Notable items on the Oct 15, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda Here's my first pass at the interesting stuff up for discussion at this week's meeting: Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will fund an expansion of free food programming for Cambridge youth. Expanded Free Breakfast & Lunch in Cambridge schools and pre-schools courtesy of Mother Cambridge. Manager's Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to support the completion of the Inman Square Intersection Improvements Project. Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Councillor Kelley, transmitting memorandum regarding Inman Square Redesign Project. There are some who still feel that the plan needs revision (including Councillor Kelley), but the judge isn't going to look at the twenty-seven 8 x 10 colored glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one. Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-76, regarding a report on Linkage fee as part of the Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. Another study coming. At least this time there will also be effort expended to measure the impact of new nonresidential development on employment opportunities for Cambridge residents (could there be a positive impact?). Currently any linkage fees exacted from new development go toward subsidized housing. Some might argue that the greatest deficiency in how these nexus studies and associated linkage fees work is that they do little to address the lack of access for existing residents to jobs in all these new bright shiny buildings, and building additional subsidized housing without such access to employment isn't necessarily the best strategy. Charter Right #1. That the Envision Cambridge draft recommendations should be reviewed by the entire City Council in respective committees. As I have said previously, handing a laundry list of suggestions from Envision Cambridge working committees to each of the City Council committees hardly seems like the best path toward comprehensive planning (you know - the Master Plan). Maybe they just want the Faster Plan. Order #1. That the City Manager confer with the City Solicitor’s Office on the legal question and the feasibility of placing a condition in public bidding documents prohibiting municipal contractors from displaying any signage—other than company markers and contact information—on vehicles.   Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux Though I don't know for sure (really, I do), I believe this Order came about because somebody snapped a picture of a cement truck that had "Make America Great Again" on it. Order #4. That the Chairs of the Ordinance Committee schedule a hearing on Tree Protections and the Chairs of the Health & Environment Committee schedule public hearings on Tree Protections and the preliminary results from the Ordinance Committee hearing.   Councillor Zondervan I may just have to take down sooner than later that problematic ash tree in my yard that's leaning on my roof. Otherwise, if a new ordinance is passed I may need a lawyer and an additional check. Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor to investigate the queries posed by the Economic and University Relations Committee for a City-Based Cannabis Social Equity Program.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan Cast me out from the community, if you will, but I simply cannot wrap my head around a policy that gives preferential treatment to relatives of people convicted of drug-related crimes. Ensuring that the new dope industry provides economic opportunity broadly, i.e. "social equity", is one thing, but getting nailed for dealing dope under previous laws should not provide an advantage over those who lived within the law. Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councilor E. Denise Simmons, Chair and Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on Sept 27, 2018 to discuss Affordable Housing Overlay District. The juggernaut continues. I spoke my mind on this subject at the most recent meeting of the Envision Cambridge Housing Working Group (which really should be renamed the "Subsidized Housing Working Group" based on the fact that they never addressed housing generally). As I have stated repeatedly, it's certainly true that people want housing to be affordable in the sense that a typical person or family can find a place to buy or rent within their budget, but this is not the same as advocating for a dramatic increase in subsidized housing (of which Cambridge already has a significant amount when you add up all the Housing Authority properties, Inclusionary housing units, etc.). Indeed, I think an argument can be made that the singular focus on subsidized housing may be contributing to the non-affordability of housing generally. The best affordable housing program ever conceived was the proliferation of multi-family housing, and that involved no government subsidy at all. Better ideas would be to permit multi-family housing in all zones, adjust allowable densities to better reflect the existing built environment, and work regionally to increase the overall housing stock. As I stated at the very first meeting of the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, constructing many housing units in Somerville's Union Square, in Everett, in Allston, and elsewhere will do more toward making housing more affordable in Cambridge than anything. Only when people have options can they make rational economic choices. It is the shortage of available better options that allows housing costs in Cambridge to rise unchecked. Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 12, 2018 to discuss Storefront Vacancies Best Practices. Though I suppose I like the idea of "pop up" art in vacant storefronts, it's a poor substitute for actual retail. On a related matter, current state law requires all new marijuana stores to obscure the views into these establishments (kinda like a speakeasy in the prohibition era). The crappy response has been to propose putting artsy stuff in the front windows. There are better approaches. My proposal is to create arcade-like shallow retail operations on these frontages. How about a hot dog vendor? A newsstand (if anyone still buys newspapers/magazines)? Maybe just a simple water bottle filling station. How about just creating a recessed area with an awning where a local vendor can sell hats, scarves, or trinkets? There are plenty of other good ideas. I would make the same proposal for other "formula businesses" to create active, low-cost, retail opportunities. - Robert Winters Comments?

