Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

April 22, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 665-666: April 21, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Cambridge Redevelopment Authority,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,Harvard Square,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:11 pm

Episode 665 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 21, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Apr 21, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: Middlesex Canal, Billerica and some history of local canals; Riverview down, Broadway sidewalks and street reconfiguration, Eversource failures; Central Square Rezoning and CRA Open House; Retirement of Police Commissioner Christine Elow and a story; Board and Commission Vacancies, Traffic Board history. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 666 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 21, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Apr 21, 2026 at 6:30pm. Updates – water & sewer rates, modernizing funding for community media, Harvard Square pedestrianization, dissatisfaction with Culture House and Harvard Square Kiosk, large data centers, resident parking permit fee tripled without review of actual costs, appointment of Sara Rivera as Election Commissioner, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee appointments, Harvard time caps for non-tenure track teaching faculty, Harvard graduate student strike, restoration of Garden St. to two-way motor-vehicle traffic; History and Revival of the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA). Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 13, 2026

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:25 pm

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few things of potential interest at this week’s meeting:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sara Rivera as an Election Commissioner for a term effective Apr 13, 2026 and expiring Mar 31, 2030. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

There has been chatter in some quarters regarding Tom Stohlman not being reappointed to the Election Commission. These are mostly conspiratorial suggestions that this was due to Tom’s asking important questions in the wake of last November’s kerfuffle in the Preliminary PR Count when test ballot data was inadvertently not cleared prior to the Election Night tabulation. I seriously doubt whether that was a major factor in the appointment process. Any of the three nominated candidates would have been a good choice. Let’s also not dismiss the idea that a majority female City Council might not be thrilled with continuing an all-male Election Commission. I have more issues with those who are questioning the appointment than I do with the appointment itself (and Tom is a long-time friend), and I certainly don’t wish to see Sara Rivera’s arrival on the Election Commission clouded by manufactured controversy.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Bicycle Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Pedestrian Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Speaking of appointments to City boards and commissions, there is a matter worthy of discussion that never gets any attention – namely the process where City staff have effectively become the appointing authority. City staff generally do the vetting of the board applicants and then forward the list of preferred appointees to the City Manager for the formal appointment. In an ideal system, City boards with actual authority should be representative of the residents of the city and not be primarily advocates for policies and preferences espoused by City staff. Issue-specific advisory committees are a somewhat different story, e.g. you wouldn’t expect a member of the Recycling Advisory Committee to be an opponent of recycling or a member of the Bicycle Committee to be hostile to the presence of bicycles on city streets. That said, advisory committees should be just that – advisory. It distresses me whenever I hear of significant actions (such as road configurations) being contingent on the blessing by one-sided boards of activists. Also, in a City with a proportional representation election system, one might think there should be some degree of proportionality and differing perspectives on most City boards and commissions.

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the period of Fall 2025 through the First Quarter of 2026. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi for comments; Nolan comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

The relatively small number of cases that have come before the PRAB certainly lends support to some of the reconfiguration of boards that was viewed by some as controversial late last year.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding an update on the City Manager Performance Review Process. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Order #1. That the City Council go on the record urging Harvard administration to end the practice of time caps for non-tenure track teaching faculty and urging Harvard administration to acknowledge the labor contribution and employee status of all its researchers, regardless of funding source, and contractually recognize these researchers’ protected right to union representation.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler for comments and minor amendment; Zusy comment; Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, as a former Mathematics Preceptor at Harvard it was the 7-year time cap that dictated my exit – though I have continued in the Harvard Extension School and the Harvard Summer School for 25 years after my exit from the teaching faculty in the Mathematics Department. I definitely would have preferred to stay, but I had other options. On the other hand, it has always been my understanding that the time cap was something favored by the faculty to prevent the Harvard administration from tamping down the number of tenured faculty in favor of non-tenured faculty willing to work for significantly less compensation and a greater teaching workload. Some other colleges have found better solutions to this dilemma. For what it’s worth, I was always happy to work for less compensation and a substantial teaching workload. It’s a job, not a country club.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Al-Zubi, Brooke McKenna (wants to keep current configuration), Flaherty (objecting to “repetitive litigation” – bad public policy); Charter Right – Flaherty

