Cambridge InsideOut - Apr 23, 2019

8) News and Events
City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee
City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees

12) On the horizon – rent control proposed at State House (H.1316) and HD.1100

Mar 27, 2019 – A few words on the "Overlay" proposal

Personally, this Overlay proposal obliterates over 35 years of what changes could be expected around where I live, and I don’t live in the upper crust part of town. The limiting factor has been the floor area ratio (FAR) – 1.0 for commercial and 0.75 for residential. I have always lived with the possibility that a higher building could appear next door, but that the footprint of the building would have to be smaller and additional setbacks would create a little breathing room between the buildings. That seemed like a reasonable expectation – one that I could easily live with.

During the time I have owned my triple-decker I negotiated with one neighbor so that a small extension would have a roof line that allowed light to continue to get to my first floor apartment. When the neighboring building changed hands and they wanted to add air conditioning units on the roof, I negotiated to ensure that they would be located far enough from my windows so that the added sound would be acceptable. These are the kinds of negotiations that happen when buildings are at or somewhat above the allowable density. Through it all I maintained very reasonable rents to all of my tenants since 1985.

If this Overlay proposal is approved, a new owner could build straight up to a height taller than my building with no setback whatsoever from the property line. Furthermore, the building could cover almost the entire lot yielding a density between 3 and 4 times what is allowed today. No sunlight whatsoever would get to my building. I would have no rights whatsoever to object.

Do I take this personally? Yes. If this were to happen I would likely look for another place to live after being here for over 40 years. So I’m looking now at the few potentially reasonable city councillors to step in and prevent this from happening. If adding to our already high percentage of subsidized housing units is your priority, you should really find a way to do this that doesn’t involve throwing me and others under the bus. – Robert Winters

Living on a Budget (A Big Budget) - April 22, 2019 Cambridge City Council meeting

As the councillors play their fiddles and cannabis outlets poke up through the ground like spring crocuses, the Manager will deliver the FY2020 Budget on Monday. Two departmental budgets appear to have vanished - General Services and Weights & Measures. The full budget details won't be available until the actual meeting, but the summaries are available now.

Here are some agenda items that piqued my interest (grouped as appropriate). The agenda is pretty full on its own, so I'll keep my comments to a minimum:

Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY2020 submitted budget and appropriation orders.

The Bottom Line is that the total proposed FY2020 Budget is $665,550,940. That's up 6.9% over last year's FY2019 budget of $622,477,255. You may want to take a longer view at the multi-year comparisons.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a memorandum regarding the School Department FY20 Budget. [At the Regular Meeting of Apr 2, 2019, the School Committee voted that the General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum of $201,770,255 for FY20.]

That's a 5.6% increase over last year's School Department budget.

Manager's Agenda #2 through 9: The Annual Big Loan Orders (appropriation and authorization to borrow) for:

#2 - $800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for repairs to entrance doors, upgrade of energy management software, replacement of analog phone system with the voice over internet protocol (VOIP), and the replacement of an emergency generator.

#3 - $22,000,000 to provide funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway.

#4 - $4,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.

#5 - $20,500,000 to provide funds for various water pollution abatement projects, including construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Alewife area.

#6 - $4,000,000 to provide design and construction of Eliot Street between JFK St. and Brattle St. which is a continuation of the Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza and Surface Enhancement project.

#7 - $10,000,000 to provide funds for the construction of improvements at City Hall.

#8 - $3,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan.

#9 - $10,000,000 to provide funds for the design and reconstruction of the Tobin School building.

In addition to the Operating Budget, the City also each year seeks authorization to borrow significant amounts for various capital projects (presumably at very favorable interest rates thanks to our multiple AAA bond ratings). This year's loan authorizations total $74,300,000.

Manager's Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Grand Junction Multi-use Path Design Project Working Group: Joseph Aiello, Rebecca Bowie, Christopher Cassa, Carlone Lowenthal, Bill McAvinney, Sarabrent McCoy, Miguel Perez-Luna, Jose-Luis Rojas, Dalila Salcedo, Katrina Sousa, Florence Toussaint, Jason Alves, Nicholas Dard, Tom Evans, Amy Flax, Kathryn Lachelt Brown, Tony Lechuga, Brad Pillen, Michelle Lower, Diana Prideaux-Brune, Robert Ricchi and John Sanzone.

Manager's Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-9, requesting that the City determine what facilities, parking changes, and other improvements to the pavement conditions are possible to make Cambridge’s stretch of Webster Avenue a complete street.

Manager's Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the City Council Zoning Petition to amend Section 4.22 "Accessory Apartments," following further staff review and improvements to petition language.

Committee Report #2. 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 Apr 2, 2019 to continue discussion on a petition filed by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in section 4.22 to allow for a special permit for the alteration of a single, two-family or accessory structure in existence as of January 2019 to provide one accessory apartment, if appropriate conditions are met.

Manager's Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 18-144 regarding a report on eviction data, and 19-10, regarding a report sharing information to assist in analyzing displacement.

Communications & Reports #5. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez transmitting a memorandum from Councillor Siddiqui, transmitting the submission of the Mayor's Blue-Ribbon Task Force on Tenant Displacement Mar 19, 2019 meeting minutes.

Manager's Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-127, regarding draft zoning for urban farming; Awaiting Report Item Number 19-23, regarding allowing lodging houses in Residential A1, A2 and B Zoning Districts; and Awaiting Report Item Number 19-28, regarding a timetable for updating retail and small business components of the zoning table of uses.

Manager's Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-37, regarding the possibility of expanding the City of Boston's intergenerational housing pilot to Cambridge.

Manager's Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Central Square Business Improvement District (BID).

Applications & Petitions #2. A petition was filed by Kenneth S. Barron, 614 Massachusetts Avenue, et al property owners, pursuant to MGL Chapter 400, petitioning that a Business Improvement District (BID) be established for the Central Square Business Improvement District.

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from the Assessors Department, transmitting certification regarding the petition from Kenneth S. Barron, 614 Massachusetts Avenue, et al property owners, pursuant to MGL Chapter 40O, petitioning that a Business Improvement District (BID) be established for the Central Square Business Improvement District.

This has been discussed for over two decades and it has finally arrived. I should really buy someone a beer (or better yet they should buy me a beer). Special gratitude goes out to Michael Monestime, Executive Director of the Central Square Business Association for bringing this from theory to reality. Additional gratitude goes out to all the Central Square property owners for believing that the future can be better with a little cooperation and vision.

Charter Right #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a memorandum regarding the update on the search process to hire a new City Clerk to replace Donna Lopez when she retires.

Order #9. Appointment of Paula Crane as Interim City Clerk in the event that a City Clerk has not been named in time to begin service on June 1, 2019. Vice Mayor Devereux

Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the proposed Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance. [ON OR AFTER APR 22, 2019 THE QUESTION COMES ON PASSAGE TO BE ORDAINED] [Attachment A][Attachment B]

Committee Report #3. 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 Apr 11, 2019 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to add a new Chapter 5.50 entitled “Cannabis Business Permitting”.

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Councillor Kelley, transmitting a memorandum regarding Cannabis Business Ordinance Follow Up Inquiry.

Communications & Reports #6. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting a memorandum regarding proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Ordinance.

Perhaps the 2018-2019 City Council will one day be remembered for making Cambridge the Cannabis Capital of Massachusetts. I suppose they had to do something to look busy.

Order #1. City Council support for H.692 extending voting rights to certain noncitizens. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan

Order #5. City Council support of the EMPOWER Act (H.720/S.389: An Act ensuring municipal participation of the widest eligible range). Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan

Order #6. City Council support of H.78: A proposal for a legislative amendment to the constitution to provide for no excuse absentee voting. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan

Variations of these pop up every few years - generally when some politicians are desperate for attention. Of the three Orders listed above the only one that has merit (and a lot of merit) is the one calling for "no excuse absentee voting". This will require a state constitutional amendment to make it so, but this is by far the best way to increase flexibility in when registered voters can cast their ballots.

