Joseph Sater, co-founder of the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, has died

Mar 3, 2026 - Boston Globe – Joseph Sater, co-founder and former manager of the Middle East Restaurant & Nightclub, died yesterday in his Hollywood, Fla., home. The Globe confirmed the news Tuesday with the Cambridge venue’s publicist and former general manager, Clay Fernald. The Sater family believes that Joseph died of a heart attack, but no cause of death has been confirmed. Sater was 73.

Coming Up at the March 16, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few items of interest (at least to me) on this week’s agenda:

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui; Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding the City’s FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding a response to Awaiting Report 26-05 relative to streamlining the residential permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Melissa Peters (CDD), Jen Caira (CDD), Simmons; Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding an update on micromobility regulation. [text of report]
Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

On The Table #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026] (PO26#32)
No Action Taken

Unfinished Business #2. Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 2, 2026; can be ordained on or after Mar 23, 2026] (ORD26#1) [Ordinance Committee report]
No Action Taken

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public meeting on Feb 3, 2026 to review and discuss the Operating Budget in advance of the FY27 budget season. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public meeting on Feb 11, 2026 to review and discuss the Capital Budget and Public Investment Planning in advance of the FY27 budget season. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (PN,CZ-Absent)

Note: The meeting adjourned at 6:11pm - one of the shortest meetings ever. - RW

Comments?

Springing Forward toward Somewhere – March 9, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are the notable items this week (or at least what I think is notable) on this relatively short agenda:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City departments’ use of surveillance technology or surveillance data. (CM26#44) [text of report]

I’m just glad we no longer have Councillor Zondervan around to raise the issue of surveillance via laryngoscopes. Then again, maybe the new kids will have some of their own entertainment to offer.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its Triple A (AAA) rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. (CM26#50) [text of report]

Though this is clearly a good thing, I always expect some kind of claptrap about how this somehow means that we’re not focusing enough on “the community”. I also wouldn’t be at all surprised if at least one councillor saw this as a signal that the City should borrow a huge sum to fund the latest fashionable priority such as “social housing”. Don’t forget about those rainy days, kids!

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 2026-2027 Housing and Zoning priorities. (CM26#49) [text of report]

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 to begin a discussion around social housing as referenced in PO25#131. [text of report]

Charter Right #1. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use.   [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Mar 2, 2026]

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026]

There seemed to be some movement last week toward not eliminating the senior exemption - before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view.

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [Tabled Feb 9, 2026] [text of report]

6:30pm Public Hearing   The City Council will hold a public hearing pursuant to Article 5, Section 5-1 of the Charter of the City of Cambridge, to consider the recommendation of the City Manager Yi-An Huang, on the reorganization of the Housing Department to consolidate City housing and homeless service programs currently provided across three City departments into one City department.

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Jan 29, 2026 to discuss City Council Rules for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Joseph Sater.   Councillor Simmons

Joseph and his entire family have been good friends to everyone associated with Central Square for many decades and I will miss him greatly. - RW

Comments?

Bluesky, Nothin’ but Bluesky from now on – March 2, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

With apologies to Irving Berlin and Al Jolson. This week has some choice agenda items, but I’m especially amused by the Order calling for the City of Cambridge to never again post anything on X, a.k.a. Twitter. News silos smiling at me, nothing but news silos do I see.

Anyway, here’s my first pass at the interesting stuff:

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem, Deputy City Solicitor Elliott Veloso; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, regarding appropriation of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) grant, in the amount of $84,500, to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

My interest in this item is primarily based on this: “Funds will help pay for supplies for the new location of the Recycle Center…” Do tell! This is the first I’m hearing about a possible relocation of the Recycle Center (now in the DPW Yard).

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting a communication from City Manager, Yi-An Huang, relative to AR26#13, regarding an update on the establishment of a municipal supportive housing voucher program. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Al-Zubi, Housing Liaison Maura Pensak (+1), Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting a communication from City Solicitor Megan Bayer regarding amendments to the transfer fee home rule petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; taken up with On The Table #3; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Elliot Veloso, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Al-Zubi, Nolan, Chris Cotter, Siddiqui; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25-69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [Charter Right – Nolan, Jan 26, 2026; Tabled as Amended Feb 9, 2026]
taken up with Mgr #9; Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi Present); Home Rule Petition Adopted as Amended 9-0

I’ll repeat my comments from January 26: It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million - due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.

This proposed additional transfer tax would be 2% of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000. This was before the City Council on Feb 26, 2024, and the Council at that time adopted the Order on a 6-2-1 vote with Joan Pickett and Paul Toner voting No, and Burhan Azeem Absent. The most recent call to re-file the home rule petition was on Dec 8, 2025, and it passed 8-1 with Paul Toner voting No. I would be inclined to vote against this – or at least demand a full accounting of the total fees and taxes associated with a real estate sale. There is also the larger question that should be asked about what fraction of a city’s housing stock should be taken out of private ownership and moved into government or government-related ownership. The socialists certainly have made their preferences clear.

Order #1. Order in support of transparency and consistent publication of meeting agendas and materials.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Simmons for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. Order re: capital budget lifecycle reconciliation prior to FY27 approval.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Nolan amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct all City departments, boards, commissions, and offices to discontinue all official posting and engagement on X within 60 days; and to include an explanation of why the City will no longer use X.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler (noting oligarchs, billionaires a la Sanders - also would prefer to discontinue use of Facebook in favor of Bluesky, Mastodon, Reddit), Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler amendments adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
[Note - The City of Cambridge currently has approximately 21,200 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. In comparison, they have only 985 on Bluesky. The Cambridge Police Department currently has approximately 35,900 followers on Twitter/X and 20,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Fire Department currently has approximately 17,600 followers on Twitter/X and 19,000 on Facebook. The Cambridge Office of Tourism currently has approximately 10,500 followers on Twitter/X and 16,000 on Facebook.]

The Cambridge City Council can be endlessly amusing when it’s not being aggravating. This Order is in the “amusement” category.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with relevant City staff and report back with information as the first step in the exploration of a potential Cambridge Snow Corps Program.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, McGovern, Azeem, Flaherty, Simmons, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the Cambridge City Council supports House Bill H.3754, and Senate Bill S.2344, “An Act Relative To Traffic Regulation Using Road Safety Cameras”; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed home rule petition and prepare a new home rule petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations as outlined in H.3754 and S.2344 and the prior home rule.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, (who objects to police making traffic stops), Al-Zubi (who wants the Transportation Department to be the enforcing agency rather than the Police Department), Zusy (concerns about surveillance); Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

Perhaps one day the Cambridge City Council will see fit to have a consistent viewpoint on cameras and surveillance.

Order #7. That the Regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Apr 6, 2026 be a roundtable/working meeting to discuss the best future uses of City-owned properties and associated redevelopment processes, as requested in PO26#5.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #10. City Council support of S.2726/H.3594: “An Act Regarding Free Expression”.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #12. City Council support of S.428/H.4207: “An Act Relative to School Libraries”.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Flaherty; comments by McGovern, Flaherty; add Flaherty as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Does this include a prohibition on banning any particular books by Dr. Seuss or Mark Twain?

Order #13. Include discussion of other changes to the Cambridge Street zoning at the upcoming Ordinance Committee meeting about active ground floor use.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Zusy, Nolan, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi; Charter Right - Al-Zubi

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026]
comments by Nolan (wants everyone to pay $75, no exceptions), Simmons (w/amendments to exempt seniors), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty (proposes that this be sent to Transportation Committee for further discussion), McGovern, Siddiqui (improperly and arrogantly overrides debate w/motion to Table so that she can personally broker any modifications to the Order rather than refer to committee - Simmons objects to the ruling of the Chair); Tabled 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present); A further proposed amendment by Al-Zubi was not introduced prior to tabling

I would love to see an honest audit of the actual costs of the Resident Permit Parking program - and not just a made-to-order job from the Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. It’s also worth noting that many of the public communications submitted this week came from known members of the anti-car, bike-only brigade. Is this really about revenue or is this more about politics? Methinks it’s the latter and not the former. A $75 junk fee won’t break me, but I wish they would restrict their changes to simply limiting the number of permits per household.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council and relevant City departments on the process by which Cambridge can expand free early child care offerings, including models for means-tested programming, and exploration of non-City funding sources, from the state or foundations. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026]
comments by Nolan, Simmons w/amendments), McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui, Azeem; Simmons amendments Adopted 8-1 (Zusy - No); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)

On The Table #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a plan to align all housing and homeless services and programs into a unified Housing Department. [Tabled – Feb 9, 2026]

A Public Hearing on this is now scheduled as part of the March 9 City Council meeting.

Committee Report #1-#4. Special Meetings of the Cambridge City Council’s City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee were held on Sept 9, Sept 19, Sept 24, and Oct 10, 2025. The committee moved to executive session to consider applicants for the position of City Clerk, because doing so in open session would have detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. [Sept 9 report][Sept 19 report][Sept 24 report][Oct 10 report]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

These reports are from last year’s process that did not yield a result. Announcement of the new committee appointments was on the Feb 9 meeting agenda.

Committee Report #5. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Dec 16, 2025 with the Office of Tourism to provide an update on the Tourism Office’s efforts as it relates to destination marketing, visitor services, as well as an update on the tourism destination marketing district program. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Feb 10, 2026 on a zoning petition by the Cambridge City Council. The petition proposes changes to section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to allow as of right in all zoning districts, religious and educational uses, and childcare uses (CM25#288). The committee voted favorably to forward the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a Second Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. Communicating information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Notable in this report is this: Educator & Stakeholder Engagement (Motion #26-017): This motion recognizes that educators and key stakeholders need more structured opportunities to engage beyond standard public comment. It directs the Governance Subcommittee to research options such as designated educator presentations, non-voting membership, or other mechanisms, and to consider structured parent and caregiver input.

Several new members of the School Committee flew into their seats on the wings of endorsements by the Cambridge Education Association (formerly the Cambridge Teachers Union) and a well-funded campaign by the Massachusetts Teachers Association with several conditions associated with the endorsement. Prominent among these was that, if elected, their endorsed candidates would move to give the Teachers Union a non-voting seat on the School Committee with the right to engage in all of their deliberations. Personally, I think this a dreadful idea. The School Committee represents the voters and the parents of children in the Cambridge Public Schools - and not the union leadership.

Comments?

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies: February-March 2026

Feb 24, 2026 – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the new Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee, Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board, and Peace Commission.

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can 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.

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (Application Deadline March 23)

This new advisory committee will help guide the City of Cambridge in its multifaceted work to mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of our nearby rivers and streams. This volunteer committee will advise on the planning and implementation of programs, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives related to stormwater quantity, stormwater quality, sewer separation, wastewater, and more.

The term length is five years. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at the Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge. Ideally, the Committee will be comprised of residents, technical experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Kristen Kelleher at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov.

Learn more at Members Sought for New CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee.

Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board (Application Deadline: March 23)

The Advisory Board is responsible for the implementation of the updated Fresh Reservation Pond Master Plan, a long-term plan for Fresh Pond Reservation lands, including resource management and usage policies for repair and protection of the Reservation's natural water and upland resources.

Completed in 2000 and adopted by the Cambridge City Council in 2001, the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan was the culmination of over two years of work by the original advisory committee made up of citizens of Cambridge and City officials.

The term length is three years. Meetings are quarterly and held in person at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility, which is located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway in Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact David Kaplan at dkaplan@cambridgema.gov.

Peace Commission (Application Deadline March 23)

The Peace Commission promotes peace and social justice within Cambridge and in the wider world. It links peace groups, social justice efforts, anti-violence coalitions and the municipal government. The Commission builds community by celebrating local people and efforts with programs and events, and by organizing community forums on issues affecting the community.

The term length is three years. Meetings may be held in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at 689 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact Saffana Anwar at sanwar@cambridgema.gov.

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

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (Application Deadline March 23)

Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board (Application Deadline: March 23)

Peace Commission (Application Deadline March 23)

Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women (apparently still open)

How a developer’s lawsuit against Cambridge aims to topple affordable housing rules across Massachusetts

The suit takes aim at inclusionary development requirements, which have created thousands of affordable apartments in recent decades
Boston Globe, by Andrew Brinker, Dec 29, 2025

New lawsuit challenges Cambridge inclusionary zoning ordinance

By Michael P. Norton, State House News Service, Dec 3, 2025

Related: Lessons in Inclusionary Zoning - by Patrick Barrett

Urgent Legal and Policy Concerns Regarding Cambridge’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (May 1, 2025)

Follow-Up Memo on Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Concerns Under MBTA Communities Act Compliance (June 11, 2025)