Fans of Ranked Voting See an Opportunity in Massachusetts (Sept 17, 2018, New York Times)
After the recount in the Mass. 3rd Congressional District, Lori Trahan's margin over Dan Koh increased from 122 to 145 votes and Dan Koh conceded. The victorious candidate had only 20.9% of the votes in this 10-candidate plurality winner-take-all election. Honestly, if the Massachusetts State Legislature can't understand the need to move to election systems that address problems of vote-splitting, spoilers, and other perverse effects then they really need to get educated or seek other employment. It's equally absurd that the victor in a relatively low turnout Democratic Primary should have no opponent in the General Election in November, but that's another conversation. You have to wonder why Massachusetts politicos continue to call themselves "progressive" (whatever that means) when they can't get basic things like fair elections right. [Note: No slight of the victorious Ms. Trahan intended - she's a great candidate who will likely prove to be a great representative in Congress.] - RW

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)

Pre-Fall - Select menu items from the Sept 17, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda The boys and girls return to the playground this week. Here are a few things that caught my eye. Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2019. 80% housing, 10% open space, 10% historic preservation - same as every year. Not negotiable. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommended appointment of the following person as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority for a term of 5 years: Elaine DeRosa I cannot think of a better choice for this important appointment. Committee Report #3. 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 Wed, June 20, 2019 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. Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Cannabis Zoning Petition with suggested revisions and additional considerations. I'm a little curious about this: "Board members suggested further study of whether mobile facilities could be allowed, given that a mobile facility operating on a temporary basis might provide lower barriers to entry for small businesses that cannot afford typical retail rents." Are they talking about pot trucks to go along with the food trucks? When I was a kid there was a Good Humor Man who got caught selling dope out of his ice cream truck. Nowadays they'd just call that economic empowerment. Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Library Board of Trustees: Karen Kosko, Patricia Payne and Nancy Woods. Excellent appointments all around. Applications & Petitions #3. An application was received from the Office of the Mayor McGovern requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall promoting the Indigenous Peoples' Day from Oct 3, 2018 thru Oct 15, 2018. Most people just celebrate this as Day Off. No banner necessary. Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Frances (DeGuglielmo) Tingle.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey Resolution #6. Retirement of Attorney David Sullivan from the Massachusetts State Senate.   Mayor McGovern Resolution #29. Retirement of William"Bill" Dwyer from the Department of Public Works.   Mayor McGovern One thing not everyone knows is that the Department of Public Works is a community with many people who work for decades, sometimes their entire working life, within DPW. Retirements of people like Bill Dwyer are a very big deal indeed. Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to establish a Senior Living Overlay District at the current site of Sancta Maria Nursing Facility to encourage and incentivize redevelopment specifically for continuum of care services.   Councillor Mallon I think we're starting to get a bit too prescriptive with Cambridge zoning, especially with the introduction of "overlay districts" for every imaginable use. Many of us would like to see opportunities for senior living or a place where artists can flourish. We would also like places to buy affordable groceries. Is the creation of an overlay district to dictate one use while preventing other potential good uses the right way to go? It's one thing to classify land use as residential, commercial, industrial, etc., but how far down should this categorization go? Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and relevant housing partners to aggressively attempt to obtain, or help others obtain, the Santa Maria property for purposes of affordable housing.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Mayor McGovern Whatever happened to the idea of a relocated Public Works Yard? I'm not necessarily recommending this, but putting DPW on Concord Ave. and building mixed-income housing on the current DPW site isn't a crazy idea. Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Police Commissioner to increase enforcement of the Bike Lane Bill to keep our bicycle infrastructure free and unobstructed.   Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan Does this apply to Really Bad Bicycle Infrastructure (RBBI)? Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the tax status, zoning history, and sale of The Constellation Center's Parcel C in Kendall Square.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey Anyone who has followed this knew this Order would eventually come. That will be an interesting and likely fruitless journey down the road of Retroactive Zoning & Tax Classification. Looking forward would make a lot more sense, but I'm sure I'll find the history interesting. Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Economic Development Division to regularly update the vacant property database as well as review the strategies presented in the Storefront Vacancies Best Practices Report and report back on the feasibility of implementing these recommendations.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone I testified recently at a follow-up meeting of this committee about the potential unintended consequences of encouraging "pop up" businesses to occupy vacant spaces at (presumably) much lower rents than nearby businesses. I can easily see a seasonable "pop up" store showing up and stealing all the holiday business away from an existing business. The temporary filling of a vacant store could then lead to another vacancy. Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion on a Motion to Rescind.   Councillor Zondervan Order #14. That the City Council rescind its vote of July 30, 2018 failing to send the climate safety (Brown, et al) petition to a second reading, thereby taking no action on the petition.   Councillor Zondervan Our petulant Councillor Zondervan continues to stomp his feet in protest over the failure of the Nakagawa-Brown petition to be passed to a 2nd Reading. First he tried to file reconsideration, and now he wants to go for the legislative equivalent of annulment. I am not a lawyer (IANAL) and I have no prior knowledge of anyone ever looking to do pull a "Motion to Rescind" on a prior vote, but consider the ramifications of such a thing. A local legislature votes on a zoning matter (one way or another) and the matter is finalized. A property owner then happily goes to the bank to secure financing now that the road has been cleared. Then a month or so later the local legislature comes back and cries "Do Over" like that annoying kid who didn't like the fact that the other kids prevailed in the ball game. Committee Report #5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Aug 13, 2018 to discuss revisions to the proposed Municipal Code amendment to create a new chapter 12.22 entitled “Surveillance Technology Ordinance;” said revisions were submitted to the City Council on June 25, 2018. The interesting aspect of this (at least to me) is the legal separation of authority under the City Charter. The City Council may be the body that sets general policies, but can you imagine the ensuing chaos of having the Cambridge City Council micromanaging how the Cambridge Police Department conducts its day-to-day operations or how it responds to an emergency situation? It's one thing to set parameters and maintain a dialogue, but police investigations should not be arbitrarily constrained by people trained more in politics than in police work. Committee Report #6. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on July 23, 2018 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 10.17 entitled “Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance” in section 10.17.070 entitled “Fees for Residential Parking Stickers.” I attended this meeting. My impression is that we have several elected officials who have never seen a fee increase or a tax increase that they didn't embrace and celebrate. The simplest way to understand fees is to make clear the distinction with taxes. A fee pays for a service, and the money raised has to support that service. It's not just another revenue source like a tax that can be used for whatever pet project a councillor wants to support. Personally, I find the notion of renewing a parking sticker every year a bit ridiculous. We accept it only because we're familiar with the routine (and the long lines for some). A much better system would be to pay a one-time fee for a sticker that's good for as long as you own the vehicle and still live in Cambridge. It would be easy to encode the sticker for easy verification against City databases. The only people waiting on lines would then be for new residents or new vehicles. Committee Report #8. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Aug 8, 2018 to discuss City Council petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Article 5.000 as it relates to rainwater and flat roofs. As an owner of a triple-decker with a flat roof, I completely understand the concerns about clogged drains and why someone might seek an alternative design. The ideas in this zoning petition have merit. The only issue should be how to ensure that one person's cure is not another person's cause of trouble, i.e. rainwater being diverted to an unwelcome place. - Robert Winters Comments?