In my view citizenship equals the right to vote to elect your government. Non-citizens are welcome to be residents and to pay taxes and receive services, but voting to determine the government should be for actual citizens of the United States, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the City of Cambridge. As for lowering the voting age to 16 or 17, my feeling is that you have to draw the line somewhere, and maybe that line is somewhat arbitrary, but age 18 seems about right. Even if there was a strong movement to adjust that age downward, such a change would have to be uniform across the Commonwealth or across the country. It should not vary from town to town. Fundamentally, it's just populist horse pucky.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update from Eversource and any other relevant City departments regarding the finance, health and safety, building design and the long-term electricity needs that was requested by the City Council before the construction of a substation on Fulkerson Street in East Cambridge. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui

Order #3. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the site owned by Eversource on Fulkerson Street to have a substation and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to urge Eversource to reconsider its acquisition of the property. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui

I have my own issues with Eversource, but from these Orders you would almost think that nobody in East Cambridge or Kendall Square uses electricity or that the demand is dropping. (It isn't.)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Councillor Kelley, transmitting a memorandum regarding CPSD, the Achievement Gap, and a Review of 8th Grade Math MCAS Results.

Various iterations of the Cambridge School Committee and the Cambridge School Department have been talking and talking about "The Achievement Gap" for decades, and all that talk has accomplished little. Perhaps at some point they should readjust their focus on simply doing the best possible job teaching and motivating students and just let the chips fall where they may. I suppose, however, that this is just not the way we do things in Cambridge. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Apr 3, 2019 - New City Council candidates emerging from winter hibernation

The incumbents (assuming, for the moment that they all seek reelection) will be joined by a number of challengers. Here's the list so far:

Several other candidates who ran in 2017 are expected to run again in 2019. They'll be added as confirmed.

For What It's Worth - Select Items on the April 8, 2019 Cambridge City Council Agenda

These agenda items seem marginally interesting:

Manager's Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,280,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Library Extraordinary Expenditure account to support the creation of a new STEAM creativity zone, The Hive, at the Cambridge Public Library.

I have been a mathematics teacher for decades and currently have many future engineers in my MIT classroom, so of course I think this is a great step forward. On the other hand, I am also mindful that when computers became standard in households and we were supposedly entering a "paperless society", inkjet printers proliferated and more paper was wasted than ever before. On the other hand, digital media killed off much of print media - less paper I suppose, but overall maybe not the best thing. Right now, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) is all the rage (as it should be), but will STEAM initiatives actually accomplish the desired goals or will we just have another facility or program that's not well-utilized? It's all in the details and implementation. Is mathematics proficiency in the Cambridge Public Schools really where it should be? Will this initiative help? I sure hope so.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Human Services to develop a plan for implementation of a City-Wide Workforce Development Consortium. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons

The goal behind this order may well be the single most important goal expressed during the otherwise uninspired "Envision Cambridge" exercise. Matching people growing up in Cambridge to the economic opportunities all around us matters more than all the virtue-signaling, intrusive other initiatives that have been thrust to the forefront. Earning a good income will open more doors and provide economic security than anything else. This obviously requires people to be qualified for those jobs. See above. Wishful thinking is not empowerment.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to compile a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings as soon as possible. Councillor Simmons

I just want to know what the new names will be for Jefferson Park and Jefferson Street.

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to provide an update on the small business recycling program pilot indicating any recalibration or reconsideration of the proposed program that may be necessary and any plans for expansion. Councillor Toomey

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to provide an update on the feasibility study of expanding curbside composting program to small businesses and non-profits by the end of 2019. Councillor Toomey, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon

I will once again remind everyone that Councillor Toomey has the longest record for supporting recycling initiatives in the history of Cambridge, and he practices what he preaches.

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to review whether the MBTA is out of compliance with the amended MBTA/BCIL settlement agreement through the delay in completion of the elevator replacement and concurrent hazardous condition of the stairwells related to Central Square. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon

Each major T Station should have a dedicated stationmaster who advocates for the needs of their respective stations. Instead, we get red-jacketed "ambassadors" who spend more time chatting with each other than assisting passengers. The problem with the MBTA is their own bureaucracy. Bureaucrats should try paying more attention to bricks and stairs and elevators and all the other things that passengers deal with every day. This is not rocket science.

