Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

September 9, 2022

Under New Management – September 12, 2022 City Council Agenda

Under New Management – September 12, 2022 City Council Agenda

City HallIt may not be Buckingham Palace or Balmoral Castle, but the virtual crown has now officially changed heads as Yi-An Huang takes over as Cambridge City Manager. Our new City Clerk Diane LeBlanc and her staff are also exhibiting some royally good initiative in catching up on the backlog of City Council minutes – and hopefully soon some of the dozens of missing City Council committee reports from the last several years – even if only brief reports to complete the record. I also like the brevity of this week’s committee reports that give just the basic actions with references to videos that are all available on the City website. Adding timestamps for key moments is my only suggestion.

Here are some of the agenda items that seem interesting to this royal subject:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 and Monkeypox update.
Placed on File 9-0

The Manager showed true commitment by actually contracting Covid in preparing this report.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2023. [FY23 Project Recommendations] [Summary of CPAC process]
Pulled by Nolan; 18 Votes – all Adopted 9-0

80%-10%-10%. It’s always 80%-10%-10%. Suggesting otherwise is considered sacrilege.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-47, regarding utilization of Code Red for text alerts regarding new polling locations for the primary election on Sept 6, 2022.
Pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

This is a tricky one. Code Red is supposed to be about emergency alerts (including that dire warning that your car may be towed in April). Should a reminder to vote be treated the same way as an emergency? Some may think so – but it’s also true that voter turnout can tilt an election, so promoting turnout could be seen as a political act. Besides, every registered voter gets a postcard and other mailings with information on where and when to vote and all voting options.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-49 regarding Bristol and Cardinal Medeiros intersection improvements. [Traffic Department Response] (Note: This also responds to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-53.)
Pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

This is in response to Councillor Zondervan’s Order regarding the intersection where his house is located.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-19, regarding drafting language to enable the Cambridge Police Department and Department of Public Works to donate abandoned bicycles to charitable organizations. [City Solicitor’s Response]
Pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

Good idea. Note that the City Solicitor’s recommendation is that this also include other mobility devices such as e-scooters and wheelchairs of de minimus value. It’s not clear what might be done with abandoned or unclaimed expensive (de maximus value?) bicycles and other devices.


Transportation is not only about bicycles

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-22, regarding the feasibility of increasing the number of high school students who receive a MBTA M7 Card at no cost. [Manager’s Response]
Pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

To be paid from ARPA funds. Like other current magnanimous gestures, one has to ask whether things funded from the ARPA manna that fell from federal heaven will at some point be folded into the City’s annual tax-supported operating budget. In the meantime, enjoy the ride.

Order #2. That the City Council urge the MBTA to reverse its decision to reconfigure and reduce service along the 47 Bus Line and take whatever steps are necessary to return it to its previous level of service.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

According to the T, the revised T39 bus route would replace most of the 47 Bus route and extend all the way from Porter Square to Forest Hills. Also, the current frequency of “every 30 min or better” would instead be “every 15 min or better”. I’m confused by this Order’s “urging the MBTA to reverse its decision to reconfigure and reduce service along the 47 Bus Line” – notwithstanding any current concerns about reductions due to labor shortages. What’s not to like about a longer route with more frequent service? [Clarification – Due to driver shortages and other reasons, service on the current 47 Bus Route has in fact been temporarily reduced.]


The Visible Hand of Picking Winners in the Wacky World of Cannabis

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-51, regarding Cannabis Industry Information. [CDD Response]
Pulled by Zondervan; Rules Suspended to take up Order #11 and Late Order from Toner; Report Placed on File 9-0; Order #11 – Charter Right (Toner); Late Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the Ordinances of the City of Cambridge be amended as it relates to Permitting Preferences for Priority Applicants.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Toner

Late Order #13. Request that the City Manager ask the City Solicitor to prepare a legal opinion on the following questions regarding Policy Order #11 from the Sept 12, 2022 City Council meeting.   Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

There comes a point when repeated efforts to prop up and give advantages to certain cannabis operators becomes indistinguishable from political patronage. We have reached that point.


