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)
Appointment Approved 9-0

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.

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]
pulled by McGovern w/purpose of finalizing tonight; comments/explanations from Owen O’Riordan, Megan Bayer (resolves litigation); Siddiqui notes Bob Reardon’s role in assessment of property; Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

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]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern re: including requirement of inclusionary units for a 6-story building, 4-story limit otherwise; Bayer concurs; Azeem moves suspension to bring forward the related items on Charter Right (#1, #2 and #3) - prevails 9-0; Azeem comments, asks about “corridors”, Central Square, Mass. Ave., Cambridge St. and where related processes stand; Iram Farooq offers explanation and notes that they are within the limits proposed, desire to be more specific on where proposals apply; Azeem says proposals for corridors and Squares coming next year, etc., wants to move forward to Ordinance Committee; Toner asks for clarification of what Councillor Wilson wants re: inclusionary requirements and whether they would be increased beyond current requirements; Wilson explains; Toner asks if this might constitute an increase, suggests that immediate focus should be on corridors and Squares, does not want to start the clock ticking if sent now to Ordinance Committee, prefers to Table; Nolan asks about which corridors would be included - noting that Huron Ave. is not included; Farooq agrees about need for clarity on what constitutes a “corridor”; Nolan OK w/ending “exclusionary zoning” but has concerns about massive citywide upzoning, notes that focusing on corridors and squares might actually yield more housing units than proposal as written; Nolan expresses desire to include Huron Ave. among corridors and add significant heights and density along Huron Ave. and geographical distribution of more housing, wants analysis of where teardowns might be expected; Zusy shares Nolan’s concerns and would prefer more clarity prior to referring to Ordinance Committee; Zusy moves to Table pending this additional information, expresses concerns about how this is dividing the community and need for more community input; Zusy Motion to Table these three items matters to permit discussion in NLTP Committee Fails 4-5 (PN,PT,CZ,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-No); Siddiqui wants to send to Ordinance, condescends to Zusy about NLTP Committee not being a committee of the whole, says timeline is important - meet in November, clock starts when Ordinance Committee meets on matter; Siddiqui motion to Place Communications of File and refer two petitions to Ordinance Committee; Wilson asks CDD about process if now referred to Ordinance; Farooq notes pending requests for analysis, pending request for community meetings, notes 65 days until Ordinance Committee required to meet, and then 90 days for action by City Council after that; Wilson asks for CDD recommendation and Farooq recommends sending to Ordinance Committee now to prevent “dueling ideas” (??); Simmons notes that these conversations can be confusing for the average person; McGovern wants a “Fact Sheet” as was done when AHO was railroaded through (twice), notes that Ordinance Committee could meet as late as Dec 4, then 90 days after for ordination or can be re-filed - noting that AHO was re-filed twice, saw 62 amendments (many of which were terrible), suggests that this matter is not being rushed; Toner will work with McGovern to develop the Ordinance Committee schedule, agrees with need for FAQ, suggests a Roundtable; Azeem notes that all projects that have produced affordable units have been 6 stories or greater, wants this in current Res A and Res B districts; Nolan wants clarity on what constitutes “community meetings” as opposed to City Council meetings with very limited public participation; Farooq says there would be at least two community meetings in addition to the hearings; Nolan notes perceptions of betrayal of trust, suggests using Envision definitions for what constitutes “corridors”; Farooq says additional analysis expected in November; Siddiqui wants to split motion into separate votes; Zusy notes confusion among citizens in that this proposal flies against recommendations in Envision in regard to protecting character of neighborhoods, noting that existing apartment buildings in C-Port are typically less than 3 stories, setbacks for triple-deckers - and this reality conflicts with current proposals, suggests that need for MANY amendments suggests lack of a clear plan; Simmons notes need for two votes - one simple majority for proposals meeting Housing Choice Act requirements and other requiring two-thirds majority; Megan Bayer notes that sending both to Ordinance is by simple majority; but future ordination requires simple majority for proposals to add housing and two-thirds majority for aspects that do not directly create more housing; Mgr #9 Placed on File 9-0; Charter Right #1 Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No); Charter Right #2 Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy-No); Charter Right #3 Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy-No).

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

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.

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.

Amended Version:
O-1     Sept 30, 2024
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIMMONS
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 and thoughtfully settle a contract that reflects the value of the residents, the patients they serve, and the crucial importance of Cambridge Hospital to our community ensuring both the financial stability of the house staff and the viability of the Cambridge Health Alliance for 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  Amended (to be updated); Charter Right - Azeem
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 coordinate with OCR Commissioner Arrigo to arrange the robust community engagement process regarding Memorial Drive, as promised by the OCR at the January 30, 2024 meeting with Riverside neighborhood residents, that has thus far failed to materialize and which must be made an integral part of this process as it moves forward: 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.