Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

January 4, 2021

Meet the New Year, Same as the Old Year – Featured Items on the January 4, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,covid — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:10 pm

Meet the New Year, Same as the Old Year – Featured Items on the January 4, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

There are two things in my daily/weekly routine that fill me with dread. The first is when I check the latest count of Covid infections and deaths among Cambridge residents. The most recent count indicated 51 new infections but fortunately no new deaths. However, after a long period of no new deaths (it was pinned at 100 for 82 days), there have been 8 new reported deaths since Dec 15, and this is very alarming. My other moment of dread is when I check the agenda for the next City Council meeting. That’s when I expect to see the latest attempt by our elected scolds to dictate to Cambridge residents what they in their imagined brilliance feel is The Way Things Must Be. Whether it’s dictating how to manage trees in my yard or whether my gas stove should be banned, they are always in the hunt for further ways to limit personal choice or play to the latest trendy movements. Thankfully, this week they gave us a break, but who know what’s in the pipeline. Sometimes I think that constitutional rights may be the only recourse.2020 to 2021

The last meeting of 2020 had some interesting late additions. They emerged from Executive Session with a late appropriation order for a $1.4 million legal settlement (or so it appears). We are only left to speculate whether this was related to the Vail Court eminent domain taking of a few years ago or something else. In the Vail Court case, if the property owners had any sense (they didn’t) they could have built a mixed income residential development that would have added vitality to that corner of Central Square. Instead, the City felt compelled to take the property by eminent domain for the usual uninspired purposes. Had that property been redeveloped in concert with the underutilized parking lot at the corner of Prospect Street we could have seen a really interesting revitalization of what may be the single most drab location in the Greater Central Square area. That, of course, would have required creative thinking and negotiation from the Community Development Department, but instead we ended up with asphalt and legal settlements. Then again, perhaps the $1.4 million was for hush money. At least that would make for a more interesting story.

The other big story from the previous meeting was the $18.5 million eminent domain taking of an athletic field along Fresh Pond Parkway and the simultaneous disposal of the Green Ribbon Open Space Report from March 2000 (see comments of previous meeting if interested). Predictably, the councillors endorsed by ABC (A Bigger Cambridge) would prefer to Build Baby Build on that land. Clearly Cambridge has far too much open space. </sarcasm>

Here’s my first pass at the marginally interesting stuff this week:

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

Charter Right #1. Policy Order re: Covid-19 Vaccines.
Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Zondervan – NO)

Order #4. That the City Council go on record supporting the School Committee in aligning School opening and closing with the “Schools and Path to Zero” framework with the goal of opening up all schools for in person learning, and supporting all efforts to include as many students as practically possible for at least some in person learning, with the goal of full time in person learning as soon as it can be done safely.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Adopted 9-0

There was a great little book published some years ago called Innumeracy – Mathematical Illiteracy and its Consequences by John Allen Paulos. I often think of this book and it’s theme when reading or hearing from city councillors or from more than a few people in the City’s employ. Whether it’s in promoting development with few goals or quantification, or the laundry list of brainstorming ideas that was dubbed "Envision Cambridge," or in making sense of the relative risk of Covid-19 infection from various activities, innumeracy is often the rule. Regarding the public schools, at some point three metrics were chosen to determine whether our schools would be primarily in-person or done via remote learning. If we exceed 2 of the 3 metrics, it’s shutdown time for all the schools. That’s where we are right now – average of 25.7 new cases/day (the limit is 25, so a slight excess) and 851.5/ml viral copies in wastewater testing (limit is 100/ml).

The crux of Order #4 seems to be to support the proposal to open the schools and keep them open just as long as individual schools can demonstrate that they are maintaining and ensuring a low-risk environment. I have no idea what the thinking of School Committee members is on this matter, but I do like the basic idea of evaluating each situation on its own merits.

As for the Order re: vaccines held over from the last meeting, I’ll simply note that on the one hand our councillors want to ensure that only the most effective vaccines are made available to Cambridge residents, but they also want us to be last in line only after all higher-risk communities have been vaccinated (Order #3 of Dec 21). The truth is that most of these decisions are not in the hands of city councillors but more appropriately in the hands of public health officials, and for this I am grateful.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the biennial City of Cambridge Resident Telephone Survey for 2020.
Placed on File 9-0

I used to actually read these survey results, but I now question their validity. On the housing question in particular, I will simply note that possibly 100% of residents want housing to be affordable, but that’s not the same as endorsing the City’s approach to "affordable housing." So many satisfaction surveys are more a function of the way the questions are asked than of the responses received. By the way, I believe that mom and apple pie are still highly regarded.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Zoning Petition which amends Article 8.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0

Since the court decision leading to this recommendation would favor slightly more flexibility for owners of single-family and two-family homes, I’ll not be surprised if there’s resistance to the recommendation by the density boosters who would prefer that Cambridge be more like Coop City in the Bronx. The nerve of someone wanting to live in a single- or two-family home. Don’t they know there’s a crisis going on? </sarcasm>

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-72, regarding keeping Riverbend Park opened beyond Dec 27, 2020.
Placed on File 9-0

Sorry folks. I guess the ample sidewalks and paths alongside Memorial Drive will have to be repopulated for the duration of the season.

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Law Department to draft Home Rule Petition language for a Fire Cadet Program similar to the language used in the Police Department Home Rule Petition.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
Adopted 9-0

This is a good idea, but I still find it remarkable that a Home Rule Petition is required to create programs like these.

Order #3. That the Cambridge City Council formally expresses its interest in joining other cities actively pursuing digital equity and internet access by signing up for Next Century Cities.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0

In all the controversy and committee meetings about the possibility of investing in municipal broadband, there are a few things that don’t get nearly enough attention. One is the matter of TV – you know, as in television programs. You would think from the proponents that TV (Cable or otherwise) is something only senior citizens want. Maybe it’s true and that nobody under 50 watches television anymore, but it never seems to be part of the discussion. Another matter rarely addressed is the matter of who would actually provide the content and connectivity. It’s not the same as water or electricity where you simply introduce the water or voltage to the conduit. Another point not emphasized nearly enough is that cities where municipal broadband has been established tend to be those who already operate their own electric utilities – and we don’t. Anyway, I don’t know much about Next Century Cities, but they seem to be concerned only with equity rather than content.

Committee Report #1. The Economic Development & University Relations Committee met on Nov 19, 2020 to discuss challenges and opportunities that exist in City purchasing, procurement and programs for MWBEs and other historically disadvantaged businesses and non-profits in Cambridge.
Report Accepted; Placed on File; Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Public Safety Committee met on July 7, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on the Cambridge Police Department’s Use of Force Policy and related matters.
Report Accepted; Placed on File 9-0

These reports are included for information only. Meanwhile, Councillor Zondervan is having another committee meeting this week in which he’ll continue his campaign to defund the police. Political theater is such a poor substitute for real entertainment. – Robert Winters

December 20, 2020

Dropping the Curtain on a Very Bad Year – Featured Items on the December 21, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Harvard Square — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:51 pm

Dropping the Curtain on a Very Bad Year – Featured Items on the December 21, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here’s my rundown of the interesting stuff this week:New Year Ahead

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-44, regarding a Vaccine Task Force.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Order #2. Policy Order re Covid-19 Vaccines.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon
Charter Right – Zondervan

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to establish a waiver for low-income individuals utilizing the Covid-19 vaccine if the vaccine would otherwise cost money to access.   Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

The Beat Goes On. I would just like a better sense of what the principal causes are for the latest wave of Covid-19 positive tests. The fact that there were several new fatalities recorded this past week after many weeks without any new fatalities is, to say the least, alarming. Privacy concerns notwithstanding, a little explanation and reassurance right now will go a long way – even as the vaccine wagon rolls into town.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order No. O-8 of July 27, 2020, regarding a review of the proposed amendments to Chapter 2.119 of the Municipal Code – the Domestic Partnership Ordinance.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Unfinished Business #2. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City of Cambridge Law Department to review the above changes to the language of the Domestic Partnerships Ordinance and report back to the Council. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020]  See Mgr #2

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Planning Board to adopt with modifications, the MXD Amendments Zoning Petition.
Referred to MXD Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adoption the Cannabis Delivery Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0 (Petition to be Re-Filed in January due to changes in State Law)

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with modifications, the Canal District Kendall (PUD-CDK) Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to memo from the development economics consultant team led by Karl F. Seidman regarding a financial assessment of the Canal District Kendall (PUD-CDK) Zoning Petition submitted by BioMed Realty.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Unfinished Business #3. A Zoning Petition has been received from BMR–Third LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. regarding a Zoning Amendment Petition for a new Planned Unit Development PUD District CDK. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED ON NOV 30, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER DEC 21, 2020.]  See Mgr #10, #11
Ordained 9-0 as Amended; Letter of Commitment incorporated

Communications #6. A communication was received from Salvatore Zinno Vice President, Development, BMR-Third LLC, regarding commitment letter to accompany zoning amendment petition.
Letter of Commitment incorporated into Zoning Amendment

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the following requests relative to the eminent domain taking of 185 Larch Road: 1. Appropriate $7,702,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Damages) Account to cover the pro tanto payment toward the expenses of acquisition as required by the above referenced Sections of Chapters 40 and 43 of the General Laws for the property located at 185 Larch Road owned by BB&N; 2. Approve an Order to take by eminent domain a 185 Larch Road; and 3. Appropriate $10,798,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Damages) Account to fund the settlement of BB&N’s remaining eminent domain damages claim.
Order Adopted 8-1 (Toomey – NO)

Lest you think otherwise, note that the City Manager’s message says: “For several decades the City Council has been asking City Managers to actively pursue opportunities to acquire and increase access to open space for all residents. Unfortunately, this goal has been very difficult to achieve due to the lack of availability of land suitable for open space use in Cambridge. Due to this, when BB&N expressed interest in selling Buckingham Field, we aggressively pursued this opportunity to acquire additional open space in Cambridge.”

About 20 years ago I served on the City’s Green Ribbon Open Space Committee whose charge was to develop priorities and strategies to acquire additional open space in Cambridge. Since then there have been some opportunities seized by the City to achieve these goals – notably the purchase and street closure that led to Greene-Rose Park in The Port neighborhood, movement on the Grand Junction corridor, and some parcels that came to us as a result of various upzonings. This is a densely-developed city with very few opportunities available for adding to our very small inventory of open space.

It is noteworthy that on the night when the City Council voted on a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the eminent domain taking of the BB&N land on Larch Road for open space, many city councillors chose to focus primarily on how they could turn around and build on this newly-acquired open space. In short, many/most councillors were essentially saying that we should tear up the Report of the Green Ribbon Open Space Committee of March 2000.

There are certainly lots of worthwhile priorities such as housing, schools, and additional space for Public Works, but it’s simply shameful that this particular group of councillors would choose to disregard long-standing calls for open space acquisition in such a dismissive way. Suffice to say that housing, including subsidized housing, can be built almost anywhere in the city. Few, if any, would advocate for demolishing residential buildings in order to create open space, but they seem very comfortable and even eager to eliminate open space at the very moment they are acquiring it.

I really hope there are some big changes on the City Council in November 2021.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session in order to discuss possible settlement and pending litigation.
Late Order Adopted 6-2-0-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO; Nolan – PRESENT) after Executive Session for appropriation of $1.4 million for unspecified purposes (see below)

Manager’s Agenda #13. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,400,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and future disbursements that must be paid from this account.
Late Order Adopted 6-2-0-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO; Nolan – PRESENT)

I completely respect the idea of Executive Session “to discuss possible settlement and pending litigation” and for various other reasons, but I have never understood why this has to be such a McGuffin (as Alfred Hitchcock would say) where even the general topic of the Executive Session remains a suspenseful mystery. Would it compromise the City’s position to just add a clarifying phrase such as “regarding an open space purchase” or “for the acquisition of residential units” or “in regard to the ongoing Vail Court litigation”? In the absence of such, my suspicious mind and desire for drama always drifts toward “for the purchase of the silence of Madame Bouvier regarding the scandal in the City Hall clock tower.”

