Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

February 24, 2026

Current City of Cambridge Board and Commission Vacancies (Feb 24, 2026)

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government — Tags: , — Robert Winters @ 6:55 pm

Volunteer Opportunities – Cambridge Boards & Commissions

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for New Commission Vacancies: February-March 2026

City SealFeb 24, 2026 – Serving on a City of Cambridge board, commission or committee can be a rewarding experience and an excellent way to contribute to our community. Members have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision-making process for a variety of topics.

The City of Cambridge is currently seeking to fill vacancies on the new Combined Sewer Overflow Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee, Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board, and Peace Commission.

Apply today at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. If you have questions about the application process or need assistance, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300 or boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

Below is more detailed information on each of the current vacancies:

Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (Application Deadline March 23)

This new advisory committee will help guide the City of Cambridge in its multifaceted work to mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of our nearby rivers and streams. This volunteer committee will advise on the planning and implementation of programs, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives related to stormwater quantity, stormwater quality, sewer separation, wastewater, and more.

The term length is five years. Meetings may be held in person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at the Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge. Ideally, the Committee will be comprised of residents, technical experts and representatives from key stakeholder groups. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact?Kristen Kelleher at kkelleher@cambridgema.gov.

Learn more at Members Sought for New CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee.

Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board (Application Deadline: March 23)

The Advisory Board is responsible for the implementation of the updated?Fresh Reservation Pond Master Plan, a long-term plan for Fresh Pond Reservation lands, including resource management and usage policies for repair and protection of the Reservation’s?natural water and upland resources.

Completed in 2000 and adopted by the Cambridge City Council in 2001, the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan was the culmination of over two years of work by the original advisory committee made up of citizens of Cambridge and City officials.

The term length is three years. Meetings are quarterly and held in person at the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility, which is located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway in Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact?David Kaplan at dkaplan@cambridgema.gov.

Peace Commission (Application Deadline March 23)

The Peace Commission promotes peace and social justice within Cambridge and in the wider world. It links peace groups, social justice efforts, anti-violence coalitions and the municipal government. The Commission builds community by celebrating local people and efforts with programs and events, and by organizing community forums on issues affecting the community.

The term length is three years. Meetings may be held in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid. In-person meetings will be held at 689 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge. Cambridge residents are preferred.

If interested applicants have questions or require more information, please contact?Saffana Anwar at sanwar@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for New CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee

Feb 19, 2026 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang seeks volunteers to serve on a new Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee. This new advisory committee will help guide the City in its multifaceted work to mitigate flooding and improve the water quality of our nearby rivers and streams. This volunteer committee will advise on the planning and implementation of programs, infrastructure projects, and other initiatives related to stormwater quantity, stormwater quality, sewer separation, wastewater, and more.City Seal

Role of the CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee:

  • Serve as an informed group of community stakeholders to advise on capital improvement investments specific to the City’s wastewater and stormwater systems.
  • Assist the City with reporting back to the Cambridge community on ongoing and future planning, design, design, construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure projects related to stormwater management, combined sewer overflow control, and flood mitigation.
  • Seeking feedback from local experts to guide significant infrastructure projects and financial investments for decades to come.

What is the term of appointment?

  • Members will be appointed for a 5-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of two (2) terms.

When will the advisory committee meet?

  • It is anticipated that the group will meet at least quarterly starting in early 2026, with the option to meet more frequently as needed for specific work and projects.
  • Committee meetings may be held in-person, virtually, and/or hybrid; with most meetings anticipated to be in-person. All meetings will be open to the public. The date and time of the meetings will be established in collaboration with selected applicants.
  • Members are expected to attend most meetings, and to engage in any committee-related work required between meetings.

What is the advisory committee composition?

  • The Committee will consist of 11 to 15 members appointed by the City Manager, representing a diverse set of interests and specific subject matter expertise. This will help ensure that a range of perspectives are heard and provide multiple channels for reporting back to the larger community.
  • The Committee will be comprised of residents, technical experts, and representatives from stakeholder groups.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the CSO Control and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee?