The Clash between Ideology and Practicality in Parking

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with negative recommendation on the Accessory Parking Requirements Zoning Petition.
Pulled by Carlone; Refer to Petition (Zondervan) 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Aug 3, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on Ordinance #2022-8, an ordinance amending Parking minimums and maximums. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

It’s worth noting that the Planning Board’s negative recommendation was unanimous. This, of course, will not stand in the way of the ideologues. Most people are perfectly agreeable regarding waiving or eliminating parking requirements in the city’s major squares and transit nodes, but that doesn’t necessary extend to every square inch of the city unless, of course, your alphabet ends after the first three characters. There are plenty of neighborhoods which currently have a delicate equilibrium in parking that are likely to be greatly disrupted by either adding a lot of new Priuses or replacing hundreds of on-street parking spaces with white plastic posts. We used to actually care about unintended (and intended) consequences back when thinking was part of the equation.

I appreciated the City Clerk’s no-nonsense note regarding timing: “The Committee will meet on Sept 21. To meet the deadlines, this needs to be voted out to full Council at this meeting to appear on the agenda for Oct 3. Assuming it passes to a 2nd Reading, it would be advertised on Oct 12, and could be ordained on Oct 24. There is no wiggle room. This must come out of committee on Sept 21.”


Our Friend Peter

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Peter Valentine.   Councillor Simmons

Order #7. That the Dedication Committee hold a special meeting to expedite the process of naming the corner of Brookline Street and Franklin Street in honor of Peter Valentine.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

There was an absolutely marvelous celebration of Peter’s life organized by friends and family and held at Starlight Square this past Saturday, Sept 10. Among other revelations, we learned that Peter was once a great basketball player in his original hometown of Everett and that he was a big Frank Sinatra fan. Many people saw Peter mainly in terms of his house, his fence, and his unusual clothing, but he was also a friend to many, many people (including me) – and many of them were there for the celebration in Starlight Square which owes its name to Peter. Farewell, my friend.


Resolution #11. Congratulations to The Dance Complex on the occasion of its 30 year anniversary in Central Square.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested work with the Cambridge Historical Commission, DPW, the Dedication Committee, and any other relevant City departments to create a system to document the histories of those honored, and to make those histories available to the public, including but not limited to a website on the City’s web page or a QR code on each sign.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

There is a map, and I seem to recall there being some narrative that went along with this. There may even have been a City Council Order calling for this to be done comprehensively, but this seems to have faded into obscurity. It would be great if this initiative could be revived and perfected. For example, from a Aug 29, 2011 Gov’t Operations Committee Report: “Mayor Maher commented that history of street names and the history of the persons to whom street corners are dedicated is becoming extremely important. He stated that it would be great to start to do research-finding for street corners. Councillor Seidel stated that should be the next step.”


The Short-Term View of Long-Term Planning

Order #8. That the Health and Environment Committee of the City Council hold a public hearing to discuss the issue of PFAS, and overall water quality, cost of operating our own water department, cost of MWRA versus Cambridge Water Department and other appropriate factors to be considered and work with the City Manager, the Water Board, and relevant city staff to set up the initial meeting this fall.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem
Pulled by Toner; Order Adopted as Amended (Toner), Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

Suffice to say that any notion of abandoning Cambridge’s water supply and its high quality water treatment facility would be incredibly short-sighted and unwise (and expensive). That said, any opportunity to educate Cambridge residents (and city councillors) about how they get their water (and what becomes of their wastewater) is worth pursuing.


Linkage & Labs

Order #10. That the City Council refer the zoning petition regarding lab use to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for a hearing and report.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Charter Right – Toner

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 27, 2022 to continue discussions around an Ordinance potentially raising the linkage fee rates. (#2022-14). [Text of Committee Report]
Suspend Rules; pulled early by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Sept 7, 2022 to continue the discussion around Ordinance # 2022-14, Section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 Special Regulations Linkage Fee, proposal to amend by substitution, raising linkage fee rates. [Text of Committee Report]
pulled early by Zondervan; Petition amended as below* 8-1 (Zondervan – NO); Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Referred to Petition 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting a further amendment to the Linkage Fee Petition.
pulled early by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Late Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, clarifying his proposed amendment to the Linkage Fee Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Late Order #12. That the City Manager direct the City Solicitor answer any legal questions that came up during the discussion that occurred during the regular City Council meeting on Sept 12th.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Revising Cambridge’s Incentive Zoning Ordinance is long overdue, and the amendments that were passed in committee are on the right track – despite the claims of some low-information advocacy groups. It’s not all about maximizing revenues for a single purpose. The Community Development Department should also develop better language to make clear the definition of “lab”. Though some are and can be dreadful neighbors due to light, noise, and other intrusion, not all laboratory uses are plagues on their neighbors – and some of them are doing miraculous work. The greater issue is the fact that some of Cambridge’s current ordinances greatly incentivize the construction of laboratory uses over other desirable uses, and that needs to change.

