July 26, 2021 – Cambridge lost an icon yesterday with the passing of Robert Moses, a significant veteran in the struggle for civil rights as well as the founder of The Algebra Project - an avenue of empowerment through mathematics education. - RW
Robert Parris Moses, civil rights legend who founded the Algebra Project, dies at 86 (Boston Globe, July 26, 2021 by Bryan Marquard)

Dr. Bob Moses, Cambridge legend, education advocate and civil rights leader, dies at 86 (Cambridge Chronicle, July 26, 2021)

Math Literacy Is a Civil Right – Robert Moses, Teacher-Activist (4Word, June 2001 profile written by Gerald Bergman)

The quiet fortitude of Bob Moses (Commonwealth Magazine, July 27, 2021 by Michael Jonas)

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Final List of Candidates for the Nov 2, 2021 Cambridge Municipal Election - 19 for CC, 9 for SC
City Council Candidates	Address	Born	Occupation	Notes
Burhan Azeem	35 Speridakis Terr., 02139	1997	Data Engineer	ran in 2019
Dana Bullister	155 5th Street #1, 02141	1990	Entrepreneur
Dennis J. Carlone	9 Washington Ave. #6, 02140	1947	Architect	incumbent
Robert Eckstut	251 Western Ave. #1, 02139	1985
Tonia Hicks	337 Pearl Street, 02139	1970
Ilan S. Levy	148 Spring St., 02141	1967	Software engineer
Alanna M. Mallon	3 Maple Ave., 02139	1970	City Councillor	incumbent
Marc C. McGovern	17 Pleasant St., 02139	1968	Social Worker	incumbent
Joe McGuirk	314 Columbia St. #1, 02141	1965	Bartender
Gregg J. Moree	25 Fairfield St. #4, 02140	1957		perennial candidate
Patricia M. Nolan	184 Huron Ave., 02138	1957	City Councillor	incumbent
Frantz Pierre	22 Water Street, Unit 808, 02141	1982
Sumbul Siddiqui	283 Sidney St. #3, 02139	1988	Attorney	incumbent
E. Denise Simmons	188 Harvard St. #4B, 02139	1951	City Councillor	incumbent
Theodora Skeadas	988 Memorial Drive #185, 02138	1990	Consultant
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler	187 Brookline St. #3, 02139	1992	City Councillor	incumbent
Paul Toner	24 Newman St., 02140	1966	Teacher, Lawyer	ran in 2017
Nicola A. Williams	8 Brewer St. #5, 02138	1963	Self-Employed	ran in 2019
Quinton Y. Zondervan	235 Cardinal Madeiros Ave., 02141	1970	Politician	incumbent
School Committee Candidates	Address	Born	Occupation	Notes
Akriti Bhambi	311 Cardinal Madeiros Ave. #1, 02141	1988
Fred Fantini	4 Canal Park #203, 02141	1949	School Committee	incumbent
Caroline Hunter	23 Rockwell St., 02139	1946
Daria Johnson	2 Leighton St. #413, 02141	1976
Christopher Lim	48 Pleasant St., 02139	1975	Engineer	ran in 2019
Jose Luis Rojas Villarreal	19 Cornelius Way, 02141	1971	Loan Officer	incumbent
David J. Weinstein	45 S. Normandy Ave., 02138	1972	Writer/Communications	incumbent
Rachel B. Weinstein	60 Standish St. #1, 02138	1974		incumbent
Ayesha Wilson	15 Concord Ave., 02138	1982	Education	incumbent

2021 Cambridge Candidate Pages

Calendar of Cambridge Candidate Forums and Events - 2021

City Council Campaign Receipts and Monthly Bank Reports – 2021

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Under the Pains and Penalties of Perjury

STATEMENT OF ORGANIZATION - CANDIDATE'S COMMITTEE
CANDIDATE: Gregg Moree     OFFICE SOUGHT/PURPOSE: City Councillor, Cambridge
I hereby accept the office of Treasurer of the above-named committee. I affirm that I am not a public employee as defined by M.G.L. c. 55, s. 13. I understand that: 1) I am subject to certain duties and liabilities under M.G.L. c. 55, including the timely filing of campaign finance reports and keeping detailed accounts and records of all campaign finance activity for a period of six years from the date of the relevant election; 2) if after my acceptance of this office I become an appointed public employee, I must resign this position and notify OCPF of my resignation; and 3) a candidate may not serve as treasurer of the political committee organized on his/her behalf.
SIGNED UNDER THE PENALTIES OF PERJURY: Gregg J Moree     Date: 8/10/2021

Note: One other City Council candidate also signed as Treasurer of that candidate's own campaign committee, but that has since been corrected.

