Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - December 1, 2020
Possible Topics:
1) Frank Duehay
2) Leftovers - Highlights from the November 30, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda
3) Off the Deep End - Cambridge City Council Nov 23, 2020 Agenda
5) Cambridge neighborhood groups and associations - some history and perspectives
9) Create a Free Emergency Health Profile to Share Critical Health Data in an Emergency
11) Riverbend Park
12) Civic Calendar
Nov 21 - I just heard that former Mayor and long-time School Committee and City Council member Frank Duehay passed away last night at Beth Israel Hospital. Mayor Duehay was first elected to the Cambridge School Committee in 1963 and served 4 consecutive terms. He then ran for City Council in 1971 and served 14 consecutive terms for a total of 36 years in elected office in Cambridge. He was chosen as Mayor for the 1980-1981 term, was chosen to replace Mayor Leonard Russell when Lenny died in office in June 1985, and was again chosen by his colleagues as Mayor for the 1998-1999 term. As one friend commented, “The only City Councillor who never had a yard sign. He considered them a visual blight. He did have prolific mailing lists that were pioneering efforts in target mailing. Always a gentleman.” It's absolutely true. Frank was a gentleman, and a person who knew how to work cooperatively with his colleagues. He was also a pioneer in promoting matters having to do with environmental protection and recycling long before others took these things seriously. - RW
Leftovers - Highlights from the November 30, 2020 Cambridge City Council AgendaHere are the items of interest this week: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Covid-19 update. Order #1. That City Manager be and hereby is requested to implement a program similar to the patio heater reimbursement program for purchasing air sanitizers that meet or exceed the above specifications for Cambridge businesses. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern Order #3. Expanding Testing in Nursing Homes PO. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present the City Council with a comprehensive data report on a weekly basis, for the duration of the pandemic emergency, including (but not limited to) regional and Cambridge-specific trends. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan Order #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to implement comprehensive contact tracing in Cambridge including the ability to conduct backwards contact tracing facilitated with technology such as the use of QR codes, and to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Order #6. That the City Manager confer with the Cambridge Department of Public Health on the feasibility of launching mobile COVID-19 testing vans in December and report back to the City Council as soon as possible. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler I suppose all these ideas are great, but it sometimes feels as though everyone is just drafting Policy Orders as soon as they hear something they don't understand. It's interesting that we actually have a City Council subcommittee called the "Health & Environment Committee" (emphasis on "Health") that has met a total of four times this Council term on the topics of "Net Zero Action Plan" (once) and the "Tree Protection Ordinance" (thrice). That committee has never met on the topic of the pandemic and currently has no meetings scheduled. I guess it's Trees > NetZero > Covid as the pecking order of priorities. Meanwhile, businesses are closing for good and our "Economic Development and University Relations Committee" has met on the topics of "MWBEs and other historically disadvantaged businesses and non-profits", a "vacant storefront registration policy", a "Retail Land Use Initiative and Retail Table of Land Use update", and "updating the commercial land use classification system", and they have an upcoming meeting on "Vacant Storefront Policy." To their credit, they also met recently on the topic of "Cambridge higher learning institutions’ return to campus plans, policies, and health guidance". How reassuring to know that we may soon have a vacant storefront policy rather than concrete steps to prevent those vacancies. Manager's Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to two appropriations totaling $9,500,000 related to the Foundry as follows: $6 million from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Department of Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account; and $3.5 million from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to the Public Investment Fund Department of Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account. I sincerely hope the Foundry project works out for the best, but perhaps we should rename "The Gift that Keeps on Taking" as simply "The Money Pit." Charter Right #3. Policy Order to strengthen community bonds and ensure equitable access to neighborhood organizations. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL NOV 23, 2020] [Original Order #4 of Nov 23, 2020] I have been largely staying out of the back-and-forth over this questionable policy order, so I'll just make a few points that you can feel free to salute or ignore: 1) Neighborhood groups have no "official" standing or "privilege" in spite of what some well-orchestrated public commenters have suggested. They are just collections of individuals who offer points of view. The notion that the Cambridge City Council or any other government entity should have any dominion over them is simply absurd. 2) Neighborhood associations and other civic organizations are only as valuable or respected as the credibility that they either gain or squander. I have seen some of them manage to greatly grow their credibility, and I have also seen some that have squandered it. No need to name them here. 3) The problem of "lack of diversity" in neighborhood associations and other civic groups is really rooted more in the fact that most people really don't want to be involved in civic affairs (which I think is a shame), and it always seems as though getting a representative cross-section of members is difficult if not impossible. If the interest is not there, that's no reason to fold nor should it be the basis for criticism. 