Oldtime Baseball Game – Thurs, Aug 22, starting at 6:00pm

It’s throwback uniforms. It’s period music. It’s local baseball talent. Put it all together and you have the 30th annual Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game, which will be played Thursday, August 22 at 6:00pm at St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge.

The Boston Home is incredibly proud and grateful to be the beneficiary of the Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game! Last year, the Oldtime Baseball Game raised over $80,000 to support life enhancing programs for The Boston Home's residents and outpatients. This year, we are swinging for the fences with an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological disorders. You can help make it happen!

The Oldtime Baseball Game is FREE to attend with free, nearby parking! Paul Wahlberg will be at the game with his team from Wahlburgers, serving up delicious ballpark fare. Silent and live auctions offer the chance to win exciting prizes including outstanding sports memorabilia! All proceeds benefit The Boston Home.

Seating at the ballpark is limited. Please plan to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. View a map of the location. For more information, please contact Victoria Stevens, Director of Communications, at 617-326-4310 or vstevens@thebostonhome.org.

About Oldtime Baseball Game

The Oldtime Baseball Game is a celebration of our national pastime, played each year at beautiful St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge. From its humble beginnings in 1994, the game has grown considerably over the years, yet has remained loyal to its mission of offering a glimpse of what it was like in the old days, when hundreds of fans would turn out to root for their “town” team in various local semipro leagues.

What makes the Oldtime Baseball Game so special is our dazzling collection of flannel uniforms that represent virtually every era in baseball history. Used just once a year for the Oldtime Baseball Game, and then returned to storage the uniforms include such long ago teams as the Boston Braves, St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Dodgers. Teams from the old Negro Leagues are represented by the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays and Baltimore Elite Giants. Cuba is represented by the legendary Cienfuegos Elefantes. We even have a uniform from a team that never actually existed: the New York Knights for whom Robert Redford’s Roy Hobbs character played in “The Natural.”

Players from the game are chosen from colleges and universities from throughout New England, with an occasional high school player or retired big-leaguer added to the mix. Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez came out of retirement in 2017 to work two shutout innings in the Oldtime Baseball Game. The 2018 game featured one of the most interesting pitcher-batter match-ups in our game’s history, as legendary Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield faced Pro Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. In 2019, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens pitched pitched two innings, and then played two more innings at first base. Jim Lonborg, Cy Young Award winner for the 1967 Red Sox, pitched a shutout inning in 2015. Other former big-leaguers include Oil Can Boyd, Mike Pagliarulo, and, of course, Lou Merloni, an annual fixture at the Oldtime Baseball Game.

Admission to the Oldtime Baseball Game is free. Fans are asked to bring a beach blanket or chair and camp out along the foul lines, as it is the crowd that makes the game so electric.

Members Sought for Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee

Aug 1, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking members to serve on the Advisory Committee for the City’s Department of Veterans Services (DVS). According to City Ordinance 2.42 that established this committee, the membership will include geographical representation from throughout the City of Cambridge and representation from organizations, including City of Cambridge departments, that shall be in a position to be of service to veterans.

The Advisory Committee will support the Department of Veterans Service in fulfilling part of its purpose to:

• Assist in providing information to persons who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces of the United States, and their families concerning their rights and privileges under federal, state, and local laws;
• Assist veterans in preparing for new entrepreneurial, employment, training and retraining opportunities for further education or employment;
• Encourage and support outreach and participation to veterans from underserved populations to include the Center for Minority Veteran, Women Veterans Network, etc.;
• Liaise on behalf of the Department of Veterans Services with local businesses and organizations;
• Keep informed as to the programs or facilities of any organizations, whether public or private, of service to or of interest to veterans and their families.

Committee members should possess a desire to support veterans and the DVS in providing and seeking services and programs that help veterans of Cambridge, MA. The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge 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, family members of veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Members are appointed for a one-year term, with an opportunity to be reappointed.The Advisory Committee will meet on an as needed basis, with dates to be determined.

Applications to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. For more information, contact veterans@cambridgema.gov.

