Cambridge City Council meeting - October 24, 2011 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-78, regarding a report on where the police currently conduct foot patrols or park and walks and how these locations are decided.
2. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-114, regarding a report on semi-trailer trucks using Lambert Street to get to McGrath Highway.
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-135, regarding a report on truck related disturbances at Millbrook Storage.
4. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-136, regarding a report on removing the North Cambridge Crime Taskforce trailer.
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-122, regarding a report on increasing enforcement against bikers that endanger pedestrians and provide bike regulations to a wider audience including through media outlets.
6. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-80, regarding a report on enforcement action for bicycles traveling on sidewalks in Central Square.
7. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-90, regarding a report on the feasibility and possible benefits of participating in the UN Global Compact Cities program.
From Brian Murphy, CDD: "The City of Cambridge has long been engaged in the range of issues that are the focus of the Global Compact Cities program. Given our active participation in other related programs that provide tangible support for Cambridge initiatives, and the limits of staff time and resources, I do not recommend that the City participate in Global Compact Cities at this time."
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-138, regarding a report on inspecting the property at 131 Harvard Street.
9. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-126, regarding a report on the status of installing Police Call Boxes at Lopez Park and Central Park at North Point.
10. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-119, regarding a report on the protocol of having wireless internet access on only the first floor of the public library.
From the Manager: "In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-119, regarding a report on the protocol of having wireless internet access on only the first floor of the public library, please be advised that all libraries currently have wireless access on all levels."
11. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Library Services & Technology Act Grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care in the amount of $7,000 to the Grant Fund Library Salary and Wages account ($1,300), to the Grant Fund Library Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,620) and to the Grant Fund Library Travel and Training account ($80). The Cambridge Public Library has been selected as one of the Early Childhood Resource Center sites to house the early childhood resource collection for the Greater Boston area and the grant will support workshops and library materials and staff time to provide on-site services.
12. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $56,315 from General Fund Employee Benefits (salary adjustment) Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Election Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover the cost of a special election primary to be held on Dec 13, 2011 and a special general election to be held on Jan 10, 2012 to fill the State Senate seat for the Second Suffolk and Middlesex District that was recently vacated.
13. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Grant Program Income of $233,306.94 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which was used by Just A Start to acquire and rehabilitate a home for a low income, first time home buyer family.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Traffic and Parking Department to look into traffic calming measures on Whittemore Avenue. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Cheung on Order Number Eighteen of Oct 17, 2011.]
Place on File under Rule 19 - No Action Taken
ON THE TABLE
2. That the City Manager is requested to restore funding for School Department clerical positions until a proper and negotiated process can be achieved with the Cambridge School Department and Unions representing the employees, and to report back to the City Council on the progress. [Order Number Fourteen of Apr 26, 2010 Placed on Table. Councillor Kelley made motions to take from table on May 10, 2010 failed 2-7-0, Sept 13, 2010 failed 4-4-1, Sept 27, 2010 failed 3-5-1, Dec 13, 2010 failed 3-6-0. Remains on Table.]
3. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-32, regarding a report on issues with the development of the former St. John's property site. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Eighteen of May 24, 2010. Placed on Table June 7, 2010.]
4. An application was received from Tony LaVita, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 68 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Ten of June 7, 2010 Placed on Table.]
5. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-189, regarding a report on the legitimacy of the tax exempt claim of Education First. [Charter Right exercised on City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to have the Community Development Department convene a meeting with neighbors in the vicinity of Grove Street and Blanchard Road, the Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee and other relevant parties to review the zoning along the golf course and the Fresh Pond Reservation in that area. [Charter Right exercised on Order Number Five of Jan 24, 2011. Placed on Table Jan 31, 2011.]
7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a complete and comprehensive list of all concessions made to the City and broader Cambridge community by developers and the universities in exchange for zoning relief, special permits, or Council approval. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Reeves on Order Number Eleven of Apr 25, 2011. Tabled on Motion of Councillor Cheung on May 2, 2011.]
