Cambridge City Council meeting - October 27, 2025

Cambridge City Council meeting - October 27, 2025 - AGENDA
[Azeem remote (again), Simmons very late arrival]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment and appointments of members to the Family Policy Council. (CM25#260) [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

CM25#260 Oct 27, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am writing to inform you that I am reappointing Tina Alu and appointing the following persons below as members of the Coordinating Council for Children Youth and Families (also known as “Family Policy Council”) effective October 27, 2025.

• Shakia Afrose
• Kieu Anh Huynh
• Kam Maali

The Family Policy Council was established under Chapter 2.85 of the Cambridge Municipal Code. The Council is dedicated to developing policy and program recommendations to ensure all children, youth, and their families have access to what they need to be successful, engaged residents prepared for life in our community and the world.

Michael Johnston, the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority, is currently a Specific Area Representative. He is retiring in January, and we believe it makes sense for Kam to replace him on the Council. The two Youth Representatives are current members of the Cambridge Youth Council.

The next anticipated vacancy for this council will come in 2026.

I am pleased to recommend the reappointment of Tina Alu, the Executive Director of the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), for a 1-year term as a Specific Area Representative and the appointment of these three new members.

1. Shakia Afrose - (2-year term) - Youth Representative
Ms. Afrose is a senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. She has been a member of the Cambridge Youth Council for three years, and during that time, she has taken on leadership roles as the Social Media Manager and Co-Chair for CYC. She also participates in many activities in and out of school, including CRLS Fencing Team, Crimson Summer Academy, Breakthrough Greater Boston, CHA Workforce Program, and Harvard Emerging Leaders.

2. Kieu Anh Huynh - (2-year term) - Youth Representative
Ms. Huynh is a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, and this is her first year on the Cambridge Youth Council. She loves to dance and is a member of the K-pop Club and Modern Dance Company.

3. Kam Maali (1-year term) - Specific Area Representative
Kam is the Assistant Director of Resident Services at the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA), where he has worked since 2007. Initially joining as Director of The Work Force Program, he was promoted in 2013 to oversee all youth programs. Before CHA, Mr. Maali spent six years at Bird Street Community Center, where he led youth development and helped plan a new $11 million facility. He holds a Master of Social Work from Boston University and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Michigan.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Family Policy Council.

Yi-An Huang
City Manager

2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Children’s Trust grant for the Center for Families program in the amount of $56,250 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($21,908); to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($26,342) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($8,000). (CM25#261)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,300,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv-2459/J). (CM25#262) [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

CM25#262 Oct 27, 2025
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $4,300,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund the settlement payment relating to Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge (Mdsx. Super. Ct. Docket No. 2017- cv-2459/J).

As outlined to the City Council on July 21, 2025, funds were used as part of a settlement to resolve the above litigation.

The City’s Free Cash balance as of June 30, 2025, was certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue on October 1, 2025, in the amount of $184,251,490.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Employee Benefits Department Salary and Wages account, which will replenish funds that were transferred out of the Employee Benefits Department and subsequently used to fund expenses related to the demolition of 221 Mount Auburn Street. (CM25#263) [text of report]
pulled by Toner, Manager’s Agenda #4-6 taken together; comments by Toner, Claire Spinner, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Kathy Watkins, Wilson, Nolan, McGovern, Yi-An Huang; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,905,500 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY25, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete. (CM25#264) [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update re: the Massachusetts Department of Revenue certification of the City’s Free Cash balance as of June 30, 2025, in the amount of $184,251,490. (CM25#265) [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#107, re: a request to support an exploratory process – potentially including stakeholder engagement, legal and technical assessments, and community outreach – to evaluate the creation of a Business Improvement District in Porter Square. (CM25#266) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Pardis Saffari, Nolan, Zusy; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

ORDERS
1. Joint City Council Roundtable with the School Committee on November 10, 2025. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#153)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to examine how to improve connectivity north of Rindge Avenue during the Linear Park Reconstruction Project so that vulnerable road users can bypass Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street where possible. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner (PO25#154)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Toner added as sponsor 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended

3. City Council support for the workers of Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in their efforts to secure fair wages, respect, and improved working conditions through collective bargaining. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO25#155)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

LATE ORDER (taken up at start of meeting)
4. That the City Manager provide an update at the October 27, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the pause in SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (PO25#156)
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (~6,700 Cambridge households and ~10,000 individuals affected - up from ~6,000 pre-Covid), Toner, Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem, McGovern; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons-ABS)

