Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

April 14, 2025

The Proposed New Cambridge Charter – For Better or Worse – April 14, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:42 pm

The Proposed New Cambridge Charter – For Better or Worse – April 14, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

My taxes are almost done (yeah, I never get an early start), and the City Council meets on the eve of Tax Day. Here are the agenda items that distracted me this week:Peoples Republic of Cambridge

Money Talks

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang re: Harvard President Alan Garber’s announcement to not cooperate w/threats from Trump Administration, courage of students and others in standing up to administration; cancellation of federal grants, breach of order by federal government, positions terminated, programs cut or eliminated (such as LIHEAP), danger of the coming years, confronting the federal government; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui (asks about Volpe, no word yet); Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner (Finance), Joseph McCann (Auditor), Robert Mahoney (independent audit consultant), Zusy, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

Talking about Transportation

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-67 regarding Cambridge Bicycle Plan Update and Consideration of Network Connections. (CM25#82) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Stephanie Groll (Transportation Planning – now part of Transportation Department), Toner (on how CSO might be modified), Owen O’Riordan (looking at all modes of traffic, achieving a high degree of consensus), Zusy, Wilson (wants more details in spelling out the “network”, EW routes vs. NS routes; McKenna talks about the 2015 process and “vision”, calls NS routes “low speed, low volume” vs. EW routes “requiring” separation; Wilson asks how Broadway became included in current plan, McKenna says it was added in the 2020 plan; Nick Schmidt (new pedestrian and bicycle program manager) introduced; McKenna says development of the Network Vision independent of the Cycling Safety Ordinance, claims there was a public process [Is that really true? – I don’t recall there be any such process.]; Wilson addresses broader concerns re: CSO and needs of actual people; McGovern says Main Street was not part of the Ordinance, McKenna says the Ordinance calls for 25 miles, some streets (the “special four”) specified, says Brattle Street and Main Street “essential” to be added to network; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-23 regarding a Citywide Shuttle Bus Pilot program. (CM25#84) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Toner, Zusy, Siddiqui, Brooke McKenna; Referred to both Neighborhood & Long-Range Planning Committee and Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 17, 2025 with MIT transportation experts and City staff to brainstorm ways to better accommodate mobility for all users as we continue to promote the use of sustainable modes. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – Absent)

This and That

Order #1. City Council opposition to Federal efforts to defund or censor museums.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Nolan; comments by Simmons, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. That the City Council go on record declaring Earth Day, April 22 in the year 2025 “Sustainable Cambridge Day” and that the City Manager is requested to communicate to all City departments the City’s commitment to our climate goals and the need to support the efforts of the Sustainable Cambridge initiative.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 7, 2025]
McGovern proposed amendment Adopted 7-0-0-2 (Azeem, Zusy – Present); Toner notes Human Services Committee meeting on this topic, Manager was clear about lack of funding for continued operation; City Manager Huang comments on Cambridge many investments for unhoused communities, fact that this proposed expenditure would add considerable expense and City is already opening permanent supporting housing; Toner, Zusy to vote No while acknowledging good services provided by the TWC; McGovern challenges Zusy unnecessarily, gets agitated suggesting he’ll just bring this up again, suggests false choices between this and trees and other matters, calls his colleagues statements “shameful”; Sobrinho-Wheeler supports the Order and suggests lack of prioritization process, wants the City Council to take more control of the Budget process (bad idea); Nolan notes that there is a lot of desire to fund everything, but it’s unfair to shame each other on financial and other decisions, does not agree with referring this to Finance Committee; Simmons expresses concerns about promoting a program that is not well run; Wilson will vote Yes on the proposal; McGovern comments; Yi-An Huang notes that if we had no resources there would be no hard choices, and some (limited) funding creates environment where priorities must be set and choices must be made, and further notes that federal cuts can affect local choices, each year’s budget feeds into the next year’s budget; McGovern again suggests that this should be a priority in addition to other pet projects like municipal broadband; Siddiqui suggests rethinking the Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting agenda, continues to promote her own “Rise Up” local welfare program; Azeem notes simultaneous expiration of ARPA funding and losses in federal funding, asks when any decisions re: Spaulding program must be made; Ellen Semonoff says a date is difficult to determine – there are 22 people still at TWC, and the longer people stay based on possibility of extension the more likely they may find themselves with no next step, notes that if TWC does not close now it will be more difficult to do so in the future; City Manager notes that funding TWC will make it more difficult to fund a successor program to the “Rise Up” local welfare program; Nolan additional comments re: many proposed projects; McGovern objects to suggestion of vouchers vs. TWC; Order Adopted as Amended 5-4; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
[My own personal opinion is that this entire conversation is proof positive why it would be a terrible idea to have legislators wrest more control over city management with the goal of promoting specific (often politically motivated) projects – the essential definition of political patronage – which can sometimes produce good benefits, but often not. I will add that if some of the current councillors could have their way, property taxes would soar, especially in light of recent news regarding Kendall Square commercial property challenges and their tax levy implications.]

