Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

October 3, 2026

Hexus Nexus – October 5, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:42 pm

Hexus Nexus – October 5, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

City HallI’ll definitely have more to say about this week’s agenda – especially about the arrival of the long-delayed Nexus Study on Inclusionary Zoning – but here are the main attractions for this week’s one ring circus:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Seth Minkoff to the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC). [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, conveying a response to AR26-32 regarding food vending in parks. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Zusy, Siddiqui, Nolan; referred to Gov’t Operations 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Inclusionary Zoning Report. [Manager’s Letter][CDD/Housing Recommendations][Nexus Report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, McGovern, Azeem, Simmons, Nolan, Flaherty, Zusy, Siddiqui; Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Order #1. That the proposed language for “Tenant Notification of Property Sale” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, McGovern, Nolan (add as sponsor), Flaherty, Siddiqui; Order Referred to Ordinance Committee as Amended 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City staff to advocate for a stronger level of CSO Control and virtual CSO elimination by 2050 in the CSO Control Plan and to advocate for broader funding across the state and entire MWRA region, and for additional federal funding.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Al-Zubi (w/amendment), Zusy (references to Magazine Beach CSO project), Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Flaherty (cost concerns), McGovern, Siddiqui; Al-Zubi amendment Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #1. Postponing the roll out of the Outer Huron Bike Lanes from the Bicycle Safety Ordinance until we solve the parking problem. [Charter Right – Zusy, Sept 28, 2026]
comments by Zusy w/amendment (calling for one-year delay so that City can install Permit Parking only signs on one side of the street), McGovern (double talk), Simmons, Flaherty (emphasizing the myriad destinations in this area that need parking), Nolan (not supportive of original, OK w/McGovern/Siddiqui substitute), Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (quotes a study suggesting these spaces not filled), Brooke McKenna (occupancy of parking spaces varies by time of year, time of day; suggesting change in regulation of parking – unrestricted in day, resident-only overnight, only golfers in their lot w/placards, changes along Glacken Field – no success in locating any off-street parking), Zusy (on when changes in parking regulations could be implemented), Nolan, McGovern (suggests use of golf course lot for evening events at Russell Center/VFW), Simmons (asks if Parkside Place were agreeable to allowing use of their parking, would it be free? – No), Kathy Watkins (not optimistic about any alternate parking), Siddiqui (asserts that majority oppose any delay); Zusy amendment Fails 4-5 (BA,TF,DS,CZ-Yes; AAZ,MM,PN,JSW,SS-No); Zusy will not support McGovern/Siddiqui amendment because it doesn’t do anything and sends the wrong message; Flaherty agrees that the substitute is disingenuous and proposal unfairly impacts this neighborhood; McGovern/Siddiqui substitute Adopted 6-3 (AAZ,BA,MM,PN,JSW,SS-Yes; TF,DS,CZ-No)

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant staff and departments to implement the recommendations following the May 2025 Human Services & Veterans Committee meeting, such as strengthening anti-poverty measures, establishing a dedicated CARE Team call and referral line, prioritizing commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking prevention efforts for LGBTQIA+ youth, and report back to the City Council on progress. [Charter Right – Nolan, Sept 28, 2026]
Nolan comments on protection of sex workers not arresting or prosecuting those who sell work (“this line of work”), supports full decriminalization of sex workers, but not for those who buy it, proposed amendments to the Order; Sobrinho-Wheeler (“whatever line of work you are in”, draws parallel with cannabis legalization); McGovern (“It’s the right thing to so, we have heard a lot from people in the industry.”), Zusy (has questions for police or other City staff – “Is Cambridge Police involved in enforcement against sex workers?”), Shameka Gregory (Executive Director, Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative (DGBVPI)) responds – many opinions on this, but unanimous support for protections of sex workers, lack of trust in law enforcement; Simmons comments (noting that CPS does not prioritize arrest people for sex work); Azeem calls question (9-0); amendments Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Flaherty-Present); Al-Zubi added as sponsor w/comments; Siddiqui, Simmons comments; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Flaherty-Present)