Order #18. That the City Council go on record in support of the Harvard Graduate Students Union-UAW's demands for a fair contract now, with fair wages, benefits and a fair and neutral procedure for adjudicating workplace harassment and discrimination. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey

I think some people have the mistaken perspective that being a graduate student is a career. Fairness yes, but in perspective. Get your degree and move on.

Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Co-Chair and Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, Co-Chair of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on Mar 5, 2019 to continue discussions on the Affordable Housing Overlay District.

The juggernaut continues even as my respect for city councillors plummets. A bad proposal is still a bad proposal even if you believe "we have to do something." - Robert Winters

Comments?

City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee

Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the Foundry Advisory Committee. The Committee is made up of community members who serve in an advisory capacity to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), to help ensure that the Foundry building’s (101 Rogers Street) redevelopment and ongoing operation remains consistent with the Vision and Objectives established in the Demonstration Plan.

This group provides regular updates to the City Manager and to the CRA Executive Director on proposed uses within the Foundry building, which is in the process of being redeveloped and operated consistent with the vision and objectives that grew out of an extensive community planning process. Once the building is redeveloped, the Committee will also review any proposals for significant capital changes to the building as they affect the Foundry’s objectives.

Meetings are held quarterly and are open to the public. The Committee provides annual updates to the CRA Board at regular Board meetings, which provides an additional forum for public input. Members of the Committee will be appointed by the City Manager to a term of 3 years.

The City Manager seeks individuals with demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with diverse opinions to craft consensus recommendations. The Committee is intended to include experience and expertise in related topic areas, as well as representation from various neighborhoods within the city, and local non-profit and community organizations.

Additional information regarding the Foundry building is available on the project webpage: www.cambridgeredevelopment.org/foundry.

The deadline for submitting applications is Fri, Apr 26, 2019. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at 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.

For more information, contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or citymanager@cambridgema.gov.

Foundry

City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the city’s Bicycle, Pedestrian or Transit Advisory Committees. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings as well as review materials and engage in projects outside of regular meetings. Below is more information on each of these committees.

Bicycle Committee
The Bicycle Committee works to improve conditions for bicyclists in the City of Cambridge and promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Activities include: organizing and participating in public events such as biannual community bike rides; reviewing plans for street construction; commenting on proposed development projects; creating promotional materials to encourage bicycling in the city; and working with city departments on network planning. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge. For more information about the Cambridge Bicycle Program, visit: CambridgeMA.Gov/bikes. For questions about the committee, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4629.

Pedestrian Committee
The Pedestrian Committee works to promote walking and to help create a more comfortable, safe, and pleasant environment for walking in Cambridge. It advises on the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design. It also identifies intersections and other locations where it is difficult to walk, makes suggestions about proposed development projects as they affect people on foot, and undertakes other activities to promote walking. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-8pm at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge. (Note: November and December meetings are on the third Thursday.) For more information about walking resources in Cambridge, visit: CambridgeMA.Gov/citysmart. For questions about the committee, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4629.

Transit Advisory Committee
The Transit Advisory Committee advances an agenda for a robust public transit system for all who live, work, and visit Cambridge, including the transit services provided by the MBTA and EZRide, among others. The committee membership represents a cross-section of stakeholders, including: businesses and large institutions; commuters; persons with disabilities; neighborhood residents with low income; elderly, youth, and students; and transit advocates. The committee advises on city positions and policies on transit service planning, scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable funding for transit by the Commonwealth. This committee generally meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information, contact Tegin Teich, tteich@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4615. Visit the committee’s webpage at: CambridgeMa.Gov/transitadvisorycommittee.

Application Process
Applications are sought for a diverse group of dedicated individuals who are representatives of people who live and/or work in Cambridge. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, review materials, and engage in projects outside of regular meetings. Appointments are made by the City Manager and are for two years of service. Applications to serve on any of these committees can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee(s) of interest. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications for above referenced boards is April 26, 2019.

CIVIC CALENDAR

Mon, Apr 22

5:30pm City Council meeting - Budget submission (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 23

3:00pm The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Zero Waste Master Plan and ways to reduce single use plastics in Cambridge. (Ackermann Room)

5:30pm Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tenant Displacement meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

6:00pm River Street Reconstruction Working Group meeting (Manning Apartments, 1st Floor Community Room, 237 Franklin Street)

Doors open: 5:45pm; Meeting: 6:00pm-8:00pm. At this meeting Working Group members will discuss public input on the existing conditions, refine project goals, and identify design challenges. The City will introduce a toolbox of potential design elements and provide a brief preview of the Carl Barron Plaza charrette process to begin in May. Info: cambridgema.gov/riverstreet

6:00pm School Committee Governance Sub-Committee meeting (School Committee Conference Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)

The purpose of this meeting will be to review and make recommendations to the CPSD School Committee Budget process and to discuss better governance practices for the CPSD School Committee. It is anticipated that this meeting will end by or before 7:30pm.

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# 346
23 May Street – Special Permit application by Senne Development LLC to convert the existing two family house to a single family and construct a new single family on May Street and over 75 feet from Vineyard Street pursuant to Section Sections 5.53 - more than one structure on a lot in a Residence B district. (Materials)

7:30pm PB# 296
57 JFK Street – Amendment application by Crimson Galleria LP to exempt the existing basement level from GFA and to delete the required contribution to the Harvard Square Improvement Fund based on the total GFA being less than 80% of the maximum permitted on the lot pursuant to Section Article 2.000, Definition of Gross Floor Area and amendment to special permit granted pursuant to Section 20.54.4, Waiver of Parking and Loading Requirements in the Harvard Square Overlay District. (Materials)

General Business

3. PB-241 – St. James Church – Informational Update

Board of Zoning Appeal Cases

BZA-017091-2019
808-812 Memorial Drive – Variance for dimensional relief for the renovation of an existing nonconforming multifamily dwelling to accommodate the current energy/green building requirement standards and expand the building lobby to accommodate a new fire command center. Art. 5.000, Sec. 5.32 (Office Districts Dimensional Requirements); Art. 20.000, Sec. 20.890 (Memorial Drive Overlay District); Art. 22.000, Sec. 22.23 (Green Building Requirements) & Sec. 22.43.1 & 2 (Sustainable Design & Development). (Materials)

Wed, Apr 24

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

5:30pm Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force Meeting (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

6:00pm Police Review and Advisory Board meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

6:00pm School Committee Special Education and Student Supports Subcommittee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the student and parent experience of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and meetings. It is anticipated that this meeting will end no later than 8:00pm.

6:00pm-8:00pm Tree Walk with Arborist David Lefcourt (meet at Main Library, 449 Broadway)

Thurs, Apr 25

6:00pm The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue discussions on the Affordable Housing Overlay District and other related matters. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

6:00pm Joint Bicycle, Pedestrian, Transit Advisory Committee Meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

7:00pm Board of Zoning Appeal Meeting (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)

Mon, Apr 29

5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 30

12:00pm The City Council's Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a Cambridge vacant property registration ordinance. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm First meeting of the working group for the Grand Junction Multi-use Path design project (Location TBD)

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

Wed, May 1

9:00am City Council's Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

The Committee on Finance will conduct public hearings on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

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

All interested individuals are invited to attend and be heard and/or submit written testimony. Those wishing to testify may do so either at the beginning or conclusion of each day’s hearings. Copies of the budget may be viewed at the branch libraries and will be available at the Budget Office at City Hall on or after April 22, 2018. Additionally, the budget will be available on the Internet through the City Home Page: www.cambridgema.gov. [Complete schedule with Budget Book references][multi-year comparisons - last year]

Mayor’s Office Executive - Leadership Diversity Domestic & Gender Based Violence Prevention Initiative Equity and Inclusion Public Information Office Tourism City Council	City Clerk Employee Benefits General Services Finance Admin. Budget Personnel Purchasing Auditing	Assessing Treasury/Revenue Information Technology Law Emergency Communications Public Celebrations Reserve Animal Commission	Electrical Fire Department Police Department Traffic, Parking & Transportation Inspectional Services License Commission Election Commission
* Date changes for individual departments may occur. The public is invited to attend and be heard. These hearings will be cablecast live on Municipal Television. Budgets pulled by councillors for discussion in bold.
Department-by-Department Budget Summaries: FY1992 through FY2019 (last year - some interpretation required) Department-by-Department Full-Time Positions: FY1992 through FY2019 (last year - with total employee counts back to 1981)

5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a petition to amend the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.16 entitled “Noise Control” by deleting sections 16.081 through 16.081.7 to prohibit the use of leaf blowers in the City of Cambridge. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

7:00-8:30pm Evenings with Experts - A Grassland Restoration Tale of Weeds, Wildlife, and Renewal (Cambridge Main Public Library)

Presenter: Jenna Webster, Senior Designer, Larry Weaner Landscape Associates. Restoring weed-dominated habitats comes with many complex challenges and often involves difficult tradeoffs. This process is even more complicated in public landscapes with diverse constituencies. Join landscape designer Jenna Webster to learn how Larry Weaner Landscape Associates negotiated these challenges in their restoration planning for a 100-acre grassland at Croton Point Park in New York. Located atop a capped landfill, this site provides vital habitat for imperiled bird species. The Park’s popularity and complex history led Jenna and her team to seek stakeholder input, synthesize crowd-sourced ecological data, and utilize scientific research— creating a thoughtful restoration plan that is now under construction. This case study gives us valuable lessons for land restoration on sites both large and small, and particularly for protecting specialized habitat used by native wildlife.

Jenna Webster is co-curator of the New Directions in the American Landscape conference, and teaches in the Ecological Gardening Certificate program at the Mt. Cuba Center.

Thurs, May 2

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

Sat, May 4

12:30pm-2:00pm Mid-Cambridge PLANT SWAP (Fayette Park, near the corner of Broadway and Fayette St.)

Bring anything you’d like to share. No need for elegant packaging, but please do write down the names of plants. We expect to have perennials, seedlings, seeds, indoor plants, catalogs, pots, and lots of "whatever." Feel free to just come, chat with neighbors, talk gardening.

Mon, May 6

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, May 7

9:00am City Council's Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

The Committee on Finance will conduct public hearings on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

Cambridge Health Alliance Public Works Water Community Development Peace Commission / Police Review & Advisory Board	Historical Commission Cable TV Debt Service Library Human Services	Women’s Commission Human Rights Commission Veterans Services MWRA Cherry Sheet	City Overview Financial Summaries Revenue Public Investment Weights & Measures
* Date changes for individual departments may occur. The public is invited to attend and be heard. These hearings will be cablecast live on Municipal Television.
Department-by-Department Budget Summaries: FY1992 through FY2019 (last year - some interpretation required) Department-by-Department Full-Time Positions: FY1992 through FY2019 (last year - with total employee counts back to 1981)

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

Note: There will be a Hearing on State School Choice at the beginning of this Regular Meeting.

Wed, May 8

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

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

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

6:00pm City Council's Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 School Department Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 9

9:00am City Council's Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget - if necessary (Sullivan Chamber)

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

5:30pm Mayor's Arts Task Force meeting (Location TBD)

Mon, May 13

4:00pm 2019 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)

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)

Wed, May 15

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

[Meeting Agenda and supporting materials]

6:00pm Peace Commission meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

Mon, May 20

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

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

Tues, May 21

1:00pm The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the “City of Cambridge getting to Net Zero Action Plan: Fiscal year 2018 progress report “and to receive a general update on the Net Zero Action Plan. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm Mayor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tenant Displacement meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

Wed, May 22

12:00pm The City Council's Civic Unity Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Massachusetts Equal Pay Law that was enacted in 2018 – What employees, supervisors, and City Leadership should know, what are the best practices, and how metrics must be established to ensure compliance with this new law. (Sullivan Chamber)

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

Thurs, May 23

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

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

Tues, May 28

5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition received from Verizon New England, Inc. to amend the zoning map of the City of Cambridge by creating a new Overlay Zoning district entitled “Ware Street Innovation Space Overlay District” encompassing 10 Ware Street and to amend article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance by creating a section entitled “Ware Street Innovation Space Overlay District”. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 29

6:00pm Police Review and Advisory Board meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

Sat, June 1

11:00am-6:00pm 40th Annual Cambridge Arts River Festival (Central Square Cultural District - Mass. Ave. from Prospect St. to Sidney St. and beyond)

