Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

October 10, 2023

Rally at City Hall – Oct 9, 2023

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge government,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:24 am

Rally at City Hall – Oct 9, 2023

From The Dispatch, Oct 10: In a statement Monday, President Joe Biden announced that 11 American citizens had been among those killed in the attacks on Israel over the weekend, with more likely held hostage by Hamas. “In this moment of heartbreak, the American people stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israelis,” the president said, likening the attack to those America suffered on September 11, 2001. “We remember the pain of being attacked by terrorists at home, and Americans across the country stand united against these evil acts that have once more claimed innocent American lives. It is an outrage. And we will continue to show the world that the American people are unwavering in our resolve to oppose terrorism in all forms.”

Meanwhile, in Cambridge, MA, hundreds rallied in front of Cambridge City Hall shouting Intifada! Intifada! in what can best be described as a celebration of the recent atrocities committed by Hamas. There were some familiar faces in the crowd, including people politically active in Cambridge. Now I know that this was not a representative sample of the people of Cambridge, and I certainly don’t believe that antisemitism and the celebration of murder, rape, and kidnapping is tolerated by any more than a small minority of deranged residents. I also got the sense that many of the celebrants were not actually Cambridge residents and included plenty of area college students. That said, they chose Cambridge City Hall as the site for their rally. “No Place for Hate” – except when it is. When fires grow, consider who is providing the oxygen.

I stood with the Israel supporters across the street, and I stand with Israel now. I hope this war is resolved quickly with minimal loss of life. I now look forward to some classic “bothsidesism” from our Cambridge elected officials and candidates. – Robert Winters

Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally  Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally

Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally  Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally

Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally  Oct 9, 2023 City Hall Rally

When People Tell You Who They Are, Believe Them (Bari Weiss, The Free Press, Oct 10, 2023)
This is what ‘decolonization’ really looks like. Look carefully at who is cheering it on.

This Is What ‘Decolonization’ Looks Like (Peter Savodnik, The Free Press, Oct 9, 2023)
Fancy-sounding academic jargon is not a curious intellectual exercise. Words make worlds. Words make nightmares.

“And as you might have seen, there was some sort of rave or desert party where they were having a great time until the resistance came in electrified hang gliders and took at least several dozen hipsters,” a speaker at a Democratic Socialists of America rally in New York proclaimed to whoops and laughter. (DSA members include representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamaal Bowman, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar.)

You can learn more about Eugene Puryear, the person who said these words on Wikipedia. Puryear writes regularly for Liberation News, the newspaper of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. In 2008, Puryear ran on the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s ticket alongside presidential nominee Gloria La Riva. The La Riva/Puryear slate was on the ballot in six states and received 6,818 total votes. In July 2015, Puryear was announced as the running mate of Gloria La Riva, the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s 2016 presidential nominee. However, he was not eligible to hold the office, as he would not have been at least 35 years old by Inauguration Day. He was critical of the Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

Many of you may recall that the “Party for Socialism and Liberation” was the primary organizer of the series of anti-police rallies and Cambridge City Council meeting disruptions earlier this year. Those rallies and the demands associated with those rallies were enthusiastically supported by some sitting City Councillors as well as some of the current crop of City Council candidates.

October 7, 2023

What is the main message of The Crucible?

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:00 am

What is the main message of The Crucible?

“One of the main messages of the play is to show that trying to preserve one’s reputation can end up harming others. But, in keeping one’s honor and integrity, a person can stay true to themselves, and can put an end to fear that might cause hysteria.”Robert Winters

Over this last week or so, I have been subjected to more accusations, innuendo, and suggestions of “inappropriate comments” than I have ever known, and some individuals and political organizations have even gone so far as to do harm to the reputations of other municipal election candidates with whom I have some affiliation or even candidates about whom I have said positive things. I am astonished that this kind of feeding frenzy has come to Cambridge, but I have little doubt that it is politically motivated by candidates concerned about their own electability (or their reelection) as well as by at least one political organization fearful of losing ground in the upcoming municipal election.

Some people have suggested that I issue some sort of public apology for things I have written and even for “liking” things I found humorous. I make no apologies for things that I may find funny – and I don’t think that anyone should ever apologize for their personal sense of humor. I consider Dave Chappelle to be perhaps the most brilliant comedian of the last several decades – even though I am aware that some people are offended by some of what he says.

I am certain that some people are offended by some of my commentary about elected officials, activists, and others. If you feel that I have been unfair at times, you might even be correct, but that’s the nature of personal expression, and I certainly hope that free speech does not become a casualty of this current hysteria. Indeed, some of the people hurling criticism at me, including one of the current candidates, have “tweeted” views far more offensive than anything I have ever written. I will leave it others to provide details.

One particular “tweet” that has been used to do harm to my reputation was one relating to a blogger who uses (or used at one time) the handle “LibsofTikTok”. That blogger posted something on Twitter about something taking place in a library somewhere else in the country, and my great “offense” was to rather naively note (based on a published update from the Cambridge Public Library that arrived around that time) that there was a similar event in Cambridge. I simply made that purely informational note. That’s it. No agenda, no endorsement, nothing. I did not “retweet” anything – at least not that I am aware of, yet this otherwise forgettable note has now been used by politically motivated people to brand me in ways that are unfair and untrue. So… if anyone was actually offended by my naive act, you have my unequivocal and sincere apology.

