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Nov 18, 2024
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Post-Apocalyptic Gathering - November 18, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

We’ll have to wait to see what the fallout will be of a changing federal picture on left-leaning “sanctuary cities” like Cambridge. I can easily imagine changes in both funding and eligibility for public housing and perhaps some economic repercussions for life sciences and pharmaceutical companies that dominate Kendall Square. Will there be efforts to replace lost federal money by jacking up local property taxes? It’s all just a big guessing game right now. I don’t believe we will be receiving too many federal favors for the next several years.

Here are the items that drew my local attention this week:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the findings of the 2024 Cambridge Resident Satisfaction Survey. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Lee Gianetti, survey rep., Zusy, Azeem, Toner, Wilson, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City Manager’s LGBTQ+ Friendly Housing Task Force Final Report. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Maura Pensak, Carolina Almonte, Phoebe West, McGovern, Zusy; Placed on File, Referred to Civic Unity Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project Working Group.
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Toner (asks if there will be a similar group for Broadway - yes), Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Erik Sarno and Andrea Taylor and the reappointment of Saffana Anwar, Christopher Fort, Robert Winters, Tahir Kapoor, and Esther Hanig to the Central Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years.
pulled by Zusy; comments by Simmons, Yi-An Huang (on update to add RW), Zusy (notes only 9 applicants for 7 positions on CSAC; for HSAC only 12 applicants for 11 positions - suggests advertising more broadly), Iram Farooq (notes how prescriptive categories are for CSAC and HSAC, mechanism for applying for all open boards and commissions); Zusy asks if a broad range of perspectives is sought; Appointments Approved as Amended, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Gareth Dohety, Ivy Moylan, Henry Grabar, Chad Bonney, and Ryan Clinesmith Montalvo and the reappointments of Matthew Simitis, Kari Kuelzer, John DiGiovanni, Nicola Williams, Alexandra Offiong, and Allison Crosbie to the Harvard Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years.
Appointments Approved, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-36, regarding coordinated and timely communication related to interjurisdictional transportation projects. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan (bus shelters, green roofs, shade, Alewife maintenance tunnel, Asbestos Ordinance; Iram Farooq, Owen O’Riordan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer (noting that state/MBTA not subject to City’s ordinance), Nolan (Draw One Bridge), Farooq (state not currently planning to add bike/ped connection to bridge); Nolan (bridge over Fitchburg commuter rail and addition of station in Alewife area), Farooq (reconstruction of Alewife garage may have possibility of commuter rail station); Zusy (I-90 project coordination, impact of construction on traffic, Eversource projects, asbestos concerns at Alewife, Draw One Bridge, need for commuter rail station at Alewife and bridge); Sobrinho-Wheeler (start date for Memorial Drive reconstruction, Riverbend Park impacts), Owen O’Riordan; Zusy on plans for Transportation Committee; Referred to Transportation Committee 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan on special status of Boston and Cambridge that necessitates a home rule petition, notes that this would be cost-neutral; Siddiqui added as sponsor 9-0; Wilson asks why Boston, Cambridge are exceptions; Megan Bayer explains; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. Resolution in Support of H.823 and S.551, Paint Stewardship and Recycling.   Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system. [Charter Right – Nolan, Nov 4, 2024]
Nolan notes why home rule petition may be needed; Megan Bayer explains why state law on this matter is insufficient; Toner asks about enforcement; Bayer suggests that this could be done as either a zoning amendment or a municipal ordinance; McGovern suggests sending this to a committee for larger discussion; Zusy seeks clarification of intention, Nolan explains, Zusy notes how things could get “messy” with condo associations; Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to draft a home rule petition for the creation of a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Toner, Nov 4, 2024]
Sobrinho-Wheeler explains at authorization doesn’t obligate Council to implement, no need to send to Ordinance Committee; Amendment to strike “to be sent to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing” Adopted 9-0; Toner proposes sending to Economic Development Committee for further discussion (on 11 questions) and how this relates to how things are done now; comments by Yi-An Huang expresses concerns about raising linkage fees now, Ellen Semonoff, Toner asks whether setting up a Jobs Trust bank account would create obligation to fund it; Yi-An Huang notes last increase in Linkage Fee was from $22 to $33 based on 2019 Nexus Study, next Nexus Study to start in 2025, notes that Council will have to decide how Linkage Fee is to be allocated; Toner proposes referring to Economic Development Committee; Zusy notes inadequate options for CRLS students; McGovern has questions on how this would be implemented - wants to preserve all affordable housing allocation and increase Linkage Fee to add allocation for jobs training, but suggested that if the fee went up to something like $45 he would not support that; Sobrinho-Wheeler proposes amendment to have an Econ. Dev. meeting in addition to filing home rule petition promptly; McGovern notes RSTA initiatives; Siddiqui OK with further conversation in committee; Wilson, Zusy, Nolan, McGovern comments; Adopted Order as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Apr 30, 2024 to discuss the feasibility of municipally funded housing vouchers as referenced in PO24#24. The meeting was recessed and reconvened on Oct 15, 2024 to continue the discussion. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Oct 23, 2024 to discuss issues facing homeless shelters in Cambridge and concerns raised by the unhoused community. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Committee Report #3. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 23, 2024 to hear specific ideas from neighborhood leaders about revisions to the Multifamily Housing Proposal. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Committee Report #4. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 24, 2024 to discuss research on four-day work week pilot programs with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits and models for a four-day work week that have been implemented locally. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Committee Report #5. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 31, 2024 to discuss the Economics of Real Estate: Housing, Zoning, and the Economic Impact of Zoning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Comments?

The Eve of Derangement - November 4, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

The night before a national election often feels strange – when our local government meets to talk about things like hazardous waste collection, speed bumps, and bikes lanes while on the national stage many people are in crisis mode imagining civil war breaking out if the candidate they hate gets elected as President. It often brings to mind the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” So let’s fix those potholes and catch up on those old SeeClickFix requests while much of the country readies for derangement. “Don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters.”

I have of late been thinking a lot about what the word “democracy” actually means – a way of governing which depends on the will of the people. What exactly does that mean then “the people” are almost evenly divided between highly divergent viewpoints? Does this mean that 50.1% should translate into imposing policies that are abhorrent to 49.9% of the people or that an Electoral College win should be viewed as a mandate to run roughshod over the interests of the losing party? Extreme partisanship is a deranged view of democracy. If the country (or the city, for that matter) is nearly evenly divided on an issue, the better democratic option is to find whatever common ground there is and to work out compromises that a clear majority can accept and maybe even embrace. It should never be about “winner take all”. The American System is in some ways inferior to parliamentary systems where coalition governments have to be formed when there is no clear majority. Even Cambridge’s system of proportional representation raises the essential question: “Proportional to what?”

A good friend of mine once wrote an essay about our local Cambridge political factions in the 1980s and 1990s when rent control was THE defining local issue. The notable quote about those factions was simply: “They both benefit from the existence of a problem.” In other words, finding actual compromise solutions would dilute their political clout – even if it would be in everyone’s best interest to solve the existing problems. Partisanship continued to be rewarded right up to the point when Question 9 caused the entire political house of cards to come tumbling down.

Call me naive, if you wish, but I still believe that the great majority of Americans share far more in common than the political partisans would have you believe. So bring on the protests while the rest of us are just taking care of our everyday lives. - RW

Meanwhile, back in The Peoples Republic, here are a few notable agenda items for this eve of derangement:

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-56, regarding a request to consider scheduling a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day and a Paper Shredding Event on a Sunday, instead of having them all on Saturday. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-59, regarding the feasibility of speed control bumps on Antrim Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Simmons, City Manager Yi-An Huang, Toner, Siddiqui, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Toner; Charter Right - Nolan

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to prominently incorporate recognition of the Massachusett Tribe during key official events, documents, websites, and communications, establish a living memorial in Cambridge that honors the Massachusett Tribe, with special recognition of Sqa Sachem for her leadership and enduring legacy and place a plaque with this language in a prominent location within City Hall, ensuring that this acknowledgment remains visible and lasting.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons (to amend to add Wilson, Toner 9-0); comments by Simmons, Zusy (who proposed deleting references to Sqa Sachem), McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons, Siddiqui; Zusy amendment Fails 1-8 (Zusy-Yes); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)
Note: Sqa Sachem is referenced in various sources, in particular Lucius Paige’s History of Cambridge (1877), Chapter XX, Indian History. Lucius Paige was both the Town Clerk and (after 1846) the City Clerk of Cambridge.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to draft a home rule petition for the creation of a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [support letter]   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler (with proposed amendment); Charter Right - Toner

Order #4. The City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works (DPW) on the expansion of the mattress and box spring recycling program to include residents living in multi-unit residential buildings, starting with affordable housing properties that charge a fee to their residents.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Resolution #10. Congratulations to Robin Harris on being awarded the 2022 National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui
Comments by Toner, Nolan, Simmons

Resolution #16. Condolences on the death of Alan Steinert, Jr.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan to be added as sponsor

Resolution #19. Honoring Cambridge Veterans and Recognizing Veterans Day.   Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 29, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the Broad Canal Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee conducted a public hearing on June 10, 2021 to discuss the Cambridge Missing Middle Housing Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2021-2). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on July 26, 2021 to continue discussion on two proposals to regulate campaign donations. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee met on July 28, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to Article 22 of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance “Emissions Accounting” (Ord#2021-13). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 29, 2021 to discuss the Neighborhood Conservation District citizen’s petition. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 16, 2019 at 2pm on Taxicab use of E-Hail in the Sullivan Chamber. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #7. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 23, 2019 at 5pm to discuss the Zoning petition to create an Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay District. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 10, 2024 to discuss preliminary recommendations from the Central Square rezoning process. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 15, 2024 which was recessed and reconvened on Oct 29, 2024, regarding a Zoning Petition by the City of Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000 and 8.000 with the intent to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2 in order to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the Board of Zoning Appeal’s amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to add a definition of dormer to Article 2.000 and to amend the requirements related to adding dormers to non-conforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h.2, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation and that it be passed to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #10. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Oct 22, 2024 to review and discuss the updates to the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Comments?

The Tax Bills Are Coming! The Tax Bills Are Coming! - October 21, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

‘Tis the season of anticipation. Property tax bills may already be in the mail. There’s a rather consequential US Presidential Election coming up in two weeks (with some having already voted). The Yankees will soon be playing the Dodgers (or maybe the Mets) in the World Series. The only things that seem settled are that the Boston Celtics are looking really great and the New England Patriots currently suck.

Here are the things on this Monday’s agenda that stirred some interest:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update from the Human Resources Department. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson, comments by Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Chief People Officer Raecia Catchings, Nolan, Siddiqui, Azeem; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-50, regarding a review on the Short Term Rentals Ordinance in Cambridge. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan w/late policy order with proposed amendments, Azeem, Toner, Peter McLaughlin (Commissioner, Inspectional Services), Jimmy DeAngelo (Housing Inspector), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer (City Solicitor), Zusy, Yi-An Huang, Owen O’Riordan; Rules Suspended to take up late policy order; Late Order Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #4. Short-Term Rentals Ordinance Amendments.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (PO24#143)
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-44 regarding a legal opinion on restricting the use of a solar system. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

This is noteworthy only because most of us think of the “solar system” as something other than what you might mount on your roof.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board Report regarding the BZA Dormers Zoning Petition.
pulled by McGovern noting that Ordinance Committee meeting on this had to be recessed; Planning Board Report Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department and the Community Development Department to work with the Board of Zoning Appeal to clean up language and come back to the Ordinance Committee with clarifications and amendments to requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (MM,AW-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-51 regarding automated parking enforcement. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Megan Bayer on possibility of joint Home Rule Petition w/Boston, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Toner, Simmons, Zusy, Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-20, regarding recommendations for amendments to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) and Zoning Ordinances. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Iram Farooq, Zusy, Toner, Megan Bayer, Azeem, Siddiqui, Owen O’Riordan, Nolan, Stephanie Groll (TPT), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Brooke McKenna (TPT); Adopt Proposed Zoning Amendments as a City Council Zoning Petition 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent); Refer amendments to PTDM Ordinance and Commercial Parking Space Permits Ordinance to Ordinance Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Number 24-50, regarding proposed amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance to extend the deadline associated with the completion of those sections of the ordinance that are required to be completed by May 1, 2026. [text of report] [as amended Oct 21, 2024 to reflect new Nov 30, 2026 date]
pulled by McGovern; comments by Azeem, McGovern (proposing date change from Nov 1, 2027 to Nov 30, 2026), Brooke McKenna (on no loss of parking for Newtowne Court residents), Toner, Nolan, Owen O’Riordan, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui, Simmons, Wilson; Amendment to change Nov 1 to Nov 30 Adopted 9-0; Amendment to change Nov 30, 2027 to Nov 30, 2026 Initially Adopted 5-3-0-1 (BA,MM,SS,JSW,CZ-Yes; PT,AW,DS-No; PN-Present), then votes changed to Adopted 7-2 (PT-DS-No); Referred to Ordinance Committee as Amended 9-0

Order #1. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Oct 28, 2024 is changed to a Joint Roundtable with the City Council and School Committee to discuss macro-economic trends in Cambridge and the City’s budget.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Nolan and Councillor Toner, transmitting the Fall Schedule for Finance Committee Meetings. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to provide an update on the status of the [Resident Experiences of Inclusion and Bias in Inclusionary Housing in Cambridge] report’s recommendations, including progress on implementation and planned next steps.   Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (MM,AW-Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Oct, 8, 2024 to receive and update from City staff on BEUDO implementation and to review and discuss regulations, elements of BEUDO, and possible future updates. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Resolution #13. Happy 90th Birthday to Larry Berman.   Mayor Simmons

Comments?

Taxing Time – October 7, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

It’s that time of year again, fellow citizens (especially you property owners), when the bills come due to pay for all that marvelous largess of your favorite elected officials and City staff. It’s Taxing Time! The revenuers are coming!

Here are the items that got my attention:

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries, including and especially Memorial Drive. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 30, 2024] (PO24#137)
Comments by all; Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,MM,PN,SS,JSW-Yes; PT,AW,CZ,DS-No)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Memorial Drive. (CM24#219) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

“In the short time since the crash, DCR has mobilized its Engineering staff, completing layout of an expanded shared use path along the river straddling the BU rotary, for a total of roughly 1,000 linear feet. DCR will widen the path west of the Rotary (to the Magazine Beach parking lot) and east of the rotary (to the BU boathouse).”

“Although the BU Bridge refurbishment project is complete along with improvements to the intersection on the south end of the bridge at Commonwealth Avenue, a severe southbound queueing problem persists, stretching well into lower Cambridgeport in the afternoon rush period, especially before events at Fenway Park. The problem is caused by southbound approach capacity at Commonwealth Avenue rather than by the rotary itself. Additionally, the current bicycle lanes on the BU Bridge do not have physical separation and the lane configuration is challenging for cyclists. Conversations are currently underway between the multiple jurisdictional stakeholders around the rotary and the Bridge about possible improvements to improve both the congestion impacts in Cambridgeport and the bicycle facilities on the Bridge itself.”

Tax Rate Hearing #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to votes necessary to seek approval from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2025. (CM24#220) [text of report]
Orders Adopted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

Agenda Item Number 1A     Oct 7, 2024
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is authorized to use $2,000,000 in Overlay Surplus Reserve to be used to reduce the Fiscal Year 2025 tax rate.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

Agenda Item Number 1B     Oct 7, 2024
ORDERED: That the City Council classifies property within the City of Cambridge into five property classes allowed for the purpose of allocating the property tax levy. Additionally, that the City Council hereby adopts a minimum residential factor of 64.2099 for the purpose of distributing the property tax levy.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

Agenda Item Number 1C     Oct 7, 2024
ORDERED: That the City Council approves a thirty (30) percent residential exemption for owner-occupied homes.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

The bottom line is: The FY25 Adopted Operating Budget increased by 8.1% ($71.8 million) over the FY24 Adopted Budget. This compares to last year’s 7.2% over the FY23 Adopted Budget ($57.8 million) - after some one-time accounting changes. The FY25 Budget adopted by the City Council in June 2024 projected a property tax levy increase of $53.4 million (9.28%) to $628.8 million in order to fund operating and capital expenditures. With approval of the recommendations in this memo, the actual FY25 tax levy required to support the FY25 Budget is $628,388,753 which is an increase of $52,970,264 or 9.21% from FY24. This increase is slightly lower than the estimated increase of 9.28% projected in June 2024 as part of the Adopted Budget, due in large part to higher than projected investment earnings.

The property tax levy increase of 9.21% is higher than the FY24 increase of 8.3%. The five-year (FY21-FY25) annual average increase is 7.51%, and the ten-year (FY16-FY25) annual average increase is 6.31%. The FY25 residential tax rate will be $6.35 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.43, or approximately 7.3% from FY24. The commercial tax rate will be $11.52, which is an increase of $1.06, or 10.1% from FY24.

By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 7.86% tax increase, a two-family will see a 6.44% increase, a three-family will see a 7.5% increase, and a condo will see an 11.46% increase. This last figure is interesting in that due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners have actually been seeing decreases in recent years. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:

FY2025 Taxes

History of changes in residential property taxes

Note: Unlike previous years, the information on the number of residential properties in each
of the 17 Residential Tax Districts was not provided in this year’s City Manager letter.

Order #1. That this City Council go on record in support of 2024 ballot Question 2 to replace the MCAS graduation requirement and require instead that districts certify that students have satisfactorily completed coursework demonstrating mastery of the skills and knowledge required by the Commonwealth’s strong, statewide standards in order to graduate.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (PO24#139)
pulled by Toner; comments by all but Simmons; Order Fails 4-4-0-1 (MM,SS,JSW,AW-Yes; BA,PN,PT,CZ-No; DS-Present)
Note: Councillor Toner quoted statistics that, over the last 10 years at CRLS, there have been 5,352 graduations and only 41 who did not receive a diploma due to failure to pass 10th Grade MCAS exam.

Late Communications & Reports #2. A communication from David Murphy, Interim Superintendent of Schools, re: CPS MCAS Achievement Data.
Placed on File 9-0

Suffice to say that I do not agree with this policy order nor do I agree with the current heavily funded media campaign sponsored by the Mass. Teacher’s Association (MTA) in support of this measure. Maintaining the MCAS graduation requirement does not mean that teachers must “teach to the test.” It simply means that they have to do a great job of teaching. Lowering standards (even if the MTA claims this would do otherwise) is what some refer to as the “soft bigotry of low expectations” and I agree with this characterization. – Robert Winters

Comments?

Juggernaut or Not? – September 30, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

The dreams of A Bigger Cambridge (who prefer to be called “A Better Cambridge” for political reasons) were delayed from last week via the Charter Right. At issue is a mega-proposal shepherded on a fast track through the Housing Committee by Co-Chairs Burhan Azeem and Sumbul Siddiqui with the aim of doubling (and more) the permissible heights of residential buildings across the city - and packaged with the perfectly agreeable goal of allowing multi-family housing in all zoning districts. The rallying cry to “End Exclusionary Zoning!” is the tactic being employed to push through these two very distinct initiatives, but it’s really just the record-breaking upzoning proposal that is at the heart of the controversy.

There was a great event held last Tuesday at the Main Library called “100 Years of Zoning” marking the 100th anniversary of Cambridge’s first zoning ordinance. (There were actually various “proto-zoning” ordinances already in place before 1924 under our local Building Code - largely motivated by concerns about public health and fire safety.) It was made pretty clear by the presenters that a century ago there was a concern about the proliferation of “tenement housing” that accompanied rapid population growth largely associated with immigration – and at that time the triple-decker was seen in this light. The sorting out of residential zoning districts into higher and lower density zones came a bit later.