192 Communications (including one supposedly from Art Vandelay – for those who get the joke)

Late Resolution #4. Resolution honoring Stephen Henry Kaiser, Ph.D.   Councillor Zusy
Councillor Zusy notes that Steve is currently in Mt. Auburn Hospital with pneumonia

September 26, 2026

The Taxman Cometh – September 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,Fresh Pond — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:14 pm

The Taxman Cometh – September 28, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

There’s a lotta money on the table this week – setting the rates for the Fall tax bills, and a scheduled rally by the Teachers Union (a.k.a. Cambridge Education Association) to substantially jack up the School Department budget. There’s also a common-sense proposal to delay or stop the removal of parking on the section of Huron Ave. west of the golf course that challenges the dogma of the Cambridge Bicycle Safety crowd. There are also a couple of City Board appointments, an announcement that my pal Jason Weeks will be moving on after many years at the Cambridge Arts Council, a proposal for some minor adjustments to the Multi-Family Housing Ordinance, and more!Dogtown

Here are the items that drew my attention:

Tax Rate Hearing (6:30pm): A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY27 tax rate. [City Manager’s Letter][Tax Rate Orders]
comments by Nolan, Zusy, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Claire Spinner (Finance), Gayle Willett (Assessing), Flaherty, Yi-An Huang (low tax rates, high property values, highest budgets for broader and deeper services), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui; Order 1a Adopted 8-0-1 (DS-Absent); Nolan explains equity issues re: flat Residential Exemption; Order 1b Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

The bottom line is: The FY27 Adopted Operating Budget is $1.033 billion which is an increase of 4.1% (or $41 million) over the FY26 Adopted Budget. The actual FY27 tax levy required to support the FY27 Budget is $725,384,189 which is an increase of $46,531,718 or 6.85% from FY26, consistent with the estimate presented when the budget was adopted in June 2026.

TO BE EDITED The property tax levy increase of 6.85% is lower than the FY25 increase of 8.0%. The five-year (FY23-FY27) annual average increase is 7.96%, and the ten-year (FY18-FY27) annual average increase is 6.9%. The FY26 residential tax rate will be $6.95 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.28, or approximately 4% from FY26. The commercial tax rate will be $16.99, which is an increase of $2.92, or 21% from FY25 (which follows a 22% rate increase the previous year).

“A major concern going forward is that if residential values increase and commercial values continue to decrease, the City could hit the ceiling for the property tax classification shift. Once the classification ceiling is reached, the residential class will bear all tax levy increases while this condition continues.”

As a result of the market activity in calendar year 2025, which is the basis of the FY27 property assessments, total residential property values increased by 2.3%. Total commercial property values decreased by 12.4%. These negative results reflect the continued softening of the commercial and lab markets.

By property class, an average a single-family home will see a 6.47% tax increase, a two-family will see a 8.24% increase, a three-family will see a 8.38% increase, and a condo will see a 0.71% decrease. Due to the flat residential exemption, condo owners will often see a decrease or only a very small increase in years when other property owners are hit with a significant increase. Here are the median figures including the CPA Surcharge:

FY2027 Taxes – including CPA Surcharge and Residential Exemption

Residential
Property Type		 FY24
Median Tax		 FY25
Median Tax		 FY26
Median Tax		 FY27
Median Tax		 Median
$ increase		 %
increase
Condominium $1,555 $1,734 $1,964 $1,950 – $ 14 -0.71%
Single-Family $7,674 $8,277 $9,122 $9,712 $ 590 6.47%
Two-Family $6,713 $7,146 $7,802 $8,445 $ 643 8.24%
Three-Family $8,246 $8,865 $9,657 $10,466 $ 809 8.38%

