Cambridge InsideOut - May 10, 2016

Topics du jour:
1) Green Line Extension and offer from Cambridge, Somerville, and MPO
2) Jane Jacobs Walk with Chales Sullivan and Susan Maycock
3) Moving Day highlights (MIT)
4) Speed limit discussion at City Council meeting
5) Lottery proposal for screening committee for City Manager search
6) CRLS student government to use PR and IRV for student government elections [Register Forum]
7) Outstanding City Employee Awards on Fri, May 6
8) Budget hearing highlights and preview
9) Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association meeting at 7:00pm at Central Square Library - Bob Flack and Mass&Main update; oral history of C-Port
10) Open Studios and Harvard Square MayFair this weekend
11) New York City passes bag ban with 5 cent bag fee
12) Presidential primary - the latest miserable updates

Tues, May 3, 4:30pm - Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue to discuss the development of the process for the selection of a new City Manager. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 5

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mayor’s Office      
Executive
City Council
City Clerk
Law
Finance Admin.
Budget
Personnel
Purchasing
Auditing
Treasury/Revenue
Information Technology      
Employee Benefits
General Services
Election Commission      
Reserve
Animal Commission
Fire Department
Police Department
Traffic, Parking & Transportation
Inspectional Services
License Commission
Weights & Measures
Electrical
Emergency Communications
* Date changes for individual departments may occur. The public is invited to attend and be heard.
These hearings will be cablecast live on Municipal Television.

Fri, May 6

9:30am   2016 Outstanding City Employee Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

Sat, May 7

10:30am-noon   A New Look at Old Cambridge - Jane Jacobs Walk  (Meet at large stone marker in Winthrop Park, JFK St. in Harvard Square)

This year’s walk, A New Look at Old Cambridge, celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jane Jacobs’s birth and, at the same time, explores Cambridge’s original settlement in 1630, the evolving moniker of “Old Cambridge,” and the changes that have taken place – and are still taking place – through the centuries. This walking conversation will begin by looking at traces of the initial village in what is now Harvard Square before venturing down Brattle Street to Longfellow Park, past the Marsh neighborhood, and then back on Mt. Auburn Street. During the eighteenth century, wealthy families built country homes along Brattle Street (later dubbed “Tory Row”), and by the mid-nineteenth century, the Irish arrived, filling and populating the former marsh. Thus, Cambridge became home to a diverse mixture of people in close proximity – with a working-class neighborhood adjacent to one of the richest, most cultured places in New England. After 1800 the new villages of Cambridgeport and East Cambridge distinguished themselves by referring to the original village as “Old Cambridge,” a term sometimes used more pejoratively than sentimentally that remained in use until the 1930s.

As always, we welcome the observations of all participants. Charles Sullivan, executive director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, will lead the walk. He and Susan Maycock, survey director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, are the authors of Building Old Cambridge: Architecture and Development, which will be available in October. More information and a plethora of images will be found in this thoroughly researched volume being published by MIT Press.

Lunch to follow at Grendel’s Den, whose entrance abuts Winthrop Park, where those who wish may continue conversation and purchase lunch. At 89 Winthrop Street, Grendel’s has been independently owned and run by the same family since 1961.

Sat, May 7, 2016   Moving Day at MIT

2:00-3:30pm   Crossing the Charles Parade and Competition with Grand Marshall Oliver Smoot. Gather at Mass. Ave. and Memorial Drive

8:30-9:30pm   Mind and Hand: A Pageant! -- Killian Court opens at 7:45pm

9:30pm-midnight   Let's Dance!

Tuesday, May 10 - Starting at 7:00pm there will be a meeting of the Cambridgeport Neighbors Association that will feature, among other things, an update by Bob Flack on the Mass & Main development (which is finally starting to perk back up again).

Mon, May 9

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 10

7:00am-8:00pm   Special Election - First Suffolk and Middlesex Senatorial District [Petruccelli Vacancy]

This primary election is relevant only to voters in the First Suffolk and Middlesex Senatorial District [Petruccelli] which includes Cambridge precincts 2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3.

6:00pm   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

7:00pm   Meeting of the Cambridgeport Neighbors Association at Central Square Library that will feature, among other things, an update by Bob Flack on the Mass & Main development (which is finally starting to perk back up again).

8:30pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. 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. Special State Election, May 10, 2016

New Business

---

Wed, May 11

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

3:00pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by the Richard Avenue Neighbors to amend Section 20.103.2 North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict and Section 20.110 Standards Applicable in the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west and to amend the City of Cambridge Zoning Map by redrawing the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict for the northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west. The proposed change would remove properties in the Business A-2 district north and west of Richard Avenue from the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict; however, those properties would remain within the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, May 12

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Public Works
Water
Community Development
Public Investment
Human Services
Cambridge Health Alliance     
Library
Cable TV
Conservation Commission
Historical Commission
Peace Commission
Police Review & Advisory Board     
Women’s Commission
Human Rights Commission     
Veterans Services
Public Celebrations
Assessing
MWRA
Cherry Sheet
Debt Service
Summaries Section
Revenue Section
* Date changes for individual departments may occur. The public is invited to attend and be heard.
These hearings will be cablecast live on Municipal Television.

5:30pm   The City Council's Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and the Civic Unity Committee will conduct a joint public hearing to discuss all issues related to non-citizen representation and outreach in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 16

4:00pm   2016 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting to receive an update on Envision Cambridge. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Roundtable/Working Meeting will be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 17

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 18

4:00pm   The City Council's Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the opioid crisis in Cambridge with representatives from the Human Services Department and the Cambridge Police Department, as well as local providers.  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:30pm   The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study and will focus on receiving feedback from the community.  (Citywide Senior Center)

Fri, May 20

10:30pm   The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to consider an extension to the current City Manager’s contract. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

 


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

City SealMay 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


May Programs at Fresh Pond Reservation

These events are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult.

WAKE UP AND WEED!
Dates: Thursdays 10am to noon
Place: Meets at the volunteer trailer in the front parking lot.
    Join our weed-warrior crew! We are Fresh Pond citizens dedicated to keeping invasive plants at bay for the benefit of wildlife, water and humans alike. No experience or long-term commitment necessary! All tools are provided; sturdy shoes, pants, long-sleeves and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Please contact Martine at 617-349-6489 or fpr@cambridgema.gov for any RSVPs or questions!
FRESH POND KIDS WALK
Dates: Fridays 9 to 10am
Place: Register for parking and meeting information
    Join us for casual nature explorations, designed for young kids and their parents/caretakers, and play in our urban wild! Please come dressed ready for the weather (and in clothes that are OK to get a bit dirty). Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.
COMMUNITY WEED-OUTS
Dates: Mondays, May 9th and 23rd from 6-7:30pm.
    Spring has sprung at Fresh Pond, and among other things this means…weeds! Invasive weeds, that is. Help us protect native plants on the Reservation by keeping these intruders, such as garlic mustard and Canada thistle, at bay at these evening weeding sessions. No experience necessary; all equipment provided!
BIRDING BY EAR
Date: Sunday, May 15, 7:30 to 9:30am
Place: Register for parking and meeting information
    Walk leader Herb Pearce will help us learn to identify and locate birds by their songs. The birds will be singing up a storm, courting or defending territories, while some will be hard at work building nests. We will use guides with pictures of the birds to help you get to know them. Birders of all experience levels are welcome. We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them. To register and for important meeting and parking information, email Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.
WALTER J. SULLIVAN WATER PURIFICATION FACILITY TOUR
Date: Monday, May 16th, 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Meeting Place: Front door, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
    Find out how water that falls as rain in the suburbs 10 miles west of Cambridge is transported to Fresh Pond, and then tested, treated, and delivered to the City’s residents and businesses! You’ll have the chance to speak with water treatment staff, see the equipment in action, and check out our water quality lab. Advance notice is appreciated if coming with a large group. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Martine at (617) 349-6489 or fpr@cambridgema.gov.
FROM BURIED VALLEYS TO SWAMP DEPOSITS: THE GEOLOGY OF FRESH POND
Date: Saturday, May 21st from 1:00 to 3:00pm
Meeting Place: Maynard Ecology Center, lower level of Neville Place, 650 Concord Ave.
    Mr. Higgins, a Professional Geologist and Steering Committee Member of the Massachusetts Geologic Society will be presenting an afternoon talk on the geology of Fresh Pond. Did you know that Fresh Pond rests on top of a buried bedrock valley? Or that deposits of clay were once mined in the area? Please join Mr. Higgins to learn firsthand about the geology of the Fresh Pond area. The goal of this presentation is to help people understand the geologic processes that formed the Fresh Pond landscape of today.
SPRING BIRD WALK
Date: Sunday, May 29, 8 to 10am
Place: Register for meeting location and parking information
    By the end of May our avian summer residents have returned. We may see tree swallows, catbirds, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, phoebes, vireos, warblers and orioles. At this time many will be nesting, so we may also hear baby birds, and see their parents bringing them food. Beginners are welcome. We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them. Led by Nancy Guppy. To register and for important meeting and parking information, email Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.

Unless otherwise specified, please contact Martine at 617-349-6489 or fpr@cambridgema.gov for any RSVPs or questions!

Would you like to join Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation? Membership in Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation costs only $10 per year ($5 for seniors and students, $15 for families). To join, fill out a membership form available in the Ranger Station information racks, e-mail friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com, call 617-349-6489, or visit our website at www.friendsoffreshpond.org to download a form.

Keep up to date on events at the Pond. Visit the Friends group website at http://friendsoffreshpond.org to learn more about Friends group activities and the reservation and its inhabitants. Upcoming Programs

The Fresh Pond Reservation Stewardship Program
Fresh Pond Reservation users are getting involved! The Cambridge Water Department's Fresh Pond Reservation Stewardship Program brings people together on a regular basis to monitor plants, conduct maintenance activities, and to learn about the ecology and history of the area. You can find out about projects that are being planned for this summer, including invasive plants removal, Purple Loosestrife nursery monitoring, bird box monitoring, and more. Call Kirsten Kindquist at 617-349 6489 or email klindquist@cambridgema.gov for more information.

Read the Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation Annual "Year in Review (2013)"

Read the Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation Annual "Year in Review (2014)"

Grow Native Massachusetts is offering a series of free nature-related "Evenings with Experts" lectures at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway. Details are at www.grownativemass.org and grownativemass.org/programs/eveningswithexperts in particular. First Wednesdays of the Month, 7:00-8:30pm.

• Sign up for the City of Cambridge's informative "Recycling and Composting Newsletter" by e-mailing recycle@cambridgema.gov.


2016 Outstanding City Employee Award Recipients

April 22 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Outstanding City Employee Award.

City SealAlessandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council, City Council Office

Kia Benjamin, Executive Assistant to the Police Commissioner, Police Department

Stacey Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Director, Finance Department

Brian Corr, Executive Director/Peace Commission & Executive Secretary/Police Review & Advisory Bd.

Lei-Anne Ellis, Division Head/Childcare Family Services, Department of Human Service Programs

Joshua Foley, Senior Job Developer, Department of Human Service Programs

Gary Littles, Laborer/Streets Cleaning Division, Department of Public Works

Timothy MacDonald, Director of Water Operations, Water Department

Linda Prosnitz, Project Planning/Housing Division, Community Development Department

Gerald Reardon, Fire Chief, Fire Department

Brendon Roy, Assistant Project Manager/Capital Construction Projects, Executive Office

Nancy Schlacter, Executive Director, Human Rights Commission

Jeremy Warnick, Director of Communications & Media, Police Department

Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department

Jason Yee, Associate Librarian, Library

The City Manager will also present an Award in honor and memory of Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy to a person who is committed to making government improve the lives of other.

The recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall, for their superior performance, positive attitude, hard work and dedication to public service.  All are welcome to attend.