8. Transmitting communication from Robert W. Healy, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 11-94, regarding a report on fireworks at Corcoran Park on July 4th. [City Manager Agenda Item Number Nineteen of Sept 12, 2011 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Kelley.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
9. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Julia Bishop et al., to amend Section 17.20 of the Zoning Ordinance - Regulations for Special District 2, located in North Cambridge along Linear Park. Proposed amendments include: deletion of allowed non-residential uses; reduction in allowed Floor Area Ratio; increase in required lot area per dwelling unit; reduction in allowed height; new regulations for fences abutting Linear Park. [Order #26 adopted on Oct 17, 2011 to discharge from committee. Report placed on Unfinished Business on Oct 17, 2011. Planning Board hearing held Sept 13, 2011.] Petition expires Dec 6, 2011.
10. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 7, 2011 to consider a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance filed by Elizabeth deRham et al. The petition proposes an amendment to Section 9.16 of the Zoning which currently provides for a $100 per violation per day fine upon conviction of said violation. The amendment would provide for a fine not to exceed the maximum specified in M.G.L. Ch 40A sec.7, currently $300 per violation per day and would allow the fine to be levied at the discretion of the Superintendent of Buildings. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Oct 31, 2011. [Planning Board hearing held Sept 13, 2011.] Petition expires Dec 6, 2011.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Shih Hsu, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 426-428 Huron Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.
2. An application was received from Clover Fast Food, Inc., requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of premises numbered 1079 Cambridge Street.
3. An application was received from Eric Griffith, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Wyman Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Public Works. No neighborhood association for that area.
Charter Right - Kelley
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Father Norbert, transmitting thanks for your kind words and best wishes on his retirement from St. Francis.
2. A communication was received from Dara Glass, 21 Edmunds Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
3. A communication was received from Steven Orzack, 173 Harvey Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
4. A communication was received from Michael Rome, 20 Gold Star Road, regarding the Bishop Petition.
5. A communication was received from Imani K. Bishop, 2 Earhart Street, regarding the Bishop Petition.
6. A communication was received from George F. Welch Jr. a/k/a Jack, 164 Auburn Street, Apt. 2, regarding an Open Meeting Law Complaint.
7. A communication was received from William F. Welch, Clerk of the Senate, transmitting notice calling for a special election to be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 to fill vacancy caused by resignation of Steven A. Tolman.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of George M. Vendetti. Councillor Toomey, Mayor Maher
2. Resolution on the death of James F. Murphy Mayor Maher
3. Designate November 2011 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Staff Sergeant James R. Leep Jr. Councillor Decker
5. Congratulations to Joon Pahk on his recent appearance of "Jeopardy!" Councillor Cheung
6. Congratulations to Rachel Solem on receiving the Carl F. Barron business Person of the Year Award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Cheung
7. Congratulations to the Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc. on being awarded the Nonprofit of the Year award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Cheung
8. Congratulations to Pouf! on their grand opening at 151 Alewife Brook Parkway on Oct 1, 2011. Councillor Cheung
9. Congratulations to Bob Folger and AFR Furniture Rental, Inc. on receiving the Ambassador of the Year award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Cheung
10. Congratulations to W.T. Kenney, Co., Inc. on receiving the Small Business of the Year award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Cheung
11. Congratulations to Chase on the opening of their first Massachusetts location at One Canal Park. Councillor Cheung
12. Congratulations to MassPay on receiving the New Member of the Year award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Cheung
13. Congratulations to the Reverend Doctor Francis William Brocato on the occasion of his installation as the twentieth rector of Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. Mayor Maher
14. Condolences to the family of Mee King Lau. Councillor Toomey
15. Thanks to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) on ranking Massachusetts as the #1 Energy Efficiency state for the first time in five years. Vice Mayor Davis
16. Resolution on the death of Constance "Connie" Sico. Councillor Toomey
17. Resolution on the death of Theodora "Teddy" Arvanites. Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Davis
18. Encourage residents to utilize the East Cambridge Post Office and thanks to the United States Post Office for keeping services available in East Cambridge during the remodeling process. Councillor Toomey
19. Congratulations to John Maher on his recently published book "Learning from the Sixties: Memoir of an Organizer." Councillor Decker
20. Welcome the A.M.E. District Meeting to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Reeves
