Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - December 15, 2020
Possible Topics:
1) Electoral Collge Votes
2) Covid-19 vaccinations now underway
4) Dec 14 City Council meeting
6) Down the road a bit - Growing rumblings of the 2021 municipal election year
8) Cambridge neighborhood groups and associations - some history and perspectives
12) Civic Calendar
Dec 15, 2020 Update – Cambridge Public Schools shift to remote learning has been extended through Friday, December 18th.
Neighborhood Groups of Cambridge (NGC)
A Network of Neighborhoods featuring Community Topics for Residents of Cambridge
Dec 14, 2020 – I really hate to get started on this topic so early in the game, but there are already rumors of possible candidates for 2021 and several potential candidates have already filed the paperwork with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) so that they can start raising campaign donations. At least one incumbent city councillor has already sent word out to supporters that he'll be seeking reelection, but most or all of the incumbents are likely to follow. Here's a brief list:
| Name | Address | Filed w/OCPF | Notes |
| Frantz Pierre | 22 Water Street #808, 02141 | Nov 10, 2020 | not listed as registered voter as of Nov 2020 at given address, case worker at Margaret Fuller House |
| Tonia Hicks | 337 Pearl Street, 02139 | Nov 13, 2020 | campaign Chair lives in Colorado, Treasurer lives in North Carolina |
| Dana Bullister | 155 5th Street #1, 02141 | Nov 23, 2020 | listed as own campaign Chair and Treasurer, was rumored as candidate in 2019 |
| Joe McGuirk | 314 Columbia St. #1, 02141 | Dec 7, 2020 | bartender at Highland Kitchen in Somerville, and the Lexington at Cambridge Crossing |
| Rumored possible candidates - either new or returning | |||
| Patrick Barrett | 41 Pleasant St., 02139 | not declared | prime mover for Cemtral Square BID, author of multiple successful and well-received zoning petitions, owner/builder of new hotel/restaurant in Central Square |
| Theodora Skeadas | 988 Memorial Drive #185, 02138 | not declared | Executive Director of Cambridge Local First; reliable sources suggest she'll be a 2021 Council candidate; filed w/OCPF in Dec 2016 as a candidate but did not pursue at that time |
| Incumbents who have declared intention to seek reelection (there are certainly others) | |||
| Dennis Carlone | 9 Washington St. #6, 02140 | declared | first elected 2013, 4-terms on City Council |
Please send me any additions, corrections or credible rumors at Robert@rwinters.com.
If you know of any great potential candidates for either Cambridge City Council or School Committee, please encourage them to consider being a candidate in the 2021 municipal election.
A Clear Look at the December 14, 2020 Cambridge City Council AgendaHere you go my fellow Cantabrigians: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19. Order #2. The City Manager will work with the COVID-19 advisory board to help the city identify the parameters upon which each strategy and technology reduces the risk to public health and the control of the spread of SARS CoV-2. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler The vaccine may now be in distribution, but we still have a long way to go, and that includes finding practical ways to help businesses get through this. Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,000 from the General Fund Reserves Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Women’s Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account to pay for costs associated with expanded efforts on the Mapping Feminist Cambridge: Inman Square and the Mapping Feminist Cambridge: Central Square projects. I have gone on some of their history walks and they are great: [Inman Square] [Area IV] [Cambridgeport] [Riverside and Cambridgeport] [Mid-Cambridge] Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-74 and 19-45, regarding reviewing public monuments, memorials and markers and streets, schools and public buildings. I just hope that this doesn't translate simply into cancellation and eradication of history. Some of us prefer our history murky and honest rather than sanitized or obliterated. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-62, regarding providing interpreters at polling locations. As always, our Election Commission demonstrates practicality and good sense. Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-54, regarding a report on drafting an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards. The zealots aren't going to like this response - even though it makes total sense. Charter Right #1. Initiate a community process to develop the property at 105 Windsor Street as a community space that will create economic opportunity in the neighborhood, as part of an overall neighborhood plan that includes looking for ways to create affordable housing, open space and urban agriculture opportunities. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020] Just as was the case with the Foundry, the politicians line up for pet projects and recognition. I really wish we had a dependable method for actually getting honest and representative feedback from "the community" regarding their priorities for how to get the best use from public assets. Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-12, regarding the feasibility of adding bike parking rings to parking meters. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020] Charter Right #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule Petition seeking special legislation from the Legislature which would authorize the City of Cambridge to provide police, fire and other emergency services (“Emergency Services”) to portions of the Cambridge Crossing project that are partially located in the cities of Boston and Somerville, with one such property wholly located within Somerville. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020] These are just leftovers from last week. The reports were as clear as an unmuuddied lake or the azure skies of deepest summer - so of course our councillors needed more time to understand them. Resolution #2. Congratulating Sean Effel As He Begins His Next Chapter. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey I feel like we need to redo that closing scene from the film "Shane". Resolution #5. Support for a Guaranteed Income. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan What could possibly go wrong? I'll take mine in Green Stamps. Order #1. Elimination of Single Family Zoning. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons There's a big difference between a situation where a city is predominantly or exclusively single-family zoning vs. a city like Cambridge which is predominantly multi-family with some single-family districts. It's a good bet that any discussion of this will include bucketfuls of agenda-driven revisionist history. While I think anyone should have flexibility in how they operate their home - especially those who have more home than they really need - I consider the diversity of housing types in Cambridge to be a good thing - A Very Good Thing - and that includes those parts of Cambridge where single-family homes are the dominant housing type. Something for everybody. I live in a triple-decker and I have friends who live in large apartment buildings, but that's not for everyone. It's worth noting that among cities across the USA with a population of 100,000 or more, Cambridge rings in with the 4th highest population density. Are we striving to be #1? - Robert Winters |
