April 1 Cambridge News
Somerville Invades Cambridge!
The trouble has been brewing ever since the breakup of Middlesex County. Militia Commander Joseph Curtatone mustered Somerville's Democratic Socialist forces on Prospect Hill and led the convoy south into the former Peoples Republic of Cambridge. Somerville Dictator Katjana Ballantyne ordered troops to mass on the East Cambridge border in what most people believed to be just a routine training exercise. However, when Militia Commander (and former Mayor) Joseph Curtatone arrived, things changed quickly. Some East Cambridge residents initially welcomed the visitors from the north - barely noticing the stylized “S” emblazoned on their drab uniforms. Jay Wasserman, in fact, invited some of the Somervillains in for drinks not knowing their true intentions.
The Somerville plan seems to be centered not on occupying all of Cambridge, but simply on capturing the revenue-producing Kendall Square area. This, however, requires establishing a “land bridge” through most of the East Cambridge neighborhood. When Rep. Michael Connolly (DSA, Cambridge-Somerville) was asked about the invasion and occupation, he remarked, “I was part of the Occupy Movement before it was fashionable. Now that the majority of the Somerville City Council are avowed socialists, it only seems natural that we should bring at least some portion of Cambridge into the fold - even if some level of military force is required to enforce our political philosophy.”
Outgoing City Manager and newly appointed General Louis DePasquale vowed to defend Cambridge’s historical boundaries. “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!”
The original 2017 plan (above) has since been updated to eliminate all privately owned motor vehicles
Updated plans unveiled eliminates car lanes and adds segregated lanes on major Cambridge thoroughfares
City has long-term plan to install “protected lanes” for bikes, mopeds, pedestrians, seniors, and hoverboards.
After several additional minutes of research, City transportation planners and the newly reappointed Vision Zero and Motor Vehicle Elimination Advisory Committee released updates to the original 2017 plans for fully segregated lanes on several major Cambridge thoroughfares. “This has always been about the greater good - regardless who disagrees, petitions, or otherwise tries to convince us with data,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “We will now commit to preserving the tree canopy in accordance with the Tree Protection Ordinance, but this will necessitate the banning of all motor vehicles along the city’s major thoroughfares even though eminent-domain land-takings will enable us to create sufficient (100 ft) road width.”
The only city councillors to raise issues about the plan were Paul Toner and Denise Simmons who seemed to not understand how absolutely essential the elimination of the lanes for motor vehicles was in order to achieve a vanishingly small impact on climate change. City Arborist David Lefcourt was pleased that the tree canopy would be preserved in order to provide shade for the cycle track, the child track, the senior track, and the hoverboard tracks.
One member of Cambridge’s Bicycle Committee reiterated what she said 5 years ago: “The whole concept of ‘sharing’ is an outdated vestige of the pre-millennial age.” A new Gen-Z appointee to the Bicycle Committee added, “For sure. This is like necessary.”
Vision Zero Policy Reauthorized by Cambridge City Council
Original 2017 goal to eliminate all motor vehicles extended from 2020 to 2023
The Cambridge City Council's 2017 “Vision Zero” policy has proven more difficult to achieve than originally thought. Originally conceived as a plan to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities through better road design, the ever-so-progressive Cambridge City Council decided in 2017 to ban motor vehicles outright, but received pushback from a coalition of soccer moms, grocery shoppers, and other climate change deniers. As a result, the absolute prohibition previously scheduled for March 2020 has been extended to March 2023.
Original April 2017 Report
There are, to be sure, some transitions that must take place before Cambridge can become truly a Vision Zero city and an example to other cities wanting to battle climate change in the worst way. Perhaps the greatest challenges are in rubbish/recycling collection and emergency services like police and fire protection, but these challenges also provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Cambridge Health Alliance CEO Patrick Wardell announced that CHA is already well on its way toward Vision Zero. They have begun training and recruitment for very athletic persons to operate their new fleet of human-powered pedambulances.
It won't be an all-bicycle future of course. To handle some of the heavier tasks, we'll be seeing a lot more horses in the streets of Cambridge.
 New Fire Apparatus |
The Cambridge Fire Department embraced the initiative. "In addition to the environmental and nostalgia benefits, maintaining the horses will create jobs," said Fire Chief Gerald Reardon. "We have to think of the future even as we embrace the past."
Several new condo developments along New Street and elsewhere to be converted to stables. "We feel that horse-drawn vehicles are a sustainable solution to all delivery needs." Danehy Park will be converted to hayfields.
“The road apples left by horses will be an essential part of the citywide composting program,” said DPW Commissioner Owen O'Riordan.
Meanwhile, the City's Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation has been drafting new specifications for “cycle tracks” to require a minimal 10 foot width. “Our plan all along has been to eventually execute a complete mode shift. At some point motor vehicles will be moved to the cycle tracks while cyclists take over the roadways. This should provide ample accommodation for motor vehicles during the interim years before the banning of all motor vehicles within city limits,” said Traffic Director Joseph Barr.
Flush with ARPA funds and after several years delay, MBTA ready to move forward with Green Line Extension to Porter Square
The City's Transit Advisory Committee, working in concert with the MBTA and the Cambridge Historical Commission, have announced updated plans for new kinda-rapid transit service to Porter Square with the option of extending service further west to Alewife and Belmont Center in the future. On the drawing board for more than a century, the Meigs Elevated Railway will add desperately needed capacity to supplement the new Green Line Extension to Union Square. MBTA analysts decided that it was just too difficult to safely move that many people underground and concluded that the time-tested concept of elevated railway service is an old idea that's about to become new again.
Historical Commission Executive Director Charles Sullivan again conceded, “The Rindge gifts have had their day in the sun. While we remain grateful for the remarkable gifts from Frederick Hastings Rindge to the City of Cambridge, including City Hall, it's time to make way for grander visions.” Sullivan added, “Sometimes history is simply overrated.”
East Cambridge Traffic Pattern Changes Begin Friday, April 1
Due to recent sewer projects and new lab development, the Cambridge Traffic Department announced several changes in the direction of one-way streets in East Cambridge (see map). “Based on community feedback and data collected over the last several months, we have decided that these changes are essential for public safety,” said Traffic Director Joseph Barr. Crews began posting “Do Not Enter” signs throughout the neighborhood on Thursday. Over the next week or so, City staff will continue to evaluate streets throughout the city to determine if similar changes are warranted. “We appreciate your continued patience and efforts as we manage these erratic changes,” said Barr. “Thankfully, recent rollouts of Quick-Build separated bicycle lanes have acclimated Cambridge residents to the introduction of new and bizarre traffic conditions.” For more information, please visit www.cambridgema.gov. Residents with questions about these traffic changes can contact Public Works at 617-349-4800 or the Traffic Department at 617-349-4700.
Featured items on the April 4, 2022 Cambridge City Council agenda
Short agendas are as welcome as the flowers in springtime. There are Net Zero policy orders this week. Here are the things I found interesting:
Manager's Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Inspectional Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to provide funds to implement a pilot of SMART Box and SMART Pipe rodent control technology in the City. This appropriation also is in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-12.
Zap those rats!
Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-69, regarding a report on creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge. [Uniform Resettlement Process response] [New Resident Overview]
Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-63, regarding food insecurity. [Food Insecurity response] [ARPA Funds Food Insecurity opinion]
Manager's Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $915,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the procurement of five pieces of equipment for use in snow and ice operations.
On the Table #9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]
Councillor Nolan (she/her) continues her audition for Purchasing Agent.
Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-45, regarding the feasibility of waiving dog license fees. [Dog License Fees] [Dog Fees Order] [Dog License Fees Municipal Code Amendment]
Charter Right #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (2021-26). [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 28, 2022] [Committee Report]
On the Table #2-3. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.
Resolution #6. Congratulations George R. Greenidge, Jr, American Sociological Association's Community & Urban Publicly Engaged Scholar Award Recipient 2022. Councillor McGovern (he/him)
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui (she/her) and Councillor Nolan (she/her), transmitting a report from the Climate Crisis Working Group.
Comments and additional details to follow
Plague Report (Apr 1)
Today brought 63 new COVID positive tests, and the 7-day daily average again increased to 62.6. The all-time high was 380.6 on Jan 9 (giving a current 83.6% reduction from peak). The daily high water mark was 620 cases with an onset date of Jan 4. The total number of residents who have tested positive is now 21,560. The Omicron variant has been the primary cause of the recent surge with a relatively small but very frustrating recent bump attributable to the BA.2 subvariant which has been detected in wastewater samples locally and now makes up most of the new cases in New England. The Cambridge total increased by 63 today in addition to 100 yesterday and 88, 93, 47, 28, 43, 41, 94, 46, 107, 51, 18, and 42 in recent days. The large Omicron wave crested weeks ago, but the BA.2 variant is continuing to thwart further decreases in reported infections as wastewater data and other evidence indicate. Time will tell how long this latest bump in the road will continue. The percentage of positive tests (measured over the last two weeks) increased to 1.94% (previous rates 1.63%, 1.71%, 1.56%, 1.09%, 0.87%) - still quite low. Most importantly, the effects of the virus appear to be much milder than previous variants.
The mask requirement for indoor public places was lifted beginning Mon, Mar 14, and masks are no longer required in municipal buildings as of Mon, Mar 28. Masks became optional for all students and staff in the Cambridge Public Schools beginning Mon, Mar 14. (more information)
Note: On Monday, 3/14, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) released cumulative COVID-19 death data for the Commonwealth, with deaths reclassified using an updated COVID-19 death definition. As a result of the reclassification, COVID-associated deaths reported for Cambridge residents have been adjusted to reflect 19 additional deaths dating from the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. There was a net increase of 7 reported COVID-related deaths in 2020; 6 in 2021; and 6 in 2022. More information here.
Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.
Apr 1, 2022 Breakdown of Cases:
21560 tested positive (total) - an increase of 63 from the previous day
161 confirmed deaths - 83 in long-term care facilities, 78 in general community
Thanks to vaccinations, even though the 7-day averages were dreadful
the impacts were not as bad as they could have been.
City of Cambridge Covid Information Harvard University COVID-19 data MIT COVID-19 data
The surge in new positive tests was due to a combination of the Delta variant and the Omicron variant.
High vaccination rates have helped to blunt what might have been a larger surge and far more deaths.
Covid Cases by Age Group - through Mar 28, 2022
MWRA Biobot wastewater data - Mar 30, 2022
MWRA Biobot recent wastewater data - North System - Mar 30, 2022
Note the recent modest rise due to the BA.2 variant - still increasing.
Further note that the 7-day average once reached as high as 8644 and has now risen only to 244, but it's rising.
Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:
If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record.
Cambridge lays poetry at the feet of its people (Mar 30, 2022)
PHOTOS: Cambridge's 99 Bishop Allen Drive, a home for non-profits, is now officially open (Mar 30, 2022)
Cambridge gives 'heartfelt congrats' to 'CODA' director, a CRLS alum (Mar 29, 2022)
Cambridge to spend $72M on fire-station upgrades (Mar 29, 2022)
Federal funds secured for "catastrophic flood" prevention along Mystic (Mar 29, 2022)
The Chronicle Companion: Week of March 28 - April 3, 2022 (posted Mar 27, 2022)
Ticks are out now: What to watch for and how to protect yourself (Mar 25, 2022, USA Today, updated Mar 28)
Anonymity shrouds identity of man who died in Harvard Square (Mar 23, 2022)
In Cambridge, Raytheon protestors face trespassing, vandalism charges (Mar 22, 2022)
MBTA Union Square station in Somerville now open for commuters - PHOTOS (Mar 22, 2022)
At last: the trains have come to Somerville; first new Green Line Station opens (Mar 22, 2022, Medford Transcript)
The Green Line Extension Union Square Station opens in Somerville (Mar 21, 2022, Somerville Journal)
The Chronicle Companion: Week of March 21-27, 2022 (posted Mar 20, 2022)
Cambridge police honor Officer Lawrence Hudson with walk-through service (Mar 21, 2022)
PHOTOS: Cambridge and MIT Police Departments honor Cambridge Officer Lawrence Hudson (Mar 19, 2022)
A look at the popularity of thrift shopping in Cambridge (Mar 20, 2022)
LETTER: More balance needed in Cambridge's bike lane process (Mar 17, 2022, updated Mar 20)
Cambridge Black Trailblazers: Elizabeth 'Betty' Rawlings (she/her) (Mar 17, 2022 by Paula Paris (she/her))
OPINION: Cambridge councillors weigh in after City delays Porter Square project (Mar 17, 2022)
Cambridge police officer found dead in Woburn home (Mar 15, 2022)
New task for Mystic River Watershed Association: prepare communities for climate change (Mar 15, 2022)
The spirit of Cambridge bar, shuttered by COVID, lives on in The New Republik (Mar 15, 2022)
Harvard unions' merger pitch remains outstanding; nonaction draws frustration (Mar 14, 2022)
The Chronicle Companion: Week of March 14-20, 2022 (posted Mar 14, 2022)
Cambridge recruiting community members to vet city manager (Mar 14, 2022)
Two years of COVID in New England, by the numbers: Deaths, vaccinations and more (Mar 11, 2022 - USA Today, updated Mar 14)
Harvard Square Business Assoc. honors city manager, reflects on past two years (Mar 10, 2022)
Inman Incubator pop-up storefront features local makers (Mar 8, 2022)
Cambridge city manager announces delay for bike lane project (Mar 7, 2022, updated Mar 8)
The Chronicle Companion: Week of Mar 7 - Mar 13, 2022 (posted Mar 6, 2022)
Supreme Court reinstates death penalty for Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev (he/him) (Mar 4, 2022 - USA Today)
Ready to transition to electric heat? Mass Save has incentives (Mar 4, 2022 - USA Today)
Do you use rat poison? It could be killing owls, hawks and eagles (Mar 3, 2022 - USA Network)
Cambridge's fiscal health earns AAA ratings, saving taxpayers on interest payments (Mar 2, 2022)
Cambridge RISE: Empowerment through choice (Mar 2, 2022)
Featured this week (and more) in the Calendar:
Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Tues, Apr 5
12:00pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on Ordinance #2022-8, an ordinance amending Parking minimums and maximums. (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles (she/her) Meeting Room, CRLS)
The School Committee will also vote on the adoption of the FY 2023 Proposed School Department Budget.