I enjoyed the City Clerk’s no-nonsense note: “To meet the deadlines, this needs to be voted out to full Council at this (Sept 7) meeting to appear on the agenda for September 12. [It was] If this is passed to a 2nd Reading on Sept 12, it would be advertised on Sept 21 and could be ordained on Oct 25. There is no wiggle room.”


Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Mar 2, 2022 for the purpose of reviewing the draft leadership profile, and next steps in the City Manager search process. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

34 pages of old news that should have been reported 5 months ago. Now where are the other 11 Gov’t Ops. committee reports from this year and the previous two City Council terms that were never filed? If these were my students they’d be struggling to earn a “D”.

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee conducted a public hearing on June 29, 2022 to discuss Zoning Petition from Craig A. Kelley – The Cambridge Transportation De-Carbonization Congestion-Mitigation. (Ordinance #2022-13). [Text of Committee Report]
Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS – ABSENT)

Further conversation is still to be had on this and it is expected to be re-filed. As the City Clerk notes: “Because of the Jewish Holiday, the Council cannot meet on Sept 26 and therefore this matter will expire. The Committee is also waiting on an opinion from the Law Dept. related to this matter.”

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on July 26, 2022 to reconvene and continue a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There is a virtual “Building Emissions Public Forum” scheduled for this Wednesday evening (Sept 14). As the notice says (emphasis mine): “The City is considering changes that would require large buildings to lower their emissions over time. Join staff from the Community Development Department and several City Councillors” [Patricia Nolan and Quinton Zondervan only – apparently only those councillors who are zealously supportive of the proposed amendments as now written] “for a webinar to learn about proposed changes to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO). If you can’t attend virtually, we will stream the webinar on the second floor of 344 Broadway. There are a limited number of seats available.” [About BEUDO – In Cambridge, more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. Since 2014, the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) has required buildings over a certain size to report energy use to the City. (50+ units for residential, and 25,000+ square feet for commercial.) Proposed amendments would require these buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. For more information, please visit cambridgema.gov/BEUDO (which only addresses the current reporting requirements with no mention of any proposed changes that may require extensive and expensive retrofits of existing buildings).

On the Table #4. An application was received from Andy Layman representing Tasty Burger, requesting permission for three (3) projecting signs at the premises numbered 353 Prospect Street. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter. [Tabled Aug 1, 2022; updated address and proof of mailing appended]
Removed from Table 9-0; Placed Back on Table 6-3 (BA, MM, PT – NO)

There’s not much to be said on this item other than the fact that the address has been corrected and two perfectly good signs are proposed for the front and back of this building. On the other hand, there are several other protruding blade signs proposed that probably should not be approved. I love spectacular signage and I can never get enough neon (or neo-neon) (like the gorgeous “Diner” sign directly across Prospect Street), but pasting directional signs for a single business sticking out like you might see at a strip mall is not so great (even for a good burger). – Robert Winters

September 7, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 561-562: September 6, 2022

Episode 561 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 6, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Sept 6, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: Primary Election Day; 1st day of work for City Manager Yi-An Huang; Council returns next week; Covid updates; Central Square revives – amidst challenges; Linkage, Incentive Zoning, and perverse incentives. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 562 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 6, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Sept 6, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Charter review and charter reform, history of Cambridge charters 1846-present, causes for change, influence of councillors by proxy; legislators nibbling at executive role; strong mayor = less democracy, less access; upcoming events. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

July 31, 2022

Summer Simmer – What’s Cookin’ on the Aug 1, 2022 City Council Agenda

Summer Simmer – What’s Cookin’ on the Aug 1, 2022 City Council Agenda?

Summertime and the livin’s easy, but the boys and girls of summer are back for their annual Midsummer meeting this Monday. Here are a few notable votables:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting communication from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 and Monkeypox update.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #13. That the City Manager report back on ways in which we can prepare for a Monkeypox outbreak in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled early by Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0


Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-31, regarding funding received through the housing linkage program.
pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

Order #10. Incentive Zoning Program Data.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #15. That the City Manager work with the City Solicitor to ask for a legal opinion on whether a tiered linkage fee system by square footage and/or a marginal rate system would be permitted under the current petition parameters and what was previously advertised.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

The Incentive Zoning Program has been in existence now for decades and the only changes have been the relatively recent increases in the linkage fees. If commercial development was the great concern back in the late 1980s that justified Incentive Zoning, it’s pretty clear that a lot has changed since then and that a deeper dive than just uniformly jacking up the rates is overdue.


Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to the submission of the Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report.
pulled by Mallon; most AHO projects (as many of us predicted) are on existing properties of CHA, Just-A-Start, etc.; McGovern celebrates the lack of any process; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-35 regarding options to update the HomeBridge and Homeownership Programs.
pulled by Mallon; notable that CDD shows at best lukewarm support of increasing homeownership opportunities and building of wealth; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to a request that the City Council extend its prior authorization for the City Manager to grant street obstruction approvals, which are required for restaurants to operate outdoor dining on the sidewalk or street until June 30, 2023.
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

As much as I would like to see Covid retreat into obscurity by next season, it’s pretty clear that some of the accommodations made in the state of emergency have worked out pretty well in some places (like Central Square) and should continue.


Charter Right #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of building renovations to the vacant City owned property at 105 Windsor Street. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 27, 2022]
taken w/Order #11 and Comm. & Reports #8 by Zondervan; debate primarily about nature of community process; allocation is primarily for design, much more money expected later for construction; Azeem suggests expanding building; Tabled (Mallon) 9-0

Order #11. 105 Windsor Community Process.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
pulled early by Zondervan; Tabled (Zondervan) 9-0

Communications & Reports #7. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting historical information about the city-owned property at 105 Windsor Street.
pulled early by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

This definitely reminds me of what Bob Healy was reported to have said when informed that The Foundry building was being donated to the City: “This is going to be a problem.” As soon as the asset became available political people and activists alike all began competing for it. I hope things are more rational (and quick) with 105 Windsor.


Applications & Petitions #5. An application was received from Andy Layman representing Tasty Burger, requesting permission for three (3) projecting signs at the premises numbered 21 Prospect Street. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter. [Note: The agenda brief gives the address as 353 Prospect Street (near the intersection with Cambridge Street), and one of the included maps suggests this, yet all of the photos indicate the address as 21 Prospect, in the large building at the corner of Mass. Ave.]
Address Corrected, Tabled 9-0 to allow for proper notification of abutters

Lotsa Communications opposing the planned Brattle Street Separated Bike Lanes.

Resolution #36. Resolution on the death of Rosemary Dorothy O’Neill.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #39. Congratulations on the Retirement of Maryellen Carvello from The City Manager’s Office.   Councillor Toner

I will simply say that for people like me who have been in and out of City Hall for over 3 decades you make a lot of friends, and retirements always bring a touch of sadness and a sense of the relentless passage of time.

Order #1. That the Ordinance Committee of the City Council meet to amend the Cambridge Municipal Code by adding a chapter numbered 6.24, titled Sale of Fur Apparel Products.   Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Memories are dancing in my head of a past Order calling for the banning of large sugary drinks. I really wish city councillors would spend as much time winning people over to their point of view rather than enacting bans to force people to do as they’re told.

Order #5. City Council support of additional MBTA bus service in Alewife and East Cambridge.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended (details to follow)

I met some of the MBTA staff involved in planning these changes. Fresh out of “planning school” with little grasp of how people actually use public transportation or how they’ll be using it in the future.

Order #6. Policy Order re ID Badges For City Employees.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Badges? We don’t have to show you no stinking badges!


