Cambridge City Council meeting - Oct 27, 2014 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Zainab Lakhani as a member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Oct 17, 2014.
Oct 27, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of Zainab Lakhani as a member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Oct 17, 2014.
Zainab Lakhani has been a Cambridge resident for over five years and has worked and volunteered for a range of organizations addressing the needs of immigrant women, in particular women from India and the Indian Muslim community. Her interests include promoting understanding of women impacted by the Indian diaspora, affected by marginalization within their own culture and the larger American culture. She has worked to promote understanding of women caught up in sexual exploitation and to address their needs as they try to reintegrate into the larger community. She holds a B.A. in Chemistry from Florida Atlantic University and has worked as a writer, editor and columnist for online news publications, as well as a fundraiser and event coordinator for community organizations addressing a range of women's concerns. The Cambridge Human Rights Commission welcomes Ms. Lakhani's insight and energy in support of its work to address discrimination in Cambridge.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-82, regarding a report on the feasibility of preparing a climate change checklist and evacuation plan for residents.
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-60, regarding a report on implementing a truck ban on Concord Avenue and the possibility of installing traffic calming to reduce speeds.
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-48, regarding the appointment of the Central Square Action Team strategies that will help Central Square capitalize on and enhance its designation as a Cultural District.
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an update on Participatory Budgeting in Cambridge.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-45, regarding the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance.
Referred to Ordinance Committee
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with suggested alternative text the North Point Retail Parking Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-84, regarding the Planning Board process.
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Tango Properties, LLC requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 60-62 Magoun Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association with a time extension request. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Kelley on Applications and Petitions Number One of Oct 20, 2014.]
Tabled - Simmons
2. Congratulations to Marvin Gilmore on the release of his biography Crusader for Freedom. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Maher on Resolution Number Twenty-seven of Oct 20, 2014.]
Tabled - Maher
ON THE TABLE
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Arts Council to determine the types of spaces that are most needed within the local arts community with the view of using the Foundry to fill those needs and to allocate appropriate funds to make appropriate upgrades for the purpose of creating a community arts center. (Order Amended by Substitution.) [Order Number Ten of Jan 27, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Mayor Maher on Jan 27, 2014.]
4. An application was received from Ting-hsu Chen requesting permission to widen the existing curb cut at the premises numbered 14 Soden Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Applications and Petitions Number Six of Feb 24, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Simmons on Feb 24, 2014.]
5. That the City Council go on the record in opposition to any type of casino project in the Greater Boston area whether constructed and managed by Mohegan Sun or Wynn Resorts. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Simmons on Order Number Five of June 16, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Cheung on June 30, 2014.]
6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on June 18, 2014 to discuss revisions to the Cambridge Municipal Code Section 9.04.050 (A) Defacing public property of Chapter 9.04 entitled "Offenses Against Property". [Committee Report Number Five of June 30, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan on June 30, 2014.]
7. That as we undertake the Cambridge Conversations and the Master Planning Process, the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to study emerging business types in Cambridge and how they are affected by the use regulations in the Zoning Ordinance, and to recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance that will help classify such businesses in a clear, rational way that supports the long-term interests of the community and instruct the Community Development Department to evaluate appropriate ways to facilitate home-based businesses above and beyond what is currently allowed. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Five of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
8. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input and to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Six of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.]
9. Congratulations to Bill O'Connell on being inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. [Resolution Number Twenty-Five of Oct 20, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Oct 20, 2014.]
10. Congratulations to David Tynes on being inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. [Resolution Number Twenty-Six of Oct 20, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Councillor Toomey on Oct 20, 2014.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
11. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled "Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities." The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.
12. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Sunset Cafe requesting permission for three signs and two awnings at the premises numbered 851-857 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutter.
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael Brandon, Clerk, North Cambridge Stabilization Committee regarding the curb cut application for 60-62 Magoun Street.
2. A communication was received from Doug Brown, 35 Standish Street, transmitting comments of the City Council Agenda for Mon, Oct 20, 2014 regarding Policy Order #5, #13, #14, #16 and #20.
3. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, 41A Pleasant Street, regarding the policy order on Lots #5 and #6 of Oct 20, 2014.
Dear City Council,
I write to you in response to Vice Mayor Benzan, Councilor McGovern, and Councilor Carlone's order to address lots 5 & 6 in Central Square. I am at this point completely dismayed by the casual referencing to a report that has not been properly addressed by this council. As one of the twenty one (21) private citizens that participated in this process I feel as though I have a right to have it publicly explained where this council stands on the report as a whole. I find it baffling that an order has come forward to cherry pick a small portion of what the C2 process set out to accomplish; addressing these lots without dealing with the other concerns therein regarding infrastructure, parking, and more importantly zoning is devoid of logic.
Yes, we need more housing. That is as plain as the day. Do we need 100% affordable housing? If so, why? What is the current affordable housing stock in Area IV, Cambridge Port, and Central Square? By the city's own estimates it comes close to 32% in Cambridge Port and 36% in Area IV (The Port). However in most parts of Cambridge this ratio falls below 10%. The latest housing map shows this disparity with great detail and it's embarrassing. What then is the stated goal of this council relative to the construction of housing? Do you consider this strategy's effect on the surrounding schools? I realize that demand is at an all-time high, but is that demand sated by building affordable housing? Why should anyone who lives in these areas think that building another affordable enclave is a good idea? We have 40 SRO units going up on Temple St. and roughly 5-6 affordable units slated for the 10 Essex project. When we cannot ramp up the construction of market rate units the value of existing units becomes inflated. By endorsing a project wherein you seek to build 100% affordable you aren't helping anyone stay in Cambridge, you're simply feeding endless demand for a specific type of product that most people who live and want to live here cannot qualify for.
Further, by continuing to ignore the C2 report you not only degrade perception of the City process as a whole you deny the work of twenty one people including this city and its diligent staff. Piecemeal development will only makes things worse. We are in a boom period that could last decades, but our zoning ordinance needs to change and I do not think there is anyone that denies this. Pick up the C2 recommendations. Councilor Simmons has already brought an order to address the non-zoning issues, she alone cannot be the only brave councillor up there. Without the proper zoning in place you will be forced to create yet another PUD and wedge an overlay into an existing overlay for a net result that will do nothing but restrict real development of this area. C2 was akin to any master planning process this city has yet to engage in, and ought to be brought forth in its entirety. Auctioning off two municipal lots because we don't have the stamina to address zoning as a whole is not reflective of who we are and Central Square deserves better. Please reject this order, or at least amend it to include the entire C2 report. If Somerville can re-write their entire zoning code, why must we retread over piecemeal issues C2 already addressed?
Regards,
Patrick W. Barrett III
41A Pleasant St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
4. A communication was received from Peter Valentine transmitting information on sitting.
5. A communication was received from Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, transmitting comments on affordable housing orders of Oct 20, 2014.