History of changes in residential property taxes

Median Annual Tax Increases – Cambridge (not incl. CPA surcharge)
Tax Year condo single-family two-family three-family
FY2009 $ 18 $ 40 $ 24 $ 72
FY2010 $ 69 $ 119 $ 47 $ 41
FY2011 $ 77 $ 306 $ 132 $ 154
FY2012 $ 60 $ 269 $ 177 $ 215
FY2013 $ 65 $ 159 $ 80 $ 85
FY2014 – $ 38 $ 109 $ 110 $ 201
FY2015 $ 15 $ 11 $ 334 $ 253
FY2016 – $ 18 $ 64 $ 101 $ 217
FY2017 $ 11 $ 324 $ 237 $ 336
FY2018 $ 76 $ 136 $ 33 $ 61
FY2019 $ 21 $ 124 $ 292 $ 469
FY2020 $ 43 $ 449 $ 366 $ 369
FY2021 $ 3 $ 246 $ 131 $ 218
FY2022 $ 33 $ 545 $ 301 $ 335
FY2023 – $ 107 $ 419 $ 269 $ 379
FY2024 – $ 7 $ 743 $ 494 $ 598
FY2025 $ 175 $ 587 $ 421 $ 602
FY2026 $ 224 $ 821 $ 638 $ 770
FY2027 $ 24 $ 836 $ 841 $ 766
5 year average $61.80 $681.20 $532.60 $623.00
10 year average $48.50 $490.60 $378.60 $456.70
15 year average $34.67 $371.53 $309.87 $377.27
20 year average $36.60 $309.50 $247.75 $300.60
number of properties 15472 3925 2172 1138

Board Appointments:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Climate Committee. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the LGBTQ+ Commission. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Arts Council Leadership Announcement. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,250,000 from the Water Fund Balance to fund the purchase of supplemental drinking water from the MWRA. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-26 regarding harmonization of institutional bus protocols. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. City Council opposition to H.R. 8870 and Increases in Federal Truck Size and Weight Limits.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Mon, Nov 30, 2026, from 4:00-6:00pm, to discuss the future uses of City-owned properties.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council within thirty days on the status of the negotiations between the Cambridge School Committee and the Cambridge Education Association, in Executive Session if the Law Department advises that a report in open session would disclose collective bargaining strategy Support for Cambridge Public Schools paraprofessionals, substitutes, and clerks.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Zusy; Siddiqui recuses herself; comments by Al-Zubi (wants to fund everything), Zusy (notes actual salary ranges, this is School Committee’s business and that proposals would add 18% to School Dept. budget, will vote No), Nolan (this is School Committee business and would step into middle of contract negotiations, district has proposed a 60% increase over 2 years of lowest paid paraprofessionals, wants School Committee to work within current budget, notes continuing mediocre MCAS results), Sobrinho-Wheeler (support any union no matter what), Flaherty (this is not just about supporting unions, but passing this would set a bad precedent), McGovern (calls this “a tough one”, but City Council has no line item authority with the School Department and its budget), Azeem (it would be fine if we spent extra, but this belongs with School Committee, Al-Zubi (claims there is no conflict of interest, wants confidential information on negotiations to be provided), Simmons (notes former School Committee members on Council and how the School Committee would resent City Council intervention in this matter – stay in our own lane), Zusy (clarifies pay ranges for paraprofessionals – average salary is more like $52,000, in line with neighboring communities); Motion Fails 2-4-1-2 (AAZ,JSW-Yes; BA,TF,PN,CZ-No; SS-Absent; MM,DS-Present)

Order #8. Postponing the roll out of the Outer Huron Bike Lanes from the Bicycle Safety Ordinance until we solve the parking problem.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Simmons, Nolan, Azeem, Kathy Watkins, Al-Zubi, McGovern (w/substitute Order with Siddiqui), Siddiqui; Charter Right – Zusy