When I was growing up in New York City, the term “tenement” was largely associated with dilapidated housing stock in which people were packed - often in unsafe conditions. This is not how I saw our triple-deckers in Cambridge and Boston when I first arrived in 1978. To me, they were graceful residential buildings with front and rear porches that originally allowed a middle-class homeowner to live and thrive in the city and to also provide affordable housing to their tenants. I chose to live in a triple-decker, and I eventually bought the building and I’m still living at the same address. You will get no argument from me about the value of triple-deckers and similar buildings. However, I don’t think they’re for everyone nor do I think that living in or next door to larger apartment buildings is for everyone.

I like some of the lower density parts of Cambridge, and I’m glad that people have been able to settle into the kind of neighborhoods that suit their preferences. It does seem to me that the philosophy (if you want to call it that) of the densifiers at “A Bigger Cambridge” is that apartment buildings should be the standard across all of Cambridge - and if you don’t like it you should move or meet your maker. I could not disagree more.

There are plenty of locations in Cambridge that I could easily identify where a larger apartment building would fit in very well and be an improvement over existing conditions. I can also point out locations where dropping a larger apartment building in would be a radical and very unwelcome change. But that’s not the ABC way. Their “vision” is to impose a single high-density standard across all of Cambridge, and they are selling this under the questionable claim that this will miraculously cause all housing to become more affordable. I don’t question the economic principle that when housing supply is increased in an equilibrium situation, then purchase prices and rents may be expected to decrease. Cambridge housing right now is not really in an equilibrium state – largely due to a couple of decades of growth in university affiliates and our local high-tech economy and a national trend of people choosing to move into the cities and closer to work (a reverse migration compared to the suburban exodus of decades ago). I will also note that there has more recently been a double reverse outward for some people in the age of Covid and work-from-home arrangements, and if ever the dream of driverless vehicles is realized many experts predict even more outward migration.

The question of affordability is an interesting one. Everyone wants housing to be affordable, but the philosophy of those working in our Housing Department seems to be that the only way to do this is via subsidized, deed-restricted housing created via government mandate - hence the so-called “Affordable Housing Overlay” 1.0, 2.0, and I’m certain we’ll soon see 3.0 and beyond as they endlessly try to game the economics of housing development. It does seem to be the case that if developers are permitted to build twice as much as-of-right, the land values will jump accordingly and this will virtually guarantee an AHO 3.0 or other mechanism to further game the economics. This escalation seems inevitable, and some neighborhoods (particular those with “soft sites”) may be ground up under the wheels of this Juggernaut.

At the last City Council meeting, Heather Hoffman posed several questions to city councillors and City staff regarding these twin zoning proposals. Here are her questions (expanded and really deserving of their own article):

1. Would increasing the inclusionary percentage violate the MBTA Communities Act?

2. Would decreasing the inclusionary percentage mean that we could not increase back to where it is now without violating the MBTA Communities Act?

3. What analysis has been done on whether this proposal would cause displacement of currently housed residents? If the answer is none, why is that?

4. What analysis has been done on what effect this proposal would have on median rents? If the answer is none, why is that?

5. What analysis has been done on what sorts of properties would be demolished? If the answer is none, why is that?

6. What analysis has been done on how this proposal would affect currently existing naturally occurring affordable housing? If the answer is none, why is that?

7. What analysis has been done on what is happening to currently existing naturally occurring affordable housing under current zoning? If the answer is none, why is that?

8. What analysis has been done on what effect this proposal would have on the market value of properties that would be upzoned by it? If the answer is none, why is that?

9. What analysis has been done on what effect this proposal would have on development under the AHO? If the answer is none, why is that?

10. What analysis has been done on how this would affect the City’s finances, especially with respect to the City’s ability to maximize tax shifting from residential to commercial properties under Prop 2-1/2? If the answer is none, why is that? Would the City have to find new commercial development prospects in order to maintain its Prop 2-1/2 balance?

The final point I will make now (made extra clear by Heather’s great questions) is that there are MANY unanswered questions about these proposed changes, and virtually zero analysis about their intended and unintended consequences.

Here are the agenda items I find interesting this week:

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Preservation Restriction at 90 Brattle Street. (CM24#214) [text of report]
pulled by Azeem; supportive comments by Azeem; overview of significance of house by Charles Sullivan and owner’s desire for additional protections; enthusiastic support by Mayor Simmons; Preservation Restriction Adopted, Communication Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Half Crown-Marsh NCD Decennial Review Report. (CM24#215) [text of report]
pulled by Azeem; questions from Azeem; Clerk clarifies that matter should be referred to Ordinance Committee; Charles Sullivan concurs with explanation; City Solicitor Megan Bayer notes that matter is not required to go to Ordinance Committee; Azeem questions process; Bayer reiterates that doesn’t need to be accepted as a petition - just a study report satisfying an ordinance requirement; Yi-An Huang notes that Council could just accept the report but that an Order will be required in next 5 months to renew NCD or amend it; Simmons asks who will remind Council and Huang says City will do this; Zusy notes benefit of NCD advice to homeowners; Report Accepted and Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to request that the City Council authorize the purchase of a parcel of land located within the town of Lexington identified as 0 Cambridge/Concord Turnpike in Lexington, Massachusetts. (CM24#216) [map]
pulled by McGovern w/purpose of finalizing tonight; comments/explanations from Owen O’Riordan, Megan Bayer (resolves litigation); Siddiqui notes Bob Reardon’s role in assessment of property; Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding an evaluation of the legal feasibility of the following proposals and analyze how much housing could be created under the following proposals. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern re: including requirement of inclusionary units for a 6-story building, 4-story limit otherwise; Bayer concurs; Azeem moves suspension to bring forward the related items on Charter Right (#1, #2 and #3) - prevails 9-0; Azeem comments, asks about “corridors”, Central Square, Mass. Ave., Cambridge St. and where related processes stand; Iram Farooq offers explanation and notes that they are within the limits proposed, desire to be more specific on where proposals apply; Azeem says proposals for corridors and Squares coming next year, etc., wants to move forward to Ordinance Committee; Toner asks for clarification of what Councillor Wilson wants re: inclusionary requirements and whether they would be increased beyond current requirements; Wilson explains; Toner asks if this might constitute an increase, suggests that immediate focus should be on corridors and Squares, does not want to start the clock ticking if sent now to Ordinance Committee, prefers to Table; Nolan asks about which corridors would be included - noting that Huron Ave. is not included; Farooq agrees about need for clarity on what constitutes a “corridor”; Nolan OK w/ending “exclusionary zoning” but has concerns about massive citywide upzoning, notes that focusing on corridors and squares might actually yield more housing units than proposal as written; Nolan expresses desire to include Huron Ave. among corridors and add significant heights and density along Huron Ave. and geographical distribution of more housing, wants analysis of where teardowns might be expected; Zusy shares Nolan’s concerns and would prefer more clarity prior to referring to Ordinance Committee; Zusy moves to Table pending this additional information, expresses concerns about how this is dividing the community and need for more community input; Zusy Motion to Table these three items matters to permit discussion in NLTP Committee Fails 4-5 (PN,PT,CZ,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-No); Siddiqui wants to send to Ordinance, condescends to Zusy about NLTP Committee not being a committee of the whole, says timeline is important - meet in November, clock starts when Ordinance Committee meets on matter; Siddiqui motion to Place Communications of File and refer two petitions to Ordinance Committee; Wilson asks CDD about process if now referred to Ordinance; Farooq notes pending requests for analysis, pending request for community meetings, notes 65 days until Ordinance Committee required to meet, and then 90 days for action by City Council after that; Wilson asks for CDD recommendation and Farooq recommends sending to Ordinance Committee now to prevent “dueling ideas” (??); Simmons notes that these conversations can be confusing for the average person; McGovern wants a “Fact Sheet” as was done when AHO was railroaded through (twice), notes that Ordinance Committee could meet as late as Dec 4, then 90 days after for ordination or can be re-filed - noting that AHO was re-filed twice, saw 62 amendments (many of which were terrible), suggests that this matter is not being rushed; Toner will work with McGovern to develop the Ordinance Committee schedule, agrees with need for FAQ, suggests a Roundtable; Azeem notes that all projects that have produced affordable units have been 6 stories or greater, wants this in current Res A and Res B districts; Nolan wants clarity on what constitutes “community meetings” as opposed to City Council meetings with very limited public participation; Farooq says there would be at least two community meetings in addition to the hearings; Nolan notes perceptions of betrayal of trust, suggests using Envision definitions for what constitutes “corridors”; Farooq says additional analysis expected in November; Siddiqui wants to split motion into separate votes; Zusy notes confusion among citizens in that this proposal flies against recommendations in Envision in regard to protecting character of neighborhoods, noting that existing apartment buildings in C-Port are typically less than 3 stories, setbacks for triple-deckers - and this reality conflicts with current proposals, suggests that need for MANY amendments suggests lack of a clear plan; Simmons notes need for two votes - one simple majority for proposals meeting Housing Choice Act requirements and other requiring two-thirds majority; Megan Bayer notes that sending both to Ordinance is by simple majority; but future ordination requires simple majority for proposals to add housing and two-thirds majority for aspects that do not directly create more housing; Mgr #9 Placed on File 9-0; Charter Right #1 Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No); Charter Right #2 Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy-No); Charter Right #3 Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy-No).

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. [text of report]
Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Charter Right #2. That the Council accept Multi Family Zoning Petition -Part 1, as presented in CM24#207, as a City Council Zoning Petition. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 23, 2024] [text of report]
Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Charter Right #3. That the Council accept Multi Family Zoning Petition - Part 2, as presented in CM24#207, as a City Council Zoning Petition. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 23, 2024] [text of report]
Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #3. City Council support of the Week Without Driving challenge and specifically designate Oct 3, 2024 as a day in which participants are encouraged to use alternative transportation options such as public transit, biking, carpooling, and walking.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries, including and especially Memorial Drive.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Toner; Toner notes that DCR already proposing lane reductions west of JFK St. but there’s a need for more discussion needed for other sections of Memorial Drive, proposes amendment to delete reference to lane reductions; Zusy concurs with Toner noting concerns of people in neighborhoods that would be affected by re-routed traffic, notes another planned changes pending; McGovern notes statistics (1200 crashes, 446 injuries, 20 incapacitating, and 4 fatalities over last 10 years) and need to address most problematic areas sooner than later; Nolan comments and amendment; Siddiqui notes advocacy suggesting that DCR already planning lane reductions here; Yi-An Huang says City has been in close contact with DCR – 1) immediate changes for greater safety where crash occurred, 2) lower speed limit, 3) reconstruction/redesign of rotary over next 2-4 years (and relation to BU Bridge and Mass Pike project), 4) lane reductions between Eliot Bridge and JFK Street; and 5) other land reductions (that have been scaled back) – and need for more community process; Brooke McKenna notes that City can and will request that DCR lower speed limits, coordination with Conservation Commission; Siddiqui seeks clarification on lane reductions; Yi-An Huang promises more detail in writing; Simmons suggests need for more information to be disseminated to potentially affected neighborhoods; Azeem asks about matter before Conservation Commission; McKenna notes that this relates only to area in vicinity of the rotary; Azeem notes that DCR may resist major changes due to associated cost; Charter Right - Azeem

Order #5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) NOFO as soon as possible.   Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Late Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, transmitting the updated 2024-2025 Committee assignments.
Placed on File as Amended 9-0

Comments?

Preview of a Consequential Meeting - September 23, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Cathie Zusy will be sworn is as a city councillor to replace Joan Pickett at the start of this meeting. There are also some very consequential items and another flood of communications related to the controversial proposals to allow large apartment buildings to be built anywhere and everywhere in Cambridge - effectively ending the Resident A and Resident B zones in favor of something similar to Resident C-1 zones - only with substantially higher allowable heights and densities. Here are the featured items:

Swearing-In of Cathie Zusy to fill vacancy created due to passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2024. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Sobrinho-Wheeler (who disagrees with use of CPA $ for golf course clubhouse renovations), Zusy (noting important role of CPA funding for Magazine Beach), Siddiqui; All six votes Adopted 9-0

This is the annual ritual - guaranteed 80%+ to the Affordable Housing Trust without any consideration of alternatives.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Temporary Respite Center at the Registry of Deeds.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Maura Pensak, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, re: draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. (CM24#207) [text of report]
Charter Right on Manager’s Communication and twin zoning petitions - Nolan

I will repeat what I said last week — “The synopsis here is that most individuals and interest groups are perfectly OK with allowing multifamily housing in all zones (though I wish we could put an end to the “exclusionary zoning” terminology and its associated mythology). The matter of allowing up to six stories (or more) everywhere is far more controversial and highly questionable. I don’t think there are many people who question the need for more housing in Cambridge and elsewhere, but there are better and worse places (economically, architecturally,aesthetically, etc.) for such structures to be allowed and encouraged. Failure to make such distinctions is basically equivalent to dismissing the better intentions of zoning to create a mosaic of neighborhoods with varying features appealing to varying needs and desires. Choice is not a bad thing. I really hope the current Housing Committee is not successful in ramming through such a partisan proposal. It would be far better if our elected officials and CDD staff could be more nuanced in their analysis and perspective.”

