Cambridge City Council meeting - September 30, 2024 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR). (CM24#209)
2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Anne B. Odera as a member of the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship for a term of three years. (CM24#210)
CMA 2024 #210 Sept 30, 2024
I am writing to recommend the following appointment to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC) for a term of three years, effective September 30, 2024: Anne B. Odera.
CIRC, which was established in 2016, acts as a centralizing force in the City to deal with immigrant rights and citizenship issues, providing information, referral, guidance, coordination, offering and providing technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship. CIRC also works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against immigrants because of their status as immigrants and/or non-citizens.
This work is accomplished through educating the community and Commissioners about the rights of immigrants residing in Cambridge and the opportunities available to enhance immigrant participation in the Cambridge community through engagement with City services, resources, programs and local and regional efforts to address immigrants’ particular needs, with a focus on language access.
Commissioners must live or work in Cambridge, and support staff and the Language Justice Division, to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123). CIRC is made up of eleven volunteer members who reside in Cambridge and who bring their knowledge of the immigrant experience, as immigrants themselves or as persons whose life work is with immigrant-serving organizations.
The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for CIRC on the City website and via a news release first on July 25, 2024, with a closing date of September 9, 2024. Additionally, during that time, members of the Commission conducted outreach with their networks. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website.
There were 10 applicants, 5 of whom were interviewed. Of those 5, the interview panel, made up of City staff members and a current Commissioner, has recommended the appointment of 1 of those applicants.
New Appointment:
Anne B. Odera, ED.M: Ms. Odera has a strong background in adult education, program management, and a profound commitment to empowering immigrant communities. She is eager to contribute to the vital work of CIRC in promoting the equity and inclusion of all immigrants in Cambridge.
As an immigrant herself, Ms. Odera brings lived experience, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant communities. Her professional journey has been dedicated to supporting diverse populations, particularly in education and healthcare settings. Currently, Ms. Odera serves as the CNA Program Coordinator at the Cambridge Community Learning Center, where she oversees all aspects of the program, from curriculum development to student recruitment and support. In this role, she has significantly increased immigrant student enrollment and provided them with individualized support to navigate various barriers, including language, healthcare, and employment. Ms. Odera also has experience developing and implementing programs that promote cultural diversity and inclusion. I am pleased to recommend this individual whose expertise and experience will enable her to be a valuable member of CIRC.
I appreciate the willingness of this community member to serve on the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and, with your approval, look forward to her appointment.
3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,700 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. These funds were awarded to the Moses Youth Center and will be used to support the safe option filled closet where teens in the community will feel welcomed to use. (CM24#211)
4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $54,360 received from the Cambridge Community Foundation Alice Wolf Early Education and Care Fund to support the city’s early childhood efforts, to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($34,360) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($20,000). These funds will be used to provide continuing support for training and professional development for early childhood educators and those entering the field. (CM24#212)
5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $55,000 received from the Cambridge Community Foundation to support the Agenda for Children Out of School Time Initiative to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,000) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($50,000). The Foundation supports a small portion of the salary of the Agenda for Children Youth Connector who works with the Upper Schools and Youth Programs to support young people and their families in accessing services and programs. (CM24#213)
6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Preservation Restriction at 90 Brattle Street. (CM24#214) [text of report]
7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Half Crown-Marsh NCD Decennial Review Report. (CM24#215) [text of report]
8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to request that the City Council authorize the purchase of a parcel of land located within the town of Lexington identified as 0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike in Lexington, Massachusetts. (CM24#216) [map]
CMA 2024 #216 Sept 30, 2024
To the Honorable, the City Council:
Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, §39B, §41 and G.L. c. 44B, I request that the City Council authorize the purchase of a parcel of land located within the town of Lexington identified as 0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike in Lexington, Massachusetts (as shown on Town of Lexington Assessor’s Office as Parcel 19-1A) (the “Parcel”), which is owned by Tracer Lane II Realty, LLC (“Tracer Lane”). On May 24, 2023, the Lexington Planning Board approved a proposal to develop the Parcel to support a 1-megawatt ground mounted solar facility. The Parcel is adjacent to the Hobbs Brook Reservoir, which is the drinking water supply for the City, and directly abuts land owned by the City for the purpose of protection of its drinking water supply. The City appealed and is currently in litigation against Tracer Lane, as the proposed development would include the cutting of more than 1000 mature trees that are critical to prevent erosion and would allow the discharge of stormwater directly into the Zone A protective area around the Hobbs Brook Reservoir, which would result in the permanent loss of water quality in the City’s water supply.