Order #7. Policy Order re Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted and Referred to Civic Unity Committee 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #8. Black Men and Boys Commission.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted and Referred to Civic Unity Committee as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #9. Cannabis Industry Information PO.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0


Order #14. Water Drought Emergency.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0


Order #16. Policy Order to investigate shared free bus service and E bike delivery program.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #18 (separated from Order #16). That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to develop a pilot program in which the city would purchase E Bikes and hire city residents to create a city-based delivery service for our restaurants and local businesses to reduce the costs paid by businesses and customers of current home delivery services.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)


Order #17. That the City Council goes on record in support of the alternative route (S11C) instead of the preferred route (S1A) for Eversource’s plans to connect the proposed substation to existing substations.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Azeem; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee met on Mar 17, 2022 to conduct a public hearing to discuss the appropriateness of laboratories in neighborhood retail districts. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee met on Mar 23, 2022 to hold a public hearing on Wed, Mar 23, 2022 at 5:00pm to discuss the final report from the Ad Hoc Working Group on Homelessness released on Jan 31, 2022. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on June 22, 2022 to continue a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting updated version of the final CCWG report, amended per the last Health & Environment Committee meeting.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Azeem, transmitting information regarding the Fare Free Working Group. [Ridership Information] [Cost-Estimate] [Bus Routes and NRS Areas] [Fare-Free Bus Report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information regarding the Charter Review Committee.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

There is apparently a first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 16 at 5:00pm (remote meeting – how very disappointing). Time will tell if this group turns out to be objective, rational, and reasonable.

Communications & Reports #6. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting updates from the UPK Ad-Hoc meetings.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Additional comments may follow as the spirit moves. – Robert Winters

July 19, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 557-558: July 19, 2022

Episode 557 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 19, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on July 19, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: Sounding the alarm on BEUDO, perverse incentives, and bad design; Linkage and Incentive Zoning w/o incentives; thinking creatively. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 558 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 19, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on July 19, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: BEUDO, condos, and older buildings; Cambridge is not Ithaca; carrot vs. stick; non-inclusive process – policy-making in isolation; ARPA misspending; Cambridge policies, inequality by design, and market distortion; re-creating Central Square; new city management and departmental restructuring; Charter review update. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

July 6, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 555-556: July 5, 2022

Episode 555 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 5, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on July 5, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: July 4 weekend wrap; benefiting from the existence of a problem, tales from the death of rent control; Charter revision history, ideas and concerns. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 556 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 5, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on July 5, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Charter Review Committee; election methods – corrections and pitfalls; School Committee as forgotten stepchild of charter revision; Cambridge Jazz Festival; retirements of Louis DePasquale, Jim Monagle, Arthur Goldberg, Jim Maloney. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

July 5, 2022

Amanda Phillips — more

I have already published a post in this blog about the Amanda Phillips fatality in Inman Square.

Well, there’s more. Four things:

* The design of Inman Square at the time pushed bicyclists westbound on Cambridge Street bit by bit closer to the stream of motor traffic, unless they controlled the through lane when crossing the Square, or paused till traffic cleared so they could control it on exiting as shown in this video. Controlling the lane was the safe option here, but to adopt it, cyclists need to understand that defensive driving also often requires an assertive lane position.

* It is undisputed that Phillips struck the opening door of a parked vehicle, then fell under a truck just west of Inman Square.

* But, contrary to news reports, Phillips did not ride off the sidewalk — which would pin the blame on Phillips by charging her with  riding illegally on the sidewalk, and so she would have been visible only very briefly if the driver whose door she struck had checked his driver’s side mirror at just the right time.

* Video evidence which came out as the investigation was released was altered to make it appear that Phillips rode off the sidewalk, The video evidence revealed that she had been crossing Inman Square on Cambridge Street and was a fast, strong cyclist. She was not controlling the lane. Who altered the video, I do not know.

It’s been years since I reviewed the evidence and created the two videos. Since then, I have made several inquiries attempting to alert advocacy organizations and news media to what I found — to no avail.

I’ve had it with the silence, and I am going public with this information here.

Inman Square is being reconstructed, largely due to the need felt following the Phillips fatality. How the current redesign of Inman Square will play out, I don’t know. I need to return and check the completed project before I can draw conclusions.

