Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

May 22, 2023

Just when you thought things couldn’t get nuttier – May 22, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,cycling,elections,Kendall Square,MIT,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:23 pm

Just when you thought things couldn’t get nuttier – May 22, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

This week brings a few more pearls of ignorance from Mr. Zondervan. Specifically, in spite of the ongoing Charter Review process, he wants to cut the line and put a ballot question on the November municipal ballot to change the charter specifically to make the Police Review and Advisory Board a popularly elected board. I suppose the Party for Socialism and Liberation kids may be interested in the jobs. I understand that he’s not pleased that his colleagues thought so little of his controversial Order last week that they proposed a more sensible substitute, so this week he’s decided to double down. Let’s not overlook that little QZ pearl from last week’s meeting when he said: “The institution of policing itself is fundamentally broken and we must move away from it as quickly as possible.” Does anyone actually take this guy seriously? Oh yeah, he also has an Order asking for a legal opinion on whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply, i.e. abandon our state-of-the art water treatment plant at Fresh Pond. The wackiness doesn’t stop there.

Here’s this week’s Whitman Sampler:

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the third annual Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Progress Report.
pulled by Toner; comments by PT,DS,QZ,DC,PN,AM; Placed on File 9-0

Cambridge political discourse these days seems to boil down to bike lanes, subsidized housing, and BEUDO. I’m confident that Public Comment will draw the usual suspects suspects eager to take sides on the bike lane issue, and the councillors will surely follow suit in their typically unyielding fashion. I pledge allegiance to the [FILL IN THE BLANK].

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community Connections Grant, in the amount of $230,070.35, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will contribute to the purchase and installation of Bluebikes bikeshare equipment.
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,BA (who would apparently rather use an e-bike to get to South Station rather than the Red Line); Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $100,000 received from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will support the cost of two 19 dock Bluebikes stations and bicycles that were placed at the Kennedy/Longfellow School and Twin City Plaza.
pulled by Carlone (who questioned by gambling $ is being allocated for bikes rather than gambling addiction prevention); Order Adopted 9-0

Even though there is already a BlueBike station across the street from me at the old Longfellow School, the City apparently wants to install another at the Lee Street park around the corner from me even though the two stations will only be a few hundred feet from each other. Gotta spend that grant money. Now I’ll get to hear the crashing sound of unsuccessful attempts to lock up the bikes in “surround sound”.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition and Design Guidelines. (CM23#147) [Council Memo_Alewife Quad_20230517] [AODQ Height Subdistricts] [CLEAN AOD-Q Zoning Petition – 20230517] [Description of Quadrangle Overlay Boundaries] [New Street Centerlines] [Alewife Design Guidelines_2023.05.15]
pulled by Toner; comments by PT,MM,PN,QZ,DC,BA; Zoning language Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition, Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0

Alewife Overlay Proposed Zoning

I’m glad to see this getting started again, and I hope that one day a couple of new crossings of the RR tracks will grow out of whatever happens in the Quadrangle – The Final Frontier (queue up Star Trek intro). A pedestrian bridge over the Little River connecting the wetland/stormwater retention ponds area in the Alewife Triangle to the Science Park area adjacent to Acorn Park Drive would also be a welcome addition (though it’s north of the current study area). If it’s a choice between connectivity and cul-de-sacs, I’ll choose connectivity.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident, up to and including those incidents resulting in injury or death. [Charter Right – Zondervan, May 15, 2023]
It is worth noting that the chronic several dozen protesters from the Party for Socialism and Liberation again dominated Public Comment with comments directed at individual councillors (thanks to recent rules changes); Mayor Siddiqui violated City Council Rules three times by allowing speakers to speak a 2nd time;
Zondervan began with prepared speech quoting Angela Davis and others, referring to Toner substitution as “whitewashing amendments”, and referring to all who disagree with him as showing “cowardice” and “hiding behind ideology” (which is so opposite to reality as to be amusing);
Councillor Nolan exhibited resolve by saying that she would not be changing her support for the Toner amendment and that contrary to the statements of protesters there was no consensus on this issue among city residents (correct), that it was fiction to say that the City Council has not taken any action in response to the Jan 4 incident, that all involved police officer names will be released when the investigation is complete, and that releasing the names today will do nothing for justice (all true);
City Manager Huang provided a limited update on where we now stand in the investigation and related processes, that per court order no information in the inquest is to be shared until complete, and provided a chronology of the wealth of City actions that have taken place since January in response to the incident;
Commissioner Elow provided updates on the cooperation of CPD with PERF;
Mallon aligned with Zondervan and stated that she won’t be supporting the Substitute Order and that she wants officer names released now (“it’s what progressive cities do” – as opposed to enlightened cities);
Simmons agreed that a policy is needed and that she would not align with Zondervan noting that the specific circumstances of the January incident are not yet known and that releasing the names now does not buy justice, closure, or anything else and that she supports a full, fair and thorough investigation;
McGovern suggested that the original two “WHEREAS” clauses were simply factual and should be included, and asked whether if a City Council policy was approved prior to the investigative report would the names of the officers be released (City Manager Huang seemed to indicate that if the policy was established he would follow policy while acknowledging need to work cooperatively with Police Department – noting that they are involved in complex and dangerous work – “What you want is a change in the culture.”);
Carlone offered comments including cryptic references to “rumors”;
Siddiqui double-talked about her comments in the Boston Globe and that she would align with Mallon and Zondervan and oppose the Substitute Order;
Toner made clear that he does not want officer names released until after DA report is released and noted that references to the releasing of names in other cities was done in the context of bodycams being instituted;
Zondervan referred to Toner Substitute as “sloppy and misleading”;
Azeem offered a broader perspective on how he arrived at his current understanding and position – especially the range of changes and initiatives that have been arrived at working cooperatively with the Cambridge Police Department and the City Administration;
McGovern referred to last two weeks of public comment as “powerful” (though manipulative, coercive, and short on facts may be better descriptors);
Simmons motion to amend Toner Substitute by adding first two “WHEREAS” clauses Passes 8-1 (QZ – No);
QZ motion to added phrases “including retroactively” Passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT – No);
QZ amendment to add at end the phrase “with such a policy and the names of the offers involved in Faisal’s killing” Fails 3-6 (AM,QZ,SS – Yes);
Substitute Order Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,DC,MM,PN,DS – Yes; AM,PT,QZ,SS – No)

Order #6. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached home rule petition, entitled: “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER” regarding electing the Police Review and Advisory Board.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Zondervan (who was soundly excoriated by his colleagues); comments by QZ,AM,DS; Order Fails of Adoption 1-8 (QZ – Yes)

Another day in Zondervan’s sandbox. The only questions are whether petulance will result in a recess and/or Zoom alternative, and if any of the other councillors sign on to either of these Orders. Perhaps the best strategy going forward might be to simply move a substitute order completely replacing every word and intention of QZ whenever things like these are introduced.