6. A communication was received from Nicole B. Caprioli, Assistant Attorney General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the City Council resolution of Sept 22, 2014 pertaining to Just A Start, Inc., Butler Property Management and Apex Billing Solutions.
7. A communication was received from Michael Phillips urging the City Council to table the curb cut application for 60-62 Magoun Street.
8. A communication was received from Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, regarding the improvements to the Planning Board process.
9. A communication was received from Eamon Fee, 6 Richardson Street, Winchester transmitting a communication from Algonquin Gas Transmission regarding a two unit townhouse proposed for 60-62 Magoun Street that will cross Algonquin's pipeline.
10. A communication was received from Gavi Wolfe, 1 Merrill Street, representing the ACLU of Massachusetts, 211 Congress Street, Suite 301, Boston regarding support for regulating government use of drones and House Bill #1357 entitled An Act to regulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Mary Ting Hyat on the opening of her new business Bagelsaurus. Councillor McGovern
2. Resolution on the death of John Laughlin. Councillor Cheung
3. Resolution on the death of Frances Cooper-Berry. Mayor Maher and Councillor Simmons
4. Congratulations to City Manager Richard Rossi and his staff on receiving the Ruth Barron Award by the Cambridge YWCA. Mayor Maher, Councillor McGovern and Vice Mayor Benzan
5. Resolution on the death of Joseph Albert Petitpas. Mayor Maher
6. Happy Birthday wishes to Diane Tabor. Vice Mayor Benzan
7. Happy Birthday wishes to Jahi Khalil Murrell. Vice Mayor Benzan
8. Happy Birthday wishes to a special person. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to commission a study of Cambridge Youth Centers with a focus on use rates and underutilized space. Councillor Mazen
2. The City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Arts Council, and the Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility of creating and maintaining one or more street piano(s) in one or more parks and/or plazas in Cambridge. Councillor Mazen
3. That the Council go on record in support of the CIC grant application for a Human Services Portal submitted on Oct 10, 2014. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Fire Department, and other appropriate City departments to review the negative impacts, if any, of street-narrowing initiatives. Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley and Councillor McGovern
5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review drone use in Cambridge for use in developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Mazen
6. That the City Council requests to obtain from the School Committee an update on any efforts by Cambridge Public School Department (CPSD) to survey students and their families who are opting for Charter Schools rather than going to CPSD. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Cheung
Amended
7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Dog Park review committee. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Mazen
8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and local residents to investigate traffic flow issues in this area (Rindge Avenue), to include the side streets from Clifton to Cedar Streets, and to come up with a report of collisions in the area, traffic enforcement efforts in the area (to include a list of citations given) and possible safety improvements for the area to include fixed "School" signs with blinking lights during school hours by the Banneker School, traffic calming and issues particular to the large number of students on these streets going and coming from school. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Mazen
9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and local residents to organize a series of North Massachusetts Avenue meetings to discuss the future of North Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung and Councillor Mazen
10. That City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the future of Hubway in and around Cambridge with special emphasis on what its financial future is likely to be and how the City of Cambridge may be impacted by that company's financial future. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung and Councillor McGovern
11. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City Departments to explore the feasibility of installing a speed bump at the corner of Upton Street and Magazine Street to reduce the speed at which cars travel on the street, and to make the street safer for residents and pedestrians. Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Maher
12. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and the Cambridge Science Festival's steering committee and organizers to discuss the feasibility of hosting an open air STEAM festival for adults of all ages, including our senior population, between Apr 17-26, 2015 and report back to the City Council before the Cambridge Science Festival proposal deadline of Dec 5, 2014. Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern and Councillor Mazen
13. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, the City Engineer, and Post Master, to review the attached survey plan with the intention of confirming the change of "North Point Boulevard Extension" to "Education Circle" and report back to the Council once the name has been changed. Councillor Toomey
14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, the Cambridge Police Department, and the Cambridge Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility of hosting a program similar to the Exchanging Places program in London. Councillor Mazen
15. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Health Alliance and Mr. Palin to determine the best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts area hospitals. Councillor Mazen
16. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate City departments to install a raised intersection and traffic-calming measures in front of Cadbury Commons on Sherman Street. Councillor Cheung
Amended
17. That the City Manager is requested to investigate the status of the Masse Hardware Company sites located at 243 Walden Street and 253 Walden Street and, if available, consider acquiring one or both sites for mixed-income affordable housing of a suitable scale and report back to the Council regarding findings. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor McGovern
Amended
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee for a public hearing held on Oct 8, 2014 to review the City Council's most recent goals and to make recommendations for the FY16 Goals; said goals to include a goal relating to City-wide planning.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Oct 15, 2014 to discuss a zoning petition filed by CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend certain provisions of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance that governs the Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District to allow limited amounts of off-street retail parking.
Amended and Passed to 2nd Reading
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Oct 28
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the impact of the Silver Maple development on the flood plain. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee and Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a joint public hearing for the STEAM working group and its subcommittees to discuss how best to present their research to the greater Cambridge community and for working group members to collectively put forth sound recommendations around: STEAM workforce development and access for all to the innovation economy, and partnerships that will speed the journey. (Main Library, 449 Broadway, Community Room)
Thurs, Oct 30
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 entitled "Restrictions on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places." This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Nov 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Wed, Nov 5
4:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Article V by adding a new Chapter 5.50 entitled "Civilian Fingerprinting and Criminal History Records Checks for Certain Licenses." (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)
Mon, Nov 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Wed, Nov 12
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss proposed amendments to Chapter 6.04 of the Municipal Code entitled "Animal Control Regulations" to establish fines for failure to remove dog waste, failing to license a dog, violations to dogs off leash, changing the required time a dog can be kept in a kennel to be consistent with state law and park rangers be given authority to enforce animal regulations at Fresh Pond Reservoir. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition filed by Charles D. Teague, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to clarify the existing ordinance so that said ordinance can be enforced: align the zoning amendment expiration date in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to be the same as state law, align the Special Permit criteria with adjudicated state law and require that the master plan be followed whereas following the master plan is optional under state law. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Nov 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Nov 25
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Timothy R. Flaherty, et al. II zoning petition requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge to expand the Medical Marijuana Overlay District, MMD-1 to encompass 61 Mooney Street. This hearing to be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Mon, Dec 1
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway)
Tues, Dec 2
4:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss poverty and issues related to the experience of organizations working with those living in poverty. (831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)
Mon, Dec 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 12
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss city-wide planning, including discussions with the Planning Board. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Cambridge Youth Centers offer diverse and high quality programs that promote leadership, athleticism, and youth development; and