4) I have a particular disgust for the whole idea of "taking over a neighborhood association" in order to push any agenda. Forming a civic group (as opposed to a neighborhood association) is the better choice. Civic/political groups can and do maintain distinctive points of view - and people can feel free to join them or do battle with them. Neighborhood associations really should be different - and should be more like a forum for different points of view. I also think that those associations that provide resources and services are generally the better for it. 5) If a neighborhood association or civic organization wants to be taken seriously these days, they really do have to maintain some kind of web presence that not only keeps people informed about current matters but also historical matters. We are rapidly losing institutional memory in Cambridge and keeping good archives can help - a lot. Having regular public meetings is also pretty important, though obviously a lot of that is currently on hold now due to the pandemic. 6) Email listservs can often lead to squabbles that can quickly get out of hand. One way to handle this, though not ideal, is to have trustworthy moderation. Really personal squabbles (like serious insults or just getting really ticked off) should be taken offline. Everyone is capable of getting ticked off and that should not be disqualifying. Better to settle things over a game of pool or a few beers or just agree to disagree. 7) Don't pour gasoline on fires. Unfinished Business #6. That the enclosed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance be adopted to extend the temporary prohibition on tree cutting permits until Feb 28, 2021. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER NOV 30, 2020] [Order #5 of Nov 16, 2020] Please stay out of my yard. I've been here over four decades and the last thing I need is to have uninformed Cambridge city councillors overruling necessary decisions I have to make about managing the trees on my property. Order #2. Council Opposition to Comcast Data Cap. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui I'm also wary of Comcast instituting data caps, but even though we have a lot of web traffic in and out of my house we're still nowhere near the proposed data cap. I'm more concerned that there's 957 Channels and There's Nothing On. That and the fact that my two-year "introductory rate" is about to run out and I may have to play hardball with The Evil Empire. Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Nov 12, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on the PUD-CDK District Zoning Amendment. Just build something really great, will ya? - Robert Winters |
Off the Deep End - Cambridge City Council Nov 23, 2020 AgendaSeriously, I think the Cambridge City Council has now lost its collective mind. More on that later. [Please note that the regular 5:30pm meeting will be preceded by a 3:00pm Special Meeting to discuss the COVID 19 trajectory with health and science experts.] Here are some agenda items sure to draw the maximum of 120 seconds per person public comment (especially Charter Right #3 and Order #4): Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Covid-19 update. Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,277,190 from Free Cash to the General Fund School Department Salaries and Wages account ($7,446,360), General Fund School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,781,455), and General Fund School Department Travel and Training account ($49,375), to fund additional costs associated with the reopening of schools with health and safety mitigations related to COVID-19. Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property. Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to explore the feasibility of keeping Riverbend Park open beyond Nov 29. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020] [Order #8 from Nov 16, 2020] Charter Right #3. That the City Manager confer with the Metro Mayor’s Association to close indoor dining, gyms, casinos and other non-essential indoor activities as soon as possible and That the City Manager, Community Development Department, the Economic Development Division, the Assessing Department and other relevant City Departments organize a small business and restaurant relief program that will assist during this second shutdown and our efforts to stop community spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020] [Order #10 from Nov 16, 2020]
Resolution #6. Resolution on the death of Francis H. Duehay. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council, and to report back to the City Council by Jan 4th, 2021. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons Order #2. That the City Council formally go on record in asking the City Manager to work with the appropriate City Staff in formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union, and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other pertinent City staff to establish a Black and Brown-Owned Business Taskforce, to be focused upon strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, assistance mechanisms, and overall relationship with local Black and Brown-owned businesses, and to establish a rolling set of recommendations designed to ensure the City spares no effort in assisting these businesses. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon Order #4. Policy Order to strengthen community bonds and ensure equitable access to neighborhood organizations. Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan This is actually nuts. Order #5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to appropriate the funds necessary to procure the work of the Collins Center as outlined in their submitted proposal. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon My guess is that "charter change" simply translates into "more Council authority and privilege" regardless whether that leads to anything better. - Robert Winters |
Area 4 (The Port) Newsletter Archive - 4Word
I couldn't find these anywhere online, but I did save these files a long time ago. I'd like to create other archives like this if you have any materials to share - RW
 Nov 1, 2020 Breakdown of Cases |
 Nov 15, 2020 Breakdown of Cases |
 Dec 1, 2020 Breakdown of Cases |
Nov 18, 2020 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the city’s Committee on Public Planting.
The Public Planting Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the city on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the City Arborist; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods. Candidates should have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture. The Committee usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm. Meetings are being held virtually until further notice.
