Cambridge InsideOut - July 21, 2020

Random Observations - July 20, 2020

So today there is scheduled a meeting of the City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee on the topic of the possible extension of City Manager Louis DePasquale's contract. The current contract goes through January 8, 2021, but if the City Council intends to renew his contract they must give written notice to Mr. DePasquale on or before September 14, 2020. With only next week's Midsummer Special Meeting scheduled for the full City Council prior to the September 14 Regular Meeting, there is some urgency in getting the question of a contract extension settled soon. Then again, according to the City's Plan E Charter all it takes is 5 votes and the City Council could approve a contract extension at any meeting without any need for an extensive process. In a City whose politics lean toward processing things to death, we would naturally expect a nationwide or interplanetary search for the nonexistent "perfect candidate," but considering the pandemic and the long service and undeniable competence of Louis DePasquale, this hardly seems the time for such a perfectly pointless process. Unless, of course, you are into revolutions for the sake of revolutions, and there are two, perhaps three, city councillors who likely fit that description.

Meanwhile there's a letter being circulated by the Cambridge Residence Alliance (CResA), a coffee klatsch centered on Ashburton Place with a satellite location on Norfolk Street, that expresses outrage with Mr. DePasquale's job performance based on such things as not closing Memorial Drive (which the City does not control) when the City Council squeezed out a bare majority to request the closure. They are also horrified at the fact that the City has yet to again allow reusable plastic bags at retail establishments even though the Governer has said that the Commonwealth will now permit it. The most substantial objection is based on the City Manager's reticence to fully support municipal broadband - though, in fairness, his caution is based entirely on financial reasons. The CResA wants the City Council to grant only a one-year contract extension (due to the pandemic, of course) after which they expect the City Council to scour the cosmos for that mythical perfect candidate.

More to come.... randomly, of course. - RW

Random Observations - July 3, 2020

1) I am subscribed to a bunch of mailing lists spanning the political spectrum from Far Left to somewhat Far Right. It's helpful to understand what people are saying outside our respective silos. When watching TV I even sometimes toggle between CNN and Fox News just to see how divergent the coverage can be for the same event. [More often I'm just looking for an old movie or something, anything other than Cable News and there's simply nothing else on TV even though this is Comcast's "The World of More," but that's another matter.] One thing the various political emailings have in common is their relentless requests for money - often several times per day as if that's somehow going to more easily pry the cash from my hands as I "cry uncle" just to stop the appeals. Of course, the truth is that once you send them even a little money they'll identify you as an active donor, and they're sure to only ask for more and to do so with even greater frequency.

There is one notable difference between the Democrat and the Republican (i.e. Trump) fundraising appeals. The Democrats just want your money and they want to be able to say how many millions of contributors they have - even if each contribution is just a token amount. The Re-Elect Trump mailings are especially interesting in that they all say that any contribution will be generously matched. In fact, this morning's email said that "Out of all of his supporters, President Trump selected YOU as the TOP PATRIOT and winner of an exclusive Independence Day 600%-MATCH!" Never mind that I would never vote for Trump in a million years nor send him a nickle. The interesting thing is the 600% match that assures me that my $42 donation will yield a $294 donation. My question is simply: "Who's doing the matching?" I suspect this is their preferred way to inject some of that "dark money" from wealthy sources into the campaign.

More to come.... randomly, of course. - RW

It's a Floor Wax AND a Dessert Topping!

Lot 5 in Central Square Closing Temporarily for the Creation of Starlight Square
Closure begins on Tuesday, July 21

July 16, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that Lot 5 in Central Square, located at the corner of Bishop Allen Drive and Norfolk Street, will close for public parking beginning on Tuesday, July 21.

The Central Square Business Improvement District will be transforming Lot 5 into Starlight Square, a temporary venture that will include an outdoor amphitheater with physically-distant seating, a courtyard for dining and dialogue, a community center for summer learning and food distribution, and the Central Square Farmers Market. The lot will be closed for parking through the late fall.

Residents and visitors coming to Central Square have numerous alternative parking options, including; on-street meters, the Green Street Parking Garage located at 260 Green Street, Lot 4 located at the intersection of Bishop Allen Drive and Essex Street, and Lots 8 and 9 located at the intersection of Green Street and Pleasant Street.

The Central Square Farmers Market will continue to operate on Mondays, from 12-6pm, within Starlight Square.

For information on public parking options in Cambridge, visit www.cambridgema.gov/traffic/Parking.

Parking Lot 5 - Site of Starlight Square

Starlight Square

Lafayette Square

Middle East

City of Cambridge Launches $1.5 Million COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program
Providing short term financial assistance to Cambridge residents experiencing housing instability

July 16, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today the creation of a COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families in Cambridge who are experiencing housing instability due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. City Seal

“This program represents the City’s second phase of COVID-19 related financial assistance for housing-related needs,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “I am incredibly proud that we are expanding our efforts to help residents who need housing assistance. Through this new program, the City will provide $1.5 million in direct support to help individuals and families who are facing housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The program will subsidize eligible households whose rent, condominium fees, or cooperative carrying charges are more than 40% of their income at the time of application. Qualified applicants will receive a two-month subsidy for the amount by which their housing cost exceeds 40% of the household’s current income.

The program will be administered jointly by the City Manager’s Office through the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Department of Human Services Programs through the Multi-Service Center, and the Community Development Department.

Applicants are encouraged to apply for the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program online beginning July 20, 2020. The online application form can be accessed at www.cambridgema.gov/housingfund. Additionally, applicants who are unable to complete an application online may call 617-349-9797, starting July 20, 2020, to request assistance completing an application over the phone. Staff will make the best efforts to return calls within 3 business days.

To be eligible for the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program:

Applicants must be Cambridge residents.
Applicants must be Cambridge Tenants or Owners of a limited equity co-op or a home purchased subject to long term affordability restrictions administered by the City or other public agency. Since mortgage holders can apply for a forbearance, these funds will assist only with condominium or cooperative carrying charges.
Applicants’ total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) at the time of application ($67,400 for a1 person household, $77,000 for a 2 person household, $86,650 for a 3 person household, $96,250 for a 4 person household, $103,950 for a 5 person household).
Applicants must demonstrate that their housing costs (condo fee, cooperative carrying charge, or rent) are more than 40% of their gross household income, at the time of application.

For additional information on submitting applications to the Housing Stabilization Program, visit www.cambridgema.gov/housingfund.

The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. 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.

2019 Cambridge Resident/Visitor Parking Permits to Expire August 15, 2020
Residents should submit renewal applications as soon as possible.

July 14, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that all 2019 Resident and Visitor Parking Permits will expire on Saturday, August 15, 2020. After this date, vehicles without 2020 Parking Permits will receive tickets when parked in areas designated “Parking by Permit Only.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Cambridge had previously been extending the expiration date of 2019 Resident and Visitor Parking Permits. City Seal

Residents who still need to renew 2019 Parking Permits can renew online, by mail, or in person. Applications submitted online or by mail must be sent in before July 31 to ensure time for processing and mailing. In order to be eligible for a Parking Permit, residents must:

Pay any outstanding parking tickets; Supply proof of residency (one utility bill that shows the name and the Cambridge service address or two pieces of mail that show the name and Cambridge address) that is dated within the previous 30 days; and If applying for a Resident Parking Permit, ensure that the name and address on the registration match the proof of residency, the vehicle is registered in Massachusetts, and the registration has a garage code of Cambridge.

Residents should visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Parking-Permits, email tpt@cambridgema.gov, or call 617-349-4700 to review eligibility requirements and find more information about how to renew online, by mail, or in person. The Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department is open by appointment only, Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-5:00pm and on Fridays from 9:00am-noon.

The City of Cambridge is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. 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.

City of Cambridge’s Temporary Emergency Order Preventing the Use of Reusable Bags at Retail Establishments Remains in Effect

July 14, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that the temporary emergency order restricting customers at retail establishments from using reusable bags after purchasing retail products remains in effect until further notice. City Seal

While the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Commissioner of Public Health rescinded the state’s reusable bag prohibition on July 10, neither staff at Cambridge retail establishments nor their customers are permitted to bag retail products using customers’ reusable bags at checkout. There will continue to be no fees associated with retail establishment bags.

This temporary emergency order, which was originally adopted on March 23, 2020, was one of the early proactive steps that the City of Cambridge took to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect retail staff and consumers. Reusable checkout bags that have not been sufficiently disinfected may potentially contribute to the spread of COVID-19 at retail establishments.

Cambridge is deeply committed to recycling items whenever possible, however, at this time, the city believes its ban on the use of reusable bags at retail establishments is an important step to continue minimizing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

View the full emergency March 23, 2020 declaration.

The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. 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.

City of Cambridge and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Awards $3.6 Million in Grants and Loans to Support Small Businesses

July 13, 2020 – Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale announced today that the City of Cambridge Relief and Recovery Programs, the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund for small businesses, and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) Zero-Interest Loan program is distributing nearly $3.6 Million to Cambridge small businesses financially impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis. City Seal

“We are proud to have been able to expand the use of Mayor’s Disaster Relief Funds and other City funding sources to support Cambridge businesses, and want to thank every individual and business who donated to help support their community in this time of need,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “Additionally, by working with the CRA, we expanded financial assistance available to small businesses across the city. We appreciate the CRA’s commitment to our small business community, and the CRA Board’s ongoing dedication to the Cambridge Community.”

Money was distributed via three different programs involving $500,000 from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, $1.5 Million from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Zero-Interest Loan program, and a combined $1.6 Million from Community Development Block Grant Funds and Federal CARES Act Funds administered through the City of Cambridge Relief and Recovery Programs.

Qualifying businesses were eligible to receive grants of up to $10,000 to assist with rent, salaries, utilities and cost of goods which will not have to be repaid. The grant criteria prioritized businesses that have been more severely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Zero-Interest Loan program , administered in cooperation with Cambridge Savings Bank, is providing loans of up to $15,000 to small businesses that have qualified to participate in the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund.

In total, the City of Cambridge received over 550 applications for these programs and provided more than 440 grants and loans to assist Cambridge businesses. More than 65% of the recipients are women, minority, or women and minority owned businesses.

IQHQ plans office, lab campus near Cambridge’s Alewife station (July 8, 2020 - Boston Business Journal)
"GCP Applied Technologies has sold its 26.5-acre Cambridge headquarters campus to California-based IQHQ Inc., a life-science focused real-estate developer, for $125 million — a deal that could spark a wave of future office and lab development." ..... "It’s not clear how much IQHQ could build in Alewife Park, a large site located directly adjacent to the MBTA's Alewife Station on the Red Line. But the company is planning “a premier scalable office and laboratory campus in a renowned center for innovation,” Tracy A. Murphy, IQHQ’s president, said in a statement."

Phase III of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on July 6

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that on July 6th, Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan will begin, including:

Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues;
Museums, cultural and historical sites;
Fitness centers and health clubs;
Certain indoor recreational activities with low potential for contact;
Professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, may hold games without spectators

Learn More

City Amends Temporary Emergency Restrictions on Public Meetings and Events

The City of Cambridge announced this week that all City-sponsored community events, athletic events, events permitted for the use of City parks or other City-sponsored public gatherings will be cancelled through July 30, 2020.

City Sponsored Youth Sports set to resume July 12.

Learn More

More COVID-19 Updates at 2020 CCJ Notes I (January to June) and at the City's COVID-19 Information Page.

Getting Primed for the Summer Recess - Featured items on the June 29, 2020 Cambridge City Council agenda

Here are the things that might be interesting on this week's agenda: City Hall

Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.

Always interesting. Things may be getting worse elsewhere in the USA, but we've had a few days now with no new reported cases and no new deaths from the virus. It's now even OK to remove the masks outside if you can keep your distance. Meanwhile, the three new "shared streets" are now in place - and largely vacant so far.

Charter Right #1. That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of including a two-track Grand Junction railway crossing in MassDOT’s Allston Multimodal Improvement Project plans and urges the FMCB to vote in favor of this inclusion. [Order #7 of June 22; Charter Right - Toomey]

Light Rail or Bus Rapid Transit only, please.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to obtain an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department. [Order #9 of June 22; Charter Right - Simmons]

In addition to a complete accounting of all stationary supplies and toilet paper, I demand to know if the Cambridge Police Department possesses any specialized secret agent equipment from MI6.

Charter Right #4. Alternative Policing PO. [Order #12 of June 22; Charter Right - Zondervan] Cambridge Police

In a nutshell, this Order asks that various unarmed alternative emergency response programs be considered in addition to whatever CPD is already doing in this regard.

Order #1. That the City Council go on record in full support of the state legislation “An Act relative to saving black lives and transforming public safety” as a first step in changing law enforcement standards, use of force, and reporting in Massachusetts. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

This Order recommends that the State legislature endorse the same law enforcement standards that Cambridge now uses. I can't argue with that.

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to establish a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor, and to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than Sept 14, 2020. Councillor Simmons

Charter Right #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is directed to provide the City Council with an update on the formal Anti-bias / Cultural Competency Strategic Plan. [Order #14 of June 22; Charter Right - Zondervan]

Order #4. That the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee schedule hearings to discuss how to best incorporate language into the City Council’s rules that will call for anti-bias, anti-racist, and cultural sensitivity trainings to be held on a yearly basis. Councillor Simmons

For a long time and especially during recent "Defund the Police" and "Abolish the Police" campaigns I have heard it stated how ineffective such trainings are. I'm inclined to agree, but it does create jobs for those people doing the trainings.

Order #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Assistant City Manager of Community Development to determine how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts, and report back to the City Council with recommendations at the September 14th City Council meeting. Councillor Toomey

This is one of the Orders I find most interesting and important. A lot of retail in Cambridge has been dying on the vine even before the coronavirus came to town. Montessori schools, Rock & Roll Daycare and similar facilities and, more recently, cannabis-related operations have rushed in to fill the void. With the constraints imposed by public health standards it's not at all clear what can survive to next year. Some residential conversions may follow, but I suspect the only real solution will be a lot of renegotiation of leases and finding a new equilibrium between what rents can be afforded and the sustainability of many Cambridge businesses at least in the near term.

Charter Right #7. That the City Manager confer with the City’s Housing Liaison and Multi Service Center to discuss a variety of long-term housing solutions and tenant protections and report back to the City Council on July 27, 2020. [Order #15 of June 22; Charter Right - Zondervan]

I suspect any discussion of this will dovetail into the discussion of Order #6 below.

Order #6. That the City Council go on record in support of H.3924, An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections, which is currently under consideration before the Massachusetts State Legislature. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone

One point is clear: Any city councillor who votes to support this Order is voting in support of bringing back full throttle rent control to Cambridge. The referenced bill is interesting in that it would allow any city or town in the Commonwealth to create its own version of rent regulation ranging from benign to draconian (and you know full well that Cambridge would eventually go full draconian). It is my understanding that even though there may currently be some greater degree of support for such regulation due to the pandemic, this is not a bill that will likely make it through the legislative process, and it's even less likely that Governor Baker would ever sign it. There have been bills proposed that might actually have sufficient support (one proposal would simply put a cap on exhorbitant - and I do mean exhorbitant - rent increases for continuing tenants), but this is not such a bill. This bill is primarily about control - and only to a lesser degree about rent.

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison and Multi Service Center on implementing a Tenants Rights and Resource Notification Act that would require owners and management companies to include tenant rights and resource information when issuing eviction notifications including at the initial Notice to Quit stage and report back to the City Council on July 27, 2020. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern

This is a far more tame Order than the above referenced Order #6.

Order #7. That the City Manager work with the Department of Human Services Recreation Division and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of identifying one evening or day per week that the Fresh Pond Golf Course can be open to the public for general use. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone

The western parts of Cambridge are not lacking in open space assets. In truth, I have yet to see any open space in Cambridge so crowded that one might mistake it for Coney Island. I'm not so sure that there really is any demand for hanging out on the golf course grass, but it is worth mentioning that there are golf courses in the Boston metropolitan area where people do walk across parts of the golf course and have to be mindful of flying golf balls, e.g. Ponkapoag Pond in Canton and Mt. Hood Municipal Golf Course in Melrose. Even the Granite Links golf course in Quincy is supposedly open to hikers passing through, though the golfers do often object.

Golf Course

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councilor Simmons, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public hearing held on Feb 19, 2020.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councilor Simmons, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 12, 2020.

I have no idea what the Feb 19 hearing was about, but I do know that the Mar 12 meeting had to do with possible renewal of the City Manager's contract. No details are provided in either report other than to state that these meetings took place on those dates. Perhaps we need a new Agenda section entitled "Committee Non-Reports".

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting considerations about reopening schools this fall.

Will they re-open? Will half the students be required to stay home on any given day? Will Zoom get tenure? - Robert Winters

Comments?

CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, July 21

2:00pm The City Council's Housing Committee shall meet to discuss the City Manager’s candidate for the open Cambridge Housing Authority Board position, and to receive a report from the Housing Liaison to the City Manager’s Office on her proposed priorities for the remainder of the 2020-2021 City Council term. (Sullivan Chamber, web-only)

5:00pm School Committee Virtual Special Meeting (webcast from Media Arts Studio, CRLS, 456 Broadway)

There will be a Virtual Special Meeting of the School Committee on Tues, July 21 at 5:00pm, broadcast from the Media Arts Center 456 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of discussing the Proposed Re-opening Models, Superintendent’s Recommendations, and School Committee Reports and Minutes. It is anticipated that this meeting will end by or before 8:30pm.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact Jennifer Dever Wood at 617-349-6620.
To sign up to join 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)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts

Public Hearings

6:30pm PB# 360
701-703B Mt. Auburn Street – Special Permit application by The KG Collective, LLC to convert the existing space into a Cannabis Retail Store pursuant to Section 11.800 (Cannabis Uses). (Notice) (Materials)

7:30pm PB# 361
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 20.304.5.3.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. (Notice) (Materials)

Wed, July 22

2:00pm The City Council's Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee will meet to hold a discussion on the rules of the City Council. (Sullivan Chamber, web-only, televised)

5:30-7:30pm River Street Reconstruction Working Group Meeting #9 (Virtual Meeting)
After a few months pause due to COVID-19, the City will reconvene with the Working Group in a virtual format. Visit http://www.cambridgema.gov/riverstreet for updates. All Working Group meetings are open to the public. At this meeting, the Project Team will provide an overview of the corridor design based on feedback from previous meetings and design goals established through the Working Group process. The meeting will begin promptly at 5:30pm and end no later than 7:30pm.

5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission meeting (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

1. Requested Polling Place Relocations Due to COVID-19

2. Poll Worker Recruitment

3. Poll Worker Training

4. Polling Place Setup and Voting Supplies

New Business

6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (virtual meeting via Zoom)

Thurs, July 23

12:30pm School Committee Communications and Community Relations Sub-Committee Virtual Meeting (webcast)
There will be a Virtual Meeting of the Communications and Community Relations Sub-Committee on Thurs, July 23 at 12:30pm for the purpose of discussing referred Motion #20-99 regarding establishing a “Caregiver University”. This meeting is anticipated to end by 2:00pm.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments.
The sign up window is Mon, July 20 through Thurs, July 23 at 6:30am (by phone) or 12Noon (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 Dosha E. Beard at 617-349-6620.
Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings virtually.

Mon, July 27

5:30pm Special (Midsummer) City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 29

2:00pm The City Council's Transportation & Public Utilities Committee will meet to discuss how transportation in Cambridge has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including impacts and adaptations to streets and public transit. (Sullivan Chamber, web-only, televised)

Thurs, July 30

10:00am The City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing for the purpose of receiving an update on the Retail Land Use Initiative and Retail Table of Land Use update. (Sullivan Chamber, web-only)

Wed, Aug 19

5:00pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on a petition to add an Affordable Housing Ordinance to the City’s Zoning Ordinances. (Sullivan Chamber, web-only)

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

6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Sept 14

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

Give Us Your Input on a Permanent Public Artwork to Commemorate Centennial of American Women Winning the Right to Vote

Lot 5 in Central Square Closing Temporarily for the Creation of Starlight Square Closure begins on Tuesday, July 21

City of Cambridge Launches $1.5 Million COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program Providing short term financial assistance to Cambridge residents experiencing housing instability

2019 Cambridge Resident/Visitor Parking Permits to Expire August 15, 2020 Residents should submit renewal applications as soon as possible.