Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - April 10, 2018
Possible Topics:
2) City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing the draft version of the Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Plan for Alewife - [Presentation]
How climate change may affect Cambridge
The nature of climate risks and vulnerabilities in the Alewife area
How the Alewife area can be better prepared and more resilient to climate change
3) "Pause Petition" Rebranded as "Zoning Amendments for a Flood and Heat Resilient Cambridge" [or here]
Note: There was apparently going to be a petition presented at the April 2 City Council meeting calling for a Moratorium on any new construction in the Alewife area. This proposed Moratorium has apparently been endorsed by the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee (NCSC), the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance (FPRA), the Friends of Alewife Reservation (FAR), Green Cambridge, and the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CResA). According the listserv chatter, the filing of this petition is now being strategically delayed.
4) Officials to examine EMF Building conditions before potential long-term lease for arts use
"If EMF Building repairs cost a reasonably low amount, the city will ask DiGiovanni for a long-term lease, McGovern said, and the city would turn to running a “request for proposals” process to find a manager for the building, keeping its current uses intact. “We would want to write an RFP making it as open a process as possible,” he said.
Related: Alternative to the EMF building
Related: Somerville Artist Zoning
5) Rollout of City-wide Compost Collection
6) April 2 City Council meeting
7) District Attorney Releases Report of Porter Square Cyclist Fatality (2016)
Note: There is a much more extensive, detailed report available
DA: Cyclist Cut Off Driver in Deadly Cambridge Crash
Driver involved in 2016 fatal cyclist crash in Cambridge will not be charged (Boston Globe) - PDF
The Marcia Deihl bicycling fatality (Mar 14, 2018 CCJ Forum, by John Allen)
8) March 22 NLTP meeting on municipal broadband and tales of The Evil Empire
LETTER: Municipal internet proposal in Cambridge is outdated (Apr 6, 2018 by Phil Sego)
LETTER: City of Cambridge as broadband provider less attractive than supposed (Apr 5, 2018 by Ben Compaine)
Apr 9 – Join the Department of Public Works to celebrate “Arbor Week” in the City. This special week is focused on activities and information to promote Cambridge’s Urban Forest and runs from Monday, April 23 through Arbor Day, Friday, April 27.
Monday, April 23 – Members of Public Works’ Urban Forestry Division will post information about the benefits of different tree species around MBTA stations and in other high pedestrian traffic areas in the City to inform residents about the benefits our urban canopy brings to the community.
Tuesday, April 24 – City Arborist Dave Lefcourt will be tabling outside of City Hall from 10am-12pm to share information about trees and hand out seedlings and other materials to help inform residents about the important role trees play in the City.
Wednesday, April 25 – City Arborist Dave Lefcourt will lead a “Tree Walk” through Mid-Cambridge which includes a visit to Harvard Yard from 5-7pm. Residents are invited to gather in front of the Main Library to begin this information-packed session on trees and Cambridge’s Urban Forestry program. Free bare root seedling trees will be available.
Thursday, April 26 – Public Works will hold an event outside the Main Library from 10am-12pm, weather permitting. Members of the community are invited to come collect information about trees, collect a free seedling, and watch members of the Urban Forestry Division show off their skills in a “tree climbing” demonstration. Librarians will also be on hand to read a tree-themed book to children outside the library at 11am.
Friday, April 27 – The week wraps up with an Arbor Day tree planting on Friday, April 27 at 10am in Greene-Rose Heritage Park with the Mayor, City Manager, City Arborist, and local students. All are invited to attend.
“Last year was our first Arbor Week celebration, and we’re excited to continue and build upon this new tradition,” said Public Works Commissioner Owen O’Riordan. “To maintain a healthy, vibrant urban forest, it’s essential that the City and its residents do all we can to care for trees year-round.”
Can’t attend these events but still want to get involved? It’s easy to help by participating in the City’s “Adopt-A-Tree” to support street trees and help maintain our urban forest.