The City has the unique opportunity to acquire the Parcel, as Tracer Lane has offered to sell the City the Parcel for $3,000,000, and such acquisition would resolve the litigation. Upon the purchase, the Parcel would be used for the water supply protection of the City of Cambridge’s Hobbs Brook Reservoir. The City has obtained approval by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to purchase the Parcel for water supply protection purposes. Such approval is pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, §39B, §41 and M.G.L. c. 44B and Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution. Boston Properties supports the acquisition and the intended uses and plans to donate $250,000 to the City of Cambridge for the purpose of assisting in the acquisition. The City of Cambridge has also received a commitment of $100,000 towards the purchase of the Parcel from the Rural Land Foundation (RLF) and Lincoln Land Conservation Trust (LLCT).
The total parcel that would be purchased consists of 1,342,631 square feet (31 acres). Under the Water Department’s land acquisition program, this land is considered a high value, priority parcel. The acquisition of the Parcel will allow the City to increase its ability to manage and protect the water supply. The Parcel consists of over 18 acres of Surface Water Supply Protection “Zone A” (a critical recharge setback 400 feet from the reservoir and 200 feet from the tributary feeding it), 5 acres of “Outstanding Resource” wetlands bordering the water supply streams, and over 1,500 linear feet of water supply streams. The value of the property has been supported by the City’s appraisal consultant.
I recommend that the City Council approve an Order authorizing the Parcel, which combined with adjacent property owned by Cambridge would create a contiguous area of about 55 acres of Cambridge-owned and controlled water supply protection land. If the City chooses to move forward with the purchase of the Parcel, the City Council must approve the purchase. The City has signed a purchase and sale agreement that provides that the closing must be completed prior to October 15, 2024, if approved by the Council. The City intends, subject to the City Council’s approval, to pay the purchase price of $3,000,000, for the Parcel, using funds from the “Water Fund Balance, Retained Earnings” and funds appropriated from the CPA fund. The Council already approved $1,000,000 from the CPA Fund for this acquisition on September 23, 2024. To support this purchase, I am requesting the appropriation of $2,000,000 from the Water Fund Balance, Retained Earnings to the Public Investment Fund Water Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account. After the City receives the contributions from Boston Properties and Lincoln Land, which they have committed to, I will request those funds be appropriated into the Water Fund Balance Retained Earnings.
To satisfy legal requirements for the purchase, the City Council must by a two-thirds vote, vote to approve the Order Authorizing the Purchase of the Parcel. I am hereby requesting that the City Council vote by a two-third vote on the Order of Purchase. A copy of an aerial photograph that outlines the Parcel is attached for your reference.
Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 8 Sept 23, 2024
ORDER AUTHORIZING PURCHASE
WHEREAS: By Sections 39B and 41 of Chapter 40 and Chapter 44B of the General Laws, all as amended, it is provided that the Cambridge City Council may purchase in the name of the City for public water supply use, public water supply protection use and open space any land within or without the limits of the City not already appropriated for public use; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager of Cambridge and City Council, in order to provide for the protection of the watershed, have approved and authorized that the City should under the provisions of the aforesaid Chapters of the General Laws purchase the parcel of land located at 0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike, Lexington, County of Middlesex, Massachusetts, currently owned of record by Tracer Lane II Realty, LLC, Dated April 22, 2016, and recorded at Book 67131, Page 73, and filed as Document 61735 as hereinafter bounded and described and any buildings and trees thereon; and
WHEREAS: An appropriation from the Community Preservation Act fund along with available funds from the “Water Fund Balance, Retained Earnings” are sufficient to cover the estimated purchase expenses of acquisition as required by the aforesaid Sections of Chapters 40 and 44B;
WHEREAS: By virtue of and in pursuance of the authority conferred by said Chapters of the General Laws and by every other power and authority it thereto enabling, the City of Cambridge by its City Council does hereby purchase the land located at 0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike, Lexington, County of Middlesex, Massachusetts and hereinafter described, and all privileges and appurtenances thereto belonging as well as all trees and all structures thereon, excepting any easement of record, for protection of the water supply and for all purposes and uses accessory thereto. Intending to purchase in fee simple all land, excepting any easement of record, included within such description by whomsoever the same may be owned, vis:
One parcel of land in Lexington:
0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike:
A certain parcel of land situated in Lexington and Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, shown on an unrecorded plan entitled “ALTA/ASCM Land Title Survey, Tracer Lane Property, Lexington & Waltham, MA (Middlesex County) prepared By: Beals and Thomas, Inc.” record Owners: Trustees of Tracer Lane II Realty Trust, dated December 6, 2006, and more particularly bounded and described as follows according to said plan:
Beginning at a point on the Westerly side of Route 95 (formerly Route 128) at a point which is 137.05 feet northerly from a Massachusetts Highway Bound on the Town line between Lexington and Waltham; thence running
NORTH 77° 56’ 43” WEST by land now or formerly of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, a distance of 692.28 feet to a stone wall thence running
NORTH 63° 22’ 12” WEST in part by a stone wall, and in part by the Lexington/Waltham town line, by land now or formerly of the City of Waltham, a distance of 603.99 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 63° 50’ 58” WEST by a stone wall by the land now or formerly of the City of Waltham, a distance of 24.97 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 66° 39’ 36” WEST by a stone wall by land now or formerly of Janet L. Lee, a distance of 71.14 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 66° 23’ 53” WEST by land now or formerly of Mark J. Lanza and land now or formerly of Rosemary F. Mahoney-Merola, a distance of 433.94 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 66° 37’ 03” WEST by land now or formerly of Beth A. Cincotta, land now or formerly of Mario & Kathleen M. Libertini, through a drill hole found in a boulder, and land now or formerly of Gail M. O’Donnell, a distance of 551.16 feet to an iron rod at the corner of land now or formerly of the Town of Lexington and land now or formerly of John and Deborah Burley, the last four measurements being by the Lexington/Waltham town line; thence running
NORTH 20° 37’ 47” EAST by the land of the Town of Lexington by a stone wall, a distance of 236.16 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 20° 41’ 17” EAST by the land of the Town of Lexington by the stone wall a distance of 88.10 feet to a drill hole; thence running
NORTH 85° 11’ 21” EAST a distance of 921.00 feet to a stone bound marked “x”; thence running
SOUTH 33° 07’ 12” EAST a distance of 778.65 feet to a stone bound marked “x”; thence running
SOUTH 79° 38’ 21” EAST a distance of 288.33 feet to a stone bound; thence running
NORTH 10° 44’ 02” EAST a distance of 942.18 feet to an iron pin at Route 2 Interchange, the last four measurements being by land now or formerly of the City of Cambridge; thence running
SOUTH 51° 27’ 49” EAST by said Route 2 Interchange, a distance of 83.00 feet to a Massachusetts Highway Bound at the intersection of Route 2 Interchange and Route 95; thence running
SOUTH 09° 12’ 37” EAST by Route 95, a distance of 1,415.89 feet to the point of beginning.
Together with the benefit of rights and easements in the fifty (50) foot wide right of way known as Tracer Lane as reserved in two deeds from Martin Cerel and Bernard Roberts, as Trustees of C-R Trust, to Laboratory for Electronics, Inc. said deeds being dated September 19, 1966 and recorded at Book 11258, Pages 20 and 25.
Together with the benefit of rights and easements to use in common with others entitled thereto a fifty (50) foot wide right of way (also known as Tracer Lane) as set forth in grant by Tracerlab Realty, Inc. to the Trustees of C-R Trust, said grant dated September 19, 1966 and recorded at Book 11258, Page 27.
Together with an easement over Tracer Lane as described in an easement Indenture dated September 19, 1966 recorded in Book 11258, Page 61; and shown as Tracer Lane on Plan No. 226 of 1965, recorded in Book 10762, Page End.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT
ORDERED: The purchase of fee simple title in the Parcel of Land, excepting any easement of record, along with all buildings and trees thereon herein described is hereby authorized for water supply protection in accordance with General Laws, Chapter 40, Sections 38, 39B and 41, and Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution.
9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding an evaluation of the legal feasibility of the following proposals and analyze how much housing could be created under the following proposals. (CM24#217) [text of report]
CMA 2024 #217 Sept 30, 2024
To the Honorable, the City Council:
In regard to Awaiting Report No. 24-52, which the Council requested that the City Manager work with the appropriate Departments to evaluate the legal feasibility of the following proposals and analyze how much housing could be created under the following proposals:
• A proposal that would “offer[ ] the proposed zoning relief only to projects that either contain more than 9 units or that are larger than 10,000 square feet through a conditional upzoning …”;
• A proposal that would “allow 9-10 stories on main corridors, 15 to 25 stories in the squares, 6 stories citywide except in residential A and B districts, 4 stories in residential A and B districts with anything taller requiring a special permit process and planning board review …”;
• A proposal that would “adjust[ ] our Inclusionary Zoning requirements down from 20% for 10 units or more to 10% for projects of 10 to 80 units and 15% for anything above 80 units.”
Please find attached response from Megan B. Bayer, City Solicitor.
Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager
ORDERS
1. City Council support of a fair union contract for Cambridge Hospital residents and calls on CHA leadership to swiftly settle a contract that reflects the value of the resident physicians, the patients they serve, and the crucial importance of Cambridge Hospital to our community. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui (PO24#134)
2. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to assess the feasibility of installing speed control bumps on Antrim Street. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO24#135)
3. City Council support of the Week Without Driving challenge and specifically designate Oct 3, 2024 as a day in which participants are encouraged to use alternative transportation options such as public transit, biking, carpooling, and walking. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (PO24#136)
4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries, including and especially Memorial Drive. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO24#137)
5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) NOFO as soon as possible. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (PO24#138)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. (CM24#207) [text of report]
2. That the Council accept Multi Family Zoning Petition -Part 1, as presented in CM24#207, as a City Council Zoning Petition. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 23, 2024] (PO24#132) [text of report]
3. That the Council accept Multi Family Zoning Petition - Part 2, as presented in CM24#207, as a City Council Zoning Petition. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 23, 2024] (PO24#133) [text of report]
ON THE TABLE
4. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 3, 2024; Tabled as Amended June 10, 2024] (PO24#70)
5. An Ordinance 2023 #8B has been received from City Clerk, relative to Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Amended Nov 6, 2023; to remain on Unfinished Business pending legislative approval of Special Act needed prior to ordination] (ORD23-8B)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application from Craig Murphy representing THE COMEDY STUDIO, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 5 JFK Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and proof of abutter’s mailing and response has been provided. (AP24#36)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Michael Whelan, regarding Please support POs 117 and 118.
2. A communication from Ajay Sonalkar, regarding Affordable Housing.
3. A communication from Amina Sheikh, regarding Please end exclusionary zoning!
4. A communication from Amira Valliani, regarding Sending the upzoning proposal to ordinance committee.
5. A communication from Andy Nash, regarding CMA #5.
6. A communication from Annalisa Martinek, regarding Please don’t send current zoning proposal to the Ordinance Committee.
7. A communication from Annette LaMond and Joe Moore, regarding Upzoning Proposals Need Further Study.
8. A communication from Beth Gamse and Judy Singer, regarding Please build in sufficient time and process for vote on city-wide up-zoning.
9. A communication from Bill McAvinney, regarding End the Cruel Housing “Musical Chairs” Displacement Support the CDD’s proposed zoning changes.
10. A communication from Bob Dall and Margaret Ann Brady, regarding CMA #5: Multifamily up-zoning
11. A communication from Brennan Waters, regarding End Exclusionary Zoning- Make Cambridge A Better Place To Live.
12. A communication from Candace Young, regarding housing.
13. A communication from Carla Ashton-Cohen, regarding City Neighborhood Upzoning Proposal at City Council Monday Sept. 16, 5:30.
14. A communication from Carol Greenwood, regarding upzoning.
15. A communication from Carolyn Fuller, regarding In Support of Bold Action on Housing.
16. A communication from Carolyn Magid, regarding Please send draft multifamily zoning to a special meeting CMA#5.
17. A communication from Carolyn Shipley, regarding Six Stories everywhere (75 feet) and destruction of All Open Space.
18. A communication from Casey Szilagyi, regarding Ending exclusionary zoning.
19. A communication from Catherine Hoffman, regarding Solidarity with the Salvadoran People - a sister city connection since 1987.
20. A communication from Charles Franklin, regarding Praise for the CDD’s Zoning Overhaul Draft (CMA #5).
21. A communication from Crystal A. Leslie, regarding Upzoning.
22. A communication from Dan Phillips, regarding In support of more housing.
23. A communication from Daniel Hidalgo, regarding New Zoning Language.
24. A communication from Daniel Mascoop, regarding In Support of the Zoning Petition under Consideration - Forward to Ordinance Committee.
25. A communication from David Halperin, regarding Support multi-family zoning citywide.
26. A communication from David Hattis, regarding In support of Ending Exclusionary Zoning.
27. A communication from David Levy, regarding Against Upzoning Proposal without Responsible Guardrails.
28. A communication from Diana Yousef, regarding Please don’t send current zoning proposal to the Ordinance Committee.
29. A communication from Dominick Jones, regarding upzoning tonight.
30. A communication from Doug Brown, regarding Zoning Concerns.
31. A communication from Elisabeth Meurer, regarding Opposition to current upcoming proposal with no responsible guardrails.