  • Cambridge residents with subject matter expertise in the following areas preferred:
    • Finance, particularly an understanding of municipal financing and/or debt servicing
    • Hydrology and hydraulics
    • Water quality
    • Public health
    • Construction
    • Community relations, outreach, and engagement
    • Environmental law
    • Project management or strategic planning
    • Systems thinking

How to Apply. Use the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting it in the list of Current Vacancies. A letter of interest summarizing your expertise and how you will contribute to the Committee should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline for submitting applications is March 23, 2026.

Cambridge Seeking Community Members for the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women

Dec 3, 2025 (updated Feb 20) – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women.City Seal

The Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) works to advance equity for women and girls in Cambridge by assessing the shifting needs of women in our community and working collaboratively to find creative solutions through advocacy, programs, and community engagement. CCSW often works in partnership and collaborates with other City departments, local organizations, and the various communities that make up Cambridge.

CCSW currently meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm in person. Members must attend monthly meetings and take part in projects, events, and programs as needed. CCSW is committed to accommodating applicants with scheduling conflicts, including single parents, those with evening work commitments, etc.

The members of the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women serve as volunteers for one, two, or three-year terms.

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 9, 2026, but it is apparently still open.

For more information, contact womenscommission@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-3290. Learn more about the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/womenscommission.

Applications to serve can be submitted using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

January 9, 2026

Circle the Wagons – January 12, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council,history,School Committee — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:42 pm

Circle the Wagons – January 12, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

City HallIt didn’t take long for the newly inaugurated City Council and its chosen Mayor to reveal themselves. We will now have a Finance Committee Co-Chaired by someone who advocates dramatic new spending on so-called “social housing” a la Mamdani – regardless of property tax implications. Government Operations will be Chaired by someone who has consistently voted against keeping a city manager form of government. Most notably, the Public Safety Committee will be Chaired by someone who has repeatedly referred to Cambridge Police as murderers. This is going to be two years of circling the wagons to prevent our local government from confiscating property, making travel as difficult as possible, and obstructing law enforcement whenever and however possible. I can just feel that warmth of collectivism creeping in.

Here are a few agenda items of interest:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Al-Zubi, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Nolan, and Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Police Review and Advisory Board. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, PRAB Exec. Director Carolina Almonte, Nolan, Huang; Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following members to the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission. [text of report]
pulled by Azeem to note that though the City Council now has the power to review all appointments, he has a different point of view from all of these appointees – “That’s democracy.”; Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi; Charter Right – Al-Zubi (who wants to hear more from “the organizers”)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons for comments; Charter Right – Simmons

I have very mixed feelings about this Order. There are serious trade-offs between security vs. accessibility and having a friendly and welcoming atmosphere in a building like City Hall.

Order #4. That the City Council go on record acknowledging 2026 as the Centennial Celebration of Negro History Week, and recognizing its enduring contribution to the nation’s understanding of itself.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty (noting the contributions of Marvin Gilmore), Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

I am 100% in agreement with this Order. [Ref: The Cambridge African American History Trail]

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to prepare for a Council discussion on best future uses for City-owned properties and the processes for redevelopment.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi added as sponsor 8-0-1 (MM Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #2. Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments. [Charter Right – Simmons, Dec 22, 2025]
comments by Simmons, Zusy, Azeem, Flaherty; Order Adopted 9-0

This is not a new proposal. The response from the City Solicitor has always (correctly) been that this is not a legal restriction that can be imposed by the City, though a property owner may be able to make this a requirement in a lease. That said, I am told that Somerville has imposed such a restriction, but I suppose that will last right up until the point that someone takes it to court.

On The Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
No Action Taken

We’ll have to see where this one lands. The parallel zoning change for Mass. Ave. was ordained 6-3 at the last regular meeting, but it’s anyone’s guess how the replacement of two councillors for this term will affect this one.

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Dec 4, 2025 to discuss the organizational changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This was a most interesting committee meeting – and I even testified at the meeting about my long-held view that all non-regulatory City boards should have sunset clauses and that they should only be reauthorized if they can demonstrate a clear need for continuation. That said, the most notable aspect of this meeting was that the City Manager deferred to his chosen “Chief of Equity and Inclusion” and “Chief People Officer” to answer all of the hard questions. The irony that the entire staff of the Women’s Commission was jettisoned by the Chief of Equity and Inclusion was more than a little interesting.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting an announcement of Cambridge City Council Committee Appointments for the 2026-2027 term. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

I just hope we can survive the next two years with this lineup.

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Though I appreciate these reports from the School Committee front, I’m really most interested to see how the MTA and CEA inflict their agendas via their newly elected members of the School Committee.

Late Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Robert S. Hurlbut Jr.  Councillor McGovern, (Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui)
comments by McGovern, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui, Flaherty

November 25, 2025

Short and Curious – November 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:58 pm

Short and Curious – November 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting

Though the agenda is short and uneventful, I suspect the personnel shakeup reported in the Harvard Crimson is liable to generate some conversation as it relates to On The Table #2. Here goes:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-60, which requested a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, DPW Commissioner John Nardone, Nolan; [Kevin Beutel, Health Commissioner Sam Lipson also in attendance]; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. These funds will support the removal of stockpiled contaminated soil and initiate the design phase for the remediation and reconstruction of Gold Star Mothers Park. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, John Nardone, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-56, regarding an update on rodent control citywide. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone, Rat Czar Dave Powers (Inspectional Services), Sam Lipson, Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Simmons; Anthony Tuccinardi (Inspectional Services), Toner (on coyotes); Placed on File 9-0

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to explore with the Government Operations Committee whether the functions of the Peace Commission may be improved and enhanced by bringing them within another City Commission or Department, such as the Human Rights Commission, and report back in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, May 19, 2025; Tabled June 2, 2025] (PO25#76)

Late Order #2. Update on Organizational Changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
taken up early; comments by Wilson, Nolan, Azeem, Raecia Catchings (“Chief People Officer”), Sobrinho-Wheeler (who expresses desire that City Council should have control over City personnel matters), Siddiqui, Toner, Simmons, City Solicitor Megan Bayer (raises issue of whether any of this qualifies for possible Executive Session), McGovern; remarks by City Manager Yi-An Huang on how this action came about, accountability, investments in “equity and inclusion” – defers responses to subordinates; Deidre Travis Brown (Chief of Equity and Inclusion) on duplication of effort among commissions, efficiency and effectiveness; Rae Catchings (on the “runway needed” for future actions); Zusy, Siddiqui, McGovern (wants to be added as sponsor), Nolan, Wilson, Yi-An Huang (on future restructuring and staffing changes); amendment to add McGovern and one line adopted 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent); comments by Simmons, Zusy; Order Adopted as Amended 5-3-1 (Toner, Zusy, Simmons – No; Azeem – Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Oct 29, 2025 to review and discuss energy planning in Cambridge including expanding electricity capacity, expanding renewable energy productions, BEUDO energy requirements, and thermal energy network planning and any other topics relevant to the city’s overall planning for ensuring city goals of electrification may be met. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-2-0 (Azeem, Siddiqui – Absent)

November 19, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 655-656: November 18, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,elections,School Committee — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:04 am

Episode 655 – Cambridge InsideOut: Nov 18, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Nov 18, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: 2025 Municipal Election – error, test ballots, controversy, preliminary, unofficial, official results; alphabetical bias in Ranked Choice Voting; Round-by-Round City Council results; School Committee, Teachers Union (CEA) slate and disinterested voters; Factions and Slates; Mamdani Effect. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 656 – Cambridge InsideOut: Nov 18, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Nov 18, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: 2025 Municipal Election – Round-by-Round School Committee results; ballot data, configuration files, ChoicePlusPro tabulation; new City Charter approved – Election Commission flexibility, School Committee to choose their own Chair; Replacements in the event of a vacancy; Instant Runoff Mayoral and School Committee Chair simulations; #1 votes distributions by ward/precinct; #2 votes distributions behind each candidates #1 votes; What might we expect in the new year? Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

November 16, 2025

2025 Cambridge Final Election Results (and some curiosities)

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,elections,School Committee — Tags: , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:22 pm
Official Results (Fri, Nov 14):
City Council (in order of election):
Sumbul Siddiqui
Marc C. McGovern
Ayah Al-Zubi
Cathie Zusy
Burhan Azeem
Jivan G. Sobrinho-Wheeler
Tim Flaherty
E. Denise Simmons
Patricia M. Nolan		 Official Results (Fri, Nov 14):
School Committee (in order of election):
Elizabeth Hudson
Richard Harding
Luisa De Paula Santos
Caitlin Dube
Arjun Jaikumar
David Weinstein		 Charter Ballot Question:
Yes:  18,414 (73%)
No:     5,899 (23%)
Blank: 1,039 (4%)
Total: 25,352 (100%)
Round-by-Round Results (HTML) – official City version Round-by-Round Results (HTML) – official City version  
Spreadsheet (PDF) – with transfer details Spreadsheet (PDF) – with transfer details  
City Council #1 Votes by Ward/Precinct School Committee #1 Votes by Ward/Precinct  
City Council #2 Vote Distribution School Committee #2 Vote Distribution  
Replacements (should a vacancy occur in the upcoming 2026-2027 term):
City Council:
Al-Zubi –> Rifkin
Azeem –> Bullister
Flaherty –> Hanratty
McGovern –> Bullister
Nolan –> Bullister
Siddiqui –> Wilson
Simmons –> Wilson
Sobrinho-Wheeler –> Bullister
Zusy –> Hanratty		 School Committee:
De Paula Santos –> Havstad
Dube –> Goetz
Harding –> Hunter
Hudson –> Schraa Huh
Jaikumar –> Goetz
Weinstein –> Rojas Villarreal
What would happen if we used this year’s City Council and School Committee ballots in a Runoff to determine the Chair of each?
Instant Mayor:
Count 7: McGovern 8377, Siddiqui 8012; Zusy 5748
Count 8: McGovern 9330, Siddiqui 8786		 Instant School Committee Chair:
Count 4: Hudson 6690, de Paula Santos 6674, Harding 5693
Count 5: Hudson 9526, dePaula Santos 7226

October 31, 2025

The Proposed Cambridge City Charter

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 5:21 pm

The Proposed Cambridge City Charter

Oct 31, 2025 – I have been meaning to write up my thoughts on the proposed new Charter, but so many things all at once have been getting in my way. Many people have been asking me about it, so here are some thoughts:Robert Winters

Basically, it will be OK whether or not it passes. Virtually all of the Plan E provisions will remain – albeit it with some language revision and a relatively small number of actual changes.

The bottom line for me was the following:

(a) allow the Election Commission the freedom to approve a tabulation method for the PR Count that is independent of the order in which the ballots are counted;

(b) maintain the city manager form of government;

(c) maintain the practice of the City Council electing its own Chair, i.e. The Mayor;

(d) allow the School Committee to choose its own Chair.

If I had my druthers (which I don’t and I don’t really even know what that word means), I would have:

(a) created a new elected advisory council with representation from all the city’s neighborhoods that could propose legislation to the City Council and require a vote.

(b) rescinded the authority of the City Council to approve board appointments (they actually increased it – bummer)

(c) enhance the citizen petition mechanism to require a City Council vote on the substance of a petition with sufficient signatures.

I was not thrilled with the efforts of some city councillors to gain more power over city management, e.g. the power to approve or deny appointment of City department heads – a surefire way to bring back political patronage. Thankfully we were able to beat back that proposal. I was also quite horrified that some councillors wanted to give themselves the power to reallocate essentially all of the discretionary budget of any City department to other City departments. Again, we were able to beat back that effort. There were other disastrously misguided recommendations from the Charter Review Committee that were thankfully voted down or delayed to another day (or never).

I felt that the entire Charter Review process was flawed from beginning to end. Just as one example, the initial City Council vote was to completely eliminate the citizen right to petition based on the belief that it is already guaranteed in state law. It isn’t. That right was only restored when I convinced a few councillors and the Law Department that the City Council was in error – and they rescinded their prior vote and restored the right to petition.

I plan to vote for the new Charter – not because it’s perfect or what I would ideally want, but because it met my minimum requirements (see above).

Robert

October 18, 2025

A Tax Attacks – October 20, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:24 pm

A Tax Attacks – October 20, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting and Tax Rate Hearing

It’s the Second Coming of the Tax Classification Hearing after the alarm bells rang two weeks ago due to some (apparently) alarming news about the proposed jump in the commercial tax rate. A crisis is often an opportunity for some education.FY2026 Tax Rates

How many people really understand what this hearing and vote is all about? How many people understand the limited options available under state law? How many people have given any thought at all to how the state legislature might change things in order to have a more fair system, e.g. setting the Residential Exemption within different residential classes, distinguishing large commercial properties from “mom and pop stores”, etc.? How many elected officials are willing to speak honestly about the fact that taxes are rising quickly primarily because of their own actions in growing the budget at a rate well in excess of inflation?

Unless the City Council is ready to dump more of the tax burden on residential properties (will never happen), there is actually very little that the City Council can do other than to just cast the usual votes.

Here are some of the items that drew my attention this week:

The Property Tax Rate Classification Hearing
[Tax Rate Letter from City Manager][Tax Rate Orders][Tax Rate Executive Summary][Commercial Tax Rate Examples]
Comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Asst. City Manager Claire Spinner, Assessing Director Gail Willett, Budget Director Taha Jennings, Councillors Toner, McGovern, Azeem, Nolan, Zusy, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson; Tax Rates Adopted 9-0; Both Orders Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Councillor Nolan, Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.), Franz LaBianca (Law Dept.), Councillor Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Charles J. Marquardt as an Election Commissioner for a four-year term, effective through March 31, 2029.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-53, regarding a request that the City Manager consult with relevant departments about the implications of deploying license plate readers and provide recommendations as to whether adjustments in plans for deployment should be made in light of changes since approval in February. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by CPD Commissioner Christine Elow (noting how license plate readers may have helped sole Charlene Holmes murder case) , Pauline Wells (CPD), Peter Vellucci (CPD), Councillor Toner proposes referral to Public Safety Committee; McGovern to propose Late Order to suspend use of license plate readers for now; Mayor Simmons comments; Councillors Nolan, Azeem, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Wilson, Toner comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Toner asks if a policy is currently in place (CPD – Yes), comments by McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy (how can we know that they’re really off?), Commissioner Elow; Late Order (McGovern et.al.) “That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it.” Adopted 9-0

Late Order #9. That the City suspend or revoke using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use, until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council and a vote is taken to allow it.  Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of members to the Committee on Public Planting for terms of three years. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-34 regarding curb cut disputes. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy re: 177 Hancock St. curb cut and possibility that application contained misrepresentations; comments by Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Toner, Nolan; opinion on process from Elliott Veloso (Law Dept.); comments by Yi-An Huang, including requirement that legal notice be given prior to revocation of a permit; Sobrinho-Wheeler opines that City Council should not be deciding on individual curb cuts; Azeem comments, Veloso responds; Toner notes that a two-thirds vote is required to revisit this; Zusy also doesn’t want Council to decide on curb cuts, suggests Council was hoodwinked; McGovern, Simmons, Kathy Watkins, Toner, Wilson, Nolan, Azeem comments; Placed on File 9-0 (with an understanding that a future Communication and Order to rescind may follow)

Order #1. City Council support for Massachusetts’ community colleges and state universities and urging the state Legislature to pass the DRIVE Act with an amendment to cover student supports and other cuts beyond research grants as a first step toward public higher education funding that adequately supports students, faculty and staff.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #3. City Council support of H.811, An Act authorizing cities and towns to provide for citizen-funded election campaigns.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #4. City Council support of the unionization efforts of Massachusetts State House legislative staff and H.2093/S.1343, and urge the recognition of the Massachusetts State House Employee Union.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #6. That the City Council supports House Bill H.3564, An Act Relative to Infrastructure Replacement Projects, and House Bill H.3446 /Senate Bill S.2248, An Act Relative to Municipal Voices in Gas Utility Work that are currently before the Massachusetts Legislature.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #7. City Council support of Bill Lifting Caps on Municipal Solar.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Order #8. City Council opposition to Harvard University’s efforts to strip union protections from workers in the Harvard Graduate Students Union bargaining unit, and to all forms of union busting, and go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of our residents organizing with HGSU, HAW, and the Harvard Undergraduate Workers Union (HUWU), including fair pay, healthcare, and workplace harassment and discrimination protections.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zusy-No)

Charter Right #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Sept 16, 2025 to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 29, 2025]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Sept 25, 2025 to discuss whether the City should reinstate something similar to the exemption of the Dover Amendment to regulate the density and impact of institutional development within residential districts. The 1979 & 1980 exemption was eliminated Feb 10, 2025 with the passage of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 7, 2025 on a Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 with the intent to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.” [text of report]
Comments by Zusy, McGovern; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Unfavorable Recommendation Adopted 9-0

September 26, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These Historical Commission reports are always top notch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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