WHEREAS: Youth Centers provide a safe-haven for teenagers to learn, grow socially, and develop positive social values outside the school day; and
WHEREAS: Youth centers provide an essential source of emotional and moral support for neighborhood especially in situations of abuse or neglect; and
WHEREAS: Youth centers despite being a community asset, may be underutilized by the community in terms of programming and space; and
WHEREAS: Youth centers may be able to increase enrollment and engagement through a proactive program of outreach, mentorship and streetwork; and
WHEREAS: Underutilized youth center space could be a resource for other community and Out of School Time programming; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to commission a study of Cambridge Youth Centers with a focus on use rates and underutilized space; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include strategies for recruitment and outreach-especially those that address low-use rates and programmatic additions-as part of the study; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-2 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: In New York City's Bryant Park, a street piano is maintained by public and private contributors such as Sam Ash, the Local 208 Musicians Union, the Jazz Center of New York and the Music Performance Trust Fund serving as an attraction to both tourists and lifelong residents; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge and Boston have a significant professional music community that could be tapped for public performances; and
WHEREAS: Schools such as Longy, Berklee, and the Boston Conservatory have talented students that could benefit from a slightly more formal street performing venue in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Street pianos were placed throughout Cambridge and Boston as part of the Play Me, I'm Yours installation in 2013 to much acclaim and community support; and
WHEREAS: Installing a street piano-especially with regularly scheduled performances by professional musicians-could enhance underutilized public spaces such as Carl Barron Plaza, University Park, and Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Arts Council, and the Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility of creating and maintaining one or more street piano(s) in one or more parks and/or plazas in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-3 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The Patrick Administration developed the Community Innovation Challenge grant program in 2012, in order to encourage municipal innovation and regionalization efforts; and
WHEREAS: In three years, the program has invested $10.25 million in 74 unique projects from over 240 municipalities across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: Projects funded by the CIC program support the development of initiatives at the municipal level to encourage performance management best practices and utilize new technologies to improve accountability and increase transparency; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has never been awarded a CIC grant nor has ever applied in the past three years since the creation of the program; and
WHEREAS: The awarding of a CIC grant is contingent upon a plan for financial sustainability, with the aim of attributing no additional cost to the municipality upon implementation; and
WHEREAS: The grant selection process is non-competitive and submitting multiple applications for a single municipality is encouraged; and
WHEREAS: A completed CIC grant application for a Human Services Portal has been submitted with the cooperation of various city departments; and
WHEREAS: The grant application has been completed with the support of members of the STEAM and Out of School Time working group, members of the Kids Council, and utilizing research prepared through a full day study with city employees and service providers; and
WHEREAS: The support of the city council or legislative body for a given application will increase the likelihood of the Commonwealth funding the given project; and
WHEREAS: Volunteers from Code for America and private institutions throughout Kendall Square have pledged pro-bono work time contingent upon grant funding; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Council go on record in support of the CIC grant application for a Human Services Portal submitted on Oct 10, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Tim Dodd the Program Manager of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Oct 27, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: As defined by the Community Development Department, traffic-calming is a way to design streets using physical measures that encourage people to exercise cautious driving, but also provide a safer and more livable environment to pedestrians and cyclists in our City; and
WHEREAS: The leading experts behind the street-narrowing renovations along Concord Avenue, Western Avenue and other major arteries in our City affirm that the design of the roadway results in the desired effect of calming traffic without relying on compliance with traffic control devices such as signals and signs, or on enforcement; and
WHEREAS: Proponents of these renovations have further stated that research on traffic-calming projects in the United States supports their effectiveness at decreasing automobile speeds, reducing the number and severity of crashes, and reducing noise levels for specific contexts; and
WHEREAS: Although the remarkable, innovative efforts of our Traffic Department are much-admired, an ever-increasing number of residents have raised serious concerns impugning the effectiveness of these traffic-calming measures, in particular the narrowing of major arteries used to enter and exit Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Residents have reported that the narrowing of our City's most transited streets has directly led to a sharp increase in congestion, bottlenecks and motor vehicle accidents; and
WHEREAS: Some first responders have also stated that the narrowing of major arteries presents a safety hazard in situations where the confined space does not permit fire trucks and other large emergency vehicles to gain access to certain units in order to properly respond to emergency situations; and
WHEREAS: Mount Auburn Street and Western, Concord, and Massachusetts Avenues are heavily transited arteries that experience traffic congestion on a daily basis and are subject to bottlenecks during severe weather; and
WHEREAS: In the case of a major snowstorm or other severe weather, the further narrowing of these streets has the potential to cause traffic to back up into contiguous towns, like Somerville, Arlington and Belmont, thus exacerbating an already inefficient traffic system and creating an additional safety hazard; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Fire Department, and other appropriate City departments to review the negative impacts, if any, of street-narrowing initiatives and report back to the Council in a timely manner.
O-5 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Drones, otherwise known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming cheaper to acquire, more powerful in their capabilities and increasingly popular with hobbyists, businesses and governments for both amusement and observation purposes; and
WHEREAS: The use of drones, which can weigh more than 20 pounds, over a densely populated City such as Cambridge raises privacy, trespass and nuisance while posing a possible hazard to public safety; and
WHEREAS: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not clearly prohibit much use of drones under 400' and this lack of clarity leads to confusion over how and where drones can be used in Cambridge, what sorts of restrictions apply to their use and what types of safety and insurance requirements drone operators must have; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review drone use in Cambridge for use in developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use. Specific issues for the Manager to consider include, but not be limited to,
Existing FAA regulations and prohibitions on use to include distinctions between hobbyists, commercial users and government officials, noting that only hobbyists, when operating under 400', do not fall under some sort of FAA oversight
Definition of drone
Insurance of drone
Record keeping for drone maintenance and flight plans
Application for local usage of drones
Impact of existing regulations, such as FAA pre-emption, on how Cambridge can regulate drone use
Size of drones and distance from operator
Ownership versus rental of drone
Age and licensing of drone operator
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-6 Oct 27, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge spends roughly 10.5 million dollars a year on Charter Schools to educate Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: These students could be educated in Cambridge Public School District schools; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council requests to obtain from the School Committee an update on any efforts by CPSD to survey students and their families who are opting for Charter Schools rather than going to CPSD and to report back to the City Council on this issue.
ORDERED: That the City Council requests to obtain from the School Department an update on any efforts by CPSD to survey students and their families who option for Charter Schools rather than going to CPSD; and be it further
ORDERED: That pursuant to the School Committee Rules, said request for information shall be sent by the City Clerk to the School Committee to be made part of the Agenda; said request for information will then be referred to the Superintendent of Schools; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Superintendent of Schools be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council.
O-7 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Cambridge has initiated a Dog Park review committee; and
WHEREAS: It's not clear what the status of this Committee's work is; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Dog Park review committee.
O-8 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Traffic issues, to include repeated accidents, near accidents and speeding in the section of Rindge Avenue from Cedar to Clifton Streets area have local residents concerned about traffic safety; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and local residents to investigate traffic flow issues in this area, to include the side streets from Clifton to Cedar Streets, and to come up with a report of collisions in the area, traffic enforcement efforts in the area (to include a list of citations given) and possible safety improvements for the area to include fixed "School" signs with blinking lights during school hours by the Banneker School, traffic calming and issues particular to the large number of students on these streets going and coming from school; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and implement a short term analysis of the traffic situation that might be effectively addressed through increased targeted enforcement while more permanent issues are being addressed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-9 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Avenue from Porter Square to Arlington is a major access path through Cambridge, is the spine of North Cambridge and has recently been rezoned; and
WHEREAS: This stretch of street was supposed to have been reviewed for improving the effectiveness of metered parking options; and
WHEREAS: Many parts of the sidewalk along Massachusetts Avenue have opportunities for tree plantings that have not be realized; and
WHEREAS: The portion of Massachusetts Avenue between Porter and Harvard Squares was the subject of a planning process that fed into a reworking of its streetscape that is currently going on; and
WHEREAS: Community meetings to discuss the future of this stretch of Massachusetts Avenue could help develop appropriate budget processes and plans for a more pleasant and efficient streetscape; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff and local residents to organize a series of North Massachusetts Avenue meetings to discuss the future of North Massachusetts Avenue; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.
O-10 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Hubway has become a heavily used transportation resource in Cambridge and adjacent communities; and
WHEREAS: Hubway has, thus far, been financially viable because of initial grants from major institutional supporters and government agencies; and
WHEREAS: It is not clear what happens to Hubway when these grants run out, which may be in the next 18-24 months; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the future of Hubway in and around Cambridge with special emphasis on what its financial future is likely to be and how the City of Cambridge may be impacted by that company's financial future.
O-11 Oct 27, 2014 Charter Right - Maher
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Residents who live near the intersection of Upton Street and Magazine Street have raised concerns about speeding vehicles in this area, which poses a danger to area residents and pedestrians alike; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant City Departments to explore the feasibility of installing a speed bump at the corner of Upton Street and Magazine Street to reduce the speed at which cars travel on the street, and to make the street safer for residents and pedestrians; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-12 Oct 27, 2014
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Every spring since 2007, the City of Cambridge has been set alight in excitement over art and science during our annual Cambridge Science Festival; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Science Festival is a celebration showcasing all that is fun and leading edge in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) in the New England region;
WHEREAS: A multifaceted, multicultural event, the Cambridge Science Festival makes science accessible, interactive, and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in our daily lives; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Science Festival offers a wide range of STEAM-related activities - lectures, debates, exhibitions, concerts, plays, workshops, etc. - over ten days at a variety of locations, modeled on art, music, and movie festivals, the Cambridge Science Festival makes STEAM part of the wider culture by illuminating the richness of scientific inquiry and the excitement of discovery; and
WHEREAS: It would be of great benefit to our young adult, adult and elderly populations for the City of Cambridge to sponsor a STEAM open air festival during the Cambridge Science Festival focused on encouraging participants to explore the role of STEAM in their lives; and
WHEREAS: This open air festival would target adults of all ages, including our senior population, and present them with opportunities for getting involved in STEAM, both for professional purposes and for better understanding innovation and smart technology; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and the Cambridge Science Festival's steering committee and organizers to discuss the feasibility of hosting an open air STEAM festival for adults of all ages, including our senior population, between Apr 17-26, 2015 and report back to the City Council before the Cambridge Science Festival proposal deadline of Dec 5, 2014.
O-13 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: Pursuant to Chapter 12.04 Section 12.04.10 of the Municipal Code that the City Council go on record changing the name of "Northpoint Boulevard Extension" to "Education Circle" with the limit of the name change being from the back of the sidewalk along Education Street through the end of the cul-de-sac per the attached survey plan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works, the City Engineer, and Post Master, to review the attached survey plan with the intention of confirming the change of "North Point Boulevard Extension" to "Education Circle" and report back to the Council once the name has been changed.
O-14 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a burgeoning cycling population, with bicyclists a consistent feature on the city's main roads; and
WHEREAS: Large trucks are an unavoidable hazard for cyclists, and many bicyclists do not know how to handle the danger presented by truck drivers while riding on main roads; and
WHEREAS: A program like London's Exchanging Places, where cyclists have the chance to sit in the cockpit of a large truck and see exactly what a truck driver sees while he or she is driving, would be a beneficial educational aid to bicyclists; and
WHEREAS: Alex Epstein, an engineer at the Volpe Center who researches truck safety and was instrumental in Boston's recent policy installing truck side-guards on vehicles as a pilot demo, touts this program as an effective educational resource; and
WHEREAS: Crossrail Ltd, the London company behind the program, cites that in a recent survey of participants, 99% reported that after attending an Exchanging Places event they would change their cycling habits; and
WHEREAS: It is clear that cyclists and truck drivers both have an equal right to the road, and therefore, educational measures will be an effective supplement to more mechanical bike safety initiatives such as truck side guards; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, the Cambridge Police Department, and the Cambridge Department of Public Works to determine the feasibility of hosting a program similar to the Exchanging Places program in London; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.
O-15 Oct 27, 2014
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: A Living Will is an important legal document that specifies what actions should be taken in the event of terminal illness or indefinite life support; and
WHEREAS: A Living Will ensures that in the event of terminal illness or injury, the victim's personal wishes regarding the removal of life support and the conduct of other difficult decisions become legally binding; and
WHEREAS: The process of obtaining the copy of a Living Will-if one has been drafted at all-from the courts in an emergency can be complicated and time consuming in a situation where any delay could have severe repercussions; and
WHEREAS: William Palin, a local Cambridge lawyer has used contemporary technology to create a free mobile app, PaperHealth, that is able to draft a legally binding Living Will on the user's mobile phone; and
WHEREAS: Hospitals are already required to mention living wills during patient intake and implementation in area hospitals may fit neatly into existing intake procedures, thereby potentially bypassing bureaucratic red tape and court proceedings in the future; and
WHEREAS: Mr. Palin has made the initial release of PaperHealth tailored to Massachusetts, and is in talks with the Vermont Ethics Center and the Virginia Poverty Law Center to match the app to state by state medical and legal needs, a process that could easily be reapplied to Massachusetts; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Health Alliance and Mr. Palin to determine the best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts area hospitals; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to City Council on this matter.
O-16 Oct 27, 2014 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate City departments to install a raised intersection and traffic-calming measures in front of Cadbury Commons on Sherman Street. explore the crosswalk and the outside of Cadbury Commons on Sherman Street for safety issues and report back to the City Council.
O-17 Oct 27, 2014 Amended
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the status of the Masse Hardware Company sites located at 243 Walden Street and 253 Walden Street and, if available, consider acquiring one or both sites for mixed-income affordable housing of a suitable scale and report back to the Council regarding findings and report back on any previous negotiations and investigations to this property.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Government Operations Rules and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Oct 8, 2014 at 4:08pm in the Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room at 459 Broadway.
The purpose of the hearing was to review the City Council's most recent goals and to make recommendations for the FY16 Goals; said goals to include a goal relating to City-wide planning. A copy of the current goals and Policy Order # 5 of Sept 15, 2014 recommending that a goal be added relating to City-wide planning was distributed (ATTACHMENT A and B).
