Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

September 19, 2021

Featured Items on the September 20, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:42 pm

Featured Items on the September 20, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here are my choices for the notable stuff:Peoples Republic of Cambridge

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2022.
19 Orders Adopted; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

80%-10%-10%. Never changes.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to submit an amendment to the proposed Home Rule Petition for a special law regarding a fire cadet program for the City of Cambridge Fire Department.
Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Just a technical revision for clarity.

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department, the City Solicitor, and other appropriate City staff to compile a report detailing the efforts the City has made toward creating LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing over the past decade, to state what impediments had been identified in realizing this effort, and to outline recommendations for how the City may successfully create such housing within the next three years.   Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

I still don’t understand the intent of this, though apparently the legal opinion that this “might violate federal fair-housing laws” has led to a more “affirmative action” alternative rather than the previous segregated housing proposal which seemed fundamentally regressive.

Order #4. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Public Health Department and report back to the City Council on the milestones that will be used to determine when the indoor mask mandate will no longer be needed.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

This Order is primarily a request for public information, i.e. “it would be helpful for the community to know how decisions are made and what specific milestones need to be achieved.” At first glance I thought it was yet another attempt by inexpert councillors to micromanage our public health professionals. I actually would love to know what the milestones will be – and I hope they come real soon.

Order #5. That section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 of the Zoning Ordinance, regarding the linkage fee, be amended by substitution.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern
Referred to Housing Committee, Ordinance Committee, and Planning Board 9-0 as Amended

Our “squeeze ’em ’til it hurts” councillors are proposing to increase in one giant leap the Incentive Zoning Linkage Fee from the current $20.10 per square foot to $33.34 per square foot for new commercial developments of more than 30,000 square feet of gross floor area. That’s a 66% increase. The fee sat at $4.58 per square foot of new commercial development from 1988 to 2015 when it was increased to $12 per square foot plus periodic annual and CPI adjustments that brought it to the current $20.10 per square foot in 2020.

Order #6. Council Support of H.926, The Massachusetts Schoolchildren Pesticide Protection Act.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

This is absolutely a good idea, but it’s always worth remembering that prior to the (hopefully thoughtful and cautious) use of pesticides and other means to combat food-borne pathogens, sickness and death as well as some cancers (notably stomach cancer) were very common. The Modern World giveth and taketh away.

Order #7. That the City Council urges the US Congress to fulfill its obligation to prevent nuclear war, as outlined in the Back from the Brink campaign.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended

So good to see the Cambridge City Council engaging again in what it does best – national and foreign policy.

Order #9. That the City Council schedule a hearing of the Ordinance Committee for the purposes of amending the Ordinance of the City of Cambridge regarding MUNICIPAL BUILDING PERMITS and WAGE THEFT.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Among other things, it’s interesting that in this proposal the City Council is already presuming to have veto power over City Manager appointments. Also, the proposed “Wage Theft Enforcement Committee” would require that “No less than half the committee members shall be Cambridge residents, and no less than half shall be union/labor representatives.” In other words, existing labor unions would control all proposed enforcement.

I will note that even in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance there is no mention of any union requirements. Indeed, a search for the word “union” in the Zoning Ordinance returns no results.

Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee met on July 14, 2021 to discuss car storage policies in Cambridge.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

The Cambridge City Council’s never-ending war on motor vehicles continues. Councillor Zondervan stated that “car storage is one of the worst land uses cities employ and hopes to achieve zero car storage and usage through policy regime.” Councillor Zondervan has a parking space on his property.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting memorandums from City Solicitor, Nancy E. Glowa regarding Minor Correction to Ballot Question No. 3 Which Is to be Placed on the Nov 2, 2021 Ballot Pursuant to Calendar Item No. 3 of 6/28/21. [Note: Date of Election Day corrected – RW]
Amended text Approved 9-0; Report Placed on File 9-0

There is much that can be said on this topic and I will continue to do so in the days to come. The most significant change is the proposal to effectively give a bare majority of the City Council the right to control 100% of the membership of all City boards and commissions. So much for representation of minority viewpoints or, for that matter, expertise from anyone other than those favored by 5 councillors.

As further evidence of the shoddy work of the proponents of these ballot questions, the proposal that would require annual performance reviews of the city manager (which, by the way, they already have the power to do) would amend section 116 of the Plan E Charter that has to do with “General election laws; applicability” even though this proposed change has zero to do with elections. It seems pretty obvious that this should more properly amend section 103 that concerns “City manager; appointment; qualifications; compensation; removal.” Reading is apparently a lost art.

Personally, I feel that the primary intention of these “reforms” is simply to transfer some measure of executive power away from the city manager to the legislature (City Council) – which is supposed to be a policy-making body. The other two ballot questions are superfluous. It’s also worth noting that there was essentially zero public process leading up to the Council’s decision to place these particular questions on this November’s municipal ballot. There are potentially some good amendments to the Charter that could have been considered (for example, modifying the PR elections to eliminate ballot order dependence), but those were never discussed. – Robert Winters

September 13, 2021

See You in September…When the Summer’s Through – September 13, 2021 City Council Agenda

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:50 pm

See You in September…When the Summer’s Through – September 13, 2021 City Council Agenda

After every long break from City Council meetings I generally read through the upcoming agenda with a sense of dread – expecting that the competition to be more outrageous than the other councillors will finally go right off the cliff. There’s some of that in this week’s agenda and as we head toward Early Voting and the Nov 2 municipal election I’m sure there will be even more attention-seeking rubbish. Here’s a sample of agenda items ranging from routine to ridiculous.City Hall