Now, will there be any apologies forthcoming from “A Better Cambridge” or their endorsed candidates who have been unfairly exploiting this kerfuffle for their own purely political reasons? Will the other City Council candidate who expressed actual anti-Catholic bigotry (and lots more) be issuing apologies? – Robert Winters

October 2, 2023

Now It’s My Turn To Speak – by Robert Winters

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,elections — Tags: , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:47 pm

It has been an interesting week – to say the least. What began as a coordinated ambush at a candidate event at Harvard has now turned into a full-fledged campaign of harassment and intimidation by an otherwise forgettable political candidate seeking attention. I have been accused of being just about every “ism” that there is – and then some. I suppose that the old adage applies here that if you throw enough mud at a wall surely some of it will stick.Robert Winters, 2022

I have never shied away from expressing myself either publicly or privately and I don’t intend to censor myself in the future. I usually pause before making comments, but not always – especially in a supercharged atmosphere such as when people are falsely accused or physically attacked or intimidated. I also maintain a very iconoclastic sense of humor – no doubt influenced by the National Lampoon Magazine and its successor Saturday Night Live as well as its predecessor the Harvard Lampoon. Unfortunately, Lenny Bruce died a long time ago and “The Left” couldn’t recognize humor, irony, or satire today if they were hit over the head with a wet fish or graced with a pie in their faces. They also fully subscribe to the politics of personal destruction – which is even more troubling and even potentially dangerous.

I now have legitimate concerns about my personal safety and the safety of those who choose to support me, and I worry that this harassment may cross over into areas having nothing whatsoever to do with my roles as either a political candidate or as the editor of the online Cambridge Civic Journal.

That said, now that I have been labeled a racist, a transphobe, a bigot, an Islamophobe, a right-winger, an anti-abortion crusader, and even an anti-vaxxer by these humorless and clueless petulant individuals (and other candidates more concerned about their electability than the truth), I suppose I have to say a few words in response – and let the chips fall where they may.

I have not viewed the tweets and accusations that have been hurled at me, but others have alerted me to some of it, and for that I am grateful. I do not follow any individuals on social media who engage in attacking me personally, and I “unfriend” or “unfollow” anyone who misbehaves in this way. I will add that when I watch TV I’ll sometimes toggle between CNN and FoxNews because I want to see what people on both sides of our current political chasm have to say, but we actually watch BBC more than both of them combined because they’re one of the few outlets that at least tries to be objective in their reporting.

Now, on to the good stuff:

I apparently have commented with words to the effect of “Islam and government don’t mix well” – and for this I have been called an Islamophobe.
Fact: Islam and government do not mix well – at least for those of us who grew up in a country that believes in democracy and freedom of religion. Islamic governments actually believe that all laws are derived from God, and that democracy is blasphemy because it maintains the belief of “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” You may feel free to disagree with me about this, but my point of view aligns pretty well with most Americans – even if some Cambridge residents of the Far Left see things differently.

I once expressed outrage on social media in response to a Sudanese woman who was to be executed soon after she gave birth because she had converted to Christianity – and for this I was called both an Islamophobe and a racist. This was especially memorable because the individual shouting this at me was then-City Councillor Nadeem Mazen, and he did so in the Sullivan Chamber in City Hall. I have not spoken with him since.
Fact: Any government or judicial system that would sentence a woman to death for choosing to leave a religion is barbaric. I make no excuses for the fact that I believe in freedom of religion. This is what most Americans believe – even though I have my doubts these days about some on the Far Right. Fortunately, the condemned woman was eventually allowed to leave the country.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/sudanese-woman-sentenced-death-be-freed-government-official-n119361

I was surprised to learn that in some public libraries there were “drag time story hour” events taking place that were publicly funded. On that same day I saw that one was taking place in Cambridge and simply made a note of this fact – and for this I was called a transphobe.
Fact: I really had never heard of such a thing – even though people apparently argue about this all the time now. In case you actually care what I think, I don’t believe it is age appropriate to subject young children to things that are either sexually provocative or overtly political. I understand that some people in Cambridge have a different point of view on such matters, but I daresay that my point of view is quite mainstream and I don’t even see it as either conservative or controversial. I don’t care what adults or even adolescents choose to see or do, but I do think that young children should be shielded from most of this. I have been especially attacked on this by Dan Totten (city council candidate) as well as a rather egotistical fellow named Loren Crowe who has chosen to malign me endlessly. This is the same Loren Crowe, by the way, who once expressed the point of view that Mount Auburn Cemetery was a waste of good real estate. For the record, I fully embrace the American ideal of “pursuit of happiness” – and that means that if a person old enough to make responsible decisions wants to declare a different gender and take whatever steps they feel are necessary to achieve that, this is their inalienable right as an American to do so.
[Addendum: Though the initial example of the above referenced events was quite alarming, several friends whose opinions I trust and respect have assured me that these events are generally quite benign, kid-friendly, and that their children really like them. Live and learn.]

I am not sure where anyone got this one from, but I have apparently been called an anti-vaxxer.
Fact: This one is downright comical in its distortion of reality, but I suppose that when innuendo is your thing then all facts go right out your window. I am fully vaccinated and I am planning to get the latest Covid vaccine in the next week or so, and I may even get the flu shot at the same time. That said, I feel no animus whatsoever toward people who have chosen to not be vaccinated – though I do worry about them sometimes. Both of my living brothers and some of my dearest friends have chosen to not be vaccinated, and I have friends who have died from Covid. I continue to post Covid-related information on the Cambridge Civic Journal – at this point mainly to reassure people that there are far fewer reasons to be fearful now than when we were all neurotic with fear in early 2020 – including me. I actually find statistics reassuring because it takes away a lot of the mystery and replaces it with facts.

As for the accusation that I am anti-abortion, the truth is that I have always been pro-choice. I hope that my more conservative friends won’t hold that against me.

I have expressed disdain for some Far Left political figures – and for this I have been labeled a racist and a right-wing conservative.
Fact: I have little use for the so-called “Justice Democrats” – and that includes people like Ayanna Pressley, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and their whole “Squad”. I voted for Hillary Clinton and not Bernie Sanders. I voted for Mike Capuano and not Ayanna Pressley. This makes me a Moderate Democrat – not a conservative and certain not “right-wing” or racist. In the 2020 election I was an enthusiastic supporter of Joe Biden because he was the closest thing to a centrist in the Democratic field of candidates. My point of view was and is aligned with most Democrats across America. I would never vote for an amoral narcissist and insurrectionist like Donald Trump.

I will add that I generally dislike socialists – except for those friends of mine who are socialists, and there are a few. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and their various chapters, in particular, strike me more like fascists than anything else, and they rarely disappoint when they go out of their way to shout down others and actively work to suppress free speech – which they clearly feel only applies to them. The various “Our Revolution” chapters are indistinguishable from their DSA counterparts – and I suspect that their shared membership would make for a very darkened Venn diagram.

I also am an unapologetic defender of free speech and the right to conduct peaceful protests. This apparently offended at least one person when I expressed the point of view that even a white-supremacist and/or straight-pride group that wants to have a parade on the Boston Common or elsewhere has every right to do so (as long as they are not inciting violence) – even though I have nothing but disdain for the people who feel the need to make such statements. You either believe in free speech or you don’t, and if you think it doesn’t apply to those with abhorrent opinions then you don’t understand the whole idea of free speech, and the U.S. Supreme Court has fully confirmed this interpretation for many decades.

Someone apparently took great exception to the fact that I have a positive view of Charlie Baker, a Republican.
Fact: There are good reasons why there are now more unenrolled voters in Massachusetts than Democrats – even if many of them vote generally for Democrats. I am a registered Democrat, but I have on more than a few occasions voted for Republicans in Massachusetts elections. One reason is that I think we need to move away from being effectively a one-party state, and I wish Massachusetts Republicans would shed some of their association with religious themes and rediscover their “good government” roots from the days when they had a dominant presence in Massachusetts and all of New England. We would all be better for this, including life-long Democrats. I do have a positive view of Charlie Baker. I would even consider voting for him for President if he were one day to choose to run – though that seems impossible with the current horrorshow that is the national Republican Party – and national politics in general.

I believe someone was offended by my being offended about protesters who chain themselves to barrels and/or epoxy themselves to the asphalt in order to obstruct roadways in the name of “climate justice”.
Fact: Guilty as charged. I have never seen any merit in this brand of narcissistic protest. If somebody needs to get to work or if an emergency vehicle needs to get to a destination, there is no way on earth I will ever take the side of some protester who is trying to make some (incredibly ineffective) political statement. The right to peaceful protest ends where you deny the rights of others.

I don’t know if anyone has yet lashed out me for this, but I am generally supportive of the Cambridge Police Department as one of the best-trained and most empathetic departments in the entire country. That, of course, is not a statement that every single Cambridge Police Officer is auditioning for sainthood, but pretty much all whom I have met in recent years impress me as the kind of people who I would like to know as personal friends. I believe the Cambridge Police as well as the City Administration have acted very responsibly in all that they have done after the unfortunate tragedy that took place early this year. This won’t make me any friends among the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) nitwits who continued to shout down City Council meetings this year, but I don’t really like any of those people anyway and I always thought they were more interested in building their brand than actually pursuing justice. Vigilante justice, by the way, is not justice.

Speaking of police and public safety, I think the City made a great move in creating the new Community Safety Department. On the other hand, I have never supported the so-called H.E.A.R.T proposal and I have generally viewed it as a political patronage scheme from people who have never disguised their overt hostility toward police in general and their ultimate goal of abolishing police entirely. For this I am quite sure that the proponents view me as an evil racist for speaking against their quest for funding with little or no accountability. I still cannot fathom why the City Administration continues to entertain their proposals – except as a purely political concession to some city councillors. In contrast, the Community Safety Department seems to be making all the right moves recently as they try to get established.

Have I missed anything? I’m sure I have, and I’m sorry if anyone failed to appreciate my sense of humor (actually, I’m not really sorry) or failed to see either the irony or the absurdity of something I said over the last quarter-century.

Finally…..
To all those candidates who have chosen political ass-covering and association with the Orwellian tactics of one angry candidate (who I happen to know that few, if any, of you actually like), rest assured that I won’t be ranking any of you on my ballot this year or ever again, and I will encourage others who value actual leadership in candidates (as opposed to the BS in your campaign literature and on your yard signs) to do the same. Shall I name names? That sounds so McCarthyesque, but you know who you are.

And to those who think it’s perfectly OK to disparage other candidates through guilt by association simply because they have some affiliation with me or who choose to remain friendly with me despite all the libel and slander that you are are directing at me, have a nice life. These are the tactics of Joseph McCarthy who I am sure is now looking down upon you and holding you in full embrace.

And One Last Note – to “The Press” and anyone either aspiring to be journalists or “social media influencers” or, for that matter, claiming to be actual journalists: Try doing your homework first and learn to stop jumping on opportunities to get more “hits” by stoking the flames of manufactured controversy. You are probably better than that – if you actually make an effort.

Robert Winters

Learn about all the candidates at the Cambridge Candidate Pages: http://vote.cambridgecivic.com

Robert Winters Candidate Website: http://vote.rwinters.com

Cambridge Civic Journal:  http://rwinters.com     CCJ Forum:  http://cambridgecivic.com

A Taxing Situation – October 2, 2023 City Council Meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 7:28 am

A Taxing Situation – October 2, 2023 City Council Meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

Real Estate TaxesAs expected, the property tax bills for owners of one-, two-, and three-family homes is leaping upward this year, and next year and future years are likely to see even more dramatic increases. Shockingly, the rapid expansion of new programs (and more) actually costs money, and there are limits to just how much revenue you can raise by growing more commercial property to cover those costs.

Including the likely ordination at this meeting of the zoning amendment that will allow stratospheric heights along some streets and squares with no meaningful mechanism for public input, here’s a sampler of what’s on deck this week:

TAX RATE HEARING
The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the City’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year. [City Manager’s Tax Rate Letter]

The bottom line is that: the FY24 Adopted Operating Budget increased by 10.0% ($82.3 million) over the FY23 Adopted Budget, though $24.6 million of that increase represents a shift of funding for the Affordable Housing Trust from the Capital Budget to the Operating Budget. A better accounting therefore is that the FY24 Operating Budget represents an increase of $57.8 million or 7.2% over the FY23 Adopted Budget. The FY24 Budget adopted by the City Council in June 2023 projected a property tax levy increase of $48.8 million, or 9.2%, to $580.3 million in order to fund operating and capital expenditures. With approval of the recommendations in this memo, the actual FY24 tax levy required to support the FY24 Budget is $575,418,489 which is an increase of $43.9 million or 8.3% from FY23. This increase is lower than the estimated increase of 9.2% projected in June 2023 as part of the Adopted Budget, due in large part from higher than projected investment earnings, hotel motel taxes, and building permit revenue.

The property tax levy increase of 8.3% is above the FY23 increase of 7.45%. The property tax levy increase is also above the five-year (FY20-FY24) annual average increase of 7.03%, and the ten-year (FY15-FY24) annual average increase of 5.77%. The FY24 residential tax rate will be $5.92 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.06, or approximately 1% from FY23. The commercial tax rate will be $10.46, which is an increase of $0.08, or 0.7% from FY23. By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 8.41% tax increase, a condo will see a 6.5% decrease, a two-family will see a 4.7% increase, and a three-family will see a 5.4% increase.

FY2024 Taxes

Residential Property Type FY24 Median Tax (incl. CPA Surcharge) Median $ increase
Condominium $1,555 – $ 7
Single-Family $7,674 $ 743
Two-Family $6,713 $ 494
Three-Family $8,246 $ 598

History of changes in residential property taxes

Median Annual Tax Increases – Cambridge
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
5 year average – $ 7 $ 480 $ 312 $ 380
10 year average $ 7 $ 306 $ 256 $ 324
15 year average $ 20 $ 268 $ 207 $ 262
number of properties (FY2023) 14841 3910 2292 1168

As you can see from these figures, it’s the large number of condominiums (nearly 15,000) that enables the City to declare such things as “80% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction, no increase, or only a modest increase.” For owners of single-, two-, and three-family homes, the story is quite different – especially during the last 5 years. Indeed, this year continues the sweet deal for condo owners. This year’s median change for condo owners is a reduction of $7, while it’s increases of $743 for a single-family, $494 for a two-family, and $598 for a three-family. Next year promises to see even greater increases.

Required Votes:
• Transfer of Excess Overlay Balances. [Authorize $2,000,000 in overlay surplus/reserves to be used for reducing the FY24 tax rate.]
Order Adopted 9-0
• Classify property into the five classes allowed, and adopt a minimum residential factor of 65%.
Order Adopted 9-0
• Approve the residential exemption factor of 30% for owner occupied homes.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to revisions to the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. [CDD Memo]
Placed on File 9-0Corridors of Destruction

Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 11, 2023; Amended Sept 18, 2023] [text of First Publication] [AHO-Sept12Edit]
Amended 8-1 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT,QZ,SS-Yes; DC-No) – further details to follow

Communications & Reports #4. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0

I have stated from the outset that the entire concept of the original Affordable Housing Overlay as well as this next premature amendment was a flawed concept in a number of ways. First, it is based on unrealistic and unsustainable targets for deed-restricted housing units. The cost is not simply the cost of construction. The amount of real estate taxes coming from every such unit is the bare legal minimum (think ~$100 rather than $1000 or $8000 – see above) while the cost of services for each resident is far greater. In other words, each additional deed-restricted unit represents a permanent sizable cost that must be covered either by shifting that burden onto other residential taxpayers or by permitting new commercial construction or both. As one local expert has stated, “Affordable housing makes housing less affordable.” This, of course, does not mean that “affordable housing” should not be built but rather that the actual costs must be understood – and we never hear any of that discussion among city councillors (or candidates).

The second fundamental principle of the AHO has been and continues to be the prohibition of any meaningful public input from residents, including direct abutters.

The important question that should be asked is what the appropriate percentage of deed-restricted units should be. During the Envision Cambridge process, there was a basic acknowledgment of that percentage being in the neighborhood of ~15% of all housing units and that perhaps that should rise somewhat. However, in a poorly attended meeting late in the game, a target percentage of 25% of all new housing units appeared out of nowhere, and it is from that unrealistic figure that claims of our “not meeting our goals” is derived. This is economically infeasible and unsustainable from the perspective of residential property taxation (see above).

The AHO is based on the principle of restricting housing growth in order to force the sale and development of residential housing only toward the so-called nonprofit developers. Specifically, if you own property along some of the proposed “AHO corridors” (see map above) you may need to seek variances for even modest alterations to your property, but a nonprofit developer can snap up the property next door and build a structure more than three times as tall (up to 12 stories on “AHO corridors” and 15 stories in “AHO squares”) with little or no setbacks and not be subject to any of the other restrictions that have been imposed over time on other property owners. This is bad from a planning perspective. It is an assault on urban design. It is economically unsustainable. Nonetheless, this latest AHO amendment will likely have 5 or 6 votes to be ordained based purely on populist politics and a shallow understanding of urban planning and municipal finance.

Unfinished Business #2. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled ”Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended, Aug 7, 2023; further Amended Sept 18, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained – no expiration] [text of proposed amendment]
Ordained 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS-Yes; DC,PN,PT-No)

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Allene R. Pierson, regarding Cambridge Lodging House Zoning Change to strengthen Cambridge residential housing efforts, mitigate the disruptive impacts of short-term platform-based market rate rentals. [Signed petition] [Lodging House Petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD and the Law Department to review the proposed amendment to BEUDO regarding new buildings, and to propose adjustments, especially with regards to the building permit vs certificate of occupancy question.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct CDD to meet with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment to get their input.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 20, 2023, to discuss potential amendments to the Building Energy Use Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to change the hours of off leash usage at Joan Lorentz Park to 6:00 to 10:00am to allow usage prior to typical work hours.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #7. Appointment of Lauren Reznick to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term.   Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #8. Housing contributions from the City’s major institutions.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #9. That the City Council schedule a roundtable on Mon, Oct 23, 2023, from 3:00pm-5pm to receive an update from the City Manager, relevant departments, and community partners on Central Square.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the License Commission and other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the sale of nips in Cambridge.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Charter Right – Toner

Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to reaffirm the City’s commitment to renovating the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street as a top priority following the completion of the Central Square lots study.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – SimmonsPeoples Republic of Cambridge

Committee Report #1. The Civic Unity Committee held a public hearing on Aug 21, 2023 to discuss a proposed ”Cambridge Truth and Reconciliation Taskforce” from local reparations activists. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 12, 2023, to hold a public hearing on potential amendments to the Municipal Code for the City of Cambridge to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity, POR 2023 #97. The Committee voted favorably to send the proposed Ordinance language as amended to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Ordinance Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Committee Report #3. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Health and Environment Committee was held on Tues, Sept 13, 2023. The call of the meeting was to discuss PO23#73. The Committee voted favorably that the City Manager direct relevant departments to work with the Health and Environment and Ordinance Chairs and report back to the City Council no later than the end of October 2023. The Committee also directed the City Manager to work with relevant departments on funding sources to incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment. Note: PO23#163 and PO23#164 were adopted in City Council on Sept 11, 2023. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

September 21, 2023

Cambridge Announces Opening of New Triangle Park in East Cambridge – Celebration to Be Held September 27

Filed under: Cambridge,East Cambridge — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:27 am

Cambridge Announces Opening of New Triangle Park in East Cambridge;
Celebration to Be Held September 27

Sept 21, 2023 – The City of Cambridge has announced the opening of the new Triangle Park in East Cambridge, located on Binney Street between First Street and Edwin H. Land Boulevard. An opening celebration will be held at the park on Wed, Sept 27 from 11am to 1pm.