Only 279 Communications this week. One, in particular, stood out above all the others:

Communication #208. Patrick W Barrett III, re: PO25#49. [text of communication]

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Mar 5, 2025 to receive an update on the state of the arts in Cambridge and discuss how the City is currently supporting artists and art organizations through grant programs and funding, with a focus on the Central Square Cultural district. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – Absent)

The Cambridge Charter

Committee Report #3. The Cambridge City Council’s Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review was held on Fri, Mar 28, 2025 to review the communication from the City Solicitor with updates in the Charter review process that was referred from the Mar 17, 2025 City Council meeting. [text of report]
Rules Suspended to take up early along with Comm & Reports #2 and #3; Siddiqui thanks all involved; Toner comments; March 28, 2025 revisions voted Adopted 9-0; Committee Report Placed on File 9-0; Comm. & Reports #2 Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by ; City Solicitor Megan Bayer walks through changes in latest Draft; Siddiqui motion to accept latest changes Adopted 9-0; comments by Nolan re: Charter Review Committee; Sobrinho-Wheeler addresses removal procedures, McKenna notes state law regarding conviction of felony and removal upon sentencing (as was the case with former Councillor William Walsh in 1994); Zusy on review of ordinances every decade, Mayer responds [Note: They used to be not only reviewed but frequently published as a bound volume], McKenna notes that existing ordinances would be a 6 inch wide bound volume; Simmons speaks on half of School Committee member Caroline Hunter re: role of the Mayor on the School Committee; McGovern remarks on review of ordinances suggesting that the period of review be baked into the ordinance language itself; Wilson expresses gratitude to Law Department and Charter Review Committee, how to put into practice the review of ordinances, Bayer notes this would be a significant undertaking; Megan Bayer notes that many City departments are affected by ordinances and that they should be involved in their review; Siddiqui acknowledges Clerk’s Office, notes many CRC recommendation that have been referred to Government Operations for future consideration; McGovern says Gov’t Operations meetings will be scheduled; Toner asks if charter review must be done every 10 years or does clock start w/adoption of any revision, Bayer notes that it would be every 10 years (in a year ending in a ”2”); Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting an update regarding Revised Charter Draft including Home Rule Draft.
Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by late communication below)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting – Updated City Charter Revised Charter Draft.
Placed on File 9-0; Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0

Late Order #3. That the City Council approve the motions that passed favorably in the Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review on March 28, 2025.   Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#55)
Order Adopted 9-0

Late Order #4. That the Council accept the new additional changes as detailed that the Law Department has made that the Special Committee did not vote on.   Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#56)
Order Adopted 9-0

Late Order #5. That the City Council petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to enact the attached home rule petition entitled, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE; provided, that the Legislature may make such incidental changes necessary to effectuate passage of this petition.   Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#57)
Order Adopted 9-0

Late Order #6. That the City Council request that State Rep. Marjorie Decker sponsor the home rule petition entitled AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE.   Councillor Siddiqui
Nolan amends to have rest of delegation invited, Siddiqui very truculent in response; Amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern – Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (McGovern – Absent)

This has been a long haul, and not such a pleasant one. On the bright side, there won’t be any major changes to the general framework of Cambridge municipal government. We’ll still have a city manager form of government with all at-large elections conducted via proportional representation with some added flexibility for the Election Commission to slightly modify the tabulation methods (the one thing I wanted to see for many years). The City Council will continue to choose their own Chair (the Mayor), but the Mayor will serve as an ordinary member of the School Committee with its Chair being elected by the School Committee (something I suggested over 20 years ago). Also, I was finally heard regarding the matter of keeping intact the current mechanisms for Resident Initiative Petitions and Referenda (which the City Council had originally eliminated). The updating of the language and overall structure of the proposed Charter is also a worthwhile change.

On the negative side (for starters): (a) the selection of the original Charter Review Committee was tainted and driven by the whims of the Mayor at that time; (b) the current penalties under the Plan E Charter for City Council interference (not acting through the City Manager) were eliminated (a very bad thing); and (c) at every step the City Council insisted on greater control of budgetary matters, board appointments, and more. I can only speculate how the whole procedure may have been different (and probably better) had there been an actual Charter Commission – as opposed to having only incumbent city councillors having any say regarding any changes in the structure our municipal government.

Assuming the posted draft of the new Charter is approved by the City Council, it will then have to be reviewed by the Attorney General and the Home Rule Petition will have to be approved by the State Legislature. If all that takes place, it will then come back to the voters of Cambridge – optimistically in time for the November 2025 election, but it could potentially be further delayed. – Robert Winters

April 4, 2025

Tending the Garden (Street) – April 7, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,City Council,cycling,Fresh Pond,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:51 pm

Tending the Garden (Street) – April 7, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Yellow

Light Blue

Not that you could ever tell from the scandalous focus of the local tabloids, but the Big Issue residents are hotly debating now is whether the Garden Street road configuration should stay or go. Beyond the sideshows and the political posturing and opportunism, here are a few things of interest on this week’s agenda:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Cambridge Public Schools’ long-term facilities condition assessment. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Interim School Superintendent David Murphy, Councillors Wilson, Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed amendment to the Drought Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Unfinished Business #4 brought forward; Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Cambridge Municipal Code 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 24, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained Apr 7, 2025] [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Ordained as Amended 9-0

Order #1. That the City Council send a formal invitation to Mr. Gerald Chan to come before the Economic Development and University Relations Committee to answer questions and present his plans for the Harvard Square Movie Theater, as well as his other vacant properties in the City.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern (paradoxically endorsing nostalgia and preservation while simultaneously endorsing wholesale changes in built environment); comments by Siddiqui re: legal imitations in what Council can do; comments by Wilson, Simmons; Toner proposes amendment to bring in 23 other vacant storefront owners; Zusy supports amendment, wants to extend to other property owners but without shaming; McGovern OK with amendment but expects this will take several meetings, dismisses suggestion that this is “shaming”; Zusy suggests that singling out one property owner not ideal, there are broader considerations; Amendment Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 11, 2025 with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity Division, to discuss concerns with vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge, and prior efforts and possible options such as new policies, taxes, and/or fines to reduce the number of vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern with some history of funding for this facility; Sobrinho-Wheeler advocates for keeping it open beyond ARPA funding; Wilson comments; Yi-An Huang notes current funding is ~$3 million/year which would likely rise, contracts would need to be extended, more information for these and similar services will be forthcoming; Charter Right – Toner

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 re: Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025] [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW) along with Charter Right #3; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager and appropriate staff move forward with Option 4 to reopen Garden Street to two-way traffic while maintaining separated bike lanes. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025]
pulled by Toner along with Charter Right #1; JSW proposed amendment by substitution calling for more analysis and not moving forward with Option #4; Toner expresses appreciation for JSW amendment but wants to move forward with 2-way preference; Nolan notes that there have already been many changes to other road redesigns, supports bi-directional bike lanes as safest alternative; Siddiqui aligns w/JSW; Azeem agrees w/JSW amendment and focuses on cost of different options; TPT Director Brooke McKenna suggests estimated cost of Option #4 to be $137,000 with timeline of Summer 2026, additional costs associated w/utilities; Azeem uses cost to rationalize making no changes; Zusy suggests that JSW amendment would just be “kicking the can down the road”, need to take a vote on this now and resolve outstanding issues re: loading zones, etc.; Wilson appreciates spirit of JSW amendment, notes that these issues are city-wide pinning neighbors against each other, making movement across the city difficult, insufficient outreach to those affected; McGovern notes dissatisfaction of some neighbors but wants to keep current configuration; JSW Amendment Fails 4-5 (BA,MM,SS,JSW-Yes; PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-No); Toner notes that some will be unhappy either way, resounding push-back after restricting to 1-way; Nolan notes that many came out in support for Option #1 (keep 1-way) due to organized effort, speaks in support of bi-directional bike lanes, notes $50 million on Mass. Ave. due to provision of bike lanes; Zusy notes that while TPT reports were rational there is also need for safety for drivers and not just cyclists, 42,000 registered vehicles and Garden Street a strongly preferred route for hundreds of years, rollover accidents caused by current configuration, school-related traffic increases anticipated; Siddiqui says safety data supports Option #1, but McKenna says crash analysis has not been done, acknowledges increase in rollover crashes but does not ascribe cause; McKenna notes potential congestion problems (which is interesting in that the TPT position has been in favor of congestion in that it leads to reduced speeds); Yi-An Huang notes that bike lane debates among most contentious in many communities, notes the many trade-offs; Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan notes thought given by TPT in regard to Garden Street and other streets where road configurations are planned, notes that all four options provide safe passage for all users; Wilson comments on difficult and divisive conversation, notes similar shifting points of view in Cambridge and other communities, fact that there have been fatalities last year – all on roads with separated bike lanes; JSW notes that if Option #4 is chosen there are limited means to provide replacement parking or loading zones (which didn’t seem to be a concern for the Mass. Ave. bike lanes); McGovern expresses concerns about the “pendulum” of changing back and forth, acknowledges complaints about Brattle Street bi-directional bike lanes; McKenna notes concerns about people not looking both ways when crossing bi-directional bike lanes; Simmons motion to end debate Prevails 8-1 (SS-No); Order (to move forward w/Option #4 – 2-way operation of Garden Street) Adopted 5-4 (PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW-No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Note: The notion that the City Council should not be making decisions on road configurations that would revert Garden Street to 2-way traffic is ironic to say the least. The entire (amended) Cycling Safety Ordinance that mandated specific treatments for specific roads was based on this same sort of “political traffic engineering”. It seems pretty clear to many of us that this level of micromanagement is fundamentally problematic, and it is, in fact, the rigidity of the timelines that were established in the Ordinance that have created all of this mess. I will add that this entire topic is mainly about “winning” for the Cambridge Bike Safety group.

656 Communications – almost all of which have to do with Garden Street bike lanes and parking, plus a lesser number having to do with (a) Half-Crown Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (and ABC’s never-ending quest to bulldoze Cambridge history), and (b) “Our squares and corridors”. There were relatively few about the Councillor Toner situation, and opinions varied widely. Clearly, bike lanes and the built environment (including glass houses) are higher on the list of resident priorities.

Late Order #4. That the City Council formally go on record to urge, in the strongest possible terms, the Harvard Corporation to stand up in defense of the values that are fundamental to both the University and our democracy; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to act with urgency and coordinate a response and consult with all relevant city, regional, and state entities to develop a united front and take all action possible to counter this assault on the foundational values of our city as a center of higher learning.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (PO25#52)
Comments by Nolan; Yi-An Huang remarks noting centuries-old relationship between Harvard and Cambridge, need to stand up to Trump Administration and their unlawful actions; Simmons and all councillors ask to be added as sponsors and that this be also directed to our legislative delegation; Siddiqui notes Globe opinion article by Niko Bowie and Benjamin Edelson entitled “Harvard’s Moment of Truth”; McGovern comments re: “vindictive bullies” (irony noted); Azeem asks about what actions City could take; Yi-An Huang notes that having City Council on record is important, ongoing meetings with the Harvard Corporation, action of taking a $750 million bond to ensure liquidity in the event of shut-off of federal funding, growing set of faculty and alumni speaking up, “there is a voice of truth and integrity that needs to come out”; Nolan amendment Adopted as Amended 9-0

April 2, 2025

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (Apr 2, 2025)

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government — Tags: , — Robert Winters @ 6:45 pm

Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions

Member Sought for Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee Vacancy

Apr 1, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking people interested in serving on the Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee.City Seal

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC) is a volunteer group of community members who work together to make recommendations to the City Manager for the approval and awarding of grant agreements with nonprofit organizations for the provision of Community Benefits. Community Benefits may be programs or services provided by nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Cambridge residents.

The Committee’s 13 members represent non-profit organizations, city staff, Cambridge residents, the Cambridge Community Foundation, the business/property development community, the city’s universities, and the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition. One seat is currently open for a Cambridge resident, who would serve a 3-year term.

The role of the Committee is to solicit and evaluate applications from local non-profit providers for the provision of services that are consistent with the Cambridge City Council’s Funding Priorities. The Committee is also responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines to provide for the proper administration and implementation of Community Benefit funding.

In 2020, the Committee recommended funding for four Partnerships to work with low-income families to address housing stability, financial stability, and behavioral health issues. Those Partnerships will be entering their 4th year of funding. The Committee will be focusing on the evaluation of the Community Benefits Projects, and the Committee’s work as well as supporting the Partnerships in planning for the future.

For this vacancy, applicants must live in Cambridge. There is no age or education requirement to serve on the Committee. Individuals with interest in human service programs, experience/expertise in relevant topics (examples include but not limited to nonprofit leadership, fiscal management, community development, program design/development, public health, housing, homelessness, food access/insecurity, mental health/substance abuse, grant writing, social justice, child development), and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints to craft consensus solutions are encouraged to apply.

Members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee should be able to:

  • Participate in a collaborative process with other Committee members;
  • Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
  • Show connections to the broader community;
  • Be interested in learning more about Community Benefits and how they are provided by the City;
  • Actively contribute to meetings in dialogue with City staff and other community members.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee currently meets virtually on the first Monday of the month, from 4-6pm, though the schedule may sometimes change to accommodate Committee needs. In the future, meetings may transition to hybrid format to include in-person.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Community Benefits Advisory Committee” from the list of Current Vacancies. A resume and cover letter describing why you want to join the committee, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, April 28, 2025.

For more information, email boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for the Cambridge American Freedmen Commission

Mar 17, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge American Freedmen Commission.

This new Commission will explore historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

Commissioners will also work together to design a strategy to:City Seal

  • Investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments and make recommendations to the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.
  • Increase public awareness and understanding of the Commission’s work and outcomes from investigations and research.
  • Develop a community engagement strategy to engage community members across the City of Cambridge
  • Collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to promote the advancement of the American Freedmen Commission.
  • Perform further work as agreed upon by the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) and the Commission.

Experience
While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to and an interest in principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Experience in community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving is preferred.

Membership
The Commission will consist of no less than nine and no more than fifteen members, of whom at least 85% self-identify as American Freedmen (persons freed from Chattel Slavery within the United States and their descendants).

The City Manager shall appoint the members of the Commission to serve for the following terms:

  1. One-third of members shall serve for a one-year term
  2. One-third of members shall serve for a two-year term
  3. One-third of members shall serve for a three-year term.
  4. After the initial terms, all members shall be appointed for a term of three years.

American Freedmen Commission members will receive $3,000 per year as a stipend. This stipend is meant to offset the annual out-of-pocket costs that members might pay to make it possible to serve on the Planning Board, such as childcare, transportation, and other expenses.

Chairperson
The members shall elect a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission. The Commission Chairperson shall be elected at the first meeting each year, and the members shall try to rotate the election of a Chairperson each year thereafter.

Executive Director
There shall be an Executive Director of the Commission whose selection and conditions of employment shall be determined by the City Manager with the advice of the Commission, subject to appropriation. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the administration of the Commission, shall attend Commission meetings, and shall not serve as a voting member of the Commission.

Meetings
Under the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person. However, under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings can be held remotely.

Regular meetings shall be held monthly. The meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate the Commission’s work and needs identified.

The Commission Executive Director, shall convene the meetings.

The Commission shall convene at the direction of the Chairperson. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Commonwealth’s open meeting laws. The Commission’s records shall be public except as provided by State law.

How to Apply
Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “American Freedmen Commission” from the list of Current Vacancies.

During the online application process, please submit a cover letter to explain why and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 7, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact William Belt in the Cambridge Office of Equity and Inclusion at 617-349-7279 or wbelt@cambridgema.gov.

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.

April 1, 2025

Switching from Cable TV

Filed under: Cambridge,Comcast — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:42 pm

Apr 1, 2025 Update – It took a while, but I finally turned in my Comcast Cable TV box in favor of a Roku streaming device, and I have a temporary new phone number through Ooma while I navigate the process of migrating my current phone number over to the new service. There are some good things about the big switch and some bad things. I like the fact that I no longer have to drag several feet of coaxial cable around when I move the TV cart. Roku is all wireless. The great thing is that I now get Turner Classic Movies (TCM) – and I LOVE watching old movies. Unfortunately, the way I get TCM is via YouTubeTV and that costs me something like $80-$90 per month, but that’s still a lot better than what Comcast was charging without TCM. There are other ways to get TCM and there are some downsides to YouTubeTV (mainly the pain-in-the-ass menus you have to navigate), so I may look into alternatives. Often the only way to find out what you really want is to try out the alternatives.Blow Up Your TV

The worst part of this switch is the rat’s nest of different apps and menus that you have to navigate. The Comcast channel lineup was much easier to master – so much so that I may one day give Comcast another chance to redeem themselves (but only if I can get one of those less expensive “introductory offers” again). I also had to pay to get NESN 360 in order to get the Red Sox games (not that that’s been so great watching Rafael Devers break records for most times striking out – and he’s still batting .000 after 5 games). I paid a lot up front for NESN 360, but that came with 4 tickets to Red Sox games at Fenway. Hopefully Devers will recover his ability to hit by the time I go to a game.

One of the more ridiculous things about the new setup is that if I feel like watching “Svengoolie” on MyTV on a Saturday night, the only way I can do this is by switching the source to a TV antenna to get it over-the-air. You can get it via other paid packages, but I really don’t want to do that for little scraps. Among the more delightful things about the new setup is that I can set it to automatically record all shows like “Real Time With Bill Maher” and “Saturday Night Live” – though it took me a while to figure out that you do this by adding them to your “Library”. I can also watch every episode of “How It’s Made” and every episode of “South Park” (the perfect antidote to the often poisonous wokeness of Cambridge). Other full runs of shows are available, but you often only find out after many steps that it will cost you extra. I wish they would just say that up front.

Another downside is that I can no longer watch CCTV because the local access channels don’t seem to be part of any package other than Comcast. Perhaps that can be remedied some day. Fortunately, I can still access City Council meetings via live stream or Zoom on the computer, and the recordings are available soon after the meetings. The recordings are usually preferable because you can fast forward past some of the stupidity. You can also get a transcript – often entertaining to see the errors in the voice recognition. Things like “Council Sabinia Bill yields the floor” or “Councilor Susie” or “Councilor Zuzzi, floor is yours”. I also think “Masson Main” sounds so much more exotic than “Mass and Main”. Perhaps “Market Central” could be re-branded accordingly. “We have been working with Michael Modesty.” In fact, the voice recognition software generally works quite well.

Perhaps the single worst thing about the new setup is that sometimes you have to log in to a computer to get enter a code before you can watch something or add a channel. This whole streaming thing is evolving, and it’s a bit like TV in the 1950s where you might get just a station ID image because the channel still hasn’t figured out all the technical details like how to feed commercials into the program gaps. The whole experience makes me feel like a beta tester or a lab rat, and I have become very angry and frustrated at times just trying to do things that ought to be simple. – RW

May 23, 2024 – I am finally getting around to changing from my current “Triple Play” plan with Comcast to something better, but I need advice.

I certainly need to maintain a fast Internet connection for many reasons – not the least of which is an online course I teach via Zoom in the fall (and office hours). I also do the Cambridge InsideOut show via Zoom. For telephone (not cell phone) I have a device from Ooma that I can use for VoIP phone service at low cost.

The difficult part to understand is how to navigate the various streaming options in such a way that I don’t end up paying even more than I am currently forking over to Comcast. My primary TV needs are old movies (like TCM), Red Sox games, Twilight Zone, real news stations like BBC, all the local channels (of course), some science stuff (we’re really into cosmology), South Park, and a few other things. My understanding is that streaming can be a real data hog, and though Comcast doesn’t currently charge extra for excess data, they will likely do so at some point.

Sooo…. I am looking for a plan here. Any sage advice?

March 31, 2025

Playing Politics – March 31, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:58 pm

Playing Politics – March 31, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

While there are some featured attractions at the circus, it’s the side shows that get the most attention. After the “vigils”, the selective outrage, and competing efforts to pack Public Comment have passed, here are some of the more significant things on the agenda this week:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang on staff reduction in federal agencies, concerns about long-term local impacts, loss of funding to local programs, changes in public housing eligibility and subsidies, actions by ICE w/o due process, hope for judicial intervention and correction, City signing on to legal challenges; comments by Siddiqui, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons – especially in regard to Cambridge Housing Authority; Placed on File 9-0

This will likely be a regular agenda item for the foreseeable future as the repercussions of current federal policies affect local programs – and sometimes wreak havoc. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in terms of the City’s FY2026 Budget, program cuts, subsidized housing eligibility, reallocation of resources, and the potential for local tax increases to offset discontinued federal funding. This is somewhat reminiscent of the weekly COVID updates of a few years ago.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-53, regarding assisting companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW); comments by JSW, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-66 regarding an automated parking enforcement draft home rule petition. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Zusy, Toner, Simmons, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 regarding Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Toner motion requesting staff to move forward with option #4 in report; Nolan comments on bike lanes staying under all options, likes bi-directional bike lanes, two-way traffic lowers traffic speed; McGovern comments – not a clear consensus; Brooke McKenna responds that current configuration is best; JSW inquires about original process, costs of changing configuration; Steven Meuse (TPT) responds re: process, McKenna responds re: costs; JSW wishes to exercise Charter Right on Toner motion (is that an option?); Megan Bayer states that as a new Order, a Charter Right is in order; Simmons explains that a Charter Right should cease discussion; Toner explains original order from last year and that delay will only lead to many communications and public comments at next meeting; Megan Bayer explains best practice re: use of Charter Right; Simmons provides wisdom on this; Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

I expect plenty of two-way competing testimony on this during Public Comment.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Floodplain Zoning Amendments. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted as City Council Petition 9-0; Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo regarding 84 and 96 Bishop Allen RFI submission responses and next steps. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner re: other lots and public-private partnerships; comments by Acting CDD Director Melissa Peters, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Zusy (RFPs vs. RFIs, parking), Megan Bayer, Siddiqui, Wilson, Azeem, Simmons (on long history of inaction on Central Square), Yi-An Huang, Nolan; Referred Back to City Manager 9-0

“All but one respondent envisioned a mixed-income housing approach to 84 Bishop Allen Drive. 84 Bishop Allen Drive was seen as large enough to create a meaningful number of affordable units within a mixed income, mixed-use residential building. In contrast, the smaller 96 Bishop Allen Drive site was seen as manageable as an affordable housing only project.” My take is that as more and more required criteria are added the less viable everything becomes. I also expect some Public Comment insisting that the least economically viable options should be the only ones considered.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-17 which requested that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Harvard PILOT negotiations. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings (Budget Director), Nolan, JSW, Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

Interim one-year agreement to increase their annual payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) from $4.7 million to $6 million per year – with the hope of a much longer term agreement after that. Those who actually think about the many important roles our local universities play will also understand how many Cambridge residents are employed by those universities and of the enormous value that provides to Cambridge residents. It is worth emphasizing that our local universities are facing many of the same threats to funding as the City is – likely moreso.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to work together with the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to make appropriate changes to the draft of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 and forward a final draft to the full City Council for approval as the City’s policy document on zero waste.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

As with the BEUDO Ordinance, I have some concerns about granting carte-Blanche to the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to forward a final draft to the City Council that they may not scrutinize prior to approving it. This has become a growing problem in how the City Council has conducted itself over that last several years – especially in our first COVID year when several consequential actions were waved through with minimal scrutiny of possible unintended (and sometimes intended) consequences.

I served on the Recycling Advisory Committee for 22 years and always tried my best to view all proposed changes through the eyes of the residents of the city. We had the enormous benefit of having some very knowledgeable members (I’m thinking of you Rob Gogan) who understood the practical aspects of recycling and not just the idealism and advocacy. The current ZWMP draft includes “Evaluate a hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program” among its strategies. Exactly how this might work in a city dominated by multi-family buildings is unclear, and I’m not really sure how people would feel about having to purchase stickers or follow some other protocol to pay for any excess trash above some permitted limit. What works in the suburbs doesn’t necessarily work in a more urban environment.

All that said, I was pleased to see that we appear to be reasonably on target with our previously established waste reduction goals. The last point I will make is one that my friend Sumner Martinson (DEP) emphasized many years ago: We are fundamentally just materials collectors when we put out our recyclable and compostable materials out at the curb for pickup. Recycling is what is done (or not done) at the next step down the road. Waste reduction is important, but recycling is actually carried out by industrial partners when they take the feedstock we produce and remanufacture new products from that feedstock. People love to pat themselves on the back for recycling when they fill their toters, but that’s actually not recycling at all – and the recycling industry continues to suffer out of public view. Glass may be in the worst place at all – it’s more likely to end up as gravel substitute for drainage applications at landfills than be remade into new containers. The economics of recycling is far more important than the idealism of recycling.

Order #2. Appointment of Paula M. Crane as Interim City Clerk effective June 1, 2025.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

I am grateful for Diane LeBlanc’s time with us as Cambridge City Clerk. Her background as an archivist in our very historic city has been a blessing. That said, Paula Crane is an unsung hero in the Office of the City Clerk and she’ll be great in the short- or long-term.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, McGovern, Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on Mar 4, 2025 to discuss zoning priorities focusing on major squares and corridors. The Committee voted favorably to recommend that the City Manager be requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable. See PO25#43. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Though there is obviously room for new development in these places, I get the strong feeling that the chief proponents of new development – either residential or commercial – pay very little attention to long-term goals or consequences.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department, and Human Rights Commission, and local immigrant rights and immigrant-serving organizations to develop and implement policies and protocols to prevent illegal detainment, hold Know Your Rights trainings, and ensure that the City of Cambridge is adequately prepared to respond to and mitigate violations of this nature.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Azeem; comments by Azeem (wants City’s Law Dept. to intervene), Siddiqui, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)

Water conservation is good, but we are in a far better position now than we were just a few months ago. In fact, our Stony Brook Reservoir is now overflowing, and the level of the Hobbs Basin (a.k.a. Cambridge Reservoir) is much higher now.

Stony Brook Reservoir - March 12, 2025
Stony Brook Reservoir overflowing into the Charles River – March 12, 2025

Order #6. That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting to discuss Sex Work and Sex Trafficking.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

Regardless of any positive aspects of such a discussion, this is quite clearly a move by some councillors – most notably Sobrinho-Wheeler and Siddiqui – to capitalize politically on the current misdemeanor charge involving Councillor Toner. Indeed, many of the people writing letters and jumping on this bandwagon have affiliations with the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and/or the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CResA) – though, quite frankly, it’s getting difficult to tell the difference between the two. The “outrage” is clearly well-coordinated.

For the handful of people who actually are interested in my opinion, I will simply say that I understand the difference between what city councillors do as part of their jobs and what they do outside of their jobs. I am primarily interested in the former, and I’ll leave the latter to the local tabloids and anonymous commenters. I count myself among the many people who feel that Councillor Toner has been one of our effective and collaborative city councillors. He’s also a human being.

By the way, whatever happened with this little kerfuffle of a couple of years ago? I don’t recall there being a subsequent policy order regarding the “toxic work environment” next door to the Sullivan Chamber at that time. Just imagine what that environment might have been in a “strong mayor” system. How do we feel about the fact that City-salaried City Council aides routinely work in the political campaigns of their bosses? I can recall a time when one incumbent councillor was granted nearly-free campaign headquarters space in a prominent location in obvious violation of campaign finance laws. No whistle, no foul.

