Cambridge InsideOut - June 7, 2016

Luis Vasquez is the guest for the 6:00pm program

Topics du jour:

1) Thurs, June 9 - 4:00pm   Grand Opening of the first phase (Main Street to Broadway along Galileo Galilei Way) of the Grand Junction Pathway  (Corner of Main St. & Galileo Galilei Way)

2) Dance for World Community, June 5-June 11 by Jose Mateo Ballet Theatre - Festival on Sat, June 11, Noon-6:00pm on Mass. Ave. and on Harvard St. by JMBT

3) Sun, June 12, 12:00pm-5:00pm - 37th Annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival (by John W. Weeks Foot Bridge on the Charles River between JFK Avenue and Western Avenue)

4) Monday, June 13 (8:00am-11:00am) MAPC conference at MIT on topic of Driverless Cars

5) Discussion of the Cambridge River Festival (Sat, June 4 along Cambridge Parkway and Lechmere Canal) - stories and photos

6) Envision Cambridge updates - next meetings June 29, Sept 28, Nov 16

7) Luis Vasquez interviews - Cambridge Chronicle [Interview with Acting Police Commissioner Chris Burke]

8) City Council goal-setting meeting scheduled for June 8 - Open Meeting Law complaint to be filed by Ilan Levy

9) City Council vote to change name of "Columbus Day" to "Indigenous Peoples' Day"

10) Continued controversy over proposal that originally called for giving preference to "certified artists" in Inclusionary Zoning housing units - amended to remove specific reference to "artists", Charter Right - Simmons, now referred to joint meeting of Housing Committee (McGovern, Simmons) and NLTP Committee (Mazen)

11) Updates on search process for the next City Manager - Focus Groups to meet with GovHR USA during Thurs, June 9 - Thurs, June 16 - 96 identified "key constituency groups" and 28 Focus Groups

12) State Senate will vote on SB 2311 this Thursday, June 9th to modernize the Commonwealth's zoning legislation

• 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.

13) Voter turnout for Apr 12 (13%) and May 10 (1.25%) Special Elections for Petruccelli State Senate seat (won by Joseph A. Boncore)

14) 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?

15) Presidential primaries - the latest updates

MIT plan for Kendall Square transformation approved (Natalie Handy, Cambridge Chronicle, May 18, 2016)

Envision Cambridge feedback reflects need for housing solution (Cambridge Chronicle, May 18, 2016)

Pictures from Opening of Waverly Path and "Quake" sculpture by Dewitt Godfrey - May 7, 2016

Quake sculpture by Dewitt Godfrey
City Manager Richard Rossi	Rep. Jay Livingstone	Vice Mayor Marc McGovern

Pictures from MIT Moving Day - May 7, 2016

Crossing the Charles

Suffragist Katharine Dexter McCormick (who is a dead ringer for our friend Martha Eddison) and MIT President Rafael Reif

MIT President Rafael Reif

MIT President Rafael Reif

Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons

Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons

MIT Killian Court

MIT Killian Court

MIT Killian Court

Paul Samuelson and Norbert Weiner in MIT Killian Court

MIT Killian Court

CIVIC CALENDAR

Mon, June 6

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 7

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

Public Hearing

7:00pm   Major Amendment to Special Permit PB#179 by DW NP Property, LLC, to amend the existing special permit for the area known as North Point in the North Point District generally located at East Street and NorthPoint Boulevard and also on First Street. The major amendments requested are to re-parcel and realign the streets and open spaces resulting in shifts of the locations of uses as shown on Exhibit A: Review Master Plan and Appendix I in Section 3.0. No changes to Total Gross Floor Area, Minimum Residential GFA, Maximum Commercial GFA, Maximum Retail GFA, Traffic Generation, Number of Parking Spaces, total open space area height zones or number of 220’ tall buildings are proposed in this major amendment. This will be the first of two public hearings required for the PUD.

9:00pm   PB#309, 95 Fawcett Street, Special Permit 95 Fawcett St, LLC, to demolish the existing building and construct a new 44 unit residential building with 44 parking spaces totaling approximately 52,852 squre feet of gross floor area pursuant to Section 20.90 Modifications in the Alewife Overlay Districts, 20.97.3 Waiver of Gross Floor Area Provisions for Parking Facilities, Section 20.73 Flood Plain, and 4.26.2, Multifamily Special Permit. A Board of Zoning Appeal dimensional variance will be required for front, side and rear yard setback relief.

General Business

3. Board of Zoning Appeal Cases

a. BZA 010198-2016 – 305 Webster Avenue, dimensional variance to construct a mixed use residential building with 35 dwelling units and 1,545 SF of ground floor retail that was approved by the Planning Board, PB#295.

Wed, June 8

8:00am   Recycling Advisory Committee  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

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

7:00-9:00pm   Second Middlesex Senate Candidate Forum  (Amphitheater at University Hall, Lesley University; 1815 Mass. Ave., Cambridge (2nd Floor))

There is a primary race in the Second Middlesex Senate District, which includes parts of Cambridge, Somerville, Medford & Winchester. The candidates for the Democratic nomination are the incumbent, Sen. Patricia Jehlen, and challenger, Cambridge City Councilor Leland Cheung. The state primary is Thurs, Sept 8. The Democratic Party City Committees of Cambridge and Somerville, along with the Porter Square Neighborhood Association, are hosting this candidate forum this. All are invited. Cambridge Civic Journal's Robert Winters will moderate the forum.

Thurs, June 9

4:00pm   Grand Opening of the first phase (Main Street to Broadway along Galileo Galilei Way) of the Grand Junction Pathway  (Corner of Main St. & Galileo Galilei Way)

Sun, June 12

12:00pm-5:00pm   37th Annual Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival  (by John W. Weeks Foot Bridge on the Charles River between JFK Avenue and Western Avenue)

Spectators will be able to watch brightly colored dragon boats, piloted by paddlers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, South Carolina and Toronto Canada, as they race down the Charles River from Western Avenue Bridge. This year’s festival will feature 64 teams competing in categories designated with special races and medals for the Colleges including Chinese University Alumni, Financial Institutions, Health Care, Women’s, Club, Community and Recreational, and Cancer Survivors Divisions. This year, out of State teams include those from Rhode Island, Texas, New York, and Ontario Canada. While races start in the morning, cultural programs will begin at 12 Noon. All programs are free and family friendly for visitors. For more information on Boston Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival, please visit: www.bostondragonboat.org

Mon, June 13

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 14

3:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 12.12 entitled “Street Excavations and Obstructions” by adding a new section 12.12.065 entitled ”Maintenance of Safe Passage – Proper Marking of Hazards and Trench Closure Required.”  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 15

3:00pm   The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to hear an update on the City’s climate planning and sustainability programs and to discuss events and community engagement efforts to help inform policies and goals as the City updates its Climate Change Plan and all other matters that may come before the committee related to the City’s climate change efforts.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:00pm   The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a hearing to consider claims filed against the City.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, June 20

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

CCPD seeks to build a membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the City, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works dynamically to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, and strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD members are expected to work with other members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.96). CCPD members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at ccpd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4692 (voice) or 617-492-0235 (TTY). Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, June 17, 2016 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a résumé if possible) to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Rep. Tim Toomey Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign

State Representative Tim Toomey announced today that he has officially qualified for the Democratic Primary ballot on Thursday, September 8th for re-election to the 26th Middlesex District seat representing parts of Somerville & Cambridge. Toomey submitted nearly three times the required 150 certified signatures.

Rep. Toomey is hosting a Campaign Kick Off meeting at Atwood’s Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge on Thursday, May 19th at 7 pm and has invited everyone interested in helping in the campaign to attend. Refreshments will be served.

“I’m grateful to all of the Somerville and Cambridge residents who have again placed their faith in me to serve as their State Representative,” said Toomey. “I’m very excited to be running this year and plan to continue to lead the way in our community for better public transit options, sustainable development, fair wages and equal pay for working families, and expanded affordable housing options.”

“I look forward to continuing my work at the State House because our neighborhoods deserve a progressive State Representative who also provides outstanding constituent services to the residents of Somerville and Cambridge,” said Toomey, a lifelong resident of the district.

During his time in office, Rep. Toomey has become a well-known progressive advocate and has consistently been a voice for progressive causes at the State House. In the past year, Toomey has been an outspoken leader for single payer health care, promoting solar energy and other renewable energy sources, instituting smart criminal justice reforms, and providing rental assistance programs to help struggling low income families and people with disabilities find long-term housing solutions. He has also worked to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and rape, and has been a leading voice behind efforts to expand access to drug treatment and rein in the opioid crisis.

“A lot of important work is still ahead of us,” said Toomey. “I will continue to fight for passing the Fair Share Tax Amendment, making insurance coverage mandatory for a wider variety of contraceptives, passing the Equal Pay Act, adding protections for gender identity in public accommodations and increasing funding for low income and affordable housing.”

For more information about Representative Toomey’s re-election campaign, residents are encouraged to visit www.timtoomey.org or contact Tim’s Campaign Manager, Jefferson Smith, at (978) 376-2143.

City Manager Seeks Members for a new Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

May 9, 2016 – Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on a Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The Commission will consist of 11 volunteer members to be appointed by the City Manager. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and must be residents of Cambridge. It is desirable for this Commission to be fully representative of the diverse Cambridge community.

Cambridge welcomes immigrants and wants to encourage their success and access to opportunity and advancement in this country. It will be a goal of this Commission to get the message of welcome out, through collaboration with organizations that already provide services and outreach to our immigrant community. The Commission will act as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues. Through collaboration with other Commissions and service providers, outreach efforts to different cultural and language communities, and identification of existing resources, both in Cambridge and regionally, the Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Commission can assist in finding ways that existing services can better meet the identified needs of our immigrant population.

Commissioners are expected to work with other members of the Commission and staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.123).

Resumes and letters of interest should be sent by June 10 via email to citymanager@cambridgema.gov or by mail to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov