, up to 80% of the roof area of the building as measured in plan view, including individual portions greater than 500 square feet in size, not devoted to Green Roof or Biosolar Green Roof, including portions exempted in 22.35.2(a) above, shall be devoted to Solar Energy Systems, including via the construction of a solar canopy, unless an Exemption is granted via special permit by the Planning Board for the following reasons:

1. The area is shaded from the sun and therefore unsuitable for Solar Energy production. If the Planning Board determines that the area could reasonably become available for Solar Energy production in the future (because e.g. a shading structure is scheduled for removal), the area must be wired for Solar Energy Systems and installation of such a System shall commence within one year from the time that the obstacles are removed.

2. The Electric Utility is unable to provide an interconnect, in which case the area must be wired for Solar Energy Systems and installation of such a System shall commence within one year from the date that the Electric Utility announces the availability of an interconnect.

3. The Solar Energy System will be owned and operated by a third party (e.g. Community Solar), in which case the roof area must be wired for Solar Energy Systems, and installation of such a System shall commence no later than one year from the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.

22.35.3 Exemption. The Planning Board may grant a special permit to reduce the required Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy System below the area required by Section 22.35.2, provided that each square foot so reduced be compensated by a unit price contribution to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust. This unit price shall be determined based on the average costs to design, install, and maintain green roofs and rooftop solar energy systems in Cambridge using actual cost figures to the extent possible, shall be subject to annual adjustment based on standard construction cost indices, and shall be calculated, and recalculated approximately every three years, by the Cambridge Community Development Department. All such funds contributed to the Trust shall be dedicated to the design and incorporation of Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy Systems into new or existing affordable housing developments.

22.35.4 Effective Date. The provisions of this Section 22.35, as adopted on June 1, 2021, shall not apply to structures lawfully in existence or lawfully begun before June 1, 2021, or to a building or special permit issued before June 1, 2021, and shall take effect on June 1, 2021.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD22#11) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; notes that purpose statement updated, membership requirements updated to reflect demographics, AHO oversight to be nonbinding (hence meaningless), climate-related matters made nonbinding, etc.; Amendments re: appointments Approved 9-0; Nolan proposes amendments re: review provisions and non-binding for affordable housing and need to allow commission to impose certain dimensional and setback requirements; Nolan provides some history and context regarding applications and decisions over many decades; Azeem suggests that process causes unnecessary costs to property owners, and need to “foolproof this” for next 40 years; Carlone notes that our NCDs are seen nationally as successful and a model for other cities; McGovern emphasizes that removal of NCDs was intentional; Nolan notes that “size and shape of the structure” is an essential part of the review; Nolan Amendments Fail 3-6 (DC,PN,PT-Yes; BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS) - noteworthy that the vote exactly coincides with the AHO2.0 proposal. McGovern suggests voting this at next meeting.
Note: This entire escapade was purely political and a “solution” in search of a nonexistent problem.

A. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-123, regarding an explanation of the legal standard that is used to compel changes or deny projects reviewed by the Historical Commission or Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions. (CM23#195)
Placed on File 9-0

B. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art III of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) and Landmarks Ordinance. (CM23#196)
Placed on File 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from A. M. Kubilius regarding Fwd NO to the proposed NEW AHO.

2. A communication from Adam regarding Combined outdoor dining and bike lanes.

3. A communication from Alex Zicaro regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance Amendment and PO#17.

4. A communication from Allan Sadun regarding AHO making good use of CDD’s attention and Central Square.

5. A communication from Amalia Child regarding In support of the AHO amendments.

6. A communication from Amy Clarkson regarding Vote No on AHO2 and diminishing guidelines for architectural preservation.

7. A communication from Amy Waltz regarding AHO Amendments zoning for 12-15 story buildings Staggering Consequences!

8. A communication from Andrew Solomon regarding AHO 2.0.

9. A communication from Anne Hawley regarding The Vote on Housing and Historic Preservation.

10. A communication from Annie Michaelis in support of 100% AHO Amendments.

11. A communication from Anthony D. Martin in opposition to AHO 2.0.

12. A communication from Ashley G. Pittman regarding comments AGAINST proposed revisions to AHO 2.0.

13. A communication from Becca Schofield regarding Support the AHO Amendments.

14. A communication from Ben Batorsky regarding Policy order on outdoor dining and bike lanes.

15. A communication from Ben Fox regarding Outdoor dining and bike lanes.

16. A communication from Bess Emanuel regarding support AHO amendments.

17. A communication from C Barrett regarding AHO 2.0.

18. A communication from Candace Young regarding Sept 11 vote on housing density proposal.

19. A communication from Caroline K regarding Outdoor Dining and Bike Safety.

20. A communication from Carolyn Manson regarding Need more than paint for bike lanes.

21. A communication from Catalina Arboleda regarding AHO 2.0.

22. A communication from Cathie Zusy regarding Vote NO to AHO 2.0.

23. A communication from Cathy Higgins regarding Strong support for AHO amendments.

24. A communication from Cathy Hoffman regarding Cop City Resolution.

25. A communication from Chris Herlich regarding In Support of Proposed AHO Amendments.

26. A communication from Chris Zurn regarding Please vote IN FAVOR of the AHO Amendments.

27. A communication from Clara Vu regarding Support for AHO Amendments.

28. A communication from Dan Phillips regarding In support of expanding the AHO.

29. A communication from Dan Tenney regarding 9/11/23 City Council Agenda - OPPOSITION to AHO Amendment.

30. A communication from Dan Totten regarding agenda thoughts.

31. A communication from Dan Totten regarding surely we can do better!

32. A communication from Daniel Blinderman regarding In Support of the AHO Amendment.

33. A communication from Daniel Hidalgo regarding Please support AHO amendments tonight.

34. A communication from Daniel Sprague regarding Strong Support for AHO Amendments.

35. A communication from David Chilinski regarding AHO.

36. A communication from David Hattis regarding Support for AHO Amendments.

37. A communication from David Kilstein regarding Responses requested Parking crisis in Wellington-Harrington.

38. A communication from David Webster regarding AHO amendment comments.

39. A communication from Deborah Lerme Goodman regarding Separated bike lanes.

40. A communication from Earl Miller regarding CSO.

41. A communication from Elaine O’Reilly and Ron Benham regarding Please support the AHO Amendments at meeting.

42. A communication from Elena Fagotto regarding In support of Solar Requirement Green Roofs Amendment.

43. A communication from Elise Moore regarding Please VOTE NO on AHO 2.0 Please VOTE YES to retain Cambridge Historical Society.

44. A communication from Elizabeth Houghteling regarding NO on the new AHO.

45. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Update - Committee Report #2 - Do Not Accept Ordinance Committee’s Recommendation on AHO Petition.

46. A communication from Elliot Miller regarding AHO Amendments.

47. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Thank You - An example of an apparent House Doctor Contract in Action.

48. A communication from Emma Roth PO#159 - Statement.

49. A communication from Young Kim, regarding My Oral Comment for today’s City Council Meeting.

50. A communication from Gail Flynn regarding Proposed AHO Amendment AHO 2.0 (Affordable Housing Ordinance).

51. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Correction - Committee Report #2 – Do Not Accept Ordinance Committee’s Recommendation on AHO Petition.

52. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Committee Report #2 - Do Not Accept Ordinance Committee’s Recommendation on AHO Petition.

53. A communication from Wyatt Berlinic, regarding Support for AHO.

54. A communication from Wendy Weiss, regarding Vote on AHO and historic issues.

55. A communication from Urs Gauchat, regarding your consideration on housing projects and historic preservation.

56. A communication from George Soule regarding supporting separated bike lanes and a harrowing incident.

57. A communication from Trevor Kafka, regarding Paint is not adequate protection for bikes.

58. A communication from Gerald Bergman regarding Support of AHO amendments

59. A communication from Theresa Cloutier, regarding Support for physically separated bike lanes.

60. A communication from Teresa Cardosi, regarding please support AHO amendments.

61. A communication from Guillaume Bouchard regarding Outdoor Dining and CSO – Re Monday’s Agenda

62. A communication from Tatiana Cycling, regarding Safety Ordinance Changes – Against Paint-only Bike Lanes.

63. A communication from Ian McGoldrick regarding PO on outdoor dining and bicycle infrastructure.

64. A communication from Suzanne Blier, regarding Five Yays and Four Nays for today’s City Council meeting.

65. A communication from Susan Redlich, regarding Amendments to the Green Roofs Ordinance.

66. A communication from Ida Weiss regarding I support protected bike lanes outdoor dining in Cambridge!

67. A communication from Susan M. Carter, regarding AHO2.

68. A communication from Shelagh Hadley, regarding AHO2.

69. A communication from Scott Kilcoyne, regarding Support for protected bike lanes around outdoor dining.

70. A communication from Jack Silversin regarding A no vote is the only reasonable response to AHO2.

71. A communication from Sam Ribnick, regarding Keep protected bike lanes!

72. A communication from Jamie Sabino regarding Support for the amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay zoning by-laws.

73. A communication from Jean Hannon regarding Please Pass the amendments to the AHO.

74. A communication from Marilee Meyer regarding Please do NOT PASS the NCD AMENDMENTS.

75. A communication from Sam Melton, regarding Outdoor Dining and Bike Lanes.

76. A communication from Jenny Chan regarding Paint is NOT protection.

77. A communication from Mary Jane Kornacki regarding NO on AHO2.

78. A communication from Jerome Ryan regarding Re AHO amendments.

79. A communication from Mary May regarding Support for keeping separated bike lanes.

80. A communication from Roy Russell, regarding say no the amendment to PO#17 allowing painted bike lanes.

81. A communication from Jessica Sheehan regarding honor the CSO’s commitment to physically separated bike lanes

82. A communication from Matt Goldstein regarding please vote to pass the AHO amendments on Monday night.

83. A communication from Robert Camacho, regarding AHO2.

84. A communication from Jessica Sheehan regarding Please use your power to help people; please pass the expanded AHO.

85. A communication from Nancy E. Phillips regarding Affordable Housing Ordinance.

86. A communication from Rob Vandenabeele, regarding combine outdoor dining installations with separated bike lanes.

87. A communication from Joan Pickett regarding Support PO#8 and oppose NCD amendments.

88. A communication from Nancy Pendergast regarding lawn equipment policy order.

89. A communication from Richard Klibaner, regarding I support the AHO amendments.

90. A communication from Joe Connolly regarding support for AHO amendments

91. A communication from Joel Patterson regarding Support AHO.

92. A communication from Randy Albelda, regarding In support of AHO amendments.

93. A communication from John Trever regarding AHO2.0.

94. A communication from Nancy Pendergast regarding support of the policy order in favor of solar additions to the Green Roofs of Cambridge.

95. A communication from Rachel Sandalow-Ash, regarding Cambridge resident supporting the Amendments to the AHO and support PO#159.

96. A communication from Nathaniel Sandalow-Ash regarding Fwd Please email Council NOW for AHO Amendments.

97. A communication from Jonathan Haber regarding PO23#147.

98. A communication from Peter Sturges, regarding In Support Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments.

99. A communication from Norman Daoust regarding Policy Order for evaluation of outdoor dining installations with separated bike lanes.

100. A communication from Jordan Nollman regarding Keep Developers Out of Cambridge.

101. A communication from Paul E. Fallon, regarding In Support of Painted Bike Lanes.

102. A communication from Justin Saif regarding Strong Support for 100% Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments.

103. A communication from Larissa and Jordan regarding Keep the developers out of Cambridge.

104. A communication from Kathleen Moore regarding Support AHO.

105. A communication from Lois Markham, regarding Amendment to enhance solar on green roofs.

106. A communication from Lauren Curry regarding Please enact the AHO amendments.

107. A communication from Kavish Gandhi regarding Strong support AHO amendments

108. A communication from Lenore G. Martin regarding AHO2.0.

109. A communication from Lisa McManus, regarding Please vote NO to AHO amendment.

110. A communication from Kevin Wolfson regarding Support for the AHO.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Karen Francis on her retirement from the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

R-1     Sept 18, 2023
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: The City Council has learned that Karen Francis retired from the City of Cambridge on September 2, 2023, after 32+ years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS: Karen was most recently the Project Manager with the Election Commission, holding a position as Operations Manager prior as well as a poll worker and PR hand count worker; and

WHEREAS: Karen survived 76 elections with the City of Cambridge, exhibiting the kind of work ethic and professionalism that one hopes for in every employee, with a strong knowledge base and high level of confidence; and

WHEREAS: With a constant steady hand, Karen took care of many challenges in the office, providing support and stability for the staff, and always ready to help and willing to teach and explain things to others; and

WHEREAS: Karen was very knowledgeable about her work, faithful to seeing a project through to the end, always willing to confront difficult issues and go the extra mile; and

WHEREAS: Karen provided quality customer service, treating all customers with dignity, courtesy, and respect, was a positive influence, liked and respected by members of the Board of Election Commissioners, office staff, and other city staff members; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Karen Francis for her commitment to the City of Cambridge and wishes her good health and happiness to spend time with her family; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Karen Francis on behalf of the entire City Council.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Sept 18, 2023
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 12, 2023 to discuss amendments to protect family inclusion and relationship diversity and by a unanimous vote of all members present approved a motion to request that the Law Department prepare a proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Law Department to prepare a proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance, as discussed at the Ordinance Committee meeting on Sept 12, 2023, and report back to the full City Council by Oct 2, 2023.

O-2     Sept 18, 2023  Amended
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Over the years, the City of Cambridge has appropriately instituted a number of commercial development fees and mitigation funds aimed at furthering the public good; and
WHEREAS: These funding sources are used to supplement a number of public efforts, including, but not limited to, the financing of affordable housing, providing nonprofit assistance for residents in need, and improving mass transit capabilities in denser parts of the city; and
WHEREAS: There is no publicly accessible database with a full accounting of the pledges made and associated timelines for payment, the sums currently in each fund, or the quantities thus far allocated or expended; and
WHEREAS: For the City Council to make appropriate public policy for the city, its residents, and those investing in Cambridge, it must more fully understand the status of the various existing funding sources and the projects that they support; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to prepare a regular summary (at least annually) of available funds for each such fee source, as well as any amounts released to specific projects or efforts, and the above-listed information regarding existing pledges.

O-3     Sept 18, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The Health and Environment Committee met on Sept 13, 2023 and voted favorably that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct relevant departments to work together with the chair(s) of the Health and Environment Committee and the Ordinance Committee, and include community input from residents and landscaping companies to develop ordinance language that would lead to a phased in ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge in line with the discussion in the Health and Environment Committee meeting of Sept 13, 2023 and report back to the City Council no later than the end of October 2023; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct relevant departments to work together with the Chair(s) of the Health and Environment Committee and the Ordinance Committee, and include community input from residents and landscaping companies to develop ordinance language that would lead to a phased in ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge in line with the discussion in the Health and Environment Committee meeting of Sept 13, 2023 and report back to the City Council no later than the end of October 2023.

O-4     Sept 18, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The Health and Environment Committee met on Sept 13, 2023, and voted favorably that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant city departments on funding sources to supplement available state and federal funds to support and incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant city departments on funding sources to supplement available state and federal funds to support and incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment.

O-5     Sept 18, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: City of Cambridge is pursuing the feasibility and design of a pedestrian/bicycle crossing of the Fitchburg Rail Line in North Cambridge, to create a safe and convenient crossing between Rindge Ave and Danehy Park; and
WHEREAS: City staff are submitting a federal grant application for the Reconnecting Communities Neighborhoods program to pay for design of a crossing following on the recommendation of the feasibility study; and
WHEREAS: It would be helpful for the City Council to submit a letter of support for the grant application in advance of the grant due date; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record endorsing the attached letter and submit the letter of support to the United States Secretary of Transportation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the United States Secretary of Transportation by September 20, 2023.

Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Transportation
US Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590

RE: Letter of support for Cambridge RCN grant application for Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing of the MBTA Fitchburg Rail Line

Dear Secretary Buttigieg:

The City Council fully supports the City of Cambridge grant application for planning and design of a pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line. This grant request for the amount of $2,400,000 to design this crossing will reconnect the Rindge Avenue neighborhood with nearby open space resources, retail stores and jobs that are cut off by this transportation corridor. It will also fill a critical gap in the sustainable transportation network in North Cambridge and beyond, connecting regional multi-use paths to adjacent communities in the Alewife area. Providing active transportation options to neighbors in this area is of the utmost importance as we continue to seek opportunities to support environmental justice and equitable access to healthy transportation options. The crossing project also includes an at-grade multiuse path from Steel Place, near Alewife Station, to Sherman Street, creating a direct connection to transit and the proposed crossing project.

The City of Cambridge supports and promotes walking, bicycling, and transit use through a variety of successful programs and policies. The City is actively working to increase the use of walking, bicycling, and transit with a focus on equity and environmental justice to reduce congestion, increase the livability of North Cambridge, reduce transportation’s impact on the climate, and offer safe and convenient options for people walking, bicycling and taking transit.

The pedestrian and bicycle crossing over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fitchburg Commuter Rail line is a critical connection between three high-rise multi-family affordable housing properties, plus Cambridge Housing Authority’s Jefferson Park complex along Rindge Avenue and Cambridge’s largest open space, Danehy Park, as well as Fresh Pond Reservation just to the south, and the Fresh Pond Shopping Center. These destinations are divided by the MBTA Fitchburg Commuter Rail train tracks and this connection will provide direct access to recreation opportunities and regional employment options for the more than 1,200 housing units along Rindge Avenue, the majority of which are protected affordable housing. A dedicated bicycle and pedestrian crossing in this area would have many benefits:

• Connecting dense multi-family housing and Cambridge’s largest open space via a direct, safe, convenient transportation option to several other multi-use paths enabling access to Belmont, Somerville, Watertown, Arlington, and Lexington
• Reduce unsafe, at-grade crossings of the tracks through holes in perimeter fencing
• Creating an off-road path connection to the MBTA Alewife rapid transit station for residents in the neighborhood and employees of the Fresh Pond Mall area, solving the last mile problem
• Enabling area residents quicker access to the jobs, grocery stores, schools, recreational facilities, and other everyday destinations inside and outside of North Cambridge
• Directly involving disadvantaged and environmental justice populations in the planning and design process of the proposed project
• Incorporating innovative storm water features and adding tree canopy and landscaped areas

Each of these benefits will contribute to reducing vehicle trips by making it quicker and safer to make trips by transit, biking, and walking. The Cambridge City Council feels that this project will help connect and transform the North Cambridge area to one that is rich in transportation options. We strongly encourage you to fund the North Cambridge Pedestrian and Bicycle crossing of the MBTA Fitchburg Line planning and design.

Thank you for this important opportunity to strengthen the region's livability.
Sincerely,
(signature)