Resolution #4. Congratulations on the birth of Sabrina Reid Roberts.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons

Congratulations, Jeff and Sylvia!

Order #1. New Green Park at Third And Binney Streets.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

This Order concerns the possibility of MIT purchasing a 6,000 square-foot lot at the corner of Third and Binney Streets that could be joined with an adjacent 8,000 square foot lot to create open space in the area of the redeveloping Volpe site in Kendall Square. There is a notion that some or all of the 131 mature trees that are to be removed from the Volpe site could be relocated to this area. This is a very appealing idea, but it’s questionable whether such expensive tree relocations will actually be successful. I would personally like to see a miniature golf course integrated into the Volpe site. Maybe even a batting cage where tech workers can work out their frustrations with a few line drives.

Order #2. Removing Cuba From The State Sponsors Of Terrorism List.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Azeem; comments by BA,DC; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (MM – Absent; PT – Present)

I’m so glad to see the Council back doing what it does best – foreign policy. Hey, the Council spoke and Muammar Gaddafi got his comeuppance.

Order #3. Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; QZ explains that this is only asking for a legal opinion on the legality of abandoning the Cambridge water system; other comments by PT,BA,PN,DS,DC; Order Adopted 5-3-1 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS – Yes; AM,DS,PT – No; MM – Absent)

Send Mr. Zondervan some bottled water in glass bottles. The rest of us would prefer to keep our Cambridge water system.

Order #7. That the “Amendments to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zondervan; QZ Motion to Refer to Ordinance Committee; Charter Right – Simmons

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether the City could fund affordable housing construction through a ($500 Million, at least) bond issue.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,PN,BA,DC; Amended to add Azeem as co-sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

This was an idea floated by Councillor Simmons back in May 2021. This is just another facet of the quest of some councillors to replace as much privately-own housing with “social housing” as possible and to use tax revenue from private-property owners to fund that replacement. – Robert Winters

May 16, 2023

New Video Series Opens With Focus on Cambridge’s Charter Leading to Plan E

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:33 am

New Video Series Opens With Focus on Cambridge’s Charter Leading to Plan E

Civic View Episode 1The Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E premiered on Monday, May 15 at 5:30pm on CCTV Channel 9 and is now viewable on YouTube.

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

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

The second episode of Cambridge Civic View, now in production, will look at the 83-year history of the current Plan E charter. Since 1940, Plan E has defined our local government, given us the existing system of nine City Councillors with a City Manager as our chief executive, and established the ranked-choice proportional representation voting system used to elect our Councillors and School Committee.

Together, the first two episodes in the series will provide background and perspective on the issues facing Cambridge’s Charter Review Committee as it proposes changes to the Charter and for Cambridge citizens when they vote on whether to adopt proposed changes.

In November, Cambridge will elect a new City Council of nine at-large Councillors and a School Committee of six. Cambridge Civic View strives to engage and inform all residents, whatever their policy priorities and political values, on civic issues and how our municipal government and local democracy are working.

Cambridge’s City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E will be also be shown on CCTV Channel 9 (and on the web at https://www.cctvcambridge.org/channel-9/) at the following times: 4:30pm on Wed. May 17, 6:30pm on Fri. May 19, and 12:00pm on Sun. May 21 and is available for streaming from YouTube and for classroom use.

May 15, 2023

In the Merry Month of May – Making Mischief at the May 15, 2023 Meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:21 am

In the Merry Month of May – Making Mischief at the May 15, 2023 Meeting

Women VotingToday’s my birthday and we’ll be celebrating it with a hike in Concord (as well as the grading of Final Exams). This is also premier day on CCTV for the video “Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E” that John Pitkin, Gregorio Leon, and I have been working on for the last several months. John and I do most of the narration with an assist from our good friend (and former city councillor) Jim Braude. You can watch it on CCTV Channel 9 at 5:30pm (just in case Public Comment gets either boring or annoying) and at several other times this week. Special thanks to the CCTV staff, Diane LeBlanc, Alyssa Pacy, Charlie Sullivan and all of the wonderful people at the Cambridge Historical Commission. We have more “Civic View” programs planned. [Watch on YouTube]

Tonight’s City Council meeting features these morsels:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Board of Election Commissioners for the City Council to vote to authorize in-person early voting for the Nov 7, 2023 Municipal Election, in accordance with “The VOTES Act”.
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Early Voting and No-Excuse Absentee Voting may be here to stay, but a formal City Council vote is required. Vote Early and Vote Often! (well, not really)

DESIGNATED EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, HOURS, AND DAYS

Cambridge Water Department – 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Valente Library – 826 Cambridge Street, Side Entrance on Berkshire Street
Main Library – 449 Broadway

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
October 28 October 29 October 30 October 31 November 1 November 2 November 3
9:00am-3:00pm 9:00am-3:00pm 8:30am-8:00pm 8:30am-5:00pm 8:30am-5:00pm 8:30am-5:00pm 8:30am-12:00pm

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that the City Council approve an Order to take by “friendly” eminent domain proceeding parcels of land located at 319 Webster Avenue, Cambridge (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 21), 333 Webster Avenue, Cambridge (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 23), and 455 Columbia Street (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 16) (collectively “Cambridge Parcels”), and approve an Order authorizing the purchase of a parcel of land located at 94 Webster Avenue, Somerville (as shown on Somerville Assessors Map 96, Parcel B-7) (“Somerville Parcel”) (collectively, the “Premises”), all of which are owned by Webster Avenue Ventures LLC (“WV”). [Charter Right – Mallon, May 8, 2023]
Nolan motion to Table Ch. Rt #1 Fails 1-8 (PN – Yes); Appropriation of $3,101,250 Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Order of Taking Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Appropriation of $10,276,750 Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Order of Purchase Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Appropriation of $1,022,000 Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Appropriation of $1,000,000 Adopted 8-1 (PN – No); Rules Suspended for Reconsideration 8-1 (PN – No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (PN – Yes)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to initiate a planning process to determine the use of several parcels of land along Webster Avenue to accomplish Envision goals, including how to best ensure that the acquisition of these parcels results in additional affordable housing and open space.   Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0 (early in meeting)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update concerning the property at 333 Webster Avenue.
pulled by Mallon; Rules suspended to take up Charter Right #1 and Order #3; Placed on File 9-0

Often lost among competing priorities are the basic things that are necessary for a well-functioning city. This includes public works facilities. I’ll add that this also includes things like redemption centers, loading zones, parking, and sufficient road width for emergency vehicles. These are often forgotten by zealous planners and elected officials who rarely see beyond their own narrow single-issue agendas.

Order #1. City Council support of bill SD 487 and HD 825 which would require the use of Integrated Pest Management strategies and improve pesticide monitoring in Massachusetts to limit ecological damage due to rodenticides.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other relevant departments to fund and implement the grant proposal submitted to DOE GTO to design and implement a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in Cambridge.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident, up to and including those incidents resulting in injury or death.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Zondervan [“I submitted this order because I agree with the public’s observation that the decision around whether to release the name of the officer is not yet actually in the hands of the City Manager — because we haven’t yet asked him to do so. I believe that the public has a right to know where the Council stands on this issue. Of course, it is important to acknowledge that the asks contained in this order are wholly insufficient. As some members of the public have pointed out, this is just a first step. Knowing the identity of the officer isn’t going to change anything about what happened or make it any less likely to happen next time – because this isn’t about just weeding out a few bad apples. The institution of policing itself is fundamentally broken and we must move away from it as quickly as possible, towards true investment in our community. I’m aware that some of my colleagues have produced a substitute order whitewashing the original ask to release the name of the officers involved in the killing of Faisal. While I’m heartened to see the council finally engaging with this ask, and glad to see that my colleagues agree that most forward-thinking police departments release the names of officers involved with use of force even when awaiting the results of investigations, it is disappointing but not surprising to see the ask to release the officers’ names immediately be completely erased by this substitute. To give my colleagues an opportunity to reconsider, I exercise my Charter Right.”]; Charter Right – Zondervan (who objected to the proposed Substitute Order)

Besides catering to the young socialists, rallying his base, and encouraging harassment, I really don’t know what Councillor Zondervan expects to gain from this. I do expect a Charter Right, but if this does come up for a vote it will be VERY interesting to see which other councillors, if any, choose to sign on.

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on May 3, 2023, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm on Citizens Zoning Petition from Craig Kelley, et al. – Cambridge Transportation Emissions Reduction and Car Sharing Act (APP 2023 #9). [The Committee voted favorably to send the Craig Kelley, et al. – Cambridge Transportation Emissions Reduction and Car Sharing Act Petition to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a Second Reading.] [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 8-1 (QZ – No); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

As I said last week, this seems like an interesting initiative, but I’m wary of potential unintended consequences.

The Kouncil Kids may need to retire early so that their eyes will be bright and their tails bushy for what should be the last of the FY2024 Budget Hearings Tuesday morning.

Tues, May 16
10:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2024 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Community Maintenance and Development & Human Resources Development:

Cambridge Health Alliance    
Public Works
Water
Community Development
Historical Commission		 Cable TV
Debt Service
Capital Building Projects    
Library
Human Services		 Women’s Commission
Human Rights Commission    
Veterans’ Services
MWRA
Cherry Sheet		 City Overview Section
Financial Summaries Section
Revenue Section
Public Investment Section

May 11, 2023

Moving On from the Covid Era

Filed under: Cambridge,covid — Tags: , , — Robert Winters @ 5:06 pm

Moving On from the Covid Era

May 11, 2023 – Today marks the official end of the Covid-19 emergency, though Covid will likely be with us for a very long time as what we hope will be a manageable disease much like influenza. What will end are the frequent updates and the various mandates that have either tormented us or protected us for the last 3 years – depending on your perspective. I have been suggesting to everyone that they write down some of the things we all did during the first phase of the epidemic when ignorance led to fear and irrational behavior. I will gladly acknowledge not leaving the house for several weeks. For me, accessing the Covid case and wastewater data every day was a form of reassurance that this thing was something to be understood, and through that not to be viewed with irrational fear – even as additional deadly waves like Omicron gave us more than enough reason to be fearful.

So, let’s move on. Some of us have been enjoying a few beers with friends and even enjoying music in indoor venues. I hope everyone can make peace with this virulent enemy and fully embrace all the good stuff around us – especially springtime – even as we remember the friends we lost and the disruption we endured. – RW

Moment of Silence Covid Memorial Plaque
City Manager Huang City Manager Huang
Plaque with flowers

May 8, 2023

Featured on the May 8, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:17 pm

Featured on the May 8, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

On the eve of the annual Budget Hearings, the Regular City Council meeting includes the following somewhat interesting agenda items:

Note: The Party for Socialism and Liberation lynch mob descended on the City Council meeting with their rehearsed talking points, performance art, and chanting and even forced a recess for a while. They continue to demand the release of the names of police officers involved in the January shooting of a young deranged man who ran at the officers with a kulfi knife. To what end do these protesters seek the officers’ names? So that they could do what? Picket the officers’ homes? Harass their families? The petulance and ignorance of these protesters are really quite the spectacle. They also apparently believe they are “the people”. Buy a clue, kids. You are not “the community”. You are not “the people”.

The rest of Public Comment was primarily a mix of the usual AHO advocates from “A Bigger Cambridge” and opponents to the proposed amendments. Monday night at City Council has become just a really bad TV show with even worse consequences. I am reminded of a City Council campaign from some years ago by candidate Ian McKinnon whose campaign catch phrase was “Hire Better Actors.”

City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Charles Hicks Saunders House.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (MM Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that the City Council approve an Order to take by “friendly” eminent domain proceeding parcels of land located at 319 Webster Avenue, Cambridge (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 21), 333 Webster Avenue, Cambridge (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 23), and 455 Columbia Street (as shown on Cambridge Assessors Map 81, Parcel 16) (collectively “Cambridge Parcels”), and approve an Order authorizing the purchase of a parcel of land located at 94 Webster Avenue, Somerville (as shown on Somerville Assessors Map 96, Parcel B-7) (“Somerville Parcel”) (collectively, the “Premises”), all of which are owned by Webster Avenue Ventures LLC (“WV”). (CM23#128) [plot plan] [Order of Taking] [Order authorizing purchase]
pulled by Nolan; PN objects to $14.4 million price tag and suggests site better used for housing rather than DPW use; PT, QZ support proposed use as well as future housing; Owen O’Riordan explains the needs of DPW for operations and how this site is badly needed for foreseeable future; QZ would prefer high density subsidized/social housing for the site; DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins notes that site likely has “urban fill” with some contamination; AM would prefer to turn site over for subsidized/social housing, concerned about price tag; O’Riordan notes that parcels were assembled by a 3rd party; Bob Riordan notes that original asking price was 10% higher; QZ identifies site as a “Square” which would permit taller buildings under proposed AHO amendments; MM also would prefer high density subsidized/social housing on site but will support proposal; DC says he’s been advocating City purchase of land for years; BA asks about specific proposed uses; Kathy Watkins notes likely use by Parks Division and/or Buildings Divisions, including vehicle storage and office space; PN wants City to buy any and all properties available but cannot support this purchase; Huang explains costs; PN unhappy about why City did not purchase another lot; Charter Right – Mallon; David Kale notes that this sale is timely and could fall apart if delayed; Bob O’Riordan notes that there have been other offers for the parcels; McGovern Reconsideration Motion Fails 1-8 (PN – Yes)

These parcels include the site where Phil’s Towing was located until very recently and which closed as a consequence of the City Council’s (and City Manager’s) policy change to only tag vehicles for street weeping violations rather than be “tagged and towed”. It also includes the site of E&C Bottle and Can Return – a go-to location for those needing to cash in bulk amounts of deposit containers. It is likely that there is some soil contamination as a result of many years of junkyard operations on these parcels. The most likely use of these parcels in the near future would be as a municipal public works facility.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Items Numbered 23-2, related to exploring the need for a special permitting process for cannabis dispensaries, special permitting fees and bicycle parking requirements, and Response to Awaiting Report No. 23-4 regarding establishing the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination of the bicycle parking fees imposed on Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis dispensary operators. (CM23#129) [report and proposed zoning change]
pulled by Nolan; Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0; Reconsideration prevails (later) due to screw-up, Re-Vote to adopt language of proposed zoning change from CDD and Refer to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 9-0

If only our City government had the same level of concern for businesses other than cannabis businesses.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Kelley et. al. Zoning Petition.
pulled by Carlone; DC notes that this increases commercialization; Referred to Petition 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is directed to work with all relevant departments to recommend what new City regulations and Council action or changes to existing regulations or ordinances are needed to put in place in order to implement the Craig Kelley et al. Zoning Petition for residential car sharing and renting of EV charging stations and bring those recommendations to the full council by June 12, 2023.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

I’m all for allowing flexibility in this, but I’m also mindful of the fact that this effectively turns residential uses into commercial operations with the inevitable phone apps will direct people to residential properties in much the same way that people now seek out gas stations. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you do have to anticipate unintended consequences. Should homeowners also provide rest rooms? How about windshield washing apparatus? Will fast-charging result in local voltage drops? Will residential homeowners with driveways now park on the street in order to make their driveway available for this use?

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Afterschool care.
pulled by Nolan; Ellen Semonoff notes staff increases; additional comments by QZ, MM, SS; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the development of the City of Cambridge Community Safety Department (CSD).
pulled by Mallon; Interim Director Liz Speakman notes May 4 meeting with HEART and $300,000 contract changes [remarkable how much this City Council wants to be involved in contract specifics]; QZ wants to refer report to Public Safety Committee, asks about Steering Committee process; Speakman notes that “Future of Public Safety Task Force” involved (which itself raises some questions), all meetings informal and not public; QZ wants meeting notes made public (which hopefully will include names of participants); Michelle Scott (Program Coordinator) adds details; QZ wants more details on integration with HEART; Speakman notes conversations to build “more trust” and possibility of providing other services; MM asks about loitering; Speakman feels that sleeping in ATMs is not “really” trespassing; MM says “you can never have too many services”; PN notes name change from CSD (Community Safety Department) to CARE (Community Assistance, Response and Engagement); BA, DC, SS additional comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

This communication includes notification that a contract for $300,000 of ARPA funding was sent to HEART. “The scope of services includes crisis response, conflict resolution, mutual aid, aftercare, and community cohesion. The funding will cover a Licensed Social Worker position, partial funding of several responder salaries, partial funding of one Co-Director salary, and partially covering the fiscal sponsor fee.”

Pardon my cynicism, but I continue to categorize this under “political patronage”.

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-07, regarding report on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest, and citation police data on a new Procedural Justice Dashboard.
pulled by Mallon; Police Commissioner Christine Elow responds about type of data and availability; PN questions; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee. [Charter Right – Nolan, May 1, 2023] (PO23#75)
Comments by Toner, Nolan in support of Substitute Order; Nolan notes that the ABC proposal for corridors does not align with what was in Envision Report and recommendations; Mallon calls AHO “landmark legislation” – a “huge supporter”, notes that a 5-year review was included in original ordinance, does not want CDD involved “in an unfettered way”, has not yet heard need expressed by subsidized/social housing builders for 25 stories, cannot support Order without these amendments; McGovern trashes Envision in favor of whatever ABC wants, saya subsidized/social housing developers want 9-12 stories and upward (well, of course, since they are effectively writing their own regulations]; QZ will not support Substitute Order because of “crisis” and that action required even if not well-considered, calls this an effort to delay until next Council term; DC explains his beliefs with some historical context that the ABC acolytes will never understand; BA double-talks about collaboration and consensus but won’t support substitute; Siddiqui says Substitute Order can only be voted up or down; Simmons puts no limits on increasing units, heights, densities and will not support Substitute Order, expresses distrust of CDD, wants to rush proposal through; SS suggests that amendments are possible at Ordinance Committee (but this is a joke), won’ support Substitute Order; Vote on Substitute Order Fails 4-4 (DC,AM,PN,PT – Yes; BA,MM,DS,QZ,SS – No); PN notes that “BEUDO must be done by May 31”; QZ asks what is meant by “providing heights in the specified corridors that constitute bonuses”, wants no other limits; Siddiqui waffles; MM continues to express desire that developers should propose their own regulations; AM says request to CDD is too prescriptive, wants to remove first bullet re: maximums of 12 and 15 stories, refers to “beauty and the simplicity of the original AHO”, wants to remove first bullet, the phrase “if it can do so by June 1” and change “may” to “shall”; DC asks what is needed to make AHO work in specific locations – but he’s talking to deaf ABC ears; DS wants first bullet point with 12 and 15 stories to remain, supports SS amendment w/amendment, wants June 1 deadline to remain so that this can be rushed through; BA agrees; SS amendment (with “may” to “shall”) and added “base” approved 8-1 (QZ – No); AM amendment to strike first bullet Fails 4-5 (DC,AM,PN,PT – Yes; BA,MM,DS,QZ,SS – No); AM amendment to strike “if it can do so by June 1” approved 8-1 (QZ – No); AM amendment to add “including” in 2nd bullet approved 8-1 (QZ – No); Order Adopted as Amended 5-3-1 (BA,MM,DS,QZ,SS – Yes; AM,PN,PT – No; DC – Present)

I seriously hope this does not go forward as currently drafted, and if it does I hope there will be political consequences for all of the co-sponsors. If the ultimate goal of these councillors is to gradually replace privately-owned residential property coming onto the market with “social housing” under a socialist model, then they should come right out and say that and stop dancing around the edges.

Order #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the feasibility of purchasing available property from Lesley University to address City goals.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by McGovern; add all councillors as sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

See above.

Order #3. Online Publication of Legal Notices.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem

This is an idea that has been brought up for a long time but which has not up to this point gained much traction at the State House. The Massachusetts General Laws require publication in a “newspaper of general circulation” and these legal notices continue to be an essential means of support for many local publications. There’s a reasonably good chance that a change in the law will drive the last nail into the coffin of some publications.
Order Adopted 9-0

I wrote about this in October 2009: Putting the Paper to Bed

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting to review and discuss the update on Urban Forest Master Plan and to discuss how to improve tree health and tree canopy across the City. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. Ordinance Committee meeting of Wed, Apr 12, 2023, 5:30pm on BEUDO – recessed. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. Ordinance Committee meeting of Wed, Apr 26, 2023, 3:00pm on BEUDO – continuation. [text of report] [communications]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Budget Hearings:

Tues, May 9
9:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2024 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
General Government & Public Safety:

Budget Overview
Mayor’s Office
Executive – Leadership
Executive – Diversity
Executive – DGVPI
Executive – Equity and Inclusion
Executive – Public Information Office    
Executive – Tourism
Executive – Housing Liaison		 City Council
City Clerk
Law
Finance – Administration
Finance – Budget
Finance – Purchasing
Finance – Auditing
Finance – Assessing
Finance – Treasury/Revenue    		 Finance – Information Technology    
Finance – General Services
Employee Benefits
Human Resources
Election Commission
Public Celebrations
Reserve
Animal Commission		 Community Safety
Fire Department
Police Department
PRAB / Peace Commission
Traffic, Parking & Transportation
Inspectional Services
License Commission
Emergency Communications
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. *may appear at May 16 hearing

Wed, May 10
6:00pm   The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2024 School Department Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, May 16
10:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2024 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Community Maintenance and Development & Human Resources Development:

Cambridge Health Alliance    
Public Works
Water
Community Development
Historical Commission		 Cable TV
Debt Service
Capital Building Projects    
Library
Human Services		 Women’s Commission
Human Rights Commission    
Veterans’ Services
MWRA
Cherry Sheet		 City Overview Section
Financial Summaries Section
Revenue Section
Public Investment Section
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion.

Mon, June 5
5:30pm   City Council meeting – Anticipated Budget Adoption  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

May 3, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 587-588: May 2, 2023

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:28 am

Episode 587 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 2, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on May 2, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: John Clifford and Central Square heroes; AHO – different rules for different people; when bigger and denser is your only goal; starting with conclusions; Vision Zero fantasies; public policy driven by social media; the consequences of living in a news desert. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 588 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 2, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on May 2, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: FY2024 Budget and shifting allocations; explosive growth of City Manager’s Office; self-congratulation disguised as public information; questioning the Cambridge Public Schools; Tax Classification – shifting the burden from commercial to residential, commercial abatements anticipated with high vacancy rates; cumulative effect of regulations and added costs; golden geese growing rarer; continuing kerfuffle over Riverbend Park and traffic diversion. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 30, 2023

Mayday, Mayday! Rabbit, Rabbit! – Curiosities on the May 1, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 5:32 pm

Mayday, Mayday! Rabbit, Rabbit! – Curiosities on the May 1, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Budget Season is upon us, and we appear to be in for the largest jump in memory – a nearly 10% increase from last year. The total City Budget for FY23 was $787,913,900 and that’s proposed to go up to $866,254,920 – a 9.9% increase (and that doesn’t include the additional $167,150,000 in loan authorizations). The budget for the Executive Department (the City Manager’s Office) is going up a whopping 50.2% from $5,638,040 to $8,467,495. I’m eager to get my hands on the full Budget Book to better understand why the Community Development Department’s budget is going from $14,409,820 to $39,290,300, a 172.7% increase – most likely due to some reshuffling of City departments and budget categories, but this really is bewildering.Coins

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2024 submitted budget and appropriation orders.
Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

It was explained that the reason the CDD Budget went up by 172.7% was because of an accounting change in which $23,045,750 from the Capital Budget for the Affordable Housing Trust was moved to the Operating Budget under CDD. If this shift were to be excluded, the increase in the overall Operating Budget would be $57,260,265 or 7.1% over the FY23 Adopted Budget (instead of the reported 9.9% increase).

Other changes revealed in the FY2024 Budget Book are that the Electrical Department was moved into the Public Works Department during FY2023, and the Water Department is now listed under the Community Maintenance and Development category rather than as its own separate Budget category. There is now also a new “Capital Building Projects” budget line under Community Maintenance and Development. The Personnel Department has also been taken out of the Finance Department Budget and is now its own “Human Resources” budget line.

It’s worth noting that the City Manager’s Office (Executive) had grown to 16 full-time positions in FY2022 (up from 11 a few years earlier). That grew to 22 in FY2023 and has now leapt to 31 full-time positions in the FY2024 Budget. This partially explains its 50.2% increase from $5,638,040 to $8,467,495.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $50,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of the Mass Avenue between Waterhouse Street and Alewife Parkway.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $35,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support upgrades to the 689 Mass Avenue Interior; upgrades at the Moses Youth Center; Interior fit-out of Rindge Pre-K building; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings; and additional work at Inman and East Cambridge Fire Houses; First Street Garage upgrades to stairs and elevator; and other City building upgrades.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of the Peabody School Playground and Corcoran (Raymond Street) park.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $51,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port and River Street areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $26,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets, sidewalks and bike facilities. $15,000,000 of this loan order is attributable to the improvement project related to sewer infrastructure upgrades on River Street, which include full depth roadway reconstruction, new sidewalks, new street trees and various other street improvements.
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ – No; AM – Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

bottomlineFY2024

Budget Summaries – FY2024 Comparisons

The City Manager’s presentation on Monday (and at the upcoming Budget Hearings) should be very interesting. I’m also eager to hear if there are any (misguided) efforts to turn some of the ARPA windfalls into permanent parts of the City’s Operating Budget. Questions worth asking would be about how changes in commercial property use and value in addition to a rapidly growing City Budget will translate into residential property tax rates over the next few years. These are the kinds of questions city councillors should be asking now rather than after the municipal election.

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-74, regarding needs assessment of the Danehy Park and recommendations for improvements; and irrigation updates.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

“Danehy Park opened in 1990 – a 50-acre open space that provides sports fields, walking paths, a dog park, and other open space amenities. Previously, between 1847-1952, clay was extracted to manufacture bricks by the New England Brick Company. The result was a deep clay pit that the City used as its landfill between 1952 and 1971. This was capped and Danehy Park created in 1990. … The City has begun working with MassDEP on a 30-Year Post Closure Evaluation and Report that will include an evaluation of the existing methane trench. … On Mar 21 a contractor working for the City performing soil borings identified a methane pocket beneath the clay cap in Danehy Park. … City staff from DPW, DHSP, Fire, and Public Health are working closely with DEP to install additional venting structures to allow the landfill gases to safely vent and increase monitoring in the park to ensure the effectiveness of the venting modifications. … Other improvements presently underway: Girls Softball Improvements, Irrigation System Improvements.”

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Board of Zoning Appeals: Members (five-year term) – William Boehm, Fernando Daniel Hidalgo, Virginia Keesler, Steven Ng; Associate Members (two-year term): Carol Agate, Michael LaRosa, Thomas Marshall Miller, Zarya Miranda; Associate Members (two-year term reappointment): Matina Williams, Wendy Leiserson
Appointments Approved 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Let’s see if the City Council’s newfound authority to confirm Board appointments results in any challenges to these BZA appointments – one of the Boards targeted by ABC (a.k.a. “A Bigger Cambridge”) for Just Doing its Job. The role of the BZA has never been to overrule zoning regulations as a policy matter, but rather to manage exceptional and hardship cases and to grant some Special Permits – regardless what some have claimed in regard to some recent major development proposals.

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Michael Monestime et. al. Zoning Petition. (CM23#123) [Monestime Petition – amended]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (AM – Absent); later moved to Suspend Rules for Reconsideration 8-0-1 (AM – Absent); Reconsideration of Referral Fails 0-8-1 (AM – Absent) to allow for immediate ordination

Unfinished Business #1. A Zoning Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended on a Zoning Petition by Michael Monestime, et al., to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating new footnotes in the Table of Permitted Uses in Section 4.30 for Outdoor Retail or Consumer Service Establishment, not otherwise defined and Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation Facility”; in the Business B, B-1 and B-2 column which read, “For the Central Square Overlay see section 20.304.5 (5)”; and “For the Central Square Overlay see section 20.304.5 (6)”;; and by amending Section 20.304.5 of the Central Square Overlay District to allow Outdoor Retail or Consumer Service Establishment, not otherwise defined by Special Permit from the Planning Board, with associated approval criteria, and to permit Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation Facility as-of-right within the Business B District of the Central Square Overlay District. [Passed to 2nd Reading Apr 24, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after May 15, 2023; Expires July 12, 2023] (ORD23#1)
Motion to Declare This Matter a “Special Emergency” Prevails 8-0-1 (AM Absent); Ordained 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Though we all expect this will be ordained unanimously and perhaps even fast-tracked as an “emergency”, the issue of concern is amplified music that may annoy close neighbors. There are three abutting 8-family affordable housing structures, and the Planning Board received communications from some of the residents. Under existing zoning it has been up to the BZA to allow this exceptional use – together with regulation of noise levels by the License Commission. The zoning change would make the operation of Starlight Square (and other areas within the Central Square Overlay District) an as-of-right use, but noise levels and days/times of operation would continue to be regulated by the License Commission. The best long-term solution would be to build an enclosed performance space that would be usable year-round and in inclement weather, but that won’t likely be happening any time soon.

Applications & Petitions #2. A Zoning Petition has been received from Ian Ferguson, et al. regarding Pitched Roofs Zoning Petition. (AP23#22) [text of petition]
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

At first I thought this reminiscent of the Rainwater & Flat Roof Zoning Petition from 2018 that was championed by Councillor Kelley, but it’s actually quite different (and interesting).

Communications #31. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Proposed Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III.

Communications #32. A communication was received from Frank J. Paolitto, regarding Proposed changes in housing policies.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right – Nolan (after numerous speeches by the likes of Zondervan and McGovern who declared that they would prefer even taller heights along all of the declared “Corridors” and Squares, and that anything less that the City obtaining every residential property that goes on the market should be viewed as a failure);
Councillor Toner introduced a Substitute Order that will be reintroduced when this matter comes up at the next regular meeting

I suppose if Major League Baseball can institute pitch clocks then perhaps this is the City Council’s own version of a hurry-up strategy. That said, this entire proposal is outrageously wrongheaded. It would be one thing to propose some height increases along streets where 3-story buildings are typical to perhaps allow an extra few stories – especially along streets where there are already some 4-6 story apartment buildings, but this offensive proposal would more than quadruple the allowed heights for favored housing developers. Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of this attempt to fast-track this matter is that it has Councillor Simmons as a co-sponsor – someone who up until now I thought actually cared about the concerns of neighbors.

Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the Community Development Department and neighboring cities and agree to a non-binding framework that Cambridge can use to work towards a more diverse real estate development industry.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM – Absent) – Zondervan declares that he would also like to codify requirements for union labor and a laundry list of social goals to do business in Cambridge, Siddiqui concurs

The last “Ordered” states: “That this framework includes an update to the Special Permit process with a request that they report on actions they are taking to increase the diversity of their teams, construction firms, and investors, and share the findings of this update with regional partners.” Regardless of its merits, this is a rather unusual thing to include as part of any Special Permit criteria regardless of whether it is non-binding. It’s one thing to require a range of requirements in City contracts, but I’m not aware of even a requirement for something like union labor anywhere in the Zoning Ordinance. Shall only those owners/developers matching the political/social goals of the City Council be allowed to do business in Cambridge? This is a very slippery slope.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD, Law Department, the Assessor’s Office, and any other relevant departments to produce final draft ordinance language for the BEUDO amendments based on the CDD proposal as amended by the Ordinance Committee at its Apr 26, 2023 hearing; and that the City Manager report back on this matter, including presenting final draft language to the City Council no later than May 31st, 2023.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Order #6. City Council support of letter on strong Clean Heat Standards.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Economic Development & University Relations Committee held a public meeting on Apr 4, 2023 to the discuss the practical impact of various city policies, regulations and ordinances on commercial and residential development and construction projects in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM – Absent)

This committee report is very interesting. It gives a nice summary of the multitude of requirements faced by those who seek to build anything in Cambridge. – Robert Winters

April 24, 2023

Preview of April 24, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council,cycling,Fresh Pond,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:18 pm

Preview of April 24, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here’s my survey of the more interesting items on this week’s agenda:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of School Committee Member Caroline Hunter as a member of the Family Policy Council.
Appointment Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women for a term of three years: • Jean Connor (appointment) • Caitlin Dube (appointment) • Rhonda Greene (reappointment) • Mara Horwitz (appointment) • Natalie Le (appointment) • Judith Tumusiime (appointment)
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the the Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group: • Sukia Akiba • Steven Beaucher • Darren Buck • Christopher Cassa • Makayla Comas-Race • Gary Dmytryk • Debby Galef • Diane Gray • Denise Jillson • Timothy Keefe • Ruth Ryals • Eitan Normand • Daniel Stubbs • Laurie Pessah
Appointments Approved 9-0

“The Working Group will meet over a period of 12 months to advise City staff on key issues related to the planning, design, and construction of this important project.”

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, requesting that the City Council authorize an agreement to partner with the Town of Arlington (“Arlington”) in its receipt of a federal planning grant (“Grant”) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins, Zondervan, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan (Roundtable suggested); Nolan offers a committee hearing and Siddiqui agrees; Order Adopted 9-0 (after Siddiqui misstep of merely calling for a vote to accept report and place on file)

“The Grant is to conduct a study in furtherance of this work undertaken by Arlington and the City as members of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (“RMC”). … The Grant concerns the Amelia Earhart and the Charles River (the Island End River and the Draw 7 Park) dams that protect Arlington, the City, and other communities from coastal flooding. … Arlington’s Hazard Mitigation Plan recognizes coastal hazards as high and serious for Massachusetts but not currently applicable because of dams that turned the upper Mystic and Charles Rivers from tidal estuaries to freshwater impoundments. However, climate projections show the dams at risk of being overtopped by 2030 and failing by 2050.”

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to improvements to the area around Jerry’s Pond. (CM23#103) [Danehy Bridge Connectivity] [Open Space Needs Assessment] [Jerry’s Pond Communication from CM]
pulled by Siddiqui who expresses shock and disappointment on City’s lack of transparency in diversion of funds; Carlone says $400,000 is peanuts and that we should do both projects (bridge and Jerry’s Pond enhancements); McGovern notes ~700 new trees and ~$14 million from IQHQ but disappointment w/diversion of funds from Jerry’s Pond study; Toner asks what reasoning was for diversion of funds; O’Riordan notes loss of significant trees and level of excessive excavation and inability of site to act as wetland due to hydrology, potential benefits questionable; Comm. Watkins reiterates concerns about loss of significant trees, suggests a floating wetland adjacent to Rindge Avenue without doing excavation; Toner would like this all summarized in a memo, notes additional time and cost associated with plans from Friends of Jerry’s Pond; O’Riordan notes that IQHQ owns the site and that they do not support to proposal from advocates; Zondervan expresses concern about other groups not getting their ARRPA funds and Council’s inability to determine allocations, wants improvements on Rindge Ave. edge; City Manager Huang expresses gratitude to the advocates, City still looking at plans, says City does not take lightly reallocation of funds, echoes comment of Deputy City Manager, notes 2200 dump-truck loads of required excavation, concern about $600,000 toward a proposal that would not happen; Nolan acknowledges work of advocates and that plans improved as a result, expresses delight with RR crossing but would prefer an underpass instead; O’Riordan says City will be exploring both a bridge and an underpass; Nolan has liability concerns; Watkins notes significant amount of urban fill that would have to be moved and disposed – not clean soil, liability would fall on IQHQ; Azeem appreciates learning now about infeasible plans; Referred (Zondervan) to NLTP Committee 9-0Danehy Bridge Connectivity

“we plan to reallocate the ARRPA funds identified to study the feasibility of renovating Jerry’s Pond to fund the 25% design of a new bike and pedestrian bridge over the Fitchburg Commuter Line to connect Rindge Avenue and Danehy Park. … The latest multi-use path projects, including the upcoming Danehy-New Street Path and the recent completion of the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway, make the bike/ped bridge connection over the Fitchburg Commuter Line even more valuable.”

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-08, regarding a report regarding exploring additional less-lethal alternatives that pose the smallest risk of injury when deployed for standard issue in the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#104) [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan who wants report also referred to Public Safety Committee for further discussion; Toner notes that only “Axon Taser 10” and “FN-303 Less-Lethal Launcher” (a shoulder-fired weapons system that is accurate from up to 160 feet) are not currently part of CPD inventory, would prefer that this matter not be referred to committee; Police Superintendent Rob Lowe notes that only the taser is currently recommended for addition to inventory; Simmons notes our exemplary Police Department, wants to allow Commissioner Elow freedom to make recommendations informed by ongoing study; McGovern asks about concerns that if officers had tasers this might lead to less de-escalation; Lowe notes that significant training would accompany any use of tasers; McGovern notes willingness of CPD to self-evaluate and adapt; Mallon asks about why FN-303 and “Vector Shield” not currently recommended; Nolan asks when PERF report may be available; Elow says they have begun and report will not be available until after inquest is done; Siddiqui chimes in; Zondervan notes that tasers can also be lethal; Report Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

“Whenever practicable, Cambridge Police officers are to use verbal and non-verbal engagement techniques and de-escalation actions to stabilize a law enforcement situation so that more time, options, and resources are available to gain a person’s voluntary compliance and to reduce or eliminate the need to use force. However, when de-escalation tactics have been attempted and failed or are not feasible based on the totality of the circumstances, officers are authorized to use reasonable force to gain, maintain, or reestablish control to protect the lives and safety of others and/or themselves.” … “we are recommending that the department wait and evaluate PERF’s final report and recommendations before we consider pursuing or expanding less-lethal options.”

Charter Right #2. Riverbend Park on Memorial Drive. [Charter Right – Simmons, Apr 10, 2023]
Simmons notes comments by Riverside residents who feel disrespected by Council intentions to ask DCR reconsideration – “people closest to the pain should be closest to the power” – asks Councillors Nolan and Azeem to rescind or table this Order; Nolan fully supports Order and claims that only a small number of people object, suggests that people in Riverside support all-weekend closure, proposes amendment to seek legal justification for full weekend closure; Carlone says all sides are right, City has insufficient open space, DCR controls the land and road, compliments Suzanne Blier (and others) suggestion to close from Eliot Bridge to JFK Street on Saturdays; Zondervan notes that DCR has decided against Saturday closures so Riverside residents were heard, calls traffic on Memorial Drive environmental injustice, says eventually it will be closed all weekend; Azeem notes that Order expresses disappointment about DCR decision to not consider other options; McGovern is dismissive of Blier proposal if this is a matter of legal authority, notes that neighborhood is divided on issue, wants traffic mitigation regardless; Siddiqui on defense over neighborhood concerns, agrees with need for traffic mitigation; Carlone notes that Blier proposal would still need DCR approval, notes that City has insufficient capacity for studying traffic; Simmons notes that compromise proposal for Eliot Bridge to JFK St. was suggested by multiple people; Nolan protests Simmons suggestion that a cover letter include minority view – Simmons takes exception; Order Adopted 7-2 as Amended (DS,PT – No)

I look forward to yet another meeting where advocates on either side of an issue talk past each other. I also expect a lot of “studies have shown” rhetorical BS. In the end, this may simply come down to whether someone has “pull” with the incoming DCR Commissioner.

Communications #22. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding Material for Monday City Council Meeting. [Analysis of Cycling Safety in Cambridge Under the Cycling Safety Ordinance Year-3]
Placed on File 9-0

At the very least, this partially fills the gap left by the City’s failure to actually evaluate the safety impacts of various road reconfigurations undertaken in recent years. I’ll leave it to others to sift through the statistics. Anecdotally, I will say that I feel a lot more nervous when driving now because of the many different road obstructions and greatly narrowed lane widths. Whether they provide increased bicycle safety (as opposed to “comfort”) is debatable. Former Traffic Czar Joe Barr would likely call it all “traffic calming”, but I feel a lot less calm when driving, and I worry a lot more now about cyclists racing up while I’m making a right turn due to decreased visibility. This was not a problem when I previously would simply pull as far to the right as possible when making a turn.

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Ruth Hill.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons with comments of great respect; Adopted 9-0

Ruth Edmonds Hill was a magnificent and brilliant person in her own right, but some may remember “Sister Ruth” as the wife of the late Hugh Morgan Hill (“Brother Blue”). [Obituary]

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to bring together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and City departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

“this property could be utilized by the City in a variety of important ways, including: a location for the City’s operations, affordable housing development, preschool use, open space, and other uses which would benefit the larger Cambridge community” – It’s worth reiterating my comments from the previous meeting on this topic: “Toner asks about public process in determining uses for City-owned property; Mallon says site would be perfect for an affordable housing development; Zondervan proposes that tall affordable housing towers be built on this site on Larch Road; Carlone prefers mixed use w/o towers and proposes stormwater storage under buildings with zero parking.”

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant departments to work together to develop a policy that would lead to a ban on the use of gas-powered lawn equipment in Cambridge in line with other municipalities and development of possible ordinance language limiting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment by residents, businesses, and city operations.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Toner; Nolan comments; Toner notes that a Working Group was supposed to have been formed (but wasn’t), asks if a proposed ban is a foregone conclusion; Zondervan bemoans fact that a ban has not already been enacted; Nolan states that within a few years there will be no gas-powered cars and no gas-powered equipment; Adopted 9-0, Referred to Health & Environment Committee

Frankly, among all the competing priorities worth pursuing, this ranks pretty low on my list. Then again, I live on a busy street where a leaf blower would be just another instrument in the cacophonous orchestra.

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 1, 2022 to receive an update on the Net Zero Action Plan. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 8, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed BEUDO amendments. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 23, 2022 to continue discussion on the Net Zero Action Plan. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 29, 2022 to receive a report from the Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Health and Environment Committee met on Tues, Apr 11, 2023 to review plans for solar and renewable energy installations in the city, including report on solar expansion and works by the CEA (Cambridge Energy Alliance) and potential for solar on city owned water supply land, and any other items related to renewable energy. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Please note that four of these five reports are from more than a year ago.

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 13, 2023 on the Citizen’s Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning in the Central Square Cultural District. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This zoning petition will likely breeze through to ordination, but lest anyone be concerned about as-of-right noisiness to neighbors, the Cambridge License Commission will continue to have authority to regulate any potential nuisances (as opposed to the Board of Zoning Appeal). – Robert Winters

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