5:30pm Guest: Michael Monestime, Exec. Director of Central Square Business AssociationCambridge InsideOut - June 12, 2018
5:30pm Guest: Michael Monestime, Exec. Director of Central Square Business Association
Possible Topics:
1) Central Square Business Improvement District proposal
2) Central Flea
3) Carl Barron Plaza/River Street reconstruction
4) The Prospect of a Central Square Arts Overlay
6:00pm program:
Possible Topics:
5) Envision Cambridge - Updates, including June 11 City Council Roundtable
6) June 4 City Council meeting
7) The Triviality of SeeClickFix
8) News, Upcoming Events, etc.
Envision Cambridge Updates - Working Group Draft RecommendationsEconomy Working Group Draft Recommendations
Housing Working Group Draft Recommendations
Mobility Working Group Draft Recommendations
Climate & Environment Working Group Draft Recommendations
First Look at the June 4, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda
Anyway, here are a few items that may be of interest at this meeting: Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed accounting of locations, if any, where Cured-In-Place Plastic Pipe (CIPP) and other plastic pipes currently exists in Cambridge, when it was installed, and why there was no public process for such a potentially hazardous change in water policy. I believe the City Manager gave a perfectly good response to this at the previous meeting, so I'll be surprised if there's anything else that needs to be said this week. My only curiosity lies with the question of whether the Water Board or the Water Department makes the decision if they disagree. Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to submit the attached Home Rule Petition that would authorize the City of Cambridge to include as part of the Inman Square Intersection Safety Improvements Project (“Project”) the planned reconfiguration of the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in the Inman Square area of the City (hereinafter, “Inman Square”) as well as a portion of the land that makes up Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza (“Vellucci Plaza”). This requires 6 votes and it's not at all clear that the votes are there. There are various reasons why some councillors might disapprove, and it's not all about whether a few honey locusts get turned into mulch or if a roomy new Ganja Plaza is established adjacent to the new Cannabis Quickie Mart. At the very least, I'd like to see some more current statistics on traffic safety in Inman Square since the bike stripes appeared in the Square. It may be that $60 worth of paint makes for a better solution than $6 million and a year of disruption. The Public Comment should be entertaining, especially in counting all the permutations of the Talking Points sent out by the various advocacy groups who tutor people what to say and how to be as dramatic as possible. Result: The Home Rule Petition was approved 6-3 (Carlone, Devereux, Mallon, Siddiqui, Zondervan, McGovern - YES; Kelley, Simmons, Toomey - NO) Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to create a structured commercial tax rate system for FY20 that prioritizes lowering the tax rate for small businesses. Communications & Reports from City Officers #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Mayor McGovern, transmitting amendments to Policy Order #3 of May 21, 2018 regarding the creation of a structured tax rate system for FY20. As I said a couple of weeks ago, any change will require a general change in state law or a Home Rule Petition, but there are some good reasons to crack open that Can of Worms. Some Cambridge retail is being driven into oblivion by the combination of rising rents (which include the real estate taxes) and shifting consumer habits. Tax changes may help, but there are other factors as well. Maybe we could consider exempting a portion of ground floor retail space like we do with the residential exemption. Order #1. Issues to be resolved on the I-90 Interchange Project. Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone I have no dog in this race, but I'm eager to see the transformation of this area. Order #3. Advancing Homelessness Issues Docket. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui This Order is almost like an Index of the good initiatives now being considered at the State Legislature. Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and any other relevant departments to explore starting a Citizens’ Academy in Cambridge. Councillor Mallon I like this idea! Remember – indoctrination is not the same as education and encouragement. Show people how things work and where the on ramps are located, and then let them define how they want to exercise their citizenship. Order #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Women’s Commission, the Cambridge Arts Council, and the Community Development Department to commission a public art piece, statue, or memorial that would commemorate the dedication of women in Cambridge to passing the Nineteenth Amendment. Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui I agree 100%. We already have a lot of establishments celebrating the passage of the Twenty-First Amendment. - Robert Winters |
So there's a public meeting on Thursday, May 3 regarding what is called the "South Massachusetts Avenue Corridor Safety Improvements Project". The meeting will take place from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at MIT, Room 2-190 (182 Memorial Drive, Simons Building). The essentials from the meeting notice are:
"To improve safety and reliability for users of the street, the City of Cambridge is evaluating 'quick build' changes to Massachusetts Avenue from Sidney Street to Memorial Drive with an emphasis on increasing the comfort and convenience of people walking, biking and riding buses. This project supports the City’s Vision Zero goal to reduce and eliminate serious injuries/fatalities from crashes, as well as City policies that promote the use of sustainable ways to travel in Cambridge."
