Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

April 2, 2017

Springing into April – Agenda items from the April 3, 2017 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:54 pm

Springing into April – Agenda items from the April 3, 2017 Cambridge City Council meeting

Impeach - The Honey DrippersThe BIG ITEM at this meeting is the ordination of the amendments to the City’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance. Then there’s also the call for impeachment of the President. Here are some nuggets that caught my attention:

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,250,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to facilitate the complete renovation of the building located at 859 Massachusetts Avenue.

I’m glad that this building is being rehabilitated for this purpose, but I am astonished at the size of the appropriation – apparently just for this one residential building. Is this what the costs are "to meet the requirements of the City’s Net Zero standards"?

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,875,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,940,000) and to the Public Works Public Investment Fund ($935,000) to cover winter 2016-2017 snowstorm expenses associated with snow plowing contracts, salt, other material, repair costs and equipment.

I would like to request that the contract not be renewed for whoever was responsible for using the front of my and my neighbors’ houses as a snow storage area for snow moved there from elsewhere. My only other complaint is that apparently the City’s snow clearance guidelines no longer include plowing all the way to the curb on snow emergency routes even for relatively modest snow events. This led to cars being parked 3-5 feet from the curb on some of these streets. The result is a significantly narrowed roadway that is less safe for everyone. I could understand this being the case in an especially harsh winter (like two years ago) where there’s just no place else to put the snow, but this should not have been the case for this relatively mild winter.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Betsy Allen as the new Director of Equity and Inclusion (formerly known as Director of Affirmative Action) for the City of Cambridge, effective Apr 10, 2017.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Vision Zero Advisory Committee, effective Apr 3, 2017 for a term of two years: Nicholas Dard, Anne Kreider, Jennifer Quick, Peter Kuhlmann, Stephen Varrichio, Becca Wolfson, Nathanael Fillmore, Stacy Thompson, Richard Fries, Wendy Landman, Amy Flax, Sean Peirce, Jim Gascoigne, Michael Muehe, Diane Gray, Todd Robinson, Michele Trifiro and Steve Crossley

I hope this newly appointed advisory committee will focus on actual safety rather than recommending disruptive changes to roadways that are more political than practical and which primarily serve to marginalize cyclists (literally).

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with suggested modifications, the Zoning Petition to Amend Section 8.23 – Reconstruction of Nonconforming Structure or Use Following Fire, Explosion or Other Catastrophe.

Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Leland Cheung, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 29, 2017 to discuss a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to strikeout Section 8.23 entitled “Non-conformity” and substitute in place thereof a new Section 8.23.

The modifications suggested by the Planning Board are sensible. The City Council may also wish to consider time extensions beyond the allowed time frame via special permit in case of extraordinary circumstances.

Update: The petition was amended by substitution using language recommended by the Planning Board, then passed to a 2nd Reading.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to amendments to Title 6 of the Municipal Code entitled "Animals" to include a new Chapter 6.20 entitled "Restrictions on the Sale of Animals in Pet Shops".

Very well, but where will you purchase mice and other live food for your pet snake or other animal?

Update: These amendments were referred to the Ordinance Committee.

Unfinished Business #7. An amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge in Inclusionary Housing, including the insertion of new definitions in Article 2.000 and the substitution of revised zoning text for the current text to Sections 11.200 through 11.206. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Apr 3, 2017. Planning board hearing held Dec 20, 2016. Petition expires Apr 4, 2017.

This should be all set based on the language that was passed to a 2nd Reading on March 20, and the vote will likely be unanimous unless there are some problematic last-minute amendments. It remains to be seen whether the 20% affordable mandate will be viable in the long term or if it only serves to exacerbate the gap between high income and low income residents. My greatest concern is that the current policies will eventually lead to a future where only very high income people can buy or rent unrestricted housing units and the only option for everyone else will be to file an application with a City housing agency to obtain housing.

Update: Ordained 9-0, as expected.

