Cambridge InsideOut - November 17, 2020

Choice Bits from the Nov 16, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

It's a bit more substantial this week at the City Council meeting. Here's my first pass at some of the interesting stuff: City Hall

Manager's Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $850,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account, for a 30-Year Post Closure Evaluation and Report of Danehy Park.
Order Adopted 9-0

It's hard to believe that it's been 30 years since the old landfill was transformed into Danehy Park. I remember when we operated a volunteer recycling dropoff on Sherman Street back then (1989-1991) and the capped landfill was like a barren moonscape.

Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for acceptance of G.L. Chapter 39, Section 23D to allow members of adjudicatory boards and commissions to vote on a matter before the adjudicatory body of which they are a member if the board member has missed one of the sessions regarding the matter at issue.
Charter Right - Zondervan

Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-10, regarding renaming the Agassiz neighborhood.
Placed on File 9-0

I guess there are some advantages to living in the Mid-Cambridge neighborhood, including the likelihood that the name will not be cancelled. Perhaps we should just use the neighborhood numbers. “You are Number 6”... “I am not a number! I am a free man!”

Manager's Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $310,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used for consultant services to conduct a study that will evaluate resident experiences in affordable housing in Cambridge.
Order Adopted 9-0

Separate but equal?

Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request that the City Council extend its prior authorization for the City Manager or his designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary street obstructions, from this date until sixty (60) days past the end of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State of Emergency.
Order Adopted 9-0

It's great that we'll likely be extending the outdoor dining, but it's hard to imagine this being a viable alternative during most of the winter. Then again, perhaps we can convince Moderna to make the vaccine available early to its home community.

Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Green Energy Analysis Zoning Petition Substitute Zoning Text received from the Community Development Department and the Law Department.
Petition removed from Table, Amended with substitute language, and Placed on Table 9-0

This zoning amendment will most likely be ordained next week, and having more energy efficient buildings is unquestionably a good thing. I continue to have concerns about carrots vs. sticks. The inclination of this City Council - whether it has to do with energy efficiency, the management of trees on private property, or other matters - is primarily based on mandates rather than incentives. I hear that a new proposal is coming that would mandate “green roofs” on all new buildings above 20,000 sq. ft. as well as for major renovations. Such a mandate would also require a maintenance plan. I can see the value in green roofs, but I can also understand the desire for ease of maintenance. I doubt whether any of the current city councillors has ever had to make roof repairs.

Order #2. Update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. Resolution in Support of Harvard Janitors. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #4. Interpreters at Polling Locations. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Is the idea here to have multiple interpreters all day long for 34 different precincts? Considering the fact that the only things needing interpretation are ballot questions, wouldn't a few brochures and a Hot Line suffice? Oh year, I forgot that Cambridge is a wealthy city, so we should just spend money regardless of actual need - especially if it lets us feel all woke 'n stuff.

Order #5. That the enclosed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance be adopted to extend the temporary prohibition on tree cutting permits until Feb 28, 2021. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-0-1 (Toomey - NO; Simmons - PRESENT)

This ordinance and temporary moratorium appear to allow some discretion for property owners to manage the trees on their property as long as the plans are beneficial, but my trust for City mandates and micromanagement by city councillors is fading fast.

Order #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project which appears counter to the City’s zoning code and confer with the relevant departments on how many projects that had a permit prior to these changes could request an extension. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

IANAL (I am not a lawyer), but it seems to me that if a property owner was granted a building permit when certain rules and regulations were in place, then if any construction was delayed due to nondiscretionary circumstances (such as lawsuits, pandemics, etc.) the owner should not be subject to rules enacted after the granting of the permit. This question has come up before, e.g. in the emerging NorthPoint (Cambridge Crossing) area, and in other long-term Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). On the other hand, if someone simply chooses to delay construction beyond the time frame specified in the initial permit, then a reasonable case can be made to require the developer to seek a new permit subject to current rules and regulations. [some background]

Order #7. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Fiscal Control Management Board plans to replace existing zero-emissions electric bus routes in Cambridge. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #8. 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 November 29. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Zondervan

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Patricia Nolan, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Oct 7, 2020 on the reappointment of Christopher Bator to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years and to discuss the Envision Cambridge citywide plan, and review how to set priorities and goals.