ON THE TABLE
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours. [Tabled – May 5, 2025] (CM25#113)

2. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025; Tabled June 2, 2025] (PO25#76)

3. That the City Council go on record thanking SEIU 32BJ for their vigilance, partnership and advocacy on behalf of unionized workers. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 16, 2025; Tabled – June 23, 2025]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane relative to Dangerous Dog Ordinance 6.08.010 Ordinance. [Passed to 2nd Reading – Oct 6, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained on or after Oct 27, 2025] (ORD25#14)
pulled by McGovern; Ordained 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Curtis Butcher, re: Unsustainable Property Tax Rate Increases.

2. Cynthia Hibbard, re: Public Comment for Tonight’s City Council Regular Meeting.

5. Lee Farris, re: PO#3- support of H.811, An Act authorizing cities and towns to provide for citizen-funded election campaigns.

6. Lowry Hemphill, re: Giving City More Say Over Eversource Plans to Increase Rates.

9. Mothers Out Front, re: please vote for the resolution on municipal voices in gas utility work Oct 20.

14. Scott Parisi, re: DPW Crews Mismanaging Street Closures — Rindge Ave & Jackson St (observed 10am, Fri, Oct 17, 2025).

RESOLUTIONS
1. Condolences to the family of Kimberlee Costanza. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Toner to be added as sponsor

3. Condolences on the death of Donalee “Donna” Baumgardner. Councillor Toner

4. Congratulations to Sarah Anderson-Murphy on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update re: legislative activity. (COF25#133)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a letter re: revocation of a curb cut application previously granted. (COF25#134) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; prepared comments by Nolan; comments by Toner, Azeem; Motion to Suspend Rules for the Purpose of Reconsideration Fails 2-7 (Nolan, Zusy-YES); Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 27
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the launch of the update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and hear a status report on the current plan including any adjustments that have been or might be made before any update.
5:30pm City Council Meeting

Wed, Oct 29
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss energy planning in Cambridge including expanding electricity capacity, expanding renewable energy productions, BEUDO energy requirements, and thermal energy network planning and any other topics relevant to the city’s overall planning for ensuring city goals of electrification may be met.

Thurs, Oct 30
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council, Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition and Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. The Committee will recess and reconvene on Thurs, Nov 13, 2025 at 5:30pm.

Thurs, Nov 13
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion from the Oct 30, 2025 hearing on two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council, Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition and Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. There will be no public comment.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 27, 2025
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Council convene a joint roundtable with the School Committee to be held on Monday, November 10, 2025 in order to discuss macro-economic trends in Cambridge and the City’s budget.

O-2 Oct 27, 2025
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City’s Linear Park Reconstruction Project will require full closures of the shared-use path for an extended period, anticipated to last for as long as 14 months; and
WHEREAS: Community members have expressed a desire for clearly designated, high-quality alternative routes for both pedestrians and cyclists during construction; and
WHEREAS: The City has published detour routes for the construction period, directing pedestrians and cyclists along nearby streets, including portions of Clifton Street, Whittemore Avenue, Dudley Street, Shea Road, Harvey Street, and Cameron Avenue, which may also add to vehicle congestion on those streets; and
WHEREAS: There are also ongoing and future connectivity issues which could be addressed as part of this project, including improving safety by providing alternate routes for residents in North Cambridge and others who currently travel on narrow, high-traffic streets, like Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to examine how to improve connectivity north of Rindge Avenue so that vulnerable road users can bypass Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street where possible, considering neighborways treatments, traffic calming measures such as those in Cambridge’s new speed hump pilot program, contraflow bike travel on appropriate low-volume streets, wayfinding, and intersection safety improvements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to ensure that pedestrian and biking facilities are sufficiently safe and accessible for all throughout the duration of the project, and that the designs and materials used for the detours be evaluated for potential retention or conversion after park reopening; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-3 Oct 27, 2025
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center (Cambridge Rehab) employs over 50 dedicated workers, including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Dietary Aides, and Activities staff, who provide care and support to some of Cambridge’s most vulnerable residents; and
WHEREAS: These workers have been engaged in ongoing contract negotiations seeking fair compensation and benefits for the essential work that they do; and
WHEREAS: The current starting wage for CNAs is $18.35 per hour, with the employer’s best offer increasing that rate to only $18.75 per hour and offering a 2.5% raise to existing staff – an increase of approximately $0.46 per hour; and
WHEREAS: Dietary and Activities staff currently earn between $16.40 and $16.66 per hour, with the employer’s offer raising those rates to only $17 per hour; and
WHEREAS: There are only two employees remaining with more than 25 years of service, currently making $20.09 per hour, with the employer offering to raise them to $23.09 per hour; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Rehab has experienced extremely high turnover, with approximately two-thirds of the bargaining unit hired in the past two years, negatively affecting staff morale and the continuity and quality of patient care; and
WHEREAS: Many Cambridge Rehab workers face financial hardship, including high rents, long commutes from distant, more affordable cities, and difficulty supporting their families, and many are recent Haitian immigrants under TPS who send resources to family abroad, leaving even less for themselves; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council expresses its strong support for the workers of Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in their efforts to secure fair wages, respect, and improved working conditions through collective bargaining; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urges Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center management to bargain in good faith and reach a fair and equitable agreement that honors the commitment, skill, and dignity of these healthcare professionals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the workers of Cambridge Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, their union representatives at 1199SEIU, and the facility’s management.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
25-12. The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 3/3/2025