For the 40th anniversary of the Cambridge Arts River Festival, we'll be bringing the river to the Central Square Cultural District. The move from the East Cambridge waterfront into the heart of the city celebrates the state's recent recertification of Cultural District, the work in progress for the area to be identified as a Business Improvement District, and the seven new murals in the neighborhood thanks to the Central Square Mural Project. This year’s community celebration of the arts promises to be a big SPLASH, with music, food, immersive art experiences, and more. Learn more: cambridgeartscouncil.org/riverfestival

Meeting Date	Project Address	Proposed Project	Developer/Contact
May 7, 2019	51 New Street	Marijuana Retailer	Binoj Pradhan
May 2, 2019	86 Kirkland St	Marijuana Retailer	Binoj Pradhan
Apr 30, 2019	1001 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Retailer *	Sean D. Hope
Apr 29, 2019	31 Church Street	Marijuana Retailer	Leah Samura
Apr 26, 2019	567 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Retailer	Timothy Flaherty
Apr 25, 2019	580 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Retailer	Sean D. Hope
Apr 24, 2019	541 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Retailer *	Bert Vining, J.D.
Apr 12, 2019	36 JFK Street	Marijuana Retailer	Adam F Braillard, Prince Lobel Tye LLP
Feb 7, 2019	701-703B Mt. Auburn St	Marijuana Retailer	Michael Pires, KG Collective, LLC
Dec 20, 2018	231 Third Street	Marijuana Dispensary	Michael Drayer
Nov 7, 2018	1001 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Retailer	Sean D. Hope
Oct 5, 2018	259-261 Cambridge St	Marijuana Dispensary	Life Essence, Inc., Walter J. Sullivan, Jr.
Sept 27, 2018	200 Msgr O'Brien Hwy	Marijuana Dispensary	Ascend Mass, LLC
Aug 27, 2018	98 Winthrop Street	Marijuana Retailer *	Healthy Pharms, Inc., Paul Overgaag
July 16, 2018	541 Mass. Ave.	Marijuana Dispensary	Bert Vining, VP, Revolutionary Clinics
June 15 & 28, 2017	1385 Cambridge St	Marijuana Dispensary	Commonwealth Alternative Care
Nov 30, 2016	98 Winthrop Street	Marijuana Dispensary	Healthy Pharms, Inc., Paul Overgaag
Oct 26, 2016	110 Fawcett Street	Marijuana Dispensary	CAS Foundation, Inc., Bert Vining

Name	Address (Nov 2018)	Birth Year	Notes
Adriane Musgrave	48 Haskell St., 02140	1985	ran in 2017
Charles Franklin	162 Hampshire St. #1R, 02139	1992	filed March 5
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler	19 Trowbridge St #6, 02138	1992	filed March 11
Nicola Williams	8 Brewer St. #5, 02138	1963	filed March 12
Ben Simon	67 Bishop Allen Dr. #2, 02139	1984	filed April 2

Mar 27, 2019 – A few words on the "Overlay" proposal

Living on a Budget (A Big Budget) - April 22, 2019 Cambridge City Council meeting

Acapulco Gold Rush
You wanted cannabis? Welcome to the future of Cambridge retail.

Apr 3, 2019 - New City Council candidates emerging from winter hibernation

For What It's Worth - Select Items on the April 8, 2019 Cambridge City Council Agenda

City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee

City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees

**Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):**

Mon, Apr 22

Tues, Apr 23

Thurs, Apr 25

Tues, Apr 30

Thurs, May 2

Tues, May 21

Thurs, May 23

Mar 27, 2019 – A few words on the "Overlay" proposal

Living on a Budget (A Big Budget) - April 22, 2019 Cambridge City Council meeting

Acapulco Gold Rush You wanted cannabis? Welcome to the future of Cambridge retail.

Apr 3, 2019 - New City Council candidates emerging from winter hibernation

For What It's Worth - Select Items on the April 8, 2019 Cambridge City Council Agenda

City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee

City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):

Mon, Apr 22

Tues, Apr 23

Thurs, Apr 25

Tues, Apr 30

Thurs, May 2

Tues, May 21

Thurs, May 23

Acapulco Gold Rush
You wanted cannabis? Welcome to the future of Cambridge retail.

**Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):**