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Campaign Note #1
Aug 6 – I really wish we had another Pat Paulsen to run for Cambridge City Council.
Some Pat Paulsen quotes:

• I've upped my standards. Now, up yours.
• All the problems we face in the United States today can be traced to an unenlightened immigration policy on the part of the American Indian.
• Assuming either the Left Wing or the Right Wing gained control of the country, it would probably fly around in circles.
• More at: https://www.azquotes.com/author/11423-Pat_Paulsen

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Members Sought for Cambridge Biosafety Committee

July 28, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents to fill two vacancies on the Cambridge Biosafety Committee (CBC).

Biosafety Committee members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager for a 5-year term to work with the Cambridge Public Health Department staff as designated by the Cambridge Public Health Commissioner in oversight, enforcement and permit issuance under the Recombinant DNA Technology Ordinance (Chapter 8.20, 1981, 1993) and the Cambridge Laboratory Biosafety Regulation (2009).

The Cambridge Biosafety Committee is composed of at least five members who serve five-year terms and who may renew membership. Members do not need to have a scientific background, but will be considered more favorably if they do have applicable training or professional experience in molecular biology, genetics, infectious diseases, or laboratory biosafety. The CBC meets on the third Thursday of every month (except for a single combined summer meeting for July and August), from 3-5:30 p.m., in the large 2nd floor conference room at the Windsor Community Health Centre, 119 Windsor Street. Currently, the CBC is still meeting virtually pending the resumption of in-person meetings.

The role of the Biosafety Committee is to ensure public accountability for safe biological laboratory practices in safe laboratories or manufacturing facilities that utilize or process recombinant or synthetic materials as defined in the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules (NIH Guidelines). The Committee utilizes the NIH Guidelines and the CDC Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) in order to determine compliance with accepted best practices for infectious, non-recombinant research governed by the Laboratory Biosafety Regulation. Final determination of applicable standards from the NIH Guidelines and the BMBL is held by the Committee and the Public Health Commissioner or their designee. Review of all new applications and amendment requests will occur through presentation to the Committee in a regularly scheduled (monthly) Committee meeting or by an appropriate administrative procedure for minor amendments. Final CBC approval is required before an annual, non-provisional permit can be granted to any applicant.

The responsibilities of the Cambridge Biosafety Committee include:

• Reviewing the appropriate design and operation of all laboratory areas within the proposed facility for research or manufacturing involving regulated biological agents at the biosafety containment level (Biosafety Level) request for that location;
• Determining whether appropriate and reasonable practices to contain and mitigate biological hazards match the potential biological hazards associated with the specific agents in the form present, particularly as they impact lab workers and the community;
• Listening to each presentation for a new or amended permit and providing feedback or submitting questions to the applicant as applicable;
• Reviewing laboratory walkthrough inspection summaries provided by Committee staff before determining that all applicable standards and practices for safe operation of a biological laboratory are met;
• Reviewing practices, expectations, and standards imposed on the regulated laboratories by the Committee in order to establish clear enforcement protocols and to offer transparency to the regulated community. Key policies and direction will be summarized in a companion document to the ordinance and the regulation;
• Providing a community perspective in assessing the impact of any application and anticipating issues of greater public concern or interest;
• Participating in scheduled walkthrough inspections for higher-containment or higher-risk facilities (primarily BSL-3 laboratories);
• Attending 11 scheduled meetings per year on a reliable basis. Meetings are occasionally cancelled when the is no current business to conduct.

Members are encouraged to review biosafety training materials developed by CBC staff to gain greater familiarity with the principles of biosafety, specific risks associated with the biological agents in use, and the enabling technologies used within the biotech and biological research sectors. Further outside training opportunities will also be identified by the CBC Chair.

For more information about the long and influential history of biosafety oversight in Cambridge since 1977, visit https://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/services/regulatory-activities/biosafety/. For more information on the Cambridge Biosafety Committee, contact Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health for Cambridge Public Health Department and Biosafety Committee Chair, slipson@challiance.org.

Applications to serve on this commission 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 should be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Friday, September, 3, 2021.

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The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is seeking volunteers for a Strategic Advisory Group!

If you live or work in Cambridge, we encourage you to apply!
We envision a Strategic Advisory Group that is representative of the wide diversity of people and places in Cambridge.

About the Role
The Strategic Advisory Group will advise the CRA on issues related to the Strategic Plan and its implementation. The group will also help support the CRA’s relationship with the Cambridge community so that our work is equitable, responds to local needs, and reaches a diverse population.