Resolution #7. Thanking Rep. Robert A. DeLeo for his many years of dedicated service.   Councillor Toomey
Failed of Adoption 3-3-0-3 (Mallon, McGovern, Toomey – YES; Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan, Siddiqui – NO; Carlone, Nolan, Simmons – PRESENT)

Order #1. That the Cambridge City Council calls upon the Animal Legal Defense Fund management to respect the democratic choice of its workers by, without delay, voluntarily recognizing ALDF United and bargaining a contract with ALDF United that reflects the core values of ALDF – compassion, innovation, balance, justice, commitment, and integrity – and that seeks to create a workplace that is anti-racist, cooperative, equitable, inclusive, just, respectful, and transparent.   Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Nothing says "municipal election year coming" like a ghost-written order in search of a candidate endorsement.

Order #4. That the City Manager and DCR explore the feasibility of keeping Riverbend Park open beyond Dec 27, 2020.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

This may be a Very Good Thing, but let’s please stop the pretense that this has anything to do with the pandemic and the need for social distancing.

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 21, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee Report.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0; proposed amendments to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.150 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, entitled “Definitions for Article III” Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

I always love reading reports from the Cambridge Historical Commission and its related study committees. In addition to being extremely well-written and documented, they serve as a reminder that Cambridge does indeed have many buildings and settings that are absolutely worth preserving and enhancing. This truth is often lost on the latest wave of activists in the Robert Moses tradition of tearing all things down in the name of density without vision or any sense of history. Transit-oriented development and other smart projects notwithstanding, A Bigger Cambridge is not necessarily a better Cambridge.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nolan, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Oct 14, 2020 to discuss the process for conducting the feasibility study for municipal broadband and the Request for Proposal.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I’m glad that there’s some movement on this regardless whether it leads anywhere – either at the speed of light or more slowly. I do find it interesting (and perhaps it’s a generational thing) that there was not a single mention of Cable TV in the report. Some of us bundle our phone, TV, and Internet together and, even if most of us have a less-than-stellar view of the Comcast Evil Empire, we don’t see broadband access as completely separate from our ability to get really crappy TV programming at an unreasonably high cost. – Robert Winters

December 14, 2020

A Clear Look at the December 14, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,history — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:26 pm

A Clear Look at the December 14, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here you go my fellow Cantabrigians:Peoples Republic of Cambridge

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

Order #2. The City Manager will work with the COVID-19 advisory board to help the city identify the parameters upon which each strategy and technology reduces the risk to public health and the control of the spread of SARS CoV-2.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

The vaccine may now be in distribution, but we still have a long way to go, and that includes finding practical ways to help businesses get through this.

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,000 from the General Fund Reserves Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Women’s Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account to pay for costs associated with expanded efforts on the Mapping Feminist Cambridge: Inman Square and the Mapping Feminist Cambridge:  Central Square projects.
Order Adopted 9-0

I have gone on some of their history walks and they are great: [Inman Square] [Area IV] [Cambridgeport] [Riverside and Cambridgeport] [Mid-Cambridge]

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-74 and 19-45, regarding reviewing public monuments, memorials and markers and streets, schools and public buildings.
Placed on File 9-0

I just hope that this doesn’t translate simply into cancellation and eradication of history. Some of us prefer our history murky and honest rather than sanitized or obliterated.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-62, regarding providing interpreters at polling locations.
Placed on File 9-0

As always, our Election Commission demonstrates practicality and good sense.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-54, regarding a report on drafting an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards.
Placed on File 9-0

The zealots aren’t going to like this response – even though it makes total sense.

Charter Right #1. Initiate a community process to develop the property at 105 Windsor Street as a community space that will create economic opportunity in the neighborhood, as part of an overall neighborhood plan that includes looking for ways to create affordable housing, open space and urban agriculture opportunities.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Just as was the case with the Foundry, the politicians line up for pet projects and recognition. I really wish we had a dependable method for actually getting honest and representative feedback from "the community" regarding their priorities for how to get the best use from public assets.

Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-12, regarding the feasibility of adding bike parking rings to parking meters. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020]
Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule Petition seeking special legislation from the Legislature which would authorize the City of Cambridge to provide police, fire and other emergency services (“Emergency Services”) to portions of the Cambridge Crossing project that are partially located in the cities of Boston and Somerville, with one such property wholly located within Somerville. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER IN COUNCIL DEC 7, 2020]
Order Adopted 9-0

These are just leftovers from last week. The reports were as clear as an unmuuddied lake or the azure skies of deepest summer – so of course our councillors needed more time to understand them.

Resolution #2. Congratulating Sean Effel As He Begins His Next Chapter.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Resolution Adopted as Amended 9-0

I feel like we need to redo that closing scene from the film "Shane".

Resolution #5. Support for a Guaranteed Income.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Resolution Adopted 9-0

What could possibly go wrong? I’ll take mine in Green Stamps.

Order #1. Elimination of Single Family Zoning.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

There’s a big difference between a situation where a city is predominantly or exclusively single-family zoning vs. a city like Cambridge which is predominantly multi-family with some single-family districts. It’s a good bet that any discussion of this will include bucketfuls of agenda-driven revisionist history.

While I think anyone should have flexibility in how they operate their home – especially those who have more home than they really need – I consider the diversity of housing types in Cambridge to be a good thing – A Very Good Thing – and that includes those parts of Cambridge where single-family homes are the dominant housing type. Something for everybody. I live in a triple-decker and I have friends who live in large apartment buildings, but that’s not for everyone. It’s worth noting that among cities across the USA with a population of 100,000 or more, Cambridge rings in with the 4th highest population density. Are we striving to be #1? – Robert Winters

December 7, 2020

The Surge – Featured Items on the Infamous December 7, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,covid — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:06 pm

The Surge – Featured Items on the Infamous December 7, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Covid is still the center of attention and, yes, some of the numbers of late have been on the scary side. I have no idea what that should translate into when it comes to public policy, but I really do hope that the principal causes can be addressed so that I don’t have to just crawl into a little ball for the coming winter. This year simply sucks in every way, and even though the vaccine is coming it still feels like chasing rainbows.The Surge

By the way, the word just came down on the Cambridge Public Schools: “Because COVID-19 cases in Cambridge have increased, and the Cambridge Public Schools have surpassed the thresholds set in partnership with its scientific advisors, CPS will make a temporary shift to remote learning for all students beginning on Thursday, December 10. The shift to all remote learning will continue for at least 1 week at least through December 16. In-person learning will resume when two or more metrics remain below threshold for 7 consecutive days. Reopening decisions based on the metrics will be made in consultation with the Cambridge Public Health Department.”