The deadline for submitting applications is Fri, Dec 18, 2020. 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 through the City Manager’s Office. Please contact them at 617-349-4300 or Citymanager@cambridgema.gov.
For more information about the committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.
Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the City’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee. This Committee makes recommendations to the City Manager for the approval and awarding of grant agreements with nonprofit organizations for the provision of Community Benefits.
Community Benefits may be programs or services provided by nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Cambridge residents. The role of the Committee is to solicit and evaluate applications from local non-profit providers for the provision of services that are consistent with the Cambridge City Council’s Funding Priorities. The Committee is also responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines to provide for the proper administration and implementation of Community Benefit funding.
The Community Benefits Advisory Committee is currently seeking resident and business/property development representatives The Committee meets monthly. Committee members shall be appointed for terms of three years.
Individuals with interest in human service programs, experience/expertise in relevant topics (examples include but not limited to nonprofit leadership, fiscal management, community development, program design/development, public health, housing, homelessness, food access/insecurity, mental health/substance abuse, grant writing, social justice, child development), and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints to craft consensus solutions are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should be Cambridge residents or individuals with a strong connection with the City.
Click here for more information on the Community Benefits Ordinance and Committee duties.
Applications to serve on the Commission should be submitted by Fri, Dec 4, 2020 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 may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy 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 is 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 communities. The Commission acts 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).
Resumes and letters of interest should be sent by Dec 4, 2020 through the online application system link. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall. Please call 617-349-4300 to schedule an appointment if needed.
Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill vacancies on the Cambridge LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission).
The Commission’s mission is to advocate for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission also promotes policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.
The Commission holds a regularly scheduled public meeting on the 4th Thursday of each month (3rd Thursday in November due to Thanksgiving holiday, no meetings in December or August). Though scheduled meetings are required, much of the work done by Commissioners is often outside of scheduled meetings through working groups.
The LGBTQ+ Commission consists of 20 members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Individuals who live or work in Cambridge are eligible to apply. We are seeking members of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and abilities to join the Commission and work with other Commissioners to help it achieve its goals and support its mission.
To learn more about the Commission please visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/lgbtqpluscommission.
Applications to serve on the Commission should be submitted by Fri, Dec 4, 2020 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 may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
Nov 13, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced it is reopening its search to create a permanent public artwork to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women in the United States winning the right to vote. The public artwork will celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 and recognize Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, and other women of color who were excluded from access to voting rights, even as many fought in the movement.
Details of the new search process will be announced in early 2021. The City is reopening the selection process because it strongly believes that commissioning a public artwork that honors women’s suffrage and highlights the contributions of women of color who have often been overlooked in the history of the movement requires a selection process that successfully recruits artists of all races. The City also aims for the project to incorporate our country’s ongoing struggle for voting rights and to highlight the contradictions in the story of the 19th Amendment.
In the months since the 23-member 19th Amendment Centennial Art Selection Committee recommended that Cambridge artist Azra Aksamija’s proposal be built at the Cambridge Common, the artist and the City have discussed the lack of diversity among the original applicant pool and the importance of commissioning proposals by artists of all races. The importance of this component of the process has been underscored by the current movements and conversations on how to address racial inequities and systemic racism.
In collaboration with Azra Aksamija, the City of Cambridge arrived at the decision to revise and relaunch the selection process. Azra Aksamija’s artwork, “The Future to be Rewritten,” was selected out of four finalists’ proposals The four artist-finalists had been chosen by an art jury from 694 portfolios in the City’s public art registry in late 2019. The City provided funding to each finalist to develop a concept proposal. The proposals were reviewed during public meetings and an extensive public feedback period.
“Regardless of the approach we try to take, we will not be able to get around the core of the problem: that BIPOC artists were not adequately represented in the competition,” said Azara Aksamija in deciding to withdraw her proposal. “I am honoured that my proposal was initially chosen, and I am really grateful to the City of Cambridge for this opportunity!”
The City extends great appreciation and thanks to Azra Aksamija, all the participating artists, the art jurors, the Centennial Committee, the Art Selection Committee, and the members of the public who have been so dedicated to developing this public art project.
Nov 18, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that Cambridge residents now have the ability to create a free Emergency Health Profile that can accelerate the response of first responders in the event of an emergency. With a registered profile, the Cambridge Emergency Communications Department (911 Emergency Call Center) will be able to provide an individual’s vital medical and profile information to first responders as its automatically sent to Dispatchers if there is an emergency.