Present at the hearing were Councillor Toomey, Jr., Chair of the Committee; Councillor Cheung; Councillor Mazen; Councillor McGovern; Mayor Maher; Councillor Carlone; Vice Mayor Benzan; City Manager Richard Rossi; Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson; Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Louis DePasquale; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Iram Farooq, Acting Deputy Director of Community Development; Budget Director Jeana Franconi; Sandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Elaine DeRosa, CEOC Director; Robert Winters; and John Hawkinson.
Councillor Toomey convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He read the mission statement. He stated that the chair is opened to suggestions for any new goals.
Mission Statement
The City of Cambridge is dedicated to continuing to improve the quality of life for everyone in our community in an environment of excellence while maintaining a strong financial position including awareness of the impact on taxpayers.THE OBJECTIVES AND GOALS OF OUR CITY COUNCIL
• Foster Community and support Neighborhood Vitality. Support opportunities for citizens to participate and to know each other within their neighborhoods and across the city.• Evaluate City expenditures with a view of maintaining a Strong Fiscal Position and awareness of the Impact on Taxpayers while providing a high quality array of city services.
• Strengthen and support Human Services, Public Education and Out of School Learning in Cambridge for the benefit of residents of all ages.
• Value and support the racial, socio-economic, cultural and religious Diversity of our city.
• Promote Public Safety and address the challenges and opportunities for multiple modes of transportation to safely share roads and sidewalks.
• Promote a Healthy Community and Environment to advance Cambridge as a leader in public health and environmental sustainability.
• Preserve and create Affordable Housing across the City for low, moderate and middle-income families and other residents.
• Promote Doing Business in Cambridge and work to strengthen our mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and universities.
He opened the meeting to public comment.
Elaine DeRosa, 4 Pleasant Place, stated that her constituents would be putting together comprehensive list of poverty and economy disparity issues and to establish best practices.
No one else appeared for public comment and public comment was closed.
Councillor McGovern wanted to know how the goals were established. He stated that the goals are more of a vision statement rather than specific measurable, smart goals. He wanted discussion around what the City Council wanted the goals to be. He wanted to know how the goals are used. He wanted an income security goal around poverty. In the next 2 years how would the city reduce the families in poverty? Is this the most helpful way to establish goals?
Mr. Rossi stated previously there were more specific goals. The City Council would set goals and the administration would interpret the goals into the budget document. This is done in a variety of ways and it is incorporated into the budget document and then the City Council votes on the budget. It is hard to get specific broad goals.
Councillor McGovern stated that if kept this way maybe there needs to be a reporting back. What was done in terms to achieve the goals? Mr. Rossi stated that the budget document has grown and could be streamlined so that the public can read through the document easier. This is being done now. If the issues were discussed in the committee format and then the City Council votes on the policy and then the emphasis is on the City's spending plan. If the committee process is not working correctly it is a good way to inform administration. Ms. Peterson going to less specific goals and have the whole city fall under that articulates the values and then prioritization with the department was discussed. She stated that there were years that public safety was not mentioned.
Councillor McGovern wanted broad goals and then streamlined more. If these are 2 year goals that the City Council is trying to accomplish he wanted sub-goals under the broader goals.
Mr. Rossi stated that in November the results of the biennial survey results will be received and transmitted to the City Council. He suggested that an additional Government Operations, Rules and Claims meeting be held to analysis the results. This is a good process. There are ways that the City Council has to make decisions to inform the administration in the way that the City Council wants to go. Major initiatives need more discussions. He spoke about a reporting relationship from the department to the City Council. He stated policy orders pass readily. There needs to be a process that is hardier than just the passage of a policy order. It would be beneficial for the City Council to hear from the city departments. He suggested the work on the community conversation and how this will effect planning, the use of tech and the rapid changes taking place in the city. These are good conversations that the administration should have with the City Council.
Councillor Cheung stated that the process in the past has worked well. He spoke on the environmental issues. There is feedback when something new is implemented. Mr. Rossi stated that there is breathing room from the administration that is needed to implement initiatives. The administration needs to understand the new initiatives. In July there is a new work plan and staff is implementing this.
Councillor Mazen stated that there should be smart goals or achieve a compromise. There are certain goals that endemic in the city such as economic or educational disparity and then there are times that more specific goals are needed. He stated that there are certain current goals that are intrinsic. He wanted to be more specific with the goals. Mr. Rossi commented that these are the City Council goals. The City Council will go through the process and the administration will implement the City Council goals. This has risen to the top from the citizens input. The administration will do what the City Council wants us to implement for goals unless it is so far off the mark that they cannot be implemented, the things in the broad goals are reflected in the budget.
Ms. Franconi stated that the budget document will be changed and performance measures will be linked to the goals. The budget will go from landscape to a portrait format. This is the guide that the departments look at when the departmental budgets are prepared.
Councillor Mazen wanted to add 3 goals. Med goal: STEAM, out of school time, human services and university contributions. This may be a technology fix or be handled by a STEAM coordinator. Mr. Rossi stated that his colleagues need input and cross pollination. Everyone needs to understand what the goals are and where we are going with them. Philanthropic giving was another goal he wanted to add. He stated that a big issue is the free lunch for 45% of the education population. He wanted the city to spark the conversation for philanthropic. Mr. Rossi stated that this is an ethical issue for him. What is the appropriate mechanism to do this? He stated that the City is entertaining a proposal for what the real community needs are and engage the nonprofits and are and whether the needs are being met by the City. This is another conversation. Councillor Toomey asked Mr. Rossi to talk to the life science companies to provide resources for the high school, but there is a conflict. Mr. Rossi spoke about what is being asked for and the proper mechanism - this needs to be pursued. Councillor Mazen stated that he does not mean corporate giving. He wants sustainability and efficiency in their eco system in the castle system. This could be implemented across the city.
Councillor Mazen spoke about city wide planning and community outreach should be thought about differently. He suggested low tech outreach.
Mr. Rossi stated it is a good discussion for the City Council to have around the STEAM baseline. Councillor Mazen stated that STEAM Coordinator could be discussed. This is a priority and the goals can be mirrored for human services. He wanted to name the problem and solution and prioritize the goal.
Mayor Maher stated that those who have been through this before it has been done many ways. He felt the loftier goals are best. The lists of goals previously were long and cumbersome. He did not want to overcomplicate them. The goals are values that the community has and it needs to be validated. The goals go across several departments. The new poverty report should be called out in a new way. The issue of early childhood education is being looked at and it is a value and it should be more specific. The master plan issue s of growth and density and planning should be more spelled out. Having all the expenditures in the budget refer to the broader goal is a good process. This is the checks and balances of the budget and goals process. There was a partnership for public education; this philanthropic measure weathered away because the Superintendent of Schools did not value it. This is not a city function and should not be part of the city function. Cambridge is looked at as a wealthy community that does not need help by the philanthropic organizations. He stated that the grants from the Boston Foundations are not much. He stated that the community benefits fund could have a direct support for the nonprofits, but this is long time coming. He spoke about people having difficulty. He wanted to help the life changing partnership with the foundation helping people in Cambridge. He stated that the Cambridge Education Foundation or something of this nature may need seed money. He believes that this is the right capacity. He stated that there are 100 nonprofits in the city some who know how to collect funds and some who do not. All the nonprofits are competing for the same dollars and the city may be able to provide seed money to help. He stated that the nonprofits are working together.
