Mattress, TV collection, and other Large Appliance collection is ON SCHEDULE. Visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Recycle to schedule a collection.
Here are the handful of items from the City Manager plus some Orders that leapt out like a clenched fist from the make-believe proletariat:
Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Manager's Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to efforts to respond to the restaurant community’s need to expand outdoor dining services in response to Governor Baker’s announcement that restaurants will be permitted to provide outdoor dining services at the commencement of Phase II of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan...
I'm very curious to see how this slow and cautious "reopening" works out. I don't think things will really be anywhere close to the way they were pre-corona for a long time. I still find it surreal to see everyone (or nearly everyone) wearing masks (including me). How this will work out with restaurants is largely unknown. It would be a lot simpler if they all had parking lots that could be reallocated for outdoor seating, but much of Cambridge is nothing like some suburban shopping center with those options available and plentiful. All we have are the sidewalks, maybe some portions of streets - and those really only work for restaurants adjacent to or very close to those spaces.
Then again, I suppose if you just advertise your business as a protest march many of the restrictions and health & safety guidance will be waived.
Order #1. That the Cambridge City Council schedule a hearing to discuss the possible use of body cameras by the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order #7. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the Council on how some, or all, of the $4.1 million dollar increase in the Police Department budget between FY20 and FY21 may be redirected towards measures that promote public health and safety in other departments. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, regarding Funding our Community, Transforming our Policing.
Order #8. That the Cambridge City Council declare racism as a public health crisis. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon
So much of this is based on an interesting metaphysical principle apparently accepted by a number of city councillors, namely that action at a distance works with political reform in much the same way as gravitational attraction. If you are horrified by abusive and even deadly behavior by law enforcement in a place like Minneapolis (as well you should be), then cutting funds to your local police department will address that horror. I have seen published a list of great ideas that should be the standard for law enforcement - and basically all of them are already established policy for Cambridge Police. So much for recognizing and rewarding positive initiatives.
For what it's worth, I have no particular love for mass movements - including pro-Trump rallies, Our Revolution gatherings, "Defund the Police" actions, or even celebrations after your favorite team just won the World Championship. That said, I'm glad to see that at least the violence seems to be lessening - "flattening the curve" seems to be understood across lots of categories. I saw some bits and pieces from the Sunday rally on the Cambridge Common and was encouraged by some of the sense expressed by participants and organizers. Parenthetically, I got an enormous kick out of hearing one of the main organizers note that in Cambridge the disproportionate emphasis on "trees, bikes, and noise pollution" comes from a place of privilege (and this received a huge cheer). Now I don't buy into all this confession-based privilege BS, but I think the implicit point was that these niceties may actually come at the expense of other things such as economic empowerment and creating pathways for people to move from poverty and government assistance toward economic security and having a personal stake in their city of birth (or choice). That's a lot different than acting out of noblesse oblige.
I'll simply note that we have appointed committees such as the "Climate Action Task Force", a "Climate Protection Action Committee", the "Leaf Blower Use Review Group", the "Advisory Committee on Climate Resiliency Zoning", various arts-related boards and commissions, numerous neighborhood conservation district commissions, a Bicycle Committee, a Pedestrian Committee, a Transit Advisory Board, a "Future of Mobility Implementation Blueprint Technical Advisory Group", various other advisory committees (including some on which I have served and continue to serve), a Women's Commission, an "LGBTQ+ Commission", a "Harvard Square Kiosk Working Group", a "Public Planting Committee", a "Vision Zero Advisory Committee", and then some. These are all wonderful, but where is the "Jobs for Cambridge Youth Commission?" How about simply a "Recreational Opportunities for Young People Advisory Committee?" I do realize that there are nonprofits who actually do promote such things, but I wonder how this whole array of citizen initiatives on various environmental, transportation, and quality of life matters resonates with a kid growing up in Cambridge who is just looking for some hope and opportunity or simply something to do. I often think that what we really ought to be doing is letting local entrepreneurs run wild with their ideas and reward them handsomely for matching jobs to local people who want those jobs. I also think that making ground-level retail space at cost should be mandatory in any new mixed use building. Where are the apprenticeships for electricians and plumbers and carpenters? It's not like Cambridge people aren't doing work on their gazillion dollar houses and condos.
Getting back to the City Council orders, I really see them primarily as political theatrics, and my perception of our elected councillors as bleating sheep grows by the week.
Order #3. 100% Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Petition 2020. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey
I frequently find myself applying Occam's Razor when trying to understand things in mathematics, in physics, and also in public policy. This latest submission of the so-called "Affordable Housing Overlay" probably establishes a new municipal record for overly prescriptive and convoluted policy. The driving principle continues to be the transfer of as much private property to public and quasi-public ownership with the Housing Division within the Community Development Department as landlord/gatekeeper. This comes at a time when we are likely to see significant shifts in housing demand and property valuation due to the pandemic. Rather than see how the rental and real estate markets might shift in response, this Council understands only command and control. I'll have a lot more to say about this misguided policy and its backers as it snakes its way through the weeds.
OK, that's enough for this week. - Robert Winters
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Cambridge Police Issue New General Order That Requires Officers to Intervene When Another Officer Uses Unreasonable Force
June 8, 2020 – Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. today announced a General Order to all sworn members of the Cambridge Police Department specific to an officer’s duty to intervene. The General Order, which is effective immediately, requires “all sworn members of the Cambridge Police Department present at any scene where physical force is being applied, to either stop, or attempt to stop, another member of the Department when force is being unreasonably applied or is no longer required.”
Prior to this Order, an officer was obligated to report any use of force violations to their superior officer under the Cambridge Police Use of Force policy and Departmental Rules. This new General Order will still require supervisor notification, but now mandates officers to take a preventive or active approach. If an officer observes behavior that suggests another member is about to conduct unethical or inappropriate behavior, the General Order requires officers, whenever possible, to intervene verbally or physically depending on the circumstances. When conduct is being committed by another member, officers are ordered to take an active approach to verbally or physically intervene to stop any unethical behavior or misconduct committed by another member in the Department.
“We continually examine our policies to ensure that they meet the state’s requirements, conform to the very best practices in policing, and prioritize the sanctity of human life,” said Commissioner Bard. “Over the last two weeks, we have closely scrutinized our policies and procedures in light of the various reform measures that are being proposed around the country such as those outlined in the 8 Can’t Wait project. While we feel that most, if not all, of our policies directly align with the spirit of what is being asked for in the recommendations, an area where we felt we could be more explicit was the duty to intervene and stop excessive force by other officers.”
Within the General Order, the Department has also issued guidelines and specific examples of what these approaches would practically look like.
To review the new General Order, please visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/~/media/Files/policedepartment/Policies/generalorder2013dutytointervene.pdf
Apropos of Something....
Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach
The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase II on June 8, with contingencies:
- Retail, with occupancy limits;
- Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;
- Restaurants, outdoor table service only;
- Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;
- Warehouses and distribution centers;
- Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching and education tutoring;
- Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;
- Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;
- Outdoor recreation facilities;
- Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;
- Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education or life skills and in groups of less than 10;
- Driving and flight schools;
- Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;
- Funeral homes, with occupancy limits
Learn more
Great News: Mount Auburn Cemetery is once again open to the public every day from noon to 7:00pm.
Please respect this incredible resource (and don't all show up at once.....). - RW
Message from President Dave Barnett
Dear Mount Auburn Cemetery Community,
I am pleased to announce the first step in the Cemetery’s phased re-opening, which will follow Governor Baker’s guidelines for reopening Massachusetts.
Effective today, June 1st, our gates will be open each day from 12PM to 7PM. During these open hours, we will welcome ALL VISITORS.
We ask that everyone respect our rules and preserve the sanctity of the Cemetery.
Read more of Dave Barnett's message...
As The World Burns, the City Council is now meeting to premier their new Zoom shows and characters - Councillor Nolan will host "Science Says" while Councillor Zondervan continues to perfect his "Mumbles" character while the City Clerk repeatedly asks, "What was that you said, Councillor?" There will also be a prolonged discussion on the difference between a million dollars and a billion dollars.
As for the agenda items to be acted out by these memorable characters and others, there are these special scenes:
Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Manager's Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $677,300 from Free Cash, to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($208,300); General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($200,000) and to the General Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($19,000) which will cover projected costs of materials and supplies related to the COVID-19 crisis for City departments through the end of the fiscal year. Funds will be used to purchase masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, cleaning materials and spray sanitizer, as well as communication costs.
Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $60,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account for continued support of Homeless Shelter / Local Restaurant Community meals program through the end of the fiscal year.
Manager's Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,175,000, from Free Cash, to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($944,000); to the General Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($770,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($245,000); and to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($216,000); to cover costs associated with the War Memorial Temporary Emergency Shelter at 1640 Cambridge Street.
Manager's Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account, for COVID-19 testing kits.
Most of these agenda items involving expenditures were signaled at last week's first Budget hearing. Good thing we kept that Free Cash piggy-bank intact rather than raid it to exhaustion for pet projects. It was never just about keeping a AAA bond rating. The Budget Hearings continue this week.
Communication #9. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, regarding correcting the record on Municipal Broadband costs.
This communication provides a preliminary version of a feasibility study of municipal broadband that has already been done (true), and the City Manager indicated at the Budget Hearing that the City's consultant has plenty more information to provide at a future committee hearing (if they ever get around to holding such a meeting). The manager's off-the-cuff remark was that he didn't want to commit to "a million dollar study for a billion dollar program." I definitely want to hear more because the last thing I'll do is accept the supposed expertise of these councillors. If the City Administration believes that an acceptable level of Internet access is available via other means, I would like to hear about that. Above all, if a credible argument can be made that a City investment in municipal broadband will put the City at great financial risk, I would like to hear about it and better understand why this might be the case. Elected officials like to score points on how much they can spend, but city managers earn their keep by finding ways to spend what is necessary to efficiently deliver services - or at least that's how it's supposed to work.
Order #3. Governor Baker’s Emergency Order on March 25, 2020 included a ban on reusable bags and lifted all municipal bans and fees on plastic bags. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
I hope that reusable bags will again be permitted but that fees on plastic bags will not be imposed until the coast really is clear.
Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee’s Regular Meeting and Subcommittee meetings.
I appreciate these reports but I remain very concerned that public education is not being equitably distributed in this virtual environment and that it will remain very difficult to correct this regardless what steps are taken.
PS - I haven't felt this nervous about the state of my country since 1968. I have yet to see anyone emerge as the kind of leader who can rally people toward peace and justice rather than vengeance and defense. Maybe if Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama all did a joint message that might be a start, but there are many people acting out right now on both extremes of the political spectrum who would likely be unmoved. Anarchy and Twitter stardom apparently remain more attractive to some characters than civilization. - Robert Winters
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City of Cambridge Cancels Annual Dance Party and Amends Temporary Emergency Restrictions on Public Meetings and Events
May 29, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced the cancellation of the Annual City Dance Party that was scheduled to be held on June 26 in front of Cambridge City Hall, and announced 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 1, 2020 or postponed to a later date. All prior approvals for Special Events for the month of June are being revoked. This policy will be reevaluated at the end of June.
Effective June 1, 2020, the meetings of the Board of Zoning Appeal, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and Neighborhood Conservation Commissions, License Commission, Planning Board, Pole and Conduit Commission and Election Commission are authorized to begin holding meetings. Meetings will continue to be held virtually by utilizing web based technology that will stream audio and video – whenever possible - of the meeting. All meetings will allow for remote participation by the members of the public body. All other public meetings of City committees, advisory groups, community meetings and the like shall remain cancelled and postponed until a later date, unless a meeting is determined necessary by the City.
All meetings of the City Council, including City Council Committee meetings, and all other City public bodies, boards and commissions that are governed by the state Open Meeting Law and transact official City business, other than quasi-judicial public bodies, boards and commissions, will follow the procedures defined in the City’s Amended Temporary Emergency Restriction on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events due to COVID-19, which is available at https://camb.ma/36HLUv6.
Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members and should wear face coverings at all times while outdoors.
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 Announces Shared Street Pilot
May 28, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced plans to conduct a Shared Street pilot that will allow residents to walk and bike in both directions on select roadways. Planned to begin as early as mid-June, the Shared Street pilot is designed to address increased movement in the city while supporting physical distancing as the city executes its reopening strategy.
The Shared Streets will remain open for residents of the street, emergency vehicles, and deliveries. Local Access Only, Shared Street, and advisory speed limit signs will be posted at key cross streets to discourage through traffic. People driving are expected to travel at low speeds and yield to people walking and biking on the shared streets.
The initial Shared Street network will consist of the following three key connector streets and will be implemented 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the pilot period:
Garden Street, Field Street, and Bay State Road corridor from Concord Avenue to New Street, connections to Cambridge Common, Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, Danehy Park, Fresh Pond, Alewife, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods.
Harvard Street from Quincy Street to Portland Street, connections to Kendall Square, Harvard Square, Harvard Yard, Sennott Park, nearby City buildings, Washington Elms/Newtowne Court, 119 Windsor Street, Whole Foods.
Magazine Street from Green Street to Memorial Drive, connections to Central Square, Magazine Beach, BU Bridge, Morse School fields, Trader Joe’s.
“In addition to previous city planning efforts on shared streets, we have gained valuable insight from listening to the public and speaking with staff from other municipalities who have been successful in implementing similar programs, and leveraging resources from the likes of the National Association of City Transportation Officials,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “The rollout of the Shared Street pilot will help us gain a deeper understanding of the long-term impacts Shared Streets can potentially have on our community and will provide additional outdoor space for our residents to utilize during the approaching summer months.”
“The City of Cambridge leadership is carefully considering how transportation patterns have changed and how they need to change, not just as we recover from this crisis, but to support a sustainable future,” said Cambridge Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Joseph Barr. “We are striking a balance between being responsive to the community’s desires and concerns while balancing the vital need to prioritize public health.”
Following this pilot, the City of Cambridge will also be evaluating several possibilities, including additional shared street locations, space to support local businesses, expanded sidewalk space at key locations, and facilities to help reduce crowding at bus stops and on bus routes.
In the coming weeks, the City of Cambridge will be seeking additional input from the community, business, and neighborhood groups on how our streets can best serve residents both during and after this public health crisis. If members of the public have suggestions for potential next steps, please contact Cambridge Traffic, Parking and Transportation at 617-349-4700 or tpt@cambridgema.gov.
Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members and should wear face coverings at all times while outdoors. 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 Updates Two Temporary Emergency Orders
May 28, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced it has rescinded the Temporary Emergency Order closing certain businesses in the City that went into effect on March 20, 2020, and amended the Emergency Order on Face Coverings and Masks.
Effective May 26, businesses previously ordered closed in the City’s temporary emergency order will be required to follow only the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Reopening Guidelines and requirements for reopening. Impacted business include:
- Tanning salons
- Nail salons
- Hair salons
- Barber shops
- Bodywork Therapy and massage establishments
- Tattoo and body piercing parlors
- Eyebrow threading establishments
- Martial Arts studios
- Group dance and group exercise activities
- Health clubs
- Spas
- Gyms
- Fitness clubs
Please check the state’s Reopening Guidelines for further information on when each of the above businesses are allowed to repoen, as that varies depending on the type of business.
The City’s Emergency Order Requiring the Use of Face Coverings and Masks has been amended to allow employees in places of business to remove their masks or cloth face coverings in circumstances where a distance of at least six feet from others will be maintained at all times, such as, when working alone in an office, room, cubicle, work station, or other location. All places of business are required to post signage at entrances to buildings informing the public that masks or cloth face coverings must be worn at all times within or about the premises. All other aspects of the order remain in effect.
Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members and should wear face coverings at all times while outdoors.
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
Street cleaning will resume on June 1, 2020
The City will be sending street sweepers through their normal routes; However, residents will NOT be required to move their cars, but it would be appreciated if they did. Starting July 1, 2020, the City will require cars to move for street cleaning.
Street Cleaning is important because leaves and organic material on streets get into storm drains. Once in the drainage system, organic material releases phosphorous and nitrogen, polluting the Charles River or Alewife Brook. Furthermore, leaves can block drains, resulting in flooding.
Visit CambridgeMA.Gov/StreetCleaning for more info.
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Martin C. Foster of Belmont, passed away on June 2, 2020. Husband of the late Patricia A. Connolly. Survived by his children; Kate Foster and her husband Joseph Shannon and Kris Foster and her husband Stephen Troiano all of Belmont, his grandchildren Maureen, Grady and Aidan, his siblings Ellen Varella, Francis Foster and Susanne Collins. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be private. A Celebration of Marty’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to the Martin C. Foster and Patricia A. Connolly Building Fund, New England School Law/Boston, 154 Stuart St. Boston, MA. O2116.