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearings
6:30pm PB-388
425 Massachusetts Avenue– Special Permit application by ATE Superfoods 2 LLC. DBA Vitality Bowls to establish a Formula Business occupying approximately 923 square feet in the first floor of the existing building pursuant to Section 20.304.5.4 Formula Business. (Materials)
General Business
2. Advisory Design Review AHO-4
49 Sixth Street – Affordable housing project proposal by Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) to Renovate existing buildings with 59,400 square feet of Gross Floor Area to create 46 affordable apartments with 2 off-street parking spaces and 48 long-term bicycle parking spaces pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - click Planning Board Materials tab)
3. PB-361
727 Massachusetts Avenue – Design Update (Materials)
Wed, Apr 6
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend the zoning ordinance entitled “Article 22 Sustainable Design and Development” (Ordinance #2022-7). (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Thurs, Apr 7
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to continue a public hear on a petition to amend Article 20.90- Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3- Temporarily prohibited uses. (ORDINANCE #2022-1). (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Tues, Apr 12
10:00am The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will meet to discuss new guidelines for Boards and Commissions appointments. (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Wed, Apr 13
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom)
11:00am The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on Ordinance #2022-2 charter change municipal code amendments. (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the universities and business associations to have a dialogue about reopening post pandemic, current needs, updates, and how the City can be supportive to these organizations. (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Thurs, April 14
5:30pm The City Council's Civic Unity Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report by Working IDEAL. (Sullivan (he/him) Chamber and Zoom)
Out Like a Lion – March 28, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda
Spring is springing and the turf wars continue. This week features a citizens petition to modify the Bicycle Safety Ordinance and with it a golden opportunity for city councillors to double-talk their way to stardom. Here are some of the agenda items that I found interesting this week:
Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Placed on File
Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-11, regarding Riverbend Park opening and potential expansion.
pulled by Nolan (she/her); likely will leave Mem. Drive closed continuously through weekend starting either Friday evening or Saturday morning; Placed on File
Charter Right #2. An application was received from Mathew Marshall (he/him), requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 221 Columbia Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. “ [Charter Right – Simmons (she/her), Mar 21, 2022]
Interesting that the loss of one or two parking spaces at this location due to a curb cut gets so much pushback when elsewhere hundreds of parking spaces are being permanently removed for “quick build” bike lanes that impact businesses, health care providers, day care facilities, churches, and more.
Petition Denied (voice vote, but unanimous)
On the Table #3-9. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.
On the Table #10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale (he/him), City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan (she/her), Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]
Councillor Nolan (she/her) continues her audition for Purchasing Agent.
Communications #3. A communication was received from Annette Osgood (she/her) and Jeanne Oster (she/her), regarding a petition signed by over 1,050 names requesting changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
pulled by Nolan (she/her); Placed on File (voice vote); Azeem (he/him) notes that he would consider taking it up in Transportation Committee but makes clear now that nothing will come of it.
The actual number of petioners appears to be approximately 878 when duplicates are purged. There's also the unhinged cyclist who wrote: “Fuck you disgusting pieces of shit Up yours cagers. I hope you and your cars burn.”
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft language to enable the Cambridge Police Department and Department of Public Works to donate abandoned bicycles to charitable organizations as outlined under MGL 30B Section 15(g). Vice Mayor Mallon (she/her), Mayor Siddiqui (she/her), Councillor Carlone (he/him), Councillor McGovern (he/him), Councillor Nolan (she/her), Councillor Simmons (she/her), Councillor Toner (he/him), Councillor Zondervan (he/him), Mayor Siddiqui (she/her)
Adopted as Amended
Order #2. City Council support of the MIT Graduate Student Union. Councillor Azeem (he/him), Councillor Zondervan (he/him), Vice Mayor Mallon (she/her), Councillor McGovern (he/him)
Order Adopted
The Cambridge City Council voted to assist MIT graduate students in the writing of their Ph.D. theses. “We may not understand much of the science, but we know how to type,” said Councillor McGovern (he/him). Councillor Nolan added, “Because, you know, climate change.”
Order #3. That City Council remind the residents of Cambridge that regular street cleaning begins again on April 1, 2022 and that all residents can sign up for automatic alerts and reminders from the City of Cambridge for the remainder of the year. Councillor Toner (he/him)
Order Adopted
Cambridge residents will be relieved to know that cars will no longer be towed and that instead of being tagged and towed, violators will be issued gift certificates toward the purchase of an electric vehicle. “There are no strings attached to ARPA funds, ” said Councillor Zondervan, “and we believe that these federal dollars are best used for a combination of free gifts and drinks at ‘The Owl’, a fabulous new rooftop bar in Central Square.”
Order #4. City Council support urging the Massachusetts Legislature and the residents of Cambridge to oppose House Bill 1234 and the proposed 2022 state ballot initiative and ensuring that the rights of workers remain solid and strong for generations to come. Councillor McGovern (he/him), Councillor Simmons (she/her), Councillor Zondervan (he/him), Councillor Azeem (he/him), Councillor Carlone (he/him), Councillor Nolan (she/her), Councillor Toner (he/him), Councillor Zondervan (he/him), Mayor Siddiqui (she/her)
Order Adopted as Amended
My favorite phrase in this Order: “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts enjoys a long and distinguished history in the fight for workers’ rights and protections from exploitation from capitalists and corporate interests…”. Alas, life in The Peoples Republik.
Cambridge Police Department Announces Four Promotions
Promoted Officers Round Out New Command Staff
Mar 28, 2022 – The Cambridge Police Department on Friday announced the promotions of four members to its revamped leadership team.
At a special ceremony held at the Robert W. Healy (he/him) Public Safety Facility, City Manager Police Louis A. DePasquale (he/him) and Police Commissioner Christine Elow (she/her) promoted Deputy Superintendent Frederick Cabral (he/him) to the rank of Superintendent of Support Services (the second-highest rank in the department) and Lieutenants Anthony Macone (he/him), Steven Magalhaes (he/him), and Peter Vellucci (he/him) to Deputy Superintendent.
Following the retirement of Superintendent Leonard DiPietro (he/him), Superintendent Robert Lowe (he/him) will now oversee the Operations Division. The following commanding officers will report directly to Superintendent Lowe:
- Day Operations: Deputy Rick Riley (he/him)
- Night Operations: Deputy John Boyle (he/him)
- Night Operations: Deputy Macone (he/him)
Superintendent Cabral will now oversee the Support Services Division. Reporting to him will be:
- Administration: Deputy Vellucci (he/him)
- Criminal Investigations: Deputy Pauline Wells (she/her)
- Family and Social Justice Section: Deputy Magalhaes (he/him)
Deputy Daniel Wagner (he/him) will continue to report directly to the Commissioner’s Office.
Superintendent Frederick Cabral (he/him)
Frederick Cabral (he/him) was promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Support Services. Superintendent Cabral (he/him) was raised in Cambridge, graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin, and joined the Cambridge Police Department in 2003. He has served in a variety of units within the department, including Patrol Operations, the Community Relations Unit and the Family and Social Justice Section. Most recently, Cabral (he/him) oversaw the Criminal Investigations Section and Family and Social Justice Section as Deputy Superintendent.
Superintendent Cabral (he/him) holds a bachelor’s degree in crime law and sociology from Suffolk University.
Deputy Superintendent Anthony Macone (he/him)
Anthony Macone (he/him) was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent, Night Operations. Deputy Macone (he/him) has 32 years of law enforcement experience with 10 years as a supervisor. He joined the Cambridge Police Department in 2004 and has worked in patrol operations and the Family and Social Justice Section. Most recently, he worked as a Lieutenant in Night Operations.
Deputy Macone (he/him) holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western New England College.
Deputy Superintendent Steven Magalhaes (he/him)
Steven Magalhaes (he/him) was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent, Family and Social Justice Section. Deputy Magalhaes (he/him) is an 18 year veteran of the Cambridge Police Department, including five years as a supervisor. After working as a patrol officer, he served as a Juvenile Detective for nine years before being promoted to a Sergeant. As a supervisor, he has worked in patrol operations and the Family and Social Justice Section.
Deputy Magalhaes (he/him) holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Suffolk University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Deputy Superintendent Peter Vellucci (he/him)
A lifelong resident of Cambridge, Peter Vellucci (he/him) was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent, Administration. Deputy Vellucci (he/him) has served in the City of Cambridge since 2005, including the last five years as a supervisor. Most recently, he was the Commander for the Traffic Enforcement Unit and Special Response Team.
Deputy Vellucci (he/him) holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College.
Photos and videos from Friday’s promotional ceremony are available on www.facebook.com/cambridgepolice.
Cambridge Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Saturday, April 9
Mar 24, 2022 – The first Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Cambridge for 2022 will be held on Saturday, April 9, from 9:00am – 1:00pm, at 50 Mooney Street. Additional 2022 Household Hazardous Waste Collection dates include June 11, August 27, and November 5.
Accepted items include:
- Batteries: Vehicle* & Non-Alkaline*
- Car Fluids: Antifreeze, Brake, Engine Degreaser, Transmission
- Car Tires (max four per household)
- Chemicals: Cleaners, Glues, Removers, Photography & Swimming Pool
- Fluorescent Light Bulbs*
- Mercury Items: Thermometers & Thermostats*
- Paints: Oil-Based & Latex
- Poisons: Insecticides, Pesticides & Weed Killers
- Prescription Medicines (accepted year-round at Cambridge Police Dept., 125 Sixth St.)
- Propane Cylinders (20 lbs. or less only)
- Waste Fuels: Antifreeze, Gasoline, Kerosene, Sterno & Motor Oil
(motor oil also accepted year-round at DPW) - Fire Extinguishers
Items not accepted include:
- NO Alkaline Batteries
- NO Ammunition, Fireworks & Explosives (contact Cambridge Fire Dept. at 617-349-3300)
- NO Asbestos (requires proper disposal)
- NO Bleach or Ammonia
- NO Commercial/Industrial Waste
- NO Construction Debris
- NO Empty Aerosol Cans
- NO Compressed Gas Cylinders
- NO Infectious or Biological Waste
- NO Radioactive Waste
- NO Smoke Detectors
- NO Syringes (contact Cambridge Public Health Dept. at 617-665-3848)
* The Cambridge Recycling Center located at 147 Hampshire Street, accepts non-alkaline batteries, fluorescent bulbs, mercury items and motor oil. Cans of latex paint may be dried out and set out for curbside trash collection, with the lids off. Let evaporate outside or add kitty litter to speed drying. Hours of operation for the Recycling Center are Tuesday, 4:00-7:30pm, Thursday, 4:00-7:30pm, and Saturday, 9:00am-4:00pm. Learn more at Cambridgema.gov/hazardouswaste.
Food Truck Program Returns for the 2022 Vending Season Applications are open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Mar 21, 2022 – After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Cambridge is accepting applications for the Food Truck Program. The upcoming season will begin in May 2022 at three public sites: North Point Park, Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall, and Cambridgeport. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the season. The City will give special consideration to: first-time food truck operators, people from historically excluded groups, businesses without a brick-and-mortar location in Cambridge, and vendors who are Cambridge residents.
“We are excited to welcome Cambridge’s Food Truck Program back,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale (he/him). “As the weather warms up and more people are spending time outdoors, this program will provide great food options for the public, help to activate the public realm, and provide jobs.”
The Food Truck Program gives first-time food entrepreneurs the opportunity to test drive concepts in a lower-risk setting while offering patrons diverse food options and adding vitality to the community.
“The Food Truck Program is a boon for residents and entrepreneurs alike,” said Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Iram Farooq (she/her). “We are always looking for ways to reduce barriers to business ownership and this program allows entrepreneurs with limited access to capital the ability to try out menu items and branding while building a loyal customer base.”
Vendors interested in participating in the Food Truck Program should complete the online application. We encourage you to apply by March 25 to be approved before the start of the season, but there is no deadline and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information about the program and requirements, visit cambridgema.gov/foodtrucks.
Editor's Note: It's nice to see the City promoting a business not involving cannabis for a change.
Check out the latest episodes of Cambridge InsideOut: Tuesdays, 6:00pm and 6:30pm on CCTV
If you would like to be a guest (or co-host) one of these Tuesdays, let me know. - RW
| The CCTV studios are only open on a limited basis. In the meantime, we are doing remote live broadcasts and may also produce some pre-recorded Cambridge InsideOut shows (with guests!). |
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| Next Live Shows on CCTV: Tuesday, April 5, 6:00pm - 7:00pm We may also produce some shows independently. |
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| Episode 541 (Tues, Mar 15, 2022 at 6:00pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: Ides of March; Spring Training Baseball; Covid status; City Manager search & interim possibilities; Council complaints & light workload; Board appointments - “apply at your own risk”; misunderstanding the Charter and roles of councillors vs. manager |
Episode 542 (Tues, Mar 15, 2022 at 6:30pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: “Moving Forward Together” w/o most involved councillor; Planning Board discussions re: single-family zoning, evolving roles as planners vs. petition reviewers; building the tax base; some history of Kendall Square, University Park, NorthPoint, Alewife Triangle, Alewife Quadrangle; planning before and after demise of rent control; Blurred Envision; real routes to affordability requires transit and not unilateralism; flexibility in residential uses |
| Episode 539 (Tues, Mar 1, 2022 at 6:00pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: Ukraine invasion hits home; higher education reinventing itself; adjusting the center; Covid updates; assaulting the Boards; efforts to eviscerate neighborhood conservation districts and some history of their success; turning grudges into policy |
Episode 540 (Tues, Mar 1, 2022 at 6:30pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: dependent vs. independent councillors; charter review; city manager search; budget process misunderstandings; purpose of City Council orders under Plan E; some history of responsiveness of city managers and the nuclear option; AAA bond ratings; regulation and taxation; envisioning transit and urban planning |
| Episode 537 (Tues, Feb 15, 2022 at 6:00pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: Plague report, Covid relief funds and tilted priorities; delegating curb cuts and some history of delegating authority; cases coming of Council review of appointments; eliminating required parking minimums, depaving options |
Episode 538 (Tues, Feb 15, 2022 at 6:30pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: Wordle; parking minimums, transit-oriented development, on-street parking; car-sharing, electric vehicle charging, Kelley (he/him) Petition, residential impacts; bending rules on renting parking spaces; City Manager search, focus groups, screening committee, misconceptions of role of City Manager; BEUDO amendments, deadlines, taxation, and the offensive comparison of MIT to tobacco companies |
| Episode 535 (Tues, Feb 1, 2022 at 6:00pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: Wildlife, snowpocalypse; continued bus/bike lane controversies, options, advisory committee; future planning and Quick Build shortsightedness; Fresh Pond Golf Course controversy, revolutionary stupidity, new councillor naiveté, ideology superseding reason |
Episode 536 (Tues, Feb 1, 2022 at 6:30pm) [materials] [audio] Topics: City Manager search, schedule, screening concerns; civic knowledge on a need-to-know basis; simultaneous searches for City Manager, Clerk, & Auditor under cloud of possible charter changes; opportunity to reexamine job descriptions of City Manager, Clerk, Auditor, and City Council Aides and staff; test cases coming in review of Board appointments |
| Complete list of all episodes (2013 - present) | |
Nominations Sought for 2022 Most Deplorable City of Cambridge Employee Awards
Submission deadline is Monday, April 11. In-person ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 13.
Mar 15, 2022 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale (he/him) is seeking nominations for the 2022 Most Deplorable City Employee Awards program which recognizes employees for abysmal performance and contributions that go above and beyond job requirements.
Cambridge city government is made up of dedicated employees who strive to provide a high level of quality services to all our residents. The annual awards ceremony provides a special opportunity to give extra recognition to a number of dreadful individuals who will be humiliated in a public ceremony. This event will be held on Friday, May 13, at 10:00am, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
Criteria for determining outstanding performance include:
- Demonstrated no leadership and a very low level of commitment to the city and its residents;
- Demonstrated horrendous customer service to the public and/or fellow employees;
- Developed a tiresome or lackluster solution to a problem;
- Made inferior contribution to the success of a project, completing work extremely late and over budget;
- Donated no time whatsoever to activities that benefit the Cambridge community;
- Discouraged and ridiculed community involvement;
- Consistently failed to contribute to better city operations.
All City employees are eligible for nomination. Anyone who lives or works in Cambridge may nominate one or more City employees for recognition. Please submit a separate nomination form or letter for each employee. An employee may not nominate themself or their own supervisor or department head for recognition.
Nominations are due by Monday, April 11, 2022 and can be submitted online through the related news story at www.cambridgema.gov. Alternatively, a signed nomination letter may be submitted via email to Maryellen Carvello (she/her) in the City Manager’s Office, mcarvello@cambridgema.gov, to the Personnel Department via fax to 617-349-4312, or in-person or via email to the to the Personnel Department, Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor.
For more information, contact Maryellen Carvello (she/her) at mcarvello@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4300.
2022 Parking Permit Renewal Deadline Extended Again
To provide additional time to process 2022 resident parking permit applications, the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department is extending the validity of 2021 Resident and Visitor Parking Permits to a new expiration date of Dec 31, 2022.
Note: This only begs the questions: How much more on-street parking is going to be removed - and where and when? Perhaps the next step will be to print a very large Scarlet Letter A on the sticker to shame all the sinful Automobile drivers.
An Inconvenient Truth about the Democrat Socialists of America (DSA)
Feb 27, 2022 – While much of the world is responding in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, a statement from the Democrat Socialists of America (DSA) contained this little jewel in its supposed condemnation of the Russian invasion: “DSA reaffirms our call for the US to withdraw from NATO and to end the imperialist expansionism that set the stage for this conflict.” They are basically saying that the USA is the bad guy and that Putin (he/him) had good cause for the invasion. I really think that Cambridge voters should think about this when DSA-endorsed candidates come knocking and asking for your vote.
Some examples of DSA-endorsed Cambridge local candidates: Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler (he/him), Quinton Zondervan (he/him), Mike Connolly (he/him), Ayanna Pressley
In Somerville, the list includes: Tessa Bridge (she/her), Willie Burnley (he/him), Charlotte Kelly (she/her), Becca Miller (she/her), JT Scott (he/him), Eve Seitchik, Ben Ewen-Campen (he/him)
[Candidates not currently elected in italics]
“The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crab grass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then get elected and prove it.” – P.J. O’Rourke (he/him)
Dollars per #1 Vote (and some bills are still being paid...)
City Council (based on monthly bank reports - Feb 2020-Jan 2022 - ranked by $ per #1 Vote)
| City Council Candidate | Start | Receipts | Expend | Balance | As Of | #1 Votes | $/Vote |
| Eckstut (he/him), Robert | $0.00 | $9,886.39 | $9,688.13 | $198.26 | 02/01/22 | 70 | $138.40 |
| Skeadas (she/her), Theodora | $0.00 | $46,663.79 | $46,008.27 | $655.52 | 02/01/22 | 813 | $56.59 |
| Zondervan (he/him), Quinton | $256.49 | $70,872.25 | $70,347.73 | $781.01 | 02/01/22 | 1295 | $54.32 |
| Williams (she/her), Nicola A. | $262.21 | $61,089.46 | $60,934.55 | $417.12 | 02/01/22 | 1159 | $52.58 |
| Hicks (she/her), Tonia | $0.00 | $19,079.01 | $17,277.12 | $1,801.89 | 02/01/22 | 363 | $47.60 |
| Toner (he/him), Paul | $156.57 | $75,858.01 | $74,637.07 | $1,377.51 | 02/01/22 | 1703 | $43.83 |
| McGovern (he/him), Marc | $11,356.02 | $67,758.37 | $65,477.31 | $13,637.08 | 02/02/22 | 1539 | $42.55 |
| McGuirk (he/him), Joe | $0.00 | $26,359.48 | $23,853.41 | $2,506.07 | 02/01/22 | 611 | $39.04 |
| Simmons (she/her), Denise | $8,662.33 | $66,729.02 | $60,207.29 | $15,184.06 | 02/01/22 | 1764 | $34.13 |
| Mallon (she/her), Alanna | $4,944.73 | $40,630.07 | $39,879.65 | $5,695.15 | 02/03/22 | 1220 | $32.69 |
| Bullister (she/her), Dana | $0.00 | $15,071.40 | $14,930.41 | $140.99 | 02/04/22 | 520 | $28.71 |
| Azeem (he/him), Burhan | $53.68 | $38,646.06 | $38,307.13 | $392.61 | 02/03/22 | 1379 | $27.78 |
| Sobrinho-Wheeler (he/him), Jivan | $2,103.89 | $30,001.90 | $31,048.50 | $1,057.29 | 02/01/22 | 1225 | $25.35 |
| Carlone (he/him), Dennis | $7,231.04 | $40,784.41 | $35,958.09 | $12,057.36 | 02/01/22 | 1493 | $24.08 |
| Nolan (she/her), Patty | $6,855.33 | $36,922.69 | $30,637.02 | $13,141.00 | 02/01/22 | 1971 | $15.54 |
| Siddiqui (she/her), Sumbul | $15,318.99 | $40,290.95 | $35,863.41 | $19,746.53 | 02/01/22 | 4124 | $8.70 |
| Pierre (he/him), Frantz | $0.00 | $3,336.17 | $2,312.83 | $1,023.34 | 01/04/22 | 355 | $6.52 |
| Moree (he/him), Gregg | $0.00 | $100.00 | $100.00 | $0.00 | 02/01/22 | 80 | $1.25 |
| Levy (he/him), Ilan | $54.78 | $0.00 | $51.00 | $3.78 | 02/01/22 | 97 | $0.53 |
Cambridge School Committee - Campaign Finance 2020-2021
includes all 2020 and 2021 periodic reports - ranked by $ per #1 Vote
| School Committee Candidate | Start | Receipts | Expend | Balance | #1 Votes | $/Vote |
| Bhambi (she/her), Akriti | $0.00 | $70,912.00 | $65,475.58 | $5,436.42 | 3017 | $21.70 |
| Weinstein (he/him), David | $4,090.77 | $27,088.61 | $23,337.66 | $7,841.72 | 1617 | $14.43 |
| Weinstein (she/her), Rachel | $5,791.68 | $25,673.00 | $25,321.79 | $6,142.89 | 2950 | $8.58 |
| Hunter (she/her), Caroline | $0.00 | $14,040.05 | $10,023.12 | $4,016.93 | 1456 | $6.88 |
| Wilson (she/her), Ayesha | $2,089.36 | $18,024.49 | $15,311.36 | $4,802.49 | 4184 | $3.66 |
| Fantini (he/him), Fred | $5,041.23 | $8,586.00 | $8,186.67 | $5,440.56 | 3070 | $2.67 |
| Johnson (she/her), Daria | $0.00 | $5,230.00 | $1,975.50 | $3,254.50 | 1026 | $1.93 |
| Lim (he/him), Christopher | $252.02 | $3,494.00 | $2,014.00 | $1,732.02 | 1093 | $1.84 |
| Rojas Villarreal (he/him), Jose Luis | $516.81 | $3,250.00 | $1,457.11 | $2,309.70 | 1569 | $0.93 |
Plan E Cambridge City Councils - At A Glance (Mayor in bold) — Comments?
Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance — Comments?
In case you were wondering about how to make Cambridge's PR elections independent of how the ballots are counted…
Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)
City Council subcommittees for 2022-2023
| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (he/him) (Co-Chair), Zondervan (he/him) (Co-Chair), Azeem (he/him), Carlone (he/him), Mallon (she/her), Nolan (she/her), Siddiqui (she/her), Simmons (she/her), Toner (he/him) (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 5) |
| Finance | Carlone (he/him) (Co-Chair), Nolan (she/her) (Co-Chair), Azeem (he/him), Mallon (she/her), McGovern (he/him), Siddiqui (she/her), Simmons (she/her), Toner (he/him), Zondervan (he/him) (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 5) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Mallon (she/her) (Chair), Carlone (he/him), Nolan (she/her), Simmons (she/her), Toner (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Housing | Simmons (she/her) (Chair), Azeem (he/him), Carlone (he/him), Mallon (she/her), McGovern (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Toner (he/him) (Chair), Azeem (he/him), Mallon (she/her), Nolan (she/her), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Human Services & Veterans | McGovern (he/him) (Chair), Azeem (he/him), Mallon (she/her), Toner (he/him), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (she/her) (Chair), Azeem (he/him), Carlone (he/him), McGovern (he/him), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations | Carlone (he/him) (Chair), Mallon (she/her), McGovern (he/him), Nolan (she/her), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Azeem (he/him) (Chair), McGovern (he/him), Nolan (she/her), Toner (he/him), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (she/her) (Chair), Carlone (he/him), Mallon (she/her), Toner (he/him), Zondervan (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Public Safety | Zondervan (he/him) (Chair), Azeem (he/him), McGovern (he/him), Nolan (she/her), Toner (he/him) (5 members, quorum 3) |
The Mayor shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees of the City Council.
Awaiting Report
Dec 25, 2021 (updated Mar 26, 2022) – At the end of every City Council term there is inevitably a long list of items under “Awaiting Report” that consists of requests by the City Council to the City Manager for either information or for some form of action on a policy preference expressed in the form of a City Council Order. The standard procedure is that these expire at the end of the term unless one of the councillors specifically asks the City Clerk to carry it over to the next term. At the end of the 2020-2021 term there was a total of 73 items - 1 from 2016, 4 from 2018, 9 from 2019, 10 from 2020, and 49 from 2021. This lack of response is not something for which City Manager Louis DePasquale (he/him) should feel any great pride, especially in regard to those aged requests that have been mouldering for years and which could have been dispensed with a simple “not at this time” even if that might irritate some councillors.
What needs to be pointed out, however, is that failure to report in a timely way has also become standard practice among some city councillors - specifically committee Chairs who have held committee meetings and never bothered to submit a report to the City Council. As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn't bad enough, these councillors 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. Besides, there is this rather explicit Rule of the City Council:
Rule 29. Minutes shall be kept of all committee proceedings. All minutes, reports, and papers shall be submitted to the City Council by the City Clerk or his or her designee. Recommendations of each committee shall be made to the City Council for consideration and adoption.
Here is an account of some of the committee meetings for which no minutes have been produced (or which never were communicated to the full City Council). There is a total of 55 meetings for which minutes have not been reported to the full City Council - 15 from the previous Council and 40 from the current Council. Lack of a report is entirely expected for meetings held very recently, but there is really no excuse for the many missing reports of earlier meetings. I don't know whether the City Clerk or the Chairs of the respective committees (or their well-paid aides) should bear the responsibility for this neglect, but I'm not aware of any committee that failed to report any meeting prior to 2018. - RW
2018-2019 City Council Committees - Awaiting Report
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2020-2021 City Council Committees - Awaiting Report
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Federico Muchnik (he/him) also produced a memorable video about the demise of The Tasty in Harvard Square |
Is anyone listening? Does anyone really care?
Sept 19, 2021 - The following message was sent on September 7 (12 days ago) to the Community Development Department. There has been no acknowledgement of receipt of the message by anyone at CDD. It is interesting that the City provides no mechanism for members of the public to contact the respective Chairs of these citizen boards, so unless you know the members personally (and I do, but I am trying to do things properly here), all communications apparently have to be sent to City staff before anyone on the committee will see it. That should change. All City boards should have a simple mechanism via which members of the public can communicate without having to contact individual members. - RW
To: Transit Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Community Development Department
I would like to formally request that the Transit Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and any other relevant entity in the Community Development Department issue a policy statement that simply states that seating specifically designated for a bus stop be available for the use of bus passengers.
This may seem obvious enough, but there has been an ongoing problem in Central Square where the #1 Bus stops – primarily inbound, but also outbound – have been occupied all day by people who are not bus passengers, who spend the entire day there, and who often engage in intimidating behavior. There are plenty of alternatives in Central Square for people to congregate and sit. Bus stops have a designated use that other seating areas do not, and that designated use needs to be respected. At almost any hour of the day you will find people waiting for the #1 Bus at a distance from the bus stop because of the lack of access at the bus shelters.
Robert Winters
366 BroadwayPS - I was unable to find any email contact information for the respective Chairs of the Transit Advisory Committee and the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, so I would appreciate it if this request could also be forwarded to them for their consideration.
Message received on Sept 21 from Susanne Rasmussen (she/her), Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, CDD:
I have received your email requesting a policy statement stating that bus stop seating be designated for the use of bus passengers. Benches at bus stops are available to be used by both bus passengers and people in general – they are not designated for the sole use of transit riders. Multiple city agencies have programs and staffing in place to respond if there are concerns about behavior that affects the ability of people to use transit and public streets and plazas in general.
With respect to reaching members of the city’s transportation advisory committees, we don’t provide personal information for advisory committee members but City staff contacts for each committee are listed on our website. The relevant staff persons for the committees you asked about have relayed your communication.
And my response (Sept 21):
With all due respect, I consider this statement to be nonresponsive. I was asking that bus stop seating be given a special use designation. Law enforcement personnel are hesitant to do anything without such a designation, and I believe this to be an entirely reasonable request. I am also not aware of any regulation that would prevent such a designation.
Robert Winters
PS (Dec 23) - There has been no indication of any response or action by either the Transit Advisory Committee or the Pedestrian Committee on this matter. Indeed, there has been no indication that City staff ever forwarded my concerns to either of these committees. - RW
HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE
pictures added Mar 27, 2021 scanned from original magazine
[Collier’s Magazine, January 31, 1948]
Comments?
THE MUNICIPAL SITUATION IN CAMBRIDGE
A Paper read at the Annual Meeting of the National Municipal League at Chicago, April 28, 1904
by Henry N. Wheeler (he/him), President of the League
preceded by a Program of the Work of the League for 1904
[original PDF]
History - Kendall Square and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
MBTA Role in Cambridge Center Project – Kendall Station Urban Initiatives Project, 1979-1989 (Feb 13, 2014 by Thad Tercyak (he/him))
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project: Six Pivotal Episodes (June 8, 2013 by Thad Tercyak (he/him))
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project, Initial Years, 1963 to 1982 (July 12, 2012 by Thad Tercyak (he/him))
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Area – Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (Apr 5, 2012)
Open for Comments - CCJ Forum
Out Like a Lion – March 28, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted Mar 25, 2022)
Springing into Inaction – March 21, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted Mar 21, 2022, updated Mar 23)
In Like a Lemming, Out Like a Loon – March 7, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted Mar 5, 2022, updated Mar 9)
Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (updated Mar 1, 2022)
Cambridge’s Bike Lane Mandate Hurts Us All – by John Pitkin (he/him) (posted Mar 1, 2022)
Neighborhood Consternation Districts – February 28, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted Feb 28, 2022)
Don’t Worry About The Government – Selections from the February 7, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda (posted Feb 4, 2022, updated w/final actions)
City Council Campaign Receipts, Bank Reports, $/Vote – 2021 (origianlly posted Dec 28, 2020, updated frequently, essentially complete)
Shoveling Snow Against The Tide – January 31, 2022 Cambridge City Council Meeting (posted Jan 31, 2022)
Tee Time for Toddlers – January 24, 2022 Cambridge City Council meeting (posted Jan 23, 2022, updated with final actions)
Plan E Cambridge School Committees (and Mayors) At A Glance (posted Jan 21, 2022)
Plan E Cambridge City Councils At A Glance (posted Jan 21, 2022)
Cambridge City Auditor Jim Monagle (he/him) to retire May 31, 2022 (posted Jan 18, 2022)
Christine Elow (she/her) Named Permanent Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department (posted Jan 17, 2022)
Election Method Comparison – STV/Cincinnati vs. Fractional Transfer – 2021 Cambridge City Council Election (posted Jan 15, 2022)
Toscanini’s has now officially reopened in Central Square (posted Jan 6, 2022)
Final 2021 Cambridge Election Results (posted Nov 13, 2021 and updated as the spirit moves)
Vote NO on all three Ballot Questions (posted Oct 26, 2021)
Cambridge City Council and School Committee Candidates – 2021 [FINAL] (posted July 1, 2021 - Aug 2, 2021)
City of Cambridge Releases Comprehensive Digital Equity Study (posted Apr 20, 2021)
HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE – Collier’s Magazine, Jan 31, 1948 (posted Sept 24, 2020, updated Mar 27, 2021)
A few observations on density (posted Feb 16, 2021)
Cambridge Growth Policy – Toward a Sustainable Future (posted Oct 31, 2018)
The Advent of PR in Cambridge (Nov 10, 2013)
Completing the Square (June 11, 2013)
On becoming a True Cantabrigian (Dec 29, 2012 by Glenn Koocher (he/him))
April Fools Day - 2017 (and here) April Fool's Day - 2016 (and here)
April Fool's Day - 2015 (and here) April Fool's Day - 2013 (and here)
The Advent of PR in Cambridge
originally published in the Cambridge Civic Journal on Feb 12, 1998
Central Square Advisory Committee 2011/2012 Recommendations (Nov 28, 2012) |
The Neverending Study of Central Square
Aug 11, 2012 - While preparing to write a series of essays on Central Square, I put together the following list of Central Square studies culled from a variety of sources. I have originals for most of these. If you know of any others, please let me know. - Robert Winters
Feb 1980 - CDD report entitled "Central Square - Commercial Area Revitalization District
June 1980 - CDD booklet entitled "Facade Improvements" with focus on Central Square
Apr 1983 - "Central Square Report" produced by City Council's Central Square Subcommittee (study began in 1980 or 1981)
1987 - A report produced in 1987 about a Subcommittee that allegedly built on the 1983 report (may be same as Central Square Action Plan)
Nov 1987 - Central Square Action Plan
1989 - Draft Central Square Development Guidelines
May 1993 - Results of the "Mayor's Forum on Central Square"
Oct 1993 - Report by the Committee to Promote and Enhance Central Square Now!
Aug 1994 - A Study of the Visual Images and Signage of Central Square (CDD)
May 1995 - Central Square Improvements Project, Master Plan Report
May 1995 - An Urban Design Plan for Central Square (executive summary)
May 2001 - Summary Notes from "A Conversation about Central Square"
Feb 2000 - The Gibbs Report, Central Square Commercial Market Study
Oct 2004 - Central Square, Cambridge - Rising Fortunes at a Regional Crossroads (Rekha Murthy (she/her))
Dec 2004 - Reviving a Traditional City - Central Square, Cambridge, gets a facelift (Rekha Murthy (she/her))
June 2005 - Street Media: Ambient Messages in an Urban Space - a photographic analysis of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Rekha Murthy (she/her))
2009 - CDD Central Square Customer Intercept Survey Report
2011 - Central Square Market Profile
2011 - Red Ribbon Commission Study Report
2012 - Goody/Clancy report and recommendations
2013 - K2C2 Final Reports (Dec 30, 2013)
The final reports for Kendall Square and Central Square are now available for download. Zoning discussions based on the recommendations of the K2 and C2 Advisory Committees, which are encapsulated in these reports, will continue in 2014.
Kendall Square Central Square Planning Study (K2C2)
Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)
Central Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)
Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 1, December 2013 (K2C2)
Kendall Square Final Report 2013 Part 2, December 2013 (K2C2)
This comprehensive planning effort guided by stakeholder advisory committees, City staff, and a team of multidisciplinary consultants led by Goody Clancy, developed a vision and master plan for Central Square, Kendall Square, and the area South of Main Street (including the Osborn Triangle) connecting the two squares. Both final reports are divided into two parts; in each case you will need to review both parts to read the entire report.
FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School Committee
City Council Rules 2018-2019 (adopted January 29, 2018; provisionally adopted for 2020-2021 term on Jan 6, 2020)
City Council Rules 2014-2015 (adopted January 7, 2014, amended Feb 10, 2014 to reflect revised Council committees)
City Council Goals - FY2018 (current, adopted Oct 16, 2017)
City Council Goals - FY2012-2013 (adopted Dec 13, 2011)
City Council Committees (for the current term)
School Committee Rules (Adopted January 1, 2018; Revised June 19, 2018)
School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008) School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008)
Selected City of Cambridge References:
Plan E Charter (Cambridge's city charter)
Acts of 1921, Chapter 239 as amended (establishment of Cambridge Election Commission)
Mass. General Laws Chapter 54A (governing Cambridge's PR elections)
Pen Portraits of Prominent People - by Henry J. Mahoney (he/him) Editor, Cambridge Sentinel - 1923
This book was published c. 1923 and features very witty one-page “pen portraits” (with photo) of prominent Cantabrigians of the day. I'll be adding names alphabetically as time permits. There are 182 portraits in the book.
It comes to mind that there may be some value in expanding these profiles to other prominent Cantabrigians who arrived on the scene after 1923, including prominent Cantabrigians of today. With this in mind, I extend the invitation to any and all who may wish to contribute their own “pen portraits” of Cambridge people. Contributions do not necessarily have to be in the style of Mr. Mahoney (he/him). Inclusion is, as always, subject to the erratic discretion of the editor.
Special thanks to Karen Welch (she/her) for sending me the book. - RW
Political History of Cambridge in the 20th Century - by Glenn Koocher (he/him) (Nov 2004); edited by Robert Winters (July 2006)
[An alternate edit of this essay appeared, along with many other valuable essays, in a
centennial volume to be published by the Cambridge Historical Society in 2007.]
Which People's Republic - by Bill Cunningham (he/him) (1999)
Cambridge School Volunteers is looking for people who can give one to two hours per week to help students in the Cambridge Public Schools, grades K through 12. No experience necessary. Call 617-349-6794 or e-mail csv@cpsd.us for more details. |
 Robert Winters, Editor Cambridge Civic Journal (about me - updated!!) |
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 The Cambridge Civic Journal is an independent newsletter of civic affairs in the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is published as a public service by Central Square Publications. All items are written by Robert Winters unless otherwise noted. [Of course, I do sometimes forget.] |
Thoughts for these times: “This is our fucking city, and nobody is gonna dictate our freedom. Stay strong.” -- David Ortiz (he/him) |
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“The Number One thing I would emphasize is that journalists and bloggers would do well to see themselves as partners in the provision of information and that each can benefit greatly from the other. I’ve never seen this as a competition. It is especially true these days that local papers and young journalists are not very well-versed in the communities they serve. Much of the institutional memory has either died out or been bought out.” – Robert Winters, mathematician and creator of the Cambridge Civic Journal, an online publication about Cambridge, MA (rwinters.com)
