2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Marnie Gale and C. Dale Gadsden and the reappointment of Louis Bacci III all for five-year terms to the Cambridge Housing Authority Board. (CM25#243) [text of report]
Appointments Approved, Referred to Housing Committee for Discussion 9-0

CM25#243     Oct 6, 2025

I am hereby recommending the appointment of Marnie Gale and C. Dale Gadsden to the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board for five-year terms, and the reappointment of Louis Bacci III for a term of five years. to begin October 6, 2025. These vacancies were left by the resignations of Gerry Clark and Victoria Bergland. Ms. Bergland served as the tenant representative on the board.

The City Manager’s Office initially posted a request for applications on the City website from December 10, 2024, through January 27, 2025. A second application window was advertised from April 10, 2025, through May 12, 2025. Finally, a third application window was advertised to further engage CHA residents from July 25, 2025 through August 25, 2025. Extensive outreach was done through the City’s traditional outreach channels such as the Daily Update email, the City’s home page, press releases, and emails to community and business associations. A total of 9 applications were received in the first round, 13 new applications were received in the second round, and 7 candidates in the third round for an overall total of 29 candidates. The list was narrowed down to seven candidates for interviews for the open seat and another four candidates for the open tenant seat.

Amongst an applicant pool with many compelling candidates, these two candidates stood out for their experience that can contribute to the CHA as well as their demonstrated interest in serving the City of Cambridge.

Ms. Gale is a 20+ year resident of Cambridge and has a long career of service in affordable housing and real estate. Ms. Gale is currently the Managing Director with the Craddock Group, LLC, where she leads project teams that provide real estate and strategic consulting services to government clients. In this capacity, she advises clients nationwide on affordable housing, land use feasibility, portfolio strategy and management, asset renovation, redevelopment, dispositions, exchanges, and management, and enhanced-use leasing. Her previous work has included advising the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on the development of Veteran supportive housing nationwide and the Department of Transportation’s Volpe Center on the planning and implementation of its Federal real property exchange transaction here in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ms. Gadsden is a resident of 150 Erie Street, LBJ Apartments, and is being appointed as the Tenant Representative to the Board. Ms. Gadsden currently serves as a Lecturer of American and African Studies at Lasell University and has lectured previously at Simmons University and Northeastern University. Ms. Gadsden is also the Founder and President of the Mt. Holyoke Black Alumni Society, and the Reconstruction Schoolhouse.

Ms. Gadsden’s appointment is also supported by the Alliance for Cambridge Tenants.

Mr. Bacci is a life-long Cambridge resident and has been a Laborer and Steward for 14-years with Local 151. He is interested in advancing the mission of the Cambridge Housing Authority in preserving affordable housing for middle-class families. As the union representative on the Board, Mr. Bacci was also recommended by the Greater Boston Labor Council I appreciate their willingness to serve and look forward to their contributions to the CHA and the Cambridge community.

In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 121B, Section 5, I am submitting, Ms. Gale, Ms. Gadsden, and Mr. Bacci’s names for City Council confirmation Commissioners of the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Housing Committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

TAX RATE HEARING [6:30pm]
1. Tax Rate Letter from City Manager
Charter Right - Toner

2. Tax Rate Orders
Charter Right - Toner

Agenda Item Number 1A     Oct 6, 2025
ORDERED: That the City Council classifies property within the City of Cambridge into five property classes allowed for the purpose of allocating the property tax levy.
Additionally, that the City Council hereby adopts a minimum residential factor of 0.600298 for the purpose of distributing the property tax levy.

Agenda Item Number 1B     Oct 6, 2025
ORDERED: That the City Council approves a thirty (30) percent residential exemption for owner-occupied homes.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell. [Charter Right – McGovern, Sept 29, 2025]
Adopted 9-0

R-1     Sept 29, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: The City Council has learned with great sorrow of the passing of Red T. Mitchell, a proud veteran, accomplished professional, and tireless advocate for historical justice, on September 18, 2025 at the age of 97; and

WHEREAS: Born on October 2, 1927, Mr. Mitchell enlisted in the United States Army in 1946, serving honorably as a medic in Germany until 1949, and upon his return earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy from Duquesne University; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Mitchell distinguished himself in the insurance industry, serving as Agency Director of Wright Mutual Insurance Company in Detroit, and later as a senior leader in Sales and Management with Supreme Life Company, the largest Black-owned business in North Chicago, before moving to Massachusetts in the mid-1970s, where he became the first person of color hired as Staff Manager in Sales and Management at John Hancock’s Boston office; and