Tree planting and growing the area’s tree canopy were areas of emphasis for the design of Triangle Park. The park is located in the East Cambridge neighborhood, which has less tree canopy compared to other neighborhoods in Cambridge. The park employs a micro-forest planting approach with nearly 400 new trees planted in less than one acre.

“Our parks are such an important part of what makes Cambridge a great place to live, work, and visit,” said City Manager Yi-An Huang. “The opening of this new park, creation of a new public space, and commitment to a more expansive tree canopy are a testament to the dedicated efforts of the City, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, and our community members.”

“The design of this project was guided by the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan and includes significant tree plantings and canopy growth in the Kendall Square area,” said Public Works Commissioner Kathy Watkins. “It also allowed us to try some new approaches for how we think about open spaces and planting trees in the City. As the trees and plantings grow in over time, this unique park will provide an incredible shaded space in the heart of Kendall Square for residents, workers, and visitors to enjoy.”

The passive-use park includes concrete seat walls, lawn spaces, an urban grove with seating, and a multi-purpose timber deck for lounging and seating that can also serve as a small performance stage.

The park is the second of three new parks the City of Cambridge is designing and constructing in the East Cambridge neighborhood, and the second of two built with funding and on land transferred to the City by Alexandria Real Estate Equities. The first (Timothy J. Toomey, Jr. Park) opened in September 2021.

“Triangle Park is the realization of the shared vision of the City and the community to transform a vacant lot that previously worked as a traffic island to a green oasis in Kendall Square,” said Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq. “It’s exciting to track the history from the Alexandria rezoning through which the City received this land to today, when we celebrate the completion of this new park. I look forward to seeing it become a place for residents, workers, and visitors to connect and enjoy community life together.”

The design of the park was led by STOSS Landscape Urbanism and construction was led by Argus Construction Corporation. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

For more information on Triangle Park, visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Parks/trianglepark.

Triangle Park

September 20, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 599-600: September 19, 2023

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council,elections,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:43 pm

Episode 599 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 19, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Sept 19, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Candidate’s Eye View of municipal election, candidate forums; national focus ? local competence; some observations on endorsing organizations; AHO restricting housing growth; “100% affordable” vs. mixed-income housing; Special Permit alternative with good criteria; false dichotomy of affordable housing vs. commercial/lab; actual cost of deed-restricted units. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 600 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 19, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Sept 19, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: The Never-Ending Study of Central Square and City Council Policy Order; Zoning Reform; C2 Study recommendations now ready for prime time; Arts & Entertainment + Housing; the short-sightedness of only “100% affordable”, deed-restricted housing; infeasible housing policies; let planners actually plan; in support of big audacious plans and reimagination; getting past anti-capitalism and decommodification; quoting Envision while ignoring it. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

September 18, 2023

Reconsider This! – Featured Items on the September 18, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 5:08 pm

Reconsider This! – Featured Items on the September 18, 2023 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here are the things that drew my attention this week:City Hall

Reconsideration #1. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way.
Motion to Reconsider Adopted 9-0; Simmons explains about unintended consequences of Order as written. Toner conveys remarks from Police Commissioner Christine Elow regarding preparation to critical incidents. Zondervan says this is just a resolution that conveys our feelings about it (actually, it’s a policy order). McGovern engages in doublespeak, notes that his son lives in Atlanta and has participated in protests there, sees no reason why CPD would ever send anyone there. McGovern doesn’t appear to understand that there are different kinds of training, and what Cambridge provides is not the same as what another jurisdiction might provide. Mallon says she was comfortable with original language and also says “this is just a resolution and not a policy order” but it is a policy order. She will not support any amendments. Nolan says we should only utilize facilities “that support our standards”. McGovern wants to add language to call out other facilities other than Atlanta. Carlone expresses confusion and lack of expertise to comment on it, and will vote Present. Siddiqui fine with original. Simmons Amendment Approved 5-4 (DC,MM,PN,DS-Yes; BA,AM,QZ,SS-No). Main motion Approved 6-1-0-2 (BA,AM,MM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; PT-No; DC,DS-Present)

Mr. Zondervan and his trainees would abolish the police entirely if they could. I doubt whether CPD will be sending any of our police officers to Atlanta, but that’s really not the point of this policy order. I’m glad the matter is up for Reconsideration (it was an oversight that this item was not pulled last week) because anyone who votes in favor of this will not receive any ranking from me on my City Council ballot in November, and I hope others also use this as a signal for their own personal “No Vote” list. Isn’t it ironic that the same people who questioned police actions earlier this year are the same ones who will likely vote against this or any other opportunity for police training?

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Lauren Reznick as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years.
pulled by Simmons; Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2024. [Manager’s message] [Message from Taha Jennings, Chair of Community Preservation Act Committee] [FY24 Project Recommendations]
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Nolan re: cost for parks; remarks by Mallon re: cost of 2 BR apartment; all votes Adopted 9-0; Vote to not suspend rules for reconsideration (which is not the same as “moving Reconsideration hoping the same will not prevail”)

Though we all want housing to be as affordable as possible, there are permanent financial impacts associated with each new unit of deed-restricted housing. Hint: Every such unit yields significantly less property tax revenue than the added cost of the City services that must then be provided for its occupants, so residential taxes go up permanently for everyone else and/or more commercial development is required to balance the books. I hear a City Council candidate at a forum last week say why we need to ban labs and build affordable housing – but he neglected to mention that those labs are what pays for that affordable housing.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department Update.
pulled by Zondervan who asks about HEART; Liz Speakman responds; Zondervan continues pressure about contract with HEART and is informed that there is not yet a contract (so much for separation of roles of City Council and Executive; McGovern chimes in about “the community” and wait for contract, wants to know when department will be up and running; Speakman says they are aiming for March 2024 and need to build trust and credibility (good luck); Speakman notes plan to have response to 911 calls; Mallon is “excited” and notes that she was able to meet the team of respondents, asks where policy of “mandatory reporting” stands; McGovern elaborates on questions surrounding the filing of reports and possible consequences; Zondervan harps on role of HEART and that “they are up and running” and that they have submitted a proposal; Speakman says there was a meeting but no proposal or scope of services was ever submitted; Zondervan wants more info on HEART and how they will fit in; Placed on File 9-0

Except for the $300,000 in political patronage ARPA funds, this is a promising report.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City Manager’s Fall Update.
pulled by Nolan to say “kudos to the team”; Carlone concurs; Zondervan expresses appreciation and notes Budget discussion more collaborative, desire to include more residents, wants more promo on “green jobs”; Nolan would like more on municipal broadband (not in report); Huang says more on municipal broadband coming as well as capital planning; Siddiqui notes UPK, Rise-Up. Placed on File 9-0

Putting a positive spin on everything is a useful skill. Apparently all is well, and none of the City’s actions over the last year have even a shred of controversy or potential negatives.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo and technical edit of the Affordable Housing Overlay language and Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation. [memo and technical edit] [Planning Board report]
pulled by Carlone who notes that corridor heights have now been jacked up from 120′ to 140′ on corridors, 150′ to 170′ in squares; Farooq says they did not change the text and that the text was just moved from one section to another; Carlone notes concern about perceived added height; McGovern suspends rules to bring forward Unfinished Business #6 (AHO); Rules Suspended; Moves to amend language by substitution of CDD language; Nolan asks why these amendments are before Council; Farooq explains that these amendments are just refinements at request of Planning Board and that there are still a couple of issues that have come up regarding “split lots” that might thwart the “intended outcome” – working with the project proponents, i.e. the developers who stand to benefit from the changes; Amendments to Petition Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 11, 2023] (ORD23#7) [text of report] [Final Publication]

The AHO (1.0, 2.0, or eventually 3.0, 4.0, etc.) needs a lot more than just a few technical edits. But then again, who has time for all that! Don’t you know that we have a crisis and there’s simply no time to make better decisions!

Charter Right #1. Policy Order re Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square. [Charter Right – McGovern, Sept 11, 2023]
pulled by McGovern, watered down Substitute Order introduced removing references to unhoused community and proposed task force; Toner asks if there was intention to not have Task Force (miscommunication); Substitute Order Adopted 9-0 (Voice Vote)

I can’t wait to hear what Mr. McGovern has to say about this. As the late, great Sergeant Schultz used to say: “I see nothing! I know nothing!”

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023]
Toner wants to move to Housing Committee; Zondervan says that idea is to add CDD for their thoughts first before referring to committee; Simmons supports referral to Housing Committee but also voting for it as is; McGovern agrees with Zondervan re: sending to CDD only for now with a suggestion that CDD report directly to Housing Committee; Referral to Housing Committee 6-3 (BA,MM,QZ-No)

This proposal is a mix of good and bad ideas and observations, but it does at least highlight one of the greatest deficiencies in our City’s various affordable housing initiatives, namely the fact that they allow little opportunity for actually building wealth and equity. For example: “The existing financing mechanisms for affordable housing development preferentially generate income-restricted rental housing, which is also the greatest need, but further limits homeownership opportunities for people who have been economically disenfranchised.”

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023]
Order Adopted 9-0

I will simply add that my chief concern with the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance is that it fails to acknowledge that when a leak occurs in a roof that is complicated by vegetative cover and more, diagnosing and curing that leak becomes an enormous expense – a lot more than just heading up to the roof with some flashing cement or a patch. Theory vs. practice.

Unfinished Business #4. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD22#11) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; notes that purpose statement updated, membership requirements updated to reflect demographics, AHO oversight to be nonbinding (hence meaningless), climate-related matters made nonbinding, etc.; Amendments re: appointments Approved 9-0; Nolan proposes amendments re: review provisions and non-binding for affordable housing and need to allow commission to impose certain dimensional and setback requirements; Nolan provides some history and context regarding applications and decisions over many decades; Azeem suggests that process causes unnecessary costs to property owners, and need to “foolproof this” for next 40 years; Carlone notes that our NCDs are seen nationally as successful and a model for other cities; McGovern emphasizes that removal of NCDs was intentional; Nolan notes that “size and shape of the structure” is an essential part of the review; Nolan Amendments Fail 3-6 (DC,PN,PT-Yes; BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS) – noteworthy that the vote exactly coincides with the AHO2.0 proposal. McGovern suggests voting this at next meeting.
Note: This entire escapade was purely political and a “solution” in search of a nonexistent problem.

Whittling away Cambridge history one building at a time. I don’t really believe the current City Council has much of a grasp on what they are doing in this area. They are just so quick to buy into false narratives about history, democratic process, and more.

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to amending Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; Expires Sept 25, 2023 (no meeting on Sept 25)] (ORD23#4) [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan who notes that essence is to allow cannabis sales as of right in business districts w/o need for Special Permit; Ordained 9-0

Cannabis. ‘Nuf said.

110 Communications

Resolution #1. Congratulations to Karen Francis on her retirement from the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

Karen is one of the best people I have ever met in Cambridge City government – a real friend. Indeed, everyone who works in the office of the Election Commission has a heart of gold.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department to prepare a proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance, as discussed at the Ordinance Committee meeting on Sept 12, 2023, and report back to the full City Council by Oct 2, 2023.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to prepare a regular summary (at least annually) of available funds for each funding source, as well as any amounts released to specific projects or efforts.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Carlone for explanation of how this information is currently unavailable; comments by Nolan who wishes to be added; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

This would be very helpful information.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant departments to work together with the Chair(s) of the Health and Environment Committee and the Ordinance Committee, and include community input from residents and landscaping companies, to develop ordinance language that would lead to a phased in ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge.   Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan; Toner wants to ensure outreach to landscaping companies and impact on workers; Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant city departments on funding sources to supplement available state and federal funds to support and incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment.   Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Leaf blowers and lawn care are surely at the top of my list of priorities right now. – Robert Winters

Late Order #5. That the City Council sign in support of a Transportation Grant Application.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0; Not Reconsidered

September 11, 2023

Back to School – September 11, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:36 pm

Back to School – September 11, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

There are 169 communications from members of the public. When few if any of the elected officials and City administration are listening, is there a sound? Here are a few noteworthy things on this week’s agenda:City Hall

Note: I will provide additional comments as soon as I have a chance to review the recording of the meeting. For now, here are the actions taken for those who are curious.

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program Grant, in the amount of $1,000,000, received from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures account, for the repair of the Cambridge Reservoir Dam – Hobbs Brook Gatehouse and Culvert Outlet.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 135 Fulkerson Street parcel and its transfer to the City for public use.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-133 [Awaiting Report 23-49], regarding possible projections of build-out of the Alewife Quadrangle under the proposed AOD-Q zoning petition. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-135, regarding standards for henkeeping. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0; Zoning Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to updates to the City of Cambridge’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process for the upcoming 10th cycle (PB10) of the program.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary obstructions until June 30, 2024.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Victoria Bergland as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners as the resident Representative for a term of 5-years.
Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council on all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24. [Charter Right – Simmons, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted 5-4 (BA,AM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; DC,MM,DS,PT-No)

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with a goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone. [Charter Right – Toner, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation. [Charter Right – McGovern, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD22#11) [text of report (revised)]

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to amending Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD23#4) [text of report]

Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to the Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition and Design Guidelines. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD23#5) [text of report]
Ordained as Amended 9-0 – Final Publication

169 Communications

Resolution #16. Congratulations to Nancy Glowa on her Retirement.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish and implement a regular maintenance schedule for tree wells, bump outs, crosswalks, and other pedestrian areas to prevent overgrowth and ensure consistent upkeep.   Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. Policy Order to design and affix a commemorative plaque in honor of Atieno Simmons on one of the Pride benches in front of City Hall.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. Policy Order re: Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
Charter Right – McGovern

Order #6. Rodent Control Update.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #7. Reviewing the Short-Term Rentals Ordinance.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #8. Changes to the Amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #9. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023.   Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right – Toner

Order #10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – Toner

Order #11. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way.   Councillor Zondervan
Not yet sure what was voted; Reconsideration Filed (likely by Zondervan)

Committee Report #2. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Mon, July 31, 2023. The call of the meeting was to hold a public hearing on a City Council Zoning Petition relative to amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The meeting was recessed, and it was reconvened on Aug 3, 2023. The Committee voted to send the proposed ordinance language to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 6-3 (Carlone, Nolan, Toner – NO)

References:
Nov 21, 2022 City Council Order
Feb 8, 2023 Housing Committee Report
Mar 22, 2023 NLTP Report
May 1, 2023 Order/May 8 Charter Right
June 12, 2023 CDD memo
Aug 7, 2023 AHO Annual Report
July 21, 2023 Ordinance Committee Report

Communications & Reports #1. A communication from Councillor Simmons Re: Seeking Reconsideration of PO23#146.
Placed on File 9-0

Comments and additional details to follow

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