Speaking Freely - A few thoughts on the proposal to grant certain non-profit developers the right to build far more densely than others

Sept 29 - An interesting discussion is starting to develop on neighborhood listservs and on Facebook regarding a proposed "100% Affordable Housing Overlay". Here are a few thoughts (by me) from a couple of Facebook discussions on the issue. Pardon what may seem at times like "one hand clapping", but I selected only my comments out of the conversation(s).

If this proposal succeeds to game the system to deliver parcels to specific subsidized housing developers, the next step will be for city councillors to significantly increase the amount of taxpayer dollars available to develop those properties. And if you question any aspect of this, get ready to be maligned. If zoning limitations on height or density mean anything at all, they should be uniformly applied to ALL and not rigged to favor certain developers.

I think there's a lot of political pressure going on behind the scenes here in addition to the public meetings. The misinformation and misrepresentation being spread around is astonishing. I bought my multi-family house on a busy street with neighboring buildings almost within arms reach and no driveway not because I wanted those things but because I could not afford to do otherwise. If I had the resources to buy a house on a quiet street with a driveway and maybe even a garage I would have done that. The people who bought houses in lower density parts of the city and on quiet streets did so because that's what they wanted and they paid accordingly. That was not the manifestation of evil thoughts. It was simply a choice. Our current City Council apparently leans toward disrespecting the choices of its own residents. They have always had the capacity to create more subsidized housing by raising taxes and answering to the voters at the next election. I do believe they should be considering some density increases in most zones and allowing multi-family buildings in all zones in order to increase housing capacity, but it appears that more attention is being paid to social engineering than to the provision of housing.

You may not believe this but I have often been accused of being conflict-averse. It's actually kind of true. I generally choose to walk away from a fight. It takes a lot to get me going, and what it usually takes is a boatload of mendacity.

One of my greatest objections to the "Our Revolution" crowd that has inserted itself into Cambridge political discourse is the underlying agenda that property ownership is inherently evil and that it should be constrained whenever and wherever possible. We saw this with the "tenants right of first refusal" effort earlier this year which fortunately did not succeed. The political playbook is apparently to draw attention to those property owners and developers who behave badly and then apply the broad brush of condemnation to all property owners. This is why I steadfastly refuse to support any candidate who is associated with the "Our Revolution" cult. By the way, I have provided affordable housing to my tenants for 33 years without any prompting from government or activists. I am not alone.

I have to agree regarding the hypocrisy. I still often find myself "at the table" even when others object to my viewpoint. Indeed, I'm the only person on the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee or the Envision Cambridge Housing Working Group who has never missed a meeting. Normally I would be very hesitant about speaking out while still serving on either body, but apparently other members feel no such constraint and I am very concerned about how things are being misrepresented. I'm also starting to get a bit concerned that these advisory committees may not be seriously heard, especially when viewpoints expressed do not align with City staff.

If CDD said they think this will produce NO subsidized housing (I prefer that term to "affordable") I'm inclined to believe they were being disingenuous in order to sell the proposal by minimizing objections. It should be OBVIOUS that they believe it will deliver at least some subsidized housing or they would not be forwarding the proposal.

As I stated, my expectation is that some subsidized housing may be produced. My chief objection is that one property owner will still have strict zoning restrictions while a neighboring property will be allowed up to four times the density if the owner/developer builds subsidized housing. I have provided affordable housing for 33 years and I cannot add an additional square foot to my property, yet those rules would be obliterated for a "non-profit" developer who may well charge "affordable" rents that are greater than mine.

I completely agree. I have never liked the fact that Cambridge has often "processed things to death", but the current trend is worse. The new Machiavellian norm is to ram something through and deal with the fallout later or not at all or, more likely, create a series of sham public meetings after all decisions have been made where only the color of the brick may be debated.

Let me add that I really hope this doesn't turn into a "green vs. affordable" false dichotomy. The real issue here is whether changes in City zoning policies should run roughshod over current regulations. Some changes are in order - as long as the zoning principles are applied uniformly. Enhancing and protecting tree canopy is a separate issue that deserves its own debate.

The next time I hear a City official say "no decisions have been made" when you know damn well that they have I may actually scream.

One consideration that does deserve attention is the fact that there are many properties now that are nonconforming because zoning limits were reduced long after these buildings were built. There is something to be said for having zoning regulations at least somewhat match the current built environment rather than be set artificially low. This shouldn't be a blank check. Some locations have buildings way above the surrounding neighborhood and I would never suggest that limits should be based on those exceptions. If so, East Cambridge would be nothing but Sullivan Courthouse buildings.

One fundamental problem here is that City staff and elected officials like to refer to "affordable housing" being a high priority for residents in order to justify any given policy. It's certainly true that people want housing to be affordable in the sense that a typical person or family can find a place to buy or rent within their budget, but this is not the same as advocating for a dramatic increase in subsidized housing (of which Cambridge already has a significant amount when you add up all the Housing Authority properties, Inclusionary housing units, etc.). Indeed, I think an argument can be made that the singular focus on subsidized housing may be contributing to the non-affordability of housing generally. The best affordable housing program ever conceived was the proliferation of multi-family housing, and that involved no government subsidy at all.