WHEREAS: In the early 1980s, Mr. Mitchell co-founded a Cambridge-based insurance agency dedicated to helping neighbors secure brighter futures, and later extended his commitment to service by volunteering with Meals on Wheels in Plainville and with HESSCO Elder Services, ensuring seniors were treated with dignity and kindness; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Mitchell’s lasting public legacy is enshrined on the Cambridge Common, where he spearheaded the successful campaign to erect the Prince Hall Monument – honoring the Colonial-era abolitionist, mason, and freedom fighter whose contributions had, for far too long, gone unrecognized – installed in 2010 as the first such monument in the nation; and

WHEREAS: Mr. Mitchell was honored by the Cambridge City Council on multiple occasions, including for his 95th birthday, when his perseverance, humility, and leadership were celebrated by all; and

WHEREAS: Red Mitchell will be remembered as a devoted friend, mentor, and neighbor whose presence enriched every room and whose legacy endures in the countless lives he touched, the communities he strengthened, and the monument that stands as a permanent testament to truth and justice; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and community of Red T. Mitchell for their loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the family of Red T. Mitchell on behalf of the entire City Council.

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on the proposed recommendations, review the feasibility of the proposed recommendations with developers, and consider the possibility of having AHO construction be exempt from the proposed zoning. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Referred to Housing Committee and Health & Environment Committee 8-1 (Toner-No)

Committee Report #3 (Sept 29, 2025). The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. (PO25#137) [text of report]
pulled early by Nolan; comments by Zusy (with proposed Substitute Order), Azeem; Charter Right - Azeem
Present: Nolan
Remote Present: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
Also Present: McGovern, Zusy
Absent: Azeem

Zusy proposed Amendment by Substitution  Charter Right - Azeem
WHEREAS: The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on September 16, 2025 to discuss solar impact and zoning; and
WHEREAS: The Committee voted favorably;
WHEREAS: Since, it has been brought to our attention that the average height of current solar installations is actually probably about 25'-30' high, not the 45' used as the average height in the 9/16/25 CDD presentation, so the proposed solution may actually render ineffective many of the 1,000 existing solar installations – that are a critical part of our achieving carbon neutrality by 2050; therefore be it:
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD to provide the Council with the following data no later than October 30 so that it can inform draft zoning language relating to the protection of solar installations:

• The average height of the residential rooftop solar arrays in the City, supplied as a bell curve and as much raw data as can be obtained. The “height” of a system shall be the halfway point between the top of the upper row of panels to the bottom of the lower row of panels.

• The average age of existing residential rooftop solar arrays in the City, supplied as a bell curve and as much raw data as can be obtained.

• The output in MWh of the existing solar arrays in the City in each if the following categories: residential, commercial, and municipal.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Sept 30, 2025 to discuss PO24#33, regarding a request to amend Cambridge Code of Ordinance 6.08.10 (“Regulation of vicious dogs”) to bring into compliance with State law; and to create a “Kennel License” that complies with MGL Section 137A. The Committee voted favorably to forward the proposed amendments to Cambridge Code of Ordinance 6.08.10 (“Regulation of vicious dogs”) and proposed language for “Kennel License” to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent); Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)
Present: McGovern
Remote Present: Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
Absent: Azeem, Toner, Zusy, Simmons

A. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane relative to Dangerous Dog Ordinance 6.08.010 Ordinance. (ORD25#14)
Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Oct 6, 2025  Amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: On September 10, 2025, the City announced that environmental testing at Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park, conducted as part of a court renovation project, revealed confirmed contamination in multiple areas of the park, including the playground and recreational zones; and
WHEREAS: The contaminants identified, which are consistent with historical uses of the site and/or urban fill, have resulted in the closure of the entire park for public safety until soil remediation can be completed; and
WHEREAS: This situation has understandably raised significant concerns among families and other residents about soil safety in parks across Cambridge, particularly in other playgrounds frequented by children; and
WHEREAS: Residents are seeking clarity on how and when soil testing is conducted, what contaminants are being tested for, what thresholds determine whether remediation is necessary, and what proactive measures the City is taking to ensure that similar hazards are not present in other City parks and playgrounds; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: The Department of Public Works and the Department of Public Health will be hosting a community meeting on October 16, 2025 to share the results of the environmental testing completed at Gold Star Mothers Park, answer questions from residents, and share next steps in the process; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Health, and any relevant environmental consultants to provide a comprehensive report to the City Council, in a timely manner, detailing:

• The full testing protocols used at Gold Star Mothers Park, including metrics, thresholds, and contaminants screened;

• The timeline and strategy for full-site testing and remediation at Gold Star Mothers Park;

• What triggers environmental testing in open space construction;

• Whether other parks and playgrounds across Cambridge have undergone soil testing in recent years, and if so, the dates, locations, and results of such testing;

• The City’s current policies or best practices regarding routine soil testing in public parks, including frequency, scope, and public notification procedures; and

• Any recommendations for establishing a clear, citywide standard for environmental testing of playgrounds and other parklands going forward.

• Information about lead exposure sources for children, efforts to reduce lead levels in children, and an overview of childhood lead data for Cambridge children over time.

O-2     Oct 6, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time for communities across the nation to come together in solidarity with survivors of domestic and gender-based violence and to raise awareness of the ongoing impacts of abuse; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, through its Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative, has been steadfast in its commitment to honoring survivors, educating the public, and working to create a safer, more compassionate community for all; and
WHEREAS: The Annual Domestic Violence Vigil provides an opportunity for survivors to share their experiences, for colleagues and community members to listen and learn, and for the City to reaffirm its dedication to supporting those affected by domestic and gender-based violence; and
WHEREAS: This year’s Vigil will be held on Wed, Oct 8, 2025, at 5:30pm at Cambridge City Hall, and will include anonymous submissions as well as survivor speakers whose courage gives voice to the realities of abuse; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge, and in encouraging all residents and City staff to attend the Annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Oct 8, 2025, to show support for survivors, to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced, and to join in the City’s efforts to foster a community free from violence.

O-3     Oct 6, 2025
COUNCILLOR WILSON
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Black Girl Day Off is observed annually on October 11th across the United States as a day for Black women to pause from their daily responsibilities and focus on their emotional and mental well-being; and
WHEREAS: This day recognizes that Black women are disproportionately impacted by chronic stress and face higher risks of heart disease, breast cancer, and other serious health conditions; and
WHEREAS: The observance was created in 2020 by Tomeka Casonova to encourage Black women to make their health a priority and to draw attention to the connection between long-term stress and poor health outcomes; and
WHEREAS: Black Girl Day Off also raises awareness of the unique challenges and traumas faced by disadvantaged, oppressed, and disenfranchised individuals, and underscores the need for compassionate and culturally competent mental health providers; and
WHEREAS: Mental health is among the most neglected aspects of health worldwide, with nearly one in four people expected to experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, yet too many still lack the resources and support they need; and
WHEREAS: The day calls for breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in African American communities, empowering Black women to seek care, and inspiring greater awareness and prevention efforts; and
WHEREAS: Through activities that center rest, healing, and community, Black Girl Day Off affirms the vital role of Black women as leaders, caregivers, and pillars of strength while also recognizing their right to restoration and self-care; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing October 11, 2025, as Black Girl Day Off in the City of Cambridge and encourage residents to honor the spirit of this day by supporting the health, wellness, and empowerment of Black women and girls in our community.

O-4     Oct 6, 2025
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee held a public hearing on September 25, 2025 to discuss Institutional Use Zoning; and
WHEREAS: The Committee was supportive of realigning Cambridge and State zoning regulations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant staff to ensure that the zoning code relating to Institutional Use Regulation is in compliance with State law and once that zoning is in compliance, continuing the discussion with institutional partners and Community Development Department (CDD) staff about how best to safeguard that institutional development works within the broader context of the City’s development.

O-5     Oct 6, 2025  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: Neighbors and community members have raised concerns about safety and public health related to the paths and public facilities near the Alewife MBTA station headhouse; and
WHEREAS: Public areas like the Russell Field sports complex, Linear Park and the Minuteman Paths, playgrounds, and the MBTA station and plaza are important for recreation, transit, leisure, and should be able to be enjoyed by everyone; and
WHEREAS: Many children use the area unattended and are sometimes out of view of adults; and
WHEREAS: All community members deserve safe and clean public amenities, and dangerous or antisocial behavior such as lighting campfires, littering, and open drug use can have an undue impact on all residents; and
WHEREAS: The area can be especially difficult to maintain due to cross-jurisdictional demands of the MBTA, DCR, and the City of Cambridge, and ongoing construction projects in the area and abandoned equipment can also exacerbate conditions; and
WHEREAS: City staff have been working with state officials to address concerns about safety and public health in the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments, state agencies, and the property owner IQHQ to provide an update on efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area as well as report back on how the area might be made safer for children; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-6     Oct 6, 2025  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: The Mayor Sheila Doyle Russell Youth and Community Center in West Cambridge was built as both a community and youth center, available to residents of all ages; and
WHEREAS: The Community Center contains athletic and educational spaces that could be available to all age users, and a community function room; and
WHEREAS: This combined solution of a community and youth center in one building expands the reach of the community center’s mission and provides an opportunity to link generations; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors have had discussions on how to better utilize the space, including meeting with City staff about the need for more equitable geographic distribution of opportunities for seniors to gather; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.