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks. [Charter Right – Simmons, Sept 14, 2026]
comments by Simmons (opposes proposed amendments), Al-Zubi (withdraw previous amendment, introduce new amendment); previous amendment withdrawn 9-0; comments by Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern (fine w/original Order), Zusy (will vote for original Order, this is about enforcement and not social services), Siddiqui (would delete reference to Community Safety taking the lead), McGovern, Azeem; Amendment by Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler Fail 4-3-0-2 (AAZ,PN,JSW,SS-Yes; MM,DS,CZ-No; BA,TF-Present); Original Order Adopted 7-2 (AAZ,JSW-Present); Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Resolution #3. Happy 102nd Birthday to Marvin Gilmore.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Flaherty with story and to be added as sponsor; comments by Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2026 to continue discussion of the 2025 Multifamily Zoning Amendments and consider potential modifications. The Committees also reviewed PO26#123, relative to proposed amendments to the Multifamily Zoning Ordinance. The June 25, 2026 Committee meeting recessed and reconvened on Sept 16, 2026. At the Sept 16, 2026 meeting both Committees voted favorably to recommend to the full City Council adoption of the proposed Policy Order, as amended, requesting that the City Manager work with CDD and relevant City Departments to prepare zoning language based on the recommendations discussed at the Sept 16, 2026 joint Committee hearing. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; comments on proposed Order by McGovern, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Melissa Peters (CDD), Zusy, Azeem (notes that 20% Inclusionary and other zoning changes are not producing the housing that was projected, especially with high interest rates and tariffs – OK with proposed amendments but make other future changes), Flaherty (suggests having a sunset provision), McGovern, Melissa Peters (will respond within 6-8 weeks); Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. (proposed in Comm. Report #1) That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD and relevant City departments to prepare zoning language based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2026 Joint Housing and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committees for consideration by the full City Council.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0 (see Committee Report #1)

September 15, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 675-676: September 15, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling,Harvard Square,history,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:11 pm

Episode 675 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 15, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Sept 15, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: Concord, Massachusetts – Old North Bridge, Reformatory Trail, Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge and the Concord River, path to Author’s Ridge and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery; Open Archives, serendipity and the Hood Rubber Company; reopening of Carl Barron Plaza in Central Square coming this month – will Harvard Square Kiosk area follow?; some tales of the reconfigured Broadway – high speed motorized bikes in the bike lanes, floating bus stop at the high school an accident waiting to happen, endangerment of good drivers; Huron Ave. west bike lanes coming regardless of what anyone has to say; Saturday attractions – Danehy Park Family Day, Somerville Fluff Festival, Central Square Night Market; Sept 25 Meet Your Neighbor Event; Sept 26 Roast in the Coast. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 676 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 15, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Sept 15, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: A few words on the summer controversies, ShotSpotter, and Resident Assembly; Sept 14 Council meeting – hiring of ex_ICE officers, Community Preservation Act allocation vote and some historical perspective, Board appointments, the absurdity of self-congratulating reports from City departments, some history of the PTDM Ordinance, automated traffic and parking enforcement (with cameras and surveillance!) coming soon, Resident Permit Parking (triple cost coming soon!), micromobility and the foresight of Craig Kelley, the question of a directly-elected mayor returns, the problem of the current Council being the only source of changes in city government – and always changes that grant more authority and privileges to city councillors; City Clerk Paula Crane; problematic fireworks in The Port and a dumb idea from the DSA councillors; streamlining of permits and licenses; ordination of Cambridge Street and Mass. Ave. zoning amendments; Social Housing Task Force report; a letter from Patrick Barrett on Neighborhood Conservation Districts, Multifamily Housing Zoning, Inclusionary Zoning and the elusive Nexus Study. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

August 19, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 673-674: August 18, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council,cycling,elections,recycling,School Committee,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:26 pm

