Cambridge City Council meeting - December 13, 2021

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-87, regarding a report on senior scam prevention efforts.
Placed on File 9-0

ON THE TABLE
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-13, regarding next steps on implementation of Universal Pre-K. [Tabled May 17, 2021]

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sidney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. [Charter Right – McGovern, June 28, 2021; Tabled Aug 2, 2021]

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-56, regarding improvements to Jerry’s Pond and along Rindge Avenue. [Table – Siddiqui, Sept 13, 2021]

5. That the attached Home Petition titled “Petition For An Act Authorizing The City Of Cambridge To Enact An Ordinance To Limit And Monitor Campaign Donations In Local Elections By Individuals Seeking Financial Reward From The City Of Cambridge” be forwarded to the General Court for adoption. [Tabled Dec 6, 2021]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance to reduce or limit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city; Ordinance #2020-27. [Tabled Nov 8, 2021; Passed To 2nd Reading Dec 6, 2021; To Be Ordained on or after Dec 20, 2021]

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission, regarding Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriation.

2. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Review Comments for North Mass Ave Cycling Ordinance Implementation Contract in support of POR 2021 #259.

4. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, regarding As a matter of digital equity Carl Barron Plaza needs full and robust WiFi coverage.

5. A communication was received from Robert Camacho, regarding Quick Build Bike Safety Ordinance.

6. A communication was received from Lori DiLiddo, regarding To Human Services Veterans Meeting Re: Carl Barron Plaza.

Dear Sirs and Madams,

Please see attached a letter I wrote to the mayor and Cambridge City Council on September 13, 2021, for your reference regarding the redesign of Carl Barron Plaza and the many issues those of us who live or work abutting the plaza experience daily. We, the abutters, were also completely left out of the redesign process.

People from the unhoused community need a decent place to be during the day. It is clear that Cambridge should have a day shelter or community space to meet the needs of the unhoused community.

However, I question using Carl Barron Plaza as a “wet” day shelter with no oversight, and that is what it is, and has been for many years. The community that currently occupies the plaza is a population that has significant needs that require services, resources, and support personnel. Currently, there is no oversight, which is needed, for this “unofficial” wet day shelter. It seems irresponsible to allow this plaza to be used as a wet shelter with no oversight, or support services, where people are prone to fights, substance abuse, leave their used needles, defecate, urinate, and leave food and other trash everywhere. Because of this, no one else feels comfortable using this space and that is how it became a space that only one community uses.

The plaza is supposed to be shared public space, but because of all the smoke, drug and alcohol use, and fighting it is not, and it never will be no matter how many millions of dollars is spent on this redesign unless these activities are mitigated.

Many other residential buildings and businesses restrict smoking around their building and entrances, including Cambridge City Hall. Those of us who live or work abutting this plaza do not enjoy this public health consideration that other people throughout the city have as a right without question. This is unfair and negatively impacts our comfort and health. This is a serious health concern and I would like serious consideration taken about this issue.

We are constantly barraged with cigarette, marijuana, and at times meth or cocaine smoke everywhere on this plaza. Residents’ apartments fill with this smoke if a resident dares to open a window, affecting even those residents who live on the upper floors. Anyone who enters the residence or businesses along the plaza must walk through a wall of smoke.

Almost worse, is listening to people drinking or getting high and then fighting, or just the fighting. I have seen people physically attack each other and some people get injured. I hear people screaming and swearing at each other at all hours of the day and night, some days starting at 6 am, and going past midnight. Almost every night, groups of people get drunk or high on the plaza and make significant noise for hours shouting at each other, especially at the Green and Magazine Street section of the plaza. Everyone, including young people who seem to be high school or college age, knows this is the place to get high and no one will stop you.

I fear that we, the abutters who also had no input into this redesign process, are going to be put through two years of disruptive construction for a space we never use and even though we would like to be able to use it, we will never be able to use in the future if this plaza continues to be used as an “open air” wet shelter.

One last point: There is a communication issue between the city and Cambridge residents regarding all projects the city has been doing in the last few years. I have heard complaints from people in Cambridge and many of you on city council stated this in the last election cycle. I would like the city to adopt a mandate that when a project is being considered or begun, all residents and businesses in the area affected are notified in writing by mail. It is absurd to me that not once during a three-year project did anyone consider asking the abutters what they thought of or wanted in this plaza redesign, or considered seeking out an abutter to be on the community plaza redesign committee. It upsets me that we the people who are most affected by this plaza are going to be put out for two years of construction and had absolutely no say in this process. The types of notices that were used were woefully inadequate put temporarily in spaces where we would never have see them, for example, the plaza none of us are able to use.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Lori DiLiddo

To: Madam Mayor and Cambridge City Council
September 13, 2021

I am a resident of the Holmes Building. My apartment abuts Carl Barron Plaza. Having only recently become aware of the two designs proposed for the plaza redesign, it is my impression City Council and the design team tasked with this redesign did not consult anyone who lives or works in Central Square abutting the plaza. It is my impression that you are not aware of what happens here on a daily basis, by which we are the most affected. We in this building are concerned the design proposals do not address multiple serious issues that must change, but will perpetuate them. I am writing to ask if you and the design team would consider entering in a conversation with us and consider what we experience on a daily basis here living and working next to the plaza before this redesign proposal is finalized?

Because we were not given adequate notice as property abutters to give our input, we would be very grateful to be given that opportunity now, prior to the finalization of the plan, and prior to commencing construction. This is the most opportune time, and perhaps the only time it will be possible for the city to create a space that would be comfortable for all people who would like to use it. We fear if the dynamics in the plaza do not change, the many very serious issues will only worsen, and the plaza will remain a space that only one community will use, as it is now.