About the CRA
The CRA works in the public trust to bring a human dimension to development, improving the quality of life for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. Our goal is to balance economic vibrancy, housing, and open space to create sustainable communities through new and revitalized development. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion make us stronger as individuals, organizations, and a society. We are committed to implementing imaginative, creative initiatives to achieve social equity and a balanced economic ecosystem. Information about the CRA, its Strategic Plan, and ongoing projects may be found at our website: www.CambridgeRedevelopment.org.

What We Are Looking For
We are seeking people who are able to work in a team and who can consider policies, projects, and other proposed efforts through an equity lens for the benefit of the entire Cambridge community. Preferred candidates will bring at least one of the following (if you meet just one of the items below, you are encouraged to apply):

• Leadership in, or deep connection with, communities whose voices are lesser heard in Cambridge public spaces
• Leadership or wide experience in Cambridge’s nonprofit community, small business community, and/or affordable housing communities
• Personal or professional knowledge or experience in community development, urban planning, municipal or state government, fiscal management, transportation, and/or real estate development

Meetings may be public and are expected to occur quarterly, however, more frequent meetings may be needed at times. Meetings may be in person in the near future, although Advisory Group members may continue to attend via Zoom as needed.

Application Instructions
If you are interested in becoming a member of the CRA Strategic Advisory Group, please respond HERE by August 31, 2021. If you are interested but face a barrier to participating, please contact us to see if we can resolve that issue with you. If you would like a copy of the application or have any questions, please contact:

Carlos Peralta, cperalta@cambridgeredevelopment.org or call 617-492-6800
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
255 Main Street, 8th floor, Cambridge, MA 02142

Visit our webpage on the Strategic Advisory Group here: https://www.CambridgeRedevelopment.org/Strategic-Advisory-Group

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Percentage of Subsidized Housing Units (not including group quarters)
Sept 2017 w/partial updates from Dec 2020 (source) and August 2021
Some of this data needs to be updated by Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development!
The table below will be revised as better and more recent information becomes available.

Community	Housing Units (2010) revised	Subsidized Units (2017)	2010 %	2010 Rank (of 351)	Housing units (2020)	Subsidized units (2020)	2020 %	Notes
Statewide	2,692,186	262,223	9.7%	-				-
Holyoke	16,384	3,253	19.9%	1	16,874	3,189	18.9%
Chelsea	12,621	2,434	19.3%	2	14,554	2,414	16.6%
Boston	272,481	51,283	18.8%	3	301,702	55,509	18.4%
Bedford	5,368	972	18.1%	4	5,444	987	18.1%
Springfield	61,706	10,192	16.5%	5	62,782	10,041	16.0%
Cambridge	52,822 (2016)	7770 (2016)	14.7%	10	53,907	8,304	15.4%
Worcester	74,645	9,977	13.4%	14	84,281	10,017	11.9%
Burlington	9,668	1,283	13.3%	16	10,431	1,302	12.5%
Andover	12,423	1,637	13.2%	17	13,541	1,657	12.2%
Brockton	35,552	4,619	13.0%	18	37,304	4,604	12.3%
Needham	11,122	1,397	12.6%	24	11,891	1,410	11.9%
Lowell	41,431	5,180	12.5%	25	43,482	5,119	11.8%
Canton	8,762	1,090	12.4%	27	9,930	1,099	11.1%
Lynn	35,776	4,435	12.4%	28	36,782	4,307	11.7%
Concord	6,947	804	11.6%	34	7,295	721	9.9%
Fall River	42,750	4,751	11.1%	45	44,346	4,535	10.2%
Lexington	12,019	1,321	11.0%	46	12,310	1,334	10.8%
Dedham	10,191	1,104	10.8%	47	10,459	1,121	10.7%
Randolph	12,008	1,280	10.7%	52	12,901	1,294	10.0%
Westwood	5,431	576	10.6%	54	5,801	598	10.3%
Framingham	27,529	2,871	10.4%	56	29,033	2,963	10.2%
Natick	14,121	1,458	10.3%	59	15,680	1,477	9.4%
Wilmington	7,808	799	10.2%	62	8,320	766	9.2%
Malden	25,161	2,542	10.1%	63	27,721	2,562	9.2%
Braintree	14,302	1,382	9.7%	68	15,077	1,373	9.1%	statewide avg.
Somerville	33,720	3,250	9.6%	71	36,269	3,250	9.0%
Quincy	42,838	4,096	9.6%	73	47,009	4,201	8.9%
Brookline	26,448	2,454	9.3%	75	27,961	2,674	9.6%
Lincoln	2,617	238	9.1%	81	2,771	298	10.8%
Woburn	16,309	1,419	8.7%	85	17,540	1,706	9.7%
Revere	22,100	1,780	8.1%	102	24,539	1,725	7.0%
Melrose	11,751	932	7.9%	104	12,614	934	7.4%
Winthrop	8,320	638	7.7%	111	8,821	638	7.2%
Newton	32,648	2,425	7.4%	115	33,320	2,509	7.5%
Waltham	24,926	1,834	7.4%	118	26,545	1,819	6.9%
Medford	24,046	1,694	7.0%	130	25,770	1,719	6.7%
Watertown	15,584	1,072	6.9%	132	17,010	1,212	7.1%
Saugus	10,775	732	6.8%	135	11,303	756	6.7%
Attleboro	18,022	1,155	6.4%	145	19,097	1,169	6.1%
Everett	16,715	1,061	6.3%	147	18,208	875	4.8%
Wellesley	9,189	573	6.2%	149	9,282	1,044	11.2%
Arlington	19,974	1,121	5.6%	161	20,461	1,129	5.5%
Stoneham	9,458	495	5.2%	174	10,159	498	4.9%
Wayland	5,021	254	5.1%	180	5,296	330	6.2%
Milton	9,700	481	5.0%	184	9,844	477	4.8%
Weston	4,008	167	4.2%	205	4,043	331	8.2%
Belmont	10,184	365	3.6%	227	10,882	661	6.1%
Winchester	7,986	244	3.1%	241	8,135	296	3.6%

Note: It must be pointed out that the figures above only show subsidized units. In many cities and towns there are many "naturally occurring" affordable units, i.e. apartments that simply have affordable rents. In addition, some tenants live in unregulated apartments but pay reduced rent due to such mechanisms as Section 8 vouchers. The figures above should therefore be understood only as a baseline.

MAPC Study: 435,000 new housing units needed by 2040

A new report is estimating that the greater Boston area will need another 435,000 new housing units by 2040 to lure new workers and accommodate an aging population. [Reports available here]

Note: When comparing the peak population of Cambridge back in the 1950s (over 120,000) to what it is today (perhaps 107,000) it's important to keep in mind that families were typically much larger then. It's also the case that what people find acceptable in terms of living space and amenities has changed dramatically over six decades. This translates into considerably more "units" of housing (and higher density) in Cambridge if the population should rise to levels close to what they were in days of yore.

Related: Some local Cambridge results from the 2020 Census (as reported by Community Development Dept.)

On August 12, 2021 the U.S. Census Bureau released the first set of results from the 2020 Census. These figures come from a limited release called the redistricting file. Included are basic data about population by race and Hispanic origin, those under 18, and 18 or older, group quarters occupancy, and total housing units.

The 2020 Census reports that the population of Cambridge grew over the decade to 118,403 residents, increasing by 12.6% from the 105,162 reported in 2010.

Almost all growth is due to an increase in the non-White and Hispanic populations.

While the White Non-Hispanic population increased by about 300 residents, all other groups combined grew by almost 13,000 people. The Asian population grew by 43% to 22,743 and persons identifying with two or more races more than doubled to 10,873. The Hispanic population grew by a third to 10,738.

Persons of Hispanic ethnicity now make up 9.1% of the population of Cambridge. Note that the Census Bureau treats ethnicity and race separately; Hispanics can be a member of any race.

White Non-Hispanics now include 55.4% of city residents, declining from 62.1% in 2010.

Growth of the population under 18 lagged behind the overall rate of population growth, increasing by 11.7% to 13,863. 58% of this group is either non-White, Hispanic or both, an increase from the 56% reported in 2010.

The 2020 Census recorded 53,907 housing units in Cambridge, a 14% increase amounting to 6,616 additional units counted. This figure is roughly in line with the 6,000 to 7,000 unit net increase in the housing stock reported in the preceding ten year period.

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Framing the Campaigns - August 2, 2021 Cambridge City Council (Midsummer) Agenda The Midsummer City Council meeting usually brings an enormous number of resolutions and several volatile policy orders and other actions guaranteed to draw a crowd. Strangely, this year brings a short agenda from the City Manager, relatively few resolutions, only ten policy orders, and not a whole lot of controversy. Perhaps the greatest amount of fervor will be outside City Hall starting at 5:00pm when there is a "Save The Trees" rally scheduled that is certain to bring out incumbents and challengers as various groups struggle to frame the issues leading up to this November's municipal election. By the way, the deadline for submitting nomination signatures is 5:00pm on Mon, Aug 2 - no exceptions. Actually, the pre-meeting show says more about what has gone wrong in Cambridge than anything else. The “Rally for Cambridge Trees” was apparently already planned, but the “Rally for Our Youth” was also scheduled for the same time and place. That's all well and good - the City Hall lawn can handle multiple gatherings - but the real dysfunction has been in the competing rhetoric on the various listservs. Based on the principle that walking and chewing gum simultaneously is not physically possible, the insufferably righteous have effectively declared that if you want to preserve trees you must clearly not care about gun violence, or housing affordability, or anything else. We live in a time of binary thinking. You either want no cars or you hate cyclists. You either want to hug trees or you want to cut them all down in order to pack in as much building as humanly possible. Perhaps the only thing people agree on is that murdering people is bad, but I haven't yet heard a whole lot of wisdom about what to do about it or if “doing something” will even accomplish anything. Well, at least we can all have rallies 'n stuff. OK, here's some agenda stuff: Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation of the Cambridge Historical Commission to approve the final Landmark Designation Report for the Alberta V. Scott House at 28 Union Street. Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0 This was my friend Ann's house until last year. She is the undisputed Compost Queen of Massachusetts. So this house is doubly significant. By the way, I love reports like this from the Cambridge Historical Commission. It's great living in a city with a lot of history and historical buildings. Hopefully the single-minded density dudes won't tear them all down in their quest for population supremacy. Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sidney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern in Council June 28, 2021] Tabled 9-0 (McGovern) The real action is on the sidewalks and the patios, not in the middle of the Mass. Ave. - occasional festivals notwithstanding. Let's again talk when you have a big event planned. Charter Right #2. City Council endorsement of the Agassiz Neighborhood name being changed to the Baldwin Neighborhood in honor of Maria L. Baldwin. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Nolan in Council June 28, 2021] Order Adopted 9-0 Reparations or patronage - you decide On the Table #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a pilot reparations program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to local Black-owned businesses and to economic empowerment applicants. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan in Council June 21, 2021; Placed On The Table in Council June 28, 2021] Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish a restitution program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to current and former Cambridge residents who have been harmed by the war on drugs, with a targeted launch date of July 2022.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan Tabled 9-0 (Simmons) It's been interesting to see just how thick the conflicts of interest run in this Acapulco Gold Rush. The latest I've heard is that the advocates want to delay “until September so there is more time for community engagement so these policies to reflect the will of the community and time for adding language that reflects a historical reckoning and acknowledges the city of Cambridge’s founding role in slavery.” But seriously, it's all about the money. Resolutions & a message from the President Communication #11. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding life security. Thanks, Peter, as always. Resolution #8. Resolution on the death of Priscilla McMillan.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone Resolution #10. Resolution on the death of Robert Moses.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan While we're remembering Bob Moses, let's not forget the mission of The Algebra Project which is even more relevant today than it was in 1982. Many of us who teach mathematics understand that the road to empowerment is paved with a good education, and that includes a good mathematics education. Mission The Algebra Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes. Resolution #13. Thanks to Branville G. Bard, Jr. for his four years of service to the Cambridge Community, and in wishing him great success as he enters his exciting next chapter.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Zondervan - NO) [Note: Councillor Zondervan said, "I have trouble wishing him great success as he enters his exciting next chapter." Mayor Siddiqui then said, "I'm not sure where your manners are." When Zondervan tried to continue, Mayor Siddiqui used her discretion to cut him off - much to the satisfaction of the rest of the City Council.] I have a lot of respect for Branville Bard - not only for his approach to police work in Cambridge but also for his forthrightness in responding to elected officials who often talk more than they think. We have had a good run of Police Commissioners ever since the position was created - Perry Anderson, Ronnie Watson, Robert Haas, and Branville Bard and those who have served in the interim. In choosing the next Commissioner, I hope great consideration is given to some of the great people currently serving in the Cambridge Police Department. Resolution #17. Farewell and Best Wishes to Matthew McLaughlin.   Councillor Carlone Fare thee well indeed, but perhaps it's past due for a conversation about the practice of having political activists and elected officials from neighboring cities acting as City Council Aides. My tax dollars and all that. Addressing violence and public safety Resolution #11. Resolution on the death of Robert R. “LB” Favreau, III.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Human Service Programs, the Peace Commission, and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of providing Equity Roadmap with regular funding for Friday Night Hype.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 Order #3. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to designate a suitable street corner, square or the Pemberton Basketball Courts in honor of Xavier Louis-Jacques.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons Order Adopted 9-0 Order #4. Policy Order Re Addressing Increased Gun Activity.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon Order Adopted 9-0 [Motion by Zondervan to delete the "Ordered" calling for police involvement Failed 1-7-1 (Zondervan YES, Sobrinho-Wheeler - ABSENT)] “Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them. Let them come quickly and wail over us till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids.” - Jeremiah 9:17-18 (thanks to Denise Simmons) I have no idea what the best course of action is in addressing gun violence in Cambridge or elsewhere, but I do sometimes think about the fact that if I was a young man in Cambridge these days my choices for fun wouldn't be so great. Of all the suggestions I have heard, the only one that rings true to me is simply giving people some alternatives, e.g. sports, music, streetcorner philosophizing, math, science, computers. I really don't think politicians have a whole lot to offer here, but I'll definitely be listening to My Brother's Keeper. Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee and the Human Services & Veterans Committee met on Jan 19, 2021 to hear from community experts on possible ways to design a community-centered public safety response service. Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0 Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on June 2, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on an order to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge to insert new section Restricting the Use of Chemical Crowd Control Agents and Kinetic Impact Projectiles. Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0 Order #2. City Council support of HD.3457 and SD.2309, An Act Relative to Electric Bicycles.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Order Adopted 9-0 I suppose this is a good thing, but you know what the scariest, craziest thing I see on the roads these days is? People zipping along at high speed on electric skateboards and scooters - right side and wrong side of the street, weaving through traffic, onto and off of sidewalks, and passing at high speed to the right of right-turning motor vehicles. I wonder how they fit into this bill. Order #5. Support for Replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 Committee Report #3. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee met on June 8, 2021 to conduct a public hearing to discuss strategies and opportunities to alleviate permit and license fees for small businesses, through possible consolidation or elimination. Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0 Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments on how the City can change practices such that all projects will treat trees as essential infrastructure.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui Charter Right - Toomey I suppose this Order will go hand-in-hand with the rally before the meeting. It will be interesting to see how many councillors who voted to exempt all subsidized housing proposals from tree protections will now be out in front hugging trees on the City Hall lawn. Quality of Life Order #7. That the City Manager instruct the Community Development Department to draft zoning amendments requiring special permits be required for research and development, laboratory and research facilities in the districts noted in the attached memorandum to ensure a robust community process.   Councillor Carlone Order Adopted 9-0 This is a good initiative. If zoning was originally meant in part as a way to create some separation between kindergartens and smokestacks, it seems more than appropriate today to find some way to ensure that residents don't have to be subjected to the noise of 24-hour-per-day mechanicals and other activity from laboratory and similar buildings. Order #9. That the City Manager confer with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, the Community Development Department, and other relevant City staff to discuss the feasibility of committing financial resources to assist in redesigning and/or reshaping the outdoor public ways, natural space and infrastructure including sidewalks, protected bike lanes and tree canopy at the southern edge of Jerry’s Pond along Rindge Avenue to make it more accessible, more green and more equitable and to create a welcoming entryway to Cambridge from the west.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan Order Adopted 9-0 This could be be a really great place with a little TLC. I can't wait until someone calls it gentrification. Order #10. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on how the city is working to get City and Public School staff to 100% vaccinated, including the possibility of mandating vaccinations and decrease the likelihood that COVID-19 spreads via City staff and in City Buildings.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 Just require vaccination. Meanwhile, the City Council will be phoning it in from home while they talk about City staff in City buildings. Order #12. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately reimplement and extend Cambridge’s eviction moratorium until at least October 31, 2021.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Order Adopted 9-0 Down the Tubes Committee Report #4. The Government Operations committee met on June 29, 2021 to discuss the hiring of the next City Manager. Report Accepted, Placed on File, Two Orders Adopted 9-0 I would rather leave this choice to nine random strangers than to this City Council. The only question I have at this point is whether they'll choose the next city manager for the sake of a “Look at-us!” press release or because they want a compliant rubber stamp. Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan, transmitting information about the Attorney General’s ruling on Calendar Item #3 (Charter Amendments). [City Solicitor’s Letter (July 19)] [Atty. General’s Letter (July 26)] [Proposed Charter Amendments] Placed on File 9-0 What they call “a year-long discussion and review” was really virtually no process at all. As for the specific ballot questions: (1) Requiring an annual review of the City Manager is something they have always had the power to require without any need to amend the charter. (2) Reviewing the Charter every decade is also something they could have done all along, but perhaps there really wasn't the need. (3) Requiring City Council approval of all appointments to City boards and commissions is the surest way to politicize all of the boards with any regulatory authority. I wonder how Councillor Nolan will feel when Historical Commission appointees start being rejected for voting to preserve historic buildings rather than allow them to be torn down for the sake of ever-greater density. I have long felt that the City Manager - whether it was Bob Healy, Rich Rossi, or Louis DePasquale have at least tried to have a good cross-section of residents - even though it has often been challenging to get a rich pool of applicants. In the new regime, all it will take will be 5 councillors to control 100% of the membership of City boards. At this rate, I may be the next person leading the charge for charter reform - just to undo the damage of this City Council. Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan, communication regarding the formation of a Climate Crisis Working Group. Placed on File 9-0 Once again, that that Rahm Emanuel quote comes to mind: “Never allow a good crisis go to waste. It’s an opportunity to do the things you once thought were impossible.” That can bring good things, or that can bring oppressive restrictions simply because they can. - Robert Winters Comments?

Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.

Aug 17, 2021 Breakdown of Cases:
6529 tested positive - an increase of 27 from the previous day and 400 over 28 days.
123 confirmed deaths (76 in long-term care facilities, 47 in general community)
256 known active cases - an increase of 8 from the previous day
4258 recoveries - an increase of 17 from the previous day

Things have improved thanks to vaccinations, and the 7-day averages of new cases are now relatively moderate.

Harvard University COVID-19 data     MIT COVID-19 data

I'm very concerned about the recent sustained increase in new cases - smaller than months ago, but worrisome.
It appears as though high vaccination rates are blunting what might otherwise have been a larger surge.

Covid Cases by Age Group - through Aug 14, 2021

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"Movement" Politics

Cambridge Housing Justice is organized by: The Black Response, Project Right to Housing, The Material Aid and Advocacy Program, Our Revolution Cambridge, Cambridge Residents Alliance, Cambridge DSA, and Cambridge NAACP.

SAY "NO" TO #UNAFFORDABLECAMBRIDGE

Cambridge City Council has been considering whether to support the so-called “Missing Middle” housing petition. This plan will allow for-profit developers to create more luxury housing with NO provision for affordable housing. It will NOT help remedy racial disparities in Cambridge. It WILL push out low and middle income community members, including many people of color, from Cambridge.

JOIN US! THURSDAY JUNE 17 5PM, CAMBRIDGE CITY HALL LAWN
This rally is for you if:

• You or your family have been pushed out of Cambridge due to rising rents
• You lost your job or business and you're at risk of losing your housing
• You are paying more than 30% of your income on housing
• Your landlord charges high rents under substandard conditions
• You are a senior and can't afford to move because of the price of housing
• You feel that the City's housing policies are inequitable and you will never be able to own a home in Cambridge
• You cannot afford so-called “affordable housing”
• Your loved ones can't live with you or you will lose your housing
• You can't accept that promotion because you will lose your housing
• You need someone to advocate for housing with you
• You have been pushed out of public housing because you make a little too much
• You have been on an affordable housing waiting list for years
• You are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homeless in Cambridge
• You care about the environment, and want the same privilege of having green space in your housing development
• You are blocked from affordable housing due to your relationship to substances or involvement with the criminal legal system
• You are worried about losing your neighbors and diversity in Cambridge

   

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The Port Organizing Group - a group convened by Port residents working to rebuild the Area 4/Port Neighborhood Coalition. It will:
  • Inform residents about neighborhood issues
  • Share information about Port-related happenings and projects
  • Be a respected voice and advocate for neighborhood concerns

There is a lot going on in Cambridge that affects Port/Area 4 residents. Let’s get together to discuss our ideas and concerns to see how we can take action together as neighbors.

The Port Organizing Group - Santos Carrasquillo, Marian Darlington-Hope, Lee Farris, Charles Franklin, Corey Godfrey, Richard Goldberg, Gregory O'Bannon, Nancy Ryan, Dan Totten, Alex Wang, Susan Yanow, and others.

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CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, Aug 17

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

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

Public Hearings

6:30pm   Post-operative Animal Care Zoning Petition
Zoning petition by the City Council to amend Section 4.30 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, Table of Use Regulations, to permit a “Veterinary establishment, kennel, pet shop or similar establishment” as an allowed use in all Residence zoning districts, provided that “no noise or odors are perceptible from adjoining lots” and “the use is restricted to one animal unless specifically increased by the special permit granting authority.” (Materials)

7:00pm   PB# 380 (continued from 7/13/2021)
48 Pearl Street – Special Permit application by Jonathan Miller to renovate the existing residential structure pursuant to Section 8.22.2(d) – Alteration of preexisting dimensionally non-conforming building height of a detached single-family dwelling; Section 20.304.4.1 – Waiver of yard setback requirements; and Section 20.304.4.2 – Reduction of required open space. (Materials)

7:30pm   PB# 369 (continued from 8/3/2021)
600 Massachusetts Avenue –Special Permit application by Cifrino Mass Ave Realty, LLC to construct a residential addition of 46 units to the existing commercial building footprint with the final gross floor area proposed would be 79,203 GSF with an exemption for the basement gross floor area pursuant to Project Review (19.20); Exclusion of basement GFA from total GFA calculation (2.000); Additional height in Central Square Sq. Overlay (20.304.2.2(a)); Additional FAR for residential uses(20.304.3); FAR Exemption for Residential Balconies (20.304.3); Waiver of yard setback requirements (20.304.4.1); Waiver of private open space requirements (20.304.4.2); Waiver of parking and loading requirements (20.304.63(b)); and Reduction of Green Roofs requirement (22.35.3). (Materials)

Wed, Aug 18

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

5:30pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (Zoom)

I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Executive Director's Report 2. Assistant Director's Report 3. Commissioners' Reports

IV. ACTION AGENDA (anticipated, based on discussion at previous meeting) Old Business 1. 2021 Municipal Election - Recommendation to Relocate Polling Places   - Ballot Questions   - Draft Early Voting Schedule - Official Ballot Box Location and Schedule   - Check-Out Table - List of Designated Health Care Facilities     - Public Outreach 2. 2021 Re-Precincting Update New Business

Mon, Aug 23

7:00pm   27th Annual Oldtime Baseball Game  (St. Peter's Field, Sherman St.)

Tues, Aug 24

1:00pm   The City Council's Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee and the Housing Committee will conduct a joint follow-up hearing to continue the discussion on the elimination of single and two-family only zoning and restrictions on the type of housing that can be built city-wide.  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

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

Mon, Aug 30

11:00am   The City Council's Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the proposed Condominium Conversion Ordinance as adopted at the June 28, 2021 City Council Meeting.  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

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Wed, Sept 1

5:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new row in section 4.31 “Residential Uses” regarding the service of post-operative care for a dog.  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Wed, Sept 8

8:00am-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee meeting  (Zoom)

Mon, Sept 13

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Sun, Sept 19

4:00pm  City Council Candidates Forum hosted by A Better Cambridge (ABC)  (location TBD)

Mon, Sept 20

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Wed, Sept 21

2:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to continue a hearing on an amendment to Article 22 of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance “Emissions Accounting” (Ord # 2021-13).  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Wed, Sept 22

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

5:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss the possibility of amending the ordinance to extend the preference period, and to explore what additional financial assistance the City may be able to help Economic Empowerment applicants obtain during that extended period, and to provide an opportunity to hear from stakeholders on this.  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Thurs, Sept 23

5:00-8:00pm  City Council Candidates Forum hosted by My Brother's Keeper  (location TBD)

Sun, Sept 26

4:00pm-6:00pm  City Council Candidates Forum hosted by Cambridge Citizen’s Coalition (CCC)  (location TBD)

Mon, Sept 27

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Tues, Sept 28

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

Wed, Sept 29

5:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss the Neighborhood Conservation District citizen’s petition.  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

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Mon, Oct 4

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Wed, Oct 13

8:00am-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee meeting  (Zoom)

Thurs, Oct 14

5:00-8:00pm  School Committee Candidates Forum hosted by My Brother's Keeper  (location TBD)

6:30pm-9:00pm   Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association Candidate Night [Council first, then School Committee]  (Zoom unless things improve)

Mon, Oct 18

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Wed, Oct 20

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

Thurs, Oct 21

time TBD   PSNA City Council Candidates Forum (virtual)

Sat, Oct 23

1:00pm-3:00pm  School Committee Candidates Forum hosted by My Brother's Keeper  (location TBD in The Port)

Mon, Oct 25

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Tues, Oct 26

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

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Mon, Nov 1

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Remotely Held for No Good Reason)

Tues, Nov 2

Municipal Election. Polls are open 7:00am until 8:00pm.
All absentee ballots (except Overseas Absentee Ballots) must arrive at the Election Commission office by 8:00pm to be counted. Ballot count begins at Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Central Square after the polls close. Overseas Absentee Ballots are due by 5:00pm on Friday, Nov 12, but must be postmarked by Nov 2.

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