The Pandemic and Related Matters

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to authorization to grant street obstruction approvals.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Community Development Department, Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs, Department of Public Works, local non-profit organizations, Cambridge businesses dedicated to locally sourced produce, farmers, and resident gardeners to study the feasibility of spending Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address food insecurity by installing raised garden beds throughout Cambridge and providing free, fresh, locally-grown food for residents in need.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Adopted 9-0

Elections and Charter Deform

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, 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 2, 2021 Municipal Election, in accordance with Chapter 255 of the Acts of 2020, as amended by Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2021 and Chapter 29 of the Acts of 2021.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0

RECOMMENDED EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, HOURS AND DAYS

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

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
October 23 October 24 October 25 October 26 October 27 October 28 October 29
10am – 3pm CLOSED 11am – 7pm 10am – 5pm 11am – 7pm 10am – 5pm 10am -5pm

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request from the Board of Election Commissioners recommending the relocation of polling sites for the Nov 2, 2021 Municipal Election.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0

The polling place relocations affect Precincts 1-1, 1-2, 9-2, 9-3, and 11-3.

Order #12. In response to the Election Commission request for a summary argument in support of proposed charter amendments, that the City Council authorize Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan to submit language to the Election Commission before the deadline on Sept 20, 2021.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted as Amended 9-0

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting communications from Tanya Ford, Executive Director of the Cambridge Election Commission regarding support and in opposition of the proposed charter amendments to be included in a mailing to voters prior to the Nov 2, 2021 Municipal Election.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toomey – PRESENT)

Two of the ballots questions aren’t necessary because the City Council always had the authority to demand an annual review of the City Manager or a periodic charter review. The other question promises to turn all City boards and commissions into political bodies rather than nonpartisan citizen bodies. Imagine if you will (spoken in Rod Serling tones) a city in which favoring historic preservation at a site of a proposed high density development will disqualify you from serving on the Historic Commission.

Parks and Trees, Birds and Bees

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-56, regarding improvements to Jerry’s Pond and along Rindge Avenue.
Tabled 9-0 – Siddiqui

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments on how the City can change practices such that all projects will treat trees as essential infrastructure. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Toomey in Council Aug 2, 2021]
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Toomey – NO; Simmons – ABSENT)

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City departments, the contractor, and the community to take another look at ways in which Sennott Park construction could be contained or compartmentalized in such a way that would allow for various sections or elements of the park to remain safely accessible during the construction period while they are not actively being worked on.   Councillor Zondervan
Order Fails of Adopted 4-5 (DC,PN,JSW,QZ – YES; AM,MM,DS,TT,SS – NO)

Many Appointments

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new Associate Members of the Planning Board for a term of five-years, effective Sept 1, 2021: Alan Price and Ashley Tan
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a reappointment and appointment of new members of the Central Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years, effective July 1, 2021 – Reappointments: Esther Hanig, Robert Winters, Michael Monestime, Joel Alstein, Tahir Kapoor; New Appointments: Saffana Anwar and Christopher Fort
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of members to the newly formed BIPOC Business Advisory Committee for a term of one-year, effective Sept 1, 2021.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of the following members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2021:
3-year terms – Yvette Verdieu, James Henderson, Marian Darlington-Hope, Barbara Guthrie, Katherine Kosinski
1-year term: Joshua Posner, Alexander White
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Zoning Petitions for Dogs and People

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on Article 22.000 Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report on the Post-Operative Animal Care zoning petition, which recommends the adoption of an alternative zoning amendment to effect the proposed change.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 1, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new row in section 4.31 “Residential Uses” regarding the service of post-operative care for a dog.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Petition Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 9-0

Applications & Petitions #4. A Zoning Petition has been received from Francis Donovan, regarding Advancing Housing Affordability (AHA) zoning petition.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0-1 (McGovern ABSENT)

Cannabis, Race, and Patronage

On the Table #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a pilot reparations program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to local Black-owned businesses and to economic empowerment applicants. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan in Council June 21, 2021; Placed on the Table in Council June 28, 2021]
Adopted as Amended 9-0

On the Table #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish a restitution program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to current and former Cambridge residents who have been harmed by the war on drugs, with a targeted launch date of July 2022. [Placed on the Table in Council Aug 2, 2021]
Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City departments, the City Council, the Black community, and the general public in Cambridge to implement the attached proposal to establish a Commission of Racial Justice and Equity.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #13. Amendments to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Amended (section 5.50.040) 9-0; Amended to declare emergency to ordain w/o 2nd Reading 8-1 (Toomey – NO);
Ordained as Amended 8-1 (Toomey – NO); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Toomey YES)

Committee Report #3. The Civic Unity Committee me on May 27, 2021 to conduct a public hearing to discuss the recently released ‘Social Equity Legislation in Cannabis: A National Study of State and Local Approaches’ by the Initiative organization.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting an explanation of the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance.
Placed on File 9-0

Pardon my cynicism, but all of this amounts to little more than cash rewards for connected people, and I doubt I’ll ever warm up to the idea that only people who meet specific racial identity criteria may serve on a particular board or commission. Another really sweet feature in Order #11 is the demand that all commission members receive $100/hour compensation for meeting attandance and that any work done in addition to meeting attendance shall be compensated through a contract with the city. Requests for political patronage rarely are as transparent as this little gem.