The city’s priorities for the plaza redesign have changed since we were initially told of a plan to redesign the plaza years ago. It now seems to be, as stated in the recent design meeting, to “invite, encourage, and uplift” the homeless community. It was also stated that the plaza be for many different groups of people to come together and interact with each other, not just the community that currently occupies it on a daily basis. Without addressing the open drug and alcohol use, the fighting, the smoking, and public urination in the plaza around our building, this is a wholly unrealistic expectation. The concern is that after one to two years of construction that will interrupt our utilities, our businesses, our ability to transverse the square, and our peaceable use of the Holmes Building by creating excessive construction noise, the current design proposals, which are very much like the present plaza design, will ultimately create a space that will have the exact same issues currently present in the square that worsen each year with a growing number of people in Central Square.

Currently, the plaza seems as if the City of Cambridge put in a public pool, invited one and all to come and spend the day, with no lifeguards and no rules. The situation is untenable, and cannot continue.

Our main concerns are:

Open alcohol and drug use that leads to:

• Public inebriation. No other citizens of this city are allowed to carry open containers, or consume alcohol or drugs in a public space. It is done here openly all the time and has become the norm. Why is the community who occupy the plaza daily allowed to do this? Now, young people are using drugs on Green Street by the 70 bus stop and other areas of the plaza.

• Fighting: Fighting begins at 6 am, even on Sunday mornings, and throughout the day, fights will occur at 7am, 8am, 10am, 11am., noon, midafternoon, evening, night, and at times in the middle of the night. People sit for hours getting drunk or high, then they start picking on each other. Some of these fights become physical altercations. There are a few “hot spots” on the plaza where these fights take place: The main section of the plaza near Mass Ave; the Green Street #70 bus stop at Magazine St; Magazine Street in front of “Central Square Eye Care,” by the #83 and #91 bus stop.

• People Swearing at all passersby, usually the “F” word. People will scream and shout expletives at each other and at times toward Sunday morning churchgoers, parents walking or biking their children to school, and commuters walking into the square to use the MBTA.

• People passed out in dire straights, people overdosing, and people dying in the square. (There are those among us who have witnessed these deaths.)

• We avoid walking along the Green and Magazine Street sides of our building. It is not comfortable to walk through people who are drunk or high, and those who are screaming at each other or fighting, or constantly smoking. It is difficult at times to walk through the main Mass Ave. section of the plaza because of fights and smoking. (also see below.)

Public Health - Cigarette, pot, and cocaine smoking in the plaza:

• It is impossible to enter and exit our building or any of the businesses that abut the plaza without being engulfed in smoke. It is impossible for any of us to use the plaza, or even walk around our building for this reason.

• We cannot open our apartment windows because people sit for hours under them or in close proximity to our building and smoke for hours at a time. Air conditioning must be run when it is not needed, thus wasting energy and money, creating more carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Between seasons, when the air conditioning is not on in this building, the choice is either to endure constant cigarette, pot, and cocaine smoke entering living spaces, or remain uncomfortably hot.

• Other buildings in the square (e.g. new apartments on Essex Street) post signs stating: “No Smoking within 50 feet of this building.” We would like the city to respect all its citizens and have that same rule posted around our building. This is a non-smoking building. Smoke from outside should not be entering a living space. If Essex Street apartments and others in the city are allowed to protect their tenants, we want to be protected from the known unhealthy carcinogens of second-hand smoke from the plaza.

• Lack of courtesy toward anyone passing through the square. Our entrance is blocked at times with people fighting, or just hanging out smoking. We must regularly pass through a group of smokers to get in the only entrance. We would like our entrance to be free of smoking and fighting. Other times, people walk into us seemingly not being aware of others passing through the plaza.

• It is unhealthy and very uncomfortable to wait for a bus anywhere in Central Square. Bus stops are used as a place for people to sit the entire day and smoke. Rarely can anyone else who may need a seat get one, and it is not healthy or comfortable to be engulfed in smoke if you do. If MBTA stations and platforms are to be “smoke-free” by law, why not the bus stops in Central Square? Central Square is a major bus transportation hub. Why should there be a lower standard here for the people who rely on the bus system? Subway and commuter rail passengers as well as bus passengers in other areas of Cambridge enjoy the right to a smoke-free environment using MBTA services. This situation is extremely unhealthy for any person who relies on bus transportation in Central Square.

• Please consider making all, or significant portions of the plaza smoke-free. There are many parks and plazas in our city and Boston that are “smoke-free.” If you do not do anything to change the dynamic of this issue, no one else will ever be comfortable using the plaza. At the very least, allowing a 50 foot perimeter around the building and all bus stops to be smoke-free and enforcing it would be a vast improvement. The idea of having other groups come together in the plaza is completely unrealistic if smoking in the plaza, a serious health hazard, is not somehow mitigated.

Bus and Truck Fumes:

• Bus and Truck Drivers idle for up to twenty-five minutes at times next to our building. There are signs posted at bus stops on Franklin Street along the “Le Meridien Hotel” that Massachusetts law prohibits idling. If hotel guests are given this consideration for their health and comfort, we should enjoy this benefit of the law here in the Holmes Building. We would like the city to post signs along Green Street and the Magazine Street bus stops to limit bus and truck idling.

