Cambridge InsideOut - September 17, 2024

2) Open Archives Roadtrip at Joan Lorentz Park
City Clerk, Cambridge Historical Society, Cambridge Historical Commission, DPW, and more
Women in Trades

3) Cambridge Mosaic - Friday, Sept 20 at the Brattle Theatre
Marvin Gilmore, Artis Spears, Glenn Koocher, Tim Toomey, Michael Sullivan

8) Sept 16 City Council meeting
Cannabis “emergency”; different housing “visions”; farming out the curb cuts; Vail Court (and missed opportunities)

9) Sept 9 City Council meeting
Remembering Joan Pickett; quantifying short-term rentals; Central Square security cameras; two-thirds or not two-thirds?

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

Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Family Policy Council (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Human Rights Commission (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Transit Advisory Committee (deadline Tues, Oct 15, 2024)

Acapulco Gold Rush - September 16, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Perhaps the biggest action item on this week’s agenda is the “emergency” amendment to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance to extend the permitting preference period during which the politically connected “social equity” and “economic empowerment” applicants can have an advantage in selling recreational marijuana without any competition from their medicinal marijuana counterparts. This isn’t the first time this ordinance was extended as an “emergency” since its original adoption over 5 years ago.

There are also the two housing-related shots across the bow that were delayed from last week via the Charter Right. Those are accompanied by a flood of communications - mostly in vehement opposition.

Otherwise, the agenda this week is relatively brief. Here are the items I found most interesting:

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-48, regarding a request which directed City staff to enact policy that will extend the priority period for Social Equity and Equity Empowerment cannabis business applicants. (CM24#201) [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer on 6-month extension, emergency ordination; Simmons motion to pass through all stages of ordination as an “emergency involving the health and safety of the people of Cambridge or their property” passes 6-2 (BA,PN-No); Nolan expresses concerns about this being the 2nd instance of passing this as an “emergency”; Ordained 6-2 (BA,PN-No); Communication Placed on File 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Council Order PO24#121, which requested that the City Manager work with relevant staff to provide an update on the status of the Vail Court property and associate litigation in Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge, in Executive Session if necessary, at a future meeting.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; McGovern motion (at 6:59pm) to Table (until 8:00pm when legal counsel will be available) passes 8-0 at which time the City Council will meet in Executive Session; McGovern motion (7:44pm) to remove from Table 7-0-1 (BA-Absent); Move to Executive Session 7-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Order #1. That the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 8-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with relevant departments to review Cambridge’s curb cut policies and report back on if they can be improved to help meet the City’s transportation and sustainability goals with some proposed updates and draft ordinance language designating City staff as the final approval authority for curb cuts. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Toner (notes need for a more accurate list of neighborhood associations); Order Adopted 8-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 9, 2024] (PO24#117)
Toner proposes amendment by substitution calling for up to 15 to 25 stories in the Squares, 9-10 stories on major transportation corridors, and changes to Inclusionary Zoning; Wilson proposes amendment; Clerk process question re: Wilson motion to Toner’s amendment by substitution; McGovern notes that Toner amendment is actually not an amendment by substitution, Toner disagrees; minor Toner amendment; JSW opposes Toner substitution; McGovern wants to jack up AHO even more, agrees with going taller in the Squares, opposes having only 4-story heights in Res A and Res B zones - want those zones to also have much greater heights and densities; Nolan calls this a fraught conversation, notes that almost everyone OK with multi-family citywide, suggests that there are other ways to reach goals with fewer unintended consequences, concerns about possible loss of “naturally occurring affordable housing”, maintaining transportation and climate goals, possibility that this could increase housing costs, questions about actual number of inclusionary units that might be produced; Siddiqui acknowledges need to revisit inclusionary zoning requirements, but does not want to do that now; Azeem questions Iram Farouq about timeline for getting zoning language; Farouq says language likely available as soon as next week; Azeem asks about status of squares and corridors; Farouq says heights of Toner amendment not currently consistent with what is being discussed for Central Square, suggests analysis re: Toner amendment might be available by time Ordinance Committee takes up proposed zoning; Azeem wants additional Housing Committee hearings in interim; Wilson OK with Toner substitution but will also have additional amendment; Toner substitute amendment approved 7-1 (JSW-No); Wilson amendment passes 8-0; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager directs CDD to hold public meetings to inform the Cambridge community about the proposed changes before any public hearings of the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board on this topic. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 9, 2024] (PO24#118)
Order Adopted 8-0

283 Communications - mostly in vehement opposition to the Azeem-Siddiqui-ABC proposals to transform Cambridge into Flushing.

Resolution #5. Resolution on the death of Rita Grassi. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner

Resolution #7. Condolences on the death of Francis P. “Red” McGrail. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

Communications and Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Simmons re: Joan Pickett Memorial Service.
Placed on File 7-0-1 (PN-Absent)

E. Denise Simmons, Mayor

September 16, 2024

City Clerk Diane LeBlanc
City of Cambridge
Cambridge City Hall

Re: Communication re: Joan Pickett Memorial Service

Dear Madam Clerk:
Please include this correspondence on the agenda as a late Communication and Report from Other City Officers for the City Council meeting scheduled for September 16, 2024. I am relaying information about the upcoming memorial for our friend and colleague, City Councillor Joan Pickett, who sadly passed away on August 30. The memorial service shall be held at Cambridge City Hall on Saturday, September 28, 2024 from 3pm-6pm. This memorial service shall be open to friends, family, and members of the public. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Simmons re: Filling City Council Vacancy.
Placed on File 7-0-1 (PN-Absent)

E. Denise Simmons, Mayor

September 16, 2024

City Clerk Diane LeBlanc
City of Cambridge
Cambridge City Hall

Re: Communication re: Filling City Council Vacancy

Dear Council Colleagues,
I want to update you on the process and timeline for seating the new City Councillor who will fill the vacancy left by the passing of our esteemed colleague, Joan Pickett.

The recount to determine the new City Councillor will take place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5pm. Following the recount, we will officially announce the elected candidate who will be filling the vacancy. Once the candidate is elected, they will coordinate with the City Clerk’s office to schedule their official swearing-in ceremony.

I will keep you informed of any further developments and the swearing-in schedule once it is confirmed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Comments?

Amid Sorrow & Loss, the City Council Reconvenes - Sept 9, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

I can barely find the words to express my sorrow at the loss of my friend, City Councillor Joan Pickett. Nonetheless, amidst sorrow and loss, the Cambridge City Council will reconvene this Monday after their Summer Recess. The Vacancy Recount will take place on Thursday, Sept 19 and Cathie Zusy is expected to join the City Council and be sworn in on Monday, Sept 23.

Resolution #6. Condolences to the family of City Councillor Joan Pickett. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
Adopted as Amended 8-0

I am grateful to Mayor Simmons for shedding a little light on what happened to my friend Joan Pickett - especially her note of appreciation to Naomie Stephen, Paula Crane, and Ayesha Wilson who were with Joan when she took ill last month. More details and memorial plans will follow later this month.

Mayor Simmons emphasized how Joan tried to build bridges between people of differing points of view. Councillors Siddiqui and Wilson were tearful in their remarks about Joan. Councillor Wilson noted the toll that mean-spirited email messages (and more) can have on elected officials, including Joan, and of how she will miss Joan’s kindness, generosity, and grace. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler and Mayor Simmons also noted Joan’s warmth and sense of humor.

Two quotes, in particular, stood out in the discussion around Joan’s death. Naomie Stephen said, “Cambridge needs more Joans.” Mayor Simmons suggested she may in the future use the acronym WWJPD in future City Council deliberations: “What would Joan Pickett do?”

Mayor Simmons rounded out the discussion with a modified version of the short poem “Outwitted” by Edwin Markham (1852-1940):

“He drew a circle that shut me out
Heretic, a rebel, a thing to flout.
But Love and Joan had the wit to win:
We drew a circle that took him in!”

Here are the agenda items I found most interesting and/or important on this week’s agenda:

Reconsideration #1. Requiring a 2/3rds vote for approving changes to be forwarded to the legislature and the voters on a future ballot. (PO24#102) [Filed by Councillor Toner who was not on the prevailing side of that vote, and who intends to move suspension of the rules to allow this motion for Reconsideration]
Rules Suspended 8-0; Reconsideration Prevails 8-0; Tabled 8-0

I hope that the majority of city councillors will extend the same courtesy to allow reconsideration of this vote as they extended to Councillor Wilson on Aug 5 when they allowed her to change her vote at the end of that meeting. Since there will not be a full City Council until Sept 23, the best course of action would be to suspend the rules to allow Reconsideration and to then lay this matter On the Table until at least Sept 23.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Irene Monroe to the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees.
Appointments Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Avanti Tilak to the Open Data Review Board for a term of two-years.
Appointment Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons to the Family Policy Council; Appointments: Interim Superintendent David Murphy. Reappointments: Tina Alu, Michael Johnston, Michelle Lower, Geeta Pradhan, Bridget Rodriguez, Elizabeth Stapleton (formerly Elizabeth Hill), Tagesech Wabeto.
Appointments Approved 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of David Lyons and Elysse Magnotto-Cleary and the appointments of Khyati Saraf and Lorie Graham as Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of three-years. As well as the appointment of Jim Gerstle and Sean Bedingfield as Associate Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of one year.
Appointments Approved 8-0

There have been MANY appointments and invitations to Boards & Commissions lately. In addition to these four appointments, there are several more pending and another eight invitations with September deadlines.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report detailing the Board of Zoning Appeal’s proposed modifications to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically concerning the implementation of dormer guidelines. [text of report]
Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $416,991, received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the purchase of an all-electric rubbish packer.
Order Adopted 8-0

This should warm the heart of Councillor Nolan who is almost guaranteed to speak to this matter (she didn’t).

Manager’s Agenda #18. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $276,800, received from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This grant will focus on increasing urban trees, create a map of high and low tree mortality areas across the Mystic River Watershed, and establish a regional urban forests working group of municipal tree wardens to develop strategies to maximize the likelihood of urban trees growing to maturity and identify priority areas where environmental justice communities live, travel and go to cool off during hot summers.
Order Adopted 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-08, regarding recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Iram Farooq (CDD); Kathy Watkins (DPW); Jacob Lazzara (ISD); Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan; Vice-Mayor McGovern; Councillors Sobrinho-Wheeler, Azeem; Brooke McKenna (TPT); Councillors Wilson, Toner; Placed on File 8-0

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary obstructions until June 30, 2025. (CM24#197) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer (explains how authority of Council on street obstructions for outdoor patios delegated to City Manager, desire to make this permanent), Owen O’Riordan; Order Adopted 8-0

It has become routine since the onset of Covid to extend the authorization for outdoor patios for restaurants. Eventually, since these seem to be popular and have helped some restaurants to thrive, some reconfiguration of the streets and sidewalks may be in order so that these may be better configured permanently.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to enact policy that will extend the priority period for Social Equity and Equity Empowerment cannabis business applicants for a period of six months to one year, or until guidance has been received from the Cannabis Control Commission. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Simmons to add Councillor Wilson as sponsor; Councillor Azeem asks if there is any sense of expiration of this extension; Councillor Siddiqui adds that in addition to extension there are zoning issues to be considered, notes (legal) risks to extending this exemption; Councillor Wilson notes challenges to operators; Councillor Azeem asks for comments from City Solicitor; Megan Bayer notes that preference period in place now for going on 5 years, minor changes/delay in guidance from Cannabis Control Commission, need to balance against interests of medicinal cannabis retailers, exemption period expires Sept 23 (last enacted under “emergency” provisions); Azeem asks of non-equity applicants have gone through process, discomfort with open-ended nature of this process and how exceptional this is [kudos to Azeem for making total sense here]; Toner shares Azeem concerns, but in favor of an extension; Nolan concurs with desire for extension and legal concerns; Bayer notes that preference period is in ordinance and any extension would require an amendment to the ordinance; Simmons, Siddiqui comments; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-0-1 (Azeem Present)

There must come a point where the City Council’s efforts to override basic economics (and to cater to political friends) has to be called into question and perhaps be challenged in court. One prominent Central Square cannabis retailer that was not been permitted to sell recreational cannabis has already closed while the City continues to grant special status to “social equity” and “equity empowerment” businesses - some of which are funded from some very deep pockets here and elsewhere.

Order #6. That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; Azeem suspension of rules to also take up Committee Report #5, states that median 1BR rent now $3300, 3BR rent now ($5300) [this is very questionable and likely applicable only for new rentals in “luxury” apartments]; Azeem believes that houses destroyed by fire cannot be rebuilt [questionable], believes that this will yield 900 units of affordable housing and that his proposed changes will yield only what he sees as positive outcomes; Charter Right - Toner

Order #7. That the City Manager directs CDD to hold public meetings to inform the Cambridge community about the proposed changes before any public hearings of the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board on this topic. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; Charter Right - Azeem

Committee Report #5. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Aug 21, 2024 to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the City. [text of report]
Rules Suspended to consider with Orders #5,6; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

The synopsis here is that most individuals and interest groups are perfectly OK with allowing multifamily housing in all zones (though I wish we could put an end to the “exclusionary zoning” terminology and its associated mythology). The matter of allowing up to six stories (or more) everywhere is far more controversial and highly questionable. I don’t think there are many people who question the need for more housing in Cambridge and elsewhere, but there are better and worse places (economically, architecturally,aesthetically, etc.) for such structures to be allowed and encouraged. Failure to make such distinctions is basically equivalent to dismissing the better intentions of zoning to create a mosaic of neighborhoods with varying features appealing to varying needs and desires. Choice is not a bad thing. I really hope the current Housing Committee is not successful in ramming through such a partisan proposal. It would be far better if our elected officials and CDD staff could be more nuanced in their analysis and perspective.

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a status update on the implementation of the PACE program and provide resources and information for property owners; and provide any recommendations for expanding PACE adoption. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; Order presumably Adopted 8-0 (but sound went out during vote)

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update on progress towards providing a recommendation for changes to the existing ordinance and a report on the impact of the Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge, including how enforcement happens and how many units are registered and available. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; Nolan expresses concern about loss of apartment rentals due to conversion to Short-Term rentals; Order Adopted 8-0

I would love to hear about the current state of short-term rentals in Cambridge - if it is at all possible to get an accurate assessment.

Order #10. That the City Manager be hereby and is requested to work with relevant staff to provide an update on the status of the Vail Court property and associate litigation in Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge, in Executive Session if necessary, at a future meeting. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0

The saga of this eminent domain taking continues. It has been close to a decade since that property was taken by the City and the derelict buildings demolished. I would love to see this matter settled and, ideally, a partnership with the owners of the abutting parking lot at Bishop Allen and Prospect St. crafted that can create a great mixed use development on the combined lots.

Order #11. That this City Council go on record calling for MIT’s dissociation from the fossil fuel industry in the Climate Project. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler to add Siddiqui; Order Adopted 7-0-0-1 (Toner Present)

I’ll trust MIT’s judgment on this one.

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to provide a status Update on Automated Parking Enforcement. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: possible legal issues, potential for safety benefits; Order Adopted 8-0

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR). [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Aug 5, 2024]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler proposing to Table this; comments by Police Commissioner Christine Elow re: use of surveillance cameras in Central Square; McGovern notes surveillance concerns but that this is for a very specific Central Square purpose, worth a pilot program, not about “criminalizing homelessness”, people now taking advantaged of unhoused individuals and we often know who are committing crimes, but need for building a case; Megan Bayer notes that meeting held with ACLU, intent by CPD to put policies in place; Azeem notes that everyone now has a camera on them, irony that we can’t now have one when we actually need it, victims are often bystanders; Siddiqui wants a timeline for a policy to be established; Elow suggests policy to be developed before cameras activated; Nolan comments on need for policy and examples where cameras would have been helpful, many home cameras already in place and not subject to ordinance; Simmons comments in favor of these cameras; Sobrinho-Wheeler not in favor w/o policy in place; JSW Motion to Table Fails 3-5 (SS,JSW,AW-Yes; BA,MM,PN,PT,DS-No); Order Adopted 7-1 (JSW-No)

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Tenants Rights 8.71.040.2 Notice by the City, City may publicize and provide information at events/programs about the requirements of Chapter 8.71 more frequently. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Aug 5, 2024; Eligible To Be Ordained]
pulled by McGovern; comments by Nolan re: info to be mailed to tenants; Ordained 8-0

I expect this will be ordained at this meeting - for what it’s worth.

Resolution #5. Condolences to the family of Valerie Corr Hanserd. Mayor Simmons

Resolution #7. Congratulations to the Honorable Laurence Pierce on his retirement from the Court. Councillor Toner

Resolution #8. Condolences on the death of Frederick James “Freddie” Cabral. Councillor Toner

Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2024 to discuss the micromobility memo prepared by Acting City Solicitor Bayer, for updates from the Community Development Department and the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department on related topics and to discuss next steps. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Aug 5, 2024 with the City Manager to receive an update on and offer suggestions for consideration in the City’s negotiations with Harvard regarding future Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #3. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Aug 6, 2024 to receive and update from the City Manager on progress in meeting annual goals, as well as the timeline and process for completing this year’s evaluation. In addition, the Committee will begin discussions for creating a process of evaluation of the City Clerk and City Auditor. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Committee Report #4. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Aug 7, 2024 to discuss status updates on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0

Comments?

Joan Pickett (1955-2024)

Aug 31, 2024 – City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away last night. I will post information from her family as it becomes available. Joan was a good friend and neighbor and I will miss her greatly. - RW

Mayor Simmons’ Statement on Passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Aug 31, 2024
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away late last night following a brief illness. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and well-wishes at this difficult time, and news of a memorial service shall be made available to the public in the days to come.

I have alerted our City Manager, our Deputy City Manager, and the Chair of the Election Commission about Councillor Pickett’s passing. When there is news as to the mechanics of determining who shall fill this vacancy on the Council, and as to a timeline of that process, we shall work to get this information to the public as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible. We thank you for your patience and your grace as we process the loss of our friend and colleague, and as we work to continue onward with the business of governing.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons

R-6 Sept 9, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI

WHEREAS: It is with profound sorrow that the City Council learned of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, City Councillor Joan Pickett, on August 31, 2024 at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS: City Councillor Joan Pickett was a dedicated public servant and a resident of Mid-Cambridge for the past 26 years, bringing a strong background in planning, municipal finance, and community leadership to the City Council during her tenure; and

WHEREAS: Prior to joining the City Council, Joan Pickett’s distinguished career included significant contributions in commercial lending, municipal bond finance, and strategic planning at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she worked closely with both academic and community physicians and staff; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett’s commitment to community service was demonstrated through her leadership roles in organizations such as the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, Cambridge Streets for All, the Charles River Conservancy, and Caring Canines Pet Therapy, where she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Cambridge residents and beyond; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett’s dedication to ensuring that the City’s policies reflect the broad sentiment of the community, her desire to ensure that all community voices were given ample consideration in creating City policies, and her focus on maintaining the City’s strong financial position were hallmarks of her service on the City Council; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett earned the respect, admiration, and affection of her colleagues and people throughout the Cambridge community for her warmth, her thoughtfulness, her desire to serve, and her willingness to engage with every person she came across with a sense of true decency; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge community will greatly miss Joan Pickett’s thoughtful approach to governance, her commitment to transparency and accountability, and her unwavering dedication to making Cambridge a safe, vibrant, and inclusive city for all, and her Council colleagues shall surely miss her warmth, knowledge, and amiability; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of City Councillor Joan Pickett for their tremendous loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Adane Dessie, husband of City Councillor Joan Pickett, on behalf of the entire City Council.

Note: The Vacancy Recount is now scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at 5:00pm. Though the result is known – Cathie Zusy will be elected to replace Joan) – but the law requires that all eligible candidates must be notified prior to the Vacancy Recount.
[Preview of the Vacancy Recount]
Cathie Zusy will be sworn in at the start of the next regular meeting of the Cambridge City Council (Sept 23).

Boomer Kennedy (Dec 1, 1956 - June 10, 2024)

Robert James LaTrémouille, Esq. (Nov 16, 1942 - June 18, 2024, age 81)

Cambridge Open Archives in 2024: Archives Roadtrip! – Saturday, September 14

Cambridge Seeking Residents to Host Events for Meet Your Neighbor Day

Landslide Marj

History of City Council and School Committee Vacancies under Plan E Charter

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

Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Family Policy Council (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Human Rights Commission (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Transit Advisory Committee (deadline Tues, Oct 15, 2024)

Acapulco Gold Rush - September 16, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Amid Sorrow & Loss, the City Council Reconvenes - Sept 9, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Joan Pickett (1955-2024)

Mayor Simmons’ Statement on Passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Catching Up on the (Official) Cambridge News

Coming up soon (more details here):

Thurs, Sept 19

Fri, Sept 20

Mon, Sept 23

Mon, Sept 30

Mon, Oct 7

Tues, Oct 8

Mon, Oct 21

Tues, Oct 22

Mon, Oct 28