At the Signpost Up Ahead - the May 9, 2016 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here are some of the items that drew my attention this week:

Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Conservation Commission for a term to expire November : Dorothy Altman, Edward Pickering, Purvi Patel

Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board effective May 9, 2016: Janice Snow (3-year term), Jim Barton (3-year term), Janet Burns (2-year term), Deborah Masterson (3-year term), Ann Roosevelt (3-year term), Claudia Thompson (2-year term), Susan Agger (2-year term)

I continue to celebrate all of the great people who agree to volunteer for Cambridge boards and commissions. Not only is it a great opportunity to offer your own insights and talents in the service of your community, it's also a great education that costs nothing but the time you put into the endeavor.

Manager's Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Police Superintendent Christopher J. Burke as Acting Police Commissioner, effective May 8, 2016.

When I heard about this at last Thursday's Budget Hearings, I couldn't help but think of things said by outgoing Police Commissioner Robert Haas and former Commissioner Ronnie Watson regarding the "bench strength" we have developed in the Police Department and other City departments. We often have multiple great people who can step up into a leadership role either temporarily or permanently. Congratulations to Commissioner Burke, and grateful thanks to Commisioner Robert Haas for his years of service!

Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-39, regarding the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project.

Much could be said about the latest developments in the status of the proposed Green Line Extension and the unprecedented offers of financial assistance from Cambridge, Somerville, and other parties to improve the chances of it becoming a reality. It's definitely worth reading the multiple communications from City Manager Rossi (and Somerville Mayor Curtatone) on this topic. Even if the project is scaled back and is somewhat less spectacular than originally proposed, this is something that really needs to more forward in some form and I hope the contributions from Cambridge and Somerville help to influence the decision to carry on.

Resolution #4. That the City Council go on record congratulating the 2015-2016 Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys’ Basketball players, coaches, and support staff for their well-earned championship and recognizing them for their dedication and hard work.   Vice Mayor McGovern

I'm crossing my fingers hoping that our heroic Cambridge Falcons will be there for the reading of this resolution!

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with all relevant City staff and departments to examine the feasibility of posting advisory signage to broadly encourage a motor vehicle speed limit of 20 to 25 miles per hour on City streets.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern

Speed Limit UnknownI have been thinking a lot lately about how often the wrong questions and wrong solutions are offered in a variety of settings. This is one of them. As stated in this Order, there is plenty of evidence available showing how rapidly the risk of fatalities and severe injuries increases with motor vehicle speed. However, there are also compelling arguments that can be made in support of common standards across the borders of cities and towns. The issue really isn't what speed limit Cambridge or some other town should have the right to impose. The real issue is what the common standards should be for different kinds of roads and situations.

For example, on the many local one-way streets in Cambridge where there is one relatively narrow lane with cars parked on either side, the speed limit should be no more than 25mph because there is simply no time to otherwise react if someone were to dart out from between parked cars. Also, on these and other streets, no motor vehicle should ever pass a cyclist or pedestrian without at least 3 or 4 feet of clearance - and never at a great differential in speed. These are the kinds of laws that should be adjusted, and they should be adjusted statewide rather than by individual municipality. This is not just about whether or not a town is "thickly settled" and thereby subject to a 30mph speed limit (which is often not enforced other than to raise revenue). Standards for speed limits, sight lines, lane width, and more should be based on actual safety rather than political discretion. The proposal contained in this Order and in a concurrent effort in Boston should be addressed more comprehensively by the state legislature. Even the name "thickly settled" speaks to the archaic nature of how speed limits and safety standards are established and enforced.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public hearing held on May 3, 2016.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Jan Devereux, suggesting a random drawing of four City Councillors to serve on the Preliminary Screening Committee on the city manager's selection process.

The process continues. I'm perplexed at the addition of an "interfaith community representative" to the proposed Preliminary-Screening Committee. Unless the next City Manager will be delivering sermons, I see absolutely no reason to rub out the line between church and state here. Regarding Councillor Devereux's proposed random selection of City Council representatives in the screening process, I will say only that there are reasons why a majority of councillors choose a Mayor and how that Mayor chooses people to chair important City Council committees like the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee. There is still a place for good judgment here that is best not replaced by the successive flipping of coins or drawing of names from a hat. - Robert Winters

Comments?

8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-39, regarding the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project.

May 9, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Number 16-39 (Policy Order 7 from the 4/25/16 City Council Meeting), I report the following:

Over the past several months since the cost overruns and delays on the Green Line Extension (GLX) were announced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), I have been involved in ongoing discussions with Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack, regarding the current gap in GLX project funding and the state’s extraordinary request for direct financial contributions from the City of Cambridge and the North Point developers. These discussions regarding filling the funding gap have also involved the City of Somerville and the City of Medford, who will also benefit substantially from the GLX, as well as representatives from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

I have entered into the discussions because the state has informed us that given the funding issues regarding the GLX project, it will not move forward without participation from local communities. I therefore believe that it is critically important that Cambridge provide support to the GLX, given the local and regional benefits that the project will bring:

By taking a leadership role in helping to address the funding shortfall, the City of Cambridge has been instrumental in initiating a framework for municipal contributions that I believe will be critical in enabling the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board and MassDOT’s Board of Directors to support the continued development of the GLX project. As detailed in the attached letter to Secretary Pollack, I have agreed to enter into discussions with the state, pending final City Council approval, regarding a direct financial contribution to GLX project improvements located in Cambridge, in an amount up to $25 million; the precise monetary contribution would be made jointly by the City and the North Point developers, and would be subject to a number of conditions as laid out in the letter. I will present this letter during my testimony to the joint meeting of the MBTA and MassDOT Boards on May 9th, at which time we expect they will make a decision regarding the future of the project.

Throughout these discussions, I have been clear with Secretary Pollack that entering into a final agreement on this contribution will require significant discussions with the Cambridge City Council and the North Point developers, along with a Council vote to approve the appropriation of funds for the GLX. At this point in time, I have not entered into any binding agreement to make a contribution, and I look forward to working closely with you over the next several months, with the goal of developing a final agreement with the Commonwealth that the City Council will support. This communication is intended to provide you with an update on this initial framework, and there will be many opportunities for further discussion and sharing of information prior to any formal vote on whether the City Council supports a direct financial contribution to the GLX.

Given the complexity of the issues that need to be discussed, I believe that we need to initiate these more detailed discussions quickly-once we know that the MBTA and MassDOT Boards have voted to move the project forward. With that in mind, I recommend that this issue be referred to the Committee on Transportation and Public Utilities for further discussion.

Very truly yours,
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager


May 9, 2016

Stephanie Pollack
Secretary of Transportation and Chief Executive
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
10 Park Plaza
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

Re: Letter of Intent – Green Line Extension Financial Contribution

Secretary Pollack:

For many years, the City of Cambridge has been a strong supporter of the relocation of Lechmere Station and the Green Line Extension (GLX) from Cambridge to Somerville and Medford. The purpose of the GLX project is to improve regional air quality, encourage sustainable growth, promote economic development, and provide a convenient means of public transportation for residents, employees, and visitors along the GLX corridor. This project will benefit the three municipalities it touches as well as the entire Greater Boston region and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This Letter of Intent (LOI), which I am submitting to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Board of Directors and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board, is intended to set forth the terms and conditions that I, as the City Manager of the City of Cambridge, intend to discuss with and recommend to the Cambridge City Council as the basis for the City of Cambridge to commit to contributing to the construction costs associated with the GLX, to the extent legally permissible, and subject to City Council approval and appropriation of funds.

While the Commonwealth’s appeal for local funding contributions at this late stage in the project represents an extraordinary request, I believe that the value of this project to the City of Cambridge, the Boston Region, and the entire state requires us to respond in a meaningful way to help move this project towards reality. I also intend to work with the North Point developers to obtain commitments from them to contribute financially to the GLX in partnership with the City.

The Green Line Extension Project
The City of Cambridge supports the GLX and I will recommend that the City Council approve the City contributing an amount that the City Council considers to be a fair and reasonable amount to assist in offsetting the cost of the project, in partnership with the Federal Government and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, based upon the proposed total budget for the project and the proportionality of Cambridge’s monetary contributions of new revenue thereto, the City’s reasonable financial capabilities, the contributions of new revenue from the other municipalities the GLX touches, and assurance that the project will commence as scheduled and continue reasonably to completion.

GLX will comprise seven Green Line stations. The project will relocate Lechmere Station and create a new Green Line station in Union Square in Somerville. Five additional stations will also be built outside of Cambridge, between Lechmere Station and College Avenue in Medford along existing railroad rights of way.

The GLX stations will be designed in accordance with MassDOT/MBTA station requirements. MassDOT will obtain all necessary legal approvals for the GLX and its operations from any local, state, or federal agencies. The GLX will be constructed in accordance with a construction management plan approved by MassDOT, and will be operated and maintained by the MBTA. Service, at a minimum, will include stops on both inbound and outbound trains during standard MBTA service hours. MassDOT will be responsible for compliance with all state procurement requirements, public bidding laws, and any other laws applicable to MassDOT due to its governmental status. In making this financial contribution to MassDOT/MBTA’s construction of Lechmere Station and the other improvements that are part of the GLX project, the City does not commit to taking on any additional responsibilities related to the planning, design, construction, operations, or maintenance of any GLX facilities.

Value of Financial Contribution
I intend to recommend to the Cambridge City Council that the City contribute fair and reasonable funding, as set forth in this letter, to support the GLX project and to help close the currently anticipated budget gap that remains after the project is value engineered, in the event that all other efforts to procure and employ federal and state funds for the project have been exhausted and a gap remains that can only be addressed with monetary contributions from Cambridge, North Point developers in Cambridge, and other municipalities. The financial contribution will be based upon the value of the infrastructure improvements in Cambridge and the economic, environmental, and mobility benefits those improvements create, and will be subject to the requirement that other municipalities contribute their reasonably proportionate share of new revenue required for the gap funding.

I am prepared to enter into discussions with the Cambridge City Council and the North Point developers to seek their approval for the City to contribute up to $25,000,000 of new revenue towards the completion of the GLX project, in the manner described below. The exact nature, timing, and form of this contribution is still to be determined, but it will represent new revenue to the project that will directly contribute to closing the funding gap together with proportionate contributions of new revenue from other municipalities that the GLX project will touch. The contribution from Cambridge-based sources will make up not more than one third (1/3) of the total amount of new revenue that is provided from the municipalities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford for the gap funding.

Use of Financial Contribution
This $25,000,000 commitment of new revenue from Cambridge-based sources will be used solely for the construction of the project-related improvements within the City of Cambridge, including the new and relocated Lechmere Station that will be built as part of the GLX. MassDOT and the MBTA will work with the City of Cambridge to establish a mechanism to ensure that the funds are used in this manner, and will ensure that any expenditure of those funds will be for the GLX project only and consistent with the terms and conditions outlined in this letter.

Payment Mechanism
Assuming the Cambridge City Council and the North Point developers commit to contributing to the GLX project as outlined above, the City of Cambridge will work with MassDOT, the MBTA, and other relevant state agencies to develop mechanisms for disbursing the agreed upon funds and committing those funds to the Commonwealth for the GLX project. These mechanisms could include direct cash contributions, state borrowing backed by guaranteed payments from the City of Cambridge (through the Cherry Sheet or other appropriate mechanism), or other similar mechanisms for payments from the City of Cambridge or the North Point developers. Over the course of those discussions, I expect to reach agreement with MassDOT and/or the MBTA on the amount to be paid, the period and frequency of payment, the mechanism of payment, and any regulatory or statutory changes that may be necessary to accomplish the foregoing. The City of Cambridge expects the Commonwealth to stipulate that any funding provided by the City will not be transferable to any state expenditure other than those directly related to those portions of the GLX project that are constructed within the City of Cambridge and that the City of Cambridge’s share of new revenue provided for the gap funding is not more than one third (1/3) of the total amount of new revenue provided by all municipalities for the gap funding. To the extent that any regulatory changes or special legislation is required at the state level to enable a specific payment mechanism, I expect MassDOT, the MBTA, and other state agencies to pursue said regulatory changes or special legislation in an expedited manner.

Local Approval
After a preliminary agreement between the City of Cambridge and MassDOT is reached regarding the elements describe above, and after the final adoption of any necessary regulatory or statutory actions, the City will have an additional period to obtain the legally mandated and/or otherwise required local public approval, as well as completing negotiations with the North Point developers resulting in their approval of funds to be contributed to the GLX project, prior to the execution of any final agreement. Should the City of Cambridge not approve or obtain those approvals, the City will not be held responsible for any financial contributions or other commitments.

Priority in Use of Funds
I would like to be explicit that my objective in providing this letter is to indicate my commitment for Cambridge and the North Point developers to take the above steps only in the event that all other federal and state funding sources have been explored and that but for monetary contributions of new revenue from the City of Cambridge, the North Point developers and the other municipalities, there is a gap in the federal and state funding for the project that cannot be filled by any other means. In the event that the Cambridge City Council and the North Point developers approve this funding and the project costs turn out to be less than anticipated at this juncture, I also expect the City of Cambridge to be relieved of a portion of that funding commitment in a fair and proportional manner. To ensure this outcome, the funding provided from Cambridge-based sources will only be accessed once MassDOT and the MBTA have provided appropriate assurances that Cambridge’s contribution of new revenue to the gap funding is partially or wholly necessary proportionately with other municipal funding sources of new revenue in order to construct the project and that the project-related improvements in Cambridge have been or will be fully completed in a manner that enables service to the relocated Lechmere station to commence operations.

Future State Policy
To my knowledge, never before has a municipality or group of municipalities in Massachusetts been asked to assume a portion of the cost of a large infrastructure project. Traditionally the state and federal governments have worked together to fund these projects, and to address cost overruns, with an understanding that municipalities in Massachusetts have a limited ability under Massachusetts law to raise new revenue or to dedicate local funding to costs outside of routine municipal services such as education, public safety, public health, and local infrastructure. Given the Commonwealth’s request for municipal funding contributions for the GLX, it will be an important factor in Cambridge’s decision as to whether to contribute municipal funding to this project that there be appropriate assurances that when future infrastructure projects face similar funding circumstances, the local municipalities will be treated in a similar manner with respect to expected financial contributions.

Legal Authority
I commit to work with MassDOT and the MBTA toward entering into a final agreement by September 30, 2016. In advance of a final and binding agreement to contribute funds to the GLX, I require assurances that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the MBTA have the legal authority to accept such funds and expend them according to the requirements and expectations set forth in this letter and any subsequent agreements between the parties referred to herein. To the extent that any special legislation or regulatory action is required at the state level to enable or ensure this legal authority, I expect MassDOT, the MBTA, and other state agencies to pursue said special legislation or regulatory action in an expedited manner.

I look forward to continuing to work together with you, the MassDOT Board of Directors, and the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board to advance this important project.

Very truly yours,
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager


Joint Statement of Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi Regarding the Green Line Extension

May 5, 2016

Somerville sealToday the Cities of Somerville and Cambridge Massachusetts are pleased to make this important announcement of our continued support for and commitment of new funds to bridge the funding gap that will allow the construction of the Green Line Extension Project (GLX) to move forward.

It is our understanding that MassDOT has completed its review of the GLX and developed a new cost estimate, and that on Monday, May 9, MassDOT will transmit information for review and evaluation by the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors that includes a revised budget and plans and a statement of need for municipal governments hosting the GLX to contribute funding. Based on that understanding, we are prepared to make a recommendation that our municipalities assist the state in the funding solution for this project.

We would like to thank the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the interim design team for their swift but careful scrutiny of the project plans and budget, their commitment to the inclusion of public and municipal feedback, and their diligence in developing a new strategy for moving forward. Should the FMCB approve their expected recommendation to construct the GLX, residents of the Commonwealth will reap the benefits of the team’s critical effort for decades to come.

Cambridge sealIt is our understanding, however, that without firm financial commitments from our municipalities that the GLX could be canceled and the Commonwealth would forfeit not only its $996 million federal New Starts grant award, but an estimated $700 million in “sunk costs” of the state’s $996 million share of the project. Additionally, the fulfillment of the public needs that this project was designed to meet would remain unrealized.

The purpose of the GLX is to improve regional air quality as required by legally binding resolutions, reduce roadway congestion, encourage sustainable economic growth, and provide a convenient means of public transportation for Massachusetts residents, workers and visitors. To ensure that these needs and goals do not go unmet, the cities of Cambridge and Somerville intend to seek to expand their financial partnership with the Commonwealth to construct elements of the GLX program, subject to and contingent upon approval by the Cambridge City Council and the Somerville Board of Aldermen.

It should be noted that both the cities of Cambridge and Somerville have previously invested significant funds and resources in sunken costs in support of the GLX project, including the City of Somerville’s investment of more than $8 million for land acquisition and other infrastructure, that have relieved the Commonwealth of several specific required project costs. Similarly, the developers of the North Point area are investing tens of millions of dollars in improvements that support and enable the GLX to occur. Expanding this financial partnership is an extreme and unprecedented arrangement for a state infrastructure project. Despite the fact that our cities bear no responsibility for the cost overruns that brought the GLX to this moment of crisis, we will seek to support the Commonwealth by expanding our cost-sharing role. The Green Line is that important to our communities, our region, and our state.

It is our understanding that the new cost estimate for the GLX will retain core program elements including seven light rail transit stations including a spur to Union Square, a Vehicle Maintenance Facility, a Community Path, and related utility upgrades. With that clear understanding, it is our intention as Mayor of the City of Somerville and City Manager of Cambridge to recommend to the Somerville Board of Aldermen and the Cambridge City Council that our cities commit to underwriting project costs for specific, tangible elements that would deliver meaningful public safety and quality-of-life benefits for our residents.

After discussions with the state, the needed value of new financial participation in the GLX for the City of Somerville is projected to be $50 million and the value of the City of Cambridge’s contribution is projected at $25 million, including financial contributions from the North Point developers, to close the funding gap. Again, any contribution will be subject to Board and City Council approvals.

Furthermore, it is our intention to work, alongside MAPC, with Governor Baker’s administration and the cities’ state and federal delegations to seek legislative action on new and refined “value capture” tools capable of supporting new infrastructure investments around Massachusetts. In addition, we request that the Commonwealth establish a baseline tracking framework for future Infrastructure Investment Incentive (I-Cubed) state tax revenue accruals generated by transit-oriented development around the GLX, so as to not preclude a formal application to use eligible I-Cubed revenues to offset Cambridge’s and Somerville’s proposed municipal contribution, if they choose that option.

It is clear that the Commonwealth is shifting to a new paradigm for major transportation infrastructure investments. Across the nation, many states have established predictable and equitable frameworks for local value capture financing in state transportation projects. As we work toward that goal, Somerville and Cambridge will stand with the Commonwealth to advance the state of the art. We do so with the expectation that this is truly a new precedent for statewide policy, and that our communities will not be held to higher standards than other Massachusetts municipalities seeking state and federal financing for roadway, transit or other infrastructure projects.

Additional Comment from Massachusetts Area Planning Council:

“I want to congratulate the Cities of Cambridge and Somerville for making this unprecedented municipal commitment to help fund a critical state transportation project,” said Metropolitan Area Planning Council Executive Director Marc Draisen. “The Green Line Extension will have a significant, positive impact on our region in terms of jobs created and retained, new housing units created, and increased transit access for tens of thousands of residents. Cambridge and Somerville have shown a willingness to help invest in a project that will benefit themselves and their neighboring municipalities. We applaud them and MassDOT for working together to create this opportunity to advance this project.”