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and report back to the City Council on the possibility of installing recycling receptacles along Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square. Councillor Toomey
2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant City departments to look into the feasibility of leveling and reconstructing the drain at the southwest corner of Central Square. Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to increase enforcement of motorists driving down Prospect Street and Western Avenue who are running the red light when crossing over Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Cheung
4. That the City of Cambridge hereby joins other communities across the country and calls upon the United States Congress to pass and send to the states for ratification, a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and to restore constitutional rights and fair elections to the people. Mayor Maher
5. Amendment to Zoning Ordinances by deleting Section 6.22.2 Councillor Kelley
Amended by substitution (see below)
5. That Section 6.22.2 of the Zoning Ordinances be and hereby is referred to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a discussion on whether a petition should be submitted to the City Council to amend Section 6.20 entitled "Off Street Parking Regulation" by deleting Section 6.22.2. Councillor Kelley and Councillor Reeves
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back on legal expenses incurred by the City for the Monteiro case and related cases in Executive Session. Councillor Kelley
Amended
7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on how people without access to email or cell phone text communications receive the information distributed through CitizenObserver Alerts in a timely manner. Councillor Kelley
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department about undertaking a complete and comprehensive assessment and review of the traffic and parking needs in the area of North Massachusetts Avenue and Alewife Brook Parkway. Mayor Maher
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from D. Margaret Drury, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public meeting held on Sept 14, 2011 to consider a petition filed by Laura Runkel et al. to rezone 41 Bellis Circle, an area abutting the northern block of Bellis Circle, bordered on the north by the commuter rail tracks, on the south by Bellis Circle and on the east side by Sherman Street, from Residence C-1A to Residence C.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Special Presentation Mayor's Red Ribbon Commission on Central Square (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 25
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public meeting to continue discussion on a zoning petition by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance by creating a new section that would allow for the creation by Special Permit of rental apartment units in the basement levels of existing multifamily residential buildings in Residence C Districts which meet the Special Permit criteria. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 2
4:00pm Ordinance Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm Roundtable Meeting. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 16
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 22
5:30pm The Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss goal setting for the Cambridge environment for the coming year. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Nov 30
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 14
10:00am Community Health Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 2
10:00am City Council Inaugural Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 24, 2011
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Single stream recycling in Cambridge has been very successful; and
WHEREAS: The single stream model has helped to increase the availability of recycling receptacles in local parks; and
WHEREAS: The collection of the recyclable materials by pedal power has also been a great benefit to the recycling program; and
WHEREAS: Recycling receptacles are located in most squares and parks, but they are not located on Cambridge Street between Lechmere and Inman Squares which is a heavily-used business district; and
WHEREAS: Receptacles along this corridor could help to significantly reduce the recyclable material that finds its way into the trash stream and reduce the cost to the city for disposal; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of Public Works and report back to the City Council on the possibility of installing recycling receptacles along Cambridge Street between Lechmere Square and Inman Square.
O-2 Oct 24, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the southwest corner of Central Square is experiencing drainage problems; and
WHEREAS: It has been reported that during rain and snowstorms, water collects and forms puddles which freeze during the winter season and pose a safety hazard for thousands of pedestrians who traverse the area daily; and
WHEREAS: Residents feel if this vicinity were leveled and reconstructed to drain, it would be more maneuverable for pedestrians; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City departments to look into the feasibility of leveling the before-mentioned area.
O-3 Oct 24, 2011
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that motorists driving down Prospect Street and Western Avenue are running the red light when crossing Massachusetts Avenue and endangering pedestrians; and
WHEREAS: It has been reported that motorists are making illegal turns onto Massachusetts Avenue, causing near-collisions with other motorists and pedestrians; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to increase enforcement in before-mentioned area.
O-4 Oct 24, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The United States Constitution was adopted and ratified to protect the free speech and other rights of people, not corporations; and
WHEREAS: Corporations are entities created by the law of states and nations; and
WHEREAS: The United States Supreme Court, in its decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, overturned long standing precedent prohibiting corporations from spending corporate general treasury funds in our elections; and
WHEREAS: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission allows unrestricted amounts of corporate money into our political process; and
WHEREAS: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission purports to invalidate state laws and even state Constitutional provisions separating corporate money from elections; and
WHEREAS: Article V of the United States Constitution empowers and obligates the people and states of the United States of America to use the constitutional amendment process to correct those egregiously wrong decisions of the United States Supreme Court that go to the heart of our democracy and republican self-government; and
WHEREAS: The people and states of the United States of America have used the amendment process to strengthen the nation and preserve liberty and equality and to reverse erroneous Supreme Court decisions that weaken this liberty and equality; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge hereby joins other communities across the country and calls upon the United States Congress to pass and send to the states for ratification, a constitutional amendment to reverse Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and to restore constitutional rights and fair elections to the people; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Senator Scott Brown, Senator John F. Kerry and Representative Michael Capuano on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-5 Oct 24, 2011 Amended (see below)
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Council submit a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinances in an effort to mitigate development and parking pressures in Cambridge neighborhoods as follows:
That in Section 6.20 entitled "Off Street Parking Regulations" Section 6.22.2 be deleted;
and be it further
ORDERED: That this petition be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.
Reference: 6.22.2 - The Board of Zoning Appeal may grant a special permit for off site accessory parking not allowed in Subsection 6.22.1(a) provided that convenient and safe access from the parking facility to the use being served is provided in accordance with the following conditions:
(a) No off site accessory parking facility may be located on a lot which has a more restrictive zoning classification than the lot on which the use being served is located.
(b) Off site accessory parking facilities shall be located within four hundred (400) feet of the lot being served for residential uses and within one thousand (1000) feet of the lot for other uses.
O-5 AMENDED ORDER Oct 24, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR REEVES
ORDERED: That Section 6.22.2 of the Zoning Ordinances be and hereby is referred to the Transportation, Traffic and Parking Committee for a discussion on whether a petition should be submitted to the City Council to amend Section 6.20 entitled "Off Street Parking Regulation" by deleting Section 6.22.2.
Referred to the Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Committee
O-6 Oct 24, 2011 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in Executive Session on:
The outside legal expenses incurred by the City for the Monteiro case and related cases and issues;
The cost of the appeal of the Monteiro case over the original judgment, to include interest and legal fees for both the defendant and the plaintiff;
The amount of money related cases were settled for; and
The overall amount of money the City paid to Ms. Monteiro.
and be it further
ORDERED: That if any of these issues are still considered to be confidential, because of agreements between parties, attorney-client privilege or some other reason, that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a detailed response to the City Council as to why that information cannot be publicly shared and an estimated date, if any, as to when it would be available to the public.
O-7 Oct 24, 2011
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a number of ways of notifying people of important events to include CitizenObserver Alerts; and
WHEREAS: Some of these notifications must be timely to be useful; and
WHEREAS: CitizenObserver Alerts are, per the organization's website, only offered via email or text; and
WHEREAS: Not all people who might be interested in receiving these Alerts have ready access to either email or cell phone text communications; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on how people without access to email or cell phone text communications receive the information distributed through CitizenObserver Alerts in a timely manner.
O-8 Oct 24, 2011
MAYOR MAHER
WHEREAS: Neighbors of the North Massachusetts Avenue neighborhood have reported increased levels of cut through traffic to avoid Alewife Brook Parkway and Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: Given the upcoming development plans in the area, it is an appropriate time to take a more comprehensive assessment of the traffic and parking needs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department about undertaking a complete and comprehensive assessment and review of the traffic and parking needs in the area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 14, 2011, beginning at six o'clock and thirteen P.M. in the Sullivan Chamber. The hearing was held for the purpose of considering a petition filed by Laura Runkel et al. to rezone 41 Bellis Circle, an area abutting the northern block of Bellis Circle, bordered on the north by the commuter rail tracks, on the south by Bellis Circle and on the east side by Sherman Street, from Residence C-1A to Residence C.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Leland Cheung; City Clerk D. Margaret Drury; Stuart Dash, Director of Community and Neighborhood Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); and Jeffrey Roberts, Neighborhood Planner, CDD.
Councillor Seidel convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He invited the petitioner to present the petition. Laura Runkle, 56 Bellis Circle, made a presentation. She pointed out that the 41 Bellis Circle lot is an integral part Bellis Circle area. The current zoning of the petition area is Residence C-1A. However the abutting neighborhood is currently zoned Residence B and is comprised of townhouses, single and two-family buildings which are three stories or lower. The narrow streets and heavy traffic on Sherman Street would not safely support the high density development that could be built on the 41 Bellis Circle lot which is the subject of the petition.
Ms. Runkel said that the question of why they are filing now has been asked. They do not know of a plan to develop the petition area at this time but right across Sherman Street, on a Bolton Street lot half the size of the petition area, it is possible to build 29 units. A rough calculation of the development potential of the 41 Bellis Circle lot under the present zoning is 40 units, which, with the Inclusionary Zoning bonus, would become 52 units. The petition asks for Residence C. A rough calculation of the development potential of the 41 Bellis lot under the zoning proposed in the petition is 22 units plus the affordable housing bonus, for a total of 28 units. This petition does not rule out affordable housing on the site.
Councillor Seidel invited comments from the committee.
Vice Mayor Davis said that the current Cambridge demographic shows the number of families in Cambridge going up until the children reach age five and then decreasing. We want to keep our families; and that is the lens that we should be looking through in evaluating our zoning and proposed zoning changes. Bellis Circle is a family friendly zone.
Councillor Cheung stated that the proposal makes sense to him and it is reasonable.
Mayor Maher said that it is good to have a petition that is forward thinking rather than a reaction to a development proposal. Bellis Circle is an eclectic and charming neighborhood, which the City Council should do its best to protect. He noted that the orientation of the lot is more to Bellis Circle than to Sherman Street.
Councillor Seidel invited CDD staff to comment on the proposal. Mr. Dash and Mr. Roberts submitted a copy of the Sept 9, 2011 CDD memorandum to the Planning Board (Attachment 1). Mr. Dash said that this area was rezoned during the city-wide rezoning in 2001. The focus at the time was to encourage a shift from the old industrial areas. In this area, there remains an active commuter track, which the 41 Bellis Circle lot abuts. This petition has merit and deserves looking at. There are issues still to consider, for example, issues related to the lot being right next to the railroad and inclusionary zoning.
Mayor Maher asked whether notice of the petition was sent to the out of state owners of the lot. Mr. Roberts said that notice was sent but there was no response. He will send another notice.
Councillor Kelley said that this is a great petition. He asked whether the fact that the petition area is near the railroad track might give them flexibility to change the orientation of side yard and back yard. He added that the housing development at the former site of Portland Stone is very similar. It is Res B Zoning.
Councillor Kelley said that he is not enthusiastic about C-1 zoning and asked why not Residence C Zoning. Mr. Dash said that at this point the Planning Board is not really considering recommending a C-1 designation. He also said that the Pemberton Street site to which Councillor Kelley referred is not Residence B Zoning. It is closer to a Res. C or C-1. He agrees that it is a good example of a successful re-use of an industrial site for housing beside the railroad tracks.
Councillor Seidel said that there is clearly a family friendly neighborhood feel to Bellis Circle. What could potentially be built under C-1A does feel out of character and too dense for the existing fabric of the neighborhood. An FAR density of .65 or .7 seems more typical. He asked what happens to the FAR when the inclusionary affordable housing bonus is added. Mr. Roberts said that the total FAR would be increased 30 percent. So the .6 FAR with the inclusionary bonus ends up as .78 FAR.
Councillor Seidel then invited public comment.
Peggy Phillips, Richdale Avenue, stated that living near the railroad tracks can be loud. She is concerned that a large building at that location would be a problem for the residents and the neighbors.
Michael Siegell, 33 Bellis Circle, stated that he is president of the Bellis Circle Neighborhood Association. He has lived there for 31 years and has seen many changes. The neighborhood is very committed to protecting the neighborhood character and very appreciative of the City Councillors' remarks of appreciation for this neighborhood and how special it is.
James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that on the abutting commuter railway track there are 17 outbound trips plus 17 inbound trips every day. There is a crossing right at Sherman Street. He does not want to see lots of people pushed up close against the tracks. That lot is like a missing tooth. There needs to be a piece that fits the hole. He urged the Council to look at what would be allowed with inclusionary zoning and work back from there.
Councillor Kelley asked if the Zoning C language could be modified to make larger back yards to deal with the railroad track issue. Mr. Dash answered in the affirmative.
Councillor Seidel thanked those present for their participation. The hearing was adjourned at six o'clock and fifty-five minutes.
For the Committee,
Councillor Sam Seidel, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
10-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options for amending the ordinance to allow for permitting of civic organizations to use public space after hours.
Councillor Cheung 03/22/10 (O-18)
10-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a delineation of the boundaries of Joan Lorentz Park.
Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 05/24/10 (O-11)
10-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on railroad crossing safety policies and procedures, including equipment maintenance and repair in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Seidel 09/13/10 (O-16)
10-177. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on meetings with presidents of Cambridge colleges/universities to work out a proposal that they will pay the tuition and fees for students graduating from Cambridge public high schools.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-7)
10-178. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on developing an RFP for experimental music venues and space in Central Square.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 11/22/10 (O-8)
10-184. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of the Cambridge Farmers Market using space for the winter months in the ground floor of the First Street garage or other suitable space.
Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-2)
10-185. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on establishing a "pilot program" for Clean Tech Start-Ups in the first floor of vacant First Street garage.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-4)
10-186. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible options for providing more support for the homeless youth in Cambridge.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 12/13/10 (O-5)
10-190. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing the 311 system in Cambridge.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 12/20/10 (O-2)
11-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possibility of allowing homeowners alternatives to alter flat roof structures to create better rain water runoff collection.
Mayor Maher, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/10/11 (O-5)
11-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the Responsible Employer Ordinance was complied with in regard to the recent bid on water-proofing project in Lafayette Square.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 01/10/11 (O-9)
11-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what incentives were given to Vertex as part of their relocation deal and evaluate how Cambridge could offer those same incentives to companies it is attempting to lure from out of state to the City.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 01/31/11 (O-15)
11-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of retaining the traffic light on Memorial Drive at Magazine Street.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Seidel, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 02/07/11 (O-3)
11-27. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on recent trip of Public Safety officials to Israel and on the City's policies regarding the provision of professional development of City officials by private entities.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 02/28/11 (O-20)
11-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible projects that could be completed with the help of Code for America.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 03/07/11 (O-1)
11-53. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to make the Follen Street/Little Concord Avenue intersection safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Referred back by Councillor Cheung on 5/23/2011 for further information.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-3)
11-58. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing a projector presentation screen in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-12)
11-61. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the percentage of tree canopy coverage.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 05/16/11 (O-22)
11-64. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing paying for city services on-line.
Councillor Cheung 05/16/11 (O-29)
11-65. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of emulating the San Francisco Yellow Pages ban in Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 05/23/11 (O-1)
11-71. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on total of donations raised during the 2011 resident sticker renewals for environmental initiatives, identify a project that the funds can be used for and publicly display that the funds were possible from resident donations.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 06/06/11 (O-2)
11-78. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #1
RE: report on where the police currently conduct foot patrols or park & walks and how these locations are decided.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 06/20/11 (O-6)
11-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing benches in front of the Main Library.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-3)
11-80. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on enforcement of biking on the sidewalks in Central Square.
Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 06/27/11 (O-4)
11-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing information for residents and taxpayers regarding readily available financial information online for citizens to view and easily understand.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 06/27/11 (O-6)
11-82. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any possible implications of the merger between the Longy School of Music and Bard College.
Councillor Seidel 06/27/11 (O-9)
11-83. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on technology plan for the city, the use of social media tools, and identifying projects that would benefit using Gov 2.0 Initiative.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-1)
11-84. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a research and development office for technology.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-2)
11-85. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for participation in the BIO 2012 Convention.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-4)
11-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the need for a bamboo ordinance that either bans the planting of bamboo outright of somehow holds the owner of the bamboo accountable.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-8)
11-90. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
RE: report on the feasibility and possibility benefits of participating in the UN Global Compact Cities program.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-9)
11-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what information campaign will go along with the bike-share program.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-13)
11-92. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating a system that the general public could search by a unique identifier, that contains all official documents such as building permits, variance applications, License Commission inspections, etc.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-15)
11-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on incorporating information regarding safe bicycling in the City with the dissemination of information related to and implementation of the Hubway bike share program.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-25)
11-101. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on examining the relationship between job creation in the City and available housing stock.
Councillor Seidel and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-27)
11-102. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using BLAZE technology for the safety of bicyclists.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-29)
11-104. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of Cambridge Office of College Success Initiative Working Group Draft.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 08/01/11 (O-31)
11-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the delay of the Green Line Extension project could impact the development at Northpoint.
Councillor Toomey 08/01/11 (O-34)
11-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on options to go paperless with City bills.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-1)
11-114. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on semi-trailer trucks routinely using Lambert Street to get to McGrath Highway.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-18)
11-116. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what changes need to be made to playgrounds and playing fields associated with the public schools in order to best support the Innovation Agenda.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-23)
11-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on plans for the McCrehan pool.
Councillor Kelley and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-25)
11-119. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #10
RE: report on protocol of having wireless internet access on only the first floor of the public library.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-26)
11-120. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a plan to ensure that tow truck drivers model safe and courteous driving in the City.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-27)
11-122. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on increasing enforcement against bikers that endanger pedestrians and provide bike regulations to a wider audience including through media outlets.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-29)
11-124. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on racial makeup of the City's workforce.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-37)
11-125. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress and feasibility of integrating and providing a service similar to SeeClickFix.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 09/12/11 (O-40)
11-126. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
RE: report on the status of Police Call Boxes to be installed at Lopez Park and at the new Northpoint Park.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-47)
11-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the public process that will take place to help determine the design of the new park in East Cambridge as it relates to the Biogen Idec build out mitigation agreement and whether a committee should be assembled as part of the process.
Councillor Toomey 09/12/11 (O-48)
11-128. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on trimming tree branches on Pine and Eaton Streets.
Councillor Reeves, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-10)
11-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of using Bobcats to clear snow on neighborhoods and retails sidewalks.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-5)
11-130. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on locating a dog park in East Cambridge similar to the one on Washington Street in Somerville.
Councillor Toomey 09/19/11 (O-11)
11-131. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on placing utility pole wires underground as part of the Alewife sewer project.
Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-9)
11-133. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of beautifying Lechmere Station.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor Davis, Councillor Decker, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel & Councillor Simmons 09/19/11 (O-4)
11-134. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the progress of the Food and Fitness Policy Council.
Vice Mayor Davis and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-1)
11-135. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on truck related disturbances at Millbrook Storage.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-2)
11-136. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on removing the North Cambridge Crime Taskforce trailer.
Mayor Maher and Full Membership 09/26/11 (O-4)
11-138. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on inspecting the property at 131 Harvard Street.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-1)
11-139. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on instituting a ban on disposable plastic bags from retailers.
Councillor Decker, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Reeves, Councillor Seidel, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-3)
11-140. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ensuring that hazardous metal pieces of street signs are removed from the sidewalk level when signs are removed.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-4)
11-141. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on repairing the sidewalks on and around Boardman Street.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/03/11 (O-5)
11-142. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on increasing the number of hazardous waste drop off days per year.
Councillor Toomey 10/03/11 (O-7)
11-143. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on installing cement posts on the median in the area of 61 Aberdeen Avenue.
Councillor Reeves and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-2)
11-144. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the gun shot incident at Bristol and Hampshire Streets.
Councillor Toomey and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-7)
11-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the decision making process of where bus shelters are placed.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-9)
11-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the upkeep of the Cambridge Common.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-10)
11-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the current job training programs and possible areas for expansion of existing programs or the creation of new ones.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-12)
11-148. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing restaurant validated parking on Third Street.
Councillor Cheung and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-15)
11-149. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the possibility of traffic calming at Mt. Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue.
Councillor Simmons and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-19)
11-150. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the MBTA's proposed bus changes.
Councillor Decker and Full Membership 10/17/11 (O-24)
11-151. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the Boston Parking Program specifically how buildings have been approved without residents being able to get on-street parking stickers in the Ellis Street neighborhood.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-27)
11-152. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on why Somerville has two on-street bike corral systems in Davis & Union Squares and Cambridge has none.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-28)
11-153. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the impact of changing Section 14.2(b) of the Traffic Regulations relating to the issue of signage.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-29)
11-154. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there are any obstacles to adoption of the proposed amendment to Section 9.16.
Councillor Kelley 10/17/11 (O-31)