Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

March 14, 2024

Springing Forward – March 18, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 5:23 pm

Springing Forward – March 18, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are the things I found interesting this week:First Sign of Spring

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. (CM24#42) [text of reports]

This is almost routine at this point. I can’t even remember when we last failed to get a “triple triple”. One thing that struck me in the Moody’s report was: “Cambridge’s assessed value projected to decline by 2% in 2025 before recovering in 2026.” I don’t believe there’s any way that residential assessed values could be falling, so any drop is likely due to lower commercial assessed values. There’s also this: “The city’s assessed value is projected to flatten over the next couple years including a 2% decline in total assessed value that is projected in 2025. The decline in total AV is driven by a projected 7% decline in commercial value in 2025 and projected 2% decline in 2026. The declines are driven primarily by the challenges in the commercial office space sub-sector as a result of work-from-home options that have taken hold in many companies and industries in the city and across the nation. The residential sector is projected to see no change in 2025 values followed by a projected 2% increase annually beginning in 2026 through 2028.” The S&P report has this cautionary note: “We could lower the rating if reserves were to decrease significantly without a plan for restoration or if debt service and retirement costs were to pressure the city’s finances.”

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2024 and ending March 31, 2025. (CM24#43) [text of report]

The notable increases in the water rate last year and this year actually exceed the increases in the sewer rate, but it has generally been the reverse for some time. It costs far more to lose water than to supply it.

water-sewer rates FY25

*All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and meet with the MBTA and City of Boston in advance of the July Red Line shutdown about the implementation of a fare-free 1 bus program.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and Community Development Department to study whether the City Council could add maximum lot area per dwelling unit, maximum setback requirements, and minimum floor area ratios in some districts or as part of an overlay in the Zoning Ordinance and whether the City Council could require a special permit for a down conversion in developments that would result in a net loss of housing units.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan

I am very leery of this proposal – especially if it is interpreted to apply to existing buildings. During the days of rent control, the requirement that a “removal permit” was required prior to joining units was routinely used to prevent property owners from doing very reasonable things. For example, when I bought my triple-decker, the apartment where I now live had been operated as a rooming house, and the City treated it as 5 housing units. I had to use my tenure dating back to 1978 in the building to be allowed to legally restore the floor back to the apartment it had been for over fifty years. Had I not been able to do this, it would not have been possible for me to continue owning or living in the building. Many years later, I now occasionally consider the possibility of occupying two floors of the building, and I would be outraged if our elected officials took away my flexibility to do that. The devil, as is often said, is in the details. There is a very creepy mindset in the minds of some elected officials that personal freedom should always take a back seat to their political agendas.

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the chairs of the Housing Committee on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including inclusionary units, citywide.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson

While I generally agree with the idea of allowing multi-family housing citywide, I really don’t think that this Order should be quoting a class project by a Harvard freshman in making assertions (some of which are demonstrably false) regarding the history of zoning in Cambridge.

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and report back to the City Council with recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with associated costs.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem

Once again, if this is simply a matter of adjusting fees to cover the administrative costs of the resident parking permit program, then fine. On the other hand, if the intention is to use increased fees to carry out yet another social engineering program, then I hope this goes nowhere fast.

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop ways to fund support of decarbonization and clean energy projects and technical assistance for property owners of all types especially those with limited resources, with an initial focus on work associated with BEUDO emissions reduction requirements.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Siddiqui

As I have said before, if the City wants to provide incentives to change energy sources or provide greater efficiencies for homeowners, then I’m totally on board with that. I am, however, mindful of the woefully inadequate electrical infrastructure in Cambridge (look up sometime to see how many streetlights are connected to extension cords over the street to get their power) and the potential consequence of increased electrification. I also encourage everyone to read the recent March 14 New York Times article “A New Surge in Power Use Is Threatening U.S. Climate Goals”. – Robert Winters

March 4, 2024

Marching Fourth – March 4, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Marching Fourth – March 4, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Lion and the LambPerhaps this is the year we’ll march in like a lamb and out like a lion. There are some interesting things circling around – notably the recent Feb 28 Finance Committee meeting where City staff made it abundantly clear that the City Council might want to be just a bit less ambitious and expansive in their requests to fund everything under the sun. They are anticipating tax levy increases for the next few fiscal years in excess of 10%, and this may translate into very large jumps in property taxes – especially for single-, two-, and three-family homes. [Don’t worry, condo owners, you will likely continue to get the sweetest deal in town. The main message was “The City is at a critical inflection point and will need to take action to preserve future financial stability.”

Perhaps the two most substantive items on the week’s agenda are the final report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and the Central Square Lots Study Report.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). [text of report]
pulled by Wilson to announce that there will be a Public Safety Committee meeting on this on Apr 2, 3-5pm; Referred to Public Safety Committee 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Central Square Lots Study Report. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson – a says outreach was unsatisfactory, loss of Starlight Square; Yi-An Huang responds to questions about representation, nature of process of the study, role of councillors in facilitating community feedback; McGovern questions about Request for Information (RFI), Melissa Peters responds about RFI and planning for Central Square rezoning, trade-offs, housing options; Yi-An Huang refers to Lots Study as a “test fit”, desire for housing, including “affordable”, need to bring Cambridge Redevelopment Authority into process, possibility of joining with adjacent (privately-owned) properties [Note: this was exactly the point I made in the Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) meeting on this – especially in regard to the privately-owned lots at Prospect/Bishop Allen and building on Green Street adjacent to parking lot at Pleasant (currently hosting Needle Exchange)]; McGovern on Starlight (Lot 5) and how its loss would be upsetting to many; Yi-An Huang notes that he has discussed with with CSBID, City financial support for Starlight/Popportunity – uses phrase “square within the square”, possibility of housing, performance space, and parking at this location; Siddiqui expresses disappointment that there will be a limited Starlight season this year with an early end, notes ARPA award to support it, says there is community support to extend it; Pickett wants to reconcile Lots Study and planning for zoning changes; Melissa Peters says Lots Study and zoning planning are parallel processes, RFP will come after the zoning is completed; Pickett asks about continuing community engagement; Nolan concerns about long-term planning [Hey, isn’t there a committee with that name?], suggests citywide survey, impacts on City budget – both capital and operating budgets, quantifying value of Starlight Square; Azeem bemoans loss of Starlight, need for alternatives, offers comments on various lots and properties; Sobrinho-Wheeler uptalks; Simmons wants to refer to NLTP Committee, expresses hope for Starlight, notes decades of studies on Central Square – brings up slide (from CCJ site), Central Square as a cultural district, how this fits in with ongoing MAPC study, shallow referencing of “people of color”, dissatisfaction with degree of outreach, 44 years with 24 studies – “hurry up and wait”; Yi-An Huang notes that this “test fit” utilized past studies; disagreement about whether there is a call for action or additional feedback and study; Yi-An Huang (correctly) notes that Starlight was built as a temporary structure during Covid and that focus now should be on future alternatives; Wilson references long gap between ideas/suggestions and actions; Pickett speaks to how NLTP will take this on; McGovern expresses a “blitz” of meetings on this; Referred to NLTP 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-4, regarding recommendations and legal opinions for adjusting transportation related fees and other considered changes based on the conversations in committee on Dec 6, 2023. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan – wants to raise resident parking permit fees w/low-income discounts, fees based on vehicle size; City Solicitor Megan Bayer responds; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a communication regarding the American Rescue Plan Act’s (“ARPA”) definition of “Obligation.” [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler – what happens to unspent ARPA funds; Magan Bayer says these go back to U.S. Treasury if unspent; Matt Nelson provides additional information; Nolan asks if this has been communicated to nonprofit organizations; Yi-An Huang responds in the affirmative; Pickett wants to know what unallocated funds remain; Wilson comments; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-7, regarding a review of the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee. [text of report]
pulled by Pickett – reminder (from Toner) to councillors to forward their questions to Councillor Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Resolution #4. Condolences on the death of Paul Ryder.   Councillor Toner

Order #1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider a request for a dedication in a suitable location in honor of Paul Ryder.   Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Order #5. Tenant Protection Resources.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Feb 15, 2024 to discuss the current lab, office, and retail vacancies in Cambridge and their expected impact on City revenues in the near and long term. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

February 7, 2024

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 607-608: February 6, 2024

Episode 607 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 6, 2024 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Feb 6, 2024 at 6:00pm. Topics: Charles Fried and a Capitol tale; Peter Valentine archive; Mapping Black Cambridge; campaign finance wrap-up; Gaza capitulation and activist misbehavior; the long history of foreign policy at the Cambridge City Council; City gobbling up Central Square; what’s in store for ’24. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 608 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 6, 2024 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Feb 6, 2024 at 6:30pm. Topics: Foreign policy; Charter Review Final Report – manager vs. mayor, voting age, non-citizen voting, even-year elections, citizen assemblies – a critique; dysfunction in how we involve residents in decision-making; City Council “finding itself”, coming to terms with prioritization; City Council committee appointments; fending off the socialists; smart ideas vs. unreasonable mandates; better ways to manage public meetings with less Zoom and more interaction. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

January 23, 2024

More to Come – January 22, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

More to Come – January 22, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Hopefully this will be an actual meeting and not a Zoom reaction to petulant socialist lunatics. The Committee appointments have also been made. Here are the interesting items on this week agenda:

Note: The meeting was again disrupted for a short while by the petulant socialist lunatics (PSL) and their infantile allies. One of their more endearing chants was, “Simmons, Simmons you can’t hide, you supported genocide.” They also chanted, “We’ll be back.” I’m sure they will, especially next week when it is expected that several city councillors will capitulate to the demands of the mob with a resolution having nothing whatsoever to do with the purview of the Cambridge City Council. If anyone thinks that will end this bad theater, I have some Nigerian oil futures you can purchase right now with a modest down payment to my offshore account.City Council - Jan 2024

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Massachusetts Avenue Planning Study Working Group — Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway.
pulled by Pickett; comments by Joan Pickett, Iram Farooq, Paul Toner; Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant City staff to evaluate the possibility of acquiring the property located at 727 Massachusetts Avenue.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with relevant City departments on potential public renewable energy projects that could receive funding through the IRA Direct Pay provision.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled early by Toner; comments by Toner, Huang, Farooq, Rasmussen, JSW, Nolan, Pickett, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments with recommendations and legal opinions for adjusting transportation related fees and other considered changes.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled early by Toner; comments by Nolan, Azeem, JSW (wants “progressive” fees), Toner; Acting City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Pickett, Owen O’Riordan; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program, eliminate the $200 annual permit fee and determine if the process can be simplified.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled early by Toner; comments by Nolan, Toner, O’Riordan, JSW, Pickett, Huang, Azeem, Siddiqui, McGovern, Wilson, Simmons; Charter Right – Simmons

The Cambridge community also lost two very significant members this week: Rachael Solem and Planning Board member Louis Bacci.

Late Resolution #2. Condolences to the family of Louis J. Bacci Jr.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner
Comments by Pickett

Late Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Rachael Solem.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Pickett, Mayor Simmons
Comments by Nolan, Pickett

January 17, 2024

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 605-606: January 16, 2024

Episode 605 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 16, 2024 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Jan 16, 2024 at 6:00pm. Topics: Shout out to DPW; OCPF reports due Jan 20; Council committees pending; Clean Slate at Jan 8 Council meeting; Jerry’s Pond; dealing with the nonresident protesters and bad political theater. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 606 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 16, 2024 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Jan 16, 2024 at 6:30pm. Topics: Looking back at the 2022-23 City Council term and ahead to the 2024-25 term; single-issue advocacy at the root of the problem, need for cost/benefit analysis – examples with transportation, housing, energy; Charter considerations; phantom Traffic Board; confounded analysis of slate voting; and a Big Wish for better Squares and more fun. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

October 6, 2023

Meeting with the neighbors is important for City Council Candidates

Each municipal election will have new challengers who may be lesser known to our residents.  It is important to have our neighbors organize meet and greet events for the candidates to learn from our neighbors and for the neighbors to learn from the candidates.

This year, a resident in Cambridge for over 40 years, Mr. Young Kim carefully studies each candidate’s platform and personally picked five candidates for our residents to meet this coming Sunday October 8th, 2023.

Time: 3-5 p.m., on October 8th, Sunday

Place: 17 Norris Street, Cambridge, MA

Signup sheet is here –

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1PlfAuYpENZmlBE7nu4s0Vt6Hqo1YjntqTp5F-G907OU/htmlview#

Please stop by if you can and meet with them to let them know what you think and learn about their experience and platform. We welcome more neighbors organize similar events for us to meet.

October 6th, 2023 by Hao Wang for Cambridge

Hao for Cambridge

September 6, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 597-598: September 5, 2023

Episode 597 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 5, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Aug 1, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Municipal election updates; changing hats; Candidate Pages – many good new candidates; endorsing organizations; the problematic “Bike Pledge” and the fallacy of perfection of the Cycling Safety Ordinance; misinterpretation of election results and slates; feeders vs. preferred candidates; the purpose of proportional representation – and the need for a strong executive; bringing ideas rather than beliefs; representation vs. advocacy; perverse candidate questionnaires; deviation from party line may lead to job loss or non-appointment – a problem in democracy; tax troubles on the horizon. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 598 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 5, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Sept 5, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: Taxes, tax classification, and Prop 2½; fiction and promise of candidate handcards; taking wrong roads toward housing affordability; the problem of earmarking housing for specific groups; driving vs. “The T” and delusional thinking; looking at housing and transportation holistically, unilateral “solutions” are not solutions; Cambridge is better because of its diversity of housing styles and densities; solving problems or just taking down “the aristocracy”; the need to walk and observe; CDD undoing decades of better planning; lefties need to find more joy in life. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

August 5, 2023

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

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

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

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

Board & Commission Appointments

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

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

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

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

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


Neighborhood Conservation Districts – Preservation or Evisceration

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

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

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

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

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


Fueling Controversy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


The High Priority of Cannabis

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

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

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


Stay in Your Lane

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

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

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

Order #17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toner
pulled by Zondervan; Nolan emphasizes that there be no changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance (“The Pledge”); Zondervan amendments proposed to remove last “Whereas” and the main “Ordered”; McGovern says he has had conversations with Cambridge Bike Safety; Charter Right – McGovern

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


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

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

Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with a goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; QZ comments; Charter Right – Toner

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


The Rain, The Park, and Other Things

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Police Matters (and Really Poor Committee Appointments)

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

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council on all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes anonymous letter received; Toner inquires about when City gets involved in lawsuits against City employees; City Solicitor Nancy Glowa notes very few such lawsuits against police officers and generally handled in-house by Law Department; Simmons expresses concerns about acting based on anonymous letters and unsubstantiated claims, impropriety of councillors intervening in personnel matters; Glowa says that councillors may not intervene; Councillor Zondervan claims a Point of Order, Simmons objects; Charter Right – Simmons (after which QZ claims he has the floor and Simmons says “not any more”)

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

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

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


Notable Resolutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Alewife – Triangles, Quadrangles, Pentangles, Etcetera

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

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

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


Ancient History, Hiring and Evaluating a City Manager

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


The Charter Question

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

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


And the Rest …

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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