City of Cambridge to Implement New Citywide Street Cleaning Pilot Program
Towing will not be Enforced though Residents Should Still Move Vehicles

March 21, 2023 – Beginning April 3, 2023, the City of Cambridge will implement a one-year street cleaning pilot program designed to evaluate the effectiveness of its street cleaning operations, while seeking to reduce the impacts of towing on residents. During this pilot program, towing associated with street cleaning will not be enforced, though residents should continue to move their vehicles accordingly, following the posted street cleaning schedule. Additionally, parking tickets issued for street cleaning will be raised from $30 to $50.

Cambridge residents are encouraged to sign up to receive email or text reminders about their street cleaning schedule, view and download their complete street cleaning schedule for the year, or import the schedule to their digital calendar at CambridgeMA.Gov/StreetCleaning.

“The city’s street sweeping program dates back to 1885 when annual cleaning was performed manually,” said John Nardone, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Public Works. “Cambridge takes pride in our high-quality street cleaning aimed at improving the water quality of storm water that is discharged to the Charles River and Alewife Brook. By sweeping up sand and other debris, catch basins are kept clean and able to function properly.”

We ask for your help in continuing to collect leaves from the sidewalk and the curb in front of your home or business. By collecting leaves for yard waste collection, you’re helping to prevent street flooding, reduce stormwater pollution impacts, and reduce our impact on the climate.

The City of Cambridge will evaluate this program’s effectiveness throughout the pilot year and encourages residents to provide feedback throughout the pilot by filling out a survey at Camb.ma/streetcleaning2023.

No Foolin’ - April 3, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

The Cambridge City Council continues to be held hostage by those braying brats of socialism, so The Nine will again gather in their respective Zoom Caves this Monday to stumble through the motions of another futile exercise in shaky democracy. Here are a few items worth noting:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Revised Response to Proposed Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III (Neighborhood Conservation District and Landmarks Ordinance).
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Zondervan, Carlone, Toner, McGovern; Refer to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 7, 2023, on potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

These particular proposed amendments seem quite reasonable - as opposed to the Robert Moses (not our Bob Moses) tear-it-all-down perspective on “urban renewal” espoused by some current activists. One of the many great things about living in Cambridge is its remarkable history and the coexistence of many different types of architecture in every corner of the city.

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Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-79, regarding Garden Street Safety Improvement Project local traffic analysis.
pulled by Zondervan; Toner moves to take up with Charter Right #1; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. Policy Order for Garden Street Accommodations. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 20, 2023]
Zondervan proposed amendments to implement recommendations proposed by staff; Toner opposed to QZ amendments; Carlone notes that there were NO pedestrian improvements in project; Nolan disagrees with QZ amendments that eviscerate original recommendations and notes that Cycling Safety Ordinance was meant to override any concerns of Traffic Department; McGovern also disagrees with first and last QZ amendments; Mallon notes that report calls original proposed changes infeasible and supports QZ amendments; Azeem says he was open to proposed amendments but now supports QZ amendments; responses by Brooke McKenna (TPT) - back-and-forth with Nolan; Zondervan says Council should not be second-guessing the Traffic Department and suggests that any criticism is sexist; McKenna notes that proposed changes would complicate the Huron/Garden intersection with an exclusive bicycle signal phase and cause gridlock; Siddiqui remarks; additional Toner remarks supporting original proposal and on role of councillors; McKenna says “charterwritten” (cringe); McGovern notes that one can support both the Order and the Traffic Department report, notes that he was the lead sponsor of the Cycling Safety Ordinance; Carlone notes that there are two women on this policy order and objects to Zondervan's use of word “sexist” as ridiculous (Zondervan objects); QZ amendment #1 passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT - No); QZ amendment #2 passes 7-2 (DS,PT - No); QZ amendment #3 passes 6-3 (DC,DS,PT - No); QZ amendment #4 fails 3-5-0-1 (BA,AM,QZ - Yes; MM,PN,DS,PT,SS - No; DC - Present); Siddiqui attempts to explain function of policy orders; Toner notes that it is proper role of City Council to submit policy orders; Zondervan will vote against the Order; Toner wants assurances that TPP will actually look at proposals; Zondervan says TPP has already done their analysis; Mallon would support “explore the feasibility” rather than “implement”; McGovern moves to replace “implement” with “consider” [passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT - No); Order Adopted as Amended 5-3-1 (DC,MM,PN,PT,SS - Yes; AM,QZ,DS - No; BA - Present)

139 Communications on a range of topics, especially (a) the Garden Street road configuration a.k.a. Policy Order #3 from Mar 20 and Charter Right #1, (b) the HEART patronage proposal, (c) the AHO Behemoth Proposal, and (d) Starlight Square and the proposed Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District.

The only two observations I’ll make on this hot topic are (a) it’s never OK to begin a traffic study with predetermined conclusions followed by “cherry-picked” data to support those conclusions; and (b) elected officials are not necessarily the best people to be evaluating traffic studies.

