Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

May 19, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 667-668: May 19, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,history,water — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:44 pm

Episode 667 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 19, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on May 19, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: CCA – Ruth Romer remarks (Oct 1980) and citizenship; Memorial Drive Incident; May 18 Council meeting – watershed protection, social housing and public/subsidized housing, reappointment of Interim City Clerk Paula Crane; discontinuation of ShotSpotter and rampant misinformation, “performative allyism” and “saviorism of marginalized people”. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 668 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 19, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on May 19, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: Flawed Charter Review, studying mayoral election method, privileged councillors, history of CCA defending PR and the city manager form of government; senior exemption for parking permit, check box to get a free sticker; wrangling over Council Rules and councillor entitlement, some relevant history; closing of the S&S Restaurant; Cuba and foreign policy issues in the City Council, Azeem flip-flop; food vendors in City parks; commissioning a housing needs study vs. invoking a crisis; FY27 Operating Budget exceeds One Billion Dollars; abandoning plan to reconfigure Garden Street to two-way traffic. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

May 11, 2026

Heading Downhill Fast – May 11, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Charter,City Council,elections,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:27 pm

Heading Downhill Fast – May 11, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are the agenda items that interested me this week:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the City’s digital equity work. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Maria McCauley, Sue Walsh, McGovern, Al-Zubi, Jason Lee, Zusy, Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $312,000 to support the City’s digital equity efforts through a Digital Navigator position at the Cambridge Public Library for up to 3 years. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

The report on the City’s digital equity work is impressively detailed and also direct and honest about the reasons for focusing on digital equity rather than investing a king’s ransom on a Municipal Broadband network. I will make only two relevant comments. First, for many people (including me), accessing and learning how to use technology often comes via help from friends and some degree of trial and error rather than through a City-sponsored program. Second, many people – including many of my students – primarily use their phones for Internet access and for most of their digital needs. This fact was not mentioned in the report. Personally, I have never had anything other than a land-line, and I don’t think I could get by without a fast desktop computer loaded with useful software.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $65,000 to support World Cup watch parties across Cambridge. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the successful completion of the 221 Mount Auburn Street demolition. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Kathy Watkins, Azeem, Yi-An Huang, Zusy, Flaherty, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

I am very interested to see how the condominium owners who lost their homes will recover at least some of their investment. I also have some questions regarding whether the owners of a building lost in a fire or, in this case, an emergency demolition must follow all current zoning rules or if they can simply rebuild, more or less, to the specifications of the previous structure. I recall that after the Berkshire Street conflagration of December 2016 the Planning Board made some recommendations in this regard in early 2017 which became the basis for Ordinance 1393 that was ordained on April 24, 2017.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments to immediately request Empower to resign from the Massachusetts High Technology Council and consider options for transitioning the City of Cambridge out of Empower and transferring its retirement accounts into one of the City’s other retirement programs should Empower continue to be a member of the MHTC.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

This is yet another example of the intolerance of the current City Council. Simply because an entity espouses a different point of view, the knee-jerk response is to disaffiliate. By the way, I still use Twitter daily – and it’s nice to know that it’s like wearing a cloaking device where I can be invisible to city councillors who could never possibly admit that they will be seen anywhere but Bluesky or another approved social media. I also continue to happily bank at Citizens Bank.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments including the Law Department to ensure that there is no new data collected by ShotSpotter devices and all existing data shall be kept, used, or deleted only as required by law under our Welcoming Community Ordinance and Surveillance Technology Ordinance.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Simmons; comments by Al-Zubi, Simmons (on “performative allyism” and “saviorism of marginalized people”, calls the order “borderline insulting to people who look like me” – “Have you had your son shot down in the street? I have.”); Charter Right – Azeem

This Order is an outgrowth of the comically inept Public Safety Committee meeting that I attended on April 29 at which virtually all of the public comment came from DSA members. They expressed their belief that their private conversations were being recorded. However, the presentation from the Cambridge Police clearly stated: “There has never been a conversation recorded in Cambridge.”

The Order asserts that “ShotSpotter … has a false positive rate of about 82 percent in Cambridge.” I know math is hard for some people, but I will simply point out that if ShotSpotter detected even a single car backfire or a firecracker and if there were zero gunshots in Cambridge, the false positive rate would be 100%. The fact that most detections are not caused by gunfire should perhaps best be understood as Cambridge having relatively few gunfire incidents – an unequivocally good thing.

Let’s be clear what Councillors Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, and Nolan are calling for in this Order (as it speaks volumes about the low priority they apparently afford public safety): (1) That the City Manager … rescind prior approval of ShotSpotter, including ending any and all contracts with ShotSpotter; and (2) That the City Manager … direct the Police Department to stop using ShotSpotter, including turning off and physically removing the surveillance tools no later than 90 days. This is just crazy.

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City Departments to engage the Collins Center in assisting the City in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan, Azeem (would prefer Instant Runoff), Zusy (questions why this is being considered now, calls it a distraction), Siddiqui (who still apparently believes that only incumbent city councillors should be involved in proposing charter changes), Megan Bayer, Flaherty (sees this as Step 1 toward eliminating our city manager form of government, says the mayoral selection was a very positive experience – politics at its finest, outstanding), Simmons (notes that the mayoral question did not meet the threshold for consideration from the Charter Review Committee); Charter Right – Simmons

Though this Order calls only for “reviewing policy options”, let’s be clear that this is really about the desire of some councillors – and especially our current Mayor – to eat their cake and have it too. There was a recent Charter Review process – one in which Ms. Siddiqui placed her thumb on the scale in the appointment of the Charter Review Committee – which resulted in a new Charter that was adopted only a few months ago. Perhaps the greatest flaw in that entire flawed process was that it ultimately placed essentially all choice in what would be presented to voters into the hands of incumbent city councillors. Then again, simply going with what a slim majority of the Charter Review Committee recommended would have been even worse. It was a small miracle that most of the really crazy stuff received enough push-back that we managed to somehow get a proposed Charter that preserved most of the good aspects of the previous Plan E Charter.

As has been pointed out many times, the position of Mayor in Cambridge is really comparable to the position of President of the City Council in cities like Boston and elsewhere. The CEO of Cambridge is its City Manager who is hired by majority vote of the City Council. A directly elected mayor is more appropriate to a strong mayor system of local government – and that is not the form of government that voters approved last November.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do extensive outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the current water level status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. Foreign Policy Issues in the City Council.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; comments by Nolan (no one is silencing anyone, notes that it would be equally inappropriate for our federal representatives to weigh in on our local issues), Simmons (notes that issues outside Cambridge do often affect us locally, but this is about we use our time here), Azeem (moves to bring forward Charter Right #1); Azeem notes that his views have changed, calls City Council processes strange – most matters go through a committee process, but a matter like this goes through no process, says he will now support this foreign policy order on Cuba, questions image of Cambridge as a progressive city if this only has 5 votes; McGovern says he will vote for this, says it is our business to take a stand on Cuba; Al-Zubi will vote No, attacks Israel, says the Council can do what it wants; Sobrinho-Wheeler says he will vote Yes on Cuba resolution, No on the Order re: foreign policy issues, suggests that only millionaires can have influence at the U.S. Congressional level; Zusy expresses sympathy for the people of Cuba, but we could take up issues from around the world at every meeting – will vote for this Order, but will vote “Present” on the Cuba issue; Flaherty will also vote “Present” on the Cuba order – we could do this every week, but we should focus on things within our boundaries, notes upcoming local charity drives for Cuban people and invites people to open their wallets; Siddiqui says she will support Cuba resolution and will vote No on Order #5; Simmons responds to public commentary re: Caroline Hunter and her fight against apartheid in South Africa and how much grief she got in Cambridge at the time for her efforts – will not vote for the Cuba issue – why won’t we address voting rights matters now in the center of national debate – notes the many important matters that have happened in Cambridge that received little or no attention; Order Adopted 6-3 (Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – Yes; Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – No)

Charter Right #1. That the City Council go on record calling upon President Trump to immediately rescind Executive Order 14380, immediately enter meaningful negotiations with the Cuban government with the goal of ending the United States oil embargo, and carry out his foreign policy agenda with respect to the wishes of the people of the United States and in accordance with international law. [Charter Right – Nolan, May 4, 2026]
Azeem motion to take this up with Order #5 (see above); additional comments by Nolan; Order Adopted 5-0-0-4 (Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui – Yes; Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy – Present)

I am eager to hear what State Senate candidate Azeem will have to say about this. He did, after all, make a very clear statement a while back about his intention to vote “Present” on all such foreign policy orders, but I suppose when there’s a throng of potential DSA worker bees in the audience clamoring in support of this particular policy order, it’s probably good for the campaign to jettison previous positions.

At the May 4 City Council meeting three councillors (Nolan, Simmons, Flaherty) stated that they would be voting “Present” on this Cuba order. I hope they can get to five voting “Present”, and I say that even though I agree that maintaining the current impasse with Cuba is ridiculous.

By the way, whenever the topic of Cuba comes up, I can’t get the Irving Berlin song “See You in C-U-B-A” out of my head. The Chenille Sisters also have a great version.

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the projected fiscal impact of maintaining the current exemption for seniors, along with any administrative steps necessary to do so.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zusy

This seemed to be the consensus at the April 28 meeting of the City Council’s Transportation (etc.) Committee. I really hope this Order prevails if for no other reason than that the permit fee is a nuisance. Meanwhile, in neighboring Arlington, there’s this: “COA Parking Sticker entitles the sticker-holder to park for FREE in Arlington at metered parking spots and in municipal parking lots, up to the maximum time posted on the meter (4 hours).”
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Zusy, McGovern (w/various proposed amendments, also wants to exempt low-income people), Al-Zubi (refers to “class analysis”), Flaherty (would like to be added as sponsor, feels that no senior should pay the fee while Transportation is getting $22 million in revenue), Azeem (worried that we’re trying to get too clever with this); Nolan (still believe we should charge what the program costs, but never questions the cost estimates – still wants to maintain $75 for all but with checkoff to reduce to $25, including seniors); Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

Communications & Reports #3. Draft 2026-2027 Rules of the City Council [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler for comments; Late Policy Order (Flaherty, Councillor Simmons) introduced, JSW immediate Charter Right; Nolan disagrees with 9:00pm proposed end time – feels 10:00pm would be more appropriate, has other suggested amendment re: striking a proposed cap of only two opportunities to speak on a given matter; Siddiqui outlines options; Azeem agrees with Nolan proposed amendments, agrees with breaking meeting into two days when needed; Al-Zubi prefers to refer to committee or to exercise Charter Right; Siddiqui moves to adopt rules; Charter Right – Flaherty

Late Order #7. That a special Committee of the City Council be formed to conduct a full and complete analysis of each of the proposed changes, with full the goal of a transparent understanding of each of the proposed changes and the implications.   Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

Perhaps the most interesting proposed Rules change is this:
Rule 17A. All regular meetings of the City Council shall be held that week starting on Monday and ending on Tuesday. The City Council meeting shall start on Monday at 5:30pm and shall continue until either the conclusion of all business on the agenda or until the meeting recesses at 9:00pm, whichever occurs sooner. If the meeting is recessed on Monday at 9:00pm, the City Council meeting will resume the following Tuesday at 1:00pm and shall continue until the conclusion of all business on the agenda or until 5:00pm, whichever occurs sooner.

I think this is a terrible idea. – RW

April 13, 2026

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,planning — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:25 pm

In Lieu of Taxes – April 13, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few things of potential interest at this week’s meeting:City Hall

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 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sara Rivera as an Election Commissioner for a term effective Apr 13, 2026 and expiring Mar 31, 2030. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

There has been chatter in some quarters regarding Tom Stohlman not being reappointed to the Election Commission. These are mostly conspiratorial suggestions that this was due to Tom’s asking important questions in the wake of last November’s kerfuffle in the Preliminary PR Count when test ballot data was inadvertently not cleared prior to the Election Night tabulation. I seriously doubt whether that was a major factor in the appointment process. Any of the three nominated candidates would have been a good choice. Let’s also not dismiss the idea that a majority female City Council might not be thrilled with continuing an all-male Election Commission. I have more issues with those who are questioning the appointment than I do with the appointment itself (and Tom is a long-time friend), and I certainly don’t wish to see Sara Rivera’s arrival on the Election Commission clouded by manufactured controversy.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Bicycle Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Pedestrian Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Speaking of appointments to City boards and commissions, there is a matter worthy of discussion that never gets any attention – namely the process where City staff have effectively become the appointing authority. City staff generally do the vetting of the board applicants and then forward the list of preferred appointees to the City Manager for the formal appointment. In an ideal system, City boards with actual authority should be representative of the residents of the city and not be primarily advocates for policies and preferences espoused by City staff. Issue-specific advisory committees are a somewhat different story, e.g. you wouldn’t expect a member of the Recycling Advisory Committee to be an opponent of recycling or a member of the Bicycle Committee to be hostile to the presence of bicycles on city streets. That said, advisory committees should be just that – advisory. It distresses me whenever I hear of significant actions (such as road configurations) being contingent on the blessing by one-sided boards of activists. Also, in a City with a proportional representation election system, one might think there should be some degree of proportionality and differing perspectives on most City boards and commissions.

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the period of Fall 2025 through the First Quarter of 2026. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi for comments; Nolan comments; Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0

The relatively small number of cases that have come before the PRAB certainly lends support to some of the reconfiguration of boards that was viewed by some as controversial late last year.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding an update on the City Manager Performance Review Process. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

Order #1. That the City Council go on the record urging Harvard administration to end the practice of time caps for non-tenure track teaching faculty and urging Harvard administration to acknowledge the labor contribution and employee status of all its researchers, regardless of funding source, and contractually recognize these researchers’ protected right to union representation.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler for comments and minor amendment; Zusy comment; Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)

I have mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, as a former Mathematics Preceptor at Harvard it was the 7-year time cap that dictated my exit – though I have continued in the Harvard Extension School and the Harvard Summer School for 25 years after my exit from the teaching faculty in the Mathematics Department. I definitely would have preferred to stay, but I had other options. On the other hand, it has always been my understanding that the time cap was something favored by the faculty to prevent the Harvard administration from tamping down the number of tenured faculty in favor of non-tenured faculty willing to work for significantly less compensation and a greater teaching workload. Some other colleges have found better solutions to this dilemma. For what it’s worth, I was always happy to work for less compensation and a substantial teaching workload. It’s a job, not a country club.

Order #2. 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.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Al-Zubi, Brooke McKenna (wants to keep current configuration), Flaherty (objecting to “repetitive litigation” – bad public policy); Charter Right – Flaherty

This provides yet another illustration of how things can go sideways when elected officials insert themselves into the business of road design and traffic management. The Cycling Safety Ordinance and its inflexible amendments are perhaps the greatest example of bad decisions being forced by incompetent politics. The Garden Street flip-flopping is a corollary to this, but it’s not the case that we should expect better outcomes from our dysfunctional Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation. Pick your poison – politics or Kool-Aid. When City policies are dominated by the principle of “solution in search of a problem”, keep your expectations low.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf at Ahern Field was made, the rationale for artificial turf, and what process was taken to ensure community concerns and public health considerations were fully addressed, and to ensure that construction will not move forward until a report is delivered.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Al-Zubi
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Zusy with proposed amendment [to be determined], Flaherty, Azeem, Al-Zubi, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui; Zusy amendment Adopted 9-0; add’l sponsors added 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t know what’s best in terms of natural grass vs. more durable artificial turf, and I’m not really sure how PFAS becomes a health concern when you’re not Grazin’ in the Grass. Then again, I once knew a person who wouldn’t allow smoke detectors in her building when she learned that there was a trace amount of radioactive material in the detectors used for ionization.

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 10, 2026 to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY27 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 11, 2026 to have a conversation regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up to the recently adopted zoning petitions following the Our Cambridge Street Planning Study and Mass Ave Planning Study. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 6, 2026 to continue the discussion that was held at the Mar 11, 2026 hearing regarding zoning recommendations to strengthen active use requirements on Cambridge Street and Mass Ave as a follow-up on the recently adopted zoning petitions. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; 3 Orders Adopted 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There are three proposed Orders in Report #3 meant to tweak the current zoning. Tweaking is good – especially as an alternative to some of more radical rezoning of recent years upon which political ambition has been built without regard for the potential consequences. – RW

March 22, 2026

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council,transportation,water — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:26 pm

Coming Up at the March 23, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here you go:

Manager’s Agenda #1. 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, 2026 and ending March 31, 2027. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins, Nolan, Mark Gallagher (Water Dept.), Flaherty; Orders Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Water & Sewer Block Rates: FY17 – FY27
Water and Sewer Rates - FY26

Water & Sewer Rate Increases: FY17-FY27
Water & Sewer increases: FY16-FY26

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $900,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund and the rescission of funds from two grants in the amount of $2,000,000 and $400,000 respectively to support a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Brooke McKenna (Transportation), Nolan; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

“Funds will be used to support the design costs toward a new off-road bridge over the Fitchburg Rail Line that will connect Danehy Park to the Rindge Avenue neighborhood…”

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a BUEDO Review Board Appointment. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to classification of the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) Review Board as special municipal employees. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,234,379 from Free Cash to support snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, John Nardone (DPW), Sobrinho-Wheeler, TJ Shea (DPW), Flaherty, McGovern, Kathy Watkins, George Heinz (DHSP), Zusy, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $700,000 from Free Cash to support road repairs related to snow operations. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan (taken up with Mgr #5); Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-21 regarding exploration of a potential Snow Corps program. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (taken up with Mgr #5); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Town Gown Reports and Presentations discussed by the Planning Board in February. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. City Council support of H.91 and S.2556, An Act to modernize funding for community media programming.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by McGovern for comments; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to meet with Harvard’s Office of Community Relations and the Longwood Collective (MASCO) to harmonize institutional bus protocols with public-facing commitments.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments and staff to examine and report back on whether the city can require single-stall public bathrooms to be gender-neutral.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem [attachment]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (w/amendments), Flaherty, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 9, 2026; Tabled Mar 2, 2026] (PO26#32)
No Action Taken

There seemed to be some movement three weeks ago toward not eliminating the senior exemption – before Mayor Siddiqui intervened by tabling the matter so that any possible amendments could instead be discussed out of public view. We could also use a more honest accounting of the actual costs of administering the permit parking program. As someone comment at last week’s meeting, the Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) charges a registration fee of $50 every two years. How can the City’s Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Transportation Department) justify triple that cost? Why can’t the fact that a motor vehicle is registered to a Cambridge address suffice? We do, after all, have access to the RMV database. Why must renewal be done every year rather than every two years?

Unfinished Business #2. Amend section 4.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of permitting the use of land for the following purposes as-of-right in all zoning districts: religious purposes; educational purposes on land owned or leased by the Commonwealth or any of its agencies, subdivisions or bodies politic or by a religious sect or denomination, or by a nonprofit educational corporation; and for a child care center, school-aged child care program, family child care home, or large family child care home as defined in section 1a of Chapter 15d of Massachusetts General Laws. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 2, 2026; may be ordained on or after Mar 23, 2026] (ORD26#1)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan; Ordained 8-1 (Flaherty – No)

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Feb 25, 2026 to receive a status update on Federal Grants (including ARPA) and the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund, as well as a discussion on establishing future Budget Priorities. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #5. Support A Federal Earmark to Take Plans for the Boston-Cambridge Riverwalk Construction at Science Park to 25% Design.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Nolan (PO26#63)
Comments by Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

March 17, 2026

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 663-664: March 17, 2026

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Cambridge Redevelopment Authority,Central Square,City Council,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:38 pm

Episode 663 – Cambridge InsideOut: Mar 17, 2026 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Mar 17, 2026 at 6:00pm. Topics: Joseph Sater – Central Square hero; walk along the Middlesex Canal; Riverview down; Central Square rezoning coming soon, housing comments; Cambridge St. zoning, possible revisions, problematic process; comments on war with Iran – hope and fear; Citizens Bank protests and some inconvenient truth; comments on recent City Council meetings – triple AAA bond rating and its advantages, Surveillance Ordinance reports. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 664 – Cambridge InsideOut: Mar 17, 2026 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Mar 17, 2026 at 6:30pm. Topics: Consolidated Housing Department, City housing policies and priorities, social housing, decommodification; proposed fee increases for Resident Parking Permit program, revocation of senior exemption, political nonsensification, bad math, and historical facts; Transportation Department mission to make owning and using a motor vehicle as difficult as possible; Real Estate Transfer Tax Home Rule Petition; City Council policy to ban use of Twitter/X; Cambridge Redevelopment Authority involvement in Central Square. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

January 26, 2026

Winter Carnival – January 26, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Harvard Square — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:55 pm

Winter Carnival – January 26, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting (remote only due to snow emergency)

City HallAfter several mild winters, we’re getting a taste this week of what we’ve been missing. Having migrated to Cambridge 48 years ago as soon as the roads were reopened after the Blizzard of ’78, this is for me a mixture of nostalgia and terror. That said, life goes on at City Hall and the Peoples Republic of Cambridge. There’s even a new system for public meeting notices (complete with the expected glitches). Here’s what’s on tap this week:

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

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR25#69, regarding a review of the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: impact on rents, etc.; Charter Right – Nolan

It is worth noting that there already are taxes on the sale of real estate in Massachusetts. The Mass. real estate transfer tax (also known as stamp tax) is $4.56 per $1,000 of the property’s value, plus the newer “millionaire’s tax” on sales over $1 million – due at closing to the Registry of Deeds. The Affordable Care Act also has its 3.8% “Net Investment Income Tax” that applies to individuals, estates and trusts that have certain investment income above certain threshold amounts. A local Real Estate Transfer Fee would be on top of those other taxes.

This proposed additional transfer tax would be 2% of the portion of the purchase price exceeding $1,000,000. This was before the City Council on Feb 26, 2024, and the Council at that time adopted the Order on a 6-2-1 vote with Joan Pickett and Paul Toner voting No, and Burhan Azeem Absent. The most recent call to re-file the home rule petition was on Dec 8, 2025, and it passed 8-1 with Paul Toner voting No. I would be inclined to vote against this – or at least demand a full accounting of the total fees and taxes associated with a real estate sale. There is also the larger question that should be asked about what fraction of a city’s housing stock should be taken out of private ownership and moved into government or government-related ownership. The socialists certainly have made their preferences clear.

Order #1. That the City Manager ask the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, including the study’s recommendations and all steps taken since the study conclusion in order to update the evaluation of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs and to report back to the Council by June 2026 on internet access programs.   Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Zusy (w/cost concerns); Charter Right – Al-Zubi

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments regarding incorporating plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge initiative, incorporating plant-based purchasing practices in City-operated events, and using municipal communications channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the city.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Zusy; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Zusy (add as sponsor); Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolutions like this one give me an appetite for a double cheeseburger.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prioritize pilot projects in 2026 without the use of a consultant for an extensive pedestrianization study, and in the medium-term consider how additional pedestrianization of a section of Brattle Street by restoring two-way traffic to JFK Street could enhance the Square.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Nolan, Simmons, Al-Zubi (thinks 2-way JFK St. would be dangerous – not aware that it was previously a 2-way street); Order Adopted 9-0

I’m sure the newly rebranded Department of Congestion, Obstruction, and Aggravation (a.k.a. Department of Transportation, formerly the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department before they chose to remove all references to motor vehicles) will have a few ideas to share about this proposal.

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update regarding PO25#69 FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing and Mixed Status Families, and the Transition Wellness Center.   Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

An update on this initiative is overdue, but let’s be clear that the Transition Wellness Center was never meant to be a permanent program.

Order #9. That the Mayor hereby appoints a committee, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk.   Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; taken up with Comm. & Reports #4; comments by Siddiqui, Simmons (re: prior process), Zusy (thanks to Paula Crane), Flaherty (will find no one better than Paula Crane); Order Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the search process for a permanent City Clerk. [text of report]
Taken up w/Order #9; Placed on File 9-0

I look forward to the process for this crucially important position, but at this point I have little confidence in Mayor Siddiqui’s committee appointments.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mt. Auburn Street. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi (will vote for landmarking, wanted more “community members” in the conversation), Azeem (not in favor, calls report “vindictive”), Sobrinho-Wheeler (wants “community use” preserved – based on what exactly?, feels that City should be providing these spaces), Flaherty (was in the building before the Democracy Center was there, notes that entire area is an historical district, will not support landmarking), Zusy, Kathy Watkins, Charles Sullivan (Historical Commission), Nolan, McGovern, Simmons, Flaherty; Order Failed of Adoption 2-7 (Al-Zubi, Zusy – Yes)

But first we have to hear from the activists…..

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern (PO26#3) [Charter Right – Simmons, Jan 12, 2026]
Comments by Simmons; add McGovern as sponsor 9-0; comments by McGovern, Flaherty (notes that there are metal detectors in buildings across the Commonwealth), Azeem (notes that measures now in place in State House and Boston City Hall and they are still welcoming, says he has received threats), Nolan (can support this depending on what measures are suggested), Simmons, Al-Zubi (with alternate amendment w/JSW), Yi-An Huang (notes challenges due to layout of the building with two entrances, would be helpful to discuss this with a subset of councillors, real concern would be gun weapons – what problem are we trying to solve?, solutions could be costly, this will take some time to consider), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons, Zusy (would support an assessment as proposed by Simmons, suggests this might be the subject of an Executive Session), Siddiqui, Al-Zubi; Al-Zubi amendment fails 4-5 (AAZ,PN,JSW,SS – Yes; BA,TF,MM,DS,CZ – No); Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Sobrinho-Wheeler – No; Al-Zubi – Present)

On the Table #3. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Dec 8, 2025; Eligible to be Ordained Dec 22, 2025; Expires Jan 28, 2026] (ORD25#17) [Revised][Published]
Removed from Table 9-0; Taken up with Mgr #12, Comm. & Reports #2; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (see Mgr #12)

Communications & Reports #2. Proposed Amendments to Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Taken up with Mgr #12, On The Table #3; Placed on File 9-0

(Late) Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. (CM26#15) [text of report]
motion of McGovern to take up this item, Communications & Reports #2, On The Table #3; comments by Nolan, Yi-An Huang, Azeem (will support amendments, but not excited about it), Sobrinho-Wheeler (will oppose amendments), Zusy, Melissa Peters (CDD), Al-Zubi (will abstain on amendments, will vote No on overall petition, only wants “working class” people to benefit, notes that future Nexus study will likely reduce inclusionary requirements, says 20% inclusionary is minimum she would accept, talks about race and class, wants social housing, decommodification instead), McGovern (says this is NOT being rushed, objects to any requirements that slow down housing development, would prefer 8 stories on Cambridge St., concerns about middle-income residents, notes that we can’t get 6 votes w/o these amendments), Flaherty (would prefer that petition expire, will not support the amendments, notes that housing shortage is a regional issue, notes that last year entire city was upzoned with inevitable demolitions and no affordability requirement, prefers that Cambridge remain a sustainable city for families, does support upzoning on Webster St. area, would prefer Special Permit requirements), Siddiqui (re: amendments, not rushed, potential impacts, possibility of social housing), Azeem (contradicts Flaherty saying that this is effectively only changing Webster Ave. area, sees social housing as weakening AHO, leading to more market-rate housing and less affordable housing), Simmons (wants to vote); McGovern moves to amend Cambridge St. Petition by substitution; Amendments Pass 6-2-0-1 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui – Yes; Flaherty, Sobrinho-Wheeler – No; Al-Zubi – Present); Petition Ordained as Amended 6-3 (BA,MM,PN,DS,JSW,SS – Yes; AAZ,TF,CZ – No); Communication Placed on File 9-0; after procedural questions of Al-Zubi, Simmons, Flaherty, Zusy, McGovern, Rules Suspended for the Purpose of Reconsideration 7-2 (Flaherty, Zusy – No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Zusy – Yes)

The ABC (A Bigger Cambridge) insiders are apparently pulling out the stops to rush this one through – regardless whether it is reflective of the goals of the Our Cambridge Street community process (a planning study for Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Lechmere Station) that supposedly led to the current rezoning petition.

Resolution #1. That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Donald Williams for their tremendous loss.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons; Sadly, Don passed away on Saturday, Jan 24, 2026 – a true friend of Central Square; Amended Resolution Adopted 9-0

Resolution #5. Speedy Recovery wishes to Mr. Hatch Sterrett.   Councillor Al-Zubi
Note: Hatch’s full name is Henry Hatch Dent Sterrett, III.

Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee and Finance Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 3, 2025 to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development incentives – such as tax incentives, public equity financing, and reduced fees and requirements – on housing production and city finances. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Dec 4, 2025 to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee which was presented to the full City Council on May 19, 2025, CM25#128. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Dec 9, 2025 to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether adjustments should be made related to the deployment of ALPRs since approval in February of this year, CM25#257, which was in City Council on Oct 20, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on Dec 11, 2025 to review and discuss PO25#137, which asks the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to reduce the impact on solar energy systems, based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2025 Health and Environment Committee meeting. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to order that the flag at Cambridge City Hall, the main administrative municipal building, be flown at half-staff as soon as practicable in somber remembrance of and sympathy with Renee Good and Alex Pretti and their friends and families, the dozens of individuals who have lost their lives at the hands of federal immigration enforcers, and the people enduring the brutality of the Trump Administration’s illegal and violent efforts for at least seven days.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Nolan, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0

