City of Cambridge Celebrates “Arbor Week” April 23-27
Attend events to get involved or help by adopting a Cambridge street tree

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.

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Jim Roosevelt, grandson of FDR, to introduce author of The Last 100 Days: FDR at War and at Peace on April 25

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.

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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?

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Central Square Advisory Committee Vacancy

Mar 22, 2018 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Central Square Advisory Committee. This committee helps review all major development actions in the Central Square Overlay District and monitors progress of the non-zoning recommendations of the K2C2 Study relevant to Central Square.

Members represent a cross section of stakeholders, which includes residents from abutting neighborhoods and representatives of Central Square’s business community. The Committee meets as needed to advise on non-zoning recommendations, undertake all Large Project Reviews, and review and comment on all Board of Zoning Appeal variances and special permits within the Overlay District. At this time, a representative of the Central Square business community (property owner, small and large scale merchant or office tenant) is being sought to fill a vacancy. This appointment, to be made by the City Manager, will serve a term of three years that will expire on September 15, 2020, with the option to renew.

The Committee meets, at minimum, every two months with additional meetings scheduled as required based on project review needs. For more information, contact Wendell T. Joseph at 617-349-9462 or wjoseph@cambridgema.gov, or visit the committee’s webpage at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/centraladvcomm.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline to submit an application is April 30, 2018.

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Cambridge Joins National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation

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.

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City of Cambridge to Host Fair & Affordable Housing Open House on Saturday, April 28

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.

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Attend an Envision Cambridge Meeting in April

Upcoming Envision Cambridge Meetings – Join the Conversation this April

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.

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Apr 6 - In Maine, a voting experiment could have real consequences for partisan politics (Boston Globe) [PDF]

Constellation Charitable Foundation to Sell Kendall Square Land

Apr 19, 2018 – The Board of Directors of the Constellation Charitable Foundation has announced plans to sell its Kendall Square land, known as Parcel C, and to use the proceeds from the sale to pursue the fulfillment of its original philanthropic and artistic mission.

Constellation Center site indicated by yellow asterisk

The main driver of this decision is that the pace of growth in the East Cambridge real estate market has far exceeded expectations, owing to soaring demand and reduced supply for space, particularly in the life science and tech sectors. The skyrocketing commercial value of the land outran the philanthropic value of committing the site to even a world-class performing arts center. The Board thoroughly explored the possibility of incorporating a mixed-use high-rise structure above the arts venues, but too many compromises in quality were required to accommodate the addition to the site of offices, laboratories, and residential spaces. Therefore, the Board has decided that the best option is to sell Parcel C, even as it carries forward its philanthropic mission in the performing arts.

This ongoing work is made possible by the strategically significant accomplishments the Constellation team has made since 1996, pursuing its original research and design of architectural plans for the intended world-class performing arts “Constellation Center.” Their work has been awarded numerous patents, with additional applications pending, and achieved revolutionary innovations embodied in the designs for a five-hall public facility for the performance of music, opera, theater, dance, and cinema. It was also designed to be used for community, educational, and family events, and included meeting, conference, and function space in support of presenters, arts organizations, and the Kendall Square Innovation District. All of this intellectual property, fortunately, can be a movable feast, for application and realization on one or more sites elsewhere.

The work of the Constellation Charitable Foundation will continue as it explores the possibility of replicating its completed designs at another location, and identifying appropriate land opportunities and overseeing the construction of various performing arts facilities. It will also be broadening, publishing, and disseminating its research results in the design, construction, and operation of state-of-the-art performing arts facilities; consulting for colleague organizations planning new, restored, or renovated cultural facilities; and supporting cultural institutions and community projects which complement the aspirations of the Foundation.

The Constellation Charitable Foundation and Constellation Center Board and staff are deeply grateful to our innumerable colleagues and organizations around the world, including many Cambridge- and Boston-area community groups who have supported and assisted our work thus far. We especially appreciate and thank our many generous individual donors, and we are immensely grateful to the City of Cambridge for its enduring support over many years. We assure everyone that the inestimable value of your contributions will continue to find rich fruit in our future endeavors.

The Constellation Charitable Foundation has engaged Andrew Hoar, President and Co-Managing Partner of CBRE New England, as real estate advisor and exclusive agent for the sale of its land. For further information, please contact Glenn KnicKrehm or Andrew Hoar at the phone numbers and email addresses noted below

Glenn KnicKrehm, President Constellation Charitable Foundation (617) 939-1900 gknickrehm@constellationcenter.org

Andrew W. Hoar¸ President and Co-Managing Partner CBRE New England (617) 912-7010 andy.hoar@cbre-ne.com