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Charter Right #2. That the City Council authorize an extension of time for the Special Committee/Charter Review Committee to file its report on suggested Charter changes with the City Council until Dec 31, 2023. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 22, 2023]
Zondervan would prefer interim changes on the ballot this year rather than waiting until 2025 (not at all clear that this would be when changes would be on ballot); Nolan would have preferred faster action and notes that any changes to elections could not be proposed for this year, says that a Special Election could be held in 2024 specifically on the Charter; Simmons supports additional time for committee to do its work; Zondervan wants clarification about procedure for changing how elections conducted, suggests they could not take effect until 2025; Glowa disagrees - notes that proposals would go to City Council, then Attorney General, then voters (should also include State Legislature if substantial changes); Zondervan thinks a Special Election would be burdensome; McGovern asks what would be the alternative; Order Adopted 8-1 (QZ - No)

A six-month extension of the Charter Review Committee will almost certainly be approved. After that, it’s a crapshoot since the end product will only be recommendations, and the incumbents can pick and choose whatever suits their fancy to present to the Legislature and ultimately to Cambridge voters. The long history of Cambridge city charters from 1846 to the present has been of modifications made in the public interest, and certainly not in the self-interest of incumbents. Keep that in mind when you hear calls for more power and/or longer terms. There are some good and important modifications to the charter that can and should be made in the public interest, but let’s save that discussion for later.

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Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District Petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Mar 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023; Expires Apr 3, 2023]
McGovern notes that several votes required; Zondervan consistently opposed as spot zoning, feels that this subverts AHO and speaks in favor of AHO Behemoth Proposal; Carlone notes that proposal is for a 4.0 FAR yet project under 3.0 FAR with maximum height of 69 feet; objects to absence of documents and call this “a joke” - classic spot zoning with no City benefits; Toner supports proposal - heights not unreasonable - wants further N. Mass. Ave. study, says Planning Board liked the project but wanted the full study first; Nolan says she’s torn, questions why a 4.0 FAR is necessary, proposes amendment to reduce maximum FAR to 3.0 (acceptable to petitioner); Azeem wants to remove dwelling area to lot ratio; Siddiqui want to pass this tonight; Carlone reiterates desire for calculation and drawings for what is proposed, expects this will yield enormous pressure to have this up and down Mass. Ave., concerned about precedent; Toner asks if this requires 5 votes or 6; Zondervan notes that for creation of housing requires only 5 votes, Glowa agrees; Zondervan opposed to amendments - not discussed at Ordinance Committee; Glowa says that because proposal allows office and retail uses, requires 6 votes for any parts not involving housing; Nolan amendments adopted 7-2 (QZ,SS - No); Azeem proposes amendment to reduce ratio of dwelling units to lot area to zero; Glowa affirms that 6 votes required; Carlone notes that developer promised parking for each unit; Azeem amendment passes 5-3-1 (DC,AM,SS - No; PN - Present); Amend by Substitution with CDD modifications (as amended) passes 9-0; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (DC,QZ,SS - No)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.   Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Human Service Programs to develop a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care for Cambridge children.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to review the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District for form and content.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Reports #1-7 from the distant past (2019-2020 Transportation and Public Utilities Committee) w/special thanks to the staff of the City Clerk’s Office. It will take time to make up for the negligence of committee Chairs who apparently prefer darkness over light. [Long Overdue Reports: Carlone (15), Simmons (12), McGovern (11), Nolan (11), Zondervan (10), Devereux (4), Kelley (7), Sobrinho-Wheeler (2), Mallon (2), Toner (2), Azeem (2)]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Housing Committee held a public meeting on Mar 8, 2023 to continue the recessed meeting from Feb 8, 2023 to continue discussing potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I’m not sure where this offensive proposal stands since it ultimately would have to go through the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board before coming to a vote. It may be that the industry lobbyists who wrote it strategically proposed such absurd deviations from existing zoning so that anything less might be viewed as a “compromise”. It’s also a municipal election year, and there may be political risks or benefits to being associated with such a radical upzoning. In any case, let me just say that in Cambridge and elsewhere, use of the word “crisis” is often just another way of saying “do what I say or else”.

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa, transmitting Legal Opinion on Recent Supreme Judicial Court Case Regarding Public Comment. [text of opinion]
pulled by Mallon (early); Mallon proposes Rules Changes - 38.6, 32B, and 12; Late Policy Order Adopted 7-0-0-2; Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #8. That the City Council amend Rules 38.6, 32B, and 12 to align the City Council Rules with the decision made in Barron v. Kolenda.   Vice Mayor Mallon
Comments by Mallon, Zondervan suggests a Gov’t Ops. meeting; Carlone notes that this will make the Council more of a circus; Nolan says no meeting necessary, need for Council to prevent a tone; Mallon asks if Rules changes can be done now without usually required delay; Glowa says that no law requires delay - just City Council Rules, can be changed immediately under suspension of rules; Mallon moves suspension (passes 7-0-0-2; Carlone, Simmons - Present); Azeem says this should have been on City Manager’s Agenda, asks if the ruling applies to City Council; Glowa notes that changes to Rule #12 would make this apply to City Council as well; Simmons notes that in a previous training question raised about what is actually meant by “avoid personalities”, would prefer more discussion in committee of proposed changes; Glowa reticent on interpreting “avoid personalities” in City Council Rules; Simmons wants to be recorded as voting Present (Zondervan objects) - approved 7-1-1 (PT - Absent, QZ - No); Zondervan favors striking all restraints on free speech, wants fuller conversation in Gov’t Ops.; Order Adopted 7-0-0-2 (DC,DS - Present) for immediate Rules changes

It looks like uncivil comments will now be considered permissible during Public Comment, but City Council Rules can still require speakers to stay on point. Shutting down an actual (in-person) meeting is still not protected speech, but that really doesn’t mean much if there’s no will to prevent it. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Spring Backwards - March 20, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Spring officially begins Monday, Mar 20, 2023 at 5:24pm. Six minutes later the Cambridge City Council will spring backwards into Zoom isolation. Here are the agenda items that caught my attention:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the new appointments of Maria Guadalupe Arlotto and Brendan Koscher as members of the Police Review and Advisory Board for terms of five years.
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-05, regarding a report on beginning the process of obtaining police body worn cameras (BWC) for the Cambridge Police Department, and to work with all appropriate departments to produce policy recommendations that would allow body worn camera usage while also not violating civil liberties in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance.
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, DS, MM, PN (critical of previous city managers), QZ (opposed to body cameras); responses by Commissioner Christine Elow, and Superintendent Freddie Cabral; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-09, regarding a report on engaging a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices regarding de-escalation methods, mental health calls for service, training, and more.
pulled by Zondervan; questions from Siddiqui; comments by QZ (concerned about bidding process for contract - curious that no such concerns about HEART funding and contract; also challenging use of a police entity doing review), DS (noting that CPD already intentional about deescalation methods), AM, DC, PN, SS; responses by Elow, City Manager Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 6, 2023]
Siddiqui again says “charterwritten”; Toner moves to also discuss Comm. & Rpts. #3; Nolan reads prepared statement, says HEART expects to be ready in Fall, proposes amendments; Zondervan supportive of amendments; Toner OK with amendments but questions HEART, prefers to develop a scope of services for others to bid on, questions about liability; McGovern says that Manager believes that contracts with a non-profit entity do not need to go out to bid, floats notion of $8 million funding for HEART, fully supports Community Safety Department but wants HEART to be outside of any City department; Simmons notes her letter with Toner expressing concerns about HEART, notes model for non-police response that grew from Task Force, wants assurance that any entity chosen is actually equipped to do the job; Zondervan expresses support w/o any questions; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Simmons - Present; Toner - No)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Toner, transmitting Questions regarding Requests to Fund Heart Using City Funds.
Discussed along with Charter Right #1; Placed on File 9-0

It seems all but certain that the reason the City Council meeting is taking place on Mount Zoom this week is because of the multiple police-related agenda items and the inevitability of a PSL invasion (Party for Socialism and Liberation). We may also see further evidence of the current Mayor’s differences of opinion with the City Administration (and perhaps a signal of how she might prefer to change the Charter to gain more authority). [“In Cambridge, our charter grants the City Manager power over the Police Department as well as oversight of personnel matters. There have been repeated demands from the community to release the name of the officer who shot Faisal, and I personally believe this is an important step for the sake of transparency, but a statement released last week made clear the City will not do so.”]. Ms. Siddiqui’s definition of “the community” is not so clear.

Regarding HEART: There’s something disturbing about the fact that city councillors are pressing the City Manager to award a contract to a particular vendor - and especially a vendor with zero track record other than the consistent hostility of its adherents toward the Cambridge Police Department.

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Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2023 and ending Mar 31, 2024. [FY24 water/sewer charts]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN; responses by Owen O'Riorden, Kathy Watkins (DPW); Placed on File 9-0

The notable increases in the water rate this year actually exceed the increases in the sewer rate, but it has generally been the reverse for some time. It costs far more to lose the water than to supply it.

Water Rates (per CcF)		FY05	FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF	$2.73	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.02	$3.05	$3.11	$3.32
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF	$2.94	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.24	$3.27	$3.33	$3.55
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF	$3.11	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.44	$3.47	$3.54	$3.77
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF	$3.31	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.65	$3.69	$3.76	$4.01
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF	$3.58	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$3.96	$4.00	$4.08	$4.35
Sewer Rates (per CcF)		FY05	FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF	$5.54	$8.19	$8.62	$9.21	$9.50	$10.23	$11.00	$11.77	$12.51	$13.51	$14.59	$15.34
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF	$5.87	$8.67	$9.12	$9.74	$10.05	$10.82	$11.63	$12.44	$13.22	$14.28	$15.42	$16.21
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF	$6.30	$9.31	$9.79	$10.46	$10.79	$11.62	$12.49	$13.36	$14.20	$15.34	$16.57	$17.42
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF	$6.79	$10.02	$10.54	$11.26	$11.62	$12.51	$13.45	$14.39	$15.30	$16.52	$17.84	$18.75
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF	$7.22	$10.66	$11.21	$11.97	$12.35	$13.30	$14.30	$15.30	$16.26	$17.56	$18.96	$19.93
Combined Rates (per CcF)		FY05	FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF	$8.27	$11.21	$11.64	$12.23	$12.52	$13.25	$14.02	$14.79	$15.53	$16.56	$17.70	$18.66
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF	$8.81	$11.91	$12.36	$12.98	$13.29	$14.06	$14.87	$15.68	$16.46	$17.55	$18.75	$19.76
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF	$9.41	$12.75	$13.23	$13.90	$14.23	$15.06	$15.93	$16.80	$17.64	$18.81	$20.11	$21.19
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF	$10.10	$13.67	$14.19	$14.91	$15.27	$16.16	$17.10	$18.04	$18.95	$20.21	$21.60	$22.76
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF	$10.80	$14.62	$15.17	$15.93	$16.31	$17.26	$18.26	$19.26	$20.22	$21.56	$23.04	$24.28
Percent Increases (Water)			FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24	10 Year	19 Year
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	1.0%	2.0%	6.8%	9.9%	21.6%
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.9%	1.8%	6.6%	9.6%	20.7%
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.9%	2.0%	6.5%	9.6%	21.2%
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	1.1%	1.9%	6.6%	9.9%	21.1%
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF		0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%	1.0%	2.0%	6.6%	9.8%	21.5%
Percent Increases (Sewer)			FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24	10 Year	19 Year
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF		4.2%	5.3%	6.8%	3.1%	7.7%	7.5%	7.0%	6.3%	8.0%	8.0%	5.1%	87.3%	176.9%
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF		4.2%	5.2%	6.8%	3.2%	7.7%	7.5%	7.0%	6.3%	8.0%	8.0%	5.1%	87.0%	176.1%
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF		4.3%	5.2%	6.8%	3.2%	7.7%	7.5%	7.0%	6.3%	8.0%	8.0%	5.1%	87.1%	176.5%
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF		4.2%	5.2%	6.8%	3.2%	7.7%	7.5%	7.0%	6.3%	8.0%	8.0%	5.1%	87.1%	176.1%
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF		4.2%	5.2%	6.8%	3.2%	7.7%	7.5%	7.0%	6.3%	8.0%	8.0%	5.1%	87.0%	176.0%
Percent Increases (Combined)			FY14	FY15	FY16	FY17	FY18	FY19	FY20	FY21	FY22	FY23	FY24	10 Year	19 Year
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF		3.0%	3.8%	5.1%	2.4%	5.8%	5.8%	5.5%	5.0%	6.6%	6.9%	5.4%	66.5%	125.6%
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF		3.0%	3.8%	5.0%	2.4%	5.8%	5.8%	5.4%	5.0%	6.6%	6.8%	5.4%	65.9%	124.3%
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF		3.1%	3.8%	5.1%	2.4%	5.8%	5.8%	5.5%	5.0%	6.6%	6.9%	5.4%	66.2%	125.2%
Block 4	2,001 - 10,000 CcF		3.0%	3.8%	5.1%	2.4%	5.8%	5.8%	5.5%	5.0%	6.6%	6.9%	5.4%	66.5%	125.3%
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF		3.0%	3.8%	5.0%	2.4%	5.8%	5.8%	5.5%	5.0%	6.6%	6.9%	5.4%	66.1%	124.8%

*All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons

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Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of Danielle Jones-McLaughlin, Deepti Nijhawan, Loring Brinckerhoff, Avril dePagter, Mary Devlin , Dan Stubbs as members of the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Salvation Army Shelter and Daytime Program.
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ, MM, PT; responses by Yi-An Huang, Ellen Semonoff (annual cost $1,080,000); Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO23#35, related to the Allocation Plan for Cambridge’s HOME-ARP funds.
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, QZ, MM, DC, SS; responses by Yi-An Huang, Iram Farooq; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2022 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations.
pulled by Carlone; comments by DC (graduate student housing, etc.), PN; Placed on File 9-0

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Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final report for the City’s comprehensive year-long municipal broadband feasibility study.
Placed on File 9-0

I am eager to be convinced that this is a worthwhile investment that won’t jeopardize the City’s financial standing. The $194 million estimate is almost certainly less that what the actual cost will be. I also have a lot of questions about what this initiative would mean in terms of residents who have their Internet, Cable TV, and phone bundled into a single Comcast package. For example, will a resident still have to contract with Comcast if they want to watch TV? Will the result actually be cost savings or additional cost? Will Cable TV simply dry up and blow away in a few years with everything shifting toward data-intensive streaming options? Even more fundamentally, were any of these questions raised in the supposedly “scientific survey” now being touted by some councillors in their pre-campaign email blasts?

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Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO23#44, related to the Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 9-0

Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District Petition (Ordinance #2022-21). [Passed to 2nd Reading, Mar 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023; Expires Apr 3, 2023]

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Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions. [Charter Right - Simmons, Mar 6, 2023]
Remarks by Simmons, Nolan; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t wish to infuriate anyone by saying this, but the notion that multi-family buildings, particularly two- and three-family buildings, should be removed from private ownership flies in the face of the reality that small property owners have been possibly the greatest source of affordable rents in Cambridge for well over a century. A nonprofit corporation is not an improvement over a good landlord or landlady and these properties have long been an essential part of securing a middle class of Cambridge residents.

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Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Ordinance # 2022-6 Article III Green Jobs 2.66.100 Definitions. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Feb 27, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023]
pulled by Zondervan; Ordained 9-0

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Charles Jessup Franklin et al., regarding allowing new construction that is similar in size and shape as existing buildings for the purpose of promoting housing and first floor retail.
pulled by McGovern; comments by MM, BA (not enthusiastic, wants even higher density); Referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 8-0-0-1 (Carlone - Present)

Perhaps we should call this latest variation the Missing Middle Revisited Petition. Variations on this theme by the densifiers seem endless. The suggested residential densities in this variant are in many ways even greater than those proposed in the previous “Missing Middle” attempt - and continue to be be somewhat oblivious to how housing on Cambridge streets actually functions. [Ref.: “A few observations on density”]

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Applications & Petitions #2. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning Petition for the Central Square Cultural District.
pulled by McGovern; comments by MM, QZ, PT, PN, DS; Referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager work with the Central Square Business Improvement District and provide a license agreement, as well as direct financial and regulatory support for the continued and uninterrupted operation of Starlight Square.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Siddiqui, Simmons, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan, Carlone (consider redevelopment of the edges as well), Azeem, Mallon; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I greatly appreciate that we had Starlight Square during the pandemic, and I absolutely hope that we can have a suitable venue like this in the future. That said, Starlight Square as it is now is something of a relic that would need either a substantial upgrade or a relocation. Many of us view it as an experiment that strongly made the case for comparable and perhaps much better options in the future. Central Square needs options for vendors such as those provided by Popportunity, and we definitely need better gathering spaces for events or a rethinking of existing spaces. Dumping on the BZA (as some councillors are doing) is more of a cheap shot than an actual plan that can be sustained.

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Resolution #1. Congratulations to Sara Reese on receiving the 2023 Exemplary School Champion Award for her leadership in workforce development in Cambridge.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #2. Gratitude to Margaret Drury for her many years of tireless service to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and to the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Simmons (notes Margaret’s three decades of service to the City); remarks by McGovern, Carlone; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is requested to confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request to dedicate a street corner in honor of Ned Handy.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner
pulled by Carlone; remarks by Carlone; Order Adopted 9-0

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Order #1. That the City Council go on record supporting Enabling Legislation for a Real Estate Transfer Fee.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Carlone; remarks by Carlone (would generate $23 million more per year for affordable housing); Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. Policy Order for Garden Street Accommodations.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Toner; notable that there were many nearly identical comments during Public Comment from the “bike lobby” opposing this Order; Charter Right - Zondervan

This is a start - and hopefully not just ass-covering for some city councillors concerned about how West Cambridge residents might vote in November. Ensuring bicycle safety need not be a monolithic enterprise with little room for revision.

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Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee met on May 7, 2019. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Reported Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee met on Feb 16, 2022 to consider the City Council goals in relation to the budget and to gather input and discuss priorities on the FY23 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee met on Feb 23, 2022 to reconvene its Feb 16, 2020 meeting to receive public comment regarding the City Council goals in relation to the budget and to gather input and discuss priorities on the FY23 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Finance Committee met on Apr 20, 2022 to discuss the city’s ARPA application/funding update status. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Finance Committee met on May 10, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Finance Committee met on May 11, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 school budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #7. The Finance Committee met on May 17, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on June 14, 2022 to receive an update on ARPA funding. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public meeting on Feb 28, 2023, to discuss the status of after school programming in Cambridge. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Perhaps Neil Sedaka should provide the soundtrack with “Catching Up Is Hard To Do”. My favorite case is the (March 6) adoption of the ordinance establishing the procedure for appointment of the Charter Review Commission as required by the Charter amendments adopted in 2021. The committee was appointed July 1, 2022 - more than 8 months prior to the adoption of the ordinance. - Robert Winters

Comments?

Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!

March 18, 2023 (updated Mar 31) - In the 2022-23 City Council Rules, there are two item that has been largely ignored for the current term as well as the two previous terms:

As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn’t bad enough, some committee Chairs apparently have not seen fit to keep either their colleagues or the public informed unless they were present at the meeting or chose to view a recording of the meeting. There are reasons why minutes of a meeting are taken. Not everyone wants to suffer through a recording of a long and possibly boring meeting, and a voluminous transcript is not a substitute for good (succinct) minutes.

If we use a standard of two months as a reasonable time for report (not unreasonable), then here is the current record of deliquency:

Ordinance Committee 2023 [McGovern, Zondervan]: OK 2022 [McGovern, Zondervan]: OK 2021 [Carlone, McGovern]: Jan 27, Apr 29, June 10, July 26, July 28, Sept 29, Nov 16, Dec 15       2020 [Carlone, McGovern]: Aug 26 2019 [Carlone, Kelley]: Oct 3, Oct 16, Oct 23 Finance Committee 2023 [Carlone, Nolan]: OK 2022 [Carlone, Nolan]: Mar 2 2021 [Carlone, Simmons]: July 27, Dec 1 2020 [Carlone, Simmons]: OK 2019 [Simmons]: OK Gov’t Operations, Rules & Claims 2023 [Mallon]: OK 2022 [Mallon]: OK 2021 [Simmons]: Mar 16, Apr 7, July 12, Aug 4 2020 [Simmons]: Nov 17 2019 [Devereux]: Nov 12, Dec 4 Health & Environment Committee 2023 [Nolan]: OK 2022 [Nolan]: Mar 1, Mar 8, Mar 23, Mar 29, June 7, June 23, Nov 16 2021 [Zondervan]: June 9, July 14 2020 [Zondervan]: OK 2019 [Devereux, Zondervan]: May 29, Oct 15 Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, etc. 2023 [Carlone]: OK 2022 [Carlone]: OK 2021 [Nolan]: Mar 4, June 9 (minutes exist, but never reported) 2020 [Nolan]: Dec 9 2019 [Carlone, Zondervan]: OK Public Safety 2023 [Zondervan]: OK 2022 [Zondervan]: May 18 2021 [Zondervan]: June 22, July 28, Oct 14, Nov 17, Dec 21 2020 [Zondervan]: OK 2019 [Kelley]: Sept 24, Oct 30, Dec 17, Jan 3 (2020)

Econ. Development & University Relations 2023 [Toner]: OK 2022 [Toner]: Apr 13, June 15 2021 [Mallon]: Jan 13 2020 [Mallon]: Aug 11 2019 [Siddiqui]: OK Human Services & Veterans 2023 [McGovern]: OK 2022 [McGovern]: June 16 2021 [McGovern]: Aug 10 (joint w/Civic Unity) 2020 [McGovern]: OK 2019 [Mallon, Siddiqui]: OK Housing Committee 2023 [Simmons]: OK 2022 [Simmons]: Sept 13 2021 [Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler]: OK 2020 [Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler]: Mar 3, Oct 28 2019 [Siddiqui, Simmons]: OK Transportation & Public Utilities 2023 [Azeem]: OK 2022 [Azeem]: May 5, June 28 2021 [Sobrinho-Wheeler]: OK 2020 [Sobrinho-Wheeler]: OK 2019 [Devereux]: OK Civic Unity 2023 [Simmons]: OK 2022 [Simmons]: Sept 29 2021 [Simmons]: Aug 10 (joint w/Human Services) 2020 [Simmons]: OK 2019 [Simmons]: OK Most Delinquent: Carlone (15), Simmons (12), McGovern (11), Nolan (11), Zondervan (10), Devereux (4), Kelley (7), Sobrinho-Wheeler (2), Mallon (2), Toner (2), Azeem (2) Number of Missing Reports: 2022 (16), 2021 (25), 2020 (5), 2019 (11)

Plague Report (Apr 4) - 27 new Covid cases reported today (mainly backfilled data), and wastewater levels continue to fall.

There were 27 new COVID positive tests reported today (mainly backfilled data), and the 7-day daily average decreased from 4.3 to 3.9 cases/day as we continue to move past the recent anomaly. The total number of residents who have tested positive is now 35,586 (not including me and possibly thousands of others who have tested positive at home). The Cambridge total increased by 27 today, and 32 (covering 3 days), 14, 5, 6, 7, 32 (covering 3 days), 2, 10, and 7 in recent days. Time will tell where this is headed as the various variants (especially XBB) continue to work their way through, but things are generally looking really good. The 7-day averages are now back in the 0-5 range. The percentage of positive tests (measured over the last two weeks) stands at 3.62% (recent previous rates 4.43%, 4.7%, 4.69%, 5.23% 6.96%, 6.73%, 7.84%, 9.06%, 11.22%, 11.99%, and 8.82%). Most importantly, the effects of the latest virus variants (along with vaccinations) appear to be much milder.

Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.

Apr 4, 2023 Breakdown of Cases:
35586 tested positive (total) - an increase of 27 since Monday
[includes 4511 Harvard (4 new) and 2849 MIT (0 new)]
188 confirmed deaths - 93 in long-term care facilities, 95 in general community
(new deaths recorded Mar 3 and Mar 8 - both in general community)

Thanks to vaccinations, even though the 7-day averages were dreadful
the impacts were not as bad as they could have been.

City of Cambridge Covid Information     Harvard University COVID-19 data     MIT COVID-19 data

High vaccination rates have helped to blunt what might have been a larger surge and far more deaths.

Covid Cases by Age Group - through Mar 9, 2023

(click on above graph for the latest)
MWRA Biobot wastewater data - Mar 30, 2023

MWRA Biobot recent wastewater data - North System - Mar 30, 2023
The 7-day average reached as high as 8644 (copies/mL) in January 2022 before dropping to as low as 101 in March.
The BA.2 variants brought it back up to 1273 in May 2022 before dropping to under 400.
Earlier this year it rose as high as 2023 due to the latest variants, but now stands at 248 (copies/mL).

Sample Date	3/12	3/13	3/14	3/15	3/16	3/17	3/18	3/19	3/20	3/21	3/22	3/23	3/24	3/25	3/26	3/27	3/28	3/29	3/30
North System (copies/ml)	390	499	281	197	440	479	412	510	692	399	305	237	578	395	196	178	177	217	189
Northern 7-day Avg.	310	320	312	312	325	342	369	383	402	423	450	412	423	420	367	302	269	256	248

The percentages detected in wastewater samples in Middlesex County are now XBB* at 99.8%, Other at 0.2%,
as of the week of Mar 13. [updated Mar 30]

Omicron Variant Overview - as of Mar 15, 2023 [updated Mar 30]

Region	BA.1	BA.2*	BA.2.12	BA.4*	BA.5*	BF.7	BQ.1*	XBB*	Other
Nationwide	0.1%	2.4%	-	-	2.0%	-	0.5%	93.2%	1.8%
Midwest	-	9.4%	0.3%	0.3%	3.3%	0.4%	-	80.0%	6.3%
Northeast	0.3%	2.5%	-	-	2.6%	-	0.9%	92.6%	1.1%
South	-	1.1%	-	-	1.1%	-	-	95.4%	2.4%
West	-	0.7%	-	-	1.1%	-	-	97.3%	0.9%

An asterisk (*) indicates that sub-lineages are included. “Other” indicates all other lineages of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta.

Volunteer Opportunities - Cambridge Boards & Commissions (click for details)

Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission - Deadline Mon, April 24, 2023

City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Transit Advisory Committee - Deadline Mon, May 1, 2023

Members Sought for Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust - Deadline Mon, May 1, 2023

Members Sought for Cambridge Committee on Public Planting - Deadline Mon, May 1, 2023

Members Sought for Cambridge Conservation Commission - Deadline Mon, May 8, 2023

Members Sought for Cambridge Conservation Commission

April 3, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administering the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA). The WPA is a state law governing activities in and around local wetlands, waterways, and floodplains.

The Conservation Commission has seven members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Cambridge residents with expertise in landscape architecture, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology, or law are encouraged to apply.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Commission holds two public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits, and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

Interested individuals may apply for this Committee through the City’s online portal at cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, May 8, 2023. A cover letter and resume may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are also available at the City Manager's Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.

Members Sought for Cambridge Committee on Public Planting

March 30, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the City’s Committee on Public Planting.

The Committee on Public Planting is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the City on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the Urban Forestry Division; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods.

The Committee holds a hybrid meeting where members and the public have the option to either attend in person or virtually on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm.

Committee members are appointed to 2-year terms. Candidates should be Cambridge residents who have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Committee members must also have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and résumé or applicable experience should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The application deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023.

For more information about the committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust

March 27, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (the Trust) works to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. The Trust also administers and oversees most city funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs.

The Trust has helped thousands of families and individuals afford to remain in the Cambridge community. Trust funding is used for:

• Affordable housing development and acquisition;
• Affordable housing preservation;
• First-time homebuyer assistance;
• Affordable housing rehabilitation.

The Trust reviews requests for funding for new housing development propoals and preservation efforts, and other housing programs. The Trust also provides housing policy and program advice to the City Manager, city staff, other city boards and commissions, and the Cambridge City Council. Some of the criteria the Trust uses when reviewing proposals for new programs, policies, and housing developments include:

• Creation and preservation of long-term affordability;
• High-quality sustainable design to benefit housing residents and the surrounding neighborhood and community;
• Use of energy-efficient materials, and environmentally-friendly construction techniques;
• Emphasis on the creation of family-sized housing (units with two or more bedrooms); and,
• Leveraging of Trust funds by other public and private financing sources.

The Trust offers predevelopment, acquisition, construction, and permanent financing to support the efforts of local housing development organizations to create new affordable housing units, preserve existing affordable housing, and finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing properties. The Trust also provides direct financial assistance to income-eligible families seeking to purchase affordable homes.

The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust is made up of nine members appointed by the City Manager to 3-year terms. The Board is also chaired by the City Manager and currently meets virtually on the fourth Thursday of the month from 4-5:30pm.

Affordable Housing Trust members often have experience in affordable housing, housing policy, finance, development, planning, and design.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Trust members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Individuals interested in being considered for the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust should apply using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can 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 application deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023.

If you have questions, contact Chris Cotter in the Community Development Department at 617-349-4634 or ccotter@cambridgema.gov or visit Cambridgema.gov/CDD/housing/housingtrust.

City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Transit Advisory Committee

March 27, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the City’s Transit Advisory Committee. The application deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023.

The Transit Advisory Committee advises on city and state projects, positions and policies on transit service planning, schedules, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable funding for transit.

Committee members help advance 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 recent work of the advisory committee includes:

• Writing letters of support for public transit expansion projects;
• Brainstorming ideas to change or add new bus routes;
• Reviewing street designs for city and state projects;
• Providing feedback on service reliability and improvements;
• Identifying new funding opportunities.

Committee members are appointed to two-year terms and represent a cross-section of stakeholders: businesses and large institutions; commuters; persons with disabilities; neighborhood residents with low income, elderly, youth, students, and transit advocates.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This committee generally meets virtually on the first Thursday of every month from 5:30-7:30pm.

Interested individuals may apply for this Committee through the City’s online portal at cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, May 1, 2023. A cover letter and resume may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are also available 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 have questions or require more information, please contact Andrew Reker at 617-349-6959 or areker@cambridgema.gov. For more information, visit: Cambridgema.gov/transitadvisorycommittee

Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission

March 15, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Cambridge Public Art Commission (PAC).

The Public Art Commission guides the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and advises on the overall direction of the Public Art Program. The Commission brings its collective expertise to bear on discussions regarding the various program areas of the city's public art program, such as acquisition and deaccession, project planning, maintenance, conservation, educational programming, and the exhibitions in Cambridge Arts’ Gallery 344. The Commission reviews every percent-for-art project from artists’ proposals to final design. PAC approval is required before a project can go into fabrication.

The Public Art Commission is composed of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the City Manager to a three-year term, renewable once. The PAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m., at the Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room, or when permitted, virtually on Zoom.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members in must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design disciplines (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators).

Additional responsibilities of the Public Art Commission include:

• Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects;
• Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists);
• Reviewing public art proposals;
• Recommending potential sources for additional funding;
• Advising on outreach and education;
• Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues;
• Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values;
• Attending monthly meetings.

Commission members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government.

For more information about public art in Cambridge, visit Cambridgema.gov/publicart.

Applications to serve on this commission can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The application deadline is Monday, April 24, 2023.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again - Redress of Grievances

Jan 26, 2023 – In this year when charter review is underway and possible charter revision may be on the horizon, it is perhaps valuable to look back at some provisions of previous Cambridge City Charters for some guidance. For example, in the original 1846 Cambridge City Charter, there’s this:

Sect. 19. General meetings of the citizens qualified to vote may, from time to time, be held, to consult upon the public good, to instruct their representatives, and to take all lawful measures to obtain redress of any grievances, according to the right secured to the people by the Constitution of this Commonwealth; and such meetings may, and shall be duly warned by the mayor and aldermen, upon the requisition of thirty qualified voters.

Perhaps “the requisition of thirty qualified voters” may not be the appropriate standard today in a city of 120,000 people, and perhaps the procedure should be modified to be more aligned with the way our City Council and School Committee is constituted under the current charter, but there should be a reasonably attainable standard that would allow for “redress of grievances.” The current situation is that a group of hundreds of citizens could send a petition to the City Council (or, presumably the School Committee) asking for reconsideration or change in some policy or ordinance, or action of the City or School administration, but that petition would likely only appear as a “Communication” on an agenda that could, and generally is, simply “Placed on File.” A better system would be to have the respective elected body or City department be required to respond and vote on any reasonable question or request in a timely manner, e.g. within thirty days.

It is a deficiency in the current Plan E Charter that other than begging a city councillor to file a policy order (which could well end up under “Awaiting Report” for months or years), there is no effective way for citizens to hold their elected officials or the City Administration (or any specific department) or the School Department accountable. Requiring a positive or negative response - on the record - would go a long way toward addressing the problem expressed by so many Cambridge residents that they “are not being heard.” - Robert Winters

Comments?