Councillor Toomey spoke about the areas that are being overdeveloped. He believes that the community benefits should go to these neighborhoods though areas such as open space. He does not want to see community benefits benefiting large well run organizations. He wants this money going to those in needs. Mr. Rossi stated that he agrees and stated that a system is being undertaken to do a city-wide needs assessment. This document would be based on the decisions made by the administration and the City Council. Then have an independent board that will administered the program and then the needs will be met. He stated that the nonprofits are a team with the City departments. He is pleased with this vision.
Councillor Carlone asked with the broader goals why could there not be bullets under the goals with more specifics. This will give a clear target. He wanted to add in the last goal and NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS at the end of the last goal. Social justice and income inequality is always the goal. He wanted to have this mentioned. He spoke on STEAM and the excitement of the working group. Regarding the philanthropic issue wouldn't it be good if a major gift was given and this sparked the giving of other gifts being received. He agreed that the neighborhoods most impacted should get the community benefits but wanted to include North Cambridge. He wanted sub goals with the broad goals.
Vice Mayor Benzan agreed with Councillor Toomey about the community benefit money. He spoke about the exterior of the Cambridge Community Center that needed improvements. He favored philanthropic giving in the city. He wanted a formula for the mitigation money. The innovation economy is moving rapidly. He wanted to add the words Innovation and ARTS to STEAM. These add to the quality of life of the City. Mr. Rossi stated that this all ties back to the quality of life in the budget. This is why the budget document is being redesigned and streamlined. Mr. Rossi stated that the city has worked with the Cambridge Community Center and made connections with the universities. He spoke of the creative solution with the VFW. This was offered to the Community Center and the board would not accept the plan because they felt it was losing their identity. Vice Mayor Benzan spoke about the changing economy in Cambridge. He stated that if the words of poverty were included what does this mean. He stated that the only way this can change is through education. He wanted economic justice included. The City has to help facilitate the connection especially through STEAM, technology and green job development. He wants STEAM and the innovation economy spelled out in the goals. He spoke about housing in the City. A goal should be that the elderly and disabled housing be prioritized. City lots need to be used to create housing. He stated that this represents 200 units of affordable housing. He wanted a target of 200 units be built for family housing. Mr. Rossi stated that this needs to be communicated with the agencies. The BRA will lose family units because they do not like the design. Mr. Murphy stated that housing is not the preferred use for the Cherry Street lot. Mr. Rossi commented that there are not many sites that can be developed for a small price. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that if he had been on the City Council he would have suggested the Twining Property be purchased and land banked. Mr. Rossi spoke about controlling the cost to live in the City to keep families in the City. Keeping taxes and expenditures at a reasonable rate help keep families in the City. Mr. Rossi stated that there exists great expertise in the city and its expertise is used by the city. Mr. Murphy spoke about the home improvement financing that allows people to improve their property. Mr. Rossi spoke about the possibility of a fund for energy conservation.
Vice Mayor Benzan wanted a conversation with the Health Department around issues such as Ebola.
Mayor Maher noted that there is money available for preservation through the CPA money for the Cambridge Community Center from the Historical Commission; one a grant and another a low interest loan.
Councillor McGovern wanted community benefits money going to the neediest residents. He stated that the Cambridge Community Center if it were in West Cambridge there would be money to fix it up. When budget is put together and sent to City Council it is fixed. If income security and poverty is important and is not added in the budget it becomes a conflict. He sees the role of the City Council as being different than that of the City Manager. He stated that the early childhood education does not tell us how to achieve this. He suggested a working group and get input from other City Councillors on what the bullet points. He suggested being more specific on prioritizing the goals. He would see STEAM as a bullet under human services. He stated that the City Council committees should be used more effectively. He asked if there is a need for an outreach coordinator for the City. Mr. Rossi stated that the City has a great relationship with the businesses. He stated that there is a need for the City Council to be clearer for the administration to achieve their goals. He suggested developing a list of community benefits. Mr. Rossi stated that a coordinator was brought in to do needs assessment with the city, nonprofits and the Cambridge Community Foundation. This would result in a transparent process and then the money could be distributed annually. Councillor McGovern suggested a working group to address the concerns raised tonight.
Councillor Toomey suggested that the City Council forward to chair and to the clerk their suggested changes and then the results of the citizen survey would be merged to create the final list of goals. Mr. Rossi stated that to make the changes in the budget information is needed from City Council by mid-December.
Councillor Mazen spoke about the use of City Council committees. There has been seen an overlap for human services. Regarding the STEAM coordinator position there will be a report back to City Council with policy guidelines.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated that the STEAM is a broad working group who are trying to get a sense on how to develop the initiative. There is not enough coordination in the private sector and hopes that the STEAM coordinator will do this coordination. As the assessment develops he hopes that the same needs are identified. Mr. Rossi commented that if this is a good scientific tool to judge what the needs in the community are. The city has a good relationship with the nonprofits.
A recap of the topics mentioned:
STEAM/ART/INNOVATION/ Steam Coordinator
Out of school time
Human services
University contribution
Philanthropic giving
City-wide planning/master planning
Poverty report
Social and economic justice
Income equality
Early Childhood Education
AMEND LAST GOAL TO READ
Promote Doing Business in Cambridge and work to strengthen out mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, university and neighborhood residents
Community Benefit Fund - benefitting areas most impacted
Mitigation formula
Housing prioritization for elderly and disabled
Councillor Toomey thanked all present for their attendance.
The hearing was adjourned at 5:55pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr., Chair
Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 15, 2014 beginning at 5:40pm in the Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a zoning petition filed by CJUF III Northpoint LLC to amend certain provisions of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance that governs the Planned Unit Development in the North Point Residence District to allow limited amounts of off-street retail parking.
Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, CDD; Liza Paden, Project Planner, CDD; Sue Clippinger, Director, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; Adam Shulman, Planner, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Doug Manz, Alex Laffey and Ian McKinley, HYM Investment Company, One Congress Street, Boston; Sarah Kim, 9 W. Broadway, Boston; Susan Shaw-Rossiter, Traffic Engineer, VHB, 99 High Street, Boston; Richard Rodman, 33 Avel Street, Boston; and Anthony Galluccio, 1498 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Councillor Carlone convened the hearing and explained the purpose. Councillor Carlone announced that the meeting is being recorded with audio and visual devices. He outlined the format of the meeting.