Having seen a few notices and having attended more than my share of meetings, allow me to interpret. When the public notice uses the word "comfort" or the phrase "comfort index", that's code for "separated bike lanes", i.e. PVC plastic posts bolted to the road, and I can pretty much guarantee that regardless whether this gives any safety improvement or if it creates significant traffic problems, the entire matter is nonnegotiable. The purpose of the meeting is to tell you what has already been decided, and the only public input that might have any effect will be in regard to aesthetic matters (color of the posts) and whether or not even more parking spaces should be removed to compensate for any potential hazards at intersections or reduced visibility.
This project will likely not be nearly as controversial as what was done to Cambridge Street or Brattle Street (due to the scarcity of residents along this stretch of Mass. Ave.), but I imagine there could be some concerns from the businesses since it's likely that most or all parking may soon disappear. Perhaps the only real question at this point is whether all of the parking disappears or if traffic is reduced to one lane each way for the whole stretch (which may well result in traffic being backed up during some hours along the entire stretch). One things is virtually certain – if you don't think that segregated bike lanes are a good idea here, you may as well stay home because nobody will hear you. - RW
Not a day goes by without a flurry of SeeClickFix (Commonwealth Connects) requests for matters ranging from dangerous to absurdly trivial. In addition to the ridiculous complaints about armored vehicles parking in a bike lane (because the cyclists wants the driver to carry sacks of money to a loading zone a block away) or a flatbed truck queued up at a construction site (and they want him to do what? - keep circling around the block with many tons of steel on a long, wide vehicle?) to matters so trivial that it could make your head spin. For example, I saw one this morning from 23 Clinton Street where the complainant says: "Can you please remove white mark left on brick sidewalk by parking dept?" Perhaps I should file a string of complaints about the large hot top temporary patch on my sidewalk left by NStar (before they became Eversource) that's now been there for most of the past decade plus a medley of various painted markings from Traffic & Parking, the Dig Safe folks, etc. Let's also not forget those 02138 sensitive souls who lost their minds over the color of their NEW sidewalk having a shade that didn't quite match their ideal. Good grief!
Celebrating 25 Years of Making Men’s Health & Wellness a PriorityFor the 25th consecutive year, the Men’s Health League and the Men of Color Task Force are hosting the HOOPS ‘N’ HEALTH (www.cambridgepublichealth.org) sports tournament and health fair on Saturday, June 16, 10am to 6pm, at Hoyt Field (Gilmore St. & Western Ave.) in Cambridge.
The popular, free event draws over 300 men and boys who compete in basketball and flag football tournaments, and participate in a required health workshop.
Progress has been made in men’s health, and U.S. males of all races and ethnicities are living longer on average than they did 25 years ago. But some groups have fared better than others. Males of African descent continue to have the lowest life expectancy in the United States among both men and women, and the highest death rate for heart disease, stroke, cancer, homicide, and firearm-related injury.
To celebrate 25 years of making men’s health a priority, Hoops ‘N’ Health will raffle off Celtics and Harlem Globetrotters tickets and other prizes; host a special appearance by Wally, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox; and offer photo opps with the World Series trophy. The event also includes live music, dancing, Zumba, cooking demonstrations, a free healthy lunch, kids’ games, and an “Ask a Health Care Provider” table.
Events Schedule
Rain date is Saturday, June 23.
Visit Hoops on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/HoopsNHealth
For more information or to sign up a team, contact Richard Harding at the Cambridge Public Health Department at 617-665-3769 or cphdevents@challiance.org. For the full schedule of events: http://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/events/calendar-event.php?id=639
June 6, 2018 – City Manager Louis DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Established under state law in 1935, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance to more than 7,700 low-income families, elders, and disabled individuals through its Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Programs. It has an annual budget of $121 million and since 2015 has completed over $230 million in capital investment and construction contracts with another $300 million plus planned over the next 3-5 years as CHA revitalizes all the public housing in Cambridge.
CHA also invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to 12% of the city population. By tailoring its approach to focus on policy innovation and family economic opportunities, CHA is able to meet its mission to develop and manage safe, good quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in a manner which promotes citizenship, community and self-reliance in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country.
A five-member Board of Commissioners governs CHA. One member is appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts and the remaining four members are appointed by the Cambridge City Manager and confirmed by the Cambridge City Council. By law, the Board must include a housing authority resident and a representative of labor unions; both of these positions are currently filled. All Board members must be residents of Cambridge.
The CHA Board oversees the Agency's overall direction and approves all significant contract awards, budget decisions, formal submissions to state and federal funding agencies, planning and reporting documents, all major policy decisions, and many other important matters. Commissioners also serve as board members on CHA’s three non-profit affiliates. The Board sets policy but is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the agency.
CHA’s Board of Commissioners meets regularly on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m., at the Agency’s office, 362 Green St., 3rd floor, Cambridge. Additionally, the board may occasionally meet for special meetings as needed.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, July 6, 2018. Applications 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.
June Programs (and Beyond) at Fresh Pond Reservation These events are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult. |
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| Woodland Restoration Area Gardening Dates: Tuesdays, between 9:30am and 1:00pm Place: Meets at the Woodland Habitat (Northeast Sector) Join other stewardship-minded volunteers in caretaking the native plant restoration area next to Lusitania Meadow, and learn about the diversity of native plant life! We seek dedicated participants who enjoy camaraderie and hard work that includes weeding, pruning, planting, watering new plantings, hauling wood chips and moving logs. Please email friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com if you would like to come, and for more information. |
Fresh Air Walks Dates: Wednesdays, 12:00pm to 1:30pm Place: Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway These casual walks, led by Ranger Tim, will encompass Fresh Pond and take an informal look at each week in nature, life, and the city. Come alone or bring your co-workers! Rain or shine. Questions? Contact: tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov |
| Fresh Pond Stewards Dates: Thursdays, 10:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the volunteer trailer near the front of the Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. 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. Meets at the volunteer trailer in the lower parking lot. Contact tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov for more information. |
Seasonal Walkabout at Lusitania Wet Meadow Date: Friday, June 15, 11:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the “Meeting Rocks” (where the meadow meets the perimeter road trail) Come out for a seasonal walkabout with Ranger Jean at the Lusitania Wet Meadow. We will monitor wildlife by sign, track or presence, and make note of weather, state of plants, condition of water and other abiotic resources. You can help chart the seasonal changes of some of our most active wildlife spots, or simply come to enjoy the walk. Come dressed to be outdoors for the hour. All knowledge levels welcome. We will be walking off-path. To RSVP, please contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov. Heavy rain postpones to the following Friday. |
| Animal Detectives: Dragonflies Date: Sunday, June 17, 11:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Parkway (under the clock tower) June’s spotlight is on the dragonfly. These predators truly are the dragons of their world, let’s explore together how they live. This family program is best suited for kids between 4 and 12. Accompanying adult must be present, service dogs only please, and dress appropriately as this is an outdoor program. Groups please check-in with Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov prior to Thursday, June 14th. |
Summer Solstice Bird Walk Date: Friday, June 22, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Place: Register for parking and meeting location and to receive notice of cancellation due to weather If you can’t bear to get up at dawn to look at birds, this evening walk is for you! Just as people take advantage of the longest days of the year to continue their outdoor activities, so do birds: They spend the extra hours of daylight foraging for food for their hungry babies. Led by Nancy Guppy. Beginning birders are welcome. We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them. Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com. |
| Nature Walk Date: Saturday, June 23, 10:00am to 11:30am Place: Meets at Gazebo near Maher Park, 650 Concord Ave. Join us for a walk through our urban wild. We will explore together the flora and fauna of the Reservation, noting bloom and berry; birds and bugs; and beyond! Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, journal, camera... or just bring yourself! Beginners are welcome, as are children. Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions. |
Early Summer Scavenger Hunt: Looking for Life in and Around a Small Pond Date: Saturday, June 23, 1:00pm to 2:30pm Place: Meets at Black’s Nook This is a drop-in style program, come any time between 1 and 2pm to join rangers in exploring the life in and around Black’s Nook at the official start of summer. Every age can benefit from this guided discovery! Bring binoculars and magnifying glasses if you have them. |
| The Owlet Debriefed Date: Saturday, June 30, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Place: Meets at the Water Treatment Plant, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway Maybe you’ve heard the news about Cambridge’s most famous baby bird—the owlet. After a season of intrigue, danger, and drama, all worked out for the best in the natural world. You’re invited to Fresh Pond to hear the story from beginning to end about what truly went on here and how we can balance our curiosity with the needs of the wild. For more information, contact Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov. |
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 is $10 and can be paid online or sent to 31 Mt. Pleasant St., Cambridge, MA 02138. 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. |
CIVIC CALENDAR
Tues, June 123:00pm The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the housing ombudsman position, receive a detailed update regarding the timeline and plan for the affordable housing overlay district, an update about the inclusionary housing report, and receive the map of all affordable housing in the city. (Sullivan Chamber)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)
4:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. (Ackermann Room)
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 State Primary - Election Worker Lists - Election Commissioners & Staff New Voting Equipment Introduction/Training - Warden & Clerk New Voting Equipment Introduction/Training - Relocation of the Polling Place at the Salvation Army New Business Voter Registration Sessions - Fresh Pond Day, Saturday, June 9th at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway - Hoops N’ Health, Saturday, June 16th at Hoyt Field in Cambridge |
4:30pm 2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chambers)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
3:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the whole licensing and permitting process and to discuss ways to make it more efficient. (Ackermann Room)
4:00pm The City Council's Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the potential for a City-based Cannabis Social Equity Program, focusing on ways to reduce barriers to entry in the commercial Cannabis industry, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses; review best equity practices from other states; and promote sustainable, socially and economically reparative practices in the commercial Cannabis industry in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
7:00-9:00pm Porter Square Neighbors Association meeting (Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave.)
What do you know about the History of Porter Square? The guest speaker will be Charlie Sullivan, Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission.
9:30am Bikes and Bricks! An Architectural Tour of Cambridge (meet at Cambridge Public Library Main Branch)
Ride departs at 10:00am. Join the Cambridge Bicycle Committee for a leisurely, family-friendly ride through the streets of Cambridge as part of the city's annual Bike Month activities. The theme of this spring's bike tour is an exploration of architecture in Cambridge, passing sites associated with famous and historically interesting architecture. We will start at the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch and ride for about two hours (see route below). We'll be escorted by the Cambridge Police Department's Bike Patrol. The ride will end back at the library with a light lunch.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
3:30pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City's Cyber Security Policy. (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Zoning petition received from Douglas Brown et al to amend the zoning in Section 20.70 Flood Overlay district and the creation of a new Section 22.80 – Green Factor. This hearing is to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
1:00pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive a follow-up on a response received from the City Manager on May 14, 2018 regarding electric vehicles and the originating Policy Order #6 adopted Jan 29, 2018. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Special Midsummer meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
The City Council returns Monday for another crack at the Vellucci Park matter. The rhetoric will likely go something like this: (1) "You have to save the trees to save the planet" - even though you could define the word 'negligible' by this and many other Cambridge initiatives on that front; or (2) "You have to enthusiastically support the proposed reconfiguration because it removes bicycles from the roadway" (even though it was our 4th choice out of 4 proposed designs); or (3) "If you disagree with our position you support the murder of innocents." Cambridge rhetoric can be a bit overwhelming at times. I just think we could do better if the whole process wasn't driven by the obsessive falsehoods that only motor vehicles should be allowed to safely use Cambridge roadways and that the only safe place for a bicycle is on the sidewalk.