Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - March 2, 2021
Possible Topics:
2) Neighborhood groups vs. advocacy groups vs. political groups
3) March Madness - March 1 Cambridge City Council meeting
4) Featured Items on the Feb 22 Cambridge City Council Agenda
5) Meetings!
Feb 24 Ordinance Committee on campaign finance
Feb 17 joint NLTP/Housing meetings to discuss the elimination of single and two-family only zoning, etc.
Mar 4 meeting on neighborhood groups
6) City of Cambridge Advances to Phase III, Step 2 - Reopening
8) Opportunity Knocks! - Boards & Commissions
9) A few observations on density
10) In search of a Superintendent of Schools
11) Down the road a bit - Growing rumblings of the 2021 municipal election year
12) Public Safety & Populist Politics
Task Force to Examine the Future of Public Safety
13) Civic Calendar
Mar 1, 2021 – So I just heard that apparently Joe Curtatone has said he won't be seeking reelection this year as Mayor of Somerville. This should trigger a political rush of Somervillian proportions. Lotsa wannabees there. More here (Facebook) and here (Somerville Patch).
Gather round, kids. I would like to offer a few clarifications for those who care to hear them. (recently sent to a variety of listservs)
First:
I think it would be good to make a distinction between "neighborhood groups" and "advocacy groups" and "political groups" even if City departments and others fail to understand the distinction. In my view, a "neighborhood association" has to have a geographical identity or else it's something different. Such associations historically have resisted change, but there are some great exceptions. Some have been so resistant to change that they develop a reputation for being obstructionist. I'm not saying whether that's fair criticism or not - just reporting what I have seen. Some neighborhood associations work cooperatively with local business associations for their mutual benefit. Those are my favorites.
An "advocacy group" tends to be issue-specific and is likely to be city-wide or even larger in scope. So.... in my opinion, a group like "A Better Cambridge" is an advocacy group and not a neighborhood group. Indeed, they have proven to be openly hostile to most neighborhood groups even though they have been actively embedding representatives in as many of them as they can in order to carry their flag of advocacy.
A "political group" backs candidates in some manner.
What makes this so confusing is that some organizations formally bifurcate (or even "trifurcate"!) into separate legal entities so that they can eat their cake and have it too. So......, for example:
The "A Better Cambridge" group now exists as three separate entities: 1) ABC, their core group that likes to think of itself as a local Cambridge advocacy group but which, for all practical purposes, has become just a local chapter of the national YIMBY movement; 2) ABC-PAC which raises money and endorses and supports candidates; and 3) ABC-IEPAC (independent expenditure PAC) which was presumably created so that they don't again get ensnarled in campaign finance limits on direct support of candidates like they did in 2019. In my view, ABC is basically now at war against neighborhood groups - regardless of their embeds in some of them.
One other very problematic aspect of ABC is that (in my opinion) some elected councillors play an outsized role in the direction of the group by having their loyal supporters or even family members in pivotal positions. When it comes time to decide who is endorsed and how many to endorse, this means that loyalty to an aggressive incumbent can become a factor in those decisions.
Back in the previous millennium, the Cambridge Civic Association would bifurcate every two years into the CCA and the CCA Election Committee (or something like that). Even though the CCA Board did the candidate endorsements, all of the election-related efforts were supposedly done by the Election Commission. This was, of course, just sleight of hand, because it was ultimately the same people calling all the shots.
Even during the heydey of rent control the Cambridge Tenants Union would formally bifurcate to create the Cambridge Tenants Election Committee for the purpose of endorsing and promoting candidates. They were always issue-specific (one issue, of course) and never pretended to be a neighborhood group.
Second:
I personally think it would be a dreadful idea for neighborhood associations to get any kind of direct support from City government - with the exception being if they actually provide direct services to residents that may require City funding. In any case, maintaining independence is crucial. With that should come responsibility.
I don't think the City admininstration or the City Council should be writing rules or guidelines or requirements for neighborhood associations. That said, these groups should have guidelines to ensure that they at least make an effort to reach out to the broader neighborhood - even if, as is often the case, the outreach falls on deaf ears and there's more than enough effort that has to be expended to simply carry out the tasks that such groups need to be doing. That's not easy, and many groups fall short. I don't fault them for that because it's often thankless work.
If the City wants to funnel money to specific neighborhood activities they can do it through the Community School Program: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/communityschoolprogram
That's a resource that should probably be enhanced.
Third:
I don't care a feather or a fig about any political battles anyone is trying to carry out via email or on listservs. [If you don't get the obscure reference, there this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CDs067081E
Robert Winters
March Madness - March 1, 2021 Cambridge City Council meetingHere we go on the road to Spring and hopefully something at least a little closer to normalcy. Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the COVID-19 update. Though the overall trends are good, I am a little concerned that the 15-day moving average of new infections seems to have stopped its decline. Whether via vaccination or vigilance, those numbers have to be driven down. Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to additional information and revised Financial Analysis for the Alewife Zoning Petition. Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Dec 16, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay petition. Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 10, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the Alewife zoning petition. Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 16, 2020 to conduct a public hearing to continue discussion on the Alewife zoning petition. The committee reports seem to suggest some continuing reluctance to approve this petition for reasons that vary all over the map. This may be the best shot at getting the bridge over the tracks that everyone seems to want, and if it does happen I hope it can at least support small shuttle buses rather than just bicycles and pedestrians. Linking the Alewife Quadrangle and Triangle in a meaningful way is a very worthwhile goal. It would be even better if there could be multiple crossings and a new commuter rail stop. One person at the Dec 16 hearing said, "A single bridge really does not address the needs of the majority of the current workers and residents in the area. Three bridges would be optimal. Two bridges creating a loop for a shuttle with both directly benefit the residents at large but also provide linkage to potential customer servicing businesses." Though that might push things into deal-breaker territory, I agree with the general sentiment. I'll add that if DCR can build an additional simple pedestrian bridge over the Little River north of this area that would make for a perfect combination. Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation's three major credit rating agencies. [Moody's] [Standard & Poor's] [Fitch] Even with the financial pressures from the pandemic we still managed to again pull off a triple triple. As usual, I'm sure there will be some people who will find a way to spin this as a bad thing. Charter Right #1. The Health & Environment Committee met on Oct 13, 2020 to conduct a public hearing to discuss amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL FEB 22, 2021] I suppose we'll have to wait a little longer to resolve this, but I continue to hope that this City Council will somehow see the wisdom in not overly restricting reasonable choices of homeowners or burdening them with unreasonable costs. On the Table #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-64, requesting Home Rule language to allow for acoustic live entertainment performances in small businesses under certain conditions without a license. [TABLED IN COUNCIL FEB 22, 2021] [Related: Late Order #4 of Feb 22 meeting] I'm not sure how this will ultimately play out, but at the very least I hope this City Council can appreciate that there may be differences in what should be permitted in a central business district like Central Square or Harvard Square or the Porter Square Shopping Center vs. some of the smaller neighborhood mixed use zones where there can be conflicts between entertainment uses and residential uses. I hope they can also consider the fact that uses by time of day are not really found in the zoning code and that it's really the License Commission that helps to smooth out the potential conflicts. On the Table #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-63, which requested a review of the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCIL NOLAN IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021; TABLED IN COUNCIL FEB 8, 2021] On the Table #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a further response to Calendar Item Number 2, regarding a report on reviewing the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project, which was previously answered as Awaiting Report Item Number 20-63 on Feb 1, 2021. [TABLED IN COUNCIL FEB 22, 2021] [Related: Late Order #5 of Feb 22 meeting] Both of these communications are still just as clear as an unmuddied lake or an azure sky of deepest summer - and laying on the table won't make them any clearer. You don't change the rules in the middle of the game. Applications & Petitions #3. A Zoning Petition has been received from Beals Associates Inc. regarding Broad Canal Subdistrict Zoning Petition as submitted with strike outs. Highlights: Up to 582,000 additional square feet in the form of an infill building between the two existing buildings; expanded retail space; activation of the ground floor and the public realm along Main Street and the Broad Canal; proposed floating restaurant in the Broad Canal; Broad Canal restoration and maintenance; upgrades to Poor Man’s Landing in the Charles River; restoration of the DCR Boathouse (old MDC Boathouse) near the Museum of Science. Order #1. Lowell Street Property. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui This takes me back about 30 years to 1990-1991 when then City Councillor Ed Cyr proposed that the City identify various City-owned properties as possible housing sites - a "Land Bank". The list included about a dozen locations, including such places as the dead-end of Norfolk St. near DPW, the park house at the Corporal Burns Playground, and (you guessed it) 25 Lowell Street. I don't have a strong opinion on this specific Order either way, but I do find it bizarre that there is now such a frenzy to densely develop every possible square inch of Cambridge land - especially if that land has an 02138 zip code. We used to think in terms of prioritizing "transit-oriented development" or "smart growth". Now it's just "development" and "growth" and the desire to build everywhere at maximum density regardless of any and all other factors. I guess this is how some people define "a better Cambridge" - not me. Several weeks ago some councillors expressed a desire to build on a newly-acquired softball field. Soon they'll be taking up a proposal to more than double the allowable density across much of the city. It's like they put amphetamines in the Cambridge Kool-Aid. Order #2. Task Force Transparency. Councillor Zondervan Apparently Councillor Zondervan and I have the same wish but likely for diametrically opposite reasons. I have been asking to get access to these meetings (or at least the recordings) of the new Task Force on the Future of Public Safety, and apparently now so is he. My concern is that I don't want to see problematic people dominating the conversation, and I suspect Councillor Zondervan may desire to ensure the exact opposite. Public Safety, in my view, translates into an improved police force sharing specific responsibilities with others as appropriate. Others openly express a desire to abolish police entirely. That's a non-starter for me and not a plausible outcome of this process, but I would like to at least sample the dialogue. Order #3. Budget Reallocation Update. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan This appears to be primarily a prompt by the sponsors to accelerate their desire to "Defund the Police". Order #4. Shelter Wages. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler I have no idea what constitutes an appropriate wage for people who work at the 240 Albany Street wet shelter, but it's not a City-owned facility and it serves the region and not just Cambridge residents. My understanding is that the City's Living Wage Ordinance applies to people working for the City and to companies bidding on City contracts. Does this describe how the Bay Cove (formerly CASPAR) shelter operates? This is not the only facility they operate. [“Each year, Bay Cove provides services to more than 25,000 individuals and families who face the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness and/or aging, at more than 170 program sites in Metro Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.”] There are waiver provisions in the ordinance. I'm curious to see how this plays out. After all, there are other shelter facilities in Cambridge that are not funded via City contracts. Would they all then be obliged to raise wages even if their funding sources cannot support it? Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee. Though informative, this communication also reports the unbearable tragedy of the suicide of a 10th grader in the Cambridge Public Schools. The process of finding an interim and "permanent" Superintendent of Schools continues, and expanded in-person learning begins this week on Monday. - Robert Winters |
Featured Items on the Feb 22, 2021 Cambridge City Council AgendaHere's my Broadway view of this week's Civics in Cambridge: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19 vaccination rollout. Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the COVID-19 Update. The numbers continue to look better and vaccination opportunities are slowly opening up. I suppose I should go seek a jab or two one of these days. Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the St. Augustine's African Orthodox Church at 137 Allston Street. This building clearly needs landmark status as the report recommends, but I'll say once again that I always love reading reports like this from the Cambridge Historical Commission. I went on a tour of this church and other Cambridgeport churches a couple of years ago and I got to explore just about every corner of this building right down to the plumbing. I even received a blessing in the basement. This church is the real deal. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a proposed amendment to Section 8.66 of the Municipal Ordinance relating to Tree Protection and related Order. Committee Report #1. The Health & Environment Committee met on Oct 13, 2020 to conduct a public hearing to discuss amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force. The City Council will officially kick the can down the road another 60 days to April 29. I sincerely hope that when they do finally come around to finalizing an ordinance that it will have sufficient flexibility for homeowners to make reasonable decisions without incurring unreasonable costs or having to face unnecessarily burdensome procedures. Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-64, requesting Home Rule language to allow for acoustic live entertainment performances in small businesses under certain conditions without a license. Late Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to draft a home rule petition and a zoning amendment to allow acoustic music performances without a license. Vice Mayor Mallon In short, the License Commission recognizes that it has an important role to play in ensuring that Cambridge businesses and residents can peacefully coexist. Anyone who lives in a mixed-use area of the city (like I do) understands this. Only one of the current city councillors lives in such an area. Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-144, regarding the feasibility of creating a Fire Cadet Program. Good plan, but it's remarkable that a Home Rule Petition is even necessary to do something like this. Civil service laws may have been created with the best intentions, but they should never thwart good initiatives like this. It must be pointed out, however, that there are many laws passed with the best intentions that can have serious negative consequences. Manager's Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a further response to Calendar Item Number 2, regarding a report on reviewing the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project, which was previously answered as Awaiting Report Item Number 20-63 on Feb 1, 2021. Late Order #5. That the City Solicitor report back to the City Council on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board. The previous communication on this was as clear as an unmuddied lake or an azure sky of deepest summer. One of the oldest and most important rules is that you don't change the rules in the middle of the game. If a development proposal secures financing based on a certain set of requirements, retroactively changing those requirements jeopardizes the financing and viability of the project. In this case it's the Planning Board's authority to grant extensions "for good cause" and they voted to do so. It's not the place of the Cambridge City Council to second-guess those decisions. Order #1. Policy Order re: Services for the Unhoused. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui In short, it's been a while since the City did a comprehensive review of how such matters are addressed and it's overdue, especially in light of some of the extraordinary pressures caused by the pandemic. The City has done a very good job in devising short-term solutions in an emergency setting, but it would be helpful to take a step back and look at these matters more holistically - and not just as a shallow political response to phone-in democracy. Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Nov 18, 2020 to discuss the Municipal Broadband Feasibility Study RFP. My prediction is that by the time the City decides on a course of action and invests mightily in such infrastructure, the technology will be rendered obsolete by space lasers. - Robert Winters |
Feb 26, 2021 – The City of Cambridge announced today that, effective Monday, March 1, 2021, the City will advance with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Phase III, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan, with limited exceptions. An Emergency Order issued by the City is prohibiting live musical performances at restaurants until further notice and delaying the opening of indoor performance venues until March 22, 2021. Prior to opening, indoor performance venues will also need approval from the City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department.
Effective Monday, March 1, capacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50 percent, excluding employees, and restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit. Restaurants in Cambridge will not be permitted to host live musical performances. They will be required to continue to enforce six-foot distance between tables, limit seating to six people per table, adhere to the maximum 90-minute time limit per table, and require that food be served with alcohol orders. As a reminder, restaurant customers may only remove face coverings in the actual act of eating and drinking. Face coverings are required at all other times while seated at tables and when waitstaff are present at tables.
Food court seating must remain closed during this phase of reopening.
The continued downward trend in COVID-19 metrics and the ongoing rollout of the Commonwealth’s vaccination plan allows the City of Cambridge to advance to Phase III, Step 2. While the economy continues to reopen, it remains critical for the public to continue to wear high-quality and properly fitting face masks, practice social distancing, regularly wash hands, and limit the size of gatherings with people outside their immediate household. Additionally, current outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor gatherings at private residences remaining limited to 10 people.
Read full text of the City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order “Advancing to Phase III, Step 2 the Commonwealth’s Reopening Plan with Certain Exceptions” issued on February 26, 2021.
Residents are reminded that the City of Cambridge provides free daily COVID-19 testing at various sites across the City. Appointments for March and additional information about this program are available at www.cambridgema.gov/testing.
For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19 and vaccine-related information, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.
4870 tested positive - This is an increase of 11 testing positive from the previous day and 3160 over 111 days.
121 confirmed deaths (76 in long-term care facilities, 45 in general community - an increase of 1 over the previous day
and 3 over the past 13 days). Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.
Mar 2, 2021 Breakdown of Cases (714 known current cases).
This is a decrease of 183 current case from the previous day.
Recent 7-day averages were much higher than they have been since April,
but there are indications that things may be improving.
Harvard University COVID-19 data MIT COVID-19 data
Feb 25, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Police Review & Advisory Board. Made up of volunteer members who serve five-year terms, the Board generally meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm.
The Police Review & Advisory Board was established by City Ordinance in 1984 to:
The Board consists of five Cambridge residents who are representative of the City's racial, social, and economic composition. Board Members must be a Cambridge resident; possess a reputation for fairness, integrity, and responsibility; and demonstrate an active interest in public affairs and service. For more information about the Board, visit: www.cambridgema.gov/prab.
Board Members serve as volunteers without compensation and are responsible for reviewing and evaluating completed investigations to make findings on the allegations contained in each complaint; identifying needs for changes to police department policies, procedures, or training, and reporting findings and recommended solutions to the Police Commissioner and the City Manager; and assisting in education and outreach to promote awareness and understanding of the Board and strengthen community-police relations.
The application deadline is March 26, 2021. Applications can be submitted at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter describing interest and a resume and applicable expertise or experience can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Please note that appointments are currently required due to COVID-19 pandemic protocols. To make an appointment to pick up an application, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or email fgaines@Cambridgema.gov.
Feb 8, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking applicants to serve on a review group for the City of Cambridge’s Cemetery Master Plan process. The Cemetery Master Plan seeks to improve the layout and operation of the Cambridge Cemetery.
The City’s consultant will be considering alternative forms of internment, adding and re-landscaping areas, and addressing how best to create and enhance the final resting place for Cambridge residents.
Once appointed by the City Manager, the Cemetery Master Plan Review Group will likely begin meeting virtually over the next few months. Subcommittees may be set up to investigate specific topics and then report back to the Review Group. All meetings are open to the public.
Applicants are sought from various stakeholder groups, including residents, local cemetery operators/administrators, property owners and local funeral services businesses.
Applications can be submitted at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter describing interest, a resume and applicable expertise or experience can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting an application to serve on the task force is March 12, 2021.
Feb 4, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the Harvard Square Advisory Committee.
The Harvard Square Advisory Committee reviews and comments on land use and development proposals in the Harvard Square Overlay District per the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance (Section 20.54). The committee conducts Large Project Review consultations and comments on applications for variances and special permits from the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA), as well as other proposals. The Committee meets approximately monthly or on an as-needed basis.
Members meeting the following qualifications are sought for this committee:
The City of Cambridge welcomes applicants with a diversity of experiences and perspectives, and values those with a desire to positively shape the future of Harvard Square.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, March 5, 2021. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. Please include a letter explaining why you are interested and a resume or other description of how you meet one or more of the qualifications above. Paper applications are available through the City Manager’s Office by appointment only. Please contact the office at 617-349-4300 or Citymanager@cambridgema.gov.
Serving on a board or commission can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to the quality of life of the community in which you live or work.
For more information, contact Sarah Scott at sascott@cambridgema.gov or visit the Harvard Square Advisory Committee webpage.
Feb 16, 2021 (w/Feb 17 addition of S. Normandy Ave.) - Several years ago I was thinking about the past, present, and future of Central Square and decided to simply take a walk through the Square with a camera with as objective an eye as I could manage. The result of that walk was something I called "Completing the Square" - a little math joke tied to the main observation that regardless of any opinions about how tall or dense Central Square may be or should be, there were lots of missing teeth and locations which could be improved by the presence of some new or enhanced buildings. That was before the new Mass & Main complex (now Market Central) was built.
In a similar vein, a couple of days ago I had the notion to do something of a virtual walk (in my head) along some streets with which I am quite familiar just to imagine how they might change under the proposed "Missing Middle Housing" zoning proposal. In my opinion, most of these streets function pretty well as they are and many of them (in particular those now zoned as Res C-1) would be considered pretty dense by any reasonable standard. I downloaded the City's Assessors Database (thank you Open Data Portal!) and painstakingly reassembled all the living area information from the many condominiums in order to recreate the total living area to go with the total land area for each respective lot. (This was like reassembling puzzle pieces in some cases.) I then calculated the FAR (floor-area-ratio) for all lots on 28 representative streets (somewhat alphabetically biased as I went through them).
Prior to calculating some statistics on each of these streets I decided to exclude a few anomalies such as parks (no housing will be going there under any zoning revisions), municipal parking lots, City buildings (like City Hall, the Annex, DPW, etc.) as well as some lots that are in zoning districts unaffected by the proposed "Missing Middle Housing" zoning proposal, e.g. the Central Square BB district.
[You can view the data for each of these streets here.]
The summary sheet is below. Since there are already some nonconforming lots with FAR even greater than what is proposed in the petition, the increases noted below actually understate the increases under full build-out. On the other hand, it's not likely that anything close to full build-out would happen any time soon (if the petition were to prevail), so this should be viewed more as a measure of what could eventually happen as opposed to what will happen in the near future.
Note that even a relatively dense C-1 street like Cherry Street in The Port could see a 66% increase in density. Chalk Street (Res C) could see a 72% increase. Cornelius Way could have a 175% increase (that's 2.75 times the current density). Near me, Antrim Street could go up 47%, Maple Ave. could go up 84%, and Lee Street could go up 50%. In the leafy western "suburbs", a Res B street like Appleton St. could go up 137% (2.37 times the current density) and Lakeview Ave. (a mix of Res A-1 and Res B) would nearly triple in density. In contrast, Berkshire St. in Wellington-Harrington might only rise 2%, so I suppose this is the ideal street by the "Missing Middle" standard.
It's also worth noting that there's really nothing in the petition that would in any way ensure that the chief beneficiaries would be middle class residents. The petition is primarily a vehicle for increasing densities and this could just as easily translate into larger homes for those who can afford them or the freedom to add on significant additions to existing homes. In other words, the "middle" part of the "missing middle" petition is missing.- RW
| Street | zoning on street | total land area |
total living area |
gross FAR |
median FAR |
max FAR |
min FAR |
MM factor |
MM increase |
| Amory St. | C-1 | 166187 | 146798 | 0.88 | 0.89 | 2.25 | 0.00 | 1.40 | 40% |
| Andrew St. | C-1 | 39671 | 36841 | 0.93 | 0.94 | 1.46 | 0.44 | 1.33 | 33% |
| Antrim St. | C-1 | 215140 | 182351 | 0.85 | 0.85 | 1.59 | 0.45 | 1.47 | 47% |
| Appleton St. | B | 362349 | 167623 | 0.46 | 0.53 | 1.11 | 0.00 | 2.37 | 137% |
| Arlington St. | A-2,B,C-2 | 162551 | 82694 | 0.51 | 0.51 | 0.94 | 0.31 | 2.45 | 145% |
| Avon Hill St. | A-2,B | 159726 | 86824 | 0.54 | 0.64 | 1.04 | 0.25 | 1.95 | 95% |
| Bellis Circle | B,C-1A | 134257 | 86705 | 0.65 | 0.69 | 1.24 | 0.36 | 1.80 | 80% |
| Berkeley St. & Pl. | A-2 | 335663 | 147702 | 0.44 | 0.44 | 1.08 | 0.18 | 2.87 | 187% |
| Berkshire St. & Pl. | C-1 | 142900 | 162073 | 1.13 | 1.22 | 2.42 | 0.00 | 1.02 | 2% |
| Bigelow St. | C-1 | 98544 | 99178 | 1.68 | 0.99 | 2.48 | 0.55 | 1.27 | 27% |
| Bristol St. | C-1 | 105743 | 98448 | 0.93 | 0.89 | 2.09 | 0.34 | 1.40 | 40% |
| Brookline St. | B,C,BA-1,C-1,BB,SD9 | 462788 | 420848 | 0.91 | 0.88 | 2.59 | 0.00 | 1.41 | 41% |
| Buena Vista Pk. | C-1 | 58147 | 42787 | 0.74 | 0.75 | 1.05 | 0.46 | 1.67 | 67% |
| Centre St. | C-1 | 112030 | 118881 | 1.06 | 0.86 | 1.81 | 0.58 | 1.46 | 46% |
| Chalk St. | C-1 | 59707 | 40178 | 0.67 | 0.73 | 1.35 | 0.30 | 1.72 | 72% |
| Chatham St. | C-1 | 45415 | 43055 | 0.95 | 0.87 | 1.73 | 0.61 | 1.44 | 44% |
| Cherry St. | C-1 | 140624 | 83033 | 0.59 | 0.75 | 1.26 | 0.00 | 1.66 | 66% |
| Columbia St. | C1,BA,BB-CSQ | 419529 | 435148 | 1.04 | 1.01 | 3.33 | 0.00 | 1.24 | 24% |
| Coolidge Hill Rd. | A-2,A-1 | 155629 | 65633 | 0.42 | 0.55 | 1.85 | 0.00 | 2.26 | 126% |
| Cornelius Way | C-1 | 67640 | 31196 | 0.46 | 0.45 | 0.83 | 0.30 | 2.75 | 175% |
| Dudley St. | B | 162444 | 135259 | 0.83 | 0.83 | 1.48 | 0.24 | 1.51 | 51% |
| Hurley St. | C-1 | 185549 | 196004 | 1.06 | 1.09 | 2.45 | 0.42 | 1.15 | 15% |
| Inman St. | C-1 | 386571 | 347610 | 0.90 | 0.88 | 2.36 | 0.34 | 1.41 | 41% |
| Lakeview Ave. | A-1,B | 717287 | 299854 | 0.42 | 0.42 | 1.07 | 0.15 | 2.99 | 199% |
| Lee St. | C-1 | 184726 | 167663 | 0.91 | 0.83 | 2.17 | 0.48 | 1.50 | 50% |
| Maple Ave. | B,C-1 | 198500 | 132455 | 0.67 | 0.68 | 1.57 | 0.36 | 1.84 | 84% |
| Norfolk St. | C-1,B,BA | 445240 | 445634 | 1.00 | 0.88 | 3.31 | 0.00 | 1.41 | 41% |
| Pleasant St. | C,C-1,BA-3 | 387351 | 425992 | 1.10 | 0.93 | 2.27 | 0.36 | 1.34 | 34% |
| S. Normandy Ave. | B | 69538 | 24909 | 0.36 | 0.38 | 0.51 | 0.19 | 3.26 | 226% |
| all sample streets | 6181446 | 4753376 | 0.77 |
gross FAR = total living area divided by total land area
median FAR = median FAR of all lots on the street
max FAR = largest FAR for all lots on the street
min FAR = smallest FAR for all lots on the street (note that there may be vacant lots with FAR of 0)
MM factor = ratio of proposed "Missing Middle" FAR of 1.25 to current median FAR for street
MM increase = percent increase in FAR from current median FAR under full build-out
Feb 12, 2021 - The Cambridge School Committee is right now (4:32pm) discussing the possibility of having an Ad Hoc Committee identify an internal candidate or candidates to be appointed as Interim Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent. (They even discussed the possibility of simply appointing someone right now.) My impression is that some School Committee members already have a candidate identified.
They have now voted unanimously to have this Ad Hoc Committee proceed in identifying candidates for Interim Superintendent. This committee will be appointed by Vice Chair Bowman. This same Ad Hoc Committee would then continue the process for the regular, i.e. not interim, appointment. - RW
Dec 14, 2020, updated Feb 19 – I really hate to get started on this topic so early in the game, but there are already rumors of possible candidates for 2021 and several potential candidates have already filed the paperwork with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) so that they can start raising campaign donations. At least one incumbent city councillor has already sent word out to supporters that he'll be seeking reelection, but most or all of the incumbents are likely to follow. Here's a brief list:
| Name | Address | Filed w/OCPF | Notes |
| Frantz Pierre | 22 Water Street #808, 02141 | Nov 10, 2020 | not listed as registered voter as of Nov 2020 at given address, case worker at Margaret Fuller House |
| Tonia Hicks | 337 Pearl Street, 02139 | Nov 13, 2020 | campaign Chair lives in Colorado, Treasurer lives in North Carolina |
| Dana Bullister | 155 5th Street #1, 02141 | Nov 23, 2020 | listed as own campaign Chair and Treasurer, was rumored as candidate in 2019 |
| Joe McGuirk | 314 Columbia St. #1, 02141 | Dec 7, 2020 | bartender at Highland Kitchen in Somerville, and the Lexington at Cambridge Crossing |
| Santos Carrasquillo | 188 Harvard St. #3B, 02139 | Jan 11, 2021 | occupation unknown |
| Theodora Skeadas | 988 Memorial Drive #185, 02138 | Feb 19, 2021 | Executive Director of Cambridge Local First; previously filed w/OCPF in Dec 2016 as a candidate but did not pursue at that time |
| Rumored possible candidates - either new or returning | |||
| Nicola Williams | 8 Brewer St. #5, 02138 | not declared, ran in 2019 | business owner, community activist, organizer of the Cambridge Carribean Carnival, serves on the board of several Cambridge non-profit and neighborhood organizations |
| Patrick Barrett | 41 Pleasant St., 02139 | not declared | prime mover for Central Square BID, author of multiple successful and well-received zoning petitions, owner/builder of new hotel/restaurant in Central Square |
| Jeffery McNary | 116 Norfolk St. #201, 02139 | expressed interest | ran in 2019 w/o accepting donations |
| Incumbents who have declared intention to seek reelection or are actively fundraising (there are certainly others) | |||
| Dennis Carlone | 9 Washington Ave. #6, 02140 | declared | first elected 2013, 4 terms on City Council |
| Marc McGovern | 17 Pleasant St., 02139 | declared | first elected in 2013, 4 terms on City Council |
| Quinton Zondervan | 235 Cardinal Madeiros Ave., 02141 | raising money | first elected in 2017, 2 terms on City Council |
| Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler | 187 Brookline St. #3, 02139 | actively fundraising | first elected in 2019, 1 term on City Council |
Please send me any additions, corrections or credible rumors at Robert@rwinters.com.
If you know of any great potential candidates for either Cambridge City Council or School Committee, please encourage them to consider being a candidate in the 2021 municipal election.
Cambridge City Council Campaign Receipts 2021
Jan 7, 2021 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale today announced he has appointed a new Task Force to examine the future of public safety in Cambridge. “The City Manager’s Task Force to Examine the Future of Public Safety in Cambridge” will be co-chaired by Councilors E. Denise Simmons and Marc C. McGovern and consists of 14 members who live and/or work in the City. The group will seek to examine ways to reform community safety in Cambridge by mitigating police response to select calls for service, while enhancing community cohesion to include restorative processes.
The following were named to the Public Safety Task Force:
Khalil Abdur-Rashid, Imam Dr. Chandra Banks, Ed.M. Loren Crowe Leo Gayne Samuel M. Gebru Christina Giacobbe Rev. Jaron S. Green |
Tina-Marie Johnson Rev. Irene Monroe Catherine Pemberton Christopher Schmidt Rae Simpson, PhD Queen-Cheyenne Wade Pastor Ellis |
“I want to thank each member of the task force for their willingness to play a pivotal role in helping shape the future of public safety in Cambridge,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “This work will impact generations to come and improve the overall quality of service our public safety agencies provide our community. I am grateful to Councilors Simmons and McGovern for agreeing to serve as co-chairs of the Task Force. I cannot think of two more passionate leaders to facilitate the Task Force’s proceedings.”
“I am very excited by the work of this task force, because as a City, Cambridge must continually be willing to explore how we keep our residents safe, and how we can build up greater trust and a sense of partnership between our public safety agencies and the public they serve,” says Councilor E. Denise Simmons. “I know the members of this new task force are going to help us take some important steps in those endeavors.”
“As a social worker for the past 25 years, I know the importance of clinical responses to people in crisis,” said Cambridge City Councilor Marc McGovern. “I'm honored to be co-chairing this task force that will work toward implementing such a program in Cambridge.”
“My staff and I look forward to working closely with the City Manager and new Task Force on this important work,” said Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. “I have long been supportive of creating an alternate or non-police response for appropriate non-emergency situations, particularly those involving individuals experiencing mental illness, and this group is an important step in moving ahead in that direction.”
Members of the new Public Safety Task Force will meet virtually at least twice a month. The first meeting is scheduled to take place in January 2021.
CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)
6:00pm School Committee Virtual Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting of the School Committee will be held Virtually on Tues, Mar 2 at 6:00pm for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web and Zoom only)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (1/19/2021, 1/26/2021)
Public Hearings
6:30pm PB# 373
698 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Central Property Limited to relocate an existing branch of the Citizens Bank to a new location across the street on the first floor of the existing building pursuant to Sections 20.304.5.4 Formula Business and 20.304.5.3.b Restricted Use, Bank Frontage. (Materials)
7:30pm PB# 358 (continued from 2/11/2020)
34-40 Hampshire Street – Special Permit application by Hassanaly Ladha to construct a 70-room hotel in a six story building of approximately 23,030 square feet with valet parking pursuant to Section 4.31(h) Hotel Use in Industry B; Section 6.36.1 (i)(2) Off Street Parking; 6.43.5 (a) Modifying provisions for Access to Off Street Parking; 6.104.2 Location of Short-term Bicycle Parking and 2.000 Definition of Gross Floor Area in a building other than a single or two family. (Materials)
General Business
1. PB# 241
1991 Massachusetts Avenue – Project Update (Materials)
5:00pm The City Council's Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and the Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss with neighborhood groups their successes and challenges and how the city can better support them, as well as ideas related to the Envision plan. (Zoom only)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:00pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on proposed real estate transfer fee. (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
That the Cambridge City Council pass the Real Estate Transfer Fee Home Rule Petition. [Text of Order #10 from July 27, 2020]
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)
6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