The petitioners gave a presentation on the petition (ATTACHMENT A). Mr. Manz began the presentation. He stated that HYM is the developer for the NorthPoint site. He announced that he was being represented by Attorney Galluccio and Richard Rudman. He introduced his team. He stated that NorthPoint is a 45 acre mixed use development site in East Cambridge containing 3,060,000 square feet of residential and 2,185,000 square feet of commercial. He stated that the petition before the Ordinance Committee is to modify the zoning in NorthPoint to allow a limited amount of retail parking at the site. Two buildings known as parcels S and T have been completed. They are both condominium buildings. A park of four acres has also been constructed. Parcel N, known as Twenty20, is under construction and contains 355 apartments in a 20 story building. The HYM Investment Group was before the City Council for zoning changes in 2012. Design Review on this building has been received from Planning Board. There is a pedestrian bike connection from this site which will be a new front door for the site. This is a transit oriented development site. An aerial view of the site was presented. Since 2013 the North Bank bridge has been opened. He stated that the master plan update was approved in 2012 by the Planning Board. There are seventeen development parcels to be developed. Now that parcel Twenty20 is underway the focus is on the retail square. The request tonight is for the retail parking to be allowed in the district. Green line extension is moving forward and the bonds have been authorized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Mr. Manz further stated that Twenty/20 is on Parcel N and is expected to be completed by August of 2015. There will be 355 residential units of which 41 units will be affordable units. The connection with the Gilmore bridge will be open in June. There is a 17,000 square foot park that is being built with this first building. He stated that they have met with the East Cambridge Planning Team and have found the neighborhood supportive. He spoke about the retail square from the Lechmere Square perspective. This was part of their approval to concentrate on retail in this area, anchored by the Lechmere Station. He spoke of the retail square rendering with the concept of up to 3,000 square feet of retail, most of it is street front retail containing restaurants, cafes and boutique shops. The petitioner is asking for approval from the Planning Board for up to a 50,000 square foot grocery store. This will be located on Parcel B. The retail is limited in size. Without Planning Board approval no retail above 10,000 square feet in size is allowed. This is purposeful because the area is meant to be an urban square. Now there are no off-street parking spaces allowed for retail; the petition is asking for 0.5 parking spaces per 1000 square feet be allowed at NorthPoint by the Planning Board via special permit. This represents 150 maximum spaces for retail for 300,000 square feet of retail. He explained that the petitioner is trying to make this area into Lechmere Square. He stated that Central Square and Harvard Square have some form of public or retail parking to support the squares and this is what is being asked for in NorthPoint. In order to attract a grocery store there is a certain amount of retail parking that is required. 150 retail parking spaces is the maximum, but is subject to review by the Planning Board. New retail parking is subject to a PTDM plan. The petitioners have met with the East Cambridge Planning Team and presented the plan. They want to see a grocery store at the site. He stated that the parking ratios are being updated to be consistent with Kendall Square Parking Study and this is cutting 1,000 parking spaces from NorthPoint parking supply. Currently the development is approved for 5,000 parking spaces. Parking ratios and what is needed have been changed. The zoning change is to allow retail parking up to 0.5 parking spaces per 1,000.
Councillor Carlone asked about the ownership of the streets in NorthPoint and whether they are public or private. Mr. Manz stated that currently the streets are privately owned and managed by HYM. The streets are built to the City of Cambridge standards and the intent is that the streets will be turned over to the City once all active construction adjacent to the roadway is completed. He further stated that Mr. O'Riordan does not want to accept the streets until all the major buildings against the roads are completed.
Councillor McGovern stated his support and commended the outreach done by the petitioner to the community. He wanted to ensure that the grocery store is accessible to the community. Whole Foods is a grocery store that not all in the community can shop at. He also wanted a variety of retail that is accessible to the community.
Councillor Carlone stated that 11-15% of the units will be affordable housing. He stated his concern about the new T station is that it is oriented completely toward NorthPoint and on the other direction it is oriented to a parking lot which will be developed in the future. He stated that it was the responsibility of the developer to make sure that the area works in two directions. He stated that he worked for the City and did the first NorthPoint plan.
At this time Councillor Carlone requested that City staff speak about the petition. A memo to the Planning Board from CDD Staff was distributed (ATTACHMENT B).
Stuart Dash stated that the city has worked on this area for years, including ECAP. He stated that the reasoning behind this area is important. When retail is expanded there was a tight rein on retail at NorthPoint so that there would not be competition with Cambridge Street retail and to service the people who live in the community to make the area walkable. There will be a large number living in NorthPoint and the area is adjacent to East Cambridge. A grocery store in NorthPoint is valuable to the community. The Twin City Mall is well used, including the grocery store. He stated that NorthPoint has worked with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on transportation planning and the parking issues. The parking will have to be carefully done and has to be approved by the Planning Board.
Councillor Carlone asked if the streets will eventually be permit parking. Ms. Clippinger stated that street regulations have not yet been decided. It may all be metered parking. Structured parking with this project is meeting the needs of the area. Street parking is short term parking for people who are in the area for a short period of time. When there is retail frontage along any of the buildings there will be retail parking along the face of the building to support retail.
Councillor Carlone asked Ms. Clippinger if she had any comments on the proposal before the Ordinance Committee. Ms. Clippinger stated that a lot of time is spent on projects, not on zoning. This is a hearing about a zoning change. The Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department has worked to support development activities that create Cambridge as a good place while minimizing the impact of increased traffic so that the City can be the kind of place that all want to it to be. She stated that her department has worked for a long time with NorthPoint on the parking supply as a critical piece of traffic generation and changes that will be made as part of their development project which is not part of the zoning change which will reduce the total amount of parking. She stated that these kinds of changes create a wonderful opportunity to thinking about allowing the retail parking in this area and the type of urban space it allows to become and how it fits into the image of what the City of Cambridge is wanted to be. Any increased parking as part of the retail activity more than compensates for changes made in the development plan that allows it to go forward. Retail parking ratios for urban areas are low. She felt that she can work with this development on the retail and the amount of trips anticipated from this development to be less than what was planned in the beginning.
Councillor McGovern spoke about meters and the ability to pay by credit card and by coins other than quarters. This may be an opportunity to pilot this in a small area. This might be a smart amenity to make it easier for people to park. Ms. Clippinger stated that it has been piloted, the City is moving in this direction before the retail buildings open. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he also favored smart meters. In the innovation hub of the world he does not understand why Cambridge is not there yet. He asked about the parking ratios for retail. Ms. Clippinger responded 0.5 space per 1000 square feet of retail. This is an outcome of the work done in the K2C2 Study.
