Cambridge City Council meeting - November 17, 2025

Cambridge City Council meeting - November 17, 2025 - AGENDA
[Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner ABSENT; Simmons remote (COVID)]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. (CM25#273) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments on court cases and SNAP benefits by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui (wants to continue giving out gift cards even though SNAP benefits have been restored), Azeem (wants to fund everything), Wilson (wants to “tap into stabilization dollars”), Zusy, Ellen Semonoff, McGovern (“we cannot unhouse people”, City Solicitor Megan Bayer. Most notable was statement by Manager that City stands to lose ~8.4 million due to changes in federal housing policies. Placed on File 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance grant funded by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, in the amount of $153,809 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($137,659), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($16,150). Funds will be used for costs related to the Carey Men’s Permanent Supported Housing Program operated by the Multi-Service Center. (CM25#275)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of $40,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,381), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,619), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,000). Funds, raised by the Friends of the CLC, will be used to support the advising and coordination of the Bridge to College Program, as well as support for ESOL teaching. (CM25#276)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) donations in the amount of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account. Funds, received by the Friends of the CLC through individual donations, will be used to support ESOL instruction. (CM25#277)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $302,640, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($181,607), to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($106,033), and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($15,000). (CM25#278)
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Ellen Semonoff; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

ORDERS
1. That the Cambridge City Council go on record in opposition of ~~H.3469~~ H.4744 as reported out of committee this week, sponsored by Mark Cusack, which would drastically undermine the Commonwealth’s climate goals and would undermine its own efforts to address energy affordability facing households and businesses in Cambridge and statewide. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (PO25#159)
pulled by Nolan for amendment; comments by Nolan, McGovern; add all but Toner as co-sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)
RW Note: You may want to read the text of the proposed legislation. The intention of the bill appears to be to address energy affordability for ratepayers resulting from recent federal cutbacks by allowing greater flexibility in meeting climate goals.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports. [Charter Right – Nolan, Nov 3, 2025] (PO25#157)
Comments by Nolan, McGovern, Simmons, Ellen Semonoff, Zusy; add Zusy as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

O-1 Nov 3, 2025 Amended
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Senior Center and the Council on Aging provide invaluable support to older residents, serving as a trusted and welcoming hub for accessing a wide range of services, programs, and resources; and
WHEREAS: The staff and leadership of the Senior Center, under the direction of the Council on Aging, do extraordinary work in helping seniors navigate challenges related to housing, health, transportation, isolation, and so much more; and
WHEREAS: As the needs of Cambridge’s older population grow more complex, there may be value in exploring how a dedicated triage or navigation position could further augment and complement the Senior Center’s existing services by helping assess individual needs and ensuring that residents are efficiently and effectively connected to the most appropriate City departments or external partners; and
WHEREAS: Such a role could improve service coordination, reduce barriers to access, and further strengthen the city’s commitment to supporting the well-being of its senior population; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on potential models, resource implications, and a proposed implementation plan for this effort, with the understanding that it is intended to reinforce – not replace – the vital services already being delivered at the Cambridge Senior Center.

ON THE TABLE
2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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]

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Barbara Mullen, re: Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.

4. Carlos Loya, re: Sherman Street Shooting today – Offer of reward to ensure community safety.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Janice Gillis on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

2. Congratulations to Jean Desane on his 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 regarding legislative activity. (COF25#144)
Placed on File 7-0-2 (JSW,Toner-Absent)

HEARING SCHEDULE
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.

Wed, Dec 3
3:00pm The Housing Committee and Finance Committee will hold a joint public hearing to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development incentives - such as tax incentives, public equity financing, and reduced fees and requirements - on housing production and city finances.

Thursday, Dec 4
1:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee which was presented to the full City Council on May 19, 2025. (CM25#128)

Tues, Dec 9
12:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether adjustments should be made related to the deployment of ALPRs since approval in February of this year, CM25#257 in City Council Oct 20, 2025.

Thurs, Dec 11
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee will hold a joint public hearing to review and discuss PO25#137, which asks the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to reduce the impact on solar energy systems, based on the recommendations discussed in the September 16, 2025 Health and Environment Committee meeting.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 17, 2025 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR ZUSY
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a state leader in investment in combatting the climate crisis and those investments pay dividends towards the public health of local residents by combatting emissions pollution and the economic health of the region by investing in sustainable infrastructure powered by renewable resources; and
WHEREAS: Through the BEUDO ordinance, the fossil-fuel free construction requirement, municipal green power purchase agreements, net zero new schools, community solar, and much more, we are on track and making real progress; and
WHEREAS: Legislation is being considered this week in the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Environment (TUE) and will be reviewed by Ways and Means that will drop state commitments to reduce carbon emissions and gut investment in clean energy infrastructure, risking progress towards decarbonization and putting hundreds of thousands of residents at economic risk, including eliminating utility bill subsidies for moderate income residents, and the bill was moved forward last week by the House TUE and will be reviewed by the House Committee on Ways and Means; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has made substantial commitments to reducing emissions and is on track to cut emissions 50% by 2030, and like other communities in the state, we have built net zero schools and municipal buildings, required the largest buildings to begin significantly cutting emissions, and negotiated municipal aggregation contracts that deliver green electricity to residents at lower prices than Eversource is charging; further, all new construction in the city is fossil fuel-free, and all of this has happened without slowing the pace of residential or commercial development, showing an economic roadmap for communities statewide; and
WHEREAS: This legislation proposes cutting additional funding from Mass Save, eliminates emissions reductions targets, expands incentives for the continued installation of expensive gas pipelines and eliminates the newly-created moderate-income discount rate, among many other misguided provisions that will severely impact low-income and moderate-income residents; and
WHEREAS: Additionally, this legislation would limit the use of Mass Save subsidies in municipalities like Cambridge who are participating in fossil fuel demonstration programs, severely impacting local residents and businesses who are investing in sustainable infrastructure and critically harming our local economy; and
WHEREAS: Dozens of local organizations committed to climate action and sustainability have spoken out about this bill and the impacts it will have on sustainability goals as well as on local public health and the economy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in opposition of ~~H.3469~~ H.4744 as reported out of committee this week, sponsored by Mark Cusack, which would drastically undermine the Commonwealth’s climate goals and would undermine its own efforts to address energy affordability facing households and businesses in Cambridge and statewide; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to communicate concerns with this legislation and the impact on Cambridge to relevant state agencies and legislators; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a copy of this resolution to each member of the Cambridge delegation to the legislature, as well as Chair of the Joint Committee on TUE, Mark Cusack; Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, Aaron Michlewitz; and Massachusetts House Speaker Ronald Mariano.

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

25-48. 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

25-54. 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

25-63. 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

25-65. 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 (O-2) from 10/27/2025