The Surge - Featured Items on the Infamous December 7, 2020 Cambridge City Council AgendaCovid is still the center of attention and, yes, some of the numbers of late have been on the scary side. I have no idea what that should translate into when it comes to public policy, but I really do hope that the principal causes can be addressed so that I don't have to just crawl into a little ball for the coming winter. This year simply sucks in every way, and even though the vaccine is coming it still feels like chasing rainbows. By the way, the word just came down on the Cambridge Public Schools: “Because COVID-19 cases in Cambridge have increased, and the Cambridge Public Schools have surpassed the thresholds set in partnership with its scientific advisors, CPS will make a temporary shift to remote learning for all students beginning on Thursday, December 10. The shift to all remote learning will continue for at least 1 week at least through December 16. In-person learning will resume when two or more metrics remain below threshold for 7 consecutive days. Reopening decisions based on the metrics will be made in consultation with the Cambridge Public Health Department.” Here are a few items of interest on this week's Day of Infamy agenda: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update. Manager's Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Federal CARES Act funds in the amount of $1,256,118 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to assist residents and small business owners who are impacted by the virus, and to support emergency housing assistance efforts. Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of new Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $2,268.869 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Programs Salary and Wages account ($106,013) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,162,856) and will be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless and will support shelter operating costs and provision of essential services to homeless persons outside of a shelter setting. Order #2. Policy Order re Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey Order #3. Supporting Food Pantries & Closing the SNAP Gap PO. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern These are all related either directly or indirectly to the pandemic. Needless to say, these are extraordinary times that require extraordinary effort and policies to get through this. It also needs to be pointed out that even if Cambridge has "an embarassment of riches," there are still legal limitations to what we can do, and creative solutions (like contracting with local restaurants to provide food for relief efforts) are often the best available options. But seriously, the damn federal government should be providing loan guarantees across the board so that costs can be deferred until better times. Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule Petition seeking special legislation from the Legislature which would authorize the City of Cambridge to provide police, fire and other emergency services (“Emergency Services”) to portions of the Cambridge Crossing project that are partially located in the cities of Boston and Somerville, with one such property wholly located within Somerville. Annexation of our lesser neighbors is another option, but Mayors Curtatone and Walsh might raise unreasonable objections to this modest proposal or demand that we give them Harvard and MIT as compensation. Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-12, regarding the feasibility of adding bike parking rings to parking meters. This has been suggested in the past via policy orders, and the response now is the same, i.e. nope - except for posts that have lost their heads due to either Cool Hand Luke or removal of parking spaces. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-134, regarding increasing funding to the City's HomeBridge program. It's expensive, and qualified potential homeowners will not really own their home in the sense that they cannot do with it as they see fit. As the communication states, "Homes purchased with HomeBridge funding become part of the City’s stock of deed-restricted affordable housing." Applications & Petitions #2. A Zoning Petition has been received from Amy Oliver, regarding that the City require the installation of GREEN ROOFS vegetated or BioSolar on future construction and significant rehab of buildings that are 20,000 square feet and larger. There are some really great benefits associated with this proposal, but it also serves to highlight the fact that Cambridge advocates and policy-makers generally can rarely find a happy medium between issuing mandates and doing nothing at all. Installing a green roof can provide great benefit for both property owners and climate, but there are good reasons why a property owner might still choose not to go this route - most notably cost and eternal maintenance (though the proposal really tries to wish this concern away). This won't affect owners of small properties (at least not in this initial incarnation), and owners of some larger properties are already proposing treatments like this, so perhaps this will all work out. That said, I really wish this City would shift its inclinations from mandates to incentives - even if the zealots howl in protest. Resolution #1. Resolution Wishing Swift Recovery to Dennis Benzan. Councillor Simmons This is the first I've heard of this, but absolutely Get Well Dennis. Order #1. Initiate a community process to develop the property at 105 Windsor Street as a community space that will create economic opportunity in the neighborhood, as part of an overall neighborhood plan that includes looking for ways to create affordable housing, open space and urban agriculture opportunities. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone I like what is suggested in this Order, but I continue to be amazed at the lethargy of the City of Cambridge in putting some of their own properties into productive use. - 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
2699 tested positive - 100 confirmed deaths (72 in long-term care facilities, 28 in general community)
This is an increase of 42 testing positive over the previous day and 989 over 34 days.
Click on graph for latest Cambridge data
Dec 15, 2020 Breakdown of Cases (622 known current cases)
This is an decrease of 16 current cases from the previous day.
Recent 7-day averages are much higher than they have been since April.
Harvard University COVID-19 data MIT COVID-19 data
Dec 14, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women. Commissioners support staff in their mission to create and promote programs that increase public awareness and understanding of multiple issues affecting women and girls, particularly marginalized women and girls, within the city; advocate to improve the quality of women’s and girls’ lives; and build coalitions and partner with community organizations on these issues.
Although meetings are currently being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm, at 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, in the Women's Commission Conference Room, 2nd floor.
The deadline for submitting applications is Fri, Jan 15, 2021. 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, contact Kimberly Sansoucy, Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women or ksansoucy@cambridgema.gov.
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.
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.
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 15 at 6:00pm 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. The sign-up window is Fri, Dec 4 through Tues, Dec 15 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.
6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web only)
Register for Zoom Webinar to participate in real time (before or during the meeting). Check your e-mail (including spam/junk folder) for confirmation.
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (11/17/2020)
Public Hearings
6:30pm PB# 361 (continued from 7/21/2020)
711-727 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Gas Light Building, LLC to renovate and rehab the existing building and construct an addition for a hotel pursuant to Section 20.304.3.4 to allow total Floor Area Ratio of 4.0 for non-residential and residential uses combined, Section 20.304.2.2.a additional height of 80 feet, Section 20.304.3.6 exemption of rooftop spaces from calculation of Gross Floor Area, Section 20.304.5.3.b relief from restriction of bank frontage on Mass Avenue, Section 20.304.5.4 relief from Formula Business restriction, Section 20.304.6.3 waiver of parking and loading requirements, and Section 2.000 Definitions exemption of Gross Floor Area for basement uses. (Materials)
7:30pm PB# 22
2 James Way – Amendment to Special Permit application by Brady-Built, Inc. to construct a sunroom addition and dormer to an existing townhouse pursuant to Section 11.15b Modification to a townhouse development after a subdivision has been recorded. (Materials)
5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay petition. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
3:00pm Cambridge Election Commission meeting (51 Inman Street, Remote Participation via ZOOM)
The meeting may be viewed by the public at this Zoom Link.
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 2020 Statement of Financial Interests New Business Feedback from warden/clerk debrief sessions |
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)
Featured Agenda Items (see above link for full agenda):
Update: 93-99 Bishop Allen Drive - Renovation and Tenant Relocation Plans
Motion: To approve the nine-month lease for space from Caru Retail LLC at 552 Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square and a corresponding sublease to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center to provide tenant swing space during the renovation project.
KSURP and MXD Eversource Substation Rezoning Update
Motion: To authorize the Executive Director to administer a revised Forward Fund grant program of up to $300,000 for 2021 and further to authorize the Executive Director to develop a program for distribution of $200,000 of additional COVID relief funds in coordination with the City of Cambridge.
Other Business - At approximately 8:00pm, the Board will enter into Executive Session to discuss matters related to the Cambridge Center Development Agreement with Boston Properties within the Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan.
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)