• MBTA bus drivers “gun” their engines or idle around the Holmes Building for long periods of time. In extreme heat or cold, it is understood why a bus would idle for a short time to keep waiting passengers comfortable. However, on mild days, there is no need for a bus to idle 10 - 25 minutes. This occurs regularly. Fumes enter the building’s living spaces. This is a health-code violation. No fumes (outdoor pollution) should be entering living spaces.

Police Response:

• When we call the police because of fighting or other issues, many times there is a late response, or no response at all. Sometimes, we are told, “There is nothing we can do.” Why is that?

• Other times, the police as well as EMTs are dispatched regularly to the plaza for either inebriation, overdose, or fighting issues.

• We are aware of the police “store front” on Mass Ave. However, the “store front” is not manned in the mornings, and there does not seem to be any kind of regular hours. There are many times an officer, or assistance, is required and no one is available.

Public Restrooms:

• The one public restroom in the square is not adequate to support the number of people who hang out here daily. There is no running water or heat in the winter. There are also fights that take place there. Many people are unaware the outdoor facility at Mass Ave. and Western Ave. is a rest room.

• There are many issues with people urinating on the Holmes Building on Green Street, in the building’s courtyard facing Mass Ave., and people trying to force their way into the Holmes Building to use a rest room. There are no public rest rooms in this building. There have been incidents of people relieving themselves or undressing in our building’s vestibule when denied entry to the building in the middle of the night.

• Would the city consider making staffed, safe and clean public restrooms available in Central Square with running water and heat in the winter? This is a major issue throughout Central Square. Store entrances are used as urinals.

Humanity:

• We are concerned to see people sitting outside for hours in inclement weather through torrential rain and dangerous storms, dangerous heat and humidity, and brutal cold.

• We see people sitting for hours, sometimes the entire day on cement seats or stairs. This must be uncomfortable, especially for people who are older, and people with mobility issues. Can the city not offer a more viable day shelter alternative or community center for this community of people?

• It seems Carl Barron Plaza is being used as an alternative to a day shelter. Is the city able to create a day shelter or other community space for people?

• It is inevitable any human being with a substance abuse issue spending their days in the plaza with nothing to occupy their mind or their time would use alcohol or drugs. Would the city consider providing a better alternative for people with substance abuse issues than hanging out on a plaza all day?

Monitoring/Support Resources:

• This is a community that needs support. It is clear that many in the community who occupy the plaza have substance abuse issues and have serious issues with inhibition. It is clear there is not enough support in the square, whether this be in the form of social workers, community members, or police officers. Is it possible for the city to provide more supportive services?

• We are not asking for people to be removed or arrested. No one is looking to change the vibrancy of the square. However, the fact is, on days when the police are present in the square walking around, talking with people, everything is calm. This is almost the only time when things are calm in the plaza.

• In the area where officers are, no one is using drugs or openly drinking alcohol and everyone is calm. However, the police do not give enough attention to the Green/Magazine Street end of the plaza, where teenagers are now smoking pot. People will still use drugs and alcohol and fights will occur at this end of the plaza when police are concentrated at the Mass Ave. end.

• If the city is inviting people to hang out in the plaza all day, would the city support a program of a robust “monitoring/support system” that would be in place daily throughout the plaza concentrated between 6am and 3am for everyone’s safety and well-being?

General Effects of the Plaza:

• People who live in this building who have children are uncomfortable exposing their children to the drug use and fighting in the plaza. Many leave their tenancy and the area for this reason.

• Business is lost because of the situation in the plaza.

• Women, especially older women, are not comfortable walking through the plaza in the evenings. They are even more uncomfortable if they are carrying a baby or a young child.

• Students, including foreign students are alarmed when they begin a tenancy here because of what goes on in the plaza.

• The general assumption about Central Square is that it is unsafe because of the many issues in the plaza.

• Holmes Building employees are harassed at night from people in the plaza.

• People are harassed for money walking on Mass Ave. in front of the Holmes Building.

• There is not enough lighting on Green Street at night. This enables people to cause issues around the back of the Holmes Building blocking the garage entrance.

• The very serious issues in the plaza affect us all in multiple ways. Living alongside people fighting, seeing people staggering through the plaza altered by drugs and alcohol, watching people OD or die, has an effect on the entire community, especially those of us who live and work alongside the plaza.

Cyclists: Adding a bike lane through the plaza.

• It is good to see proposed bike lanes on River Street, however, there is a concern for pedestrian safety having a bike lane run through the plaza. Would you please consider painting “Stop,” and “Yield to Pedestrians,” on the ground at the appropriate places for cyclists who will travel through the plaza?

• Not all cyclists navigate safely around pedestrians.

Good things about the redesign:

• Moving the buses farther away from building on Magazine/River Street is a very positive change. There will still be a need to enforce no idling – especially in mild weather when resident’s windows are open.

• There may be other solutions to mitigate fumes from buses and trucks entering the residents’ apartments. This needs further discussion.

• Trees - Adding more trees to the plaza is a great idea. Shade will definitely be welcome on the plaza and will help reduce our building’s need for air conditioning in the warmer months.

• HOWEVER, Placing permanent seating under or around these trees, where visibility will be limited, will create spaces where drugs and alcohol will be used. Ultimately fights will regularly occur at these locations because of the substance abuse. This is what we currently have at the Magazine/Green St. end of the plaza and this is where the redesign plans have trees with permanent seating — all the fights in the plaza occur where there is permanent seating.

• It was stated the city does not want to get rid of permanent seating in the plaza. What is the city’s plan to stop the open use of alcohol and drugs and the fighting that occurs only where there is permanent seating? How will any other people feel comfortable using the plaza if people sit there all day smoking, using drugs and alcohol, or fighting?

Construction Information Liaison:

• Would the city please provide a point person who will communicate directly with a representative from the Holmes Building to keep us informed of all construction details, e.g. when utilities will be interrupted, when to expect extreme noise, when and which streets will be blocked, etc.?

• Would the city be willing to have a meeting with us prior to construction commencing regarding other details of construction such as the time in the morning loud noise may begin and how residents and businesses along the plaza will be affected by construction with those of us who live and work in the property abutting the plaza?

Thank you very much for your time and attention reading these concerns. We would like you to consider what we experience daily and use this opportunity for a plaza redesign to change the dynamic in the plaza that would benefit everyone who uses or passes through it and Central Square. The current situation is a public health issue and unacceptable. To create a new space that will not make any significant change from the current scheme and dynamics would be a missed opportunity and disrespectful to the health and well-being of everyone in the Cambridge community. It would also be a broken promise to us when we were told years ago that the redesign of Carl Barron Plaza would mitigate the many serious problems that we have been living with for years now, that only worsen each year. If the City of Cambridge is inviting and encouraging people to hang out in the plaza it has a responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of all people who come through the plaza and all those who live or work in the property that abuts Carl Barron Plaza.

We would be very grateful if you, Cambridge City Council, along with the design team would take our concerns into consideration prior to the finalization of the redesign proposals. We are open to discussion if you are willing to give us that opportunity.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

7. A communication was received from Guillemette Simmers, regarding Green New Deal Petition.

8. A communication was received from Annette Osgood, regarding Support Policy Order 259 For a business impact report an implementation process and an evaluation of the protected bike lanes.

9. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is commemorated annually.

10. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding O-1 of Dec 6, 2021 re: Customer Roll Plan Analysis + Negative Impact on Businesses.

11. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Dec 13 2021 Policy Order 1 - Fossil Fuel Special Permit Policy Order.

12. A communication was received from Valerie Wang, regarding Supporting the Green New Deal Zoning Petition.

13. A communication was received from Steven E. Miller, regarding Support For 3 Items on Current Council Agenda.

14. A communication was received from Steve Wineman, regarding Policy Order POR 2021 #268.

15. A communication was received from Patrick and Rajee Joyce, regarding please oppose the Cushing and Yamin petitions.

16. A communication was received from Marian Swain, regarding Citizen petitions on AHO.

17. A communication was received from Margery Davies, regarding Fossil Fuel Special Permit Policy Order POR 2021 #268.

18. A communication was received from Jamie Lichtenstein, regarding Vaccine Mandate for city employees.

19. A communication was received from Elena Fagotto, regarding Policies to reduce emissions in Cambridge.

20. A communication was received from Catherine LeBlanc, regarding Support for POR 2021 #268 Fossil Fuel Special Permit.

21. A communication was received from Cambridge Mothers Out Front Leadership Team, regarding Mothers Out Front support for POR 2021 #268 Fossil Fuel Special Permit Policy Order.

22. A communication was received from Ann Stewart, regarding Support for Fossil Fuel SP and for Reaffirming 100% Renewable by 2035.

23. A communication was received from Alex Rubin, regarding Support for AHO and Opposition to Cushing and Yamin petitions.

24. A communication was received from Audrey Bennett, regarding Support for 3 Items on Council Agenda.

25. A communication was received from Sharon DeVos, regarding Policy Order 2021#268.

26. A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding Questions CC Meet 12/13/21 re: 12/6 Decision on Policy Order 2021 #259 Economic Impact Studies; RE Communications #2-3; #8 Pol Order Resolution List #6.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Georgina Ober (Estrella). Councillor Toomey

3. Retirement of Loyd Lewis from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toomey

4. Congratulations to Rachael Rollins. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern

ORDERS
1. Fossil Fuel Special Permit Policy Order. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Election Commission to send voter notification cards for both primary and general special elections. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

3. COVID19 Expert Advisory Panel. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Human Service Programs, the Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant departments to create a publicly accessible, comprehensive list of violence prevention programs that exist in the city and to place this list on the City’s website. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation and Divco West regarding the spending plan and possible reallocation for the anticipated GLX refunds, and to report to the City Council on the use of GLX Project Participation Agreement funding in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 9, 2021 to discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance to extend the preference period, and to explore what additional financial assistance the City may be able to help Economic Empowerment applicants obtain during that extended period, and to provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders on this.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Two Orders Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Anthony Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting Communication from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Dec 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Dec 15
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Off-Street Parking

Thurs, Dec 16
5:30pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to receive a report from the Department of Human Services Programs regarding changes made to DHSP after school programs. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Jan 3
10:00am Inaugural City Council Meeting and Election of the Mayor (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Dec 13, 2021
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The climate crisis poses an extreme and existential threat to society, and scientists agree that current and planned actions on all levels of government will not be enough to escape the worst symptoms; and
WHEREAS: The continuous addition of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels is a public health threat and deepens inequities faced by our most vulnerable residents as environmental injustices continue to grow; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has started a number of initiatives related to climate, including joining the Cities for Climate Protection in 1999, and launching various programs the past two decades, including a Climate Protection Action Plan, The Cambridge Compact for a Sustainable Future, a Net Zero Action Plan, a Climate Resiliency Task Force, all of which have worked to address the need to reduce GHG emissions and prepare for a changed world; and
WHEREAS: Despite concerted efforts, Cambridge’s community emissions have remained relatively flat for the last decade, and building emissions overall have not decreased, and the City has never achieved past goals to reduce community emissions despite these many efforts and the stated need for dramatic reduction; and
WHEREAS: Approximately 80% of Cambridge’s GHG emissions come from buildings, the City has appropriately focused on ways to reduce that number as key to meeting goals for overall reductions; and
WHEREAS: The elimination of burning fossil fuels (particularly through the electrification of buildings) is the most impactful way to meet climate goals, and the City Council in 2017 voted unanimously to go on record supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including in building energy use and transportation, by 2035; and
WHEREAS: The challenge of reducing all existing buildings to zero emissions is already daunting, and if new buildings are allowed to increase emissions with new fossil fuel infrastructure the climate crisis will only worsen; and
WHEREAS: State law allows municipalities to attach conditions to special permits, which provides a way for Cambridge to move more quickly to a zero-emissions city; and
WHEREAS: The Town of Brookline has recently passed a bylaw that would place conditions on permits for construction projects and major renovations by issuing special permits without a time condition to all zero emissions buildings and time-limited permits to buildings that choose to install new fossil fuel infrastructure; and
WHEREAS: This approach incentivizes electrification for all new buildings and substantial renovations, using the special permit process to send a clear signal to the market about the immediate need for zero emissions; and
WHEREAS: Brookline has thoroughly researched to ensure no conflicts with state law and has established a clear legal rationale for this type of ordinance; and
WHEREAS: An ordinance change would incentivize developers to construct without fossil fuel infrastructure while simultaneously encouraging the use of renewable energy sources; and
WHEREAS: This ordinance change would work in tandem with the BEUDO amendments and Green New Deal proposal to target Cambridge’s building stock, the City’s largest emitters, while the state develops an option for a net-zero stretch code; and
WHEREAS: The current climate actions as written into ordinance and the Net Zero Action Plan are not sufficient to reach our emissions reduction goals, and new buildings are in planning now, making new and more aggressive plans crucial in the climate emergency; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the city’s zoning staff to propose possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process, and consider the attached documents, the Brookline example and a possible Cambridge-based example, in the review; 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, and by February 1, 2022.

CAMBRIDGE POSSIBLE DRAFT:
Amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to include the language below:

In Article 10.000 Appeals, Variances, and Special Permits, add a Section 10.60 On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure that reads as follows:

Section 10.60: On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

1. Purpose
This section is adopted by the City of Cambridge, to protect the health and welfare of the inhabitants of the City from air pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and thereby threaten the City and its inhabitants.

2. Definitions
As used in this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“New Building” is defined as a building not in existence on the date of an application for a special permit that is subject to this section.

“On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure” is defined as fossil fuel piping that is in a building, in connection with a building, or otherwise within the property lines of premises, including piping that extends from a supply source; provided, however, that “On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure” shall not include:

a. Fuel gas piping connecting a supply source to a meter or to the meter itself; or

b. Fossil fuel piping related to backup electrical generators, cooking appliances or portable propane appliances for outdoor cooking and heating.

“Significant Rehabilitation” is defined as an alteration, requiring a building permit, to a building in existence on the date of an application for a special permit that is subject to this section, and that:

a. For existing buildings regulated by the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 51.00, the Massachusetts Residential Code, includes the reconfiguration of space or building systems, in which the Work Area is more than 75% of the gross floor area as defined in the Zoning Ordinance prior to the project; or

b. For existing buildings regulated by the 9th Edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR 34.00, the Massachusetts State Basic Commercial Code, includes the reconfiguration of space and/or building systems, in which the Work Area is more than 50% of the gross floor area, as defined by the Massachusetts Building Code, prior to the project.

“Work Area” is defined as the aggregate area of those portions of a building affected by alterations for the reconfiguration of space or building systems, including new floor area added as a result of the alteration, as indicated in the drawings associated with a building permit application. Excluded from the calculation of Work Area are those portions of a building where only repairs, refinishing or incidental work occur or where work not initially intended by the applicant is specifically required by an inspector from the Building Department pursuant to the applicable building code.

3. Applicability
The requirements of this section shall apply to all special permit applications for New Buildings or Significant Rehabilitations proposed to be located in whole or in part within the City or for uses to be located within such New Buildings or Significant Rehabilitations, as well as to applications for the continuation of New Buildings, Significant Rehabilitations or uses authorized by a special permit previously issued subject to this section, except as follows:

a. The requirements of this section shall apply only to project proposals that

1. Require a special permit pursuant to section 10.40 for the proposed structure, alteration or use; not including 100% affordable housing projects and

2. Include a New Building or Significant Rehabilitation as defined in this section.

b. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any application for a special permit granted on or before the later of March 1, 2022 or the date of first issuance of Planning Board guidelines pursuant to paragraph 7 of this section.

c. The requirements of this section shall not apply to the piping, in buildings with floor areas less than 10,000 square feet, required to produce potable or domestic hot water from centralized hot water systems if the Engineer of Record certifies that no commercially available electric hot water heater can meet the building’s hot water demand for less than 150% of installation or operational costs, compared to a conventional fossil-fuel hot water system.

d. The requirements of this section shall not apply to the extension or modification of heating systems via HVAC system modification, or modification of radiator, steam, or hot water piping if fossil fuel piping is not installed.

e. The requirements of this section shall not apply to health care uses that require licensure or certification as a healthcare facility by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

f. The requirements of this section shall not apply to repairs or replacement of any existing portions of a fuel piping system deemed unsafe or dangerous by the Plumbing and Gas Fitting Inspector.

g. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any required back-up emergency system.

h.. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any application for a special permit, made pursuant to the Design Review requirements of section 5.09, if no other special permit is otherwise required.

i. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any application for a special permit for the renovation, reconstruction, alteration or extension of a nonconforming single or two-family residence, where the only relief needed represents an increase or intensification of a nonconformity lawfully in existence at the time the applicable provision of the Zoning Ordinance became effective.

4. Climate Responsive Conditions for Approval of Special Permits
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Planning Board or Board of Zoning Appeal shall not approve any special permit application made pursuant to section 10.40 unless the Board finds that:

a. The proposal does not involve the installation of any new On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure or the continuation of any On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure installed pursuant to a special permit previously issued subject to this section; or

b. The proposal involves the installation of On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure or the continuation of any On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure installed pursuant to a special permit previously issued subject to this section; provided, however, that either:

1. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 4, subparagraph b(2) of this section, the special permit shall be conditionally approved for a term not to exceed five years from the date of its first exercise or until January 1, 2030, whichever is later; or

2. Where a special permit has previously been issued subject to paragraph 4, subparagraph b(1) of this section, it may, for good cause, be renewed, one or more times, for a term not to exceed one year; or

5. Waivers
A waiver from the requirements of paragraph 4 of this section may be approved by the Planning Board or Board of Zoning Appeal, in its special permit decision, upon a finding:

a. If supported by a detailed cost comparison provided by the applicant, that strict compliance with the requirements of paragraph 4 would be financially infeasible, including after utilizing available rebates and credits, or otherwise impractical to implement; or

b. That strict compliance with the requirements of paragraph 4 would result in the loss of new affordable housing units eligible for inclusion in the Department of Housing and Community Development Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory.

No modification of a special permit, the rights under which have previously been exercised, shall grant a waiver from the requirements of this section. In considering any waiver request, the Planning Board or Board of Zoning Appeal shall evaluate whether particular portions of a project are financially infeasible or impractical to implement, or would result in the loss of new affordable housing units, and the Board shall issue waivers narrowly for those portions, where appropriate, rather than for an entire project.

6. Notices
For a special permit granted subject to paragraph 4, subparagraph b of this section, any notice that is required to be recorded pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A, §11, shall include a statement detailing the condition upon which the special permit was granted.

For all properties subject to a special permit conditioned on a time limitation pursuant to paragraph 4, subparagraph b(1) of this section, the City Manager or designee will provide notice to the owner of record of the expiration of said special permit and the requirement of compliance with this section. Such notice will be first provided not less than three (3) years prior to the expiration of such a special permit, and annually thereafter; provided, however, that the failure of the City Manager or designee to issue timely notices pursuant to this paragraph shall not be deemed to prevent the Building Commissioner from seeking to enforce the requirements of this section or otherwise to operate as a defense to any such enforcement action.

7. Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines
No later than March 1, 2022, the Planning Board or Board of Zoning Appeals shall adopt, and may in its discretion thereafter amend, guidelines for procedures and waivers that will provide for the uniform and equitable application of this section. The Planning Board or Board of Zoning Appeal may consider such guidelines in making special permit decisions subject to this section.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance to extend the preference period, and to explore what additional financial assistance the City may be able to help Economic Empowerment applicants obtain during that extended period, and to provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders on this.

Date: Thurs, Sept 9, 2021, 10:00am, Sullivan Chamber
Present: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Absent: Siddiqui, Toomey

Councillor McGovern called the meeting to order.

Councillor Zondervan stated that even with the three-year preference period, it might take applicants a couple of years before they are able to get going. By adding an additional year, Cambridge is giving them additional preference locally.

Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor, recommended a set date for expiration.

In response to a question from Councillor Zondervan about the number of applicants in process, Nancy Glowa stated the city has received seven applications for licenses, entered into host community agreements with six and the seventh one is being finalized today.

Megan Bayer, First Assistant City Solicitor, added that the process is outlined for applicants of what they have to submit, which starts with a statement of interest. It takes a about two and a half months or three months until the agreement is executed.

In response to a question from Vice Mayor Mallon about ways to streamline the process, Lisa Hemmerle, Director of Economic Development, stated that the law department and community development work with applicants throughout the process. Sometimes the process can be slowed down when applicant have to go back and either correct their application with the Cannabis Control Commission or with any variation between the cannabis business permit and their Host Community Agreement.

Jennifer Mathews, in the City Manager’s office, stated that she is the point of contact for Cannabis applicants.

Councillor Simmons stated that the process sounded a bit convoluted. She would like a description of the process in writing.

Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager of Community Development, stated that the city has a flowchart of the process with a timeline. It is complicated because there are multiple steps at the city and then multiple steps at the state as well.

Councillor McGovern stated that it is a complicated process.

In response to a question from Councillor McGovern about the relationship between the state and city processes, Megan Bayer stated that applicants cannot get on the Cannabis Control Commission’s agenda to be considered for a provisional license until they have the host community agreement.

In response to a question from Councillor Nolan that under state law the city has 90 days to have a complete application that the city has to put forth the permit, Megan Bayer stated that she does not believe there is a time requirement for a municipality to negotiate and enter into a host community agreement.

Councillor Nolan encouraged the city to implement policies to get more applications approved.

In response to question from Councillor Zondervan, Lise Hemmerle stated that there are 15 applicants in the cannabis business permit system.