Alternative language introduced independently last week by Councillor Toner and Councillor Wilson is a mixed bag. The notion that dramatically greater heights and densities should be concentrated only in the Squares and “major corridors” - and exempting other streets - is a bit of a punch in the face to those of us who live on streets such as Broadway, though what exactly constitutes a “major corridor” was not spelled out in the amendment. In contrast, I can fully agree that places like Central Square can support more residential development - especially on sites such as the underutilized parking lots at Prospect and Bishop Allen (and, of course, the adjacent Vail Court). Councillor Wilson’s amendment suggests that only “projects that either contain more than 9 units or that are larger than 10,000 square feet” should get the zoning bonus, i.e. housing developments that would be subject to the current Inclusionary Zoning requirements.

I would also like to remind everybody that Cambridge is not the problem when it comes to allowing apartment buildings, greater densities, and publicly subsidized housing. This is a problem associated with many of the cities and towns in the Greater Boston area - but not Cambridge. This was made clear by the fact that in order for Cambridge to meet the standards of the recent MBTA Communities Act, Cambridge did not need to change a single thing in its zoning code.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the MBTA to prioritize addressing housing affordability in the redevelopment of the Alewife garage.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; Nolan amendment adopted 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0

There should, of course, be more residential and commercial development at this important transit node. However, as I have often said, there’s a big difference between addressing housing affordability and simply building more “affordable housing,” a.k.a. public housing. If this is primarily about building several more Rindge Towers at Alewife (as referenced in this Order), then I am less than enthusiastic.

Order #4. City Council support for the construction of the North-South Rail Link.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Nolan; Amended to add Nolan, Zusy as sponsors; Order Adopted 9-0

Cost is an issue – a big issue. Will the suggested benefits really outweigh the exorbitant cost?

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge.   Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Zusy, Nolan, Simmons; Amended to add Simmons as sponsor 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0

I have been expecting this since the day the City re-directed $22 million in Covid relief funds toward this new municipal welfare program. Currently the Anti-Aid Amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution prevents the use of local property taxes from being used for direct payments to individuals and organizations except as fees for services rendered. Personally, if this kind of expanded welfare program is desired, it should be a statewide program with far better eligibility standards than the temporary federally-funded program currently in place. Better yet, state- and federally-funded public assistance programs should be restructured if this really is a desirable goal.

Resolution #2. Wishing Marvin Gilmore a Happy 100th Birthday.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner

I attended a 100th birthday bash for Marvin (as well as honoring several other prominent Cantabrigians) entitled Cambridge Mosaic at the Brattle Theatre this past Friday. It was a wonderful reunion of many great friends.

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Sept 9, 2024 to discuss truck safety in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

Advocacy for better truck safety is not controversial. The difficulty is that Cambridge cannot impose vehicle standards unilaterally - only the state and really the federal government can do that. As for designing intersections for greater safety, especially in regard to turning vehicles, it’s nice to see the cycling advocates finally coming around to what the rest of us have been saying all along, i.e. separated bike lanes may provide greater “comfort” but the provision of greater safety is primarily about the intersections. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Acapulco Gold Rush - September 16, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Perhaps the biggest action item on this week’s agenda is the “emergency” amendment to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance to extend the permitting preference period during which the politically connected “social equity” and “economic empowerment” applicants can have an advantage in selling recreational marijuana without any competition from their medicinal marijuana counterparts. This isn’t the first time this ordinance was extended as an “emergency” since its original adoption over 5 years ago.

There are also the two housing-related shots across the bow that were delayed from last week via the Charter Right. Those are accompanied by a flood of communications - mostly in vehement opposition.

Otherwise, the agenda this week is relatively brief. Here are the items I found most interesting:

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-48, regarding a request which directed City staff to enact policy that will extend the priority period for Social Equity and Equity Empowerment cannabis business applicants. (CM24#201) [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer on 6-month extension, emergency ordination; Simmons motion to pass through all stages of ordination as an “emergency involving the health and safety of the people of Cambridge or their property” passes 6-2 (BA,PN-No); Nolan expresses concerns about this being the 2nd instance of passing this as an “emergency”; Ordained 6-2 (BA,PN-No); Communication Placed on File 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Council Order PO24#121, which requested that the City Manager work with relevant staff to provide an update on the status of the Vail Court property and associate litigation in Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge, in Executive Session if necessary, at a future meeting.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; McGovern motion (at 6:59pm) to Table (until 8:00pm when legal counsel will be available) passes 8-0 at which time the City Council will meet in Executive Session; McGovern motion (7:44pm) to remove from Table 7-0-1 (BA-Absent); Move to Executive Session 7-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Order #1. That the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 8-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with relevant departments to review Cambridge’s curb cut policies and report back on if they can be improved to help meet the City’s transportation and sustainability goals with some proposed updates and draft ordinance language designating City staff as the final approval authority for curb cuts.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Toner (notes need for a more accurate list of neighborhood associations); Order Adopted 8-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 9, 2024] (PO24#117)
Toner proposes amendment by substitution calling for up to 15 to 25 stories in the Squares, 9-10 stories on major transportation corridors, and changes to Inclusionary Zoning; Wilson proposes amendment; Clerk process question re: Wilson motion to Toner’s amendment by substitution; McGovern notes that Toner amendment is actually not an amendment by substitution, Toner disagrees; minor Toner amendment; JSW opposes Toner substitution; McGovern wants to jack up AHO even more, agrees with going taller in the Squares, opposes having only 4-story heights in Res A and Res B zones - want those zones to also have much greater heights and densities; Nolan calls this a fraught conversation, notes that almost everyone OK with multi-family citywide, suggests that there are other ways to reach goals with fewer unintended consequences, concerns about possible loss of “naturally occurring affordable housing”, maintaining transportation and climate goals, possibility that this could increase housing costs, questions about actual number of inclusionary units that might be produced; Siddiqui acknowledges need to revisit inclusionary zoning requirements, but does not want to do that now; Azeem questions Iram Farouq about timeline for getting zoning language; Farouq says language likely available as soon as next week; Azeem asks about status of squares and corridors; Farouq says heights of Toner amendment not currently consistent with what is being discussed for Central Square, suggests analysis re: Toner amendment might be available by time Ordinance Committee takes up proposed zoning; Azeem wants additional Housing Committee hearings in interim; Wilson OK with Toner substitution but will also have additional amendment; Toner substitute amendment approved 7-1 (JSW-No); Wilson amendment passes 8-0; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager directs CDD to hold public meetings to inform the Cambridge community about the proposed changes before any public hearings of the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board on this topic. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 9, 2024] (PO24#118)
Order Adopted 8-0

283 Communications - mostly in vehement opposition to the Azeem-Siddiqui-ABC proposals to transform Cambridge into Flushing.

Resolution #5. Resolution on the death of Rita Grassi.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner

Resolution #7. Condolences on the death of Francis P. “Red” McGrail.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

Communications and Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Simmons re: Joan Pickett Memorial Service.
Placed on File 7-0-1 (PN-Absent)

E. Denise Simmons, Mayor

September 16, 2024

City Clerk Diane LeBlanc
City of Cambridge
Cambridge City Hall

Re: Communication re: Joan Pickett Memorial Service

Dear Madam Clerk:
Please include this correspondence on the agenda as a late Communication and Report from Other City Officers for the City Council meeting scheduled for September 16, 2024. I am relaying information about the upcoming memorial for our friend and colleague, City Councillor Joan Pickett, who sadly passed away on August 30. The memorial service shall be held at Cambridge City Hall on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 3pm-6pm. This memorial service shall be open to friends, family, and members of the public. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Simmons re: Filling City Council Vacancy.
Placed on File 7-0-1 (PN-Absent)

E. Denise Simmons, Mayor

September 16, 2024

City Clerk Diane LeBlanc
City of Cambridge
Cambridge City Hall

Re: Communication re: Filling City Council Vacancy

Dear Council Colleagues,
I want to update you on the process and timeline for seating the new City Councillor who will fill the vacancy left by the passing of our esteemed colleague, Joan Pickett.

The recount to determine the new City Councillor will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5pm. Following the recount, we will officially announce the elected candidate who will be filling the vacancy. Once the candidate is elected, they will coordinate with the City Clerk’s office to schedule their official swearing-in ceremony.

I will keep you informed of any further developments and the swearing-in schedule once it is confirmed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Comments?

Amid Sorrow & Loss, the City Council Reconvenes - Sept 9, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

I can barely find the words to express my sorrow at the loss of my friend, City Councillor Joan Pickett. Nonetheless, amidst sorrow and loss, the Cambridge City Council will reconvene this Monday after their Summer Recess. The Vacancy Recount will take place on Thursday, Sept 19 and Cathie Zusy is expected to join the City Council and be sworn in on Monday, Sept 23.

Resolution #6. Condolences to the family of City Councillor Joan Pickett.  Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
Adopted as Amended 8-0

I am grateful to Mayor Simmons for shedding a little light on what happened to my friend Joan Pickett - especially her note of appreciation to Naomie Stephen, Paula Crane, and Ayesha Wilson who were with Joan when she took ill last month. More details and memorial plans will follow later this month.

Mayor Simmons emphasized how Joan tried to build bridges between people of differing points of view. Councillors Siddiqui and Wilson were tearful in their remarks about Joan. Councillor Wilson noted the toll that mean-spirited email messages (and more) can have on elected officials, including Joan, and of how she will miss Joan’s kindness, generosity, and grace. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler and Mayor Simmons also noted Joan’s warmth and sense of humor.

Two quotes, in particular, stood out in the discussion around Joan’s death. Naomie Stephen said, “Cambridge needs more Joans.” Mayor Simmons suggested she may in the future use the acronym WWJPD in future City Council deliberations: “What would Joan Pickett do?”

Mayor Simmons rounded out the discussion with a modified version of the short poem “Outwitted” by Edwin Markham (1852-1940):

“He drew a circle that shut me out
Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and Joan had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!”

Here are the agenda items I found most interesting and/or important on this week’s agenda:

Reconsideration #1. Requiring a 2/3rds vote for approving changes to be forwarded to the legislature and the voters on a future ballot. (PO24#102) [Filed by Councillor Toner who was not on the prevailing side of that vote, and who intends to move suspension of the rules to allow this motion for Reconsideration]
Rules Suspended 8-0; Reconsideration Prevails 8-0; Tabled 8-0

I hope that the majority of city councillors will extend the same courtesy to allow reconsideration of this vote as they extended to Councillor Wilson on Aug 5 when they allowed her to change her vote at the end of that meeting. Since there will not be a full City Council until Sept 23, the best course of action would be to suspend the rules to allow Reconsideration and to then lay this matter On the Table until at least Sept 23.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Irene Monroe to the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees.
Appointments Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Avanti Tilak to the Open Data Review Board for a term of two-years.
Appointment Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons to the Family Policy Council; Appointments: Interim Superintendent David Murphy. Reappointments: Tina Alu, Michael Johnston, Michelle Lower, Geeta Pradhan, Bridget Rodriguez, Elizabeth Stapleton (formerly Elizabeth Hill), Tagesech Wabeto.
Appointments Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of David Lyons and Elysse Magnotto-Cleary and the appointments of Khyati Saraf and Lorie Graham as Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of three-years. As well as the appointment of Jim Gerstle and Sean Bedingfield as Associate Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of one year.
Appointments Approved 8-0

There have been MANY appointments and invitations to Boards & Commissions lately. In addition to these four appointments, there are several more pending and another eight invitations with September deadlines.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report detailing the Board of Zoning Appeal’s proposed modifications to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically concerning the implementation of dormer guidelines. [text of report]
Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $416,991, received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the purchase of an all-electric rubbish packer.
Order Adopted 8-0

This should warm the heart of Councillor Nolan who is almost guaranteed to speak to this matter (she didn’t).

Manager’s Agenda #18. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $276,800, received from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This grant will focus on increasing urban trees, create a map of high and low tree mortality areas across the Mystic River Watershed, and establish a regional urban forests working group of municipal tree wardens to develop strategies to maximize the likelihood of urban trees growing to maturity and identify priority areas where environmental justice communities live, travel and go to cool off during hot summers.
Order Adopted 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-08, regarding recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Iram Farooq (CDD); Kathy Watkins (DPW); Jacob Lazzara (ISD); Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan; Vice-Mayor McGovern; Councillors Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem; Brooke McKenna (TPT); Councillors Wilson, Toner; Placed on File 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary obstructions until June 30, 2025. (CM24#197) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer (explains how authority of Council on street obstructions for outdoor patios delegated to City Manager, desire to make this permanent), Owen O’Riordan; Order Adopted 8-0

It has become routine since the onset of Covid to extend the authorization for outdoor patios for restaurants. Eventually, since these seem to be popular and have helped some restaurants to thrive, some reconfiguration of the streets and sidewalks may be in order so that these may be better configured permanently.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to enact policy that will extend the priority period for Social Equity and Equity Empowerment cannabis business applicants for a period of six months to one year, or until guidance has been received from the Cannabis Control Commission.  Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Simmons to add Councillor Wilson as sponsor; Councillor Azeem asks if there is any sense of expiration of this extension; Councillor Siddiqui adds that in addition to extension there are zoning issues to be considered, notes (legal) risks to extending this exemption; Councillor Wilson notes challenges to operators; Councillor Azeem asks for comments from City Solicitor; Megan Bayer notes that preference period in place now for going on 5 years, minor changes/delay in guidance from Cannabis Control Commission, need to balance against interests of medicinal cannabis retailers, exemption period expires Sept 23 (last enacted under “emergency” provisions); Azeem asks of non-equity applicants have gone through process, discomfort with open-ended nature of this process and how exceptional this is [kudos to Azeem for making total sense here]; Toner shares Azeem concerns, but in favor of an extension; Nolan concurs with desire for extension and legal concerns; Bayer notes that preference period is in ordinance and any extension would require an amendment to the ordinance; Simmons, Siddiqui comments; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-0-1 (Azeem Present)

There must come a point where the City Council’s efforts to override basic economics (and to cater to political friends) has to be called into question and perhaps be challenged in court. One prominent Central Square cannabis retailer that was not been permitted to sell recreational cannabis has already closed while the City continues to grant special status to “social equity” and “equity empowerment” businesses - some of which are funded from some very deep pockets here and elsewhere.

Order #6. That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; Azeem suspension of rules to also take up Committee Report #5, states that median 1BR rent now $3300, 3BR rent now ($5300) [this is very questionable and likely applicable only for new rentals in “luxury” apartments]; Azeem believes that houses destroyed by fire cannot be rebuilt [questionable], believes that this will yield 900 units of affordable housing and that his proposed changes will yield only what he sees as positive outcomes; Charter Right - Toner

Order #7. That the City Manager directs CDD to hold public meetings to inform the Cambridge community about the proposed changes before any public hearings of the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board on this topic.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; Charter Right - Azeem

Committee Report #5. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Aug 21, 2024 to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the City. [text of report]
Rules Suspended to consider with Orders #5,6; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

The synopsis here is that most individuals and interest groups are perfectly OK with allowing multifamily housing in all zones (though I wish we could put an end to the “exclusionary zoning” terminology and its associated mythology). The matter of allowing up to six stories (or more) everywhere is far more controversial and highly questionable. I don’t think there are many people who question the need for more housing in Cambridge and elsewhere, but there are better and worse places (economically, architecturally,aesthetically, etc.) for such structures to be allowed and encouraged. Failure to make such distinctions is basically equivalent to dismissing the better intentions of zoning to create a mosaic of neighborhoods with varying features appealing to varying needs and desires. Choice is not a bad thing. I really hope the current Housing Committee is not successful in ramming through such a partisan proposal. It would be far better if our elected officials and CDD staff could be more nuanced in their analysis and perspective.

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a status update on the implementation of the PACE program and provide resources and information for property owners; and provide any recommendations for expanding PACE adoption.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; Order Adopted 8-0

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update on progress towards providing a recommendation for changes to the existing ordinance and a report on the impact of the Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge, including how enforcement happens and how many units are registered and available.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; Nolan expresses concern about loss of apartment rentals due to conversion to Short-Term rentals; Order Adopted 8-0

I would love to hear about the current state of short-term rentals in Cambridge - if it is at all possible to get an accurate assessment.

Order #10. That the City Manager be hereby and is requested to work with relevant staff to provide an update on the status of the Vail Court property and associate litigation in Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge, in Executive Session if necessary, at a future meeting.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0

The saga of this eminent domain taking continues. It has been close to a decade since that property was taken by the City and the derelict buildings demolished. I would love to see this matter settled and, ideally, a partnership with the owners of the abutting parking lot at Bishop Allen and Prospect St. crafted that can create a great mixed use development on the combined lots.

Order #11. That this City Council go on record calling for MIT’s dissociation from the fossil fuel industry in the Climate Project.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler to add Siddiqui; Order Adopted 7-0-0-1 (Toner Present)

I’ll trust MIT’s judgment on this one.

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to provide a status Update on Automated Parking Enforcement.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: possible legal issues, potential for safety benefits; Order Adopted 8-0

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR). [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Aug 5, 2024]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler proposing to Table this; comments by Police Commissioner Christine Elow re: use of surveillance cameras in Central Square; McGovern notes surveillance concerns but that this is for a very specific Central Square purpose, worth a pilot program, not about “criminalizing homelessness”, people now taking advantaged of unhoused individuals and we often know who are committing crimes, but need for building a case; Megan Bayer notes that meeting held with ACLU, intent by CPD to put policies in place; Azeem notes that everyone now has a camera on them, irony that we can’t now have one when we actually need it, victims are often bystanders; Siddiqui wants a timeline for a policy to be established; Elow suggests policy to be developed before cameras activated; Nolan comments on need for policy and examples where cameras would have been helpful, many home cameras already in place and not subject to ordinance; Simmons comments in favor of these cameras; Sobrinho-Wheeler not in favor w/o policy in place; JSW Motion to Table Fails 3-5 (SS,JSW,AW-Yes; BA,MM,PN,PT,DS-No); Order Adopted 7-1 (JSW-No)

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Tenants Rights 8.71.040.2 Notice by the City, City may publicize and provide information at events/programs about the requirements of Chapter 8.71 more frequently. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Aug 5, 2024; Eligible To Be Ordained]
pulled by McGovern; comments by Nolan re: info to be mailed to tenants; Ordained 8-0

I expect this will be ordained at this meeting - for what it’s worth.

Resolution #5. Condolences to the family of Valerie Corr Hanserd.   Mayor Simmons

Resolution #7. Congratulations to the Honorable Laurence Pierce on his retirement from the Court.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #8. Condolences on the death of Frederick James “Freddie” Cabral.   Councillor Toner

Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2024 to discuss the micromobility memo prepared by Acting City Solicitor Bayer, for updates from the Community Development Department and the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department on related topics and to discuss next steps. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Aug 5, 2024 with the City Manager to receive an update on and offer suggestions for consideration in the City’s negotiations with Harvard regarding future Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #3. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Aug 6, 2024 to receive and update from the City Manager on progress in meeting annual goals, as well as the timeline and process for completing this year’s evaluation. In addition, the Committee will begin discussions for creating a process of evaluation of the City Clerk and City Auditor. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #4. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Aug 7, 2024 to discuss status updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Comments?

Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!

Updated Nov 2, 2024 - In the 2022-23 City Council Rules, there are two items that have been often ignored in recent City Council terms:

As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn’t bad enough, some committee Chairs apparently have not seen fit to keep either their colleagues or the public informed unless they were present at the meeting or chose to view a recording of the meeting. There are reasons why minutes of a meeting are taken. Not everyone wants to suffer through a recording of a long and possibly boring meeting, and a voluminous transcript is not a substitute for good (succinct) minutes.

Here is the current record of deliquency [Chair]: