Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

October 3, 2025

A Taxing Situation – October 6, 2025 City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:12 pm

A Taxing Situation – October 6, 2025 City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

Here are the featured items this week:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-55 relative to guidance during ICE encounters. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Commissioner Elow Cambridge Police Department, transmitting a memorandum regarding compliance with the Welcoming City Ordinance (Section 2.129.060), which mandates that a statistical breakdown of ICE interactions with the Cambridge Police. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Marnie Gale and C. Dale Gadsden and the reappointment of Louis Bacci III all for five-year terms to the Cambridge Housing Authority Board. [text of report]
Appointments Approved, Referred to Housing Committee for Discussion 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item #25-20 regarding Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Zero Emissions Transportation Plan Report. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

On The Table #6. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a report on the Cambridge Zero Emission Transportation Plan. [Tabled – Sept 15, 2025] [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Tax Rate Hearing [6:30pm]     Tax Rate Letter from City Manager
Charter Right – TonerCoins

The bottom line is: The FY26 Adopted Operating Budget is $992.2 million which is an increase of 3.8% (or $36.6 million) over the FY25 Adopted Budget. The actual FY26 tax levy required to support the FY26 Budget is $678,852,471 which is an increase of $50,463,718 or 8.0% from FY25. This increase is consistent with the estimated increase of 8.0% projected in June 2025 as part of the Adopted Budget.

The property tax levy increase of 8.0% is lower than the FY25 increase of 9.2%. The five-year (FY22-FY26) annual average increase is 7.53%, and the ten-year (FY17-FY26) annual average increase is 6.72%. The FY26 residential tax rate will be $6.67 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.32, or approximately 5% from FY25. The commercial tax rate will be $14.07, which is an increase of $2.55, or 22% from FY25.

As a result of the market activity in calendar year 2024, which is the basis of the FY26 property assessments, total residential property values increased by 2.6%. Total commercial property values decreased by 11.5%. These mixed results; negative on commercial, and lightly positive for residential, indicate the continued softening of the commercial and lab markets and the slow growth of the residential market with little inventory and high interest rates.

By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 10.21% tax increase, a two-family will see a 9.18% increase, a three-family will see a 8.93% increase, and a condo will see an 13.26% increase. This last figure is interesting in that due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners were actually seeing decreases in recent years and only saw increases last yearand this year. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:

FY2026 Taxes – including CPA Surcharge and Residential Exemtion

Residential
Property Type		 FY24 Median Tax FY25 Median Tax FY26 Median Tax Median
$ increase		 %
increase
Condominium $1,555 $1,734 $1,964 $ 230 13.26%
Single-Family $7,674 $8,277 $9,122 $ 845 10.21%
Two-Family $6,713 $7,146 $7,802 $ 656 9.18%
Three-Family $8,246 $8,865 $9,657 $ 792 8.93%

History of changes in residential property taxes

Median Annual Tax Increases – Cambridge (not incl. CPA surcharge)
Tax Year condo single-family two-family three-family
FY2009 $ 18 $ 40 $ 24 $ 72
FY2010 $ 69 $ 119 $ 47 $ 41
FY2011 $ 77 $ 306 $ 132 $ 154
FY2012 $ 60 $ 269 $ 177 $ 215
FY2013 $ 65 $ 159 $ 80 $ 85
FY2014 – $ 38 $ 109 $ 110 $ 201
FY2015 $ 15 $ 11 $ 334 $ 253
FY2016 – $ 18 $ 64 $ 101 $ 217
FY2017 $ 11 $ 324 $ 237 $ 336
FY2018 $ 76 $ 136 $ 33 $ 61
FY2019 $ 21 $ 124 $ 292 $ 469
FY2020 $ 43 $ 449 $ 366 $ 369
FY2021 $ 3 $ 246 $ 131 $ 218
FY2022 $ 33 $ 545 $ 301 $ 335
FY2023 – $ 107 $ 419 $ 269 $ 379
FY2024 – $ 7 $ 743 $ 494 $ 598
FY2025 $ 175 $ 587 $ 421 $ 602
FY2026 $ 224 $ 821 $ 638 $ 770
5 year average $63.60 $623.00 $424.60 $536.80
10 year average $47.20 $439.40 $318.20 $413.70
15 year average $37.07 $333.73 $265.60 $340.53
number of properties (FY2023) 14841 3910 2292 1168