The application deadline is Monday, September 30, 2024.

Members Sought for Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street Working Group

July 31, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on a new Working Group to help advise the Safety Improvement Project on Cambridge Street. This project will:

• Add separated bike lanes on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Second Street, meeting the requirements of the City of Cambridge’s Cycling Safety Ordinance to build a network of separated bike lanes throughout the city;
• Make changes to the street to improve safety for all users, including for people walking, biking, taking transit, and driving;
• Construct new bus stops, with boarding platforms that extend further into the street, reducing bus delay and improving the experience of using and waiting for the bus.

These changes will help the City of Cambridge meet the requirements of the Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance, support our Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious injury and fatality crashes, and bring us closer to realizing the Cambridge Bicycle Network Vision.

The Working Group will advise on the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project and is intended to represent many perspectives in the project development and design process to ensure the interests of the larger community are heard. Responsibilities of Working Group include:

• Provide feedback on the design of the project, including the layout of parking spaces, loading zones, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops;
• Discuss project concerns and work collaboratively on solutions;
• Support information sharing and constructive dialogue about the project among different stakeholders, including businesses, residents, visitors/business patrons, and City staff.

Individuals who are excited about shaping the future of Cambridge Street and want to work collaboratively to accomplish the goals above are encouraged to apply. The Working Group will include residents, business owners, institutional representatives, and a variety of people who use the corridor to live, work, walk, bike, drive, or take the bus.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge 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 Working Group is expected to be made up of 12-15 members, representing a diverse set of interests along the Cambridge Street corridor, east of Inman Square. It is anticipated that the group will meet eight to ten times between Summer 2024 and Summer 2027, though exact meeting dates have not been yet established. Working Group meetings will be open to the public.

Applications to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. For more information, contact Andreas Wolfe, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department at awolfe@cambridgema.gov.

Volunteer Sought to Serve on Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

July 25, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024.

The Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC) works to welcome, inform, connect, and support Cambridge’s immigrant community. CIRC staff provides information, referrals, and guidance to residents seeking assistance. The Commission collaborates with other city departments, community partners, and individuals that support immigrant rights and citizenship. Commissioners will work with CIRC staff and the City's Language Justice Division to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123).

Additional Cambridge CIRC responsibilities and duties include:

• Inform the City Manager and the City Council on issues affecting the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, healthcare, housing, political, social and legal spheres;
• Design and implement programs that promote the equality of all immigrants in the City of Cambridge;
• Design and implement programs to encourage and maintain the cultural diversity immigrants bring to the City of Cambridge;
• Develop recommendations and recommend policy to the City Manager and the City Council to promote and ensure immigrant rights and citizenship;
• Coordinate activities and education within the city on issues affecting immigrants;
• Monitor the enactment of city, state, and federal legislation which promotes immigrant rights and citizenship and make recommendations to the City Manager and the City Council regarding the implementation and enforcement of any such legislation if enacted;
• Monitor enactment of state and federal legislation which would restrict immigrant rights and citizenship and advise on same to the City Manager and the City Council and recommend appropriate courses of action.

Preferred applicants are Cambridge residents who:

• Are knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship; or
• Have lived experience as an immigrant to the United States.

Additionally, the City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and is seeking Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge. Commissioners should have the ability to:

• Participate in a collaborative process;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives; and
• Interact and work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Commission consists of 11 members appointed to three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6pm, in person at 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, and virtually. This schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs. Under the provisions of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person; although CIRC has shifted to meeting hybrid under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions. The Commission will continue to utilize remote capabilities whenever public health needs arise.

Applications can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’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. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 9, 2024.

For more information, contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

Applicants Sought for Harvard Square Advisory Committee

July 11, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Harvard Square Advisory Committee. All interested individuals are encouraged submit an application with a letter explaining why you are interested in volunteering on the Committee.

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee (HSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Harvard Square, who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Harvard Square. The Harvard Square Overlay District (Article 20.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance) established the Advisory Committee. HSAC provides an additional level of review for development projects in Harvard Square.