Here are a few items of interest on this week’s Day of Infamy agenda:

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

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Federal CARES Act funds in the amount of $1,256,118 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to assist residents and small business owners who are impacted by the virus, and to support emergency housing assistance efforts.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of new Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $2,268.869 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Programs Salary and Wages account ($106,013) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Services Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,162,856) and will be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless and will support shelter operating costs and provision of essential services to homeless persons outside of a shelter setting.
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. Policy Order re Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. Supporting Food Pantries & Closing the SNAP Gap PO.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

These are all related either directly or indirectly to the pandemic. Needless to say, these are extraordinary times that require extraordinary effort and policies to get through this. It also needs to be pointed out that even if Cambridge has "an embarassment of riches," there are still legal limitations to what we can do, and creative solutions (like contracting with local restaurants to provide food for relief efforts) are often the best available options. But seriously, the damn federal government should be providing loan guarantees across the board so that costs can be deferred until better times.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule Petition seeking special legislation from the Legislature which would authorize the City of Cambridge to provide police, fire and other emergency services (“Emergency Services”) to portions of the Cambridge Crossing project that are partially located in the cities of Boston and Somerville, with one such property wholly located within Somerville.
Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

Annexation of our lesser neighbors is another option, but Mayors Curtatone and Walsh might raise unreasonable objections to this modest proposal or demand that we give them Harvard and MIT as compensation.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-12, regarding the feasibility of adding bike parking rings to parking meters.
Charter Right – Nolan

This has been suggested in the past via policy orders, and the response now is the same, i.e. nope – except for posts that have lost their heads due to either Cool Hand Luke or removal of parking spaces.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-134, regarding increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program.
Placed on File 9-0

It’s expensive, and qualified potential homeowners will not really own their home in the sense that they cannot do with it as they see fit. As the communication states, "Homes purchased with HomeBridge funding become part of the City’s stock of deed-restricted affordable housing."

Applications & Petitions #2. A Zoning Petition has been received from Amy Oliver, regarding that the City require the installation of GREEN ROOFS vegetated or BioSolar on future construction and significant rehab of buildings that are 20,000 square feet and larger.
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee

There are some really great benefits associated with this proposal, but it also serves to highlight the fact that Cambridge advocates and policy-makers generally can rarely find a happy medium between issuing mandates and doing nothing at all. Installing a green roof can provide great benefit for both property owners and climate, but there are good reasons why a property owner might still choose not to go this route – most notably cost and eternal maintenance (though the proposal really tries to wish this concern away). This won’t affect owners of small properties (at least not in this initial incarnation), and owners of some larger properties are already proposing treatments like this, so perhaps this will all work out. That said, I really wish this City would shift its inclinations from mandates to incentives – even if the zealots howl in protest.

Resolution #1. Resolution Wishing Swift Recovery to Dennis Benzan.   Councillor Simmons

This is the first I’ve heard of this, but absolutely Get Well Dennis.

Order #1. Initiate a community process to develop the property at 105 Windsor Street as a community space that will create economic opportunity in the neighborhood, as part of an overall neighborhood plan that includes looking for ways to create affordable housing, open space and urban agriculture opportunities.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Charter Right – Zondervan

I like what is suggested in this Order, but I continue to be amazed at the lethargy of the City of Cambridge in putting some of their own properties into productive use. – Robert Winters

October 20, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 475-476: October 20, 2020

Filed under: 2020 Election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:22 pm

Episode 475 – Cambridge InsideOut: Oct 20, 2020 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Oct 20, 2020 at 6:00pm. Topics: T Minus 14 Days and Counting; Ballot Questions – especially Question 2 and RCV; Neighborhood Conservation Districts and civic mendacity. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 476 – Cambridge InsideOut: Oct 20, 2020 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Oct 20, 2020 at 6:30pm. Topics: Municipal Broadband; Tree Ordinance; Fresh Pond Golf Course off limits until the golfers leave; Participatory Budgeting and miniature golf; Vacant Storefronts; zoning – changes to the Table of Uses and Home Occupations. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

Superstition – October 19, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:14 pm

Superstition – October 19, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

There are 13 Communications, 13 Resolutions, and 13 Orders on this week’s agenda. Good thing there were 14 items on the City Manager’s Agenda or I would have on the Last Train to Clarksville. Here’s the pick of the litter:
[Note: This is the first time I’m writing these comments post-meeting. Given the choice between civic/political commentary and finishing grading a large stack of mathematics exams, the grading won out.]Red City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-32, regarding the feasibility of identifying one evening or day per week that the Fresh Pond Golf Course can be open to the public for general use.

The very predictable rhetoric centered on "equity" and the unspeakable horror that not every square foot of land is open to anyone at any hour of any day for any reason. The City Manager assured the verklempt councillors that people could frolic on the golf course after the golf season was over.

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $175,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to launch a COVID-19 sewer testing program.

City Engineer Kathy Watkins reported that samples will be drawn weekly from three representative sites East Cambridge/Inman Sq., N. Cambridge, and the Port to detect viral load in wastewater, and that results should start pouring in this November.

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 received from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Innovate Energy Efficiency Grant Program, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support the Cambridge Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program, which aims to increase the energy efficiency of multifamily buildings with 5-49 units by offering technical, solar, and financing support.

I’ll again take this opportunity to express how thrilled I am with another program (carried out thanks to a partnership between the City of Cambridgeand the nonprofit All In Energy) that will soon be blowing insulation into all the walls of my triple-decker plus additional energy-saving measures at zero cost to me. Carrots work better than sticks.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-21, regarding a report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registry.

CDD Asst. City Manager Iram Farooq reported that CDD has been keeping such a registry for some time. She also explained to the “fine ’em ’til it hurts” councillors that fines for extended vacancies usually can be shucked off by the big guys and might only hurt the little guys. Better to just work with those property owners for better outcomes – what a concept!