July 1, 2022

Ad Hoc Selection Committee Announces 15 Charter Review Committee Members

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government — Tags: , , — Robert Winters @ 1:59 pm

Ad Hoc Selection Committee Announces 15 Charter Review Committee Members

July 1, 2022 – The Ad Hoc Selection Committee (Alanna Mallon, Sumbul Siddiqui, Patricia Nolan, Paul Toner) reviewed 122 highly qualified applicants and has selected 15 Charter Review Committee members: Kaleb Abebe, Jessica Dejesus Acevedo, Mosammat Faria Afreen, Kathleen Born, Nikolas Bowie, Kevin Chen, Max Clermont, Jennifer Gilbert, Kai Long, Patrick Magee, Mina Makarious, Lisa Peterson, Ellen Shachter, Susan Shell, and Jim Stockard.

All Committee members are registered Cambridge voters as required by the Charter. Per the passage of the ballot initiatives in November 2021, the Committee will review the current Plan E Charter, hold community forums, and gather input from all stakeholders and residents. The Committee will recommend changes they believe will improve and modernize Cambridge’s structure and governance to the City Council. Any recommendations the City Council accepts will be put before all voters in a municipal election prior to adoption. The Committee is expected to take up to one year to complete its work with the first meeting to be held at the end of this month or beginning of August.

More information will be available on a dedicated City webpage in the coming weeks.

Please direct any questions to the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, Michael Scarlett at mscarlett@cambridgema.gov.

Current (Plan E) Cambridge City Charter (as amended)

June 30, 2022

7th Annual Cambridge Jazz Festival – Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31

Filed under: Cambridge — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:52 am
2022 Jazz Festival Organizers
Photo by Mutsuko
Linh Phan: Project Manager, Cambridge Jazz Foundation; Larry Ward, Executive Director, Cambridge Jazz Foundation; Robyn Culbertson, Executive Director, Cambridge Office For Tourism; Ron Savage, Artist Director & Co-founder Cambridge Jazz Foundation, Dean of the Professional Performance Division, Berklee College of Music.

June 29, 2022
After a two-year interruption, Cambridge Office for Tourism and Cambridge Jazz Foundation are thrilled to announce the return of the 7th Annual Cambridge Jazz Festival on Saturday, July 30th and Sunday, July 31st. This free outdoor festival features live music from 12 pm–6 pm at Danehy Park in Cambridge.

GRAMMY-winner Eguie Castrillo headlines Saturday’s line-up. Eguie has performed with Tito Puente, Steve Winwood, Michael Brecker, Ruben Blades, along with many other greats. Chelsey Green and The Green Project will follow as Sunday night’s headliner. Often described as passionate, vivacious, electrifying and innovative, Chelsey soloed in New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall at age 16. Her resume includes performances at the GRAMMY Awards, CBS Late Show, NPR Tiny Desk and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History’s grand opening.

“We are delighted to help present this year’s talented line-up,” says Robyn Culbertson, Executive Director of Cambridge Office for Tourism. “Cambridge is home to a vibrant music scene; these two days will really showcase that. We’re excited to welcome jazz fans to Cambridge and share the city’s culture with them!”

In addition to performances, a college scholarship will be presented at the festival as well as Cambridge Jazz Foundation’s very own CAMMY Awards. The festival weekend also includes a jazz museum, music therapy, food trucks, plus a kids’ area with face painting. The MIT Museum will even display an interactive pop-up exhibit around the science of sound.

Saturday July 30
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Connections

12:30pm – Zahili Zamora

2:00pm – David Rivera y la Bambula
(sponsored by Medalla Beer)

3:30pm – Anna Borges and Bill Ward, Receita de Samba

5:00pm – Eguie Castrillo and the Eguie Castrillo Orchestra

Host
José C. Massó III

Sunday July 31

12:00pm – Zeke Martin and Oracle

1:00pm – EL ECO with Guillermo Nojechowicz

2:00pm – The Ron Savage Trio
with guests Bill Pierce and Bobby Broom

3:15pm – Gabrielle Goodman Celebrates Aretha Franklin

4:30pm – Chelsey Green and the Green Project

Host
Valerie Stephens

Visit cambridgejazzfoundation.org

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