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Health, and any relevant environmental consultants to provide a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended by Substitution 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to ensure that the zoning code relating to Institutional Use Regulation is in compliance with State law.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to consider a plan to better utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell.
Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on the proposed recommendations, review the feasibility of the proposed recommendations with developers, and consider the possibility of having AHO construction be exempt from the proposed zoning. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Referred to Housing Committee and Health & Environment Committee 8-1 (Toner-No)

September 26, 2025

Seal It with a Kiss – September 29, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council,Deaths,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 8:35 pm

Seal It with a Kiss – September 29, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

City SealAmong other things, this week brings a City Council order calling for a process to commence to change the official seal of the City of Cambridge. We’re actually on our 2nd version of of Official Seal since we became a city in 1846 – not even close to that memorable 1957 film by Ingmar Bergman. I can only hope that any new proposals for our Official Seal won’t mirror the sad choices now under consideration for the Massachusetts State Seal – designs that replace historical references with all the richness of a Doritos ad. [There were some more interesting submissions.] I can only guess what the politically acceptable choices for Cambridge may eventually turn out to be. Perhaps we can have Brian Hyland provide some motivation for the selection committee.

As for the full agenda, here are the items that leapt off the page:

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

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Preservation Restriction at 44 J.F. Kennedy Street. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Charles Sullivan, Nolan, McGovern; Order Adopted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

These Historical Commission reports are always top notch.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-05, regarding a report on the use of M.G.L Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the Local-Option Procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge Ordinances. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer and other City staff, Zusy; Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

The legal memo indicates that this applies only to “three types of code violations that can be enforced through Chapter 40U: (1) short-term rental use; (2) housing and sanitary; and (3) snow and ice removal from sidewalks.” To be effective, the City Council need only vote to accept the statute. Also, if the City adopts Chapter 40U, it would need to adopt an ordinance that establishes a schedule of applicable fines. For more details and potential costs and consequences, read the memo.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council to establish a Seal Review Committee with the charge of recommending an updated city seal and motto in time for adoption prior to the 400th anniversary of the City of Cambridge in 2030.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

As I mentioned above, the current City Seal may have some extinct references on it, but it packs a fair amount of historical reference – which seems appropriate for a historically rich city like Cambridge. My greatest concern is that a review committee will choose to recommend something more like an advertising logo drenched in wokeness. In fact, I would almost bet on it.

Order #2. That the Housing Committee will be convened to discuss the concrete details of social housing; that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore all steps towards advancing social housing in Cambridge.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Zusy, Nolan, Azeem; Nolan, Azeem added as sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

So “social housing” is now the shiny new thing being bandied about by activists and municipal election candidates this year. In short, this is a scheme via which the local government would slowly but surely take over an increasing percentage of the housing stock in Cambridge – all under the theory (and sales pitch) that this would bring about a new era of affordability. It is, of course, just public housing by a different name and perhaps with different eligibility standards. I always like to raise the issue of what happens when the roof needs replacement or when the heating system or other part of the building needs a major overhaul. Inevitably, the residents will come running to the government to pay for it, and the bills will be ultimately be paid by the taxpayers. A somewhat more insidious aspect of all this is that deed-restricted properties have dramatically lower assessed values, so we should really say “paid by other taxpayers”. This socialist creep is a thing these days in other places such as New York City. Supporters will be quick to mention the “Vienna Housing Model” to prove the wonderfulness of their ideas, but I’ll simply say that neither New York City nor Cambridge are especially comparable to Vienna, Austria. I will also emphasize that I emphatically believe that private property ownership is a good thing. If tenants want to pool their resources to turn their housing into something like a limited equity coop, then more power to them – as long as they don’t one day come running to Mother Cambridge to cover their costs.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a recommendation on the site conditions of 25 Lowell Street and considerations and process for determining the future use of the property.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; Nolan, McGovern, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

This is the lot that keeps reappearing as a kind of token. I even remember it being on the list over 30 years ago of properties for a “Land Bank” for affordable housing – basically a symbolic gesture by some councillors looking to get some love by going after a property in the tonier part of town. Not much has really changed in three decades.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-32, regarding a request that the City engage in discussions with leadership from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) regarding a proposal to explore the feasibility of repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square into a commercial or cultural space. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 15, 2025]
comments by Azeem, Yi-An-Huang, Nolan, Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, McGovern, Siddiqui, Wilson; After an excruciatingly long and repetitive discussion, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

I still believe there’s a great idea here lurking in the cavernous darkness (“The Cavern Club”?), but pulling it off will take the kind of drive and investment that’s not so likely to emerge from the depths of Cambridge.

Resolution #1. Condolences to the family of Red T. Mitchell.   Mayor Simmons
Charter Right – McGovern (to give Mayor Simmons and others an opportunity to speak to this resolution next week)

Red Mitchell has been one of my favorite Cambridge people ever since Denise Simmons introduced us. All three of us have a love of history, and Red knew a lot about history – especially about residents of African ancestry around the time of the Revolutionary War.

Resolution #2. Congratulation to Kevin Treanor and Joe McCabe on their 30 year anniversary of the Phoenix Landing.   Councillor Zusy, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
pulled by McGovern; Add McGovern, Toner, Wilson as sponsors

Time flies. Great guys and good beer. They’ll also feed you pretty good as well. I never went there for the soccer broadcasts – just the camaraderie and the beer.

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 9, 2025 to review and discuss ongoing work to mitigate and reduce Combined Sewer Overflows within Cambridge and the surrounding area and other mitigation efforts to address extreme weather events that affect city residents and future infrastructure projects. [text of report]
pulled early Nolan; comments by Nolan, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Toner, McGovern; Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

Though I didn’t attend the meeting, I have had an interest in this subject (and really all things relating to infrastructure) for about four decades now. There has been a lot of progress on the CSOs during that time, but the progress never stops. Neither does the physics.

Committee Report #2. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Sept 10, 2025 to discuss COF25#106, including questions that were submitted by City Council members regarding an incident at 243 Broadway on Aug 2, 2025 and the public safety response. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)

I attended this meeting and offered testimony in support of the actions of the Cambridge Police in this incident. I was outnumbered during Public Comment but I did my best to counter some of the BS from those who would abolish the police if they could.

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems.[text of report]
pulled early by Nolan; comments by Zusy (with proposed Substitute Order), Azeem; Charter Right – Azeem

September 17, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 653-654: September 16, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,campaign finance,Charter,City Council,elections,Harvard Square,School Committee,schools — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:48 pm

Episode 653 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 16, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Sept 16, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: Candidates, Candidate Pages, campaign finance facts and figures, PACs and slates; importance of non-hostility; voting histories; pros and cons of candidacy; School Committee candidate forums, Cambridge Education Association (CEA) hostility; general impressions of School Committee candidates; respectful Cambridge Advanced Learners Association (CALA) candidate forum. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 654 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 16, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Sept 16, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Hunter ballot challenge, illegitimacy of The Black Response; adopted Cantabrigian; Public Safety meeting on Aug 2 incident, extraordinary offerts of CPD to protect everyone, activist idiocy and HEART, police as social workers; CPA funds, voters have no say in their own taxation; City Charter updates; dissing Broadway residents; Bow St. pedestrianization; Harvard tunnel concept and fiscal constraints; proposed Mass. Ave. upzoning to 12 stories from Cambridge Common to the Arlington line, potential ABC political fallout, Inclusionary connection; Office of Tourism and the business associations; Radical Centrist. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

September 15, 2025

Revision Cambridge – September 15, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,MBTA,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:29 pm

Revision Cambridge – September 15, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here’s my first pass at the highlights. Revisions, comments, etc. to follow:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2026. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Taha Jennings, Nolan, Zusy
VOTE 1: Fiscal Year 2026 Local Funds ($19,700,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 2: Fiscal Year 2025 State Matching Funds [received in FY2026] ($2,800,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 3: CPA Fund Balance – Administration ($15,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 4: Historic Preservation Reserve ($113,000) voted 9-0
VOTE 5: Open Space Reserve ($331,000) voted 9-0

80%-10%-10% from now until the end of time – non-debatable. Anything else might be interpreted as democratic.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-50, regarding a Deadline for Charter Change.
pulled by Simmons; Megan Bayer notes that House and Senate approved, sent to Governor to sign, Election Commission preparing guides, ballot; Yi-An Huang thanks Sal DiDomenico, Marjorie Decker, now just waiting for Governor’s signature; Tanya Ford provided updates; comments by Simmons, Nolan, Megan Bayer (not the full text on the ballot or the guide – just the summary), Wilson, Siddiqui, Zusy, Simmons (special thank you to Tanya Ford); Placed on File 9-0

I’m presuming this means that it’s got the go-ahead. For those who are paying attention, the proposed Charter is fundamentally the same as the Plan E Charter that has worked well for the City of Cambridge since its adoption in 1940. Thankfully, all the problematic proposals were beaten back, but all that could soon change if a clown car is elected in November for the next City Council.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 25-38, 25-39 and 25-41, regarding issues related to parking in the area surrounding the eastern end of Broadway. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna (evasive re: parking for employees at 344 Broadway), Wilson (notes large number of School and City staff who park on Broadway), Siddiqui, Toner, Nolan, Stephanie Groh; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-27, regarding the City Manager investigate bike pod storage options to be placed in suitable areas in the city to provide residents and visitors safe storage options. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Stephanie Groh, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-42 regarding pedestrianization of Lower Bow Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan (wants auto-bollards), Kathy Watkins; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-32, regarding a request that the City engage in discussions with leadership from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) regarding a proposal to explore the feasibility of repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square into a commercial or cultural space. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons (disappointed), Zusy, Azeem; Charter Right – Azeem

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update to the City Council at the September 29, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the status of discussions with the MBTA and HSBA, the potential allocation of funds for the tunnel feasibility RFP, and any anticipated next steps in this process.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Though I think this is a fabulous idea worth exploring, I would not recommend holding your breath waiting for movement on this. There are multiple parties involved – both public and private, and even one-ball juggling often proves far too difficult when undertaking creative ideas involving more than one party.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Zoning Petition referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy – No)Upping Mass Ave

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Zoning Petition referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-1 (Zusy – No)

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-43, regarding a request for an interim report on demolition and building permit applications received during the six-month period following the City Council’s adoption of the Multifamily Housing Zoning Amendment on February 10th, 2025. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (17 demolition petitions filed, 7 issued since MFZ passed); Jeff Roberts (CDD) says 46 applications submitted and of these 13 issued to date, 13 for residential demolitions and 7 issued; McGovern desperately trying to put a positive spin on this; Nolan; Melissa Peters (CDD); Jacob Lazzara (ISD); Zusy (notes that some developers may be waiting pending possible changes in Inclusionary rate); Azeem says we’re not going to lower the Inclusionary requirement; Toner; Placed on File 9-0

It is at times like this that I look back at all the ideas floated during the Envision Cambridge process and come to the conclusion that the Community Development Department has simply tossed it all into the wastebasket. Surely there is a “third way” somewhere between the current status and having Mass. Ave. and other corridors lined end-to-end with 12-story and higher buildings.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to review current crisis prevention protocols, strengthen them by clearly defining the role and deployment of mental health professionals.   Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the timely release of body-worn camera footage.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Azeem, Nolan, McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0

These Orders grew out of a Public Safety Committee meeting last week in which the Cambridge Police Department provided the facts and almost all of Public Comment (except me) provided the fiction. In Cambridge, the tail continues to wag the dog.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship, the City Solicitor, the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate and implement ICE Encounter Guidance.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to ensure that, effective immediately (and for each fiscal year in which the Office for Tourism continues to receive TDMD funding) that the City shall redirect its municipal funding to distribute those funds equally among the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), the East Cambridge Business Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the Kendall Square Association. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 8, 2025]
Comments by Toner (w/Comm #1); Comments by Simmons, Wilson; Referred to Econ. Development & University Relations Committee 9-0

Communications #1. Candice Beaulieu, re: CIVITAS- TDMD FAQ Sept 2025.
pulled by Councillor Toner; Referred to Econ. Development & University Relations Committee 9-0

There is a back story here that hopefully will get aired more fully. – RW

August 31, 2025

Campaign Tales – August 31

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,campaign finance,City Council,elections,School Committee — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:45 pm

Campaign Tales – August 31

Robert WintersAug 31 – While other candidates are spending their Labor Day weekend handing out campaign literature and promising whatever it takes to win a #1 vote, I was down in the basement yesterday clearing the collected dust and debris out of a dryer vent. In addition to hair clips and mini-Lego pieces from my previous 1st floor tenants (who were great, by the way), I was able to pocket $1.37 in loose change. I guess I’ll use that to supplement the cost of the 3rd floor front porch deck that I will likely be replacing next month. Owning a triple-decker is great – except when it isn’t.

Back in my computer saddle, I updated several Candidate Pages yesterday and I’m sure I’ll be doing many more soon. It’s relatively quick and easy to do and it gives me an opportunity to read about all the other candidates for City Council and School Committee. I am planning to attend some of the upcoming candidate events – especially the School Committee candidate forums, in part because the Council events conflict with my teaching. Most of the City Council candidate forums are exercises in repetition – bike lanes, empty promises of housing affordability, and the action-reaction to rezoning Cambridge to be more like the ever-exploding downtown Flushing in Queens, NY (where I went to high school). I’ll be interested to hear more about how the Mamdani-inspired candidates will plan to cover the cost of their promises during a time of limitations in municipal finance and how they plan to Defund The Police while carefully employing euphemisms to convey that sentiment.

Also from my computer saddle, I set up an email account yesterday for the Membership Secretary of the Middlesex Canal Association. (I’m a Board member, webmaster, walk leader, and publisher of our Towpath Topics newsletter.) [By the way, is “webmaster” now a verboten word?] I have also been hearing from a few people about a “Not secure” message some people have been getting when going to the rwinters.com and middlesexcanal.org (and possibly other domains and subdomains). There are zero financial transactions happening on any of my websites, so there’s not really a problem, but I’m looking into fixing this for those who get scared off by the warning messages. It’ll cost me a few bucks, but I’ll just tell myself that the ample Social Security payments I’m now receiving will cover it. Hey, it’s better than blowing it at the Encore casino or on a fast red car.

Starting next week, I’ll be back in the mathematics teaching saddle. After Harvard Summer School wrapped up several weeks ago, it’s been great having some time to just walk the Earth like Caine in Kung Fu. That said, Harvard Extension School is calling and I have an all-time record enrollment in one of my two courses – currently 222 students, about 50% more than ever before. I suppose I can chalk it up to my boyish good looks, but there may be some other things going on in the wider world. Even though there has been a “distance option” in my courses going back to Fall 2017, in the semester after Covid first hit (2020) we had large increases in enrollments – all online that year. We have been doing the courses hybrid (in person or online) since then, so that doesn’t explain the big increase this Fall. For the Summer School course, there were as many students who registered and dropped before the start of classes as there were students who attended. This was true for many of the Summer School courses, and my theory is that many were scared off by shifting federal policies and the targeting of Harvard by the Executive Branch. Perhaps the gigantic increase in my Multivariable Calculus course, especially students attending remotely, is also an unexpected consequence of federal policies. Or maybe, mathematics has become the Taylor Swift of academic disciplines.

Having partially buried the lede, let me say a few more words about the municipal election season.

Municipal election campaigns didn’t used to pick up until after Labor Day and, being an old school kinda guy, I’ve been sticking to that schedule. Perhaps I’ll put up a few yard signs this week and do an email blast. I have plenty of yard signs, bumper stickers, and buttons (hint, hint). I also have to update my candidate website – primarily simplification. I’m also thinking of making a few short videos on various topics.

The questionnaires keep on coming – not so much sincere inquiries about the opinions of a candidate on various relevant (or irrelevant) issues of the day, but more of the “Do you agree with our rigid and inflexible ideology on Topic X?” type. The latest one came from a heretofore unknown group calling itself “Cambridge for Palestine (C4P)”. As expected, no names were provided for this new mystery group. I won’t be responding to their little push poll on topics having zero relevance to Cambridge municipal government, but it was good for a chuckle. [That said, I’m sure at least several current candidates will be providing enthusiastic responses.] I suppose it’s only a matter of time before C4P gets included in the “Cambridge Progressive Electoral Collaboration” list of “allies”.

Speaking of the Lefties, 7 Council candidates are now on the record saying they’ll support a Home Rule petition to bring back rent control to Cambridge (Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan, Rivkin, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Wilson). There may be others. Of course, barring a change in state law, that’s really just a hollow gesture. Besides, what exactly is the value in freezing rents at stratospheric levels? Perhaps that’s not really the point. It’s just the politics of promising something you can’t actually deliver – kinda like when “A Better Cambridge” promises affordable housing as they do every election. My personal platform may include free Internet, free ice cream (w/vegan option, of course), and free ponies for everyone!

Though I am spending less time on it than previous years, I have been watching the campaign finance reports for the municipal election. Perhaps most noteworthy is the (currently) $83,550 in receipts for new candidate Tim Flaherty who is apparently the candidate being backed by the players who have mobilized in the wake of Paul Toner’s decision to not seek reelection. I like Tim and consider him a friend, but there is something very unsettling about this. I’m also a bit puzzled about the criteria used by the various organizations who will be promoting candidate slates this year. Some of them seem primarily focused on ensuring the reelection of their favored incumbents with a few feeder candidates thrown in for insurance. I just wish there was a Reasonable Cambridge slate. I might request inclusion in that slate, but that’s just wishful thinking at this point. I think that’s the candidate slate most Cambridge residents would prefer. Unfortunately, the single-issue advocates are all that we hear from.

By the way, if you want to talk, give me a call (617-661-9230), send me email, or ring my doorbell. I have beer.

Robert Winters (in my role as a candidate)

August 19, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 651-652: August 19, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,campaign finance,City Council,Deaths,East Cambridge,elections,history,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:35 pm

Episode 651 – Cambridge InsideOut: August 19, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on August 19, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: A Teacher’s Life – Harvard Summer School and Harvard Extension School; 31st Annual Oldtime Baseball Game; Significant Passings; 2025 Municipal Election – nomination papers, signatures, getting on the ballot (or not), political action committees, City Council and School Committee candidates; Cambridge Candidate Pages; campaign finance – receipts, expenditures, unions and incumbents. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 652 – Cambridge InsideOut: August 19, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on August 19, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Slates, factions, history, endorsements; candidate questionnaires; the self-anointed, self-appointed; housing vs. densification; alarm stemming from “multi-family housing” upzoning, loss of setbacks, loss of standing to object; even greater heights coming; radicals coalescing; East End House, contract zoning, community benefits, and Solomonic wisdom; Welcoming City vs. The Feds; Resolving the Vail Court eminent domain taking; Riverview condo expenditure/demolition. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

July 3, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 649-650: July 1, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 29, 2025

Featured Items on the June 30, 2025 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:41 pm

Featured Items on the June 30, 2025 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Starting next week, incumbents and challengers will be pulling nomination papers for City Council and School Committee and transforming into salesmen and saleswomen. Here are some of the interesting agenda items before the snake oils sales commence:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update and the Law Department will provide an update on relevant court cases. (CM25#177) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Yi-An Huang, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Asst City Solicitor LaBianca; Placed on File 9-0

There are 27 court cases listed in this report.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2024 Transportation Demand Management Program Report. (CM25#179) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TD), Ryan McKinnon (TD), Zusy, Azeem; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-30, regarding a review of barriers to housing production, a timeline for next Inclusionary Housing Study, and the feasibility of additional development incentives. (CM25#180) [text of report]
pulled by Azeem; comments by Azeem, Simmons, Melissa Peters (CDD), Chris Cotter (HD), Toner, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

In addition to the Cotter report, you may want to also take a look at these two articles by Patrick Barrett:

1) Urgent Legal and Policy Concerns Regarding Cambridge’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (May 2, 2025)

2) Follow-Up Memo on Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Concerns Under MBTA Communities Act Compliance (June 14, 2025)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-36, regarding a request that the language of the Welcoming Community Ordinance be amended to clarify that City employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of City employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety, and be amended to clarify that if Cambridge Police Department Officers respond to the scene of ICE action, CPD Officers should document the actions of ICE including their badge numbers. (CM25#181) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Supt. Pauline Carter-Wells (CPD); Referred to Ordinance Committee and Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the first half of 2025. (CM25#183) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Goals and Metrics for the Annual City Manager Performance Review. (CM25#184) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Florrie Darwin, Scott Kyle, and Michael Rogove; and the reappointments of Chandra Harrington, Joseph Ferrara, Kyle Sheffield, Gavin Kleespies, Paula Paris, Elizabeth Lyster, and Yuting Zhang as members of the Cambridge Historical Commission. (CM25#185) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Simmons, Charles Sullivan (Hist. Comm.), Azeem, McGovern; Substitute Order Appointments Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 to discuss term limits and appointments to Neighborhood Conservation Districts and the Historical Commission, CM25#145, CM25#146, and CM25#147. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee voted favorably to forward CM25#145, CM25#146, and CM25#147 to the full City Council with no recommendation. [text of report]
Taken up early along w/Mgr #8; All Appointments Approved as Amended; Report Accepted, Placed on File as Amended 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore creative solutions that reduce car dependency, while expanding access to parking options nearby Broadway.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Nolan, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-1 (Simmons – No)

File this under “Adding Insult to Injury”. These councillors are apparently incapable of listening to the actual concerns expressed by affected residents.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to ensure that the wording for the proposed amendment to Section 5.40 Footnote #2 is in line with the City Council’s intention to continue to include the inclusionary requirement for any nonreligious use property that is going above four stories, and to strike “except for religious purposes” used from Section 5.40 Footnotes #1 and #37.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Yet another example, of this City Council’s “Break It First, Then Pick Up The Pieces” philosophy.

Order #3. That the Mayor is hereby appointing a committee, to be announced in the coming days, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to continue to work with stakeholders in the area including Harvard University and the Harvard Square Business Association to pursue options for pedestrianization on Lower Bow Street and to report on the option for automatic bollards for Winthrop and/or Bow Street.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare an interim report on demolition requests and building permit applications, in order to facilitate a discussion on the outcomes observed during the first six months of the new Multifamily Housing Zoning.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy, McGovern, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0

Yet another example, of this City Council’s “Break It First, Then Pick Up The Pieces” philosophy.

Order #6. That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting in Fall 2025 and extend an invitation to the Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools and the School Committee to discuss the progress and future direction of the Cambridge Preschool Program.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Community Benefits for Whom?

Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised draft of the “Eastern Cambridge Community Enhancements” Zoning Petition. [Placed on Unfinished Business, June 9, 2025] (CM25#153)
No Action Taken, Votes Expected Aug 4

Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District (“ECCE Overlay District”), which is governed by the regulations and procedures specified in this Section 20.1200. It is the intent of this Section that these regulations will apply to land within the ECCE Overlay District. [Passed to 2nd Reading, June 9, 2025] (ORD25#10)
pulled for discussion (JSW); comments by Yi-An Huang, Zusy, Simmons, Megan Bayer, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Wilson, Siddiqui, Toner, Azeem, Nolan; No Action Taken, Votes Expected Aug 4

There is a brewing controversy associated with this zoning petition and, more specifically, the proposed community benefits agreement tied to the petition that would, in particular, greatly benefit the East End House (~$20 million). I suspect this may be the featured item during Public Comment.

Original BioMed Petition Text (Mar 17)     Petitioner Revisions (Apr 18)     CDD Memo (Apr 24)

Planning Board Presentation (Apr 29)     Planning Board Report (May 19) – original document     Ordinance Committee Agenda (May 20)

Ordinance Committee Report (June 9)     DS,MM,SS,AW Reallocation Memo (June 9)     Order #3 (PO25#96) (June 23)

Cambridge Community Center 6/26 message (“URGENT! Ask City Council to delay the inequitable disbursement of over $20 million”)

Follow-up CCC 6/29 message (“Our Collective Response to Representative Mike Connolly’s Letter to the City Council”)
[I haven’t yet seen Connolly’s letter to the City Council, but I’m sure it is characteristically ill-informed.]

Joint Response from CCC, CAC, CEOC, and The Dance Complex

This controversy reminds me of what then-City Manager Robert Healy reportedly said when informed of the gift of the Foundry building to the City in conjunction with a zoning petition then being sought: “This is going to be a problem.” Indeed, there was competition almost immediately among councillors for their pet projects that might be located in this windfall building. In the end, the cost associated with retrofitting the building for its current use was, I believe, well in excess of the value of the gift. I am also reminded of how the provision of ARPA funds turned into a competition among many interested parties and their City Council sponsors – including the Rise Up Cambridge local welfare program that then-Mayor Siddiqui incessantly associates with her own name. I may have some of the timeline confused, but I am also reminded of then-Councillor Sam Seidel’s effort to come up with an equitable way of distributing benefits derived from “contract zoning” – more often than not in and around East Cambridge (or, as Heather Hoffman often describes it, “the eastern sacrifice zone”).

I have been to many events held at the Cambridge Community Center on Callender Street in the Riverside neighborhood, and each time I am there I have taken note of the deterioration of the building – and the window frames and sills in particular. It is abundantly clear that this important building needs some love. Perhaps Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds could be used for this purpose, but the Affordable Housing Trust would likely oppose that. The public policy question is whether (and how) revenues derived from projects in one part of the city should be appropriated that is fair to all residents of the city but at the same time primarily benefits those neighborhoods most affected by this new development.

I am not convinced that the current City Council is particularly skilled at answering these questions. Their approach in recent years has become more imperious and less concerned about the impacts in areas and along streets most affected by their “progressive” policy decisions.

The ECCE Overlay District Petition expires August 18. Though it is expected to be voted on June 30, it could be delayed until the Midsummer City Council meeting on Aug 4.

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 to continue the discussion on a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, and Table 5.1 with the intent to remove gross floor area (GFA) and floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for religious uses, permit conforming additions to nonconforming structures without limitation for religious uses, and permit religious uses with the same dimensional limitations as residential uses except that in a Residence C-1 district permeable open space would not be required, buildings would be permitted up to 6 stories and 74 feet above grade without meeting inclusionary housing requirements, and buildings taller than 35 feet and 3 stories above grade would not be required to notify neighbors and hold a meeting. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the Mushla Marasao, et al. Zoning Petition to the full City Council with no recommendation. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #8. Congratulations to Joseph Grassi on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #18. Congratulations to Officer Robert P. Reardon on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #20. Congratulations to Superintendent Pauline Wells on being awarded the 2025 Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement Organization Heritage Award.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #24. Congratulations to Donald “Ducky” Down on his retirement from the Department of Public Works.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern

Note: The meeting was preceded by a tribute to Charles Sullivan for his 51 years of service (and counting) to the City of Cambridge. Later in the meeting there were extensive comments of heartfelt thanks and farewell to retiring Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan.

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