There are 11 members of the committee. Members meeting any of the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:

• Architects, attorneys who specialize in zoning, urban planners, architectural historians, or landscape architects;
• Operators of local or independent businesses within the Harvard Square Overlay District;
• Owners of commercial property within the Harvard Square Overlay District;
• Residents living within a half-mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District;
• Members representing the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association or a neighborhood group representing Harvard Square, institutions owning institutional property in the Harvard Square Overlay District, and the Cambridge Historical Commission.

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee comments on development proposals in Harvard Square. These proposals include new buildings and new uses for existing buildings.

Specifically, the committee conducts Large Project Review consultations and comments on applications for variances and special permits from the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA), as well as other proposals. The Committee may additionally comment on any preliminary proposal for which any public agency or private interest has planned for the Overlay.

It is important to have an interest and enthusiasm for learning about urban development and community engagement, and how they shape the Harvard Square community. Successful members of the Committee will be able to:

• Engage with many aspects of urban planning, including urban design, transportation, housing, infrastructure planning, public space, community engagement and others;
• Listen to people from diverse backgrounds and consider different points of view;
• Collaborate and build consensus with a group of people;
• Consider how projects might contribute the quality of life in Harvard Square.

Additionally, the City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All HSAC 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.

Currently, there is one (1) vacant position needing to be filled and ten (10) serving members with expiring or expired terms needing to be newly filled or reappointed. People who meet one of the following qualifications are sought for this committee at this moment:

• At least two (2) members having recognized qualification as an architect, attorney who specializes in zoning, urban planner, architectural historian, or landscape architect.
• One (1) member who operates a non-formula business within the Harvard Square Overlay District.
• One (1) member owning commercial property within the Harvard Square Overlay District.
• Four (1) residents living within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay.
• One (1) member representing the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association or Neighborhood group representing Harvard Square.
• One (1) member representing an institution owning institutional property in the Harvard Square Overlay District.
• One (1) member representing the Cambridge Historical Commission.

The Committee meets as needed on the third Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Meetings are currently being held through a hybrid in-person and Zoom format. The in-person meeting is held in the City Hall Annex 2nd floor conference room at 344 Broadway. Meetings generally last approximately two hours.

Meeting materials about development projects will be provided at least five days prior to the meeting date for the committee members to familiarize themselves with the projects. Members usually spend an hour reviewing materials before meetings.

Committee members are typically appointed for terms of three (3) years each, although some appointments may be one (1) year or two (2) years to facilitate a staggered appointment schedule.

Applications to serve on this Committee can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply.

With your application, include a letter explaining why you are interested in volunteering on the Committee and a description of your relevant experience, background, and unique perspective on Harvard Square. The City of Cambridge welcomes applicants with a diversity of experiences and perspectives, and values those with a desire to positively shape the future of Harvard Square.

The application deadline is Monday, August 12, 2024.

Existing members of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee seeking reappointment are requested to submit a letter of interest and updated relevant experience to City of Cambridge staff by the above application deadline.

Required Application Materials

• Digital application form submitted through the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Requested information may include your name, address, contact information, occupation, work and education experience.
• Letter of Interest (attached with above digital application)

For more information about the Committee, contact Mason Wells at mwells@cambridgema.gov or visit the Harvard Square Advisory Committee webpage.

Resources:

Map of the Harvard Square Overlay District

Harvard Square Overlay District Zoning

Instructions for how to apply for the Harvard Square Advisory Committee

Applicants Sought for Central Square Advisory Committee

July 10, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee. All interested individuals are encouraged to submit an application with a letter explaining why you are interested in volunteering on the Committee.

The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square. The Central Square Overlay District (Article 20.300 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance) established the Advisory Committee. CSAC provides an additional level of review for development projects in Central Square.

There are 9 members of the Committee.

• One member must have recognized qualifications as an architect or a landscape architect;
• Four members are part of the business community in Central Square with diverse representation from property owners, small- and large-scale merchants and office tenants;
• Four members are residents of the four abutting Cambridge neighborhoods (The Port, Mid-Cambridge, Riverside and Cambridgeport).