- Robert Winters

A Taxing Situation - October 1, 2018 City Council Meeting Preview The main order of business is the Tax Rate Hearing at 6:30pm that leads to the determination of the residential and commercial tax rates for FY2019. Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the votes necessary to seek approval from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2019. For the most part, the tax levy (and hence the tax rate) was determined several months ago when the City Council voted to approve the FY2019 Budget. Some things have changed since then, but the final steps in the process consist of a series of votes on allocations from available funds to reduce the tax rate, tax classification (primarily residential vs. commercial, subject to limitations under state law), approval of the residential exemption, and several available exemptions and deferrals permitted under state law. Once the votes are taken the Department of Revenue formally sets the tax rates. The Manager's recommendations are as follows: 1. That the City Council vote to authorize the use of $9,000,000 in Free Cash to reduce the FY19 tax rate. 2. That the City Council vote to authorize $2,000,000 in overlay surplus/reserves to be used for reducing the FY19 tax rate. 3. That the City Council vote to authorize $3,500,000 from the City Debt Stabilization Fund to be used as a revenue source to the General Fund Budget, which was included in the FY19 Adopted Budget. 4. That the City Council appropriate $3,500,000 from Free Cash to the City Debt Stabilization Fund. 5. That the City Council classify property within the City of Cambridge into the five classes allowed for the purpose of allocating the property tax. It is further recommended that the City Council adopt a minimum residential factor of 57.5386%. 6. That the City Council approve the residential exemption factor of 30% for owner occupied homes, which should result in a residential tax rate of $5.94 and commercial tax rate of $13.71 (per $1000 of taxable value after exemptions) upon final approval by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. 7. That the City Council vote to double the normal value of the statutory exemptions. 8. That the City Council vote to increase the FY18 exemption allowed under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17D from $314 to $322. 9. That the City Council vote to increase the FY18 asset limits allowed under Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 17E from $62,205 to $63,760. 10. That the City Council vote to increase the FY18 income and assets limits for elderly persons (age 65 or older). Income limits of $25,721 to $26,364 for those who are single and $38,582 to $39,547 9 for those who are married, asset limits of $51,439 to $52,725 for those who are single and $70,730 to $72,498 for those who are married, as allowed under MGL, Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41D. 11. That the City Council vote the income limit for deferral of real estate taxes by elderly persons (at least 65 years old) as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue for the purposes of MGL, Chapter 62, Section 6, subsection (k), for a single person who is not head of household ($57,000) and for a married couple ($86,000), as allowed under MGL Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A. The reduction of the interest rate to 4% for deferred taxes, which was approved by the City Council previously, will continue. Order #3. That the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee schedule a hearing on the proposed “Cambridge Publicly Financed Municipal Election Program” and the “Cambridge Municipal People’s Pledge Program” as soon as possible and report back to the City Council with a plan for implementation no later than the City Council meeting scheduled for Nov 19, 2018.   Councillor Toomey I seriously wish these proposals and various alternatives proposed by others would just go away. It is becoming increasingly clear that such things as a positive social media presence, a good email list, and boatloads of personal contact are far more important than money in a local election campaign. So, could we stop chasing this wild goose? Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation department and any other relevant city departments to study the potential of utilizing the Icelandic crosswalk design in an intersection in East Cambridge.   Councillor Toomey If you feel that screeching panic stops are a wise choice for traffic calming, then this is your design. I will humbly suggest that simpler solutions would be preferable. On the other hand, we could try some other optical illusions like holographic tigers or various apparitions from Ghostbusters. Order #7. That the Envision Cambridge draft recommendations should be reviewed by the entire City Council in respective committees.   Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui My presumption has always been that this laundry list of recommendations would be farmed out to the various City Council committees for further review prior to any consideration of zoning changes in the Ordinance Committee or other actions. I also think it would be a good idea to have the full final Envision Cambridge report in hand before delving too deeply into any of these ideas. Looking at them in isolation is not recommended. Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 12, 2018 to discuss the guiding policy and safety priorities for regulating and permitting shared electric scooters to operate in Cambridge. Maybe the public will gleefully accept these devices, but what is currently available is simply not safe to use under all conditions by any reasonable standard. The relatively small wheels alone virtually guarantee a tumble when encountering even a small imperfection in the road. On a related matter I found it interesting that the response by Ant Bike to statements from CDD that they were not permitted in Cambridge led them to place two of them in the park next to the City Hall Annex where CDD is located. (I moved them outside to the sidewalk.) On the same day that the City of Lynn announced that they were not allowed, seven of them appeared along one stretch of Main Street in Kendall Square (with five of them lying on their side restricting pedestrian movement). What they see as "economic disruption" is hard to distinguish from "obnoxiously aggressive". Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 20, 2018 to discuss reducing the speed limit to 20 MPH on residential streets citywide and the creation of 20 MPH safety zones on certain other streets. My primary comment at this hearing was that there were some city councillors who would gladly reduce the speed limit to 0 MPH if this was permissible under state law. The simple fact is that almost all drivers operate their vehicles safely under the current 25 MPH limit. The problem is the scofflaws for whom the legal limit will be ignored no matter where you set it. Consistent enforcement is what's important, though there are some streets and specific locations where a 20 MPH limit is advisable. I also think the City should seriously consider the use of a "shared street" model with an even lower speed limit in some heavily pedestrian areas. This would have been my choice for Brattle Street where the City installed those counterintuitive segregated bike lanes. A much better solution would be to make that entire stretch of Brattle Street a two-way low-speed shared street for all. - Robert Winters Comments?

Oct 7 - I recently merged the most recent voter history file from the Sept 4 Primary with my mega-database going back to 1997. If you have ever wondered how many people have voted in every Cambridge citywide election since then (including municipal elections, federal elections, primary elections, and special elections), there are now only 116 of us (and I personally know at least 52 of those 116). Maybe we should form a club. - RW

PS - I'll do some histograms and other goodies from the latest data when I have a few minutes to spare. I also take requests.

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Escape from Lynn

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The Changing Face of Central Square

Envision Cambridge Updates - Sept 12 Advisory Committee & Sept 13 Housing Working Group Presentation

100% Affordable Housing Overlay Proposal (Sept 13, 2018)

Super-Inclusionary Housing Proposal (Sept 13, 2018)

Environment Performance Incentive Proposal (Sept 13, 2018)

Combined Super-Inclusionary & Environmental Performance Scenarios (Sept 13, 2018)

City of Cambridge Designated Early Voting Sites Locations, Dates and Hours for the State Election, November 6, 2018

Early voting will begin on October 22nd and continue through November 2nd for the State Election to be held on Tuesday, November 6th. In 2016, Massachusetts voters were given the opportunity to vote prior to Election Day through early voting. Previously the only way a registered voter could vote prior to Election Day was through absentee voting. Although absentee voting is still available for registered voters who qualify, only those who will be absent from their city or town on Election Day or have a disability that prevents them from going to the polls, or have a religious belief preventing the same, are legally allowed to vote by absentee ballot.