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Executive Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the City’s third annual contribution to the MBTA Green Line Extension project.

The councillors didn’t pull this item, but it’s really exciting to see the progress that’s being made on the GLX and the associated bike/ped corridor and RR crossings. Check out some of the pictures.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-49, regarding a report on the feasibility of closing several blocks of streets in Harvard Square to vehicular traffic, with the exception of deliveries.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order O-13 of Oct 5, 2020, regarding a draft Truck Safety Ordinance.

DPW Commissioner Owen O’Riordan cautioned that imposing broad requirements on all City contractors could negatively impact necessities such as street paving since these contractors operate throughout the state/region and the City would have limited leverage. It’s also a fact that idealist restrictions on City-funded services and initiatives can significantly increase costs in exchange for limited benefit.

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-50, regarding a report on publicizing and enforcing and publicizing the eviction moratorium.

Order #10. That the City Manager confer with the Legal Department on the feasibility of making Cambridge’s Eviction Moratorium stronger to protect our tenants from displacement.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

It has been interesting watching the alarmist and opportunistic rhetoric propagate on this issue. Suffice to say that the Governor recently approved a $171 million "eviction diversion initiative" to assist both tenants and landlords, the City has an open-ended eviction moratorium still in place, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) still has a national ban on evictions of tenants with verifiable pandemic-related hardships.

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Zoning Recommendations for Retail Uses and Home Occupations.

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Mallon, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 30, 2020 the purpose of receiving final recommendations from the Community Development Department on updating the commercial land use classification system within the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Mallon, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on July 30, 2020 to discuss to receive an update on the Retail Land Use Initiative and Retail Table of Land Use Update.

It’s great to see some progress finally being made on this. I haven’t yet bothered to read all the fine details, so I’ll simply express my view that Cambridge has long been overly prescriptive in its allowed uses, and that’s likely to still be the case even with these proposed changes. It’s one thing to have regulations in place to prevent noxious uses, but it’s another thing to be prescribing things to the point that jelly donuts can be sold but cream-filled donuts cannot. [I’m joking, of course, but I hope you get the idea.] Both of the proposed zoning changes (Retail Uses and Home Occupations) were referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee where we’ll have some time to look at the details. It is perhaps worth mentioning that, because of the pandemic, most Cambridge residences have now become workplaces.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City Departments to ensure that any report or recommendation for a new Neighborhood Conservation District in Cambridge presented to the City Council include an analysis of the potential effects on City housing affordability based on current research, as well as any mitigations that the Cambridge Historical Commission recommends, so that the City Council may holistically evaluate the matter. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR CARLONE IN COUNCIL OCT 5, 2020]

This entire matter has become a case of competing narratives between political partisans – with the ABC crowd identifying anyone who would stand in the way of their Jerome Rappaportization of Cambridge. In their grand vision for East Cambridge and elsewhere, we may soon be seeing signs saying "If you lived here you’d be home now" where the densely-packed homes of immigrants once stood.

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Arvind Srinivasan regarding zoning language relative to the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay.

This makes the 4th installment of proposed zoning in the NW part of Alewife Quadrangle starting last September.

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor’s Office and other relevant departments to determine what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge and its community partners, what options the City may have to work around this order, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor on an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui

While I’m sure we can all appreciate the intent, my instincts tell me that the City may soon be exclusively using triple-priced eco-pencils, dirty-grey eco-paper, driving double-priced vehicles (or organically-grown bikes) while feasting on nothing other than organic not-burgers washed down with fair trade coffee.

Order #6. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with staff and Eversource representatives to set up a public meeting with residents.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan

Could someone contact Eversource and tell them that it’s been 6 years since they did a temporary electrical hookup to my building and never returned to finish the job? Believe me, I have tried my best to no avail to get Eversource to finish what they started.

Order #7. That the City of Cambridge stands in solidarity with the Armenian people in Cambridge, throughout the Commonwealth and world, and the Republic of Artsakh.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan

Order #9. That the City of Cambridge call upon Senator Warren and Senator Markey to call for an end to immigration detention in the United States, the immediate reunification of immigrant families and the release of migrant children and parents from detention, and also to afford these families due process by allowing them the full and fair opportunity to seek protection from the United States.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

It’s so nice to see Cambridge returning to normal, especially in the field of international relations. I really miss the days of City Council orders seeking to depose leaders like Muammar Gaddafi. Clearly this is what made all the difference in Libya. By the way, Public Comment on Order #7 primarily was phoned in from New Jersey and led to a more Turk-friendly substitute version of this most important piece of Cambridge Intentional Legislation.

Order #11. That the City Manager is hereby requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to utilize continuous planting strips along bike lanes and at all reduced roadway areas in Harvard Square rather than painted buffer zones in Harvard Square to fully address bike and pedestrian safety in Harvard Square.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan

Perhaps we should ask the DPW Commissioner about the realities of maintaining "planting strips" in the middle of roadways. Sustainability isn’t just about climate change. How long do trees and plantings in narrow strips in roadways actually survive? How will these structures impact snow removal operations?

Order #12. That the City Manager is hereby requested to instruct the Finance Department to provide a dollar amount and percentage of money used by every department to address racial and economic equity in the 2022 Fiscal Year Budget, highlighting additional areas to be considered and that the City Manager present plans for implementation in the 2022 Fiscal Year Budget.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons

Order #13. Policy Order calling for Judge Roanne Sragow to be reinstated to her position and remain in Cambridge.   Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui

I learned last week of the retirement of Judge Sragow who has for some time been convening the very innovative and helpful "Homeless Court" in Central Square and Harvard Square. Apparently this was a mandatory age-based retirement even though other judges continue beyond the mandatory age. There is now an outcry from many quarters requesting that Judge Sragow be called upon to reconvene the "Homeless Court" initiative in Cambridge. That would be a Very Good Thing. – Robert "better late than never" Winters

October 5, 2020

What’s on the October 5, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda? Taxes! Revolution! Cannabis!

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:00 am

What’s on the October 5, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda? Taxes! Revolution! Cannabis!

Here’s my grab bag of agenda items that will see some action or which seem either interesting or ridiculous or otherwise noteworthy.

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to votes necessary to seek approval from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2021. [Manager’s Letter]
13 Orders Adopted 9-0

There are so many statistics you could look at when comparing things over the years, but here are a few:

Year Property Tax Levy Annual
Increase		 Residential
Tax Rate
(per $1000)
 Commercial
Tax Rate
(per $1000)		 Ratio
(Comm/Res)		 Median
Tax
(single)		 Median
Tax
(condo)		 Median
Tax
(2-fam)		 Median
Tax
(3-fam)
FY2021 $472,520,148 7.85% $5.85 $11.85 2.03 $5,761 $1,608 $5,471 $6,711
FY2020 $438,128,694 6.91% $5.75 $12.68 2.21 $5,515 $1,605 $5,340 $6,493
FY2019 $409,809,861 5.33% $5.94 $13.71 2.31 $5,066 $1,562 $4,974 $6,124
FY2018 $389,080,359 4.40% $6.29 $14.81 2.35 $4,942 $1,541 $4,682 $5,655
FY2017 $372,674,087 5.15% $6.49 $16.12 2.48 $4,806 $1,465 $4,649 $5,594
FY2016 $354,430,753 3.80% $6.99 $17.71 2.53 $4,482 $1,454 $4,412 $5,258
FY2015 $341,445,455 3.93% $7.82 $19.29 2.47 $4,418 $1,472 $4,310 $5,040
FY2014 $328,544,945 3.66% $8.38 $20.44 2.44 $4,407 $1,457 $3,976 $4,787
FY2013 $316,947,770 5.97% $8.66 $21.50 2.48 $4,298 $1,495 $3,866 $4,586
FY2012 $299,090,641 5.33% $8.48 $20.76 2.45 $4,139 $1,430 $3,786 $4,501
FY2011 $283,961,699 5.69% $8.16 $19.90 2.44 $3,870 $1,370 $3,609 $4,286
FY2010 $268,662,984 5.38% $7.72 $18.75 2.43 $3,564 $1,293 $3,477 $4,132
FY2009 $254,945,578 5.20% $7.56 $17.97 2.38 $3,445 $1,224 $3,430 $4,091

While it’s noteworthy that the 7.85% increase in the property tax levy is very high, it needs to be emphasized that this is only after leaving 125 positions vacant (which allows for an FY21 budget rescission of $5 million), the allocation of $24.5 million from reserve accounts to reduce the levy, and other measures.Real Estate Tax House

It’s also worth emphasizing that property taxes this fiscal year are based on assessed property values as of Jan 1, 2020 – before the pandemic rolled into town. Many commercial properties are now generating considerably less income and that may be reflected in lower assessed property values come Jan 1, 2020. We have for a long time been taking full advantage of the property tax classification and the ability to set different tax rates for commercial vs. residential properties (within legal limits). This has allowed Cambridge to keep residential property taxes in check. If commercial values slip, it is quite likely that a considerable amount of the tax burden will shift to residential properties. The Manager’s message alludes to this: “It is also important to recognize that a healthy balance of development between residential and commercial be continued to ensure homeowner’s real estate taxes remain affordable.”

I strongly recommend that you read the entire Tax Rate letter from the City Manager and think about what next year’s letter may say if the pandemic continues to takes its economic toll.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the Net Zero Action Plan Task Force for a term of nine-months.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #12. That the Council go on record supporting the passage of S.2500 and H.4933 and to support the inclusion of the following in the final bill: 1) The development of a net zero stretch code by DOER (S.2500, § 30-31, 54) 2) The consideration of geographically diverse communities, including low-income communities, in the development of a net zero stretch code (S.2500, § 54) 3) The increase in membership and the establishment of term limits for the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (H.4933, § 15A-F).   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1

Committee Report #1. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on Aug 26, 2020 regarding Green Energy Analysis Zoning Amendments. [minutes have not yet been posted]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Rah, Rah, Rah for environmental initiatives! It’s worth noting, however, that energy efficiency usually translates into cost savings in the long run – and many homeowners and developers will incorporate energy efficiency into their homes and projects regardless of any mandates from state and local government. Carrots work better than sticks.

I’ll be soon taking advantage of a free (or at least reduced cost) insulation program in my house, but not because a few city councillors are twisting my arm to do it. I have some serious concerns about layering one mandate on top of another so that at some point a homeowner may simply delay repairs and renovations because of the added costs and restrictions. But I’m sure the councillors will feel perfectly righteous.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-26, regarding a report on placing four little free libraries.
Placed on File 9-0

“Liberation Libraries” – Perhaps this will start a trend of topic-specific “little free libraries” around the city. I could start a “little free math library” or maybe a “cosmology corner”. It would help me reduce the weight of books in my house. Now that would be another kind of liberation.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-47, regarding a report on heat lamps and outdoor dining during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to City Council request at the Special Meeting relative to COVID-19 Update of Sept 29, 2020, to provide opinions on the question of eviction moratoria applicability.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Public Health Department and the Law Department to amend Cambridge’s Moratorium on Eviction Enforcement to make clear that it remains in effect after October 17 and until at least the end of the state of emergency is declared.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 8-0-1

Leave it to the good folks of the Central Square Business Improvement District to lead the charge in arranging for heat lamps to give local restaurants an extra tool to help them survive the Covid assault on businesses further into the colder weather months. Big thanks to some particular heros in the City administration (you know who you are) for helping to ease the bureaucratic burdens.

Regarding the matter of moratoriums on evictions and the relationship between commercial and residential landlords and their tenants, there is so much that has gone on out of the public eye in terms of rent forgiveness, renegotiated leases, and deferred rent that the politicians either fail to see or refuse to recognize. To them, it’s like that Rahm Emanuel quote: “Never allow a good crisis go to waste. It’s an opportunity to do the things you once thought were impossible.” Whether it’s using a shared street to execute mode shifts or fast-track your bicycle plans; or using the threat of a “tsunami of evictions” to attempt to reinstitute rent controls; or perhaps even using economic hardship to pursue your anti-capitalist agenda, there’s nothing like a good crisis to grease your political axles.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-41, regarding a report on the feasibility of an alternative Public Safety Crisis Response System.
Placed on File 9-0

Given the choice between listening to a bunch of sheeplike “Defund the Police” activists or reading a well-reasoned response from Police Commissioner Bard and other expert City staff, I’ll choose the latter any day of the week.

Unfinished Business #3. That the “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER OCT 5, 2020] [Final Amended Text of Ordinance]
Ordained as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Toomey – NO, Simmons – PRESENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, regarding the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
Placed on File 9-0

I am convinced that the mandatory aspects of this Ordinance are not legally enforceable – though I’m sure that the City administration will carry out most of it nonetheless. It’s one thing to lay out your vision for reconfiguring roads for better safety, but micromanaging the City Manager and City departments is another thing altogether. Then again, I suppose if there were 5 city councillors who wanted to pass a municipal ordinance requiring candy-striped streets, they could pass the ordinance and then screech at the Manager and threaten to not renew his contract for having used less-distracting road materials.

Unfinished Business #4. 100% Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Petition 2020. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER OCT 5, 2020] [Final Text of Ordinance]
Ordained 7-2 (Carlone, Nolan – NO)

This will be ordained, of course, but that doesn’t make it any less of an offensive cross between an eminent-domain taking and an ideological agenda to relentlessly shift residential properties from private ownership toward public and quasi-public ownership that will forevermore rely on taxpayer support for maintaining these properties in perpetuity.

Order #3. That the Council go on record requesting the Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack consider an I-90 lane reduction and at-grade design during the final decision-making process.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1

A viaduct or an at-grade multi-lane highway are both barriers. I’m far more interested in the peripheral aspects of this project (like a better-connected road and path network and better) than about the number of lanes or whether a portion remains elevated.

Order #4. That the Cambridge City Council adopt the following amendments to Chapter 5.50 of the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge entitled “CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING”.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1

Order #8. Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1

Doesn’t it seem like this City Council and the previous City Council care more about cannabis than just about anything else? Perhaps they need an intervention.

Order #9. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City Departments to ensure that any report or recommendation for a new Neighborhood Conservation District in Cambridge presented to the City Council include an analysis of the potential effects on City housing affordability based on current research, as well as any mitigations that the Cambridge Historical Commission recommends, so that the City Council may holistically evaluate the matter.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Carlone

One of the more bizarre aspects of this City Council is their tendency to simply absorb the rhetoric of their activist handlers without questioning the validity of their gripes. The latest talking point among the YIMBY crowd is that historic presevation is fundamentally racist or elitist or profit-driven and that any effort to preserve some of the more endearing qualities of your neighborhood makes you evil incarnate.

The current case involves some East Cambridge residents who would prefer to not see their particular brand of very dense neighborhood wiped clean in favor of large ugly boxes. Given the choice between closely-spaced two-family homes with grape arbors and tomato plants versus a boring box of a building with a concierge, I’ll choose the former. In terms of affordability, those old Italian ladies and gentlemen of East Cambridge have done more to provide housing at affordable rents for generations than any of the vultures now circling.

Order #10. That the City Council go on record supporting the Roe Act and restate its commitment to the protection of abortion rights, reproductive health care rights, and individuals’ rights to make reproductive decisions about their own bodies.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 8-0-1

I try to pay as little attention as possible to what goes on in Washington, DC. I do, however, understand that if family planning access becomes no longer guaranteed across the country, it will be very important for individual states to provide such guarantees in whatever manner is consistent with the needs and wishes of its residents.

Order #13. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Transportation Department and Solicitor to provide the City with an update on the progress toward a draft [Truck Safety] Ordinance as soon as possible and with the draft of an Ordinance by Oct 19, 2020.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 7-0-2

One of the things I remember from decades ago is that federal jurisdiction in interstate commerce is pretty serious business and that regulating truck traffic is not easy. You can put restrictions and make safety improvements on your own vehicles and perhaps those of companies with whom you have contracts, but just about everything else will require endless studies and viable alternatives that won’t be challenged in court. – Robert Winters

September 14, 2020

What’s Up? – First Look at the Sept 14, 2020 City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:27 pm

What’s Up? – First Look at the Sept 14, 2020 City Council Agenda

The Second String Debate Club returns this week from its summer vacation. Here are a few items of note:City Hall

COVID and COVID-related:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $52,158.29 received from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Shared Streets and Spaces Program Grant, to the Grant Fund Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for expenses associated with the Starlight Square temporary place-keeping intervention in Municipal Parking Lot 5 in Central Square.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a proposed restatement of an amendment to the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Account, entitled “The City of Cambridge Restated and Amended Mayor’s Disaster Relief Account” (“Account”). [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020]

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and any other appropriate City personnel to establish a means of providing technical support to marginalized, underrepresented business owners and non-profit arts organizations in applying for and obtaining the critical funds from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund Grant and Loan program, and/or from other similar State and Federal assistance programs, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.   Councillor Simmons

Many of us have heard plaintive cries regarding this matter due to the precarious position many arts organizations are now in due to shutdowns and diminished capacity caused by the pandemic. This fund has already been re-purposed to provide loans/grants to small businesses severely impacted by the pandemic. However, it is a legitimate question to ask just how broadly available a fund initially created to assist residents affected by a major fire or similar disaster should be. It’s not at all clear if Councillor Simmons new Order adds anything to this discussion.

Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Economic Development Department, the Harvard Square Business Association, the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association and Harvard University on the implementation of closing several blocks of streets in Harvard Square as soon as possible to vehicular traffic, with the exception of deliveries, using the attached map as one possible vision.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone

The basic criteria so far regarding street closures/restrictions to help businesses and residents during this pandemic has been feasibility and a reasonable chance of positive impact. The proposal in the attached map doesn’t seem to work for the #1 Bus and may result in traffic woes, and the fact that this is being proposed in September seems a bit late in the game. That said, shared street and slow streets are going to continue to be a topic of discussion and planning in the future. You can count on it.

Order #6. The City Manager is requested to work with Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer of the Cambridge Public Health Department to appoint a Vaccine Task Force to develop a plan that keeps equity at the forefront.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

Frankly, I’m pretty sure that equity is already being discussed as a priority in future vaccine distribution. The greater challenge may be getting people to trust in the safety of the various vaccine candidates – even after extensive clinical trials have been completed.