The Adopt-A-Tree program lets residents search for a street tree near an address (your home, business, school, etc.) and commit to keeping it healthy by watering it and tending to the tree well. Learn more and adopt a tree today at www.CambridgeMA.gov/AdoptATree.
As part of a series of events to honor the Centennial year of WWI (1918), the City of Cambridge Veterans’ Services Department, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office, City Manager's Office, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and Massachusetts Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Association, will rededicate the Russell E. Hoyt Field at Gilmore Street in Cambridge, on Thursday, April 12, at 9:30am.
Corporal Russell E. Hoyt was a member of the 26th Division (Yankee), Massachusetts National Guard, which was the first full division to deploy to France, and the 104th Infantry Regiment. He was posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Army on April 28, 1918; this was the first American unit ever awarded a foreign decoration.
For more information, please contact Neil MacInnes-Barker, Director Department of Veterans’ Services, at nmacinnes@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4765.
The Cambridge Public Library is honored to announce that Jim Roosevelt will introduce an event with Professor David B. Woolner, author of The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and at Peace, on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:30pm. He is the grandson of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States.
“Dr. Woolner is a distinguished scholar of the FDR years in the White House; I have known and worked with him for many years,” said Roosevelt. “I look forward to once again learning more from him based on his extensive research.”
Jim Roosevelt is a member of the Cambridge Public Library Board of Trustees. In addition, he is a national speaker and author on the Affordable Care Act, Medicare and Medicaid policy, and Social Security. Public policy and politics are Jim’s personal passions. He co-chairs the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee and is volunteer legal counsel for the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
“I am delighted that this program has come together with Jim Roosevelt and Professor David B. Woolner,” said Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. “Both speakers will expand our understanding of the history and legacy of Franklin Roosevelt.”
The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and at Peace is authored by David B. Woolner. Though FDR is well known for his first 100 days as President, Woolner asserts that his last 100 days play a pivotal role in American history, too. He is a senior fellow and resident historian at the Roosevelt Institute and a professor of history at Marist College.
The event will take place on Wednesday, April 25 at 6:30pm in the Main Library Lecture Hall. The introduction by Jim Roosevelt will be followed by a discussion and Q&A by David B. Woolner on his book The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and at Peace.
About the Cambridge Public Library:
The Cambridge Public Library opened in 1889 and serves the community of Cambridge, Massachusetts. It provides free access to information for over 100,000 Cambridge residents and provides an engaging community space for innovative events and programming to serve its patrons.
New! Lunch Carts and Dining Cars of Cambridge, Mass.The Cambridge Historical Commission is proud to present a new GIS Story Map created bySarah Burks, Preservation Planner, available here! This fun Story Map focuses on the long-gone lunch carts and dining cars in Cambridge.
"From the earliest horse-drawn lunch carts to the streamlined stainless steel cars, diners were once plentiful in Cambridge. But where did they all go? Some diners moved into brick and mortar locations and others relocated to other towns. The recent Food Truck trend appears to be a revival of the portable dining car, but they don't offer the seating and table service of yesterday."
Take a tour of Cambridge diner photos and share your diner memories with us at histcomm@cambridgema.gov. Have you been to any of these diners?
The Cambridge City Council adopted a Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance (#1397) which went in effect on April 1, 2018 and regulates the rental of property for transient housing (stays up to 30 days). Cambridge residents who meet eligibility requirements and wish to use their residential property for short-term rental must register with the city’s Inspectional Services Department.
Inspectional Services will host drop-in informational sessions for Cambridge residents to ask questions about the new Ordinance, eligibility requirements, the process of obtaining a Certificate of Registration, or check on the specific conditions of their property.
STR Information Session for Multi-Family Property Owners
Tuesday, Apr. 17, 5:30-6:30pm
Lombardi Building, Basement Conference Room, 831 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
This is an informational session for multi-family property owners (more than 4 units, and not condominium associations) to explain pertinent facts about the new Short-Term Rental Ordinance, eligibility requirements, and the process of obtaining a Certificate of Registration.
STR Information Session
Tuesday, Apr. 24, 5:30-7pm
Lombardi Building, Basement Conference Room, 831 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
This is an informational session for Cambridge residents who wish to use there residential property for short-term rental to explain pertinent facts about the new Short-Term Rental Ordinance, eligibility requirements, and the process of obtaining a Certificate of Registration.
For more information, visit CambridgeMA.gov/ShortTermRental.
In observance of the Patriots’ Day Holiday on Monday, Apr. 16, Cambridge city offices and libraries will be closed, payments will not be required at City of Cambridge parking meters and parking meter pay stations, and there will be no trash, recycling, or compost pickup, and no street cleaning. The trash, recycling, and compost daily pickup routes will be one day behind schedule for the rest of that week. Regularly scheduled street cleaning routes for Apr. 16 will be swept on Monday, Apr. 30. The offices at the Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Ave. will be closed on the holiday, however the gates will be open from dawn to dusk.
Residents can find their curbside collections and street cleaning schedules by entering their address in the “My Cambridge Schedule” tool found at www.CambridgeMA.gov/theworks.
Reminders related to above city services are now available by text message, email, or app notifications by downloading the “Zero Waste Cambridge” app for iPhone/Android. Users who are registered to receive reminders through E-Line should re-subscribe using the scheduling tool or by downloading the app in order to receive future reminders.
Additionally, the Department of Veterans’ Services will hold its annual Patriots' Day Observance on Monday, Apr. 16, at 10:15am, on the Cambridge Common. Philip Anderson, President, of the Cambridge Veterans' Organization will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Mayor Marc C. McGovern will extend the city’s greetings.
The event will be highlighted by a reenactment of Patriot William Dawes, Jr. historic horseback ride from Boston to Cambridge alerting the colonists of the British threat of 1775. Patriot Dawes, dressed in colonial garb, will deliver the alert to Mayor McGovern. A Cambridge Rindge & Latin School Drama student, will read the Governor’s Patriots’ Day Proclamation. A CRLS music student will sing the National Anthem and God Bless America.
Marc McGovern, Mayor of Cambridge, is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make long-term commitment to manage water resources more wisely by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.
The annual challenge, April 1-30, is a non-profit national community service campaign to see which communities can generate the highest participation of residents to make a series of informative and easy-to-do online pledges (mywaterpledge.com) to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and act responsibly in preserving our watershed and resources.
Since the mid-1800s, the Cambridge Water Department has provided a safe and uninterrupted supply of the highest quality water to Cambridge residents, businesses, and universities. Through prevention and conservation initiatives the City and the public are taking steps to protect the sources of Cambridge’s drinking water.
“Cambridge has long embraced a leadership role reducing our carbon footprint, conserving our natural resources, and planning for the impacts of climate change,” said Mayor McGovern. “Still, we should always ask how we can do better, and we need to share the urgency of conserving our resources with each new generation.”
Last year, residents from over 4,800 cities representing every state pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by 2.2 billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by 52 million pounds, and prevent more than 114,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds. The Mayor’s Challenge goes beyond recent drought issues and looks at the ways our water use will affect the future of our communities – encouraging more permeable surfaces, divert more storm water, and reducing polluted runoff.
“It still may be fun to sing it, but we don’t really ‘love that dirty water’ anymore,” McGovern added. “Today, we are looking for ways to activate our water resources, including the Charles River, and clean water starts at the drains in our homes, on our sidewalks, and in our businesses.”
To participate, residents enter online at mywaterpledge.com, and then make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of Cambridge. Cities compete against each other for top rankings, and for various prizes which may go to local non-profits.
For more information on Cambridge’s ongoing efforts to conserve water resources and plan for the City’s future water needs can be found on the Water Department’s website at www.cambridgema.gov/water.
For more information contact: Wil Durbin, 617-349-4313, wdurbin@cambridgema.gov.
Attend to Meet Local Housing Representatives and Learn about the City’s Housing Resources
The City of Cambridge announced today that it will host its second annual Fair and Affordable Housing Open House on Saturday, April 28, 2018 in the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School’s Main Cafeteria, 459 Broadway, from 11:00am-2:00pm. The event is co-hosted by the Community Development Department and the Cambridge Human Rights Commission.
Throughout the event, local housing experts will be available to answer questions and provide resources related to fair and affordable housing in Cambridge, including:
• Affordable housing programs
• Homelessness, eviction, and foreclosure prevention services
• Landlord / tenant mediation resources
• Legal resources for housing in Cambridge
• Enforcement of housing discrimination laws
Members of the public can also attend three panels throughout the event. The panel topics will discuss basic tenant rights, resources for conducting a housing search, and financing options for first-time homebuyers.
“The Fair and Affordable Housing Open House brings together dozens of organizations and non-profits to provide information about the wealth of resources related to housing needs in Cambridge,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “The event reflects and furthers our mission to increase access to fair and affordable housing for all members of the Cambridge community.”
“It is essential that all members of the community are aware of their housing rights and the steps they can take to ensure fair treatment in Cambridge,” said Nancy Schlacter, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission. “The Open House is a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn more about Cambridge’s fair housing laws and to extend the city’s social justice mission to affordable housing.”
The event is free and open to all members of the Cambridge community. No advance registration is required.
Upcoming Envision Cambridge Meetings – Join the Conversation this April
Climate and Environment Working Group - Agenda
Tuesday, April 10, 6:00 - 8:00pm
City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 4th Floor Meeting Room
Alewife Working Group - Agenda
Thursday, April 12, 6:30-8:30pm
West Cambridge Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave.
Mobility Working Group - Agenda
Wednesday, April 25, 6:00-8:00pm
Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave. 2nd Fl, Arts & Crafts Room
For more information about Envision Cambridge, visit envision.cambridgema.gov.
Preview of April 2, 2018 Cambridge City Council meeting
Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-33, regarding a report on whether or not Chapter 4.25 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance applies to the Inman Square redesign project and therefore whether or not a report should be made to the Planning Board. The upshot: "Vellucci Plaza was taken by the City for a purpose (public open space) protected by Article 97 of the Amendments to the Massachusetts Constitution ("Article 97"), and as such is subject to the protections of Article 97. Therefore, it is likely that if a road is constructed through a portion of Vellucci Plaza at its current site, legislative approval will be required [the State legislature, that is, and not just the City Council]. Although the construction of a roadway on land protected by Article 97 requires legislative approval, it does not require relief from the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance." Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to compile a list of single family homes which could be purchased by the Affordable Housing Trust and converted to Single Room Occupancies or Housing Cooperatives. And the train keeps a rollin'. Every week it's another proposal to transfer private property to public or quasi-public ownership. Is this really the ideal "vision" for the future? Will such acquisitions be uniform across the city or concentrated in just some neighborhoods? Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to place a commemorative plaque at eye-level at the plaza in Harvard Square dedicated to former judge, Mayor, and City Manager Joseph DeGuglielmo so that it is more prominent to pedestrians. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey For you newcomers, Joseph A. DeGuglielmo, better known as "Joe DeGug", began his public career in 1938 as Assistant City Solicitor of Cambridge. He first ran and was elected to the Cambridge City Council in 1945 and served 8 consecutive terms (1946-1963). He was elected every time he was a candidate and was chosen by his colleagues as Mayor for the 1952-53 term. Two years after leaving the City Council he was hired as City Manager in February 1966 and served through January 1968. In 1971, he was appointed an associate justice of the Boston Municipal Court by Governor Francis Sargent. He retired from the bench in 1978. He died in May 1983. His nephew is Jimmy Tingle - comic and now candidate for Lt. Governor of Massachusetts. Order #4. That the City Council encourage residents to be more conscious of their water consumption during the month of April, to take steps to reduce storm water runoff on their own property, to prevent polluted runoff from entering our water system, and to find time to engage with our natural areas. Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan Being conscious of water consumption, reducing stormwater runoff, and engaging with our natural areas are clearly good things, but perhaps the message regarding the prevention of polluted runoff entering our water system is best directed to the inhabitants of Waltham, Weston, Lexington, and Lincoln where our primary water source is located. Order #5. City Council support of House Bill 3857, “An Act providing tax relief for rent-burdened individuals and families." Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui This bill would increase the rental deduction for the Mass. state income tax and index it for inflation. It would also restrict eligibility for the deduction to taxpayers who earn no more than 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Law Department, Community Development Department and any other appropriate City departments regarding the feasibility of requiring property owners to give the City written notice when a storefront becomes vacant, including plans for finding a new tenant and keeping the premises tidy and in compliance with all applicable codes to mitigate any negative effects or safety concerns on the neighborhood. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon This is a good intention that needs amendment. Property owners should not be required to inform the City the moment a storefront becomes vacant or be made to instantly submit future plans for tenancy. Perhaps the City Council could establish a time frame after which these steps might be required - somewhere between a few months and Gerald Chan time. Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to notify the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater that the City Council has requested that they provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and begin the public engagement process along with a projected timeline for the rest of the process through completion of the project, once the necessary permits are granted. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone Speaking of Gerald Chan, whatever became of those good-looking plans for the transformation of the old Harvard Square Theater on Church Street? Tick tock tick tock...... Order #9. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the oppressive policies of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) and Saudi Arabia. Councillor Zondervan But they are letting women drive! Isn't that generous? Seriously, if we're going to single out repressive regimes that use use religion and/or ideology to justify brutal repression, then let's start a list. It won't be a short list. Order #10. City Council support of Massachusetts Resolve H. 4159: "Resolve creating a task force on sexual misconduct climate surveys for colleges and universities in Massachusetts." Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons Good idea all around. You have to first measure the extent of a problem if you want to adequately address it. Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with Trinity Property Management to give the nearly 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time beyond Apr 30, 2018 to find new space, considering the unique circumstances and outsized impact of this eviction. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone This a completely reasonable Order, but ultimately the only way to preserve space for uses such as these is through ownership of the building. Begging for handouts from the City is not a solution. Haven't we produced a few nationally known artists who wouldn't mind being seen as heroes by swooping in, buying and outfitting a building or buildings for this purpose? Where are you Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and Casey Affleck? Wasn't this your neighborhood? Maybe you guys can assemble a team. Give Mindy Kaling and John Malkovich and Sam Waterston and Jane Curtin a call. Maybe Lenny Clarke can pitch in a few bucks. Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to allow autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Cambridge provided certain conditions are met. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux Please, just don't. - Robert Winters |
CIVIC CALENDAR
5:00pm The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the first annual report from the Community Development Department as called for in the updated Inclusionary Zoning ordinance. The Committee will also continue discussions on the Comprehensive Housing Plan that was introduced in September 2017 by then-Mayor Simmons and select the top priorities for the rest of the term. (Sullivan Chamber)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)
3:00pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss topics related to the MBTA bus service, including Cambridge’s participation in the upcoming MBTA Service Plan, a brief update on upcoming pilot projects of dedicated bus lanes and transit signal prioritization, and a brief update on the upcoming construction of the bus tunnels in the Harvard Square MBTA station. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, 125 Sixth St., First Floor Community Room)
[Meeting Agenda and supporting materials]
4:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the Mayor’s Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood Based Resiliency. (Sullivan Chamber)
2:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed surveillance ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission meeting (1st Floor Meeting Room, 51 Inman St.)
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 2018 Annual City Census New Business Annual Organization of the Board Members - Nomination and Selection of Officers |
5:30pm City Council meeting and Budget Overview (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss marijuana laws, education and enforcement. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm Regular School Committee meeting (Henrietta Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)
6:00pm The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 School Department Budget (Sullivan Chamber)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget - if necessary (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm 2018 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This meeting to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm The City Council's Housing Committee will meet for an as yet undisclosed purpose. (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm Regular School Committee meeting (Henrietta Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)
5:30pm City Council meeting and expected Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)
2:00pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to follow-up on Policy Order #7 of March 5, 2018 on the future of dock-less bikes in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Here's my pass at this week's agenda: