Cambridge InsideOut - July 12, 2016

Cambridge Water:

Story of Cambridge Water - written by John F. Davis, President Cambridge Water Board, December 1965

May 2016 Water Department Facebook video (produced by Seth Myer, Rock Lewis, and Sean Effel)

2015 Cambridge Drinking Water Report

Where does our drinking water come from? (Water Department page)

Watershed maps (Water Department page)

Watershed Points of Interest Interactive Map (Water Department page)

Other Topics:

1) Envision Cambridge updates - next meetings June 29, Sept 28, Nov 16.
Also, Panel Discussion: Changes & Opportunities facing Cambridge on Thurs, June 30, 6:00-8:00pm, Cambridge Public Library, Main Branch, 449 Broadway.

2) Updates on search process for the next City Manager - Focus Groups met with GovHR USA during June 9-June 16. Government Operations Committee met on Wed, June 29.
Apply for Cambridge City Manager Brochure for Cambridge City Manager position

3) Outdoor Lighting Ordinance

Manager's Agenda #5 (June 20). A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to recommendations from the Outdoor Lighting Task Force that address the potential detrimental impact of outdoor lighting and propose solutions that diminish existing problems and address problems that may be created by new development. [Report][Proposed Ordinance (HTML)]

The Task Force was appointed Dec 2, 2013 and was originally expected to complete its report and draft Ordinance by Spring 2014. It clearly took a lot longer than that with many different iterations of the proposed Ordinance. It's worth noting that the Ordinance will apply not only to new construction but to all properties in Cambridge with several years to bring all properties into compliance with the Ordinance.

4) Updates on State Rep. and State Senate races, including Wed, June 8 Candidate Forum with Pat Jehlen and Leland Cheung (Second Middlesex)

Sen. Pat Jehlen vs. Councillor Leland Cheung (Second Middlesex - Senate)

Sen. Sal DiDomenico (Middlesex and Suffolk - Senate)

Sen. Joseph A. Boncore (First Suffolk and Middlesex - Senate)

Rep. Timothy Toomey vs. Mike Connolly (26th Middlesex - House)

Rep. Marjorie Decker vs. Leslie R. Phillips (25th Middlesex - House)

Rep. Jay Livingstone vs. Keith R. Anderson (8th Suffolk - House)

Rep. Jonathan Hecht (29th Middlesex - House)

Rep. David Rogers (24th Middlesex - House)

Note: There are no Republican, no Green-Rainbow, and no United Independent Party challengers for any of these seats.

Where Do I Vote?

5) Death of cyclist Amanda Phillips in Inman Square area and presentation of possible reconfigurations for Inman Square roadways

6) Local minimum wage?

Order #1 (June 13). That the Mayor convene a Task Force charged with establishing recommendations for the City Council on what the ideal minimum wage in Cambridge should be, and how to best implement this increase without creating unintended consequences in Cambridge or elsewhere. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Toomey

I suppose one could argue that the Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage has already been working on this, but what's wrong with a little redundancy? In any case, it has already been established that the City Council does not have the authority to impose a citywide minimum wage. That could change if the state legislature chose to grant such authority, but there are plenty of good reasons why it would be better to maintain a uniform statewide minimum wage in addition to the federal minimum wage.

A more general discussion may be in order on just what things are appropriate for local control and which things are best left to the state legislature.

7) State Senate voted in favor of S.2311 (now S.2327) on Thursday, June 9th to modernize the Commonwealth's zoning legislation. Now before the House

Increase multi-family zoning in communities across the state, leading to more of the homes we need.
Encourage the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) so that property owners can create housing for relatives or generate the rental income needed to help stay in their homes.
Special permits, which are a common approval process, would no longer require a supermajority vote.
Reforming the appeals process will reduce frivolous lawsuits and lengthy court battles over development, saving time and money for local government, taxpayers, and developers.
And more! Click here for more comprehensive information on what is included in this bill.

Order #13. That the City Council go on record in support of S.2327, an act promoting housing and sustainable development. Councillor Toomey

It will be interesting to see how much of this bill survives after all of the suburban legislators hack out all the really important provisions that might require their respective communities to share in the burden of providing affordable housing.

8) Free Food! - or political organizing

Order #12 (June 20). The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. Councillor Mazen

Who pays for all the free food?

CIVIC CALENDAR

Mon, July 11

5:00pm License Commission meeting (Michael J. Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room)

Among other things, the full agenda includes the following items worthy of special mention:

The following are matters which the Chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed, and for which public testimony will be taken, as of 5:00pm.

2. Application Alive & Kickin Lobsters, LLC, has applied for a Common Victualler license at 273 Putnam Avenue with a seating capacity of 36 patio seats on private property with proposed hours of 11:00am. to 6:00pm. Monday through Saturday and 11:00am to 4:00pm on Sunday, Louis Mastrangelo as proposed manager of record. Premise is described as retail fish market with kitchen. Outside seating at picnic tables on private property.
4. Application Transfer the Common Victualler Wine & Malt License held by Central Diner, Inc. d/b/a 4Burgers, at 704 Massachusetts Avenue to Hot Pot Boston One, LLC d/b/a Happy Lamb Hot Pot, at 485 Massachusetts Avenue, Michael Luk, proposed manager of record. The premise is described as: Five story building, the first floor being licensed. The main dining room and kitchen are both on the first floor with one entrance and two exits (2975 SF); Basement for storage (340 SF). Total square feet= 3315.
9. Application Transfer of the Common Victualler Wine & Malt License held by New Salts, Inc. d/b/a Salts, at 798 Main Street to Shalimar, Inc. d/b/a Dosa Factory, at 571 Massachusetts Avenue, Pavandeep Pabla, proposed manager of record. The proposed hours are 10:00a.m. to 11:00p.m. seven days per week with a seating capacity of 33 inside and 24 patio seats on the public sidewalk with no alcohol service. The premise is described as: First floor 571-573 Massachusetts Avenue. 2 exits and 2 entrances. Total square feet = 2400. Applications have also been made to Pledge Said License, Change of Address, and Amendment to Premise Description.
13. Application CoffeeShop, LLC d/b/a Upper West, has filed an application for a new All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License to be exercised at 1 Cedar Street, Basement Level, with proposed hours of 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. seven days per week with a seating capacity of 36 and total occupancy of 50. Kimberly Courtney, proposed Manager of record. The premises is described as: basement level with two rooms, including kitchen, 2 egresses, approximately 1,140 sq. ft. Application has also been made for an Entertainment License for: Darts; Reading of poetry or other works; live musical instruments and/or live vocals without amplification; radio; audio tape machine/CD/computerized digital media that can be played below conversation level; and 2 TV’s.
17. Cancellation Hearing Tommy Doyle’s Pub and Restaurant, LLC, holder of an Inactive Common Victualler All Alcohol License at 96 Winthrop Street for non-use of license pursuant to G.L. c.138 §77.

The following are the matters which the Chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed without public testimony.

1. Matter deferred from June 28, 2016: CoffeeShop, LLC d/b/a UpperWest's application for a new General on Premise All Alcoholic Beverages License, Common Victualler License and Entertainment License to be exercised at 1 Cedar Street, B.

5:30pm The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue the discussion regarding the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study and the Affordable Housing Trust’s recommendations to the City Council. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, July 12

5:30pm Envision Cambridge Engagement and Communications Working Group (City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 4th Floor Conference Room)

7:00pm Planning Board meeting (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

2. Adoption of Planning Board Transcripts

3. Inclusionary Housing Report Discussion

Public Hearing

8:00pm PB#312, 1001 Massachusetts Avenue, Special Permit to operate a below grade medical marijuana dispensary as they are authorized pursuant to state regulations set forth at 105 CMR 725.000, Implantation of an Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of Marijuana. Sage Cannabis, Inc., is the applicant.

General Business

4. BZA 009894-2016 – One Kendall Square, sign variance to replace existing non-illuminated projecting sign exceeding the height and area allowed with an internally illuminated sign.

5. 130 CambridgePark Drive, sign variance to install an internally illuminated projecting sign that exceeds the total area allowed and the height limit for an address sign.

6. BZA 010524-2016 - 95 Fawcett Street, BZA variance for required setback for a 5 story residential building.

Wed, July 13

5:00pm Cambridge Election Commission meeting (Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave.)

I. MINUTES

II. REPORTS

1. Executive Director's Report

2. Assistant Director's Report

3. Commissioners' Reports

III. PUBLIC COMMENT

IV. ACTION AGENDA

Old Business

1. Election Commission Policies

New Business

1. State Primary, September 8, 2016

5:30-7:30pm Cambridge Bicycle Committee Meeting (4th Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Tues, July 19

3:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee and Housing Committee will conduct a joint hearing to discuss the operation and prevalence of short-term rental units (Airbnb, Flipkey, VRBO, etc.) in Cambridge, and to hear suggestions from community members and operators on how best to address the challenges of this emerging market. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee, the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and the Public Safety Committee will conduct a joint public hearing to discuss safety issues as it relates to cyclist and pedestrians in Inman Square. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:00pm-8:00pm Open House - Community discussion on Infill Development Concept Plans - Kendall Sq. Urban Renewal Area (Marriott Hotel, 50 Broadway)

7:00pm Planning Board meeting (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Wed, July 20

5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, 125 Sixth St., First Floor Community Room)

[Meeting Agenda and supporting materials]

Thurs, July 21

6:30-8:30pm Alewife Visioning Workshop (Tobin School, Cafeteria, 197 Vassal Lane)

6:30-8:30pm Public Presentation - Redeveloping the Foundry Building (City Hall, Sullivan Chamber)

Over the last year, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) has been administering a process to find a qualified redeveloper and program operator to deliver the vision for the Foundry's redevelopment. In response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) to the five shortlisted Responders, the CRA received one complete response, which was from CIC / Graffito with Hacin + Associates. The Foundry presentation will be aired live on 22-Cityview; can be found on the City of Cambridge homepage at http://www.cambridgema.gov/citywebcast; and will also be available in the City's Open Meeting Portal. For more information on the Foundry, please click here.

Tues, July 26

7:00pm Planning Board meeting (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Wed, July 27

5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission meeting (51 Inman St., 1st Floor Meeting Room)

Wed, July 28

5:30-7:30pm Cambridge Pedestrian Committee Meeting (4th Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Aug 1

5:30pm Special Midsummer City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)