Order #2. That the City Council call upon the United States House of Representatives to support a resolution authorizing and directing the House Committee on the Judiciary to investigate whether sufficient grounds exist for the impeachment of Donald J. Trump, President of the United States, including but not limited to the violations of the Foreign Emoluments Clause and the Domestic Emoluments Clause of the United States Constitution.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Cheung

This will certainly bring the TV crews out. [ABCNews story] City Council Orders don’t generally get titles, but perhaps this one could be called "An Order Calling for Hard Right Conservative VP Mike Pence to Assume the Presidency". Be careful what you wish for. I received an email appeal recently about this Order with the subject heading "Support Bold Action by the City Council". It would perhaps better be characterized as a symbolic action meant to achieve nothing more than the attention of ill-intentioned Congressmen, Senators, and the Executive Branch. What exactly that achieves is yet to be determined.

Update: This purely symbolic order passed on a 7-1-1 vote with Councillor Maher voting NO and Councillor Toomey voting PRESENT. The real question is which councillor gets the most quotes in the local press and the most face time on national TV.

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nadeem Mazen, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Feb 15, 2017 to discuss next steps on bike and transit safety in Cambridge.

Suffice to say that I am very concerned that for purely political reasons some Cambridge streets may soon look like a forest constructed of upright PVC pipe, marginalized cyclists, dangerously narrowed roadways, loss of parking in places where it’s needed, and no net additional safety. I am often reminded of the fact that "skyways", i.e. elevated highways, were one touted as the be-all-end-all solution to traffic problems. Decades later many of these misguided visions are being dismantled as the wrong solution. – Robert Winters

April 1, 2017

All the News That’s Printed to Fit – April 1, 2017

Filed under: Cambridge — Tags: — Robert Winters @ 4:00 am

Roadway cross-section

Plans unveiled for segregated lanes on major Cambridge thoroughfares.
City has long-term plan to install “protected lanes” for bikes, mopeds, cars, trucks, pedestrians, seniors, and hoverboards.

After hours of research, City transportation planners and the newly appointed Vision Zero Advisory Committee released preliminary plans for fully segregated lanes on several major Cambridge thoroughfares. “We must do this for the greater good,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “This will unfortunately require the removal of all trees along the city’s major thoroughfares and well as land takings needed in order to create sufficient (100 ft.) road width."

Not all city councillors were on board with the plan. Councillors Devereux and Mazen argued that the trees could be preserved by simply eliminating the lanes for motor vehicles. City Arborist David Lefcourt acknowledged that most trees would have to go as they might cast unsafe shadows on the cycle track, the child track, the senior track, and the hoverboard tracks.

One member of Cambridge’s Bicycle Committee summed it up best, saying “The whole concept of ‘sharing’ is an outdated vestige of the pre-millennial age.” Traffic Director Joseph Barr explained further, saying “Separation of the various modes will be achieved by building a wall, … and the drivers are going to pay for it."

City Poised to Ordain new Inclusionary Shopping Ordinance

After nearly a year of proposals, counterproposals, and last minute amendments at the Ordinance Committee, the Cambridge City Council is expected to ordain the new Inclusionary Shopping Ordinance this Monday, April 3. All retail establishments will now be required to provide a minimum of 20% affordable goods at all retail locations in Cambridge.

A related ordinance is also on the verge of passage – the Inclusionary Drinking Ordinance. Barring any last-minute amendments or legal challenges, all bars will be required to have a mandatory minimum of 20% affordable beverages or risk losing their license. This must apply to all alcoholic beverage categories. Councillor McGovern wisely amended the original language after noticing that a drinking establishment could get away with selling nothing but cheap beer in order to meet the requirements of the ordinance. McGovern explained: "We had grave concerns that low-income drinkers would be forced to choose from a very limited menu. With the new language, they can now order any drink they like as long as they can prove income eligibility."

Additional initiatives to follow later this year include Inclusionary Driving, Inclusionary Sleeping, Inclusionary Dating, and Inclusionary Housing.

BYOTP Ordinance

Now that the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance has been in place for a year, progressive activists are now proposing the Bring Your Own Toilet Paper (BYOTP) Ordinance that would require residents to Bring Their Own Toilet Paper to all publicly accessible bathrooms in Cambridge (or pay a 10¢ per sheet fee). Representatives of the Sierra Club hailed the proposal as an idea whose time is now. They have also requested that the ordinance be expanded to include a ban on paper towels. “Surely it’s not so much to ask residents to bring a simple piece of cloth when travelling about the city,” said one of the Sierra Club representatives.

Privilege Checkpoints to be Established

As a convenience for guilt-ridden Cambridge residents, the City Council approved an appropriation to build and staff privilege checkpoints at various locations around the city. Volunteers from various advocacy groups will assist in taking confession, distributing sackcloth and ashes, and accepting cash donations. Turnstiles will be made available at all public rallies for those who simply want to "check their privilege" on the fly prior to repeating the chants of charismatic leaders.

Also planned are limits on critical thinking as it constitutes microaggression – which is now banned within City limits.

New SeeClickFix/Commonwealth Connects categories added to City menu

In addition to complaints about potholes, motor vehicles in bike lanes, and A-Frame sidewalk signs, City staff have agreed to add the following new categories to the popular SeeClickFix/Commonwealth Connect online tool:

  • slightly off-color sidewalk color (02138 only),
  • inability to find parking space, and
  • being stalked by obsessive-compulsive SeeClickFix reporters.

Complaints about poor snow plowing by City contractors will no longer be accepted. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is instructing any resident besieged by snow plows to wait until spring when the problem will be resolved.

Bernie Sanders to Relocate to Cambridge in Preparation for the Revolution

Current Vermont Senator and cult figure Bernie Sanders announced at a rally on Friday, March 31 that he plans to purchase a 4th home – in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Sanders explained that he wanted to establish residency in the "Peoples’ Republic of Cambridge" in advance of the rumored relocation of the nation’s capitol from Washington D.C. to Cambridge after The Revolution. “I’ve always been a capitolist,” joked Sanders.

Brattle Street residents are generally supportive of Sanders’ long-term plans to establish a Venezuelan-style government here, but they do remain wary of the threat of redistribution of wealth as their estates could be nationalized to be used as affordable communes. Local Sanders acolytes are organizing a “Revolution Slate” for the municipal election that features a platform calling for the eventual transition of all rental apartments to “social ownership” and a steeply graduated City income tax.

Resistance News

Self-declared “Members of the Resistance” in Cambridge have establish an “underground railroad” for undocumented Cambridge residents who have been benefiting until now from the Sanctuary City policies adopted in Cambridge in 1985. Harboring these residents will now largely take place using the new habitable basement space made possible by the Barrett Petition that legalized accessory apartments in most parts of the city. Previously, only locations in Old Cambridge would have been available for this purpose.

Resistance fighters have been doing training exercises in local cafés. “Posting on social media is exhausting work,” said one bearded member of Our Revolution and former Occupant in Dewey Square. “The danger of tweeting in the wrong echo chamber simply cannot be overstated.”

Political Updates

Devereux SignCouncillor Jan Devereux announced that she will not be distributing bumper stickers for this year’s election “because I don’t wish to send the wrong message by affixing my name to a motor vehicle.” She will instead be promoting her campaign primarily via well-placed A-Frame signs on well-travelled city sidewalks. She has hired Jackson Place resident James Williamson to fabricate the signs, arrange for the locations, and transport and set up the signs at these locations. Said Williamson, “I’m just glad to have the work.”

New Candidates

The field of City Council candidates grew significantly larger this week when it was announced that the entire Foundations of Political Theory (Gov 10) class at Harvard University would be filing papers to seek City Council seats.

As the course description says: "Is democratic rule the uniquely just form of collective decision-making? What political institutions best express the democratic values of equality, deliberation, and participation? What are the moral responsibilities of citizens – whose representatives exercise political power in their name? Is democracy a human right?"

When informed that if elected they would have to actually take calls from constituents about mundane things like potholes, incorrectly pigmented sidewalk concrete, and crime, several of the new candidates responded by saying, "What? You’re shitting me!"

Election Commission Executive Director Tanya Ford expressed concern that with hundreds of candidates on the ballot they might have to limit the number of rankings voters can express on the PR ballot. She was even more concerned about how to fit all the names on the ballot. One option being considered was using specially cut 8½" x 90" ballots, but it’s unclear how this might work with the privacy sleeves. Ms. Ford also shuddered at the thought that a candidate might ask for a recount.

Neighborhood Associations to hold elections

Former Cambridge City Councillor and Mayor Alfred Vellucci often referred to officers and activists associated with various neighborhood associations as the "self-annointed, self-appointed.” In order to address perceptions that they are not reflective of the neighborhoods they claim to represent, several major Cambridge neighborhood associations have scheduled open elections for later this year in which any resident of the neighborhood can ask to be placed on the ballot after collecting the minimum 500 signatures. Existing board members would still retain veto power over unfavorable election outcomes.

Odd Rumblings on Dana Hill

Residents of Centre Street on Dana Hill in Mid-Cambridge have been complaining of late about mysterious rumbling sounds that occur at random times during the day and night. City geologists studying the matter have concluded that this portion of Mid-Cambridge is actually a long-dormant volcano that’s been worn down over millions of years but is still active. “It’s really only a matter of time before a significant eruption occurs,” said Chief Geologist Mike Etna. Cracks that have been developing in basement walls are apparently due to a relatively small lava dome that has been gradually building. It is expected that if ever the lava is released, hopefully not cataclysmically, it will flow gently down into the Riverside neighborhood.

Inman Square Restoration Petition

Following the lead of the recently successful Central Square Restoration Petition that could one day lead to the restoration of several floors of buildings cut down once upon a time for tax purposes, residents of Inman Square have now filed their own zoning petition designed to restore the former greatness of Inman Square. If fully implemented, the petitioners hope to bring back Rosie’s Bakery, Legal Seafood, and the Inman Square Men’s Bar. Of course the name of the bar will have to be changed to the Inman Square Men’s, Women’s, Lesbian’s, Gay’s, Bisexual’s, Transgender’s, Queer’s Plus Bar in keeping with modern standards of inclusivity.

A similar Alewife Restoration Petition seeks to bring back historic warehouses and brick and steel manufacturing to North Cambridge. Sponsors showed up wearing distinctive red hats for the filing of the petition at City Hall. Lead signer Charles Teague explained their goal in simple terms, saying "We’re going to make North Cambridge great again."

Major New Residential Developments in the Pipeline

The Mass+Main project is about to rise in Lafayette Square. What’s next in the long-term plans for this developer? Alex Twining and his partners are seeking to develop thematically in other Cambridge neighborhoods using their distinctive alliterative style. Preliminary plans have been leaked showing the following future projects – each with its own related zoning petition: Pearl+Putnam; Mass+Meacham; Rindge+Reed; and Walden+Wood

Members of A Better Cambridge (ABC) endorsed the plans based on the sheer numbers of residents they could pack into the city limits. Members of the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CResA) argued that these sites would be better suited for either farmland or public housing. Several activists have filed a petition to rename various Cambridge streets so that no two streets beginning with the same letter will intersect anywhere in Cambridge. Consultants from the MIT Mathematics Department have been hired to determine the feasibility of the petition.

In an unrelated development, the long abandoned Vail Court property at Bishop Allen Drive and Temple Street will soon become the new home of the relocated Middlesex County Courthouse. The previous site of the courthouse in East Cambridge will be turned into a community garden.

City Board weighs in on the Living Wage

The City’s Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage last week issued a report stressing the urgency of establishing a citywide minimum wage of $15 per hour. Though many Cambridge jobs have wages well in excess of this proposed minimum, some jobs such as cashiers, burger-flippers, baristas, house cleaners and child care workers currently earn considerably less than $15 per hour.

One profession often overlooked in this discussion is petty criminals and others who violate any of the Ten Commandments, a.k.a. "sinners". The report makes clear that even for this job category, the wages of sin should be $15 per hour.

March 28, 2017

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 215-216: March 28, 2017

Filed under: 2017 election,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:03 pm

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 215 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on March 28, 2017 at 5:30pm. Topics chosen from the Mar 27 Cambridge City Council meeting. The hosts are Judy Nathans and Robert Winters. [On YouTube]

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 216 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on March 28, 2017 at 6:00pm. The main topic was a survey of the potential City Council and School Committee candidates in the 2017 Cambridge municipal election, and the Cambridge Candidate Pages. The hosts are Judy Nathans and Robert Winters. [On YouTube]

[Materials used in this episode]

March 27, 2017

Quinton Zondervan announces candidacy for Cambridge City Council

Filed under: 2017 election,Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , — Robert Winters @ 10:27 am

Business leader and environmental advocate Quinton Zondervan announces candidacy for Cambridge City Council

Mar 27, 2017 – Respected Cambridge business leader and environmental advocate Quinton Zondervan has declared his candidacy for Cambridge City Council in this November’s election.Quinton Zondervan

"I’ve been a community activist in Cambridge for over a decade and thoroughly enjoy the hard work of on the ground democracy, organizing people and building a future together," said Zondervan. "I very much look forward to doing even more as city councillor."

Out of the gate, Quinton has the support of three of the most progressive incumbents on the council, Nadeem Mazen, Jan Devereux and Dennis Carlone. "Quinton’s track record as an effective and forward-thinking advocate on environmental initiatives is impressive, and I think his expertise and positive outlook would be an asset to us on the Council," Devereux said.

Quinton is known for co-authoring the Net Zero Connolly petition in 2013, which led to the city’s innovative Net Zero Action Plan to reduce climate causing greenhouse emissions from building energy use to 0 in the city over the next 25 years. Petition namesake and now State Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), said: "Quinton’s leadership and expertise were critical to our success with the net zero petition, and he would be a great addition to the council, where his voice is much needed on sustainability, social justice and affordability in Cambridge."

To protect the integrity of his candidacy, Quinton will not accept money from real estate developers or other special interests seeking to influence the council election. "Cambridge voters deserve to know that their interests are being represented on the city council. The money we raise to run our campaign is not to be used as a vehicle for gaining undue influence over decisions I will make as city councillor," he said.

An official campaign launch event is planned for later in the spring. The campaign website is www.votequinton.com.

March 26, 2017

End of the March – Interesting Items on the March 27, 2017 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:45 pm

End of the March – Interesting Items on the March 27, 2017 Cambridge City Council Agenda

First Sign of SpringHere’s my take on this week’s agenda:

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Harvard Square Kiosk Working Group, effective Mar 27, 2017: Abra Berkowitz, Robyn Culbertson, Ankita Deshpande, Timothy Hyde, Janet Si-Ming Lee, Sarah Rosenkrantz, Daniel Andrew Schofield-Bodt, Kenneth Taylor, John DiGiovanni, Bertil JeanChronberg, Frank Kramer, Peter Kroon, Sohail Nasir, Abhishek Syal, Thomas Lucey and Mary Flynn

This is shaping up like a classic turf war and I hope these appointees can get beyond that. Personally, I would just like to see an active use for the Kiosk that’s not all about the tourists – a place where the locals want to gather. My ideal would be something like Sullivan’s at Castle Island in South Boston, but I don’t suppose the Old Cambridge crowd could ever tolerate that much humanity.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that the City Council adopt an order for the Statement of Interest Form to be submitted to MSBA no later than Apr 7, 2017 for the Tobin and Vassal Lane Upper School located at 197 Vassal Lane.

The Putnam Avenue School is done and the King Open and Cambridge Street Upper Schools are now under construction. This Statement of Interest concerns the next major renovation or replacement – the Tobin and Vassal Lane Upper School. Let’s hope there’s some state grant money available to help pay for the project.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a proposed ordinance related to the growth and maintenance of “Running Bamboo”.

Alternatively, we could import pandas. City officials are just so resistant to creative solutions.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 16-64 and 17-9, regarding trash and recycling pick up for small businesses.

"DPW is proposing to expand the municipal recycling pick-up program on a trial basis to small businesses beginning in the spring/summer of 2018. It is proposed that this program will be made available to all small businesses throughout the City on a once per week basis, and will help reduce the cost to businesses in eliminating the need for them to contract with outside vendors as well as enabling the City to further increase the quantity of material diverted from the waste stream in the City. Funds are included in the FY18 budget to initiate the program."

Manager’s Agenda #14. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $1,000,000 from the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the replacement of water meters and meter transmitter units (MTUs).

Contained in the message is the following piece of good news: "In October 2016, the Council approved an appropriation to use $3.6 million from the Water Fund’s Fund Balance to purchase water from the MWRA to ensure an adequate supply of water to meet the needs of the community. The severity of the drought has lessened and the usable capacity in our reservoir system has stabilized. The City has not had to use MWRA water since the beginning of December and has only expended $1.6 million."

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2017 and ending Mar 31, 2018.

According to the Manager’s report, the average triple-decker uses about 122 CCF of water per year. My triple-decker apparently uses nearly twice that and we’re generally pretty conscientious about water use. This past year I paid over $2850 and the report says the average for a triple-decker was $1590. Either something is amiss with the plumbing or the Manager’s figures or my water meter is reading a lot higher than it should. Actually, I just checked my records and it appears that the higher readings coincide with when the new meter was installed. Time to call the Water Department, I guess.

Order #1. City Council go on record urging the Governor to resist reducing funding for The Ride.   Mayor Simmons

It’s stunning just how backwards things are in this state and, in particular, the Boston Metropolitan Area when it comes to public transportation. I don’t doubt that there are some efficiencies to be had with The Ride and other services, but this hardly seems the place to close a budget gap.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Acting Police Commissioner with a view toward piloting a Cambridge Police outpost located in Carl Barron Plaza, to be ready for operation by Summer 2017.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern

What should really happen is for the City and the MBTA and a Central Square property owner to create a multi-function site that can house a police substation, an MBTA facility for bus drivers and other personnel, an information center, a public bathroom, and maybe even a newsstand. That, of course, would take coordination, so I won’t hold my breath.

Order #6. That the City of Cambridge opposes H.R. 482 and S. 103, and calls on its representatives in the House and Senate to vote against these bills, and to exert influence on other representatives to oppose these bills and support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in all efforts to affirmatively further fair housing and collect data to assess the progress of fair housing initiatives and inclusiveness of its communities.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons

In addition to the many positive effects of the Fair Housing Act, there is also the unintended consequence that efforts to more equitably locate some social-service types of housing throughout the city have actually been hindered by this Act. There is no legal way to prevent the over-concentration of such facilities in a place like Central Square.

Order #7. That the City Council agenda be altered to create a section in the agenda between public comment and the City Manager’s agenda entitled “General Council Discussion,” where Councillors would be able to bring their colleagues up-to-date on projects in which they are engaged or ask for updates about projects that other Councillors are working on, even if these issues do not appear on the Council’s agenda or have never been the subject of formal City Council attention.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux

In an ideal world, city councillors would actually be working on such projects collaboratively and in accordance with the Open Meeting Law via the various City Council subcommittees. If this were the case there would be no need to set aside a special time at City Council meetings to reveal what they’ve been doing out of public view.

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Leland Cheung, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 16, 2017 to discuss a zoning petition filed by Richard Harding, et al., to amend the Mass + Main Residential sub district and the Central Square Overlay District by amending Sections 20.307.8.1 (a) and (b) and 20.307.6.2 (a).

Even if someone has lingering objections to the Mass+Main project, this is an absurd way to go about expressing those objections long after that train left the station. – Robert Winters

March 21, 2017

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 213-214: March 21, 2017

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 7:59 pm

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 213 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast March 21, 2017 at 5:30pm. Topics included the State Championship victory of the CRLS Boys Basketball team, some upcoming civic events, design review of MIT-Kendall projects, and a curious zoning petition that appeared at the Mon, Mar 20 City Council meeting regarding short-term rentals. The hosts are Judy Nathans and Robert Winters. [On YouTube]

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 214 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast March 21, 2017 at 6:00pm. Topics included zoning and short-term rentals, changes to the Smoking Ordinance, and the proposed changes to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance that was passed to a 2nd Reading at the Mon, Mar 20 City Council meeting. The hosts are Judy Nathans and Robert Winters. [On YouTube]

[Materials used in this episode]

March 19, 2017

Springtime in Cambridge: Featured Mar 20, 2017 Cambridge City Council Agenda Items

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:51 pm

Springtime in Cambridge: Featured Mar 20, 2017 Cambridge City Council Agenda Items

It's SpringHere’s a sampler of items of potential interest at the March 20 Cambridge City Council meeting. Happy spring! (It’ll be warm again before you know it.)

On the Table #5. That the City Manager is requested to establish the requirement that all appointments to the City’s commissions, advisory committees, and task forces reflect the City’s diversity and that the Civic Unity Committee is asked to sign off on all such appointments going forward. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons on Order #8 of Feb 27, 2017. Tabled on a motion by Councillor Cheung on a voice vote of 8 members on Mar 6, 2017.]

Perhaps they’ll settle this on Monday. As I’ve stated before, the goal is laudable but you cannot give veto power over City Manager appointments to a committee.

Unfinished Business #6. An amendment to the Municipal Code Ordinance that Title 8 entitled “Health and Safety” be amended in Chapter 8.28 entitled “Restriction on Youth Access to Tobacco Products and in Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places” by amending 8.28.050 entitled “ Definitions for Prohibition of Smoking in Workplaces” by adding a new definition. [The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Mar 20, 2017.]

I’m sure a few of the smoking risk denial crowd will be there to testify against this. They should take a walk on Berkshire St. beforehand.

Applications & Petitions #1. A zoning petition has been received from the Friends of Observatory Hill Village, to establish the Observatory Hill Village Overlay District. (1000+ additional signatures for this zoning petition are on file in the City Clerk’s Office.)

The language of the petition seems reasonable enough, but I’m always curious about what recent activities in an area lead to the decision to submit a petition for a change in the zoning. Are back yards being built over? Are new buildings being built that bear no relationship to the existing buildings. Just curious.

Applications & Petitions #3. A zoning petition has been received from Latoyea Hawkins Cockrill, et a., to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge to regulate short-term rental uses throughout the City.

Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 1, 2017 to draft language for short-term rental regulations to be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee.

These two have to be discussed together, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this petition and the soon-to-be City Council petition on the same topic are processed concurrently. There has been some discussion on the neighborhood listservs that the Cockrill Petition is really being submitted by AirBnB to counter the proposal coming out of the City Council that would normalize short-term rentals but restrict it to owner-occupied properties. I expect there will be a lot of public comment on this one.

Communications #3. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, 37 Brookline Street, transmitting thanks for seeing the true totality of what he does, reducing complicated things to their simplest level.

In a strange way, I have to agree with Peter.

Resolution #2. Congratulations to the CRLS Boys Basketball Team on their Division 1 (North) Championship.   Councillor Toomey

Now we can add a 2nd straight State Championship to that. The CRLS Falcons won the championship game on Saturday night by a score of 70-43 over Franklin High School.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments on the feasibility of installing a hitting tunnel at Danehy Park for youth and high school sports.   Councillor Toomey

I’ve been badgering Kendall Square developers for years about putting a miniature golf course there. A batting cage would also be nice. Show us how Innovative you really are.

Order #5. Recognize the efforts of AIDS Action Cambridge, the SIFMA Now Coalition, and First Church in Cambridge to promote greater awareness about the ongoing opiate epidemic crisis, and their collective efforts to increase access to effective treatment throughout Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

Further comment is unnecessary. This is important.

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on Feb 14, 2017 to discuss the Retail Strategic Plan and similar issues related to the retail environment in Cambridge.

This report seems short on specifics, but apparently the process leading to a Retail Strategic Plan for Cambridge business districts still has a way to go. In any case, it’s not always the City plans that govern the eventual outcomes. There are many hands stirring these pots and zoning alone cannot predetermine outcomes.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on Jan 25, 2017 to discuss the City’s Fiscal Year 2018 Operating and Capital Budget.

The Manager and staff provided the context, and the councillors provided the wish lists. Tune in early May for the Budget Hearings.

Committee Report #5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Leland Cheung, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Feb 28, 2017 to conduct an additional hearing to discuss a petition by the City Council to amend provisions of the Zoning Ordinance as it related to Inclusionary Housing, including the insertion of new definitions in Article 2.000 and the substitution of revised zoning text for the current text to Sections 11.200 through 11.206.

This is the meatiest item on the agenda. It is presumed that the petition will be passed to a 2nd Reading with the 20% net inclusionary housing mandate and other changes. The sticky point is whether the Council wants to jettison legal reasoning and retroactively impose the same requirements on Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) that have already received Special Permits. It may be politically popular to impose requirements that are certain to be challenged and likely to be invalidated by the courts but, hey, enjoy your Revolution. Then educate yourselves about long-term planning and financing of large-scale developments. – Robert Winters

March 14, 2017

Cambridge Coalition Launches Solar Access Campaign

Filed under: Cambridge — Tags: , , — Robert Winters @ 11:18 am

Cambridge Coalition Launches Solar Access Campaign

On the evening of Monday, March 13, a coalition of organizations and volunteer leaders came together to launch the Cambridge Solar Access Campaign – an initiative focused on expanding access to solar to residents across income and building type in the City. The volunteers that gathered on Monday gained practical tools and educational resources to build a grassroots outreach effort to support the development of low-income accessible solar projects in Cambridge.Solar Access Program

The Cambridge Solar Access coalition assembled in response to the DOE SunShot Solar in Your Community Challenge, and has been accepted as a participant. Coalition partners include Green Cambridge, Resonant Energy, Solstice, Sunwealth, neighborhood associations, houses of worship and engaged residents committed to creating an accessible solar program to meet the needs of Cambridge residents.

This program will work to encourage the rapid adoption of solar photovoltaics across rooftops in the Cambridge area, with a focus on serving low-to-moderate income residents and low-income serving non-profits. Specifically, the campaign will work to educate residents about the benefits of solar and the solar access program, an innovative solar model that removes barriers associated with conventional solar financing such as purchase or lease.

Steven Nutter, the Executive Director of Green Cambridge stated, “Our goal is to get a lot of solar installed, and to do it in a way that benefits the community and allows everyone to participate.” The coalition encourages interested residents to apply to participate as solar access hosts and help reach the campaign goal of 40 new solar projects in Cambridge by the end of 2017.

About the Partners
Green Cambridge works to create a more sustainable city and to protect the environment for the health and safety of all.
Resonant Energy is a community-based solar developer committed to 100% renewable energy for 100% of people.
Solstice is dedicated to helping every single household in America go solar.
Sunwealth is a pioneering solar investment firm that makes it easy to directly invest in solar projects and delivers meaningful returns and tangible impact to our community of investors.

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