Order #9. That the City Manager confer with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Water Department and other relevant partners to create a pilot program for wastewater testing for evidence of COVID-19.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey

This is a pretty good idea. I would be surprised if this is not already being done in at least some limited way in Cambridge considering the wealth of research capacity in our local universities and biotech firms.

The Police:

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-35, regarding an update on the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers’ Association union contract negotiations.

Charter Right #2. The City Manager look into transferring primary traffic enforcement responsibilities from the Cambridge Police Department to unarmed, trained enforcement personnel in the Traffic & Parking Department, Department of Public Works, Health & Human Services, or another suitable department. [CHARTER EXERCISED BY VICE MAYOR MALLON IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020]

My favorite City Manager response is a terse one that states, as this communication does, that we’re doing what we’re supposed to do be doing and we’re doing it well, and it’s not the role of the City Council to intervene in matters such as municipal contract negotiations. There are currently 56 items on Awaiting Report with only 4 of them addressed this week. Most of the remaining items could be dispensed with via a brief paragraph each.

Water:

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-38, regarding a report on lessons learned from 2016 and on plans in place to institute water savings measures and to inform the public as soon as practicable about the possibility of dry and drought conditions.

Housing (not including AHO):

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to additional amendments to the draft amendment to the Municipal Code introducing a new ordinance entitled Chapter 8.71 – Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification.

Unfinished Business #7. That the Cambridge City Council amend the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to insert a new Chapter 8.71, entitled Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020.]

Order #12. That the Cambridge City Council go on record in strong support of H.4878, and in urging the legislature to pass it immediately.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

While having a "Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification" policy in place as a municipal ordinance seems like a good move, there is something about the possibility of a $300/day fine that seems excessive, and I’d hate to see this applied retroactively in the event that relations between a landlord and tenant break down. Well-intentioned initiatives can sometimes have the perverse effect of creating a chasm between a landlord and tenants that can do more harm than good.

Jerry’s Pond:

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-39 and 20-40, regarding contacting the new owners of Jerry’s Pond and discussing next steps in the potential restoration and improvements to Jerry’s Pond and its surrounding areas.

I’m glad to see that there’s the potential of some cooperation between the new owners, the MBTA, DCR, and the City. The real challenge will come when the new owners come forward with development plans. That’s usually when there’s sufficient leverage available to realize objectives that might not be possible simply by good will.

Fossil Fuel Zoning:

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt, following further study and refinement, the Fossil Fuel Zoning Petition (Amendments to Article 22.000 of the Zoning Ordinance).

On the Table #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [TABLED ON JAN 27, 2020]

The proposal is sensible in that it encourages good outcomes recognizing the feasibility and cost of installing systems not dependent on fossil fuels. In light of recent legal opinions regarding proposals for outright bans, this seems like a good path to follow even if the zealots are disappointed. But they’re always disappointed anyway.

Affordable Housing Overlay:

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) Zoning Petition.

Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Petition CDD staff follow-up on items requested by the Ordinance Committee at its hearing on Aug 19, 2020. [attached petition text]

Committee Report #3. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on July 8, 2020 regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay.

Committee Report #7. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on Aug 19, 2020 regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay.

Suffice to say that I continue to see this as a dreadful proposal that is based on a philosophy of transferring as much private residential property as possible into the hands of government and/or its taxpayer-funded partners. Inclusionary Zoning is founded on a philosophy of maintaining a balance between market housing and subsidized housing in new construction. This proposal does the opposite. It also establishes greatly different development standards in terms of height, density, and setbacks and, perhaps worst of all, it effectively eliminates the ability of an abutter to object. This is in many ways Eminent Domain Lite.

Because these different rules for different owners are being baked into zoning, once established it will take a two-thirds Council majority to change back to equitable standards, and that’s a virtual political impossibility. The entire zoning proposal was effectively written by those entities that stand to benefit by it.

Community Preservation Act (CPA):

Manager’s Agenda #25. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2021. [FY21 CPA Vote_Chair Letter to City Manager] [FY21 Project Recommendations Book]
[09142020 CPA orders] [CPA appropriation orders]

80-10-10 as always and non-debatable. I stopped going to the hearings (actual and virtual) years ago once it became clear that the fix was in.

Elections and Voting:

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into suspending street cleaning on Sept 1, 2020 and Nov 3, 2020; that he work with the Elections Commission to order 8 additional drop boxes and to inquire whether CHA will have additional locations for drop boxes. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL AUG 3, 2020]

I honestly have no idea why Councillor Toomey exercised his Charter Right on this matter. The feasibility of having additional mail-in voting drop boxes is really dependent on the ability to guarantee security of the ballots and to retrieve them in a timely manner. Hopefully the recent Primary Election provided good lessons on best practices for the November election.

Canal District Zoning Petition:

Applications & Petitions #3. A Zoning Petition has been received from BMR–Third LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. regarding a Zoning Amendment Petition for a new Planned Unit Development PUD District CDK. [Petition w/o images] [images from petition]

Meet the new petition, same as the old petition.

Bicycles:

Committee Report #2. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on July 7, 2020 regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance.

Same old, same old. Politically motivated lobby wants stuff and the councillors will provide with little or no critical analysis.

City Manager’s Contract Extension:

Committee Report #4. A report of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee Meeting held on July 20, 2020 regarding an extension of the current City Manager’s Contract.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons the City Manager’s Contract extension.   Councillor Simmons

The latest proposal is for an 18-month contract extension after which the future Council will likely seek a new city manager with no ties to Cambridge or the current administration. Personally, I think Louis DePasquale has done a great job under difficult circumstances. My only criticism has to do with (a) some of his appointments to certain City Boards, and (b) his limited pushback to some City Council requests – even though I am very aware that some residents would prefer that he simply roll over and comply whenever 5 city councillors float a notion.

City Council Rules:

Committee Report #6. A report of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee Meeting held on July 22, 2020 regarding amending the rules of the Cambridge City Council.

A great man – a former City Councillor and former Mayor – once said to me that the most sure sign of a dysfunctional organization is the degree to which its members focus on their by-laws rather than on their mission. – Robert Winters

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