To ensure data privacy, the opt-in medical information associated with an individual’s phone number is only made available to first responders when a 911 call is placed from the registered user’s phone number. Emergency technology company RapidSOS teamed up with The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, and Direct Relief to launch this initiative in an effort to get first responders vital information in an emergency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
People can create their free Emergency Health Profile at emergencyprofile.org and enter pertinent medical and profile information, such as:
“Being able to receive a caller’s opt-in health information will better inform our staff when there is an emergency response,” said Christina Giacobbe, Director of Emergency Communications and 911, City of Cambridge. “I strongly encourage our community to create a free Emergency Health Profile today, as the sharing of this critical data with 911 will help protect lives.”
“Our 911 department and first responders do incredible work every day to keep our community and first responders safe,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. “With this additional vital information, our first responders will have valuable insights and be able to respond to emergencies more quickly and with the most appropriate care.”
The nation’s 911 infrastructure was built in the 1960s for landline phones, requiring individuals to verbally share critical data to responders in an emergency. To address this challenge, RapidSOS’ emergency response data platform links real-time health and location information from connected devices, apps, and profiles with 911, providing context beyond what the caller in crisis is able to convey. This data has helped Cambridge 911 Dispatchers expedite the response and provide first responders with life-saving information.
Cambridge 911 has been an active RapidSOS user for over six years. Their call-takers use the RapidSOS Portal along with the 911 System Equipment to access accurate location and additional life-saving information when processing 911 calls.
To learn more and create a free Emergency Profile, visit www.emergencyprofile.org.
About Cambridge Emergency Communications
The Emergency Communications Department operates the City’s Combined Emergency Communications and 911 Center (ECC) located at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility. The Center receives over 50,000 911 and other emergency calls and alarms annually and manages the coordinated dispatch of police, fire, emergency medical service (EMS) and other resources. ECC staff also handles over 165,000 non-emergency calls annually regarding quality-of-life issues related to noise, traffic, lost property and after-hours City information.
The Grand Junction Multi-use Path is a proposed off-street multi-use path running alongside the existing tracks in the Grand Junction corridor from the Boston University Bridge to Somerville.
The City of Cambridge invites the public to learn about the proposed path design and provide feedback on path elements through a virtual open house project website. The city has developed this path design based on feedback over the last year and a half through public meetings, a public working group, and individual stakeholder outreach. [Informational Flyer]
Visit Grand Junction StoryMap From December 4 to January 4
Beginning December 4, you can visit the StoryMap to see the proposed path design and provide your input on design ideas for path elements like entrances and street crossings. We also want your feedback on urban design, public art, and green space elements. City staff will post a link to the StoryMap on the Grand Junction project webpage.
Attend Question and Answer Public Information Session - Tues, Dec 8, 5:30-7:00pm
Once the StoryMap is posted to the project page on December 4, please read through it and join the meeting at 6:00PM. If you don’t have time before December 8 to view the StoryMap, join at 5:30 PM for a quick overview and introduction to the StoryMap tool. Note that there will not be a formal presentation during this information session. Ask your questions starting at 6:00PM on this live question and answer session. City staff will host this Q&A session with remote participation on the Zoom Webinar platform. [Register for Meeting]
Oct 26, 2020 – The City of Cambridge and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) announced today that Riverbend Park in the City of Cambridge will continue to open for pedestrian and cyclist use on Saturdays and Sundays through November 29, 2020 and Memorial Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11:00am to 7:00pm.
“I want to thank DCR, especially Commissioner Montgomery, for working with the City to extend the weekend openings for Riverbend Park,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Riverbend Park is an important open space resource in the City and I strongly encourage users of the park to continue following current public health guidance and recommendations.”
Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members, practice good hand hygiene, and wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places in Cambridge. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public.
Residents are advised to stay home if they feel unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.
For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)
6:00pm School Committee Virtual Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting of the School Committee will be held on Tues, Dec 1 at 6:00pm, held in and broadcast from the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments at regular meetings or public hearings. For the Dec 1 Meeting: The sign-up window is Fri, Nov 27 through Tues, Dec 1 at 12Noon (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
- To sign up to call-in by phone: contact Jennifer Dever Wood at 617-349-6620.
- To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device: visit www.cpsd.us/school_committee/virtual.
Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings and hear public comment virtually. Meetings will be livestreamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99, as usual.
6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web only)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearings
6:30pm Retail Amendments and Home Occupation Amendments Zoning Petitions
Zoning petition by the City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000 6.000, 10.000, 11.000, 13.000, 16.000, 17.000, 19.000, and 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to create new land use definitions and amend regulations for Retail or Consumer Service Establishments, as well as a Zoning Petition by the City Council to amend Article 4.000 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to modify regulations for Home Occupations permitted as Accessory Uses. (Materials)
Board of Zoning Appeals Cases
BZA-017326-2020
2072 Massachusetts Avenue – Comprehensive Permit to construct a new multi-family 100% affordable housing community with 49 residential rental units, ground floor commercial and building amenity space. The proposal includes an eight (8) story building with three (3) accessible parking spaces and two (2) drop off spaces. Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.30 & 4.31.G (Table of Use & Regulations). Sec. 4.21 (Accessory Uses). Sec. 4.37.B.2 (Light Industry). Art. 5.000, Sec. 5.31 (Table of Dimensional Requirements). Sec. 5.11 (General Regulations). Art. 6.000, Sec. 6.36.1 (Parking & Loading Requirements). Sec. 6.42 & 6.43.4.C (Off Street Parking). Art. 19.000 (Project Review). & Art. 20.100 (Mass Ave Overlay District). (Materials) (Staff Memos)
5:00pm School Committee School Climate Sub-Committee Virtual Meeting (webcast)
There will be a Virtual Meeting of the School Climate Sub-Committee on Wed, Dec 2 at 5:00pm broadcast from the Media Arts Center, 454 Broadway, for the purpose of discussing revisions to the elementary school check-in policy. It is anticipated that this meeting will last no later than 6:30pm.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign up window is Fri, Nov 27 through Wed, Dec 2 at 11:00am (by phone) or 4:30pm (online).
• To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device, visit http://www.cpsd.us/school_committee/virtual.
• To sign up to call-in by phone: contact Jennifer Dever Wood at 617-349-6620.
Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings virtually. Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99.
5:30-7:30pm Transit Advisory Committee (Senior Center)
7:00pm School Committee Virtual Special Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS - then closed Executive Session)
There will be a Virtual Special Meeting on Wed, Dec 2 at 7:00pm for the purpose of entertaining a motion to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of hearing a Level III grievance (CEA Unit A and B) as part of collective bargaining as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining positions of the Cambridge School Committee and for the purposes of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining and litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining and litigation positions of the School Committee.
Votes may be taken in Executive Session and the School Committee will not reconvene in open session.
5:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom)
I. Introduction & Updates
II. Presentation/Discussion
A. 600 Mass Ave – The applicant proposes to construct a mixed-use development at 600 Mass Ave in Central Square. The Applicant proposes to demolish a portion of the existing building from Mass Ave through to Green St and to construct forty-six (46) residential dwelling units on five stories (floors two through six) within that space. The applicant seeks Special Permits for Gross Floor Area Exclusions for Basement, Project Review Special Permit, Building Height Limitation, Additional FAR for Residential Uses, Exemption for Residential Balconies, Waiver of Setback and Open Space Requirements, and Parking and Loading Requirements. This project was presented to CSAC in November of 2018, but since then updates have been made to the project that justify review by the committee.
B. 698 Mass Ave - The proposed site is currently the location of Rodney's Book Store and the new desired use is a financial institution. The tenant is Citizens Bank currently occupying a location directly across the street. The site is within the BB-CSQ zoning district The proposed change will occupy approximately three thousand square feet of space at the ground level where Rodney's Book Store currently occupies. City of Cambridge cambridgema.gov
The applicant seeks Special Permits for
i. Article 20.304.5 (3)(8) Restricted Uses Financial Institutions - The applicant requests a special permit where the length of the store frontage is over 25' and will use more than 30% of the building frontage
ii. Article 20.304.5 (4) Formula Business District - The applicant requests a special permit where the business is a formula business
III. Public Comment
A. Public comment will be open following the presentation and comments from the CSAC.
IV. Adjournment
6:00pm Cambridge Historical Commission Meeting (online)
6:00pm Human Rights Commission meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
6:00pm School Committee Virtual Roundtable Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
There will be a Virtual Roundtable Meeting of the School Committee on Tues, Dec 8 at 6:00pm, broadcast from the Media Arts Center, 454 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of discussing the opportunities and challenges of this exceptional year with all principals at the Upper Schools, CRLS, and HSEP. It is anticipated this meeting will end by or before 8:00pm.
The Roundtable will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99, as usual.
Note: Per the Rules of the School Committee, no votes will be taken except to adjourn and there will not be public comment.
9:15-11:00am Recycling Advisory Committee (virtual meeting)
1:00pm The City Council's Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report regarding contacting the new owners of Jerry’s Pond. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance petition. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay petition. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Retail Uses Zoning Ordinance petition and the Home Occupations Zoning Ordinance petition. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Cambridge Police Department inventory list. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
2:00pm The City Council's Economic Development & University Relations Committee will meet to discuss the proposed Vacant Storefront Policy, and other strategies to address vacant storefronts in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