Envision Cambridge should be viewed only as a starting point for an ongoing conversation. It's really more of a staff-dominated laundry list of suggestions. Will city councillors improve on those suggestions and knit together the better ideas into something cohesive or will there just be committee hearings dominated by rhetorical competition? The paradigms were subverted some time ago - and simply replaced by other stale paradigms. - Robert Winters

Postscript – At the end of the meeting there was a Late Order from Vice Mayor Mallon and Mayor Siddiqui asking the City Manager to consult with regional mayors and to impose much stricter coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and other businesses. Councillor Zondervan suggested closing everything down. Councillor Toomey exercised his Charter Right to delay this to the next meeting. Mayor Siddiqui insisted that the closing/restricting of businesses was necessary in order that the public schools could be open for in-person learning but provided no evidence to support this. - RW

Comments?

Click above when you're sure it's really over.

Biden Beats Trump

Nov 4 – Here's a quick recap of the election so far - from a Cantabrigian point of view:

Everything seems to still be up in the air with the Presidential election. Many of us went to bed last night thinking it would go to Trump because the margins in states like Pennsylvalia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Georgia seemed insurmountable even if MANY additional mail-in and absentee ballots were still to be counted. We woke up this morning to find that some of these states had already flipped toward Biden and that many people who understood these things believed that others would follow and that the ultimate results are now favoring Biden.

We also got to see Trump attempt to prematurely declare victory and threaten litigation if some states didn't stop counting valid ballots. No surprise there from this man-child. My sense is that you'll have a hard time finding a judge who will rule against the counting of validly cast ballots, and that includes any Trump-appointed Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. The credibility of the Court would be irreparably damaged if they ruled otherwise.

Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts - a virtual one-party state where voters aren't even afforded a credible choice in many elections - voters defeated the Initiative Petition that would have mandated Ranked Choice Voting in all state elections and primaries. It's a bit difficult to understand the objections, but I suppose that when things are in doubt many voters default to a NO vote on ballot questions. In any case, at least the conversation was started on alternative election methods. We could really use some new methods and ideas to creative incentives for good people to seek elected office without fear of losing their shirt or their reputation, and voters really deserve to have at least some choice in their elections.

PS – I just checked and the DOW is up another 720 points today. Apparently the prospect of Trump possibly losing or the election still being undecided isn't bothering Wall Street. Then again, those folks can be very fickle.

Judgment Day - Nov 3, 2020

10:54am – Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 600 points.

10:55am – Souls seen exiting graves at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, heading to the polls.

11:06am – Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 650 points.

11:08am - ABC Minister of Propaganda Schmidt proposed at last night's City Council meeting that Resident Permit fees should be increased to $1000 per year. The City Council instead voted down on a 4-5 vote a proposed increase from $25 to $40 per year.

12:03pm – Councillor Nolan last night took issue with the use of propane-fueled patio heaters based on climate change concerns. Meanwhile, in other news, Tootsie Rolls and Junior Mints will continue to be produced in Cambridge. It has not yet been determined if the rich aroma of the butterscotch and peppermint effluent from the factory is a greenhouse gas. We'll keep an eye out for future City Council orders on this.

12:05pm – Dan Rather tweets: "These are turbulent and dangerous times. My gentle counsel is be big on hope, pray (if that's your way), stay steady, have patience, and don't forget to breathe. If you can, listen to your favorite music, read a book or poetry, and if the weather is nice, take a walk."

12:08pm – CNN reports: "Fences surrounding the White House have gone up as authorities say they are taking precautions for any worst-case scenarios that may arise on election night or in the coming days."

12:40pm – Dow now only up 591 today.

12:41pm – Charles River reportedly turning to blood. Locusts seen advancing on West Cambridge.

3:56pm – Dow back to being up by 650 points.

3:57pm – The murder hornets have arrived.

4:12pm – Dow ends day up 555. Good thing it wasn't 666.

First polls close 7:00pm EST. - Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia

7:30pm: North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia

8:00pm: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee

8:30pm: Arkansas

9:00pm: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming

10:00pm: Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Utah

11:00pm: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

12:00am: Hawaii

1:00am: Alaska

Updates to follow.

Members Sought for Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee

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. City Seal

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.

Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Vacancy

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. City Seal

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.

Members Sought for Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission

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). City Seal

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.

New Contractor to Provide Recycling & Yard Waste Collection Services Beginning November 2

Oct 22, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that, following an open and competitive bid process, Save That Stuff was selected as the City’s residential recycling and yard waste collection contractor, beginning Nov 2, 2020.

While residents’ curbside collection days will not change, residents should be aware that collections may occur earlier or later in the day than they are used to on their regularly scheduled pickup day. All residential waste collection occurs between the hours of 7:00am-4:00pm, and all carts should be placed at the curb by 7:00am on your collection day. Items accepted in recycling or yard waste, and where to place carts for collection, will not change.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work by the Public Works Department to continue to deliver high-quality services to our residents during these challenging times,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Thanks to the efforts of our residents and the data-driven management of the City’s Recycling Division, more than 8,000 tons of recycling and 2,000 tons of yard waste are diverted from landfills each year.”

To enhance the City’s services, the yard waste collection period will be extended until December 31, 2020.

Below are recommended best practices to help ensure safe and efficient removal of waste:

Please place all carts at the curb after 6:00pm the night before collection or by 7:00am on your collection day. All residential waste collection occurs between 7:00am-4:00pm. If your building or household has a missed trash, recycle, compost or yard waste collection, please wait until 4:00pm to report it. All missed collections should be reported at www.CambridgeMA.Gov/311 or by using the Commonwealth Connect app for iPhone/Android.
Please break down cardboard to help make it more manageable. If you have cardboard that won’t fit in the cart, nest it inside a larger box and place next to the recycle cart.
Help us keep our streets and waterways clean by collecting all leaves, twigs, and branches on sidewalks, curbs, and other areas adjacent to your property. Leaves on streets get into storm drains. Once in the drainage system, phosphorous and nitrogen are released, polluting the Charles River or Alewife Brook.
Please be considerate when approaching and passing all collection crews and vehicles. These essential workers are critical to the City’s efforts to protect the public’s health and safety.

For more on what’s accepted in recycling and yard waste as well as other important information, visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Recycle.

To sign up for weekly waste collection reminders, download the “Zero Waste Cambridge” app or visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Subscribe.

Curbside Collection

CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, Nov 17

2:30pm The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing on decorum of the Council, as well as the rules around and duties of the Council Aides. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

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, Nov 17 at 6:00pm, held in and broadcast from the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.

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.

Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments at regular meetings or public hearings. For the Nov 17 Regular Meeting: The sign-up window is Fri, Nov 13 through Tues, Nov 17 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.

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

6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web only)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

Public Hearings

6:30pm MXD Amendments Zoning Petition
Zoning petition by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) to amend Article 14.000 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, Mixed Use Development District: Kendall Center (MXD) to permit up to an additional 800,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area (GFA) for commercial development in conjunction with the development by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource (or its successors and assigns) of a substation within the District. (Materials)

Wed, Nov 18

9:15-11:00am Recycling Advisory Committee (virtual meeting)

2:00pm The City Council's Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing on to discuss the Municipal Broadband Feasibility Study RFP. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

4:00pm School Committee Virtual Roundtable Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)

There will be a Virtual Roundtable Meeting of the School Committee on Wed, Nov 18 at 4:00pm for the purpose of discussing ways that the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color may be factored more explicitly into the CPS Re-opening Plan’s metrics. It is anticipated this meeting by or before 6:00pm.

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.

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

6:00pm School Committee Special Education and Students Supports Sub-Committee Virtual Meeting (webcast)
There will be a Virtual Meeting of the Special Education and Students Supports Sub-Committee on Wed, Nov 18 at 6:00pm broadcast from the Media Arts Center, 454 Broadway, for the purpose of discussing the reading level benchmark data, resources to scholars reading below grade level, dyslexia indicators, and professional development to educators. It is anticipated that this meeting will last no later than 7:30pm.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments.
The sign up window is Fri, Nov 13 through Wed, Nov 18 at 12:00pm (by phone) or 5:30pm (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.

Thurs, Nov 19

2:00pm The City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss challenges and opportunities that exist in City purchasing, procurement and programs for MWBEs and other historically disadvantaged businesses and non-profits in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

5:30pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the KSURP Zoning Ordinance Amendment. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Mon, Nov 23

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

Tues, Nov 24

3:00pm The City Council's Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss Awaiting Report response on Harvard Square street closures. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Mon, Nov 30

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

Wed, Dec 2

2:30-5:00pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Design Review Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Community Room, 125 Sixth St.)

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.

Mon, Dec 7

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

Wed, Dec 9

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)

Mon, Dec 14

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

Wed, Dec 16

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.)

Thurs, Dec 17

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)

Mon, Dec 21

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

Mon, Dec 28

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

Wed, Jan 6

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)

Wed, Jan 13

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)

Choice Bits from the Nov 16, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

La Petite Mort – Nov 9, 2020 Cambridge City Council meeting

Nov 4 – Here's a quick recap of the election so far - from a Cantabrigian point of view: