Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - Sept 21, 2021
Possible Topics:
1) The Candidates 2021 Cambridge Candidate Pages
2) Campaign Notes and Ballot Questions
3) Keeping an Eye on the Neighbors – Sept 14 preliminary elections
4) When is a bus stop not a bus stop?
6) Featured Items on the September 20, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda
7) See You in September…When the Summer's Through – September 13, 2021 City Council Agenda
8) Major Appointments
City Clerk, City Manager, Police Commissioner, …
10) Civic Calendar
| 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 D. Hicks | 337 Pearl Street, 02139 | 1970 | ||
| Ilan 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 Theo Skeadas | 988 Memorial Drive #185, 02138 | 1990 | Consultant | |
| Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler | 187 Brookline St. #3, 02139 | 1992 | City Councillor | incumbent |
| Paul F. 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 Medeiros Ave., 02141 | 1970 | Politician | incumbent |
| School Committee Candidates | Address | Born | Occupation | Notes |
| Akriti Bhambi | 311 Cardinal Medeiros Ave. #1, 02141 | 1988 | ||
| Alfred B. Fantini | 4 Canal Park #203, 02141 | 1949 | School Committee | incumbent |
| Caroline M. Hunter | 23 Rockwell St., 02139 | 1946 | ||
| Daria A. Johnson | 2 Leighton St. #413, 02141 | 1976 | ||
| Christopher Lim | 48 Pleasant St., 02139 | 1975 | Engineer | ran in 2019 |
| José 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
Sept 13 – Lately the mayoral elections in Boston and Somerville and the associated rhetoric have drawn my attention far more than anything I've been hearing from this year's crop of Cambridge candidates.
To the north, the Somerville election is a contest between two left-leaning councilors (Will Mbah and Katjana Ballantyne) who are seeking to “move up”; left-leaning Mary Cassesso, who most recently worked as chief community officer at Cambridge Health Alliance; and a certifiable grifter named Billy “If Only Signs Could Vote” Tauro. Because Tuesday is a preliminary election with four candidates after which the Top Two will continue to the November municipal election, it's not impossible that the outcome will be a Lefty vs. a Grifter in which case the next Somerville Mayor will almost certainly be the Lefty. (I guess that result would align with the general Somerville Revolution trend - further left than our sleepy Peoples Republic of Cambridge.) That said, it seems more likely that Somerville's preliminary election will ditch the grifter and confer the blessing on two of the three Lefties. If that happens, my guess is that the towniest of the two will likely prevail unless self-loathing dictates otherwise.
Unofficial Somerville Results: Will Mbah 4,498 (30.0%), Katjana Ballantyne 4,162 (27.8%), Mary Cassesso 4,083 (27.3%), Billy Tauro 2,215 (14.8%), Write-Ins 18 (0.1%), Blank 58. Will Mbah and Katjana Ballantyne advance to the Nov 2 Final.
To the south, Boston is seeing its most contested election in decades with five mayoral candidates and criss-crossing battle lines that make prediction difficult but at the same time provide some insight into the changing (and perhaps unchanging) nature of Boston voters. All five candidates identify as persons of color which, in and of itself, marks a significant departure from every past mayoral election. Self-identifying progressives likely find themselves torn between voting for Chicago-born and Asian-American Michelle Wu while having to reconcile their not voting for an identifiable Black candidate such as Andrea Campbell, Kim Janey, or John Barros. This conflict apparently led one JP progressive group to punt on endorsing any candidate. The Gentrys (not to be confused with The Gentrys) most likely will lean toward Wu which likely won't play so well in Roxbury. Just like in this year's New York City mayoral primary, the Boston election may also serve as a bit of a referendum on the confused “defund the police” movement – especially with recent Boston Police Commissioner William Gross emphatically endorsing the “moderate” Annissa Essaibi George. It wouldn't surprise me at all if that message resonates in some Boston neighborhoods that have seen a disproportionate share of crime and violence. It's a real possibility that the Black vote will split in such a way that none of the identifiably Black candidates will advance to the November election - and that will be be a news story in itself. If that happens, the final election and the rhetoric will likely be Lefty vs. Moderate. I personally think there are a lot of sentiments – spoken and unspoken – that have not been reflected in the recent polls attempting to predict the outcome of this Tuesday's Boston Preliminary Election.
Unofficial Boston Results: Michelle Wu 35,888 (33.4%), Annissa Essaibi George 24,186 (22.5%), Andrea Campbell 21,221 (19.7%), Kim Janey 20,946 (19.5%), John Barros 3,436 (3.2%), Robert Capucci 1,175 (1.1%), Jon Santiago 364 (0.3%), Richard Spagnuolo 282 (0.3%), Write-Ins 94 (0.1%). Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George advance to the Nov 2 Final.
One thing that continues to intrigue me is how different the rhetoric in Boston is from what we typically hear in Cambridge. On housing, in Boston much of the emphasis is on ownership, opportunity, empowerment, and even wealth creation. The Boston candidates seem to understand that “working class” actually means something. In Cambridge it's more like noblesse oblige. In Boston they're focusing on jobs and economic security and public safety while on this side of the river all the rage is about trees, bike lanes, green roofs, dining options, and competing theories on housing density and the history of zoning. Cambridge candidates eagerly sign bike lane pledges that confirm their inclination to never consider any differing points of view. The politics and rhetoric of housing affordability in Cambridge is primarily about “social housing” obtained via government application while the reality for most renters is that they're simply looking for an apartment with a reasonable rent. It's a stunning disconnection between rhetoric and reality. – Robert Winters
Sept 19 - The following message was sent on September 7 (12 days ago) to the Community Development Department. There has been no acknowledgement of receipt of the message by anyone at CDD. It is interesting that the City provides no mechanism for members of the public to contact the respective Chairs of these citizen boards, so unless you know the members personally (and I do, but I am trying to do things properly here), all communications apparently have to be sent to City staff before anyone on the committee will see it. That should change. All City boards should have a simple mechanism via which members of the public can communicate without having to contact individual members. - RW
To: Transit Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Community Development Department
I would like to formally request that the Transit Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and any other relevant entity in the Community Development Department issue a policy statement that simply states that seating specifically designated for a bus stop be available for the use of bus passengers.
This may seem obvious enough, but there has been an ongoing problem in Central Square where the #1 Bus stops – primarily inbound, but also outbound – have been occupied all day by people who are not bus passengers, who spend the entire day there, and who often engage in intimidating behavior. There are plenty of alternatives in Central Square for people to congregate and sit. Bus stops have a designated use that other seating areas do not, and that designated use needs to be respected. At almost any hour of the day you will find people waiting for the #1 Bus at a distance from the bus stop because of the lack of access at the bus shelters.
Robert Winters
366 BroadwayPS - I was unable to find any email contact information for the respective Chairs of the Transit Advisory Committee and the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, so I would appreciate it if this request could also be forwarded to them for their consideration.
Meanwhile, on a stroll through Central Square last night I encountered a guy in the process of shooting up at the Starlight Square end of Graffiti Alley. I contacted a police officer but all he could do was move him along. Meanwhile, on Green Street there were 10 people gathered trading drugs and needles in front of 359 Green Street and alongside the building on the edge of the municipal parking lot - which stinks of urine. Recently I encountered another guy with a needle in his arm on the steps of the YWCA on Bishop Allen Drive.
In most ways, Central Square is now thriving in spite of the pandemic realities that shuttered some businesses and put many others on the brink. - RW
Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.
Sept 21, 2021 Breakdown of Cases:
7255 tested positive (total) - an increase of 32 from the previous day and 1126 over 63 days
124 confirmed deaths (76 in long-term care facilities, 48 in general community)
[1 new death 13 days ago - the first new reported death in 122 days]
414 known active cases - an increase of 7 from the previous day
4459 recoveries - an increase of 31 from the previous day
Thanks to vaccinations, even though the 7-day averages are up again they are not as bad as they could be.
Harvard University COVID-19 data MIT COVID-19 data
The recent sustained increase in new cases is due to the Delta variant. Will it wane soon as have previous surges?
It appears as though high vaccination rates are blunting what might have been an even larger surge.
Covid Cases by Age Group - through Sept 15, 2021
Featured Items on the September 20, 2021 Cambridge City Council AgendaHere are my choices for the notable stuff: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2022. 80%-10%-10%. Never changes. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to submit an amendment to the proposed Home Rule Petition for a special law regarding a fire cadet program for the City of Cambridge Fire Department. Just a technical revision for clarity. Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department, the City Solicitor, and other appropriate City staff to compile a report detailing the efforts the City has made toward creating LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing over the past decade, to state what impediments had been identified in realizing this effort, and to outline recommendations for how the City may successfully create such housing within the next three years. Councillor Simmons I still don't understand the intent of this, though apparently the legal opinion that this “might violate federal fair-housing laws” has led to a more “affirmative action” alternative rather than the previous segregated housing proposal which seemed fundamentally regressive. Order #4. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Public Health Department and report back to the City Council on the milestones that will be used to determine when the indoor mask mandate will no longer be needed. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui This Order is primarily a request for public information, i.e. “it would be helpful for the community to know how decisions are made and what specific milestones need to be achieved.” At first glance I thought it was yet another attempt by inexpert councillors to micromanage our public health professionals. I actually would love to know what the milestones will be – and I hope they come real soon. Order #5. That section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 of the Zoning Ordinance, regarding the linkage fee, be amended by substitution. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern Our “squeeze 'em 'til it hurts” councillors are proposing to increase in one giant leap the Incentive Zoning Linkage Fee from the current $20.10 per square foot to $33.34 per square foot for new commercial developments of more than 30,000 square feet of gross floor area. That's a 66% increase. The fee sat at $4.58 per square foot of new commercial development from 1988 to 2015 when it was increased to $12 per square foot plus periodic annual and CPI adjustments that brought it to the current $20.10 per square foot in 2020. Order #6. Council Support of H.926, The Massachusetts Schoolchildren Pesticide Protection Act. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui This is absolutely a good idea, but it's always worth remembering that prior to the (hopefully thoughtful and cautious) use of pesticides and other means to combat food-borne pathogens, sickness and death as well as some cancers (notably stomach cancer) were very common. The Modern World giveth and taketh away. Order #7. That the City Council urges the US Congress to fulfill its obligation to prevent nuclear war, as outlined in the Back from the Brink campaign. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons So good to see the Cambridge City Council engaging again in what it does best - national and foreign policy. Order #9. That the City Council schedule a hearing of the Ordinance Committee for the purposes of amending the Ordinance of the City of Cambridge regarding MUNICIPAL BUILDING PERMITS and WAGE THEFT. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern Among other things, it's interesting that in this proposal the City Council is already presuming to have veto power over City Manager appointments. Also, the proposed “Wage Theft Enforcement Committee” would require that “No less than half the committee members shall be Cambridge residents, and no less than half shall be union/labor representatives.” In other words, existing labor unions would control all proposed enforcement. I will note that even in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance there is no mention of any union requirements. Indeed, a search for the word “union” in the Zoning Ordinance returns no results. Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee met on July 14, 2021 to discuss car storage policies in Cambridge. The Cambridge City Council's never-ending war on motor vehicles continues. Councillor Zondervan stated that “car storage is one of the worst land uses cities employ and hopes to achieve zero car storage and usage through policy regime.” Councillor Zondervan has a parking space on his property. Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting memorandums from City Solicitor, Nancy E. Glowa regarding Minor Correction to Ballot Question No. 3 Which Is to be Placed on the Nov 2, 2021 Ballot Pursuant to Calendar Item No. 3 of 6/28/21. [Note: Date of Election Day corrected – RW] There is much that can be said on this topic and I will continue to do so in the days to come. The most significant change is the proposal to effectively give a bare majority of the City Council the right to control 100% of the membership of all City boards and commissions. So much for representation of minority viewpoints or, for that matter, expertise from anyone other than those favored by 5 councillors. As further evidence of the shoddy work of the proponents of these ballot questions, the proposal that would require annual performance reviews of the city manager (which, by the way, they already have the power to do) would amend section 116 of the Plan E Charter that has to do with “General election laws; applicability” even though this proposed change has zero to do with elections. It seems pretty obvious that this should more properly amend section 103 that concerns “City manager; appointment; qualifications; compensation; removal.” Reading is apparently a lost art. Personally, I feel that the primary intention of these “reforms” is simply to transfer some measure of executive power away from the city manager to the legislature (City Council) - which is supposed to be a policy-making body. The other two ballot questions are superfluous. It's also worth noting that there was essentially zero public process leading up to the Council's decision to place these particular questions on this November's municipal ballot. There are potentially some good amendments to the Charter that could have been considered (for example, modifying the PR elections to eliminate ballot order dependence), but those were never discussed. - Robert Winters |
See You in September…When the Summer's Through – September 13, 2021 City Council AgendaAfter every long break from City Council meetings I generally read through the upcoming agenda with a sense of dread - expecting that the competition to be more outrageous than the other councillors will finally go right off the cliff. There's some of that in this week's agenda and as we head toward Early Voting and the Nov 2 municipal election I'm sure there will be even more attention-seeking rubbish. Here's a sample of agenda items ranging from routine to ridiculous. The Pandemic and Related Matters Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update. Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to authorization to grant street obstruction approvals. Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Community Development Department, Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Department of Public Works, local non-profit organizations, Cambridge businesses dedicated to locally sourced produce, farmers, and resident gardeners to study the feasibility of spending Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address food insecurity by installing raised garden beds throughout Cambridge and providing free, fresh, locally-grown food for residents in need. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone Elections and Charter Deform Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Board of Election Commissioners for the City Council to vote to authorize in-person early voting for the Nov 2, 2021 Municipal Election, in accordance with Chapter 255 of the Acts of 2020, as amended by Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2021 and Chapter 29 of the Acts of 2021. RECOMMENDED EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, HOURS AND DAYS Cambridge Water Department - 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge
Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request from the Board of Election Commissioners recommending the relocation of polling sites for the Nov 2, 2021 Municipal Election. The polling place relocations affect Precincts 1-1, 1-2, 9-2, 9-3, and 11-3. Order #12. In response to the Election Commission request for a summary argument in support of proposed charter amendments, that the City Council authorize Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan to submit language to the Election Commission before the deadline on Sept 20, 2021. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting communications from Tanya Ford, Executive Director of the Cambridge Election Commission regarding support and in opposition of the proposed charter amendments to be included in a mailing to voters prior to the Nov 2, 2021 Municipal Election. Two of the ballots questions aren't necessary because the City Council always had the authority to demand an annual review of the City Manager or a periodic charter review. The other question promises to turn all City boards and commissions into political bodies rather than nonpartisan citizen bodies. Imagine if you will (spoken in Rod Serling tones) a city in which favoring historic preservation at a site of a proposed high density development will disqualify you from serving on the Historic Commission. Parks and Trees, Birds and Bees Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-56, regarding improvements to Jerry's Pond and along Rindge Avenue. Charter Right #1. 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. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey in Council Aug 2, 2021] Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City departments, the contractor, and the community to take another look at ways in which Sennott Park construction could be contained or compartmentalized in such a way that would allow for various sections or elements of the park to remain safely accessible during the construction period while they are not actively being worked on. Councillor Zondervan Many Appointments Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new Associate Members of the Planning Board for a term of five-years, effective Sept 1, 2021: Alan Price and Ashley Tan Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a reappointment and appointment of new members of the Central Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years, effective July 1, 2021 - Reappointments: Esther Hanig, Robert Winters, Michael Monestime, Joel Alstein, Tahir Kapoor; New Appointments: Saffana Anwar and Christopher Fort Manager's Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of members to the newly formed BIPOC Business Advisory Committee for a term of one-year, effective Sept 1, 2021. Manager's Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of the following members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2021: Zoning Petitions for Dogs and People Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on Article 22.000 Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition. Manager's Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report on the Post-Operative Animal Care zoning petition, which recommends the adoption of an alternative zoning amendment to effect the proposed change. Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 1, 2021 to 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. Applications & Petitions #4. A Zoning Petition has been received from Francis Donovan, regarding Advancing Housing Affordability (AHA) zoning petition. Cannabis, Race, and Patronage On the Table #3. 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] On the Table #5. 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. [Placed on the Table in Council Aug 2, 2021] Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City departments, the City Council, the Black community, and the general public in Cambridge to implement the attached proposal to establish a Commission of Racial Justice and Equity. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon Order #13. Amendments to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone Committee Report #3. The Civic Unity Committee me on May 27, 2021 to conduct a public hearing to discuss the recently released 'Social Equity Legislation in Cannabis: A National Study of State and Local Approaches' by the Initiative organization. Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting an explanation of the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance. Pardon my cynicism, but all of this amounts to little more than cash rewards for connected people, and I doubt I'll ever warm up to the idea that only people who meet specific racial identity criteria may serve on a particular board or commission. Another really sweet feature in Order #11 is the demand that all commission members receive $100/hour compensation for meeting attandance and that any work done in addition to meeting attendance shall be compensated through a contract with the city. Requests for political patronage rarely are as transparent as this little gem. Streets & Cars On the Table #4. 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; Placed on the Table in Council Aug 2, 2021] Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to review the City’s residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to speak to the above-referenced concerns and to develop recommendations that speak to these modifications. [An individual obtained residential parking permits for perhaps ten vehicles, all of which are parked on the residential streets near this individual’s home and all of which are primarily utilized not for this individual’s personal use, but instead for the purpose of being rented out (in a concept similar to the peer-to-peer car share model) as a business enterprise.] Councillor Simmons Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding the feasibility of installing speed bumps on Inman Street. Councillor McGovern Miscellany – Weapons, Refugees, Security Deposits Unfinished Business #6. 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. [Passed to a Second Reading in Council Aug 2, 2021] Order #8. That the City Council go on record as being willing to work with the Governor’s Office and any nonprofits in helping to settle Afghan refugees in Cambridge should it be needed. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Order #15. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to review the proposed ordinance regarding Renter Choice (Ordinance #2021-18) and provide feedback on implementation. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons Comings and Goings Resolution #11. Congratulations to Christine Elow on being named Acting Commissioner for the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a memorandum regarding the current three-year term as City Clerk expiring on May 31, 2022. |
Sept 13, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC).
The Commission consists of 11 members, who are appointed by the City Manager, following an application and interview process. The term of the appointment is three years. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6:00pm.
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 CIRC staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123).
Commissioners should be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship, preferably with lived experience as an immigrant to the United States, and must be Cambridge residents. It is desirable for this Commission to be fully representative of the diverse Cambridge community; and it is a City of Cambridge goal to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, October 15, 2021. Applications 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 an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
For more information, contact Jennifer Mathews at 617-349-4396 or jmathews@cambridgema.gov.
Sept 13, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC).
The Human Rights Commission is made up of 11 members, appointed by the City Manager following an application and interview process. Commissioners serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the first Thursday of every month at 6:00pm.
The Human Rights Commission protects the civil rights of residents and visitors to Cambridge and works with Commission staff on the investigation, mediation, and resolution of complaints of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment, or education based upon race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status, or source of income. The Commission enforces two Ordinances: the Cambridge Human Rights Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.76) and the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 14.04). Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees on outreach and public education, review and approve the outcome of CHRC investigations as needed, and work with CHRC staff.
Additionally, it is a City of Cambridge goal to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, October 15, 2021. Applications 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 an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
For more information, contact Jennifer Mathews at 617-349-4396 or jmathews@cambridgema.gov.
Sept 7, 2021 – The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) is seeking interested individuals to serve on its board and help advocate for important senior issues.
The purpose of the board is to promote and encourage existing and new services and activities intended to enhance and improve the quality of life of older persons in the city; advise the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the welfare of elderly Cambridge residents; and advocate for Cambridge elderly residents. Board members also support Council on Aging and Cambridge Senior Center staff with community outreach about services, benefits, activities, and programs available to seniors. Applicants must be age 60 or older and a Cambridge resident.
Additionally, it is a City of Cambridge goal to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
For more information about the Council on Aging, please contact Susan Pacheco, Executive Director of the Council on Aging, at 617-349-6220 or at spacheco@cambridgema.gov.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, October 1, 2021. Applications 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 an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are also available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.
Sept 2, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the city’s Bicycle, Pedestrian or Transit Advisory Committees. The application deadline for these committees is Friday, September 24, 2021.
The committees give advice and input to the city on how to improve our streets for transportation and mobility, and also promote sustainable transportation. Applications are sought from a diverse group of dedicated individuals who are representatives of people who live and/or work in Cambridge. Meetings are currently being held remotely via Zoom, but will eventually return to in-person in the future. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, review materials, and engage in projects outside of regular meetings. Appointments are made by the City Manager and are for two years of service. Learn more about the three committees and how to apply below.
Bicycle Committee
The Bicycle Committee works to improve conditions for people who bicycle or who are interested in bicycling in the City of Cambridge and promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Activities include organizing and participating in public events such as biannual community bike rides; reviewing plans for street construction; commenting on proposed development projects; creating promotional materials to encourage bicycling in the city; and working with city departments on network planning. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm. For more information about the Cambridge Bicycle Program, visit: Cambridgema.gov/bikes. For questions about the committee, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4629.
Pedestrian Committee
The Pedestrian Committee works to promote walking and to help create a more comfortable, safe, and pleasant environment for walking in Cambridge. It advises on the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design. It also identifies intersections and other locations where it is difficult to walk, makes suggestions about proposed development projects as they affect people on foot, and undertakes other activities to promote walking. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00-8:00pm. (November and December meetings are on the third Thursday.) For more information about walking resources in Cambridge, visit: Cambridgema.gov/citysmart. For questions about the committee, contact Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4629.
Transit Advisory Committee
The Transit Advisory Committee advances an agenda for a robust public transit system for all who live, work, and visit Cambridge, including the transit services provided by the MBTA and EZRide, among others. The committee membership represents of a cross-section of stakeholders: businesses and large institutions; commuters; persons with disabilities; neighborhood residents with low income, elderly, youth, and students, and transit advocates. The committee advises on city positions and policies on transit service planning, scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable funding for transit by the Commonwealth. This committee generally meets on the first Wednesday evening of each month from 5:30-7:30pm. If you have questions or require more information, please call Andrew Reker at 617-349-6959 or email areker@cambridgema.gov. For more information, visit: Cambridgema.gov/transitadvisorycommittee.
How to apply
Interested individuals may apply for these committees through the city’s online portal at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Friday, September 24, 2021. When applying, first select the committee or committees you want to apply for, and then select the “Apply Now” button at the top of the page to open the application. During the application process, you can provide your statement of interest and relevant personal background. You have the option to attach a cover letter or résumé, though it is not required. You may also obtain paper applications at the City Manager's Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or citymanager@cambridgema.gov.
Aug 25, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking members of the community who live and/or work in Cambridge to serve on the Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity.
The mission of the City of Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity is to foster fairness, equity, unity, appreciation, and mutual understanding across all people and entities in Cambridge. The Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity works to provide opportunities for constructive discussions and community events regarding race, class, religion, gender, abilities, and sexual orientation, through recognizing and raising awareness of historic, existing, and potential civic issues; providing opportunities for honest dialogue and engagement; and by building bridges across communities to better understand and connect with one another.
The Committee generally meets monthly. Committee meetings are open to the public and may include presentations by guest speakers, city staff, and various experts.
Letters of interest can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Applications are due by Friday, September 24, 2021.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or email fgaines@Cambridgema.gov.
Sept 9 – Included in the City Council materials for the upcoming Sept 13 City Council meeting is the following note:
September 2, 2021
Dear City Council,
My current three-year term as City Clerk will expire on May 31, 2022 and I will not be seeking another term. As City Clerk I am proud to have helped citizens and legislators with such varied tasks as starting a business, acquiring vital records, and enacting local legislation. I have spent a combined six years in the role of City Clerk for the 3rd and 4th largest cities in Massachusetts and I believe it is time to return to the practice of law.
It has been a pleasure to work with the staff in my office, the City Manager’s Office, and other City departments. They have always proven to be hardworking, collaborative, and thoughtful. I have enjoyed my time with the Council as well. I have been able to work with each Councillor as you have worked passionately for your constituents and the betterment of the City as a whole.
With your help and that of many others, the City Clerk’s office remained open and operational throughout the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. We have improved office functions through the use of customer kiosks, digital applications and simplified record keeping. There remain several projects in progress, like digitizing historical records and new agenda software. I believe that we can make substantial progress on these projects during the remainder of my term.
I hope that by giving you this information now, you will have sufficient time to find the next City Clerk to serve this wonderful City.
Anthony Ivan Wilson, Esq.
City Clerk
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Aug 19, 2021 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale has announced the appointment of Superintendent Christine Elow as Acting Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department effective Saturday, August 21, 2021. Elow takes over for Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr., who accepted a new opportunity with the Johns Hopkins Institutions after leading the Department for the past four years.
City Manager DePasquale said, “I am pleased to appoint Superintendent Elow as Acting Police Commissioner. Growing up in Cambridge and spending her entire career with the Cambridge Police Department, Christine has demonstrated strong leadership and a fervent commitment to the safety and betterment of our community. She cares deeply about this City and procedural justice. I am proud to have her serve as the Acting Police Commissioner.”
Elow has been with the Cambridge Police since joining as an officer in 1995 after serving in the U.S. Navy for four years. She served in the Patrol Division and oversaw the Professional Standards Unit, where she was responsible for receiving, processing, and investigating complaints made against members of the Department. She later served as Deputy Superintendent for Day Patrol and Community Services. In 2017, Elow was appointed Superintendent, making her the highest-ranking female officer in the history of the Department. She is a strong proponent of community-driven policing, juvenile justice issues, procedural justice, police training and innovative hiring practices. Elow holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Curry College and a Master's Degree from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security Program.
Elow said, “It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to lead a police department in the City I grew up in and love dearly. I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role and plan on doing everything I can to help the Department advance its mission and serve as the model for policing in Massachusetts and the country.”
In addition to Elow being appointed as Acting Commissioner, Deputy Superintendent Robert Lowe will be appointed Acting Superintendent of the Support Services Division. Lowe, who also grew up in Cambridge and joined the Cambridge Police Department in 2001, was most recently the Commanding Officer for the Family and Social Justice Section. Acting Superintendent Lowe joins Superintendent Leonard DiPietro as part of the Department’s senior leadership team.
“I want to congratulate Acting Commissioner Elow and Acting Superintendent Lowe on their appointments. Their dedication to building public trust and longstanding roots in the community make them excellent choices to fill these roles during this transition,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui.
“Cambridge PD is a nationally recognized agency and there is no one more prepared to lead it moving forward than Christine Elow,” said Commissioner Bard. “Superintendent Elow and Deputy Superintendent Lowe have been valuable members of my Command Staff and are highly regarded within the community. They are proven leaders who have earned these appointments and I have complete confidence in their abilities to help lead the Department going forward.”
CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)
3:30pm 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)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular (Summer) Meeting of the School Committee will be held on Tues, Sept 21 at 6:00pm held in and broadcast from the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, CRLS for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.
6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web only)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearings
6:30pm PB-382
10 Wilson Road – Special Permit application by Quad 10 Wilson Road, LLC to allow the use of a restaurant on the ground floor of the existing office building pursuant to Sections 20.94.1 Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishment Use and 4.35.f-1 Restaurant use. (Materials)
General Business
2. PB-378
1290 Massachusetts Avenue – Extension Request (Letter)
3. PB-179
Cambridge Crossing PUD Special Permit – Minor Amendment (Materials)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)
5:30pm Bicycle Committee meeting (Location TBA)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission remote 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 Old Business 1. 2021 Municipal Election 2. 2021 Re-Precincting Update New Business |
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)
6:00pm-8:00pm 35 Cherry Street Virtual Community Meeting (Zoom)
6:00pm Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board meeting (Zoom)
6:00pm-8:00pm Pedestrian Committee meeting (Zoom presumed)
6:30pm Board of Zoning Appeal meeting (Zoom)
4:00pm-6:00pm City Council Candidates Forum hosted by Cambridge Citizen’s Coalition (CCC) (location TBD)
5:00pm Special City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
The City Council will conduct a special meeting to receive a presentation from several young civic designers regarding potential revisions of the representation found in the Ackermann Room.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm Planning Board meeting (Remote Meeting - web only)
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)
5:30-7:30pm Joint Transit Advisory, Bicycle, & Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom presumed)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm-8:00pm Mid-Cambridge NCDC meeting (Zoom)
5:30-7:30pm Transit Advisory Committee (Zoom presumed)
6:30pm School Committee Candidates Forum hosted by My Brother's Keeper on Cable TV 22-CityView [This will be videotaped]
6:00pm Cambridge Historical Commission meeting (Zoom)
6:30pm City Council Candidates Forum hosted by My Brother's Keeper on Cable TV 22-CityView [This will be videotaped]
8:00am-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom)
5:30pm Bicycle Committee meeting (Location TBA)
6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom)
6:30pm-9:00pm Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association Candidate Night [Council first, then School Committee] (Zoom unless things improve)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission Monthly Meeting (Zoom)
6:00pm-8:00pm Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association Candidates Forum, Part 1 (virtual)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)
6:00pm-8:00pm Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association Candidates Forum, Part 2 (virtual)
time TBD PSNA City Council Candidates Forum (virtual)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm-7:00pm Avon Hill NCD Commission Meeting (Zoom)
6:00pm-8:00pm Pedestrian Committee meeting (Location TBA)
5:30-7:30pm Joint Transit Advisory, Bicycle, & Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting (Zoom presumed)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:00pm-8:00pm Mid-Cambridge NCDC meeting (Zoom)
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.