32. A communication from Elizabeth Kon, regarding The impact of upzoning in Cambridge.
33. A communication from Esme Martinek, regarding Please don’t send current zoning proposal to the Ordinance Committee.
34. A communication from Ethan Frank, regarding Exciting new zoning language.
35. A communication from Francesca Gordini, regarding Opposition to Zoning Proposal.
36. A communication from Guillemette and William Simmers, regarding Up-zoning petition.
37. A communication from Helen Walker, regarding Oppose stealth changes to AHO through Multifamily Housing Citywide.
38. A communication from Hilary McGhee, regarding Upzoning Blog and Ordinances.
39. A communication from Jacqui Fahey Sandell, regarding Please oppose upzoning proposal.
40. A communication from Jerome Ryan, regarding Support for more housing.
41. A communication from Jessica Sheehan and Quentin Smith, regarding please pass zoning proposal to Ordinance - people need homes.
42. A communication from John Buten, regarding Draft Zoning Language.
43. A communication from John Trever, regarding Please hold off sending the 6-story upzoning proposal to the Ordinance Committee.
44. A communication from Jonathan Cohen and Sienna Durbin, regarding Please forward zoning language to ordinance committee.
45. A communication from Joyce Klein, regarding STOP the zoning petition.
46. A communication from Julia Schlozman, regarding Support Ending Exclusionary Zoning.
47. A communication from Justin Saif, regarding Please Send Zoning Language to End Exclusionary Zoning to Ordinance!
48. A communication from Karan Arakotaram, regarding Sending the upzoning proposal to ordinance committee.
49. A communication from Karen Falb and Peter Falb, regarding We want responsible zoning - based on taking enough time for the right decision - we need to trust Councilors and our city government.
50. A communication from Kate Regal, regarding Please don’t advance “up zoning”.
51. A communication from Katherine F. Watkins, regarding Tree removal in violation of City Municipal Code allowed.
52. A communication from Kathy Watkins, regarding CM#5.
53. A communication from Kesara Martinek, regarding Please don’t send current zoning proposal to the Ordinance Committee.
54. A communication from Laura Blacklow, regarding stop the zoning.
55. A communication from Linda Moussouris, regarding Decisions at tonight’s City Council about Implementation of the Affordable Housing Overlay.
56. A communication from Marilee Meyer, regarding council policy cases.
57. A communication from Marilee Meyer, regarding Please do not send housing PO to Ordinance.
58. A communication from Marilee Meyer, regarding thank you for Dyslexia Awareness month.
59. A communication from Marilyn Wellons, regarding Cambridgeport Six Stories everywhere (75 feet) and destruction of All Open Space.
60. A communication from Mark Goodman, regarding Today’s vote on up-zoning language.
61. A communication from Mark Kon, regarding upzoning and its effects on us in Cambridge.
62. A communication from Mary Tittmann, regarding Please support and end to exclusionary zoning in Cambridge.
63. A communication from Michael Gidding, regarding Homeowner Support for Inclusive Zoning and More Housing in Cambridge.
64. A communication from Michael Weymouth, regarding Support for advancing new zoning language.
65. A communication from Molly O’Brien, regarding zoning ordinance under discussion today.
66. A communication from Muireann Glenmullen, regarding Rezoning proposals.
67. A communication from Neil Miller, regarding Don’t delay ending exclusionary zoning.
68. A communication from Nancy Seidman, regarding Opposing upzoning throughout Cambridge.
69. A communication from Omar Eton, regarding AGAINST Cambridge City Neighborhood Up-Zoning Proposal by Cambridge City Council.
70. A communication from Ottavio Siani, regarding In support of 6 story zoning city wide.
71. A communication from Pamela Lipson, regarding Opposition to upzoning proposal.
72. A communication from Patrick Ledwith, regarding Support for new zoning language; send to ordinance.
73. A communication from Rabbi Yoni, Central Square Tenants, regarding Enthusiastic Support for Ordinance Language Implementing Six Stories Residential Housing in All of Cambridge.
74. A communication from Rachel Plummer, regarding Testimony in SUPPORT of Policy Order #131 to Explore the Feasibility of a successor Program to Rise Up Cambridge.
75. A communication from Raffi Freeman, regarding Support for ending exclusionary zoning.
76. A communication from Rev. Kate Layzer, regarding In Support of Bold Action on Housing.
77. A communication from Richard Krushnic, regarding Do not pass to Ordinance.
78. A communication from Robert Camacho, regarding City wide up-zoning proposal.
79. A communication from Robin Just, regarding Monday zoning change petition.
80. A communication from Ronald Suleski, regarding City-Wide Up-Zonging, Not My Idea of Good Government.
81. A communication from Rosalind Michahelles, regarding city-wide up-zoning petition.
82. A communication from Sam Cohen, regarding Please end exclusionary zoning!
83. A communication from Sandra Tropp, regarding What Responsible Zoning Entails-- PLEASE Study This Document.
84. A communication from Santhi Hariprasad, regarding Discussion of zoning language for efforts to end exclusionary housing.
85. A communication from Sarah Stone, regarding Please adopt the zoning amendments.
86. A communication from Sharon Mombru, regarding UPZONING PROPOSAL.
87. A communication from Sharon Stichter, regarding Please stop massive citywide upzoning.
88. A communication from Shelagh Hadley, regarding City-wide up zoning.
89. A communication from Sophie Fisher, regarding Please send the new zoning language to ordinance!
90. A communication from Stephen Moss, regarding Ending Exclusionary Zoning.
91. A communication from Susan Carter, regarding Radical Citywide Upzoning.
92. A communication from Suzanne Blier, regarding Please read this one - re Housing and more.
93. A communication from Suzanne Watzman, regarding PLEASE hold off sending this petition to the Ordinance Committee.
94. A communication from Theodore Live, regarding Multifamily upzoning proposal needs study, input.
95. A communication from Tyler Etzel, regarding Support for advancing new zoning.
96. A communication from Vickey Bestor, regarding Proposed zoning changes.
97. A communication from Young Kim, regarding CM Agenda #5 & Calendar Item #1 on 9/23/2024 City Council Meeting.
98. A communication from Emily Goodling, regarding Continued strong support of affordable housing!
99. A communication from Abbie Cohen, regarding Please end exclusionary zoning!
100. A communication from Alex Jaffe, regarding In Support of Multi-family Housing.
101. A communication from Alex Lesman, regarding Proposed email.
102. A communication from Annmarie Flynn, regarding Tonight’s meeting.
103. A communication from Emma Bouton, regarding Vote to approve the language to end exclusionary zoning.
104. A communication from Erica Yuen, regarding Support for multifamily housing everywhere in Cambridge.
105. A communication from Fiona Qu, regarding Support for advancing zoning language.
106. A communication from Henry H. Wortis, regarding Rezoning petition.
107. A communication from Jess Sheehan, regarding [Cambridgeport] Six Stories everywhere (75 feet) and destruction of All Open Space.
108. A communication from Katy Hartman, regarding Approve proposed zoning language for multifamily homes.
109. A communication from Lee Farris, regarding Multifamily zoning concern and support for Rise Up.
110. A communication from Perry Wasserbauer, regarding In Support of Bold Action on Housing.
111. A communication from Saranesh, regarding Support multifamily housing in Cambridge.
112. A communication from Sharone Small, regarding Ending Exclusionary Zoning.
113. A communication from Yunwei Sun, regarding Ending exclusionary zoning.
114. A communication from Shelly, regarding Approve 6 story buildings in Cambridge.
115. A communication from Dan Totten, regarding murder on Memorial Drive.
116. A communication from Ian Rudnick, regarding Take action to prevent more deaths due to dangerous roads.
117. A communication from Federico Muchnik, regarding request that Winn Development and the CDD work together to build the People’s Proposal at Walden Square Road.
118. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Reject Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, CM#4 from 9/23/24.
119. A communication from Annette LaMond & Joe Moore, regarding Walden Square – Please Support Muchnik Alternative to Winn Proposal.
120. A communication from Liz Merrill, regarding Corcoran Park concerns.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Roberta Beckford. Mayor Simmons
2. Condolences to Susan Pacheco on the passing of her brother. Mayor Simmons
3. Congratulations to Debra Copeland-Montout on her retirement. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#126)
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Oct 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting
6:30pm PROPERTY TAX RATE CLASSIFICATION - The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. … Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the city’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025, including the granting of the residential exemption.
Tues, Oct 8
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update from city staff on BEUDO implementation and to review and discuss regulations, elements of BEUDO, and possible future updates.
Mon, Oct 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, Oct 22
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the updates on the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP).