July 3, 2025

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 649-650: July 1, 2025

Filed under: 2025 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:56 pm

Episode 649 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 1, 2025 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on July 1, 2025 at 6:00pm. Topics: Comings, Goings, and Recognition – Ducky Down, Joe Grassi, Charlie Sullivan, Owen O’Riordan; 2025 Municipal Election Updates, nomination papers; current political “parties” in our nonpartisan municipal election; focus on the candidates and not the organizations; tales from NYC and Ranked Choice Voting; Alewife – stormwater, sewers, bridges, tunnels; revisions to the Welcoming City Ordinance; federal cutbacks, purging DEI, capitulation; Electronic Records Archiving Policy; Board & Commission kerfuffle, City Council overreach; preservation vs. bulldozers. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 650 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 1, 2025 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on July 1, 2025 at 6:30pm. Topics: Broadway, bikes, parking, ageism, gentrification, and betrayal; freedom of choice; misinterpretation of election results, lack of referenda, “Proportional to what?”, representativeness; contract zoning, community benefits, proximity vs. citywide – East End House, Cambridge Community Center, Community Arts Center, Dance Complex, nonprofits – some Foundry history, ARPA windfall; elected officials sometimes have to take hard votes; Inclusionary Zoning – history, concept, missteps, current status, 20% of nothing is still nothing, is 10% the “sweet spot”? Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

June 29, 2025

Featured Items on the June 30, 2025 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:41 pm

Featured Items on the June 30, 2025 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Starting next week, incumbents and challengers will be pulling nomination papers for City Council and School Committee and transforming into salesmen and saleswomen. Here are some of the interesting agenda items before the snake oils sales commence:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update and the Law Department will provide an update on relevant court cases. (CM25#177) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Yi-An Huang, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Asst City Solicitor LaBianca; Placed on File 9-0

There are 27 court cases listed in this report.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2024 Transportation Demand Management Program Report. (CM25#179) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TD), Ryan McKinnon (TD), Zusy, Azeem; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-30, regarding a review of barriers to housing production, a timeline for next Inclusionary Housing Study, and the feasibility of additional development incentives. (CM25#180) [text of report]
pulled by Azeem; comments by Azeem, Simmons, Melissa Peters (CDD), Chris Cotter (HD), Toner, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

In addition to the Cotter report, you may want to also take a look at these two articles by Patrick Barrett:

1) Urgent Legal and Policy Concerns Regarding Cambridge’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance (May 2, 2025)

2) Follow-Up Memo on Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance Concerns Under MBTA Communities Act Compliance (June 14, 2025)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-36, regarding a request that the language of the Welcoming Community Ordinance be amended to clarify that City employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of City employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety, and be amended to clarify that if Cambridge Police Department Officers respond to the scene of ICE action, CPD Officers should document the actions of ICE including their badge numbers. (CM25#181) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Supt. Pauline Carter-Wells (CPD); Referred to Ordinance Committee and Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the first half of 2025. (CM25#183) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Goals and Metrics for the Annual City Manager Performance Review. (CM25#184) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui, Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Florrie Darwin, Scott Kyle, and Michael Rogove; and the reappointments of Chandra Harrington, Joseph Ferrara, Kyle Sheffield, Gavin Kleespies, Paula Paris, Elizabeth Lyster, and Yuting Zhang as members of the Cambridge Historical Commission. (CM25#185) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Simmons, Charles Sullivan (Hist. Comm.), Azeem, McGovern; Substitute Order Appointments Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 to discuss term limits and appointments to Neighborhood Conservation Districts and the Historical Commission, CM25#145, CM25#146, and CM25#147. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee voted favorably to forward CM25#145, CM25#146, and CM25#147 to the full City Council with no recommendation. [text of report]
Taken up early along w/Mgr #8; All Appointments Approved as Amended; Report Accepted, Placed on File as Amended 9-0

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore creative solutions that reduce car dependency, while expanding access to parking options nearby Broadway.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Nolan, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-1 (Simmons – No)

File this under “Adding Insult to Injury”. These councillors are apparently incapable of listening to the actual concerns expressed by affected residents.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to ensure that the wording for the proposed amendment to Section 5.40 Footnote #2 is in line with the City Council’s intention to continue to include the inclusionary requirement for any nonreligious use property that is going above four stories, and to strike “except for religious purposes” used from Section 5.40 Footnotes #1 and #37.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Yet another example, of this City Council’s “Break It First, Then Pick Up The Pieces” philosophy.

Order #3. That the Mayor is hereby appointing a committee, to be announced in the coming days, to screen applicants for the position of City Clerk.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to continue to work with stakeholders in the area including Harvard University and the Harvard Square Business Association to pursue options for pedestrianization on Lower Bow Street and to report on the option for automatic bollards for Winthrop and/or Bow Street.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare an interim report on demolition requests and building permit applications, in order to facilitate a discussion on the outcomes observed during the first six months of the new Multifamily Housing Zoning.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy, McGovern, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0

Yet another example, of this City Council’s “Break It First, Then Pick Up The Pieces” philosophy.

Order #6. That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting in Fall 2025 and extend an invitation to the Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools and the School Committee to discuss the progress and future direction of the Cambridge Preschool Program.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Wilson, Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

Community Benefits for Whom?

Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised draft of the “Eastern Cambridge Community Enhancements” Zoning Petition. [Placed on Unfinished Business, June 9, 2025] (CM25#153)
No Action Taken, Votes Expected Aug 4

Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District (“ECCE Overlay District”), which is governed by the regulations and procedures specified in this Section 20.1200. It is the intent of this Section that these regulations will apply to land within the ECCE Overlay District. [Passed to 2nd Reading, June 9, 2025] (ORD25#10)
pulled for discussion (JSW); comments by Yi-An Huang, Zusy, Simmons, Megan Bayer, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Wilson, Siddiqui, Toner, Azeem, Nolan; No Action Taken, Votes Expected Aug 4

There is a brewing controversy associated with this zoning petition and, more specifically, the proposed community benefits agreement tied to the petition that would, in particular, greatly benefit the East End House (~$20 million). I suspect this may be the featured item during Public Comment.

Original BioMed Petition Text (Mar 17)     Petitioner Revisions (Apr 18)     CDD Memo (Apr 24)

Planning Board Presentation (Apr 29)     Planning Board Report (May 19) – original document     Ordinance Committee Agenda (May 20)

Ordinance Committee Report (June 9)     DS,MM,SS,AW Reallocation Memo (June 9)     Order #3 (PO25#96) (June 23)

Cambridge Community Center 6/26 message (“URGENT! Ask City Council to delay the inequitable disbursement of over $20 million”)

Follow-up CCC 6/29 message (“Our Collective Response to Representative Mike Connolly’s Letter to the City Council”)
[I haven’t yet seen Connolly’s letter to the City Council, but I’m sure it is characteristically ill-informed.]

Joint Response from CCC, CAC, CEOC, and The Dance Complex

This controversy reminds me of what then-City Manager Robert Healy reportedly said when informed of the gift of the Foundry building to the City in conjunction with a zoning petition then being sought: “This is going to be a problem.” Indeed, there was competition almost immediately among councillors for their pet projects that might be located in this windfall building. In the end, the cost associated with retrofitting the building for its current use was, I believe, well in excess of the value of the gift. I am also reminded of how the provision of ARPA funds turned into a competition among many interested parties and their City Council sponsors – including the Rise Up Cambridge local welfare program that then-Mayor Siddiqui incessantly associates with her own name. I may have some of the timeline confused, but I am also reminded of then-Councillor Sam Seidel’s effort to come up with an equitable way of distributing benefits derived from “contract zoning” – more often than not in and around East Cambridge (or, as Heather Hoffman often describes it, “the eastern sacrifice zone”).

I have been to many events held at the Cambridge Community Center on Callender Street in the Riverside neighborhood, and each time I am there I have taken note of the deterioration of the building – and the window frames and sills in particular. It is abundantly clear that this important building needs some love. Perhaps Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds could be used for this purpose, but the Affordable Housing Trust would likely oppose that. The public policy question is whether (and how) revenues derived from projects in one part of the city should be appropriated that is fair to all residents of the city but at the same time primarily benefits those neighborhoods most affected by this new development.

I am not convinced that the current City Council is particularly skilled at answering these questions. Their approach in recent years has become more imperious and less concerned about the impacts in areas and along streets most affected by their “progressive” policy decisions.

The ECCE Overlay District Petition expires August 18. Though it is expected to be voted on June 30, it could be delayed until the Midsummer City Council meeting on Aug 4.

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 to continue the discussion on a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, and Table 5.1 with the intent to remove gross floor area (GFA) and floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for religious uses, permit conforming additions to nonconforming structures without limitation for religious uses, and permit religious uses with the same dimensional limitations as residential uses except that in a Residence C-1 district permeable open space would not be required, buildings would be permitted up to 6 stories and 74 feet above grade without meeting inclusionary housing requirements, and buildings taller than 35 feet and 3 stories above grade would not be required to notify neighbors and hold a meeting. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to forward the Mushla Marasao, et al. Zoning Petition to the full City Council with no recommendation. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #8. Congratulations to Joseph Grassi on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #18. Congratulations to Officer Robert P. Reardon on his promotion to the rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #20. Congratulations to Superintendent Pauline Wells on being awarded the 2025 Massachusetts Association of Women in Law Enforcement Organization Heritage Award.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons

Resolution #24. Congratulations to Donald “Ducky” Down on his retirement from the Department of Public Works.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern

Note: The meeting was preceded by a tribute to Charles Sullivan for his 51 years of service (and counting) to the City of Cambridge. Later in the meeting there were extensive comments of heartfelt thanks and farewell to retiring Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan.

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