Budget Season Returns - Featured Attractions on the Apr 23, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda On this week's agenda: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY19 submitted budget and appropriation orders. The Bottom Line is that the total proposed FY2019 Budget is $622,477,255. That's up 5.3% over last year's FY2018 budget of $591,057,460. You may want to take a longer view at the multi-year comparisons. The largest budget increases are actually in the Executive Department (City Manager's Office) with a 21.1% one-year increase. The budget for the Mayor's Office jumped by 11%. Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Manager's Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $650,000 to provide funds for various School building infrastructure projects, and a new boiler at an Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. Manager's Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $61,500,000 to provide funds for various water pollution abatement projects, including construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the The Port neighborhood, and the River Street neighborhood. Manager's Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $21,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. In addition to the Operating Budget, the City also each year seeks authorization to borrow significant amounts for various capital projects (presumably at very favorable interest rates thanks to our multiple AAA bond ratings). This year's loan authorizations total $88,150,000. Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $1,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund account to fund snowstorm related road repairs and capital equipment. Manager's Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $2,475,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account to fund snowstorm related expenses associated with snow plowing and snow removal contracts, salt, other materials, repair costs. Winter doesn't come cheap. In addition to the amount already budgeted for FY2018, there are these $3,475,000 supplemental appropriations. You can See It and Click It, but it costs money to Fix it. Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-23, relative to repairs to the Harvard Square Portland Loo and methods to prevent service interruptions in the future. Whoever thought a bathroom would turn into a winter research project. I still think we should have found a way to integrate these bathrooms into existing buildings with actual heating systems. Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Election Commission effective May 2, 2018 for a term of four years: Victoria Harris Congratulations to Victoria Harris. Unlike some years, the City Manager had several qualified candidates from which to choose. Congratulations also go to outgoing Commissioner Polyxane Cobb who did an outstanding job during her time as an Election Commissioner. Manager's Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Arts Council Advisory Board for a term of three years, effective May 1, 2018: Olivia D'Ambrosio and Michael Monestime. Two more outstanding appointments. I do, however, have to make one correction. Contrary to the narrative provided, Michael Monestime and his family now live in North Cambridge, a.k.a. the suburbs, though he's still our Man in Central Square. Applications & Petitions #5. A Zoning Petition was received from Douglas Brown Et Al, regarding Zoning petition that aims to balance the future health and safety impacts of climate change. Frankly, I don't know what to make of this petition. There was supposed to be a petition filed several weeks ago that went by the name "The Pause Petition" that sought to put all new construction in the Alewife area on hold. That proposed Moratorium was 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). It was met by a harsh response from the folks from A Better Cambridge (ABC) and others who saw it primarily as a mechanism to stop the building of new housing and, in particular, "affordable housing". Soon thereafter, the moratorium morphed into this new petition wrapped in green, i.e. "Zoning Amendments for a Flood and Heat Resilient Cambridge". Some parts are cribbed from the preliminary recommendations being developed for Alewife as part of the Envision Cambridge process, but there's little doubt that a significant goal of this petition is to make it a lot more difficult to build in some areas - particularly the Alewife area. In addition, there is a very prescriptive 2nd half of this petition that seeks to introduce a "Green Factor" to rule over any new construction requiring a Project Review Special Permit under Section 19.23 of the Zoning Ordinance [50,000 gross sq. ft. or more in all applicable zoning districts - except Business A, Business A-1, or Business A-2 districts where the threshold is 20,000 gross sq. ft.]. This Green Factor "uses a value based system to prioritize landscape elements and site design that contributes to the reduction of stormwater runoff, the improvement of urban air quality, mitigation of the urban heat island effect, and improved well-being of residents and visitors." Without surveying all built properties in the city, I think it's a fair guess to say that very few of them would have a "Green Factor" that would satisfy the wishes of the petitioners. However, it's already the case that most new significant building proposals in Cambridge that go before the Planning Board go to great lengths to factor environmental benefits into their plans with the possible exception of those built in dense urban settings (such as the major Squares). My sense is that this will play out politically in such a way that instead of the "Pause Petition" being spun as blocking housing, this new Petition will be spun as something only a climate-change-denier could oppose. But that's just politics. Personally, I think the petition should be divided into two separate petitions - one dealing with potentially flood-prone areas (and specifically parts of the Alewife area) and another that focuses specifically on the sustainability stuff citywide. I do think the "Green Factor" approach is overly prescriptive, but it would not be a bad outcome if a handbook of recommended standards grew out of this exercise - even if it was separate from the Zoning Ordinance. Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, and any other City departments to work with the MBTA to address the above listed necessary improvements to the Harvard Square Station Tunnels while they are being renovated.   Vice Mayor Devereux The "above listed improvements" involve temporary relocation of stops, minor schedule adjustments, increased foot traffic in Harvard Square, repaving of bus tunnel roadways, hopefully better lighting and seating in the bus tunnels, general repair and restoration, and maybe even restoration of some of the artwork. To this you can add the current T elevator work that's going on there (as well as in Central Square). Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to ensure that an additional commitment of $20 million from the City’s budget is devoted over the next five years toward the City’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing units.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui As I often point out, the term "affordable housing" is a euphemism for regulated housing obtained by applying either to the Cambridge Housing Authority or similar agency. It is not the same as addressing the goal of affordability of housing in Cambridge and in the greater Boston area. Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to contact the Constellation Charitable Foundation to receive an update on plans for the Parcel C in Kendall Square and when development can be expected to begin.   Councillor Toomey Based on the press release last week, that's a question best addressed by whatever party buys the property. When that sale happens the Constellation Charitable Foundation will be out of the picture. Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City Staff, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Friends of Poorman’s Landing, and the East Cambridge Planning Team to ensure the timely repair of Poorman’s Landing.   Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone In addition to the letter and the pages specific to Poorman's Landing, the recently published (Jan 2018) Cambridge Riverfront Plan is worth the read. Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor to produce a report for use by the Housing Committee that contains information pertaining to the appropriate language for the creation of an Affordable Housing Overlay District.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui I repeat - The term "affordable housing" is a euphemism for regulated housing obtained by applying either to the Cambridge Housing Authority or similar agency. It is not the same as addressing the goal of affordability of housing in Cambridge and in the greater Boston area. Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Quinton Y. Zondervan, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 22, 2018 to gain a better understanding of the extent of the City's digital divide and to explore possible ways to increase digital access. I'm sure this will get a lot of play during the upcoming Budget Hearings, but the bottom line is still The Bottom Line - the related proposal that the City should build its own municipal broadband system is a very expensive proposition. Furthermore, the jury is still out on whether exposing the City to this financial risk is even a wise approach. Everybody wants alternatives to the Comcast monopoly, but there may be better ways to achieve this. Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 21, 2018 to discuss the implementation of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. It doesn't help that AirBnB seems to be sending the message out to all of its "hosts" to join them in their lack of cooperation. Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair and Quinton Y. Zondervan, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 18, 2018, to discuss confirming the City's Manager's selection of Margaret Drury as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA). Slam dunk easy call on the reappointment of our most esteemed former City Clerk Margaret Drury to the revitalized Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. Communications & Reports from City Officers #1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a communication from Dosha E. Beard, Executive Secretary to the School Committee, transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee recommending the FY19 General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum of $191,069,500. This represents a pretty steady 31% of the City's Operating Budget (just in case you were wondering). - Robert Winters Comments?

Preview of April 2, 2018 Cambridge City Council meeting Here's my pass at this week's agenda: 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 Comments?

CIVIC CALENDAR

Wed, Apr 25

4:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss marijuana laws, education and enforcement.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, Apr 30

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 1

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget  (Sullivan Chamber)

The Committee on Finance will conduct public hearings on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

These hearings will be held in the Sullivan Chamber, City Hall, broadcast on the municipal cable station and will follow the schedule outlined below. The proposed budget will include recommendations from the City Manager concerning capital and operating budgets.

All interested individuals are invited to attend and be heard and/or submit written testimony. Those wishing to testify may do so either at the beginning or conclusion of each day’s hearings. Copies of the budget may be viewed at the branch libraries and will be available at the Budget Office at City Hall on or after April 23, 2018. Additionally, the budget will be available on the Internet through the City Home Page: www.cambridgema.gov. [Complete schedule with Budget Book references][multi-year comparisons]

Mayor’s Office Executive - Leadership Diversity Domestic & Gender Based Violence Prevention Initiative     Equity and Inclusion Public Information Office Tourism City Council	City Clerk Law Historical Commission     Finance Admin.  Budget Personnel Purchasing Auditing	Treasury/Revenue Information Technology     Employee Benefits General Services Election Commission Public Celebrations Reserve Animal Commission	Fire Department Police Department Traffic, Parking & Transportation     Inspectional Services License Commission 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.

6:00pm   Regular School Committee meeting  (Henrietta Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)

Wed, May 2

10:00am   The City Council's Human Services and Veterans Committee will meet. The purpose of this hearing is to discuss Early Childhood Education in Cambridge and hear updates on meeting the goals set forth by the Early Childhood Education task force.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 7

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 8

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget  (Sullivan Chamber)

The Committee on Finance will conduct public hearings on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

These hearings will be held in the Sullivan Chamber, City Hall, broadcast on the municipal cable station and will follow the schedule outlined below. The proposed budget will include recommendations from the City Manager concerning capital and operating budgets.

All interested individuals are invited to attend and be heard and/or submit written testimony. Those wishing to testify may do so either at the beginning or conclusion of each day’s hearings. Copies of the budget may be viewed at the branch libraries and will be available at the Budget Office at City Hall on or after April 23, 2018. Additionally, the budget will be available on the Internet through the City Home Page: www.cambridgema.gov. [Complete schedule with Budget Book references][multi-year comparisons]

Cambridge Health Alliance Public Works Water Community Development Peace Commission / Police Review & Advisory Board	Weights & Measures     Cable TV Debt Service Library Human Services	Women’s Commission Human Rights Commission     Assessing Veterans Services MWRA	Cherry Sheet City Overview Financial Summaries     Revenue Public Investment
* 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.

Wed, May 9

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)

Thurs, May 10

9:00am   The City Council's Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget - if necessary  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 14

4:00pm   2018 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This meeting to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 15

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)

Mon, May 21

5:30pm   City Council meeting and expected Budget Adoption  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 22

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)

Wed, May 23

2:00pm   The City Council's Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an Arts Overlay District ordinance that would achieve the goals of creating and preserving spaces for the arts in the Central Square Cultural District.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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