This provides yet another illustration of how things can go sideways when elected officials insert themselves into the business of road design and traffic management. The Cycling Safety Ordinance and its inflexible amendments are perhaps the greatest example of bad decisions being forced by incompetent politics. The Garden Street flip-flopping is a corollary to this, but it’s not the case that we should expect better outcomes from our dysfunctional Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. Pick your poison – politics or Kool-Aid. When City policies are dominated by the principle of “solution in search of a problem”, keep your expectations low.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf at Ahern Field was made, the rationale for artificial turf, and what process was taken to ensure community concerns and public health considerations were fully addressed, and to ensure that construction will not move forward until a report is delivered.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Zusy with proposed amendment [to be determined], Flaherty, Azeem, Al-Zubi, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui; Zusy amendment Adopted 9-0; add’l sponsors added 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t know what’s best in terms of natural grass vs. more durable artificial turf, and I’m not really sure how PFAS becomes a health concern when you’re not Grazin’ in the Grass. Then again, I once knew a person who wouldn’t allow smoke detectors in her building when she learned that there was a trace amount of radioactive material in the detectors used for ionization.

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 10, 2026 to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY27 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 11, 2026 to have a conversation regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up to the recently adopted zoning petitions following the Our Cambridge Street Planning Study and Mass Ave Planning Study. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 6, 2026 to continue the discussion that was held at the Mar 11, 2026 hearing regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up on the recently adopted zoning petitions. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; 3 Orders Adopted 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There are three proposed Orders in Report #3 meant to tweak the current zoning. Tweaking is good – especially as an alternative to some of more radical rezoning of recent years upon which political ambition has been built without regard for the potential consequences. – RW

January 6, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 657-658: January 6, 2026

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,campaign finance,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling,elections,School Committee,schools — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:38 pm

Episode 657 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 6, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Jan 6, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: 2026 City Council and School Committee Inaugurations; Election of Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem, School Committee Chair David Weinstein and Vice Chair Caitlin Dube; Intrigue with the School Committee votes, adoption of the Rules, and the role of the Cambridge Education Association (CEA); personal note on the passing of friends – Robert Devaney and Andy Engelward; a few words on the local press, Cambridge Day, and Marc Levy. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 658 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 6, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Jan 6, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: Inclusionary Zoning – 1998 vs. today, legal challenge, nexus study, the politics, ramifications of the multi-family zoning changes to the Zoning Ordinance; public – Inclusionary – subsidized -government – affordable housing and now “social housing” – it’s really all the same except for eligibility; what is the “sweet spot” for percentage of subsidized housing that is fiscally sustainable? (currently at 15.3%); changes in voter turnout by age from 2023 to 2025; campaign finance facts and figures for the 2025 municipal election; upzoning along N. Mass. Ave., Cambridge Street, and what may be coming next for Central Square and elsewhere. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

July 3, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 649-650: July 1, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:56 pm

Episode 649 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 1, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on July 1, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: Comings, Goings, and Recognition – Ducky Down, Joe Grassi, Charlie Sullivan, Owen O’Riordan; 2025 Municipal Election Updates, nomination papers; current political “parties” in our nonpartisan municipal election; focus on the candidates and not the organizations; tales from NYC and Ranked Choice Voting; Alewife – stormwater, sewers, bridges, tunnels; revisions to the Welcoming City Ordinance; federal cutbacks, purging DEI, capitulation; Electronic Records Archiving Policy; Board & Commission kerfuffle, City Council overreach; preservation vs. bulldozers. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 650 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 1, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on July 1, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Broadway, bikes, parking, ageism, gentrification, and betrayal; freedom of choice; misinterpretation of election results, lack of referenda, “Proportional to what?”, representativeness; contract zoning, community benefits, proximity vs. citywide – East End House, Cambridge Community Center, Community Arts Center, Dance Complex, nonprofits – some Foundry history, ARPA windfall; elected officials sometimes have to take hard votes; Inclusionary Zoning – history, concept, missteps, current status, 20% of nothing is still nothing, is 10% the “sweet spot”? Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 13, 2025

Will Reason Prevail? – June 16, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,2025 election,Cambridge,campaign finance,City Council,cycling,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:12 pm

Will Reason Prevail? – June 16, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Penny FarthingThis week’s agenda is dominated by several City Council Orders meant to address (or navigate around) the contentious issue of whether the proposed separated bicycle lanes, removal of most of the existing parking, and loss of curb access should proceed on Broadway as currently mandated by the Cycling Safety Ordinance. This is not really a matter of safety so much as political clout. Some straightforward analysis using the current registered voter list indicates that those who want the street reconfiguration to proceed as planned are approximately 25 years younger than those who have signed the petition opposing the reconfiguration. It is also anecdotally clear that there is also a large gap in socioeconomic status. Basically, young professionals are well-represented among those wanting to remove the parking, and those in opposition include far more seniors, people with mobility issues, and people who need their motor vehicles for work and chores.

Those objecting to the loss of parking and curb access tend to be less tech-savvy and more working-class than those who insist that there be no modifications to the current language of the Cycling Safety Ordinance. These are not just people who live on Broadway. Many people on the streets near Broadway also want a change to the current plan. Many people in The Port neighborhood have signed the petition opposing the current plan. Very few people were aware of the plans when the Cycling Safety Ordinance was amended in 2020.

The underlying question right now for city councillors is basically: “Who do you actually represent?”

According to the most recently available campaign finance reports, the Cambridge Bike Safety Independent Expenditure PAC had $15,426.53 (end of 2024), and they have been actively fundraising since then. They even advertised that donations would be matched by an unnamed source. During the 2023 Municipal Election cycle, they raised $36,501.13 and spent $29,519.41. I expect similar receipts and expenditures this year. In comparison, those opposing the current plans for Broadway have no formal organization and no bank account.

Here are the items I found interesting on this week’s agenda:

Federal Updates and Budget Impacts

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
Placed on File 9-0

Bicycles, Parking, Curb Access

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 5th Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Report and Awaiting Report Item Number 25-3, regarding update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the Parking Impact Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to require the Department of Transportation to study parking utilization of the broader neighborhood & provide parking alternatives before building Broadway bike lanes.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Toner
Amended Order Failed of Adoption 4-5 (Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons – Yes; Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler – No)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to suspend implementation of Broadway bike lanes.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons
Amended Order Failed of Adoption 3-6 (Toner, Wilson, Simmons – Yes; Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy – No)

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Transportation to evaluate adjustments to meter enforcement hours on Broadway Segment A, designating 25 spaces as residential permit parking overnight to increase overnight parking access for residents.   Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of modifying non-resident parking permit fees for households in within the Broadway Segment A project area, including offering a discounted rate structure for permits that are requested by residents with low- income residents.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

177 Communications – most in opposition to the plans to remove most of the parking and curb access along Broadway.

I will simply note that Orders #5 and #6 seem like pure evasion of the real issues raised by residents in The Port neighborhood.

Zoning, Housing

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#25 regarding a zoning petition on maximum unit size. [text of report]
Referred to NLTP Committee, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000, from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Housing Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support a municipal housing voucher grant program which will fund rental housing vouchers to be offered by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA). This appropriation will allow for City staff to work with CHA in FY26 to transition these households to a City-funded voucher as soon as possible. The program is anticipated to cost approximately $1,000,000 annually. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Boards, Commissions, Control Freaks

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Sarah Holt, Emily Oldshue, and Ruth Webb and the reappointments of Marie-Pierre Dillenseger, Donna Marcantonio, and Peter Schur to the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [Charter Right – Nolan, June 9, 2025] (CM25#146)
Referred to Gov’t. Ops. Committee 9-0

Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Nondita Mehrotra, and the reappointments of Constantin von Wentzel, Heli Meltsner, McKelden Smith, Theresa Hamacher, and Freweyni Gebrehiwet to the Avon Hill Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [Charter Right – Nolan, June 9, 2025] (CM25#147)
Referred to Gov’t. Ops. Committee 9-0

Charter Right #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Florrie Darwin, Scott Kyle, and Michael Rogove and the reappointments of Chandra Harrington, Joseph Ferrara, Elizabeth Lyster, Yuting Zhang, Gavin Kleespies, Paula Paris, and Kyle Sheffield to the Cambridge Historical Commission. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, June 9, 2025] (CM25#145)
Referred to Gov’t. Ops. Committee 9-0

On the Table #6. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025; Tabled June 2, 2025]
No Action Taken, Nolan Amendment Proposed

It will be interesting to hear the basis for the objections by Councillors Nolan and Sobrinho-Wheeler to these otherwise routine City Board appointments and reappointments.

Infrastructure – Doing what you can within the bounds of what is physically possible

Charter Right #4. Policy Order urging Governor Healey, the MBTA Board of Directors and General Manager Phillip Eng to amend the MBTA Alewife Station Complex redevelopment RFP to include as a priority eliminating untreated Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) sewage in our neighborhoods by incorporating green and gray infrastructure as central components of the project. The order further calls on the MBTA to collaborate with the MWRA, DCR, DPH, the City of Cambridge, and the community to address this public health threat. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 9, 2025]
Order Adopted as Amended 6-3 (MM,PN,SS,JSW,AW,CZ – Yes; BA,PT,DS – No)

June 4, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 647-648: June 3, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,cycling,elections,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:03 pm

Episode 647 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 3, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on June 3, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: 2025 Municipal Election Updates, nomination papers available July 1; Random Observations and Alphabet Soup – some history of Cambridge political dichotomies and more; “defining the issues” in the most self-serving ways; Cambridge Reasonable People Organization?; Taking a long, hard look at City Boards & Commissions. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 648 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 3, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on June 3, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Review of City Boards & Commissions, sunset provisions for all non-regulatory boards; Technical Working Committee for the Computerization of Cambridge Elections (TWCC); Adoption of the Amended FY2026 City Budget and Loan Authorizations; anticipating fallout from reckless federal policies; candidates readying their campaigns; the problem of City-funded campaign aides for incumbents; addressing vacant storefronts; carrots vs. sticks; turning dysfunctional properties into functional properties; Dover Amendment and City Council miscues – break it and maybe fix it later; Broadway bike lane controversy – dirty, mean tactics of Cambridge Bike Safety. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 1, 2025

Setting the Table – June 2, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,City Council,cycling,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:50 pm

Setting the Table – June 2, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

We’re now into the last month of regular City Council meetings prior to the summer break and, more significantly, the official start of the 2025 municipal election season. Nomination papers will be available at the Election Commission office (moving to 689 Mass. Ave.) starting Tuesday, July 1 with a minimum of 50 valid signatures due no later Thursday, July 31 at 5pm. This is traditionally the time for table-setting, i.e. introducing Orders and Resolutions or casting votes meant to signal your indispensability as an incumbent councillor – or having others affix lead weights to your campaign via association with an unpopular stance on a hot-button issue.

As for this week’s agenda, the most significant order of business is the adoption of the (amended) FY2026 Budget and related Loan Orders. Here are the items I found somewhat interesting/significant this week:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by JSW; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (YAH), City Solicitor Megan Bayer, PN; Placed on File 9-0 (vv = voice vote)

These updates have become perhaps the most interesting part of City Council meetings this year as the City of Cambridge sits in the crossfire between the current federal administration and our local universities, related grant-funded interests, and often reckless immigration enforcement and other actions.

FY2026 Budget and Loan AuthorizationsCoins

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed increase in the FY26 budget of $1 million that would create new municipal vouchers and supportive services for people who are unhoused and a $5 million free cash appropriation for a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. (CM25#133) [text of report]
pulled by MM; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang (YAH), Asst. City Manager for Human Services Ellen Semonoff, AW, Housing Liaison Maura Pensak, DS, SS; YAH emphasized three matters that may have local repercussions – (1) Federal Reconciliation Bill, (2) State Budget (wait and see), and (3) Federal Continuing Resolution coming this fall that may greatly affect such things as Section 8 voucher funding; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to following amendments to the FY26 Submitted General Fund Budget. These amendments to the Budget reflect changes requested by the City Council based on feedback and discussions during public hearings on the FY26 Operating and Capital Budgets that took place beginning on May 8, 2025, through May 15, 2025. (CM25#134) [text of report]
pulled by PN along with M4, M5, UB8 (FY2026 Budget), UB9-17 (Loan Orders), Committee Reports #1-4; comments by most councillors; note that this will result in a revised 8% tax increase; Referred to UB8 9-0

“These increases will bring the total FY26 Operating Budget to $992,181,320, an increase of $36,596,970 or 3.8% from the FY25 Adopted Budget. The projected tax levy to support the FY26 Budget is $678,659,850, an increase of $50,271,097 or 8% from the FY25 tax levy. The actual tax levy will be determined in the fall as part of the property tax and classification process.”

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the establishment of a Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. (CM25#135) [text of report]
pulled by PN; Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000,000, from Free Cash to the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund. Funds appropriated to and held by the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund will be expended to help address the funding gaps resulting from the actual or anticipated loss of federal funding for programs and services that benefit the most vulnerable Cambridge residents. (CM25#136) [text of report]
pulled by PN; Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2026 submitted budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. [Placed on Unfinished Business, Referred to Finance Committee – Apr 28, 2025]
pulled by PN; General Fund Budget ($928,578,370) Adopted as Amended 7-2 (SS, JSW – No, with specious reasoning); Water Fund Budget ($13,602,950) Adopted 9-0; Public Investment Budget ($41,204,770) Adopted 9-0 [Total Adopted FY2026 Budget $992,181,320]

Unfinished Business #9-17. Loan authorizations totaling $109,936,000
pulled by PN; UB9-12 Adopted 9-0; UB13-17 Adopted 8-0-1 (JSW – Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 8, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 13, 2025 to review and discuss the School Department budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 14, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on May 15, 2025 to review and discuss the City budget covering the fiscal period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. [text of report]
pulled by PN; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

It is worth noting that of the four Finance Committee hearings on the FY2026 Budget, Councillor Azeem skipped three of them entirely and only remotely participated in the other hearing. Showing up for work is apparently not a high priority.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-18 regarding vacant store fronts. (CM25#139) [text of report]
pulled by PN; comments by PN, PT, AW, Melissa Peters (CDD), SS, DS, CZ, BA; Policy Adopted 9-0 (vv); [Note: It is expected that this matter may also come up at the scheduled June 23 meeting of the Econ. Dev. & Univ. Relations Committee]

There is a related hearing coming up on Monday, June 23 at 1:00pm: The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing inviting representatives from the 23 long term vacant properties (defined as has been vacant for more than five years) on the record, to share updates on their tenancy efforts, short and long-term plans, and to provide the community with an opportunity to weigh in on this important discussion.

Order #1. City Council opposition to the expansion of Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by PN; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. That the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040 Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge city employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of Cambridge city employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ICE.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by PT; comments by PT, JSW; Charter Right – Toner

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a legal opinion outlining, in light of current zoning including the most recent Multifamily Zoning Amendments, the ability of Cambridge to regulate institutional and religious uses in C-1 residential districts and what state and federal law allows in terms of local restrictions, if any, for institutional and religious uses.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Yet another example of the City Council’s current “Break it, then (maybe) try to fix it” philosophy of governance.

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025]
Comments by City Solicitor Megan Bayer noting that this involves an ongoing personnel matter; Substitute Order by Simmons, amendments to original order proposed by JSW, PN; comments by DS, JSW, PT, BA, YAH, AW, PN, SS, CZ, MM; Tabled 9-0 referencing proposed amendments by DS, JSW, PN [Note: Sobrinho-Wheeler’s hostility to Simmons Substitute Order noted – he clearly wants to focus primarily on the Police Review Advisory Board (PRAB); most other councillors open to a general review of all City boards and commissions]

I will simply refer you to my comments on this for the May 19 City Council meeting.

In the Queue – Ready for Adoption

Unfinished Business #6. 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. [Passed to 2nd Reading – May 5, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained May 26, 2025]
pulled by MM; Ordained 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend Articles 5.000 and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 12, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained on or after June 2, 2025]
pulled by MM; Ordained 9-0

225 Communications – primarily in regard to proposed separated bike lanes and removal of parking along Broadway.

A preliminary analysis of those writing in opposition to the proposed Broadway bike lanes vs. those who want them to proceed without delay indicates about a 25 year difference in their respective median ages. Basically, this is a case of the wishes of young professionals being given far greater priority by current councillors than is given to older residents – most of whom have legitimate concerns about being able to park near their homes and to have curb access for a variety of reasons.

Resolution #1. Happy 80th Birthday wishes to Henrietta Davis.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Zusy
pulled by CZ to be added as sponsor

Happy birthday, Henrietta!

Resolution #7. Condolences to the family of Nancy Williams Galluccio.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
pulled by MM; MM, AW, PN added as sponsors

I was very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. My sincere condolences to Lo, Lissa, and Anthony on the passing of their mother – someone I have known and respected for more than three decades. – Robert Winters

May 20, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 645-646: May 20, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,cycling,elections,Harvard Square,MBTA,MIT,recycling — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:22 pm

Episode 645 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 20, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on May 20, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: Reflections on 70 years on Earth – 47 years in Cambridge, Mayoral Proclamation; Ranked Choice Voting and limited PR elections for Boston – how it came to be; Review of recent City Council actions and discussions; Cambridge Charter Home Rule pending – relatively few changes from current Plan E Charter; dilemma of when to report a controversy; 2025 municipal candidates emerging – Candidate Pages; opportunities to serve of Boards and Commissions; sunsetting/redefining discretionary Boards, e.g. Peace Commission (Cambridge Commission on Nuclear Disarmament and Peace Education); civic unity; the problem of single-issue advocacy; controversy of firearm replacement, activist payback, DSA organizing; ARPA funding expiration, RiseUp successor. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 646 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 20, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on May 20, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Cambridge Charter Home Rule Petition – big assist by Law Department, restoring citizen petitions, leaving out poison pills – just like Somerville; AAA bond ratings; Nexus studies for Incentive Zoning and for Inclusionary Zoning; reconsidering Linkage, Inclusionary requirements; Barrett letter; deaths Pebble Gifford, Robert Campbell, Doane Perry; thankless job of being head of a neighborhood association; bicycle lane controversies, reckless plans and policies, bullying by Cambridge Bike Safety group, Broadway as route for emergency vehicles; Harvard Square – Gerald Chan properties, MBTA tunnel innovative ideas; retirement of Diane LeBlanc, Owen O’Riordan; Kathy Watkins to be Deputy City Manager; Budget Hearings, new reality of limitations, shifting of tax burden from commercial to residential, extra heavy burden on single-, two-. and three-family homeowners – Claire Spinner memo; TWC, vouchers, RiseUp, municipal broadband not so fundable; federal updates and clarity of City Manager Yi-An Huang, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Police Commissioner Christine Elow; federal targeting of Harvard, MIT and downstream repercussions. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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