Streets & Cars

On the Table #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sidney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern in Council June 28, 2021; Placed on the Table in Council Aug 2, 2021]

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to review the City’s residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to speak to the above-referenced concerns and to develop recommendations that speak to these modifications. [An individual obtained residential parking permits for perhaps ten vehicles, all of which are parked on the residential streets near this individual’s home and all of which are primarily utilized not for this individual’s personal use, but instead for the purpose of being rented out (in a concept similar to the peer-to-peer car share model) as a business enterprise.]   Councillor Simmons
Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department regarding the feasibility of installing speed bumps on Inman Street.   Councillor McGovern
Adopted 9-0

Miscellany – Weapons, Refugees, Security Deposits

Unfinished Business #6. Order to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge to insert new section Restricting the Use of Chemical Crowd Control Agents and Kinetic Impact Projectiles. [Passed to a Second Reading in Council Aug 2, 2021]
Ordained 9-0

Order #8. That the City Council go on record as being willing to work with the Governor’s Office and any nonprofits in helping to settle Afghan refugees in Cambridge should it be needed.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted 9-0

Order #15. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to review the proposed ordinance regarding Renter Choice (Ordinance #2021-18) and provide feedback on implementation.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Comings and Goings

Resolution #11. Congratulations to Christine Elow on being named Acting Commissioner for the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted as Amended 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a memorandum regarding the current three-year term as City Clerk expiring on May 31, 2022.
Placed on File 8-1 (Carlone – NO)

August 2, 2021

Framing the Campaigns – August 2, 2021 Cambridge City Council (Midsummer) Agenda

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:49 am

Framing the Campaigns – August 2, 2021 Cambridge City Council (Midsummer) Agenda

Aug 2, 2021 Cambridge City Council meetingThe Midsummer City Council meeting usually brings an enormous number of resolutions and several volatile policy orders and other actions guaranteed to draw a crowd. Strangely, this year brings a short agenda from the City Manager, relatively few resolutions, only ten policy orders, and not a whole lot of controversy. Perhaps the greatest amount of fervor will be outside City Hall starting at 5:00pm when there is a "Save The Trees" rally scheduled that is certain to bring out incumbents and challengers as various groups struggle to frame the issues leading up to this November’s municipal election. By the way, the deadline for submitting nomination signatures is 5:00pm on Mon, Aug 2 – no exceptions.

Actually, the pre-meeting show says more about what has gone wrong in Cambridge than anything else. The “Rally for Cambridge Trees” was apparently already planned, but the “Rally for Our Youth” was also scheduled for the same time and place. That’s all well and good – the City Hall lawn can handle multiple gatherings – but the real dysfunction has been in the competing rhetoric on the various listservs. Based on the principle that walking and chewing gum simultaneously is not physically possible, the insufferably righteous have effectively declared that if you want to preserve trees you must clearly not care about gun violence, or housing affordability, or anything else.

We live in a time of binary thinking. You either want no cars or you hate cyclists. You either want to hug trees or you want to cut them all down in order to pack in as much building as humanly possible. Perhaps the only thing people agree on is that murdering people is bad, but I haven’t yet heard a whole lot of wisdom about what to do about it or if “doing something” will even accomplish anything. Well, at least we can all have rallies ‘n stuff.

OK, here’s some agenda stuff:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation of the Cambridge Historical Commission to approve the final Landmark Designation Report for the Alberta V. Scott House at 28 Union Street.
Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0

This was my friend Ann’s house until last year. She is the undisputed Compost Queen of Massachusetts. So this house is doubly significant. By the way, I love reports like this from the Cambridge Historical Commission. It’s great living in a city with a lot of history and historical buildings. Hopefully the single-minded density dudes won’t tear them all down in their quest for population supremacy.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sidney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern in Council June 28, 2021]
Tabled 9-0 (McGovern)

The real action is on the sidewalks and the patios, not in the middle of the Mass. Ave. – occasional festivals notwithstanding. Let’s again talk when you have a big event planned.

Charter Right #2. City Council endorsement of the Agassiz Neighborhood name being changed to the Baldwin Neighborhood in honor of Maria L. Baldwin. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Nolan in Council June 28, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Reparations or patronage – you decide

On the Table #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a pilot reparations program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to local Black-owned businesses and to economic empowerment applicants. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan in Council June 21, 2021; Placed On The Table in Council June 28, 2021]

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish a restitution program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to current and former Cambridge residents who have been harmed by the war on drugs, with a targeted launch date of July 2022.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Tabled 9-0 (Simmons)

It’s been interesting to see just how thick the conflicts of interest run in this Acapulco Gold Rush. The latest I’ve heard is that the advocates want to delay “until September so there is more time for community engagement so these policies to reflect the will of the community and time for adding language that reflects a historical reckoning and acknowledges the city of Cambridge’s founding role in slavery.” But seriously, it’s all about the money.

Resolutions & a message from the President

Communication #11. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding life security.

Thanks, Peter, as always.

Resolution #8. Resolution on the death of Priscilla McMillan.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone

Resolution #10. Resolution on the death of Robert Moses.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan

While we’re remembering Bob Moses, let’s not forget the mission of The Algebra Project which is even more relevant today than it was in 1982. Many of us who teach mathematics understand that the road to empowerment is paved with a good education, and that includes a good mathematics education.

Mission
The Algebra Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) national, nonprofit organization that uses mathematics as an organizing tool to ensure quality public school education for every child in America. We believe that every child has a right to a quality education to succeed in this technology-based society and to exercise full citizenship. We achieve this by using best educational research and practices, and building coalitions to create systemic changes.

Resolution #13. Thanks to Branville G. Bard, Jr. for his four years of service to the Cambridge Community, and in wishing him great success as he enters his exciting next chapter.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Zondervan – NO)
[Note: Councillor Zondervan said, "I have trouble wishing him great success as he enters his exciting next chapter." Mayor Siddiqui then said, "I’m not sure where your manners are." When Zondervan tried to continue, Mayor Siddiqui used her discretion to cut him off – much to the satisfaction of the rest of the City Council.]