Vice Mayor Benzan asked what type of retail is being added to NorthPoint and what is the size of the retail spaces. Mr. Manz stated that the grocery store is 50,000 square feet. The grocery store may not be a Whole Foods Store because there are three Whole Food stores in walking distance. He stated that 0.5 parking spaces with on street meter parking will make the area viable. He stated it will be a mix of retail, restaurants, dry cleaners; it is square based retail. There are not a lot of clothing stores, but there could be specialty shops. He stated that a bike shop would be most welcomed. It is active lifestyle retail. NorthPoint aspires to be a great square. He stated that building Twenty/20 is targeting a coffee shop because there is no coffee shop at NorthPoint today. This is retail that supports the development in NorthPoint as a new extension of East Cambridge. NorthPoint is not a destination type of retail space.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated as more retail is added what type of outreach is done to small businesses in the Cambridge Street corridor and other areas to expand and come to this development. Mr. Manz stated that they are about to start marketing the 8,000 square feet at Twenty/20. He stated that he has met with retailers on Cambridge Street and the East Cambridge Planning Team. He would welcome them to NorthPoint. He stated that he is not looking for national chains to fill the space. Active outreach will be done. Cambridge Street comes into Lechmere Square. He wanted to make sure that this is integrated and wants it to be connected. People will walk from Lechmere up Cambridge Street to Inman Square. Northpoint wants to be connected. Extensive outreach will be done to the retail that is there.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he supports the petition. He commented that when he goes to Kendall Square he has to drive around to find parking. Sufficient parking is needed to meet the needs of the retail shops. He wanted a commitment for a really good grocery store that is family friendly. He wanted there to be an emphasis made to the supermarket chain that hiring Cambridge residents is important.
Councillor McGovern agreed that Cambridge residents need to be hired. People drive and there is a need for parking. He stated that the City is promoting biking and walking, but not everyone bikes. He stated that there is a need for parking because there is a need or a desire to drive. He spoke about the retail and he does not want to see the retail be dead space. He wanted NorthPoint to be a vibrant place into the night.
Councillor Carlone opened public comment at 6:17pm.
No one appeared at public comment and it was closed at 6:18pm.
Councillor Carlone stated that the scheme presented is reasonable. He applauded the petitioners for this. Councillor Carlone asked if the reduction from 5,000 to 4,000 parking spaces is a separate petition. Mr. Manz stated that this is a formal request before the Planning Board as an amendment to reduce the parking to 4,000 spaces at NorthPoint. This is a material change to the concept of how NorthPoint is thought about.
Councillor McGovern asked the petitioners to consider an indoor play space for early childhood education. The City is looking at universal pre-K. Multiple locations will be needed around the City for early childhood education, so he wanted Mr. Manz to consider this as a community benefit.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated that there is no Chucky Cheese in Cambridge. Indoor spaces are needed for kids, and he urged NorthPoint to think about this. He stated that he supports the Arts and there is a lack of outdoor public art and sculptures in the City. He looks forward to this development when completed.
Vice Mayor Benzan made a motion to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion carried on a voice vote of three members.
Councillor Carlone thanked all those present for their attendance.
The hearing adjourned at 6:26pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-19. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on producing an updated report of the Concord-Alewife Plan.
Councillor Cheung 03/24/14 (O-4)
14-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on creating a master list of all residential building managers citywide.
Councillor Simmons 04/28/14 (O-4)
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)
14-45. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
RE: report on how to modify the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance with changes to the following: fees for bags, elimination of paper bags from the ordinance, elimination of the thickness of the plastic bag in the ordinance, increasing the timeframe for implementation of the ordinance and inclusion of compostable bags in the ordinance.
Councillor Cheung 05/19/14 (O-20)
14-48. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #4
RE: report on the establishment of a Central Square Action Team that will be charged with recommending and helping implement strategies that will help Central Square capitalize on and enhance its designation as a Cultural District.
Councillor Simmons 06/02/14 (O-2)
14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)
14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)
14-60. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #3
RE: report on implementing a truck ban on Concord Avenue and the possibility of traffic calming to reduce speeds of all vehicles on Concord Avenue.
Councillor Kelley 06/09/14 (O-4)
14-63. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on rodent control operations and the possibility of providing rodent-proof trash barrels to residents.
Councillor Toomey 06/30/14 (O-1)
14-68. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on designing and implementing a system of public bulletin boards on major streets and intersections throughout the City.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-11)
14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)
14-72. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report that the License Commission will not take further action on the proposed rideshare regulations and that the City Solicitor report on the City Council's legal authority over livery and taxi regulations.
Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-17)
14-73. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on resuming negotiations to purchase and preserve the Whittemore Avenue Community garden site.
Councillor Carlone 07/28/14 (O-2)
14-74. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on publicizing and convening a community meeting within 72 hours of any catastrophic event that could impact public safety.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-3)
14-76. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on police patrols in Area IV and post information on website of what measures are being taken with regard to safety in the neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-5)
14-78. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)
14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)
14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)
14-82. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #2
RE: report on the feasibility of preparing a climate change checklist and evacuation plan for residents.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 07/28/14 (O-15)
14-84. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on ways to improve the Planning Board process.
Mayor Maher, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-17)
14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are chosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)
14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City's hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)
14-91. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a summary of previous recommendations for the Volpe Center site included planning studies such as but not limited to, ECAPS, Neighborhood Planning Studies, K2, and efforts by the East Cambridge Planning Team and that the report summarize zoning and zoning overlays, and outline the development potential and limitation of this area.
Councillor Toomey 09/08/14 (O-4)
14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the ML King School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)
14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)
14-99. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on faster and more dependable ways of notifying bill payers of water leaks and if the City can legally reimburse bill payers for extra sewerage costs due to water leaks.
Councillor Kelley 09/22/14 (O-2)
14-100. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of conducting a walk-through of the Alewife area prior to the Dec 1st Roundtable discussion about city-wide planning.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Mazen & Councillor Carlone 09/22/14 (O-7)
14-103. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on making the Foundry building available for a major installation of the 2015 Fab Lab Conference.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Toomey & Councillor Cheung 09/22/14 (O-13)
14-106. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the best way to implement a plan to solicit and receive payment in addition to real estate taxes from willing participants and used to support city services.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-2)
14-107. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on next steps to advance the creation of the Grand Junction Multi Use Path.
Councillor Toomey 10/20/14 (O-8)
14-108. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on revisiting the possibility of providing a reduced-rate Hubway membership for low-income Cambridge residents.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-10)
14-109. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how many parking spots are being lost in the Riverside and West Cambridge Neighborhoods, accommodations being made for residents during snow emergencies, and plans for negotiating these conflicts with residents.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-12)
14-110. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the housing development on the site of the Tokyo Restaurant.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Mayor Maher 10/20/14 (O-13)
14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or group of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)
14-112. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of creating an adult playground.
Councillor Mazen & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-17)
14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)
14-114. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with an opinion on whether the City Council can raise linkage fees for inclusionary zoning prior to the conclusion of the Nexus Study.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-21)
14-115. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with a timeline of the inclusionary zoning Nexus Study outlining what work has been done, what work is currently being conducted and a date when the policy recommendations can be made.
Councillor Simmons 10/20/14 (O-22)