Jennifer Mathews added that the number of businesses that have received the business permit. We ask that the applicants show us receipt of their provisional license from the state to then issue the building permit the licenses, the provisional licenses for almost all of our applicants have been issued just over the summer. And the building permits, the business permits excuse me, the cannabis business permits for them have all been issued in July and August of this year. She added that it is hard to speculate on how long it takes applicant to receive their cannabis business permit based on variable individual circumstances.

In response to questions from Councillor McGovern and Councillor Nolan about providing financial assistance to applicants, Lisa Hemmerle and Iram Farooq additional financing could help economic empowerment and Priority A applicants.

Solicitor Glowa stated that she would look in to whether the city could provide some sort of financial assistance.

Councillor McGovern opened the floor to public comment.

Grant Ellis stated that the Cannabis Control Commission has 90 days to issue a final license decision after the license packet has been submitted by the applicant. He further explained the licensing process at the state level.

Jonathan Batres spoke in support of extending the moratorium.

Goldie Piff explained that applying for a cannabis license is not an easy process is long.

Damond Hughes explained how COVID has slowed the approval process. He felt an extension of the moratorium is needed.

Hatim Jean-Louis supported extending the moratorium.

Trevor Barnes spoke in support of extending the moratorium.

Flavia Hungaro spoke in support of extending the priority period in Cambridge and including social equity applicants. He described challenges in finding a location and processing his application at the state level.

Ominique Garner explained that social equity applicants have been struggling and that an extension of the moratorium is needed.

Wynter Brown spoke in support of extending the moratorium.

Chandra Batra described the hurdles faced by equity applicants. Chandra supported extending the moratorium.

Tabasuri Moses hoped to extend the moratorium for at least another 18 months to two years.

David Rabinovitz supported extending the moratorium.

Richard Harding supported extending the moratorium.

Councillor Zondervan moved to suspend the rules to allow Amin Ben Ali to speak during public comment.
Yea: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Nay: Siddiqui, Toomey

Amin Ben Ali supported extending the moratorium.

Councillor Nolan encouraged the city to move faster in its approval process.

Councillor Zondervan stated that the city could help applicants hire consultants, architects and lawyers.

Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler encouraged the city to examine what other cities are doing in order to improve the process.

Jennifer Matthews stated that staff have started joining meetings of a Greater Boston municipalities cannabis group to talk with other cities and towns about what they are doing, learning from their processes, really sharing information with each other.

Councillor Simmons and Councillor McGovern formulated two policy orders to be sent to the city council.

Councillor Simmons moved that “the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to provide a report to the City Council on ways either the City or another entity can provide financial assistance to Group A Priority applicants in order to assist them in opening their businesses.”
Yea: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Nay: Siddiqui, Toomey

Councillor Simmons moved that “The City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department in collaboration with EE and SC applicants create a standard operating procedure document and that the City determine a single point of contact throughout the process to assist applicants in streamlining the application process.”
Yea: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Nay: Siddiqui, Toomey

Councillor Zondervan proposed that the ordinance be amended to incorporate delivery. He explained that he had discussed these changes with the Law Department.

Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor, recommended amending Councillor Zondervan’s language to specify a date for the extension.

Councillor Zondervan recommended that the committee not change the language or extend the moratorium for 4 years.

Councillor Simmons and Councillor Carlone expressed support for the solicitor’s recommendation.

Councillor McGovern moved to suspend the rules to extend the meeting.
Yea: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Nay: Siddiqui, Toomey

In response to a question from Vice Mayor Mallon about the next step for current applicants that have a host community agreements, Megan Bayer, City Law Department, explained that they will need a building permits to build out their retail space. The Cannabis Control Commission has an Architectural Review. They will come back to the city for a certificate of occupancy and go back to the Cannabis Control Commission for their final license.

Vice Mayor Mallon supported the recommendation from the law department.

Councillor Nolan expressed support for extending the moratorium for another year.

Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler expressed preference for a longer exclusivity period.

Councillor Zondervan explained that he would work with the city solicitor to draft a policy order for the next regular City Council meeting to extend the moratorium.

Councillor McGovern motion to adjourn.
Yea: Carlone, McGovern, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Nay: Siddiqui, Toomey

That the Chairs of the Ordinance Committee convene a hearing on amending the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance to extend the preference period.

A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting a memorandum for the Ordinance Committee meeting on Sept 9, 2021.

Proposed Order Dec 13, 2021
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance meeting met on Sept 9, 2021 to discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance to extend the preference period, and to explore what additional financial assistance the City may be able to help Economic Empowerment applicants obtain during that extended period, and to provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders on this.
WHEREAS: The committee voted to forward the following order to the City Council. Now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to provide a report to the city council on ways either the City or another entity can provide financial assistance to Group A Priority applicants in order to assist them in opening their businesses.

Proposed Order Dec 13, 2021
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 9, 2021, to discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance to extend the preference period, and to explore what additional financial assistance the City may be able to help Economic Empowerment applicants obtain during that extended period, and to provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders on this.
WHEREAS: The committee voted to forward the following policy order to the City Council. Now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department in collaboration with EE and SE applicants create a standard operating procedure document and that the City determine a single point of contact throughout the process to assist applicants in streamlining the application process.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-111. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City’s plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

19-146. Report on reviewing the existing internal mechanisms for City staffers in all departments to report grievances, to determine if this system is functioning as it should or whether changes should be considered.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/28/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020

20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020

20-36. Report on generating a report detailing the Sole Assessment Process, the Civil Service HRD process, the reason for choosing the Sole Assessment Process over the Civil Service HRD process, and the projected costs associated with both processes.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 7/27/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-61. Report on an update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/16/2020

20-65. Report on exploring the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council.
(O-1) from 11/23/2020

20-69. Report on formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #2) from 11/30/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-8. Report on removing hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community and determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 2/8/2021

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-17. Report on initiating a process to begin chronicling the rich and vibrant history of people of color in Cambridge, similar to other City-commissioned books such as “We Are the Port: Stories of Place, Perseverance, and Pride in the Port/Area 4 Cambridge, Massachusetts 1845-2005” and “All in the Same Boat” and “Crossroads: Stories of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1912-2000”.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 3/15/2021

21-19. Report on providing an update on progress made towards including information from the Cambridge Minority Business Enterprise Program in the Open Data Portal.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 3/22/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-32. Report on exploring and implement strategies to enhance safety at the intersection of Memorial Drive and DeWolfe Street.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 5/3/2021

21-35. Report on providing options to update the HomeBridge and Affordable Home Ownership Programs to better align with the City’s values, and promote racial equity and socioeconomic justice.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-42. Report on reviewing Cambridge’s corporate contracts and purchases to identify any vendors or manufacturers whose products are used to perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws and Cambridge’s policy on discrimination.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 5/25/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-45. Report on taking all necessary steps to waive the dog license fee for all senior citizens and examine options for reducing the fees for low-income residents.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #1) from 6/14/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-47. Report on exploring the feasibility of expanding services at the senior centers, especially by adding clinical staff.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/14/2021

21-48. Report on determining if the City has the discretion to waive the Commonwealth’s housing sanitary code requirements and the circumstances in which the City could administer this waiver.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 6/14/2021

21-49. Report on making immediate improvements at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney and Bristol Streets and to all intersections in the city that are similarly malfunctioning, and to implement longer term changes.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-8) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-52. Report on examining stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021

21-53. Report on examining safety improvements at the intersection of Ware and Harvard Streets.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-9) from 6/28/2021

21-55. Report on assessing what is driving this new activity, and to deploy the necessary resources to tamp down on the gun violence being seen in the above-referenced areas.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-4) from 8/2/2021

21-57. Report on how the city is working to get City staff to 100% vaccinated and decrease the likelihood that COVID-19 spreads via City staff and in City Buildings.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-10) from 8/2/2021

21-58. Report on addressing increased gun activity.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-4) from 8/2/2021

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

21-63. Report on using only locally sourced produce, farmers, and resident gardeners to study the feasibility of spending Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address food insecurity by installing raised garden beds throughout Cambridge and providing free, fresh, locally-grown food for residents in need.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 9/13/2021

21-64. Report on the efforts the City has made toward creating LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing over the past decade, to state what impediments had been identified in realizing this effort, and to outline recommendations for how the City may successfully create such housing within the next three years.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 9/20/2021

21-66. Report on reaching out to the owner of 689 Massachusetts Avenue to inquire about the prospect of selling this building to the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/27/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-68. Report on re-establishing the Community School Neighborhood Councils.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 10/4/2021

21-69. Report on determining the feasibility of creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-3) from 10/18/2021

21-70. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/18/2021

21-71. Report on placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 10/18/2021

21-73. Report on confirming with the State if the Truck Restriction map is up to date, who should be enforcing the ban on Alewife Brook Parkway, and what actions can be taken moving forward.
Councillor Toomey (O-9) from 10/18/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-77. Report on ways to report pedestrian and cyclist accidents in real time to residents.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/25/2021

21-78. Report on in addition to stricter parking enforcement, a viable long-term strategy must be developed to mitigate the issues created by the removal of the metered parking spaces along Massachusetts Avenue near Banks Street to ensure that those providing home-based services to seniors in this neighborhood are fully able to do so.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 10/25/2021

21-82. Report on support of implementing key safety improvements on the Harvard Bridge, including flex post-protected bike lanes by the end of the year and bus lanes as soon as can be feasibly coordinated with the MBTA.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan (O-8) from 10/25/2021

21-83. Report on piloting a Winter Youth Employment Program to determine if this concept could be expanded beyond just the summer months.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 11/1/2021

21-85. Report on how people with limited mobility can access services on Massachusetts Avenue with the current proposed bike lane plan include in the report the number of fires in the last ten years on that section of Mass. Avenue requiring a ladder truck, in order to determine the feasibility of allowing two-hour parking including some handicapped spots in bus lanes during off-rush hours to ease the burden on those who rely on cars for transportation out of necessity.
Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 11/15/2021

21-86. Report on establishing a working committee to recommend a process for naming the City’s parks, buildings, street corner dedications and playgrounds that is predictable, understandable, and transparent.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 11/15/2021

21-87. Report on working to ensure all seniors have access to scam prevention materials and training. See Mgr #4
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 11/8/2021

21-89. Report on providing a suitable practice space for the Cambridge Synchronized Swimming Team for Cambridge residents.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/22/2021

21-90. on identifying spaces in Central Square that would support the creation and protection of cultural and human Report on finding service spaces that align with the City’s goals, and advise how partners including the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and the Central Square Business Improvement District could assist the City in actualizing these goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 11/22/2021

21-91. Report on what the standard public process will be prior to implementing new sections of bike lanes, and what general evaluation process will take place post-installation.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 12/6/2021

21-92. Report on establishing a plan that will enable Covid-19 home testing to be conducted for seniors and those with significant mobility impediments.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 12/6/2021

21-93. Report on instructing the City Solicitor to draft the appropriate ordinance amendments for the City Council to review following the recent charter amendments.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-7) from 12/6/2021