The Central Square Advisory Committee comments on development proposals in Central Square. These proposals include new buildings and new uses for existing buildings. The Committee also gives feedback to the City of Cambridge on public projects, such as parks, streets, and transportation.

It is important to have an interest and enthusiasm for learning about urban development and community engagement, and how they shape the Central Square community. Successful members of the Committee will be able to:

• Engage with many aspects of urban planning, including urban design, transportation, housing, infrastructure planning, public space, community engagement and others;
• Listen to people from diverse backgrounds and consider different points of view;
• Collaborate and build consensus with a group of people;
• Consider how projects might contribute the quality of life in Central Square.

Additionally, the City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All CSAC 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.

Who can apply to serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee?
Currently, there are seven (7) serving members with expiring terms needing to be newly filled or reappointed. People who meet one of the following qualifications are sought for this committee at this moment. Members in all categories must be Cambridge residents or business persons or landowners within the Overlay District.

• Three (3) members representing the business community in Central Square with diverse representation from property owners, small and large scale merchants and office tenants.
• Four (4) members representing residents of the four (4) abutting Cambridge neighborhoods.
  • One (1) member for The Port.
  • One (1) member for Mid-Cambridge.
  • One (1) member for Riverside.
  • One (1) member for Cambridgeport.

The Committee meets as needed on the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm. Meetings are currently being held through a hybrid in-person and Zoom format. The in-person meeting is held in the City Hall Annex 2nd floor conference room at 344 Broadway. Meetings generally last approximately two hours. Meeting materials about development projects will be provided at least five days prior to the meeting date for the committee members to familiarize themselves with the projects. Members usually spend an hour reviewing materials before meetings.

Committee members are typically appointed for terms of (3) years each, although some appointments may be one (1) year or two (2) years to facilitate a staggered appointment schedule.

Applications to serve on this Committee can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply.

With your application, include a letter explaining why you are interested in volunteering on the Committee and a description of your relevant experience, background, and unique perspective on Central Square. The City of Cambridge welcomes applicants with a diversity of experiences and perspectives, and values those with a desire to positively shape the future of Central Square.

The application deadline is Monday, August 12, 2024.

Existing members of the Central Square Advisory Committee seeking reappointment are requested to submit a letter of interest and updated relevant experience to City of Cambridge staff by the above application deadline.

Required Application Materials

• Digital application form submitted through the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Requested information may include your name, address, contact information, occupation, work and education experience.
• Letter of Interest (attached with above digital application)

For more information about the Committee, contact Mason Wells at mwells@cambridgema.gov or visit the Central Square Advisory Committee webpage.

Resources:

Map of the Central Square Overlay District

Central Square Overlay District Zoning

Instructions for how to apply for the Central Square Advisory Committee

City of Cambridge Seeking Volunteers to Serve on Foundry Advisory Committee

July 9, 2024 – Help the City of Cambridge guide the Foundry Building in meeting its mission to provide community space for arts, technology, and workforce development.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking two volunteers to serve on the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC). The Committee is made up of seven community members who serve three-year terms. Meetings are typically held quarterly and are open to the public. Meetings are currently held in person at the Foundry, 101 Rogers Street, Cambridge. Special accommodations can be made for online participation.

The FAC serves in an advisory capacity to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), to help ensure that the Foundry building’s redevelopment and ongoing operation remains consistent with the Vision and Objectives established in the Demonstration Plan that grew out of an extensive community planning process. The Foundry’s nonprofit operator, the Foundry Consortium, manages the building and stewards community activities in the various community spaces including the performance space, maker workshops, dance studio, art classrooms, and multi-purpose rooms. Learn more about upcoming events and available spaces at www.cambridgefoundry.org.

As a member of the FAC, duties may include:

• Providing regular updates to the City Manager and to the CRA Executive Director on anticipated building operations
• Utilizing performance metrics to measure how the building is meeting its mission
• Reviewing any proposals for significant capital changes, to assess how they affect the community objectives
• Providing annual updates to the CRA Board at regular Board meetings, which provides an additional forum for public input.

The City Manager seeks persons with demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with diverse perspectives to craft consensus recommendations. Ideal candidates will have experience and expertise in visual and performing arts, technology, maker-spaces, entrepreneurship, and workforce development as well as representation from various neighborhoods within the City of Cambridge, and local non-profit and community organizations.

The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge 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.

Information regarding the Foundry building is available on the project webpage: www.cambridgeredevelopment.org/foundry

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 9, 2024. Applications 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 an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

For more information about the FAC, contact Claudia Zarazua, City of Cambridge Director of Arts & Cultural Planning, at czarazua@cambridgema.gov.

Additional Candidates Sought for Anticipated Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Vacancies

July 9, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking additional candidates to fill anticipated vacancies for the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board (CRA). The CRA is an independent public body focused on publicly-beneficial real estate projects and infrastructure investment within the City of Cambridge.

The mission of the CRA states, “The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is committed to implementing creative development projects and initiatives that promote social equity and environmental sustainability. As a real estate entity that works in the public interest, we offer distinctive public investment tools and a human dimension to our projects and partnerships throughout the City of Cambridge.”

The CRA is managed by an Executive Director and has a current headcount of 11 employees across its Leadership, Finance, Operations, and Planning and Development teams. Over the past decade, the CRA has led the redevelopment of the Foundry building, facilitated a public-private partnership to construct an electrical power substation, launched the Forward Fund nonprofit grant program, initiated multiple park and streetscape improvement projects, and purchased and renovated the nonprofit office building at 99 Bishop Allen Drive.

The CRA’s 2023 Strategic Plan deepens the organization’s commitment to equity and sustainability through community infrastructure projects, affordable housing investments, and economic opportunity programs. New efforts underway include the development of affordable homeownership opportunities, the preservation and renovation of commercial and non-profit spaces that advance economic opportunity, and investments in vital community infrastructure including community facilities, open space, and transit.

Board members are responsible for setting the strategic direction and fiscal policies of the CRA. They oversee project selection, program goals, internal controls, contracting, and procurement decisions. The Board hires and supervises the Executive Director and sets annual budgets for the organization. It serves as a critical connection between community interests and program management.

The Board also guides existing redevelopment programs providing land use approvals and design review of buildings in the MXD area of Kendall Square. The Board monitors the delivery of ongoing community benefits stemming from development agreements with property owners. The CRA is hoping that the current vacancies could provide an opportunity to strengthen the CRA’s financial, real estate, and urban design skillsets on the Board. Additional information regarding the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority is available at www.cambridgeredevelopment.org.

Per the state regulations creating redevelopment authorities (M.G.L. 121B), the CRA Board is composed of five members, four of whom are appointed by the Cambridge City Manager and confirmed by the Cambridge City Council. The fifth member is appointed by the Governor’s office. The CRA Board is a public body that meets at least monthly under the guidance of the Open Meeting Law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Board also has a Design Review Committee and Finance Committee that meet as needed.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge 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.

CRA Board meetings are currently held on the second or third Wednesday of each month, from 5:30-8:30pm. While meetings are hybrid to enable the public to participate virtually, Board members are expected to attend the meetings in-person, and should also plan to spend a few hours each month outside of meetings reviewing documents, visiting potential sites, etc.

Applications 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 an overview of relevant experience, can also be submitted during the online application process. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 9, 2024. For more information, contact Tom Evans, Executive Director, at tevans@cambridgeredevelopment.org.

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

Central Square Advisory Committee - deadline is Monday, August 12, 2024

Harvard Square Advisory Committee - deadline is Monday, August 12, 2024

Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board - deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024

Foundry Advisory Committee - deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024

Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship - deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024

Cambridge Street Working Group - deadline is Monday, September 9, 2024

Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee - deadline is Monday, September 30, 2024

Dog Days of Summer – August 5, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting   (Zoom only - Why?)

It’s that special time for that Special Summer Meeting. It may also be time for a visit to the Babson Boulders in Dogtown. Here are the items that caught this dog’s attention:

Reconsideration #1. City Council support of the Massachusetts State Ballot Question to Decriminalize Natural Psychedelics For Therapeutic Use.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Cambridge Preschool Program. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; JSW asks about participating family childcare programs; responses by Ellen Semonoff (DHSP), David Murphy (Interim School Superintendent); Siddiqui, Wilson questions/remarks; Simmons suggests a September Roundtable; McGovern, Nolan questions/remarks; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #17. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 243,689.30, to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. This grant will support the purchase of some of the hardware necessary for the implementation of the Department’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program.
pulled by Toner; Toner asks about status of union negotiations; Christine Elow notes that these are progressing; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 24-33, 24-34 & 24-38, regarding Vision Zero responses. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments re: truck safety, university and large employees; remarks by Traffic Director Brooke McKenna; Nolan asks about automated traffic enforcement and legislative approval, status of automated parking enforcement, intersection improvements, education; Sobrinho-Wheeler comment on “turn hardening” and greater visibility, truck side guards, voluntary actions; McGovern asks about timeline for more “quick-builds”, data on most dangerous intersections, near misses, enforcement; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #20. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $175,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Traffic Extraordinary Expenditures account. These mitigation funds were received as part of the MIT PUD5 (south of Main Street / Kendall Square) Special Permit (PB #303) and will be used to partially fund the design of the Cambridge Street separated bike lanes and other associated street improvements.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report 24-19, regarding researching incentives and support for residents without cars. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the 2024 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; remarks by JSW, question about status of some projects where offers were rejected or not pursued, replies by Chris Cotter (Housing); McGovern comments, wants to see breakdown by neighborhood; comments by City Manager Huang, Councillor Nolan; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #27. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Request for Information (RFI) for 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui in response to public comments, desire for only an AHO project on these sites, wants explanation why it might need to be otherwise; City Manager Huang says its not impossible to do “100% affordable”, but this might result in fewer such housing units, limitations on City funding and fact that City-funded projects will go somewhere even if not at these sites, expenses associated with cultural space and limitations on bonding capacity in light of anticipated school building reconstructions and other priorities, similarities with situation with Alewife garage/station and MBTA; Iram Farooq (CDD) notes that Housing Division are contacting affordable housing developers regarding possibilities at these sites, importance of leveraging other capital; Siddiqui reiterates her desire that these sites be public housing w/cultural component; Sobrinho-Wheeler wants to see some scenarios; McGovern notes that this is just a Request for Information, wants most “affordable” housing even if this involves private developers; Azeem wants to know how many “100% affordable” housing units could be placed under current zoning, Cotter says such an estimate not yet available; Azeem wants to know if there has already been interest expressed, especially by abutting property owners, Farooq says they have hesitated in working with abutters in order to maintain an even playing field; Azeem says number of units and best use of available spaces, interested in long-term land leases; Toner agrees w/McGovern re: partnership w/private developers, supporting of mixed-income housing model; Nolan comments supportive of public/private partnerships; Wilson, Simmons comments; Siddiqui asks about timeline; Melissa Peters (CDD) responds; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to reach out to the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explore the feasibility of utilizing the large screen televisions in the community rooms of CHA buildings to enable seniors living in these buildings to participate in (via public comment) and view City Council meetings as they are held.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Simmons for comments; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #6. That the City Council will only consider Charter Review Committee recommendations which received a 2/3rds vote as stated in the Charter Review Ordinance.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett
pulled by Toner; Rules suspended to take up Orders 6, 7, and 8; Comm. & Reports #2, and Committee Report #5; Toner explains proposed orders and timeline for possible ballot question in Nov 2025; Azeem proposes amendment to allow other proposals after consideration of CRC proposals with 2/3 vote; Nolan wants to consider other charter amendments; Azeem amendment adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #7. Requiring a 2/3rds vote for approving changes to be forwarded to the legislature and the voters on a future ballot.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett
pulled by Toner; Sobrinho-Wheeler opposed to 2/3 vote requirement, wants only simple majority for proposed charter changes; Toner notes that some or all proposed changes may have to go to the State Legislature and that 2/3 vote appropriate - not just a simple policy order; Nolan says simple majority should rule, notes that it’s not Legislature’s role to object to anything unless it violates State Constitution, purpose of 2/3 is to endure likelihood of legislative approval; Order initially Adopted 5-2-1-1 (MM,PN,PT,AW,DS - Yes; SS,JSW - No; JP - Absent; BA - Present); At end of meeting, Councillor Wilson asked for unanimous consent to change her vote from Yes to No. This changed to vote to 4-3-1-1 (MM,PN,PT,DS - Yes; SS,JSW,AW - No; JP - Absent; BA - Present) and Order Failed of Adoption.
[Note: Councillor Pickett was Absent at this meeting and was expected to vote Yes which would have caused this Order to be adopted, so I would expect that at least one city councillor will file for Reconsideration so that this will be voted again in September.]

Order #8. That the Mayor is requested to form a Special Committee of the Whole or hold a special City Council meeting to discuss the Charter Review Committee recommendations and plan the process moving forward.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #5. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2024 to continue the June 5, 2024 discussion on Charter Review recommendations and develop draft recommendations to the full City Council for reviewing, deliberating, adopting, and processing possible changes to the Cambridge City Charter for future vote by Cambridge voters. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Toner, transmitting an update from the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee regarding Charter Review. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to urge the necessary departments to reconsider the initial plans for the Upstream Bridge/Draw One Bridge to include the construction of the pedestrian/bicycle pathway as has always been planned for the Draw One Bridge for train renovation and Upstream Bridge for pedestrian/bike crossing.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff and departments to conduct outreach to Cambridge colleges and universities about the pilot University Pass Program and coordinate with the MBTA and report back to the City Council on these outreach efforts.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff and departments to create a listserv for residents to sign up for that automatically emails an alert to subscribers when a board or commission vacancy occurs.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge can enact a local ordinance or regulation similar to H.3685, which would prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system, or whether the City should submit a Home Rule Petition to ensure access to solar energy for residents.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review climate leading heating and cooling regulations and direct the appropriate departments to develop and implement a policy that aligns with Cambridge’s climate leadership to ensure that City operated buildings have default temperatures that align with health and sustainability best practices, including differing guidelines for workplace occupancy hours and outside of business hours.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to work directly with the MBTA regarding the redevelopment of the Alewife garage and advocate for City priorities.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Siddiqui; Yi-An Huang notes that City will be very involved in community engagement process, adding community benefits, leveraging private capital (MBTA does not have sufficient capital otherwise); Nolan comments/questions re: commuter rail stop, bridge, whether City zoning would apply to this redevelopment; City Solicitor Megan Bayer notes that there are some immunities for government and essential uses; Nolan suggests that MBTA is anticipating a possible commuter real stop, maybe light rail and electrified trains; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to support local news production as a public good by conducting a $100,000 per year City-backed news fund pilot for up to three years to be administered through an independent intermediary that will decide on funding criteria and selection of local newspapers that provide material coverage of Cambridge news. [Charter Right – Azeem, June 10, 2024; Tabled June 17, 2024]
No Vote was taken to Remove from Table, yet Azeem, Nolan both spoke to this Order; Nolan speaks to need for public information and nonsustainability of existing local news outlets, surprised that there was no support for this Order, wants idea revisited in the future; Azeem motion to Withdraw accepted without objection.

Resolution #1. Congratulations to George Hinds on 25 Years of dedication to the youth of the Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; Simmon, Wilson added sponsors; Adopted as Amended

Resolution #12. Thanks to Flagg Street Studio and the Central Square BID for their commitment to the cultural and public life of the City.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui

Resolution #15. Congratulations to Cara Seiderman on her retirement from the Community Development Department.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 23, 2024 to discuss the ongoing partnership with Neville Manor. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on June 12, 2024 to discuss municipal broadband. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on June 18, 2024 to review and discuss the first annual Green Jobs report, as required by the Green Jobs Ordinance, Article III Ch. 2.66.100. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 20, 2024 to discuss amendments to the Tenant’s Rights Ordinance recommended by the Law Department. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Rules Suspended to take up Comm. & Reports #3; Motion to Amend using language from City Solicitor Bayer Adopted 7-0-2 (Pickett, Siddiqui ABSENT); Ordinance Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT); Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Acting City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting Tenant’s Rights and Resources Notification Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #6. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing with Harvard, MIT, and Lesley Universities on June 26, 2024 to receive their “Town Gown” reports and to discuss current and potential programs and partnerships with the City. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #7. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on June 27, 2024 to further discuss multi-family housing and hear updates from the Community Development Department. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #8. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on July 16, 2024 to receive an update from the City’s Opioid Task Force and local providers regarding the opioid crisis in Cambridge and current and future interventions. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #9. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on July 17, 2024 to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Comments?

Fatal Bike Crash Under Investigation in Cambridge

June 21, 2024 – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow have confirmed an ongoing investigation into a fatal crash involving a box truck and cyclist that occurred at about 8:20am at the intersection of Hampshire Street and Portland Street.

The preliminary investigation suggests that both the truck and the bicycle were traveling in the same direction on Hampshire Street and the truck was turning right onto Portland Street at the time of the crash. The bicyclist, a 24-year-old Cambridge woman, was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she later died. The truck operator remained on scene.

This is an open and active investigation being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, the Cambridge Police Department and Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.

Cambridge woman killed in bike crash remembered by family for ‘unbreakable spirit’ (Boston Globe, June 23, 2024)
“The woman killed in a bicycle crash in Cambridge last week was identified by her family on Sunday as Minh-Thi Nguyen, a graduate student at MIT.”

“Nguyen’s death came just two weeks after a Florida woman was killed while bicycling in Cambridge. Kim Staley, 55, of Naples, was riding a Bluebike on June 7 when a box truck turned right onto DeWolfe Street from Mt. Auburn Street at about 4:30pm.”

Hampshire Street eastbound at Portland Street

Note: Shortly after taking these photos, I got in my car and took the right turn at Portland. As I was waiting at the traffic light, I looked in my right sideview mirror and all I saw was the parked white vehicle. I had no visibility of the bike lane at all. The lesson here is that you cannot rely solely on a sideview mirror prior to making a turn across a lane of parked cars plus a bicycle lane to the right of those parked cars. - RW

The Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E premiered on Monday, May 15, 2023 at 5:30pm on CCTV Channel 9 and is viewable on YouTube.

Created by writer-narrators John Pitkin and Robert Winters, both long-time Cambridge residents, and director Gregorio Leon, a 2016 graduate of CRLS and Emerson College, the video is introduced by WGBH’s Jim Braude. The Cambridge’s City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E combines historical documents, images, maps, and statistics to present a provocative half-hour overview of Cambridge’s first 94 years as a city and the origins of the current Plan E charter.

The episode examines our shared history through the lens of the City Charter and local elections. It shows how the Town Meeting style of government became impracticable and led to the consolidation of Old Cambridge, the neighborhood around Harvard College, with the villages of Cambridgeport and East Cambridge to create the city of Cambridge, chartered by the Commonwealth in 1846. The half-hour video presents a visually engaging review of the expansion of Cambridge as bridges linked Old Cambridge to Boston in the 18th and early 19th century, as migration drove population growth, suffrage expanded, and participation in local elections increased.

A second episode of Cambridge Civic View is planned that will look at the history of the current Plan E charter. Since 1940, Plan E has defined our local government, given us the existing system of nine City Councillors with a City Manager as our chief executive, and established the ranked-choice proportional representation voting system used to elect our Councillors and School Committee. It is hoped that these videos will provide necessary perspective on how the current City Charter came to be and how it might be modified.

Comments?