It is indeed ironic that the most recent Best Motion Picture Academy Award went to the film “Anora” – while here in Cambridge some are reacting in a manner analogous to Claude Rains in “Casablanca”, “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.” We even have a local state legislator supporting the legalization of sex work while simultaneously calling for Councillor Toner’s resignation. Let’s not forget that not so long ago a person selling marijuana might have been written off as a dope dealer, and now we have a City Council resolution congratulating a sitting member of the Cambridge School Committee on his grand opening of a cannabis dealership. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Times change. You don’t have to love all the changes, but sometimes you just have to roll with them.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to renewal of the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District. [Charter Right – Azeem, Mar 24, 2025] (CM25#66) [text of report]
Comments by Azeem, Toner, Nolan, Charles Sullivan (Historical Commission), Zusy; Motion by Azeem as Amended by Toner Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

As I said last week, I fear that the ABC juggernaut to bulldoze the historic fabric of Cambridge may involve objecting to any and all efforts to preserve the many historic features of our city in favor of maximum development. Councillor Azeem’s exercise of his Charter Right last week seems to confirm this. There are several communications from ABC adherents indicating their preference to discard most or all of such preservation efforts. If all you really want is A Bigger Cambridge, why let a long and rich history get in your way?

On The Table #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all trained on the same firearm to ensure safety and interoperability. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025]
Removed from Table 9-0; Comments by Toner, Nolan, Azeem, CPD Commissioner Christine Elow, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui (beholden to DSA), McGovern (who notes that he is in discussion with DSA re: homeless shelter that was cited as a false choice of guns vs. shelters – why exactly does DSA have any standing in this discussion?), JSW, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted 6-3 (Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler – No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Nolan – Yes)

On The Table #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025]
Removed from Table 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Though these will likely be approved after the recent delay and corresponding Finance Committee hearing last week, I allow myself to be entertained by the many ways Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (DSA) tap-dances his way through the many ways to say “Defund The Police” without explicitly saying “defund the police”. He apparently also believes in disarming the police – as evidenced by his remarks at the recent hearing. The Ghost of Zondervan lives on.

162 Communications – mainly on (a) Garden Street, (b) “Our squares and corridors”, and (c) support for Councillor Toner.

March 24, 2025

Meanwhile, In Other News – March 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:13 pm

Meanwhile, In Other News – March 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

With a backdrop of personal indiscretion on the part of one councillor and political opportunism by others, here are the more interesting agenda items for this week’s City Council meeting:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2025 and ending March 31, 2026. (CM25#54) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Water & Sewer Block Rates: FY16 – FY26
Water and Sewer Rates - FY26

Water & Sewer Rate Increases: FY16-FY26
Water & Sewer increases: FY16-FY26

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. (CM25#55) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2024 Town Gown Reports and Presentations. (CM25#63) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

The only point I’ll make here is that even though many people argue that our local universities should provide housing for their undergraduate students, graduate students, and other affiliates, not everyone wants to live in university housing. Speaking personally, I never even considered it when I was a graduate student.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed Home Rule Petition prepared by the Law Department which would raise the sound business practices and written quote contract thresholds under M.G.L. c. 30B for City contracts with certified disadvantaged businesses. (CM25#64) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

I continue to wonder where the line is drawn between “affirmative action” and “political patronage” – especially in regard to employment and City contracts.

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to renewal of the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District. (CM25#66) [text of report]
Charter Right – Azeem

I always love these detail-rich reports from the Cambridge Historical Commission. That said, I fear that the ABC juggernaut to bulldoze the historic fabric of Cambridge may object to any and all efforts to preserve the many historic features of our city in favor of maximum development.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I will be interested to see what a current analysis shows regarding the effect of recent significant increases in Linkage Fees for new development as well as the effect of our current Inclusionary Housing requirements. Politically-motivated initiatives do not generally align with economic realities, and courage among elected officials to acknowledge this is often in short supply.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

I interpret this Order as yet another mop-up attempt to mitigate the negative effects of major road reconfigurations that dramatically reduce available parking – especially on and near commercial and residential “corridors”.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and institutional stakeholders currently operating some form of shuttle to explore options for a municipal transit pilot program.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted 9-0

73 Communications – mostly requesting that the City Council exercise restraint in any proposals to rezone “our squares and corridors”.

Resolution #5. Condolences on the death of Gladys “Pebble” Gifford.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Feb 24, 2025 to review and discuss the launch of the Cambridge Net Zero Transportation Plan (NZTP). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Feb 25, 2025 to discuss tenant-paid broker fees and other housing fees and the options that the city and state government have to regulate them. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Feb 26, 2025 to review and discuss the City Council priorities and goals and discuss how these will shape and be incorporated within the City budget. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on March 19, 2025 to receive an update on the amendments to the Floodplain regulations. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

March 16, 2025

Evacuation Day Special – March 17, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:23 pm

Evacuation Day Special – March 17, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Henry Knox - portrait by Gilbert Stuart (1806)March 17 marks the 249th anniversary of the end of the 11-month siege of Boston that ended when the Continental Army under the command of George Washington fortified Dorchester Heights in early March 1776 with cannons captured at Ticonderoga. British General William Howe’s garrison and navy were threatened by these positions, and they were forced to decide between attack and retreat. Howe chose to retreat in order to prevent what could have been a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill, withdrawing from Boston to Nova Scotia on March 17, 1776. The British evacuation was Washington’s first victory of the Revolutionary War. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this event was how Henry Knox – a 25-year-old Boston bookseller-turned-artillery colonel – had returned with his men from a six-week mission to Fort Ticonderoga in New York dragging more than 119,000 pounds of firearms and ammunition, including 59 cannons. He and his men transported the load over 300 miles, through the snowy Berkshires, on 42 sleds pulled by 160 oxen. [Ref: WBUR newsletter] In contrast, many of the people of Boston today use this day as an opportunity to drink and get wasted.

Meanwhile, across the River Charles, we have these agenda items on tap for this week’s City Council meeting:

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. (CM25#33) [text of report]
pulled by Toner (w/M7,M8); comments by Nolan, Christine Elow (CPD), Mike Madeiros (CPD), Zusy, Toner, City Solicitor Megan Bayer. Overt cameras in Central Square expected to be installed 2nd week of April; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all trained on the same firearm to ensure safety and interoperability. (CM25#40) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Christine Elow (CPD), Sobrinho-Wheeler (DSA), Zusy, Jim Mulcahy (CPD), Casey McGrath (CPD), Wilson, Manisha ?? (CPD), Simmons, City Manager Yi-An Huang, McGovern; Tabled and Referred to Finance Committee 7-2 (PT,DS-No)
Note: This agenda item was the focus during Public Comment by many of the characters from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) who used this as an opportunity to express their hatred for police and to suggest a false choice between this appropriation and funding for homeless shelters, etc. Nonetheless, some city councillors chose to validate this false choice during their comments – and pushback from the City Administration was, at best, weak.

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers. (CM25#41) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Wilson, Toner, Nolan; Tabled and Referred to Finance Committee 5-3-1 (BA,PT,DS-No; JSW-Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Mar 3, 2025 to review and discuss the City Manager’s Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) related to allowing Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA) technology in Cambridge. [text of report]

Late Order #4. That the City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt. (PO25#34)   Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding Federal funding.
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Placed on File 7-0-2 (voice vote)

Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000,000 from Free Cash to the Debt Stabilization Fund. This appropriation will be used to mitigate anticipated debt service costs in future years for the City’s major capital projects.
pulled by Nolan; comments by Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-62, regarding an update on recommendations and planned next steps from the City’s study of resident experiences of inclusion and bias in Inclusionary Housing in Cambridge. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO24#162, regarding proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Ordinance to add select HCA requirements so the city can waive the HCA requirement and zoning amendment to remove repackaging prohibition. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent); Adopt Amendment re: repackaging 8-0-1 (JSW Absent); refer Petition Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (JSW Absent); Placed Communication on File 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

A. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 5.50 CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING. (ORD25#5)
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)

B. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Zoning Petition to remove the repackaging prohibition as a City Council Zoning Petition. (ORD25#6)
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee.
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy on Out-Of-Town News; comments by Simmons re: hope that Somerville-based Culture House (who will curate Kiosk) will respect Cambridge history and context; additional comments by Melissa Peters (CDD); Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#16, regarding permissible height increases under the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) in the Zoning Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, McGovern, Nolan, Zusy; apparently AHO projects will be capped at “only” 9 stories on “neighborhood streets”, but greater AHO heights to remain on “AHO corridors”; McGovern doesn’t want to touch AHO believing “it’s working fine”; Language Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present); Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present); Placed on File 9-0

A. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. (ORD25#7)
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-58, regarding the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge. (CM25#53) [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; McGovern, Wilson to schedule a Human Services Committee hearing on this (Apr 15, 3-5pm); comments by Siddiqui, Azeem, Toner, Nolan, Zusy, Wilson; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Wilson, Simmons, Nolan; Order Adopted, Referred to Civic Unity Committee 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to ensure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Nolan, McGovern, Siddiqui; Add Siddiqui, Wilson as sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. Designating the Fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to present a zoning petition to the City Council for consideration on maximum unit size. [Charter Right – Toner, Mar 3, 2025]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Amendment Petition has been received from Mushla Marasao in regards to Article 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, Tbl 5.1. (AP25#11) [text of petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent)

Applications & Petitions #4. A Zoning Amendment Petition has been received from BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L. P., regarding a Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge, which, upon adoption would create a new East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District, or the “ECCE Overlay District”. (AP25#14) [text of petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review met on Mon, Dec 9, 2024; Mon, Jan 27, 2025; Thurs, Feb 13, 2025; and Mon, Feb 24, 2025, to discuss the recommendations made by the Charter Review Committee and other Charter related suggestions made by Councillors. The Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review voted on several recommendations made by the Charter Review Committee and by Councillors. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting City Charter – Update Regarding Alternative Mayoral Selection Proposals and Other Updates. [text of report]
Referred to Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review 9-0

Late Order #5. That the City Council approve the motions that passed favorably in the Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review. Committee Report is attached. (PO25#35)   Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

March 7, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 643-644: March 4, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:09 pm

Episode 643 – Cambridge InsideOut: March 4, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on March 4, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: Grace – Black Churches in Cambridge, Cambridge Museum of History and Culture; Multi-Family Upzoning, unintended consequences, housing for upwardly mobile young professionals, real estate vultures descending, AHO 3.0 anticipated; Rezoning for Squares and “Corridors”, the noblesse oblige of ABC; Bike Lanes and loss of access to homes; City Manager contract extension; public safety and CPD use of drones, ACLU elitism. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 644 – Cambridge InsideOut: March 4, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on March 4, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Politics of zoning petitions and ballot questions in municipal elections; Sanctuary Cities, virtue-signalling, choosing what is a “marginalized community”; potential loss of federal funding and ripple effects, tax implications; broker fees, junk fees, fueling hostility between landlords and tenants, illegality of limiting housing unit size; DSA nutcases and control freaks; City Hall and Frederick Hastings Rindge inscription; Cambridge Charter – process and particulars. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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