Cambridge InsideOut - Oct 23, 2018

Notable items on the Oct 15, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda

City Hall 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?

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

Vote! 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

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.

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

Church Street View

View from across street

CIVIC CALENDAR

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

1:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing as a follow up to the June 19, 2018 hearing on licensing and permitting to review the progress since the last hearing and a walk through of the Viewpoint Cloud Platform, the program being implemented across departments to process licenses and permits. (Ackerman Room)

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

1:00pm The City Council's Health and Environmental Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the safety of natural gas infrastructure in Cambridge, the use of contractors, including Feeney Brothers, and any related matter. (Sullivan Chamber)

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)

Tues, Nov 20

5:00pm The City Council's Health and Environmental Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the preliminary LiDAR-based canopy study results from April 1, 2018 and to discuss potential reasons for the precipitous decline in our tree canopy and any other related matter. (Sullivan Chamber)

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)

Tues, Nov 27

4:00pm The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the next the steps in creating a protected bike network and an update on future Vision Zero infrastructure improvements. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Nov 29

5:00pm The City Council's Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss Urban Form Recommendations from the Community Development Department. (Sullivan Chamber)

Notable items on the Oct 15, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda

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

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

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

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

Thurs, Nov 8

Tues, Nov 13

Tues, Nov 20

Tues, Nov 27