I have a lot of respect for Branville Bard – not only for his approach to police work in Cambridge but also for his forthrightness in responding to elected officials who often talk more than they think. We have had a good run of Police Commissioners ever since the position was created – Perry Anderson, Ronnie Watson, Robert Haas, and Branville Bard and those who have served in the interim. In choosing the next Commissioner, I hope great consideration is given to some of the great people currently serving in the Cambridge Police Department.

Resolution #17. Farewell and Best Wishes to Matthew McLaughlin.   Councillor Carlone

Fare thee well indeed, but perhaps it’s past due for a conversation about the practice of having political activists and elected officials from neighboring cities acting as City Council Aides. My tax dollars and all that.

Addressing violence and public safety

Resolution #11. Resolution on the death of Robert R. “LB” Favreau, III.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Human Service Programs, the Peace Commission, and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of providing Equity Roadmap with regular funding for Friday Night Hype.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to designate a suitable street corner, square or the Pemberton Basketball Courts in honor of Xavier Louis-Jacques.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. Policy Order Re Addressing Increased Gun Activity.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0 [Motion by Zondervan to delete the "Ordered" calling for police involvement Failed 1-7-1 (Zondervan YES, Sobrinho-Wheeler – ABSENT)]
“Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them. Let them come quickly and wail over us till our eyes overflow with tears and water streams from our eyelids.” – Jeremiah 9:17-18 (thanks to Denise Simmons)

I have no idea what the best course of action is in addressing gun violence in Cambridge or elsewhere, but I do sometimes think about the fact that if I was a young man in Cambridge these days my choices for fun wouldn’t be so great. Of all the suggestions I have heard, the only one that rings true to me is simply giving people some alternatives, e.g. sports, music, streetcorner philosophizing, math, science, computers. I really don’t think politicians have a whole lot to offer here, but I’ll definitely be listening to My Brother’s Keeper.

Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee and the Human Services & Veterans Committee met on Jan 19, 2021 to hear from community experts on possible ways to design a community-centered public safety response service.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on June 2, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on an order to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge to insert new section Restricting the Use of Chemical Crowd Control Agents and Kinetic Impact Projectiles.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Order #2. City Council support of HD.3457 and SD.2309, An Act Relative to Electric Bicycles.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

I suppose this is a good thing, but you know what the scariest, craziest thing I see on the roads these days is? People zipping along at high speed on electric skateboards and scooters – right side and wrong side of the street, weaving through traffic, onto and off of sidewalks, and passing at high speed to the right of right-turning motor vehicles. I wonder how they fit into this bill.

Order #5. Support for Replenishing the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee met on June 8, 2021 to conduct a public hearing to discuss strategies and opportunities to alleviate permit and license fees for small businesses, through possible consolidation or elimination.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments on how the City can change practices such that all projects will treat trees as essential infrastructure.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Toomey

I suppose this Order will go hand-in-hand with the rally before the meeting. It will be interesting to see how many councillors who voted to exempt all subsidized housing proposals from tree protections will now be out in front hugging trees on the City Hall lawn.

Quality of Life

Order #7. That the City Manager instruct the Community Development Department to draft zoning amendments requiring special permits be required for research and development, laboratory and research facilities in the districts noted in the attached memorandum to ensure a robust community process.   Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

This is a good initiative. If zoning was originally meant in part as a way to create some separation between kindergartens and smokestacks, it seems more than appropriate today to find some way to ensure that residents don’t have to be subjected to the noise of 24-hour-per-day mechanicals and other activity from laboratory and similar buildings.

Order #9. That the City Manager confer with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, the Community Development Department, and other relevant City staff to discuss the feasibility of committing financial resources to assist in redesigning and/or reshaping the outdoor public ways, natural space and infrastructure including sidewalks, protected bike lanes and tree canopy at the southern edge of Jerry’s Pond along Rindge Avenue to make it more accessible, more green and more equitable and to create a welcoming entryway to Cambridge from the west.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

This could be be a really great place with a little TLC. I can’t wait until someone calls it gentrification.

Order #10. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on how the city is working to get City and Public School staff to 100% vaccinated, including the possibility of mandating vaccinations and decrease the likelihood that COVID-19 spreads via City staff and in City Buildings.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Just require vaccination. Meanwhile, the City Council will be phoning it in from home while they talk about City staff in City buildings.

Order #12. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately reimplement and extend Cambridge’s eviction moratorium until at least October 31, 2021.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Down the Tubes

Committee Report #4. The Government Operations committee met on June 29, 2021 to discuss the hiring of the next City Manager.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Two Orders Adopted 9-0

I would rather leave this choice to nine random strangers than to this City Council. The only question I have at this point is whether they’ll choose the next city manager for the sake of a “Look at-us!” press release or because they want a compliant rubber stamp.

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan, transmitting information about the Attorney General’s ruling on Calendar Item #3 (Charter Amendments). [City Solicitor’s Letter (July 19)] [Atty. General’s Letter (July 26)] [Proposed Charter Amendments]
Placed on File 9-0

What they call “a year-long discussion and review” was really virtually no process at all. As for the specific ballot questions: (1) Requiring an annual review of the City Manager is something they have always had the power to require without any need to amend the charter. (2) Reviewing the Charter every decade is also something they could have done all along, but perhaps there really wasn’t the need. (3) Requiring City Council approval of all appointments to City boards and commissions is the surest way to politicize all of the boards with any regulatory authority. I wonder how Councillor Nolan will feel when Historical Commission appointees start being rejected for voting to preserve historic buildings rather than allow them to be torn down for the sake of ever-greater density. I have long felt that the City Manager – whether it was Bob Healy, Rich Rossi, or Louis DePasquale have at least tried to have a good cross-section of residents – even though it has often been challenging to get a rich pool of applicants. In the new regime, all it will take will be 5 councillors to control 100% of the membership of City boards. At this rate, I may be the next person leading the charge for charter reform – just to undo the damage of this City Council.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan, communication regarding the formation of a Climate Crisis Working Group.
Placed on File 9-0

Once again, that that Rahm Emanuel quote comes to mind: “Never allow a good crisis go to waste. It’s an opportunity to do the things you once thought were impossible.” That can bring good things, or that can bring oppressive restrictions simply because they can. – Robert Winters

Comments?

June 28, 2021

Campaign Trailhead and Summer Vacation – June 28, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 8:31 am

Campaign Trailhead and Summer Vacation – June 28, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

This is the last City Council meeting until the Midsummer meeting in August and then again in September. These are the days when councillors are setting the table for their respective political sales pitches with an eye toward the November municipal election. Here are the items that seem most notable:

Note: Even though City Hall is open, only 4 councillors (Toomey, Siddiqui, Nolan, Carlone) bothered to actually show up while the other 5 continued to call in from the privacy of their own homes. I went there just to reacquaint myself with the surroundings.

Public comment seems to be dominated by people who want to sell dope and want to have money funneled their way via City ordinance. It’s also worth noting that this meeting was not accessible via the Open Meeting Portal nor via the new streaming video link. I was only able to access the meeting via Zoom. It is somewhat bewildering how we can never seem to master our chosen technologies.On Vacation

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sydney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Charter Right – McGovern

While we may respect the intention of the Order that led to this report, there are significant reasons for not routinely shutting down this important thoroughfare. It’s also not necessary since so much of the action is on the sidewalks and places of business. That said, we really should revive something like the Central Square World’s Fair and host a few really signature events each year in Central Square. It really is the most happening place in Cambridge.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendation from the Planning Board and communication from Community Development Department and Law Department staff related to the Cannabis Delivery Zoning Petition. [Law Dept. memo] [recommended amended text of petition]
Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. ORDINANCE 2021-8 Cannabis Delivery Zoning Amendments. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING ON JUNE 14, 2021; TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER JUNE 28, 2021]
Amended 8-0-1 as proposed in Mgr #8 (Toomey PRESENT); Ordained 8-0-1 (Toomey PRESENT)

Order #11. That the Chairs of the Ordinance Committee convene a hearing on amending the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance to extend the preference period.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

While I can certainly respect the notion of affirmatively acting to give some disadvantaged people a leg up in economic opportunities, there does come a point where you cross over into the realm of political patronage and we may now be crossing that line. I will add that we may very soon see at least four cannabis retailers in Central Square in addition to any “cannabis courier establishments.” Meanwhile, Graffiti Alley, the parking lots, the sidewalks of Central Square, and even the public toilets continue to see a thriving environment for drug sales – cannabis and otherwise.

Charter Right #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $65,019,211, received from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the new Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to the Grant Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL JUNE 21, 2021]
Sobrinho-Wheeler Motion to Table Fails 2-7 (JSW,QZ – YES); Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

The Manager’s report on this topic last week was very informative, and also served as a reminder of just how much effort and money was expended during this pandemic on the essential services need to get through this dark tunnel. I seriously hope the Council rhetoric doesn’t devolve into wish lists and giveaways. I will be far more interested to see if forthcoming federal infrastructure legislation can somehow tip the balance to turn some desirable projects from infeasible to not only feasible but recommended, and that includes things like bridges connecting the Alewife Triangle and Quadrangle and other desirable connections. We should have some "shovel ready" plans in place in order to take advantage of any federal funds for such permanent improvements. Let the pandemic relief and recovery money go to pandemic relief and recovery.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of establishing a pilot reparations program that would take a to-be-determined percentage of revenue from local cannabis sales and distribute these monies to local Black-owned businesses and to economic empowerment applicants. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL JUNE 21, 2021]
Tabled 9-0 (Simmons)

Please note that this proposal is characterized as a “pilot reparations programs” which suggests that there will be more proposals to come. I absolutely agree with the idea of economic empowerment and providing strategic advantages, but I absolutely disagree with the concept of reparations.

Charter Right #3. That the City Council go on record in favor of filing of the attached Home Rule Petition entitled: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 2, 2021 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL JUNE 21, 2021]
Late Amendments unseen by the public Approved 8-1 (Toomey – NO); Order Approved as Amended 8-1 (Toomey – NO); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Apparently, there will be one track that asks Attorney General to opine on legality, then straight to municipal ballot; other track is Home Rule petition to state legislature.

There were only two extremely-low attendance Zoom meetings on this topic, and the proposal to hand over the authority to approve all appointments to City boards and commissions is nothing more than a power grab guaranteed to politicize all City boards and destroy any possibility of proportionality in the membership of those boards. This would be a major structural change with not only unintended consequences but, more fundamentally, intentional consequences. In short, if five city councillors want to have the Planning Board or any other board be 100% compliant with their point of view (or their endorsing organization’s point of view) – even if the appointees have no other qualifications – they will be able to do so if this proposed change is approved. The other two proposed changes are benign – requiring an annual review of the City Manager’s performance and a review of the Charter every decade (unless 5 city councillor can completely control who participates in the charter review – see above).

Unfinished Business #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance. [PASS TO A SECOND READING ON JUNE 14, 2021; TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER JUNE 28, 2021]
Amended 8-0-0-1 (Toomey – PRESENT)
Ordained as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Toomey – NO; Simmons – PRESENT)

Order #1. That the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended to insert a new row in section 4.31 “Residential Uses” regarding the service of post-operative care for a dog.   Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0
Reconsidered 9-0; Adopted as Amended by Substitution 9-0

This is an example of what the City Council actually should be doing, i.e. recognizing a problem and fixing it – no ideology required. There apparently was a recent BZA case where it was decided that providing care for the pet of a friend was a technical zoning violation. This zoning amendment is intended to remedy that zoning malady.

Order #2. City Council support of HD.3403 and SD.2340, An Act Relative to Fare Free Buses.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. City Council support of the Cambridge Transit Advisory Committee’s suggested configuration for the #47 Bus.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. City Council endorsement of the Agassiz Neighborhood name being changed to the Baldwin Neighborhood in honor of Maria L. Baldwin.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Nolan

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Personnel Department, and other relevant City departments to examine and implement a flexible, permanent remote work policy for City employees who can perform their tasks remotely.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toomey ABSENT)

I agree completely that there should be continued flexibility for some City workers, but I see no reason whatsoever at this point for city councillors not showing up in person at City Council meetings.

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the DPW and the family to install a suitable memorial in a meaningful location, including a new tree planting, to honor the life of Luca Gibson.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare an ordinance which allows individual condominium owners the ability to obtain a City construction permit to repair known structural and other safety violations even without a majority of the building’s condominium owners’ vote of approval.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (McGovern PRESENT)

This would open some interesting legal cans of worms. Even more fundamentally, the transition over the last 40 years from individual ownership of whole properties to condominium ownership has produced more than a few unintended consequences and long-term maintenance issues that could use a fresh look. Unilateral action by one condo owner leading to assessments for all owners may not be the best or even the legal solution.

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Finance and Personnel Departments to examine stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

I suppose that examining the issue is harmless, but I still cannot warm up to the idea of paying members of boards and commissions. I would rather see a change in culture that rewards constructive civic participation in other ways. Former Mayor David Maher understood this and hosted events thanking residents who volunteer to serve on City boards and commissions. Covid notwithstanding, it’s a shame that subsequent mayors failed to see the value in such recognition. This isn’t all about money.

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, Cambridge Development Department, and the City Manager’s Housing Liaison to discuss and advise on a condominium conversion ordinance.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted; Referred to Law Department and to Housing Committee 7-1-0-1 (Toomey – NO; McGovern – PRESENT)

Those horses left the barn 25 years ago and much of the city’s multi-family stock has already been converted (and with it one of the most time-tested routes to middle class stability). This is just a political attention-getting move now.

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and the Housing Committee conducted a joint hearing on Wed, Feb 17, 2021 to discuss the elimination of single and two-family only zoning and restrictions on the type of housing that can be built city-wide.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This is the kind of actual conversation that we should be having – as opposed to intense densification proposals like the so-called "Missing Middle" petition that will soon be expiring and could potentially be reintroduced (likely an even worse iteration). There are strong arguments in favor of liberalizing zoning to allow multi-family homes in all residential zones, and it is also reasonable to review the allowable densities every once in a while without necessarily opening the floodgates to demolition and redevelopment in places that are now functioning well. Cambridge has an interesting brand of density that works in its own curious ways in most neighborhoods, but it also has a variety of densities that provide choices for people with different needs and preferences. We need a little more Jane Jacobs and a little less Robert Moses. Perhaps most of all we need to have local zoning ordinances that allow reasonable people to do reasonable things.

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Anthony Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting information regarding the Early Voting Home Rule Legislation.
Modified Home Rule Petition Re-Filed 9-0; Report Placed on File 9-0

This matter has been on the City Council Calendar for ages and may even become obsolete depending on what the state legislature finally decides regarding permanently establishing such things as "no excuse absentee voting," ballot dropboxes, and other accommodations. The City Clerk has readied this for re-filing the Home Rule petition, but I’m not so sure that this will be necessary or even advisable at this point. I also would not want to burden the Election Commission staff unnecessarily if there are other perfectly good alternatives. – Robert Winters

June 15, 2021

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 507-508: June 15, 2021

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:26 pm

Episode 507 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 15, 2021 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on June 15, 2021 at 6:00pm. Topics: Flattening the curve; reopenings; Temple Street and varying views of environmental justice; AHO realities; Central Square Library rhetorical competition; progressive vs. sensible; misrepresenting “the community”; alternatives to the misguided Missing Middle; rejecting unilateralism. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 508 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 15, 2021 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on June 15, 2021 at 6:30pm. Topics: Tree Protection Ordinance; misrepresenting “the community”; lack of civic education and targeting “low-information voters”; afterschool programs & community schools; overeagerness to spend $ from American Rescue Plan; federal funding and the long view on infrastructure projects; City Manager hiring process continues; NYC mayoral primary and RCV; candidate updates. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 4, 2021

Solicited and Unsolicited Advice – June 7, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,covid — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:25 pm

Solicited and Unsolicited Advice – June 7, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

There are a number of interesting items on this week’s agenda – especially the legal analysis of City Solicitor Nancy Glowa on a number of topics.City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-39, regarding the status of the Gold Star Mothers Pool opening plans for the June through September summer season of 2021.
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the COVID-19 Update.
Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #9. Thank You Claude A. Jacob.   Mayor Siddiqui
Tabled 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-23, regarding a report on permanently extending remote participation in City Council and board and commission meetings.
Placed on File 9-0

I’m really looking forward to the day when Covid updates are relegated to history rather than daily updates. I’m also eagerly looking forward to the day when City Hall, the City Hall Annex, the libraries, and all other City buildings are fully reopened. The justification for keeping them closed is rapidly fading, and when the Governor’s emergency declaration expires on June 15 (or another date if the state legislature approves an extension) there will be no legal basis for denying public access.

As for the matter of the continuation of remote access to public meetings, please read the opinion of the City Solicitor in Mgr’s Agenda #11. In my opinion, we should return forthwith to in-person meetings with the option of remote access for Cambridge residents and invited guests. Elected officials and City staff should no longer be "phoning it in" unless they are physically unable to attend in person.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2020 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointment of members of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Missing Middle Housing (Fuller, et al.) Zoning Petition.
Refer to Petition 9-0

Order #6. That City Manager be and is hereby requested work with the Law Department to provide an analysis of what impact the recently enacted state Housing Choices law has on the Missing Middle Housing Zoning petition.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon
Refer to Petition 9-0

I stand by my well-considered opinion that this is a terrible petition that has only grown worse as amendments to the proposal have been introduced in order to garner political support. At this point its passage has more to do with the fealty of some elected officials to the “A Better Cambridge” group than in doing what is best for the city and its residents. There is certainly a reasonable case to be made for allowing multi-family housing to be built in all residential zones and relaxing some parking requirements (especially near transit), but that is not what this zoning proposal is primarily about. It also has nothing to do with addressing any historical remnants having to do with race – in spite of the purposefully misleading rhetoric of the proponents. This is a proposal for dramatically increasing residential density – and not just in areas that currently have lower densities.

Many of us feel that Cambridge is already a relatively dense city – in fact, one of the most dense in the country – and that this proposal has more to do with creating development opportunities than it has to do with either housing affordability or good urban planning. There is also an element of hubris implicit in this petition, i.e. the notion that Cambridge can unilaterally address housing supply issues that properly must be addressed at a regional level and with modifications to the regional transportation system. There are opportunities for transit-oriented residential development that can and should be considered, but that is not part of this proposal. Perhaps the most telling comment was stated by one of the letter-writing proponents on a personal web page, “I am creating a better strategy for investments. I own multiple units in upstate NY, Rhode Island and Ohio. I currently reside in Massachusetts and am trying to find a few deals here.” Enough said.

It is interesting that Councillors Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons, and Mallon are so concerned about how many votes will be minimally required to ram this travesty through. Perhaps the time has come to consider how many votes may be needed to elect or replace some councillors this November.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-2, regarding the possibility of implementing a Sheltered Market Program, and Awaiting Report Item Number 21-4, regarding conducting a Spending Disparity Study on City Purchasing.
Placed on File 9-0

This is a very interesting legal analysis in spite of the somewhat cryptic "Sheltered Market Program." At issue is the degree to which City purchasing may give advantages to "historically disadvantaged groups" without running afoul of current laws and judicial decisions. It’s not always clear where "doing the right thing" ends and where political patronage begins. The City Solicitor recommends “that the City, in order to determine whether a sheltered market program under G.L. c. 30B, § 18 can be implemented in Cambridge, first conduct a disparity study to review and analyze whether there are present effects of past discrimination for which such a program would be intended to address. If it is determined that a basis exists for the City to implement a sheltered market program following a disparity study, the next step to implement such a program would be for the City to authorize the Purchasing Agent to establish such a program by: (1) a vote of a majority of the City Council; and (2) the approval of the City Manager.”

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for support for the City of Cambridge to join in the formation of a Boston Cambridge Tourism Destination Marketing District.
Placed on File; Order Adopted 7-0-0-2 (JSW,QZ – PRESENT)

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response regarding the City Council having its own budget for outside legal research.
Placed on File 9-0

The saga continues. I sometimes get the impression that the “bold, progressive change” councillors will simply never accept the notion that whatever they want to do still has to conform to existing laws, and that any opinion to the contrary is met with open hostility. The City’s Law Department has created a mechanism through which most or all of their needs can be met, but perhaps that’s not the real point. The combination of calls for charter change in conjunction with pursuits such as this is really about gathering more power and authority to the local legislative body. In my opinion, this is a wrongheaded quest – and the fact that this is taking place behind the veil of Covid-related limitations to transparency makes it all the worse.

Cambridge PoliceCharter Right #1. Cambridge HEART Proposal. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan In Council May 25, 2021]
Approved 8-0-0-1 (Toomey – PRESENT)

Communications #9. A communication was received from Judith Nathans, regarding H.E.A.R.T Proposal and Public Safety Task Force Recommendations.
Placed on File 9-0

The bottom line is that whether ideas and recommendations come from a City-appointed Task Force or as suggestions from a small group of activists, any implementation will still lie with the Police Commissioner and the City Manager – presumably guided by need and best practices and informed by some of the programs that have been successful elsewhere. There is simply no value in casting this matter in terms of a political quest to “Defund the Police” or the absurd notion of “Abolish the Police” either in whole or in specific locations in Cambridge. There is also no value in casting this as a choice between “H.E.A.R.T. proposal vs. Task Force Recommendations.” If there are good ideas that make sense in the context of Cambridge, I would rather put my trust in those who understand public safety and who have proven themselves to be open to creative solutions, e.g. Police Commissioner Branville Bard.

Adopting the Budget

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on May 11, 2021 commencing at 9:00am and May 18, 2021 commencing at 10:00am and on May 19, 2021 commencing at 6:00pm to discuss Fiscal Year 2022 budget.
General Fund Budget of $707,104,105 Approved 7-0-0-2 (JSW,QZ – NO)
Note: Zondervan motion to reduce Police Dept. Budget to $65,000,000 failed 2-7 (JSW,QZ – YES)
Water Fund Budget of $13,016,825 Approved 9-0
Public Investment Fund Budget of $38,610,865 Approved 9-0Coins

Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. … [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for projects that include: asbestos abatement in various schools, replace the front plaza and failing masonry wing walls and recaulking the building at the Haggerty School, replace emergency generator and extend exhaust at Cambridgeport, recaulking precast panels at CRLS Field House, unit vents engineering at the Fletcher Maynard Academy and Longfellow building and replace the gym floor at the Amigos School. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within River Street and Harvard Square areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting information on the FY22 police budget.

In most years the Budget Adoption and approval of Loan Orders for major capital projects tends to be rather pro forma with most councillors lavishing praise on all those involved (often well-deserved) and some councillors choosing to take a stand either on principal or simply to gain some political advantage. On the School Department budget, I have to side with Councillor Nolan, in particular, who may have seemed contrarian but was simply pointing out that we often don’t maintain very high standards for our schools and we achieve even less. Expressing disapproval may seem cruel in light of all the Covid-related difficulties of the past year, but even that should not let the School Committee or the School Department off the hook. Personally, I have for a long time felt that the focus of Cambridge schools has been far more about social engineering and indoctrination than about academic excellence. It’s particularly grating to listen to School Committee members who have developed their own dialect of "edu-speak" that allows them to "talk around" just about any matter of substance.

As for the rest of the City budget, I fully expect there to be plenty of grandstanding from the “bold progressive change” crowd on either the Police budget or the IT budget (because of the municipal broadband saga) and maybe a few other items before the Bottom Line comes to a final (presumably successful) vote.

Unfinished Business #9. Zoning Amendments related to Retail and Consumer Service Establishments as amended on May 17, 2021 (Ordinance # 2021-3) [Passed to a Second Reading on May 17, 2021; to be Ordained on or after June 7, 2021]
Ordained 9-0

Unfinished Business #10. Zoning Amendments related to Home Occupations (ORDINANCE #2021-4) [Passed to a Second Reading on May 17, 2021; to be Ordained on or after June 7, 2021]
Ordained 9-0

These could be ordained at this meeting, but I would be lying if I told you that I understood much about the proposed changes or the potential intended or unintended consequences.

Order #5. Live Acoustic Entertainment Ordinance.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

This might be OK, but the fact that percussion is considered acoustic and requires no amplification causes me some concern. Then again, the proposal does suggest that any performances must still conform to existing laws, including the Noise Ordinance. That said, I would be happier if the License Commission still had a role in at least reviewing these things and effecting compromises when appropriate. There is also a level of ambiguity in the proposal when it says “within the perimeter of their business.” Does this include outdoor patios? What about the case of relatively loud acoustic performance in a location abutting a residence – possibly where someone is working from home like so many of us are doing these days?

Order #7. That the City Manager and staff be requested to examine car storage policies and discuss potential updates with the City Council at a meeting of the Transportation Committee.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Regardless of any other merits this proposal may have, let’s at least be aware of the fact that it proposes to eliminate residential and commercial parking minimums citywide and (though it doesn’t explicitly say so) significantly jacking up residential parking permit fees. So if you do choose to own a motor vehicle there will be greater competition for on-street parking and significantly greater expense for the “privilege” of doing so.

Committee Report #2. Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee – Committee Meeting – May 26, 2021 at 10:00am.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Adopted 9-0

The purpose of the meeting was to consider the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board (slam dunk) and to discuss the pilot of street closures in Harvard Square. Street closure discussions in Cambridge are often a witch’s brew of "ban cars" sentiments and creative ideas for improving street life and local retail. The bottom line is that emergency vehicles still need to get through, and it is often the case that when you ban vehicles from one street it becomes just a game of "Whack-A-Mole" when the vehicles simply shift to alternate routes. The Great Exceptions to this are those streets that have been designated (or should be designated) as "woonerfs" – a Dutch term for what is essentially a shared, low volume street. In Cambridge, think Winthrop Street (by Grendel’s Den), Palmer Street (Club Passim), and the yet-to-be made spectacular Blanche Street at the edge of Central Square (which is still just a delivery alley at best). There are some other streets that could be operated as shared streets or ban all but emergency vehicles without creating a cascading vehicular hellscape. Making Palmer Street an interesting street (and not just artsy fartsy) would be a good place to start. Even a hot dog vendor would be a great improvement.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about Homelessness Working Group.
Placed on File 9-0

There is no doubt that more is needed in this arena, but these investigations can end up as reports on shelves – and the simple truth is that these are regional problems and when one well-meaning city like Cambridge does things to address these problems it often ends up paradoxically increasing the problems in that city as individuals migrate to where the enhanced services are to be found. For example, when Boston cracks down on Methadone Mile, some of that just relocates to Central Square. – Robert Winters

June 2, 2021

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 505-506: June 1, 2021

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:47 am

Episode 505 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 1, 2021 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on June 1, 2021 at 6:00pm. Topics: Optimistic Covid update; serendipity; Planning Board seeks members; Charter review and the quest for power; conflict between elected mayor and city council; FY22 Budget coming to a vote; Gaza via Zoom and Public Comment as political theater. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 506 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 1, 2021 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on June 1, 2021 at 6:30pm. Topics: Petition to gut Neighborhood Conservation Districts, echoes of Robert Moses and “urban renewal, remembering Jane Jacobs; Missing Middle Muddle and fictional zoning narratives; nothing to address the general affordability of housing; The “HEART” proposal vs. the Task Force on the Future of Public Safety; misrepresenting “the community”; when will City buildings reopen?; Redistricting coming; mayoral races in Somerville, Boston, and NYC. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

May 5, 2021

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 501-502: May 4, 2021

Filed under: 2021 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 5:15 pm

Episode 501 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 4, 2021 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on May 4, 2021 at 6:00pm. Topics: candidates; charter review; School Committee; FY2022 Budget; tax abatements, budget hearings; remote participation a mixed bag; Police Department Budget. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 502 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 4, 2021 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on May 4, 2021 at 6:30pm. Topics: Green Roofs Petition ordained; mandates & inefficiency; affordable homeownership and the limitations of limited equity; $500 million bond proposal; electric vehicle charging and the future; legal counsel for councillors?; Plan E Charter facts; charter reform in secret – more power, less accountability. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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