Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

September 11, 2023

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

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

August 5, 2023

A Midsummer Night’s Dream … or Nightmare: August 7, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

A Midsummer Night’s Dream … or Nightmare: August 7, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Midsummer NightAs many of you know, the Cambridge City Council generally meets only once each summer, and that meeting is coming up this week. The Midsummer meeting is often known for its very long list of agenda items, and this agenda is no exception. In a municipal election year, we can also generally count of there being a few table-setters from the incumbents looking for ways to draw attention to themselves. This year is unusual in that there appears to be some extraordinary effort being expended to ram through certain measures while a majority or super-majority of votes are still available before voters potentially replace some lame ducks with more rational alternatives.

Here are a few items from this week’s agenda that stood out:

Board & Commission Appointments

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointments of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees: Jane Licurse (appointment); Rae Simpson, Paula Paris, Michael Shear, Ben Milligan, Bill Lahey.
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ethridge King as an Election Commissioner for a term of four years.
pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Scott Walker to the Open Data Review Board as a City staff member.
Appointment Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Climate Committee – Appointments: Joseph Adiletta, Mallorie Barber, Wendy DeWolf, Hajer Hyte, Michelle Holmes, Pasang Lhamo, Katharine Lange, Catarina Martinez, Rachel Mural, Joel Nogic, Tom Rawson, Vandana Sareen, Allie Shepard, Ming Su, and Neheet Trivedi. Reappointments: Keith Giamportone, Lyn Huckabee, Steven Nutter, and David Rabkin.
pulled by McGovern; Appointments Approved 7-0 (Nolan, McGovern recused due to family members among appointees)

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Committee on Public Planting for a term of two years; Appointments: Uriel Bulow, Raymond Fahrner, Gretchen Friesinger, Robb Johnson, Amira Valliani, Achana Venkataraman, and Angela Zhong. Reappointments: Margaret Booz, Cindy Carpenter, Sara Cohen, Chantal Eide, Sophia Emperador, Sandra Fairbank, Ahron Lerman, Ruth Loetterle, Tracy Orr, and Cynthia Smith.
Appointments Approved 9-0


Neighborhood Conservation Districts – Preservation or Evisceration

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-123, regarding an explanation of the legal standard that is used to compel changes or deny projects reviewed by the Historical Commission or Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art III of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) and Landmarks Ordinance. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Committee Report #9 corrected 9-0; Referred to Petition 9-0

Communications #43. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding Submission in Opposition to Amendment to Chapter 2.78 entitled Historical Buildings and Landmarks.

Committee Report #9. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Apr 26, 2023, to continue the discussion of potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, proposed Ordinance #2022-11. The meeting was recessed and reconvened and concluded on June 21, 2023. The Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance 2022 #11, as amended, amending the City of Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report (revised)]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

It is remarkable just how much dishonesty is being circulated by the density advocates and ABC-elected sycophants on this issue. I never thought I would see the day when a possible majority of Cambridge city councillors might so gleefully go along with the bulldozing of historic buildings that might stand in the way of their single-issue agenda. I suppose this may be a cyclical phenomenon – like when the West End of Boston was obliterated and when Robert Moses ran roughshod over New York City before Jane Jacobs shined a brighter light on the destruction. Historic review of significant buildings is a good thing – even if some city councillors lack the vision to see this.


Fueling Controversy

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-53, regarding a request that the City Manager work with relevant City Departments on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act, including exploring all Options for incentivizing participation.
pulled by Nolan; Property Assessed Clean Energy Act (“PACE”), as amended, accepted by the City Council 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #3. Policy Order Re Creating A BEUDO Compliance Advisory Committee. [Charter Right – Azeem, June 26, 2023]
Azeem calls this proposal duplicative; Toner explains forward-thinking purpose of Order; Simmons notes educational component of proposed Compliance Advisory Board and need for better public process; Zondervan notes Electrify Cambridge initiative that would provide intended advise, notes that technical advice best handled by staff; Nolan notes that number of buildings affected are currently only large buildings but also expresses hope that this will eventually affect all buildings, calls Order nonproductive; McGovern asks of CDD if this is necessary; Iram Farooq feels no need for such a committee, $2 million committed for support for technical assistance for property owners; Simmons notes disparities among residents in terms of knowledge of City actions; Order Placed on File 9-0 with no action taken

Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from the City Council, relative to Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration (Ordinance 2023-3). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended by Substitution June 26, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after July 17, 2023]
Nolan explains her late communications with proposed amendments; Committee Report #15, and Comm. & Reports #5 brought forward 9-0; Zondervan motion to Pass to 2nd Reading with substitute language from Committee Report; Nolan moves to amend substitute language and expresses belief that there should be no exemptions for restaurants, provides anecdotal evidence from one chef; Azeem expresses support for Nolan amendment, calls restaurant objections overstated, but acknowledges potential costs, not ready to vote for Nolan amendment – especially because once adopted it cannot be amended; McGovern expresses support for CDD amendment excluding restaurants until 2035, intrigued by waiver idea; Susanne Rasmussen (CDD) notes that waiver provision could be problematic and may have legal implications; Iram Farooq (CDD) notes that you can pass an exemption or a waiver provision, but a waiver provision put responsibility on ISD on making decisions on what kind of cooking can happen, notes that additional Nolan amendment an improvement but would still require potentially burdensome process; Rasmussen says that a standard for what “cost-prohibitive” is would have to be established; Zondervan supports Nolan amendment, questions suggestion that ordinance cannot be amended, calls it a mistake to exempt commercial kitchens; McGovern does not want to force restaurants to act when not ready, but to provide incentives instead (very good!); Carlone says a program should be established to finance these changes, invokes “crisis” as rationale; Nolan says not just emission reduction but public health, calls all problems solvable; Simmons asks about distinction between exemption and waiver; City Manager notes how amendment puts ISP Commissioner in position of making subjective judgments about what equipment is necessary to “complete a meal” (Nolan shakes her head in disagreement), calls establishing what is and is not “cost-prohibited” a problematic regulation; City Solicitor Glowa notes that in some cities there is a zoning officer to make these kinds of subjective determinations, and Cambridge has never had such a position – a potential problem in having one individual making such determinations, better to have something more formulaic in making such decisions; Carlone says big issue is 2035 – thinks this is too far away and would want it sooner; [in all of this, no recognition that cooking uses are de minimis in the larger picture – RW]; Nolan Amendment Fails 4-5 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; BA,AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Zondervan moves to change 2035 to 2030 for restaurant deadline – QZ Amendment Fails 4-4-1 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No; BA-Present); Ordinance Amended by Language from CDD 7-1-0-1 (PT-No; DS-Present); Ordained as Amended 7-1-0-1 (PT-No; DS-Present); Reconsideration Fails 1-7-1 (Simmons-Yes; Mallon-Absent)

Communications #44. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding PO23#14 Revisited Vote No on BEUDO.

Communications #92. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III regarding Reject Gas Ban Pilot.

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Public Library to create an Induction Stoves Loaner Program and help residents access experience using induction stoves.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program and remove the $200 permit fee associated with the pilot program.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #8. The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Nov 16, 2022 to discuss how the City can act on the recently passed Massachusetts climate bill, including specifically how the City can implement a ban or restriction on fossil fuels in new construction projects as part of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 10 city pilot program and how quickly the city can adopt the state’s newly promulgated energy stretch code for buildings. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #15. On Aug 1, 2023, the Ordinance Committee held a public hearing relative to amending the Municipal Code for the City of Cambridge to add a new Chapter, 15.30, titled “Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration”, proposed Ordinance 2023-3, and to consider a proposed amendment to BEUDO requiring new Covered Properties to achieve net zero by 2030. By a unanimous vote of all members present, a motion to recommend to the full City Council that the language passed to a second reading on June 26, 2023, proposed Ordinance 2023-3, Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration, be amended by substitution with the new language provided by CDD, was approved. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #5. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting Proposed Amendments to the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Ordinance Language.
Discussed w/Unfinished Business #4; Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Transitioning to better energy sources is a good thing, but I simply cannot understand this City Council’s obsession with making all things mandatory without making any effort to simply convince people to make better choices. I guess you could call me pro-choice. I have never cared for control freaks – and we currently have several of them occupying seats in the Sullivan Chamber.


The High Priority of Cannabis

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cannabis Amendments Special Permit zoning petition. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Proposed changes to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #12. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 27, 2023, relative to the City Council Petition to amend Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Committee voted favorably to send the Petition as amended to the City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

As I have stated several times over the last several years, it is remarkable just how much attention and effort is spent by this City Council on the sale of marijuana. It’ like having Councillors Cheech & Chong.


Stay in Your Lane

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to consider measures to improve the Cycling Safety Ordinance Business Impact Study. [Charter Right – Toner, June 26, 2023]
Nolan suggests that this Order might best be withdrawn because most questions answered; Nolan moves to place on file; Placed on File 8-0-1 (QZ Absent)

Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to consult with relevant departments on an enhanced communication strategy to inform residents about the implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Nolan (who wrongly claims that “the map has been in place for many years”); Simmons notes inadequacy of notification methods; Order Amended to add McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #14. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public meeting on July 20, 2023 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm to discuss the update on the Community Development Department’s Economic Impact Study regarding the implementation of the Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #17. 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.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toner
pulled by Zondervan; Nolan emphasizes that there be no changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance (“The Pledge”); Zondervan amendments proposed to remove last “Whereas” and the main “Ordered”; McGovern says he has had conversations with Cambridge Bike Safety; Charter Right – McGovern

It is noteworthy that Order #17 dares to violate that untouchable Bike Pledge. Needless to say, any elected official (or candidate) who signs a pledge vowing to never listen to evidence or to refuse to modify an ordinance in order to provide a better balance among competing interests should not be acting in a legislative capacity. Meanwhile, Order #13 effectively says calls for telling people what is coming whether they like it or not. It seems that refusal to listen, and even removing mechanisms for public review and response, seems to be the modus operandi of this and the previous City Council.


Alternative Transportation, The War on Cars, and Killing You Softly with Fees

Order #7. Aligning Parking Fees With Climate and Transportation Goals.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #15. 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.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; QZ comments; Charter Right – Toner

I do hope that Mr. Zondervan understands that Cambridge does not control the MBTA. That said, I agree that there is some merit in the idea of fare-free buses as a means of providing good choices to residents so that they may choose to drive less often (or to not walk as far). In contrast, Order #7 is yet another effort to penalize the choices many people have to make.


The Rain, The Park, and Other Things

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-42, regarding irrigation at Danehy Park. [text of response]
Placed on File 9-0

Order #4. Canopy Loss & Developing a Replacement Strategy.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #5. Standards for Chicken Keeping.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled early by Toner; Zondervan explains about family served with cease-and-desist order; Toner asks about neighbor complaints; Peter McLaughlin says few complaints, not currently permitted under Zoning Ordinance; McGovern explains that ISD discovered livestock as part of other inspection; Toner asks whatever happened to City initiative on this matter; Public Health Commissioner Derrick Neal notes potential rodent and odor problems; Zondervan notes that Order is asking only for staff to review proposed ordinance; City Solicitor notes that this use not permitted under Zoning Ordinance, Beekeeping language was acted upon but chicken-keeping not acted upon due to continued public health concerns; McGovern suggests allowing this use w/appropriate regulation, suggests urgency; Zondervan requests that no enforcement take place; Azeem suggests that this use could be grandfathered in (for specific sites – Glowa) because it predates Zoning Ordinance (1920s); Nolan wants use allowed and notes that Somerville permits it; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. Encouraging De-Paving Throughout The City.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to meet with Governor Healey, DCR Commissioner Arrigo and Secretary Rebecca Tepper to discuss resuming Saturday closures to traffic this summer and mitigating the traffic impacts, including by making potential traffic signal adjustments.   Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Let there be no doubt that the whole kerfuffle about Saturday closures of Memorial Drive has much to do with political competition – photo ops for some and a campaign to undermine one of our state representatives. Many initiatives such as this inevitably produce winners and losers – in this case traffic diverted onto inadequate neighborhood streets. Car-free cycling for some and diminished pedestrian safety and added inconvenience for others.

De-Paving is a great idea. My only (pleasant) surprise is that the order calls for encouraging it rather than mandating it. As for the chickens, I recall a time a few years ago when there were competing petition campaigns about this in (I believe) Cambridgeport. The real issue was long-time residents vs. skin-pierced newcomers enamored of pretend farming. Personally, I like seeing birds of all feathers around town.


Police Matters (and Really Poor Committee Appointments)

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) which makes recommendations regarding the release of an officer’s name after a critical incident.
pulled by Nolan; insightful comments by Police Commission Christine Elow and City Manager Yi-An Huang regarding (a) how cities with policies of releasing officer names are generally cities making up for poor reputations (unlike Cambridge), and (b) no Massachusetts cities have a current policy regarding the release of names of officers in critical incidents; policy forthcoming after negotiation with police union, no release of officer names or other information until inquest completed; Placed on File 9-0

Order #12. 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.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes anonymous letter received; Toner inquires about when City gets involved in lawsuits against City employees; City Solicitor Nancy Glowa notes very few such lawsuits against police officers and generally handled in-house by Law Department; Simmons expresses concerns about acting based on anonymous letters and unsubstantiated claims, impropriety of councillors intervening in personnel matters; Glowa says that councillors may not intervene; Councillor Zondervan claims a Point of Order, Simmons objects; Charter Right – Simmons (after which QZ claims he has the floor and Simmons says “not any more”)

Committee Report #10. The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on June 7, 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm to discuss the Police Review and Advisory Board, including CM23#27. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Brian Corr, Executive Director, Police Review & Advisory Board, transmitting a Police Review & Advisory Board Report for the First Quarter of 2023.
Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Mayor Siddiqui has repeatedly appointed Councillor Zondervan as Chair of the Public Safety Committee. I find this bewildering.


Notable Resolutions

Resolution #3. Congratulations to Superintendent Pauline Wells of the Cambridge Police Department on her recent promotion.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #4. Congratulations on the retirement of Oral Bynoe from the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #7. Thanks and appreciation to Cambridge School Committee Member Fred Fantini for his service to the students and families in Cambridge for 40 years.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui

Resolution #8. Congratulations to Superintendent Rob Lowe on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department and on his new Appointment as Chief of the Boston University Police Department.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #24. Resolution on the death of Donald W. “Don” Holland Sr.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui

Resolution #25. Congratulations to organizers of the Cambridge Jazz Festival 2023.   Councillor Simmons

Resolution #27. Congratulations to City Councillor E. Denise Simmons on receiving the 2023 Pride Freedom Trailblazer Award.   Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui

Late Resolution #28. Resolution on the death of Charles Ogletree.   Councillor Simmons


Alewife – Triangles, Quadrangles, Pentangles, Etcetera

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to provide the City Council with possible projections, based on stated assumptions, of expected outcomes in Alewife for total housing, commercial, open space and public amenities, over the next twenty years, if the proposed zoning were adopted.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #13. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 19, 2023, to discuss a City Council Zoning Petition relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) and design guidelines. The Committee approved a motion requesting that the City Manager work with the relevant departments to provide the City Council with possible projections, based on stated assumptions, of expected outcomes in Alewife for total housing, commercial, open space, and public amenities, over the next twenty years, if the proposed zoning were adopted and to report back to the Full City Council by Sept 11, 2023. See Policy Order on this Agenda. The Committee approved a motion to forward the City Council Zoning Petition relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) and design guidelines, to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Needless to say, addressing planning and zoning in the Alewife Quadrangle should have been done years ago. Perhaps they’ll get ahead of the curve in the Pentangle.


Ancient History, Hiring and Evaluating a City Manager

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:00pm to discuss Policy Order #7, regarding Open meeting law review and Policy Order # 11, regarding Council Budget- Private Attorney. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Nov 17, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on Decorum of the Council, as well as the Rules Around and Duties of the Council Aides. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #3. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Mar 16, 2021 at 3:00pm to discuss the initial steps that must be undertaken to establish the search process for the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #4. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Apr 7, 2021 at 2:00pm to discuss the policy order seeking to make remote participation in City Council meetings permanent. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #5. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on July 12, 2021 at 5:30pm to continue discussing the hiring of the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #6. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Aug 4, 2021 to continue discussing the hiring of the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Committee Report #11. The City Council’s City Manager Evaluation Sub-Committee held a public meeting on June 22, 2023, from 10:00am to 11:00am to discuss the City Manager Evaluation Process. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Great to see the City Clerk’s Office making good progress on these matters left long neglected. Needless to say, the Chair(s) of the Government Operations Committee bears much responsibility in the negligence. It’s almost as though they didn’t want residents to know what they were up to (or simply didn’t care).


The Charter Question

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Kathleen Born, Chair, Charter Review Committee, transmitting an update to the Cambridge City Council.
Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

I’ll save my comments for when we get closer to the final recommendations. Then I will have a lot to say.


And the Rest …

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the project update on the Central Square Municipal Property Needs Assessment and Planning Study.
pulled by Zondervan; City Manager Huang, Deputy City Manager O’Riordan, CDD’s Iram Farooq explain reasoning for a comprehensive approach to all assets; QZ wants added focus on 105 Windsor St.; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the 2023 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report.
pulled by McGovern who expresses pride in removing role Planning Board in AHO projects while expressing satisfaction about how individual councillors (Siddiqui, Mallon) can exercise influence over particular projects (how on Earth is this a good thing?); Placed on File 9-0

Two important points not included in the report: (1) virtually all of these AHO projects are about densifying public housing on existing parcels, and (2) neither the public nor even the Planning Board has any say anymore. The Affordable Housing Trust can do whatever it pleases no matter what you or anyone else thinks.

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order 2022 #278, regarding the legal opinion for a public speaker to state their name, address, and phone number for the record. [text of response]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #26. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to possibility of acquiring the property at 450 Concord Avenue, owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“Commonwealth”) and utilized by the National Guard Armory of Cambridge. [text of communication]
pulled by Nolan; questions raised (and answered) about seemingly high appraisal; National Guard has no plans to make entire parcel available; Deputy City Mgr. O’Riordan notes history of site as a landfill and that any reuse of land would require costly remediation; Order Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #27. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as discussion in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.
Move to Executive Session 9-0; Placed on File 8-0-0-1 (Carlone – Present)

Charter Right #2. That the City Council go on record in enthusiastic support of H.R.1433, the Philippine Human Rights Act, and in urging Representatives Katherine Clark and Ayanna Pressley to co-sponsor the existing bill. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 26, 2023]
Zondervan refers to the United States’ neocolonial interference in the Philippines, makes a long foreign policy speech; Nolan gives informed commentary on her amendment proposed regarding reference to Elbit America Cambridge whose primary activities are medical and do not involve weaponry, incorrect association of company with Philippine actions and possible other agenda based on association with Israel; Azeem expresses support for Philippines Human Rights Act but unwilling to vote on matters of foreign policy (good for him!); Simmons positively responds to Azeem’s comments and hope for future conversation about what kinds of resolutions are appropriate for Cambridge City Council; Nolan Amendment Adopted 6-2-0-1 (QZ,SS – No; BA – Present); Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-0-2 (BA,PT – Present)

Committee Report #7. The Civic Unity Committee held a public hearing on Sept 29, 2022 to discuss the two Aug 1, 2022 Policy Orders exploring ways to improve the lives of Cambridge’s African American/Black residents. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

Order #18. City Council support of graduate student workers of Northeastern University and their effort to form a union.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)

This is all well and good, but let’s never forget that the primary goal of every graduate student should be to graduate and to no longer be a graduate student. – Robert Winters

Comments?

May 22, 2023

Just when you thought things couldn’t get nuttier – May 22, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Just when you thought things couldn’t get nuttier – May 22, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

This week brings a few more pearls of ignorance from Mr. Zondervan. Specifically, in spite of the ongoing Charter Review process, he wants to cut the line and put a ballot question on the November municipal ballot to change the charter specifically to make the Police Review and Advisory Board a popularly elected board. I suppose the Party for Socialism and Liberation kids may be interested in the jobs. I understand that he’s not pleased that his colleagues thought so little of his controversial Order last week that they proposed a more sensible substitute, so this week he’s decided to double down. Let’s not overlook that little QZ pearl from last week’s meeting when he said: “The institution of policing itself is fundamentally broken and we must move away from it as quickly as possible.” Does anyone actually take this guy seriously? Oh yeah, he also has an Order asking for a legal opinion on whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply, i.e. abandon our state-of-the art water treatment plant at Fresh Pond. The wackiness doesn’t stop there.

Here’s this week’s Whitman Sampler:

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the third annual Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Progress Report.
pulled by Toner; comments by PT,DS,QZ,DC,PN,AM; Placed on File 9-0

Cambridge political discourse these days seems to boil down to bike lanes, subsidized housing, and BEUDO. I’m confident that Public Comment will draw the usual suspects suspects eager to take sides on the bike lane issue, and the councillors will surely follow suit in their typically unyielding fashion. I pledge allegiance to the [FILL IN THE BLANK].

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community Connections Grant, in the amount of $230,070.35, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will contribute to the purchase and installation of Bluebikes bikeshare equipment.
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,BA (who would apparently rather use an e-bike to get to South Station rather than the Red Line); Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $100,000 received from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will support the cost of two 19 dock Bluebikes stations and bicycles that were placed at the Kennedy/Longfellow School and Twin City Plaza.
pulled by Carlone (who questioned by gambling $ is being allocated for bikes rather than gambling addiction prevention); Order Adopted 9-0

Even though there is already a BlueBike station across the street from me at the old Longfellow School, the City apparently wants to install another at the Lee Street park around the corner from me even though the two stations will only be a few hundred feet from each other. Gotta spend that grant money. Now I’ll get to hear the crashing sound of unsuccessful attempts to lock up the bikes in “surround sound”.


Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition and Design Guidelines. (CM23#147) [Council Memo_Alewife Quad_20230517] [AODQ Height Subdistricts] [CLEAN AOD-Q Zoning Petition – 20230517] [Description of Quadrangle Overlay Boundaries] [New Street Centerlines] [Alewife Design Guidelines_2023.05.15]
pulled by Toner; comments by PT,MM,PN,QZ,DC,BA; Zoning language Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition, Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0

Alewife Overlay Proposed Zoning

I’m glad to see this getting started again, and I hope that one day a couple of new crossings of the RR tracks will grow out of whatever happens in the Quadrangle – The Final Frontier (queue up Star Trek intro). A pedestrian bridge over the Little River connecting the wetland/stormwater retention ponds area in the Alewife Triangle to the Science Park area adjacent to Acorn Park Drive would also be a welcome addition (though it’s north of the current study area). If it’s a choice between connectivity and cul-de-sacs, I’ll choose connectivity.


Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident, up to and including those incidents resulting in injury or death. [Charter Right – Zondervan, May 15, 2023]
It is worth noting that the chronic several dozen protesters from the Party for Socialism and Liberation again dominated Public Comment with comments directed at individual councillors (thanks to recent rules changes); Mayor Siddiqui violated City Council Rules three times by allowing speakers to speak a 2nd time;
Zondervan began with prepared speech quoting Angela Davis and others, referring to Toner substitution as “whitewashing amendments”, and referring to all who disagree with him as showing “cowardice” and “hiding behind ideology” (which is so opposite to reality as to be amusing);
Councillor Nolan exhibited resolve by saying that she would not be changing her support for the Toner amendment and that contrary to the statements of protesters there was no consensus on this issue among city residents (correct), that it was fiction to say that the City Council has not taken any action in response to the Jan 4 incident, that all involved police officer names will be released when the investigation is complete, and that releasing the names today will do nothing for justice (all true);
City Manager Huang provided a limited update on where we now stand in the investigation and related processes, that per court order no information in the inquest is to be shared until complete, and provided a chronology of the wealth of City actions that have taken place since January in response to the incident;
Commissioner Elow provided updates on the cooperation of CPD with PERF;
Mallon aligned with Zondervan and stated that she won’t be supporting the Substitute Order and that she wants officer names released now (“it’s what progressive cities do” – as opposed to enlightened cities);
Simmons agreed that a policy is needed and that she would not align with Zondervan noting that the specific circumstances of the January incident are not yet known and that releasing the names now does not buy justice, closure, or anything else and that she supports a full, fair and thorough investigation;
McGovern suggested that the original two “WHEREAS” clauses were simply factual and should be included, and asked whether if a City Council policy was approved prior to the investigative report would the names of the officers be released (City Manager Huang seemed to indicate that if the policy was established he would follow policy while acknowledging need to work cooperatively with Police Department – noting that they are involved in complex and dangerous work – “What you want is a change in the culture.”);
Carlone offered comments including cryptic references to “rumors”;
Siddiqui double-talked about her comments in the Boston Globe and that she would align with Mallon and Zondervan and oppose the Substitute Order;
Toner made clear that he does not want officer names released until after DA report is released and noted that references to the releasing of names in other cities was done in the context of bodycams being instituted;
Zondervan referred to Toner Substitute as “sloppy and misleading”;
Azeem offered a broader perspective on how he arrived at his current understanding and position – especially the range of changes and initiatives that have been arrived at working cooperatively with the Cambridge Police Department and the City Administration;
McGovern referred to last two weeks of public comment as “powerful” (though manipulative, coercive, and short on facts may be better descriptors);
Simmons motion to amend Toner Substitute by adding first two “WHEREAS” clauses Passes 8-1 (QZ – No);
QZ motion to added phrases “including retroactively” Passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT – No);
QZ amendment to add at end the phrase “with such a policy and the names of the offers involved in Faisal’s killing” Fails 3-6 (AM,QZ,SS – Yes);
Substitute Order Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,DC,MM,PN,DS – Yes; AM,PT,QZ,SS – No)

Order #6. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached home rule petition, entitled: “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER” regarding electing the Police Review and Advisory Board.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Zondervan (who was soundly excoriated by his colleagues); comments by QZ,AM,DS; Order Fails of Adoption 1-8 (QZ – Yes)

Another day in Zondervan’s sandbox. The only questions are whether petulance will result in a recess and/or Zoom alternative, and if any of the other councillors sign on to either of these Orders. Perhaps the best strategy going forward might be to simply move a substitute order completely replacing every word and intention of QZ whenever things like these are introduced.


Resolution #4. Congratulations on the birth of Sabrina Reid Roberts.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons

Congratulations, Jeff and Sylvia!

Order #1. New Green Park at Third And Binney Streets.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

This Order concerns the possibility of MIT purchasing a 6,000 square-foot lot at the corner of Third and Binney Streets that could be joined with an adjacent 8,000 square foot lot to create open space in the area of the redeveloping Volpe site in Kendall Square. There is a notion that some or all of the 131 mature trees that are to be removed from the Volpe site could be relocated to this area. This is a very appealing idea, but it’s questionable whether such expensive tree relocations will actually be successful. I would personally like to see a miniature golf course integrated into the Volpe site. Maybe even a batting cage where tech workers can work out their frustrations with a few line drives.

Order #2. Removing Cuba From The State Sponsors Of Terrorism List.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Azeem; comments by BA,DC; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (MM – Absent; PT – Present)

I’m so glad to see the Council back doing what it does best – foreign policy. Hey, the Council spoke and Muammar Gaddafi got his comeuppance.

Order #3. Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; QZ explains that this is only asking for a legal opinion on the legality of abandoning the Cambridge water system; other comments by PT,BA,PN,DS,DC; Order Adopted 5-3-1 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS – Yes; AM,DS,PT – No; MM – Absent)

Send Mr. Zondervan some bottled water in glass bottles. The rest of us would prefer to keep our Cambridge water system.

Order #7. That the “Amendments to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zondervan; QZ Motion to Refer to Ordinance Committee; Charter Right – Simmons

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether the City could fund affordable housing construction through a ($500 Million, at least) bond issue.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,PN,BA,DC; Amended to add Azeem as co-sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

This was an idea floated by Councillor Simmons back in May 2021. This is just another facet of the quest of some councillors to replace as much privately-own housing with “social housing” as possible and to use tax revenue from private-property owners to fund that replacement. – Robert Winters

April 24, 2023

Preview of April 24, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Preview of April 24, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here’s my survey of the more interesting items on this week’s agenda:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of School Committee Member Caroline Hunter as a member of the Family Policy Council.
Appointment Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as member of the to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women for a term of three years: • Jean Connor (appointment) • Caitlin Dube (appointment) • Rhonda Greene (reappointment) • Mara Horwitz (appointment) • Natalie Le (appointment) • Judith Tumusiime (appointment)
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the the Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group: • Sukia Akiba • Steven Beaucher • Darren Buck • Christopher Cassa • Makayla Comas-Race • Gary Dmytryk • Debby Galef • Diane Gray • Denise Jillson • Timothy Keefe • Ruth Ryals • Eitan Normand • Daniel Stubbs • Laurie Pessah
Appointments Approved 9-0

“The Working Group will meet over a period of 12 months to advise City staff on key issues related to the planning, design, and construction of this important project.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, requesting that the City Council authorize an agreement to partner with the Town of Arlington (“Arlington”) in its receipt of a federal planning grant (“Grant”) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”).
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins, Zondervan, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan (Roundtable suggested); Nolan offers a committee hearing and Siddiqui agrees; Order Adopted 9-0 (after Siddiqui misstep of merely calling for a vote to accept report and place on file)

“The Grant is to conduct a study in furtherance of this work undertaken by Arlington and the City as members of the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (“RMC”). … The Grant concerns the Amelia Earhart and the Charles River (the Island End River and the Draw 7 Park) dams that protect Arlington, the City, and other communities from coastal flooding. … Arlington’s Hazard Mitigation Plan recognizes coastal hazards as high and serious for Massachusetts but not currently applicable because of dams that turned the upper Mystic and Charles Rivers from tidal estuaries to freshwater impoundments. However, climate projections show the dams at risk of being overtopped by 2030 and failing by 2050.”

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to improvements to the area around Jerry’s Pond. (CM23#103) [Danehy Bridge Connectivity] [Open Space Needs Assessment] [Jerry’s Pond Communication from CM]
pulled by Siddiqui who expresses shock and disappointment on City’s lack of transparency in diversion of funds; Carlone says $400,000 is peanuts and that we should do both projects (bridge and Jerry’s Pond enhancements); McGovern notes ~700 new trees and ~$14 million from IQHQ but disappointment w/diversion of funds from Jerry’s Pond study; Toner asks what reasoning was for diversion of funds; O’Riordan notes loss of significant trees and level of excessive excavation and inability of site to act as wetland due to hydrology, potential benefits questionable; Comm. Watkins reiterates concerns about loss of significant trees, suggests a floating wetland adjacent to Rindge Avenue without doing excavation; Toner would like this all summarized in a memo, notes additional time and cost associated with plans from Friends of Jerry’s Pond; O’Riordan notes that IQHQ owns the site and that they do not support to proposal from advocates; Zondervan expresses concern about other groups not getting their ARRPA funds and Council’s inability to determine allocations, wants improvements on Rindge Ave. edge; City Manager Huang expresses gratitude to the advocates, City still looking at plans, says City does not take lightly reallocation of funds, echoes comment of Deputy City Manager, notes 2200 dump-truck loads of required excavation, concern about $600,000 toward a proposal that would not happen; Nolan acknowledges work of advocates and that plans improved as a result, expresses delight with RR crossing but would prefer an underpass instead; O’Riordan says City will be exploring both a bridge and an underpass; Nolan has liability concerns; Watkins notes significant amount of urban fill that would have to be moved and disposed – not clean soil, liability would fall on IQHQ; Azeem appreciates learning now about infeasible plans; Referred (Zondervan) to NLTP Committee 9-0Danehy Bridge Connectivity

“we plan to reallocate the ARRPA funds identified to study the feasibility of renovating Jerry’s Pond to fund the 25% design of a new bike and pedestrian bridge over the Fitchburg Commuter Line to connect Rindge Avenue and Danehy Park. … The latest multi-use path projects, including the upcoming Danehy-New Street Path and the recent completion of the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway, make the bike/ped bridge connection over the Fitchburg Commuter Line even more valuable.”

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-08, regarding a report regarding exploring additional less-lethal alternatives that pose the smallest risk of injury when deployed for standard issue in the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#104) [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan who wants report also referred to Public Safety Committee for further discussion; Toner notes that only “Axon Taser 10” and “FN-303 Less-Lethal Launcher” (a shoulder-fired weapons system that is accurate from up to 160 feet) are not currently part of CPD inventory, would prefer that this matter not be referred to committee; Police Superintendent Rob Lowe notes that only the taser is currently recommended for addition to inventory; Simmons notes our exemplary Police Department, wants to allow Commissioner Elow freedom to make recommendations informed by ongoing study; McGovern asks about concerns that if officers had tasers this might lead to less de-escalation; Lowe notes that significant training would accompany any use of tasers; McGovern notes willingness of CPD to self-evaluate and adapt; Mallon asks about why FN-303 and “Vector Shield” not currently recommended; Nolan asks when PERF report may be available; Elow says they have begun and report will not be available until after inquest is done; Siddiqui chimes in; Zondervan notes that tasers can also be lethal; Report Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

“Whenever practicable, Cambridge Police officers are to use verbal and non-verbal engagement techniques and de-escalation actions to stabilize a law enforcement situation so that more time, options, and resources are available to gain a person’s voluntary compliance and to reduce or eliminate the need to use force. However, when de-escalation tactics have been attempted and failed or are not feasible based on the totality of the circumstances, officers are authorized to use reasonable force to gain, maintain, or reestablish control to protect the lives and safety of others and/or themselves.” … “we are recommending that the department wait and evaluate PERF’s final report and recommendations before we consider pursuing or expanding less-lethal options.”

Charter Right #2. Riverbend Park on Memorial Drive. [Charter Right – Simmons, Apr 10, 2023]
Simmons notes comments by Riverside residents who feel disrespected by Council intentions to ask DCR reconsideration – “people closest to the pain should be closest to the power” – asks Councillors Nolan and Azeem to rescind or table this Order; Nolan fully supports Order and claims that only a small number of people object, suggests that people in Riverside support all-weekend closure, proposes amendment to seek legal justification for full weekend closure; Carlone says all sides are right, City has insufficient open space, DCR controls the land and road, compliments Suzanne Blier (and others) suggestion to close from Eliot Bridge to JFK Street on Saturdays; Zondervan notes that DCR has decided against Saturday closures so Riverside residents were heard, calls traffic on Memorial Drive environmental injustice, says eventually it will be closed all weekend; Azeem notes that Order expresses disappointment about DCR decision to not consider other options; McGovern is dismissive of Blier proposal if this is a matter of legal authority, notes that neighborhood is divided on issue, wants traffic mitigation regardless; Siddiqui on defense over neighborhood concerns, agrees with need for traffic mitigation; Carlone notes that Blier proposal would still need DCR approval, notes that City has insufficient capacity for studying traffic; Simmons notes that compromise proposal for Eliot Bridge to JFK St. was suggested by multiple people; Nolan protests Simmons suggestion that a cover letter include minority view – Simmons takes exception; Order Adopted 7-2 as Amended (DS,PT – No)

I look forward to yet another meeting where advocates on either side of an issue talk past each other. I also expect a lot of “studies have shown” rhetorical BS. In the end, this may simply come down to whether someone has “pull” with the incoming DCR Commissioner.

Communications #22. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding Material for Monday City Council Meeting. [Analysis of Cycling Safety in Cambridge Under the Cycling Safety Ordinance Year-3]
Placed on File 9-0

At the very least, this partially fills the gap left by the City’s failure to actually evaluate the safety impacts of various road reconfigurations undertaken in recent years. I’ll leave it to others to sift through the statistics. Anecdotally, I will say that I feel a lot more nervous when driving now because of the many different road obstructions and greatly narrowed lane widths. Whether they provide increased bicycle safety (as opposed to “comfort”) is debatable. Former Traffic Czar Joe Barr would likely call it all “traffic calming”, but I feel a lot less calm when driving, and I worry a lot more now about cyclists racing up while I’m making a right turn due to decreased visibility. This was not a problem when I previously would simply pull as far to the right as possible when making a turn.

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Ruth Hill.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons with comments of great respect; Adopted 9-0

Ruth Edmonds Hill was a magnificent and brilliant person in her own right, but some may remember “Sister Ruth” as the wife of the late Hugh Morgan Hill (“Brother Blue”). [Obituary]

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to bring together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and City departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

“this property could be utilized by the City in a variety of important ways, including: a location for the City’s operations, affordable housing development, preschool use, open space, and other uses which would benefit the larger Cambridge community” – It’s worth reiterating my comments from the previous meeting on this topic: “Toner asks about public process in determining uses for City-owned property; Mallon says site would be perfect for an affordable housing development; Zondervan proposes that tall affordable housing towers be built on this site on Larch Road; Carlone prefers mixed use w/o towers and proposes stormwater storage under buildings with zero parking.”

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant departments to work together to develop a policy that would lead to a ban on the use of gas-powered lawn equipment in Cambridge in line with other municipalities and development of possible ordinance language limiting the use of gas-powered lawn equipment by residents, businesses, and city operations.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Toner; Nolan comments; Toner notes that a Working Group was supposed to have been formed (but wasn’t), asks if a proposed ban is a foregone conclusion; Zondervan bemoans fact that a ban has not already been enacted; Nolan states that within a few years there will be no gas-powered cars and no gas-powered equipment; Adopted 9-0, Referred to Health & Environment Committee

Frankly, among all the competing priorities worth pursuing, this ranks pretty low on my list. Then again, I live on a busy street where a leaf blower would be just another instrument in the cacophonous orchestra.

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 1, 2022 to receive an update on the Net Zero Action Plan. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 8, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed BEUDO amendments. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 23, 2022 to continue discussion on the Net Zero Action Plan. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee met on Mar 29, 2022 to receive a report from the Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Health and Environment Committee met on Tues, Apr 11, 2023 to review plans for solar and renewable energy installations in the city, including report on solar expansion and works by the CEA (Cambridge Energy Alliance) and potential for solar on city owned water supply land, and any other items related to renewable energy. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Please note that four of these five reports are from more than a year ago.

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 13, 2023 on the Citizen’s Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning in the Central Square Cultural District. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This zoning petition will likely breeze through to ordination, but lest anyone be concerned about as-of-right noisiness to neighbors, the Cambridge License Commission will continue to have authority to regulate any potential nuisances (as opposed to the Board of Zoning Appeal). – Robert Winters

January 3, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 573-574: January 3, 2023

Episode 573 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 3, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Jan 3, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Sheila Doyle Russell – fond memories and good friends, Senior Center, modernization of elections; 2022 highlights; chronology of actions, reactions, and inactions of City and City Council – especially bike lanes, golf course controversy. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 574 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 3, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Jan 3, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: 2022 chronology of actions, reactions, and inactions of City and City Council; choosing Auditor, Clerk, and City Manager; FY2023 Budget; charter review; expectations for the coming municipal election year. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 30, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday July 30
Afro-Caribbean Jazz Connections

12:30pm – Zahili Zamora

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

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

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

Host
José C. Massó III

Sunday July 31

12:00pm – Zeke Martin and Oracle

1:00pm – EL ECO with Guillermo Nojechowicz

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

3:15pm – Gabrielle Goodman Celebrates Aretha Franklin

4:30pm – Chelsey Green and the Green Project

Host
Valerie Stephens

Visit cambridgejazzfoundation.org

June 7, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 551-552: June 7, 2022

Episode 551 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 7, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on June 7, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: City Council appoints Yi-An Huang as new City Manager; review of process; public perceptions and misunderstandings; born and raised in Cambridge treated as a liability; role of Deputy City Manager; all 3 appointments completed with commendable results. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 552 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 7, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on June 7, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Graduations, commencements, festivals, students moving out, road closures – perfect storm for Covid and traffic; Bikes Lanes, Memorial Drive closure and subtext of anti-car movement, class distinctions, ageism; Alewife Moratorium ordained without Triangle; fading Envision with shifting politics; trash toter rollout; communication breakdowns; BEUDO proposals unknown to stakeholders. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

May 24, 2022

Once, Twice, Three, Shoot! – Decisions, Decisions – May 23, 2022 Cambridge City Council meeting

Once, Twice, Three, Shoot! – Decisions, Decisions – May 23, 2022 Cambridge City Council meeting

There is an actual meeting agenda this week, but much of the attention now is on the fact that the four finalists for the City Manager position have been revealed and a vote is expected in early June. In the meantime, it’s likely that the appointments for both the City Auditor and the City Clerk will be made at a Special City Council Meeting earlier in the day on Monday, May 23, starting at 10:30am. Unless something unexpected happens, we’ll likely have both Joseph McCann appointed as City Auditor and Diane LeBlanc appointed as City Clerk with both expected to assume their new positions in June.

Note: At a Special Meeting earlier in the day the City Council unanimously appointed Joseph McMann as City Auditor and Diane LeBlanc as City Clerk – both for three-year terms.

Communications & Reports from City Officers #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the City Manager finalists. [Iram Farooq] [Cheryl Fisher] [Yi-An Huang] [Norman Khumalo]Game Spinner

Order #1. That the City Council delegate the drafting and finalization of the questions for the interview of the City Council Manager finalists, scheduled for June 1st, 2022, to Randi Frank, LLC with assistance from the City’s Personnel Director Sheila Keady Rawson and with input from individual councillors by confidential submission of requested questions to Randi Frank for her consideration.   Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Mallon; Adopted as Amended 9-0

The public’s chance to “Meet the Finalists” will take place at the Fitzgerald Auditorium (CRLS) on Tues, May 31 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and the City Council interviews will take place during a Special City Council Meeting on Wed, June 1 starting at 6:00pm. The City Council is expected to vote to appoint the next City Manager during a Special City Council Meeting on Monday, June 6th. The meeting will be broadcast on 22-Cityview or Channel 99, and can also be live-streamed online on Zoom. Unless one candidate manages to earn 5 votes right away, it’s not at all clear how the selection will proceed from there.

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

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $11,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures Account to support major capital improvements at the Danehy Park Complex.
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to allocate the remaining ARPA funding, in compliance with the Final Rule, across community-serving applicants. [Charter Right – Zondervan, May 16, 2022]
Zondervan motion to introduce Late Communication and Substitute Order reducing amount requested to $10.5 million from ARPA funds but allows $500,000 for political patronage to HEART and other details; Zondervan substitution passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT – NO); Mallon motion to refer substitute order to Finance Committee Adopted 9-0

On the Table #2. Section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 Special Regulations linkage fee, be amended by substitution (Ordinance #2022-14). [Tabled May 9, 2022]
Azeem motion to remove from Table 9-0; Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0

Unfinished Business #3. That Article 20.90 – Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance be amended to insert a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 – Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). [Tabled May 2, 2022; To Be Ordained on of after May 23, 2022]
pulled by Toner; Motion to Amend to substitute Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 with Alewife Overlay Districts 1-5 (Toner) Approved 5-4 (BA,AM,MM,DS,PT – YES; DC,PN,QZ,SS – NO)
[Note: This takes Alewife Triangle out of the moratorium area. Carlone supported this one week earlier and flip-flopped.]
Ordained as Amended 9-0

Resolution #1. Thank You to Anthony Wilson for his service.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolution #2. Congratulations on the birth of Francis James Gutoski.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 9-0

Resolution #3. Congratulations on the Retirement of Ellen Watson from the License Commission.   Councillor Toner
Adopted 9-0

Resolution #4. Resolution for 2022 Cambridge Jazz Festival.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolution #5. Congratulations to Alisa Amador.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon
Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to limit the blocking off of Memorial Drive to vehicular traffic to Sundays.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Charter Right – Toner

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with all relevant City departments to draft a report for a future Transportation and Public Utilities Committee hearing on the impacts of the MBTA Bus Network Redesign.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Azeem; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Apr 12, 2022 to discuss new guidelines for Boards and Commissions appointments.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee met on Apr 26, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on a proposal to amend Section 2.66 of the Municipal Code to add a new section titled “Article III Green Jobs”.
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File, Amendment referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Late Order #9. That Deputy City Clerk Paula Crane be appointed interim City Clerk as of June 1, 2022 and until the permanent City Clerk shall assume office.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

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