Unlike absentee voting, early voting is for every registered voter. Registered voters do not need an excuse or reason to vote early. Regardless of whether a voter wants to take advantage of early voting, vote absentee or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele. If you need to register to vote, you may do it online by visiting: www.RegisterToVoteMA.com. All you need is a license or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the November 6th State Election, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by the deadline of Wednesday, October 17th at 8pm.

Early voting can be done in person or by mail. In the City of Cambridge, early voting can be done in person at any of the five (5) designated early voting sites during the scheduled dates and times. Please note, however, once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

To request a ballot by mail, simply fill out an application or send us a written request with your name, Cambridge address, address where you want the ballot sent and your signature and mail it to the Election Commission, 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139. You can download an application at www.CambridgeMA.gov/EarlyVoting.

We encourage all our citizens to exercise their right and take advantage of the opportunity to vote at one of the sites during the scheduled dates and times. For public convenience, the City of Cambridge will also offer weekday evening hours and weekend hours on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 9am to 5pm.

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE EARLY VOTING SCHEDULE

LOCATION	1st Week - DATE & TIME	2nd Week - DATE & TIME
City of Cambridge Election Commission Office 51 Inman Street, 1st Floor	Mon, October 22, 8:30am to 8:00pm Tues, October 23, 8:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 24, 8:30am to 8:00pm Thurs, October 25, 8:30am to 6:00pm Fri, October 26, 8:30am to 6:00pm Sat, October 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm	Mon, October 29, 8:30am to 8:00pm Tues, October 30, 8:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 31, 8:30am to 8:00pm Thurs, November 1, 8:30am to 6:00pm Fri, November 2, 8:30am to 6:00pm
Police Department, Community Room 1st Floor, 125 Sixth Street	Mon, October 22, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 23, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 24, 12:00am to 8:00pm Thurs, October 25, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, October 26, 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat, October 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm	Mon, October 29, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 30, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 31, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Thurs, November 1, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, November 2, 9:30am to 6:00pm
Cambridge Water Department 250 Fresh Pond Parkway	Mon, October 22, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 23, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 24, 12:00am to 8:00pm Thurs, October 25, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, October 26, 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat, October 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm	Mon, October 29, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 30, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 31, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Thurs, November 1, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, November 2, 9:30am to 6:00pm
Main Library 449 Broadway	Mon, October 22, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 23, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 24, 12:00am to 8:00pm Thurs, October 25, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, October 26, 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat, October 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm	Mon, October 29, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 30, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 31, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Thurs, November 1, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, November 2, 9:30am to 6:00pm
O’Neill Library 70 Rindge Ave.	Mon, October 22, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 23, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 24, 12:00am to 8:00pm Thurs, October 25, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, October 26, 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat, October 27, 9:00am to 5:00pm	Mon, October 29, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Tues, October 30, 9:30am to 6:00pm Wed, October 31, 12:00pm to 8:00pm Thurs, November 1, 9:30am to 6:00pm Fri, November 2, 9:30am to 6:00pm

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Cambridge City Manager Seeks Members for Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship - deadline extended

Sept 18, 2018 – Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC). The Commission consists of 11 volunteer members, who are appointed by the City Manager, following an application and interview process. The term of the appointment is three years. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and must be residents of Cambridge. It is desirable for this Commission to be fully representative of the diverse Cambridge community.

Cambridge welcomes immigrants and wants to encourage their success and access to opportunity and advancement in this country. It will be a goal of this Commission to get the message of welcome out, through collaboration with organizations that already provide services and outreach to our immigrant community. The Commission will act as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues through providing information, referral, guidance, coordination and technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship.

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

Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and résumé or summary of 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 for submitting applications is not yet determined.