Episode 673 – Cambridge InsideOut: Aug 18, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Aug 18, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: OldTime Baseball Game; Destroying Broadway – bike lanes, white posts, collisions coming, no room for school buses, delivery vehicles, BlueBikes truck; nonexistent “community engagement” by Transportation Department – a.k.a. Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation; rats next door and garbage located under neighbors’ windows; Cambridge Multi-Family Zoning has no room for rubbish and recycling; ShotSpotter controversy continued; residents not being heard by our nonrepresentative City Council; July 23 and Aug 3 City Council meetings; Evasive Action via Resident Assembly vs. Actual Action; Isn’t the City Council supposed to be our Representative Assembly?; ShotSpotter reactivated. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 674 – Cambridge InsideOut: Aug 18, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Aug 18, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: On Representation – proportional representation and otherwise; Proportional to what?; Pretend Parties and Single-Issue Advocacy; City Council proportional to advocacy groups and not to residents of the city; questionable representation on School Committee; paucity of good candidates at all levels of government; “We have a democracy problem in this country.”; Is a choice between a socialist and a YIMBY really a choice?; Incentives for candidacy all fouled up; self-congratulatory reports written by proponents of CSO and AHO; streamlining permitting for better or worse; Mass. Ave. and Cambridge St. zoning tweaks – folly of legislatively dictating economic outcomes; Central Square World’s Fair revival; disappearance of the Cambridge River Festival; allowing more fun and reforming the License Commission – for better or worse; wayfinding, information kiosks, and the proliferation of signage; Primary Election, Early Voting, and some key races. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

August 1, 2026

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You – August 3, 2026 Midsummer Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council,Deaths,history,School Committee — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 7:25 pm

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You – August 3, 2026 Midsummer Cambridge City Council meeting

Public Comment will most likely be a replay of the DSA misfits and nitwits who were invited to share their misinformation at the July 23 Special City Council meeting. Then again, perhaps some actual residents from Newtowne Court and The Port will show up to provide a few lessons in reality. The recent Special Meeting ended badly with one freshman DSA city councillor imploding when the votes appeared to not be going her way. I hope this one goes better. Here are the agenda items that stood out for me:Dogtown

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]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-35 which requested that the City Manager work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to potential alternative methods of curb cut review. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem; Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Sixth Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Progress Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2026 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Will MacArthur to the Social Housing Task Force. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to opportunities to streamline the permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Jennifer Caira (CDD), Al-Zubi, Zusy, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0

Zoning and Development
Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Petition amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent) per Committee Report #5; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; McGovern explains that Cambridge Street currently has no active use requirements, proposed amendment by substitution would require active uses only in Lechmere and Webster Ave. areas, current petition would require active uses on all of Cambridge St. for all buildings greater than 3 stories; Amendment by Substitution Fails 2-7 (Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes); Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 8-1 (Azeem – No); Placed on File 9-0

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by Oct 1, 2026.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Zusy for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #12. Greater Interdepartmental Coordination and Community Information Sharing Relating to Development.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Petition #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Michelle Lower of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. transmitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance to amend the provisions of Section 13.59.42 if the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the transfer of 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C Zoning District on the Industry B Zoning District in exchange for the conversion of the existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing. The Petition seeks to amend the Zoning Map by creating the “Technology Square Transfer Receiving District.” (PET26#3) [text of report]
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on June 2, 2026 to discuss possible changes relating to setbacks, stepbacks, open space and wet labs to the recently adopted Cambridge Street Zoning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee held two public hearings on June 16, 2026 and July 7, 2026 on two City Council zoning petitions to amend Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding active use requirements on North Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, including a special permit requirement for Formula Businesses on Cambridge Street. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 21, 2026 on a Zoning Petition by Douglas P. Brown, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, and 19.000 with the intent of amending height, setback, and open space requirements, adding step back and building depth and width requirements, and adding minimum off-street parking requirements for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, including the Affordable Housing Overlay, as well as reducing the Project Review Special Permit threshold from 75,000 to 20,000 square feet for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler noting that petition received a 2-7 negative recommendation from Ordinance Committee; Councillor Flaherty unsuccessfully tried to exercise his Charter Right (but this is not New Business), comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler Motion to Adopt Petition Fails 0-9; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to examine how a revived Central Square World’s Fair could build upon the successful partnership between the City, Cambridge Arts, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, including lessons learned from the annual Cambridge Dance Party and other large-scale public events.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Licensing and License Commission
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the License Commission to jointly lead the City’s evaluation of a limited pilot program from Fall 2026 through Fall 2027 allowing certain eligible licensed establishments to serve alcohol until 3:00am.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by McGovern, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy – Present)

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition process.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, the Transportation Department, and any other appropriate departments to determine whether the City may require Eversource, and any contractors or subcontractors working on Eversource’s behalf in Cambridge, to submit weekly certified payroll reports or similar payroll documentation for work performed in Cambridge’s public ways.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Thurs, Aug 6, 2026, from 1:30-3:30pm, to discuss the City of Cambridge’s ongoing and future work in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services – including comparative examples – while ensuring any AI use aligns with City values, complies with legal and privacy requirements, and benefits both employees and the public.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to take steps to implement as soon as possible a program for automated parking enforcement which could be piloted in targeted areas of the city to evaluate different technologies, different functionalities for various locations, and publicize regulations Implementation of Automated Parking Enforcement.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the City Council accept M.G.L. Ch. 40U as a method of collecting some fines.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and connection to Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan, McGovern, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to work with the Health and Environment Committee to discuss a time-of-sale energy audit and review possible ordinance language, for potential adoption after deliberation and refinement.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan for comments (she ultimately wants mandates); Order Adopted 9-0

Order #17. That the Cambridge City Council in support of the initiatives in the House and Senate Environmental Bond Bill and the Energy Affordability Bill as priorities for the deliberation of the conference committee and for inclusion in the final bill, in order to support the climate and affordability initiatives of the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi, Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Azeem, Yi-An Huang, Jackson Price, Zusy, Nolan; Amendments proposed by McGovern, Siddiqui Adopted 9-0; Nolan amendment to not allow ShotSpotter to be restored until a full STIR report is made Fails 3-6 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler – Yes); Order Adopted as Amended 6-3 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler – No)
Note: Essentially, the McGovern/Siddiqui amended language to have a “resident assembly” do an evaluation and make recommendations must be viewed as a confession that the current City Council is NOT representative of the residents of Cambridge and that their actions often do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Cambridge – especially those residents living in neighborhoods like The Port and those not affiliated with advocacy groups.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report’s recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Nolan, Flaherty; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Police Commissioner Pauline Wells; Referred by Azeem 9-0 to City Manager (to be then referred to resident assembly as per ShotSpotter vote)

Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Apr 29, 2026 to review the Cambridge Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter technology, also known as SoundThinking, which was referred to the Public Safety Committee through the Annual Surveillance Report, CM26#44, on Mar 9. 2026. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #5. Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment. [Passed to 2nd Reading June 22, 2026; Eligible To Be Ordained on or after July 13, 2026] (ORD26#7) [text of report]
Comments by Nolan; Ordained 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 26, 2026 to review and discuss implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0, adopted by Council in June 2025, including review of draft ordinance changes as recommended by the ZWMP 2.0. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Xavier Bautista.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui

Resolution #6. Congratulations to Glenn Koocher on his retirement.   Councillor Simmons

Resolution #8. That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Michele Kincaid for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and wishing her a happy retirement.   Mayor Siddiqui
Comments by Siddiqui

Resolution #10.   Condolences to the family of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence Dixon.   Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
Comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Simmons added a sponsor

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Nolan Submitting Proposed Amendments to Short Term Rental Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

June 17, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 669-670: June 16, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,elections,Harvard Square,history,Inman Square,Kendall Square — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:00 am

Episode 669 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 16, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on June 16, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: The Last Supper at the S&S Restaurant, looking back while the steamrollers do their thing, some local and personal history (1978-present), Inman Square Men’s Bar (Ladies Invited!), Mass. Army & Navy, 25¢ subway and 20¢ buses, Ridin’ the Dog, Math & Frisbees, F&T Diner and Restaurant, learning to drive in Boston, journey from $70 tenant to landlord, “Antique Row”, from drug dealers to gentrification, notable neighbors, gentrification and stockade fences. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 670 – Cambridge InsideOut: June 16, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on June 16, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: June 1 and June 8 City Council meetings; FY2027 Budget Adoption, social media post-Twitter, ShotSpotter controversy, unprecedented cutting off of discussion, misrepresentation of residents, public safety vs. virtue signaling, changing Council Rules to limit public comment and Council discussion, mayor cutting off councillors with a timer, limited work and expanded privileges of councillors, self-reporting and giving yourself an A+, turf vs. grass at Ahern Field, preserving the Old Stone Wall in Harvard Square, proposals to modify multi-family zoning and a new zoning petition, same standards for all housing; 2026 contested elections. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 26, 2026

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:32 pm

May Day meets the FY2027 Budget – April 27, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

It was only a matter of time before the socialist and anti-capitalist voices on the City Council grew louder. This week they are in full voice. In contrast, this week also marks the release of the FY27 Budget and some very significant loan authorizations which, needless to say, will be funded by those good old capitalist realities like private property ownership and real estate taxes. The contrast of conflicting realities is sheer delight. Here are some of this week’s highlights:Coins

FY2027 Operating Budget: $1,017,855,440 ($1,032,959,502 including the Water Fund)

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to submission of the FY2027 budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings, Flaherty, Azeem, Simmons, Siddiqui; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Loan Authorizations: $109,980,000
FY2027 Public Investment Budget: $45,173,083

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of improvements along Massachusetts Avenue and vicinity between Bigelow Street and Sidney Street. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan, comments on #2-13 by Nolan, Flaherty; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,000,000 to provide funds to replace and modernize the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,000,000 to provide funds for remediation and improvements at Gold Star Mothers Park. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,795,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,375,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in the Baldwin neighborhood. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $500,000 to provide funds for the City’s Climate Change Program to improve protection against flooding and extreme heat. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to provide funds for design and construction of the Harvard Square sewer separation and stormwater management program. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $310,000 to provide funds for the replacement of Ozone generators at the Water Department. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 to provide funds for water works construction projects for repairs and replacement of water distribution infrastructure. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

FY2027 Budget Summaries

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-20 regarding a report on major capital initiatives at or above $15,000,000 for the period from FY21 to FY26. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy, Huang, Kathy Watkins, McGovern; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to AR26-23 regarding the Cambridge Preschool Program. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Nolan, Siddiqui; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments for the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

James Roosevelt, Elisabeth Werby, Risa Mednick, Michael Baenen, Karen Kosko reappointed to 3-year terms.

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Family Policy Council appointment and reappointment. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Tracy Rose Tynes appointed, Yoyo Yau reappointed.

Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Fiqir Worku to the Human Rights Commission. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Peace Commission Appointments. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan on streamlining and consolidation of boards, Huang, Saffana Anwar (Peace Comm.), Zusy; Appointments Confirmed 9-0

New appointments: Paul Knott, Heather Rivera, Katherine E. Stevenson, Pamela Howard, Muna Kangsen, Karim L. Razzaz, Julie Ayaz
Reappointments: Larry Kim, Elka Kuhlman, Annie Brown, Bonnie Talbert, Sarah DeMott, Kazimiera Fraley

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Mass Ave Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Azeem (noting comments from Cambridge Redevelopment Authority), Zusy (noting that there is a Special Permit option to opt out of 1st floor retail); Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Cambridge Street Active Use zoning petition. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition and Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council within ninety (90) with a brief written update describing: (a) the updates made to succession-planning and employee-ownership materials; (b) the status of the worker-cooperative technical-assistance referral pipeline; (c) any guidance issued or planned regarding below-threshold quote-seeking from worker-owned cooperatives and related vendor-outreach steps; and (d) any additional low-cost, staff-feasible next steps the City Manager recommends for expanding support for worker-owned cooperatives in Cambridge.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Workers of the world unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!
[Is this really something that local government should be doing?]

Order #2. That the City Council go on record endorsing the May Day Strong National Day of Action on May 1, 2026, as an expression of Cambridge’s support for workers’ rights, economic justice, and the tradition of peaceful civic engagement.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

A great day to go shopping.

Order #3. That the City Council encourage MassDOT to implement infrastructure improvements to the Museum Way and Charles River Dam Road intersection.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct appropriate departments to develop an accessible “Neighbors’ Guide to the MFH Ordinance.”   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Huang; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to explore options for commissioning a housing needs study through a qualified research institution, to establish a clear evidence-based understanding of existing housing conditions, resident needs, and measurable housing goals to guide future decision-making.   Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Azeem, Al-Zubi (w/proposed amendment), McGovern, Melissa Peters (CDD), Huang, Flaherty, Simmons; Charter Right – Simmons
[Note: As I have pointed out before, the mythical target of 12,500 new housing units did not grow out of the Envision Cambridge process. CDD staff simply inserted that number from the MAPC after the fact, and questioning this arbitrary goal is now long overdue. – RW]

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic. [Charter Right – Flaherty, Apr 13, 2026]
Comments by Siddiqui, Flaherty, Al-Zubi, Nolan (long speech), Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Brooke McKenna (Dept. of Congestion, Obstruction, & Aggravation), Azeem, Zusy (noting that Transportation Dept. intentionally slow-walked the reconfiguration, and a proposed amendment); Simmons comments and motion to Table [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; comments by Azeem, Huang, Siddiqui, Flaherty (notes that neighbors overwhelmingly prefer two-way operation), McGovern; Zusy proposed amendment to text of Order [Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; Nolan comments re: loss of trust; Simmons motion to Refer to Transportation Committee [Fails 3-6 (Flaherty, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)]; Order Adopted 5-4 (Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – YES; Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – NO); Reconsideration Fails 4-5 (Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – YES; Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – NO)
[Note: This was never about the relative safety of two options. It is now and has from the beginning been purely about catering to political advocacy groups. – RW]

379 Communications – almost all re: whether the current horrible one-way Garden Street configuration should be changed to an equally horrible two-way configuration.

Chances are this will again be the main topic during Public Comment. Garden Street was a perfectly safe and relatively quiet street for all the years prior to the City screwing it up.

Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 24, 2026 to discuss the 2026 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. [text of report]
Report Accepted and Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 30, 2026 to review the Community Benefits Ordinance and discuss potential updates including allowing the allocation of funding to community organizations for capital projects. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the proposed amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Two amendments Adopted and Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent); Report Accepted and Placed on File 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern Absent)

April 22, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 665-666: April 21, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Cambridge Redevelopment Authority,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,Harvard Square,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:11 pm

Episode 665 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 21, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Apr 21, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: Middlesex Canal, Billerica and some history of local canals; Riverview down, Broadway sidewalks and street reconfiguration, Eversource failures; Central Square Rezoning and CRA Open House; Retirement of Police Commissioner Christine Elow and a story; Board and Commission Vacancies, Traffic Board history. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 666 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 21, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Apr 21, 2026 at 6:30pm. Updates – water & sewer rates, modernizing funding for community media, Harvard Square pedestrianization, dissatisfaction with Culture House and Harvard Square Kiosk, large data centers, resident parking permit fee tripled without review of actual costs, appointment of Sara Rivera as Election Commissioner, Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee appointments, Harvard time caps for non-tenure track teaching faculty, Harvard graduate student strike, restoration of Garden St. to two-way motor-vehicle traffic; History and Revival of the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA). Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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