25-29. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 5/12/2025

25-32. That the City Manager is requested to meet with the leadership of the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss the proposal and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the release of $72,000 to fund the RFP development for the tunnel engineering study.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #1) from 5/19/2025

25-33. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a legal opinion outlining, in light of current zoning including the most recent Multifamily Zoning Amendments, the ability of Cambridge to regulate institutional and religious uses in C-1 residential districts and what state and federal law allows in terms of local restrictions, if any, for institutional and religious uses.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/2/2025

25-40. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor, in consultation with relevant City departments and the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, to draft amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance that allow for the use of funds for capital expenses, provided that such expenses clearly advance the goals of the Community Benefits program.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/23/2025

25-44. The City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Finance Department, to conduct a comprehensive review of current permitting fees for residential development projects, with a focus on identifying opportunities to create a tiered fee structure that reduces or eliminates fees entirely particularly for smaller-scale and affordable housing developments.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 8/4/2025

25-46. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Community Safety Department, the Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant parties to ensure that the overnight use of the garden area between St. James Episcopal Church and the Beech Street condos is actively monitored.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner from 9/8/2025

25-47. the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Transportation, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and any other relevant City departments to assess the current accessible parking capacity in the vicinity of Kendall Square and identify potential solutions, which may include adding dedicated accessible parking spaces, creating short-term accessible loading/unloading zones, or implementing other reasonable accommodations.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern from 9/8/2025

25-48. The City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments, including the City Solicitor’s Office, to establish a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson from 9/8/2025

25-49. the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the City Assessor, and all other relevant departments to develop a comprehensive policy for future private development projects in the city.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy from 9/8/2025

25-51. The City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to seek input from the community as well as direct outreach to condo owners and short-term rental operators and develop additional recommendations based on the discussion in the Ordinance Committee.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui from 9/8/2025

25-52. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and multi-member bodies to report back to the City Council and inform the community of the work of, and when the recommendations coming from the Micromobility Commission will be available.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy from 9/8/2025

25-54. The City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to review current crisis prevention protocols, strengthen them by clearly defining the role and deployment of mental health professionals.
Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui from 9/15/2025

25-56. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide an update on rodent control measures citywide and especially how the City addresses rodent mitigation through large construction projects, both public and private.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson from 9/15/2025

25-57. The City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the timely release of body-worn camera footage.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui from 9/15/2025

25-58. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore all steps towards advancing social housing in Cambridge.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem from 9/29/2025

25-59. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a recommendation on the site conditions of 25 Lowell Street and considerations and process for determining the future use of the property.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui from 9/29/2025

25-60. The City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Health, and any relevant environmental consultants to provide a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/6/2025

25-61. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments, state agencies, and the property owner IQHQ to provide an update on efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area on Alewife Paths near Russell Field.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 10/6/2025

25-62. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-6) from 10/6/2025

25-63. That the City Manager is requested to reach out to representatives from Eversource to coordinate at least four public open-house meetings in the coming weeks re: heat and electricity costs.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 10/20/2025

25-64. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to report back to the City Council on current efforts towards poison ivy control in the Fresh Pond Master Plan as well as recommended improvements for signage and regular maintenance planning.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy (O-5) from 10/20/2025