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Church Street Proposed Development (Gerald Chan) - Sept 6 Hearing at Historical Commission

CIVIC CALENDAR

Tues, Oct 16

3:00pm   The City Council's Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will meet to discuss CMA 2018 #196 (better known as Order #1 of Feb 5, 2018) and any other matter related to Jerry’s Pond (for example, this July 30, 2018 response from the City Manager).  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:00pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

I. MINUTES II. REPORTS 1. Executive Director's Report 2. Assistant Director's Report 3. Commissioners' Reports III. PUBLIC COMMENT

IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business 1. Review of Election Night Procedures 2. State Election, November 6, 2018 New Business

6:30pm   Planning Board meeting  (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts

Public Hearings

6:30pm   PB# 339 – 541 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Revolutionary Clinics II, Inc. to convert existing space into a Medical Marijuana Dispensary pursuant to Section 11.802.8 Registered Marijuana Dispensary Use in the Business B District. (Notice) (Materials)

Board of Zoning Appeal Cases

BZA-016957-2018 – 300 Mt. Auburn Street – Special Permit to remove existing previously-permitted rooftop telecommunication equipment and replace with up-graded equipment. Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.32.G.1 & Sec. 4.40 (Footnote 49) (Telecommunication Facility); 6409 Section 47 USC 1455 (a). (Materials)

Wed, Oct 17

5:30pm   Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting  (Police Station, 125 Sixth St., First Floor Community Room)

[Meeting Agenda and supporting materials]

6:00-7:30pm   Central Square Advisory Committee meeting  (City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 4th Floor Conference Room)

This meeting will focus on "Placemaking in Central Square" to reintroduce and revisit the City's approaches to public space with the goal of creating a set of values for public spaces in Central Square. The focus of this meeting will be - Public Health.

Thurs, Oct 18

10:00am   Pole & Conduit Commission meeting  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

Mon, Oct 22

5:30pm   City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the Envision process. This Meeting is to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 23

3:00pm   The City Council's Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the status of the Harvard Square Kiosk.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 24

3:00pm   License Commission Public Hearing  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

6:30-8:30pm   Inman Square Intersection Improvements - Community Meeting  (Cambridgeport School - Gymnasium)

The City is developing plans to improve the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in Inman Square. Please join us at an upcoming meeting to learn more about the plaza design and provide input. This meeting will focus on presentation and discussion of the landscape and urban design for the reconfigured Vellucci Plaza and presentation of public art concepts by Project Artist Mark Reigelman. We encourage community members to attend to learn more and provide feedback about the design for this important public space.

Thurs, Oct 25

10:00am   The City Council's Human Services and Veteran’s Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Summer food program update.  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:00pm   LGBTQ+ meeting  (Windsor St. Health Center, 119 Windsor St.)

6:00-8:00pm   Pedestrian Committee Meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Oct 29

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission Meeting  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

Tues, Oct 30

3:00pm   The City Council's Human Services and Veteran’s Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update of existing/in progress workforce development programs in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Nov 1

6:00pm   Cambridge Historical Commission meeting  (Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave.)

Mon, Nov 5

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:00pm   Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission (MCNCDC) meeting  (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Tues, Nov 6

7:00am-8:00pm   State Election (citywide) - VOTE!

Wed, Nov 7

3:00pm   License Commission Public Hearing  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

5:30pm   Transit Advisory Committee meeting  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

Thurs, Nov 8

2:00pm   The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Federal Communications Commission’s new policy on regulating small cell technology and the City’s response and policies.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30-7:00pm   Commission for Persons with Disabilities meeting  (51 Inman St., 2nd Floor Conference Room)

Tues, Nov 13

3:00pm   The City Council's Health and Environmental Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss draft recommendations from the Envision Cambridge Climate and Environment working group and any other related matters.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Nov 14

8:00-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

3:00pm   The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Policy Order adopted regarding Cambridge publicly finance Municipal Election Program and the Cambridge Municipal People’s Pledge Program. This Hearing will be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30-7:30pm   Bicycle Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

5:30pm   Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting  (Police Station, 125 Sixth St., First Floor Community Room)

[Meeting Agenda and supporting materials]

Thurs, Nov 15

10:00am   Pole & Conduit Commission meeting  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

6:00pm   LGBTQ+ meeting  (Windsor St. Health Center, 119 Windsor St.)

6:00-8:00pm   Pedestrian Committee Meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Nov 19

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:00pm   Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission Meeting  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)

Mon, Nov 26

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission Meeting  (Lombardi Building, 831 Mass. Ave, Basement Conference Room)