Mon, Oct 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 4
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5:30pm City Council Meeting
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 30, 2024
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge Hospital is a historic community hospital that is a lifeline to patients in Cambridge and beyond, including communities of color, immigrants, refugees, unhoused community members and residents facing housing insecurity, and low-income patients; and
WHEREAS: Though bargaining began in April, 2024, the union contract between the Cambridge Health Alliance and the resident physicians who work there, members of the Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU, expired June 30, 2024; and
WHEREAS: CHA residents, some of whom served our community during the worst times of the COVID-19 pandemic, are fighting for improved wages and working conditions; and
WHEREAS: Resident physicians work at the heart of patient care at Cambridge Hospital while experiencing severe financial and workplace stress, often working 80-hour weeks and exhausting themselves to provide great care to everyone who needs it; and
WHEREAS: Our healthcare system is strongest when our medical trainees, the doctors at the center of patient care, have what they need to thrive both inside and outside of the hospital, to ensure they are always at their best for the patients they serve, and to ensure CHA can continue to attract passionate doctors; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of a fair union contract for Cambridge Hospital residents and calls on CHA leadership to swiftly settle a contract that reflects the value of the residents, the patients they serve, and the crucial importance of Cambridge Hospital to our community; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge Health Alliance CEO Dr. Assad Sayah on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 Sept 30, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: A number of residents in and around Antrim Street have reached out to City Hall citing concerns that motorists frequently travel at excessive speeds down this residential street, creating a danger for residents, pedestrians, and other road users; and
WHEREAS: Existing traffic control measures, including signage and traffic speed enforcement, have proven insufficient in reducing speeding on Antrim Street, and speed control bumps are an effective method for slowing down traffic in residential areas, contributing to improved safety for all street users; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to assess the feasibility of installing speed control bumps on Antrim Street and to take the necessary steps to implement this traffic calming measure; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-3 Sept 30, 2024
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge has made significant strides in promoting transportation alternatives through its investment in pedestrian safety and biking infrastructure, and support for public transit, but much work remains to be done to ensure that these alternatives are as safe, reliable, and accessible as car travel; and
WHEREAS: The availability of safe, reliable, high-quality, efficient, and accessible transportation options is essential for mobility justice, a vision where people of all backgrounds and abilities feel safe using streets; and
WHEREAS: Over one-third of Cambridge households do not own a car, and in some neighborhoods, more than 50% of households are car-free, demonstrating a significant reliance on walking and rolling, public transit, and biking; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is deeply committed to reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion, and vehicle miles traveled, all in line with its climate action goals and its vision for a more sustainable, livable city; and
WHEREAS: The Week Without Driving initiative was launched in 2021 by Disability Rights Washington, expanding nationally in 2023 in partnership with America Walks; and
WHEREAS: The National Coalition for a Week Without Driving is launching a nationwide initiative from Sept 30, 2024 to Oct 6, 2024, inviting individuals, decisionmakers, and community leaders to experience daily life without driving, fostering an understanding of the challenges faced by nondrivers due to disability, age, economic circumstances, or personal choice; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the Week Without Driving challenge and specifically designate Oct 3, 2024 as a day in which participants are encouraged to use alternative transportation options such as public transit, biking, carpooling, and walking; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council encourages participants to try forms of transportation they may not typically use to help identify how Cambridge can improve its transportation options to make any mode of travel easy, comfortable, and reliable, and advance mobility justice; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate staff to promote the Week Without Driving challenge, with an emphasis on providing resources, education, and support that make alternative transportation more accessible, reliable, and safe for all; 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 National Coalition for a Week Without Driving on behalf of the entire City Council, recognizing Cambridge as a proud partner of this nationwide initiative.
O-4 Sept 30, 2024
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: As previously requested by the City Council with PO23#87, the December 2022 roadway safety bill, “An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities”, contains a provision which allows municipalities to seek state approval to modify the speed limit on a state highway within their geographic boundaries; and
WHEREAS: The tragic traffic fatality of a bicyclist on Memorial Drive last week highlights the danger present on sections of Memorial Drive and the limitations of Cambridge’s ability to make essential safety improvements within the City; and
WHEREAS: The danger presented by the current design has long been evident, and both advocates and state legislators have been calling on the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to create a full-width shared-use path that can provide adequate space and protection for the significant numbers of pedestrians and cyclists that use the path; and
WHEREAS: In alignment with the City’s longstanding commitment to Vision Zero, the City Council is in full support of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries; as well as review potential improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety by implementing infrastructure improvements and further separation; and
WHEREAS: In order to guarantee safety improvements are made on Memorial Drive, a state-owned roadway, coordination with relevant state agencies responsible for those projects is essential; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries, including and especially Memorial Drive; and to meet with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to discuss additional measures to improve safety along Memorial Drive that can be implemented in the short term; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of redesigning Memorial Drive to expand green space, improve road crossings and sidewalks, and replace two motor vehicle travel lanes with protected multi-use paths along the full length of Memorial Drive, which will allow sidewalks on both sides of Memorial Drive to be designated for pedestrian use; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments and prepare a communication to Commissioner Arrigo of the Department of Conservation and Recreation for immediate updates on the next phases of the Memorial Drive Greenway Improvements and urge DCR to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle safety measures within the improvement projects; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by November 2024.
O-5 Sept 30, 2024
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that HUD has issued a NOFO (Notice of Funding Opportunity) for a second competitive funding round of its “Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing)“ which appropriates $100 million for competitive grant funding for the identification and removal of barriers to affordable housing production and preservation for eligible communities across the country; and
WHEREAS: On June 26, 2024, The White House and HUD announced 21 awards totaling nearly $85 million under the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) Fiscal Year 2023 Notice of Funding Opportunity; and
WHEREAS: PRO Housing provides grant funding to communities that have been actively taking steps and demonstrating progress in addressing local housing barriers such as outdated local regulations and land use policies, inadequate infrastructure, lack of available financing for development, and risks associated with extreme weather and an aging housing stock; and
WHEREAS: The application deadline for this grant opportunity is Oct 15, 2024, with minimum $1 million grants to maximum $7 million dollar grants available; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has taken many steps to addressing local housing barriers and could be eligible for this opportunity; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to consult with the Community Development Department about this grant opportunity and apply if feasible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) NOFO as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council with details of an organized process for tracking such grant activities, including but not limited to application, status tracking, and post-award activity.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-18. Report on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including income-restricted affordable housing with the goal of having viable housing for everyone especially lower-income residents.
Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 3/25/2024
24-23. Report back to the Human Services and Veterans Committee on an issued RFP calling for an agency that will lead the City through a community process that will include, but not be limited to, community education, community feedback, location possibilities, potential legal issues and will include feedback from all neighborhoods, including but not limited to; seniors, businesses and places of worship, the Cambridge Police Department, the Cambridge Fire Department, Pro Ambulance, the Cambridge Health Alliance, shelters, nonprofits working with those experiences substance use disorder, and individuals experiencing substance use disorder themselves.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/13/2024
24-24. Report on work done with relevant City departments and the Cambridge Arts Council to consider whether Cambridge could facilitate a Porchfest event.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/20/2024
24-31. Provide an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP) including revised cost estimates to help inform the FY26 and ongoing capital budget priorities in a timely manner.
Councillor Pickett, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 6/10/2024
24-32. Report back on exploring with the MBTA how to best ensure that the public art, Gift of the Wind, is preserved.
Councillor Pickett, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson (O-1) from 6/17/2024
24-36. Provide a plan for keeping residents, businesses and public safety officials informed about the status of current and future inter-jurisdictional transportation projects.
Councillor Pickett, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-2) from 6/24/2024
24-37. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to consider a number of city application processes and find ways to reduce paper and printing waste.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-7) from 6/24/2024
24-39. The City Manager is requested to reach out to the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explore the feasibility of utilizing the large screen televisions in the community rooms of CHA buildings to enable seniors living in these buildings to participate in (via public comment) and view City Council meetings as they are held.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem (O-1) from 8/5/2024
24-40. The City Manager is requested to take the necessary actions to ensure the City’s Gold Star Pool remains open through the end of September 2024, and shall be ready to open at the start of June 2025, three weeks earlier than the pool opened this year.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 8/5/2024
24-44. The City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge can enact a local ordinance or regulation similar to H.3685, which would prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system, or whether the City should submit a Home Rule Petition to ensure access to solar energy for residents.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-13) from 8/5/2024
24-45. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review climate leading heating and cooling regulations and direct the appropriate departments to develop and implement a policy that aligns with Cambridge’s climate leadership to ensure that City operated buildings have default temperatures that align with health and sustainability best practices , including differing guidelines for workplace occupancy hours and outside of business hours.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem (O-14) from 8/5/2024
24-47. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to provide a comprehensive report outlining the City’s knowledge of the garbage chute issues at 1 Leighton Street.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-4) from 9/9/2024
24-49. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a status update on the implementation of the PACE program and provide resources and information for property owners; and provide any recommendations for expanding PACE adoption.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 9/9/2024
24-50. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on progress towards providing a recommendation for changes to the existing ordinance and a report on the impact of the Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge, including how enforcement happens and how many units are registered and available.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui (O-9) from 9/9/2024
24-51. The City Manager is requested to provide a status Update on Automated Parking Enforcement.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-12) from 9/9/2024
24-52. The City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. See Mgr #9
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #1) from 9/16/2024
24-53. at the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-1) from 9/16/2024
24-54. t the City Manager is hereby requested to work with relevant departments to review Cambridge’s curb cut policies and report back on if they can be improved to help meet the City’s transportation and sustainability goals with some proposed updates and draft ordinance language designating City staff as the final approval authority for curb cuts.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 9/16/2024
24-56. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to schedule at least one hazardous waste day and one paper shredding event per year to be held on a Sunday.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 9/23/2024
24-57. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate DPW officials to immediately address this issue so that foul substances no longer leak from the DPW garbage trucks.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 9/23/2024
24-58. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge.
Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 9/23/2024