Pending Zoning Amendments

Nakagawa/Brown Petition - See you in two years!
Applications & Petions #5 (Apr 23, 2018). 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.
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee

Applications & Petitions #4 (June 25, 2018). A zoning petition has been received from the Pizzuto Family Limited Partnership Cambridge Zoning Ordinance 20.900 and Zoning Map by added section entitled New Street Overlay District.

Order #1 (June 25, 2018). That the City Council refer proposed changes to Cambridge Zoning Article 5.000.Rainwater & Flat Roof Zoning to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board for hearing and report.   Councillor Kelley, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan

Order #4 (June 25, 2018). That the zoning amendment to section 4.22 of the zoning code, with strikeouts and highlighting to identify proposed changes for discussion, be forwarded to the Planning Board and the Ordinance Committee for their review as a zoning solution to the challenges posed by current zoning constraints regarding accessory dwelling units.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan

Cannabis Regulation Zoning Petition (July 30, 2018)
Manager's Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a draft zoning petition concerning the regulation of cannabis establishments in the City of Cambridge in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-75. [Cannabis Zone Map]

My prediction: Legal marijuana shops will sell the expensive stuff and the riff raff will still buy from other sources. Also, let's face it - so-called "medical marijuana dispensaries" were always intended to be a first step toward recreational pot shops. I hope they can at least bring back the Peter Max posters and lava lamps from the head shops of my youth.

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

CIVIC CALENDAR

Thurs, Sept 20

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

3:00pm   The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing 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 (yes, the description is self-contradictory).  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   The City Council's Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will meet to discuss the various events being planned for Indigenous “Peoples” Day 2018 and ways to observe the holiday in a manner that promotes the culture, history, and diversity of indigenous peoples during future years.  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:00pm   Envision Cambridge Scenario Meeting  (Kennedy-Longfellow School, 158 Spring St.)

6:00pm   Vision Zero Advisory Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

Sat, Sept 22

11:00am   Envision Cambridge Community Event  (Fresh Pond Apartments, Community Room , 364 Rindge Ave.)

Mon, Sept 24

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, Sept 25

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

The School Committee will reconvene in Executive Session immediately following the regular meeting in the School Committee Conference Room, 459 Broadway, for the purposes of hearing a Level III grievance as part of collective bargaining with CEA Unit E and for the purpose of discussing collective bargaining strategy and litigation/arbitration strategy with respect to such grievance as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining and the litigation/arbitration positions of the Cambridge School Committee.

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

Wed, Sept 26

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 1. State Primary, September 4, 2018 - Review 2. State Election, November 6, 2018 Early Voting - Set Early Voting Schedule and Locations - Commissioner Schedules New Business

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 - Arts + Programming.

6:00pm   Envision Cambridge Scenarios Public Meeting  (Graham & Parks Alternative Public School, 44 Linnaean St.)

Thurs, Sept 27

3:00pm   The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss storm water management practices and get an update on how Cambridge will be impacted by the EPS’s new MS4 permit which took effect on July 1, 2018.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm   The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the Community Development Department on the Affordable Housing Overlay District, and an update on the annual Inclusionary Zoning report. The Housing Committee shall also meet the City Manager's candidate for the open Cambridge Housing Authority Board position.  (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)

Sat, Sept 29 and Sun, Sept 30

Noon to 6:00pm   Cambridge Arts Open Studios (CAOS)  (Citywide)

Cycle to the Source 2018
Date: Saturday, September 29th, 8:30am to 4:00pm (Rain date is Sun, Sept 30)
Place: Meets at the Water Treatment Plant, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
    Along with Cambridge Water Department staff and guides from Urban Adventours. This event is free and open to the public, but for safety reasons is for adults only. Cycle to the Source is a 33-mile bike tour of the Cambridge Watershed. It is a chance to explore where your water comes from, how it is collected, and what steps are taken to ensure the city has clean drinking water. It will include stops at the upper reservoirs, dams, gatehouses, and the CWD field office. The ride starts and ends at the Walter J. Sullivan Purification Facility at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, and explores the Cambridge watershed, which includes the lands and reservoirs in Lincoln, Lexington, Weston, and Waltham. Register at tiny.cc/cycletothesource or with aoconnell@Cambridgema.gov if you’d like to participate! All you need is a working bike, helmet, lunch, and water. If you would like to join but need a bike, Urban Adventours rents hybrid and road bikes that are suitable for the event. $65 would cover the cost of the bike, helmet, and delivery to Fresh Pond on the morning of the tour. Visit their website for more information.

Mon, Oct 1

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

6:30pm   Tax Rate Hearing  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Wed, Oct 3

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

4:00pm   The City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to further discuss a City-based Cannabis Social Equity Program and Policy Order #10 from June 25, 2018.  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

6:00pm   Envision Cambridge - Housing Working Group Meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

Thurs, Oct 4

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

Wed, Oct 10

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

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

Thurs, Oct 11

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

Mon, Oct 15

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, 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)

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)

Wed, Oct 24

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

Thurs, Oct 25

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)