Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

January 3, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 573-574: January 3, 2023

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

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


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

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

[Materials used in these episodes]

September 9, 2022

Under New Management – September 12, 2022 City Council Agenda

Under New Management – September 12, 2022 City Council Agenda

City HallIt may not be Buckingham Palace or Balmoral Castle, but the virtual crown has now officially changed heads as Yi-An Huang takes over as Cambridge City Manager. Our new City Clerk Diane LeBlanc and her staff are also exhibiting some royally good initiative in catching up on the backlog of City Council minutes – and hopefully soon some of the dozens of missing City Council committee reports from the last several years – even if only brief reports to complete the record. I also like the brevity of this week’s committee reports that give just the basic actions with references to videos that are all available on the City website. Adding timestamps for key moments is my only suggestion.

Here are some of the agenda items that seem interesting to this royal subject:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 and Monkeypox update.
Placed on File 9-0

The Manager showed true commitment by actually contracting Covid in preparing this report.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2023. [FY23 Project Recommendations] [Summary of CPAC process]
Pulled by Nolan; 18 Votes – all Adopted 9-0

80%-10%-10%. It’s always 80%-10%-10%. Suggesting otherwise is considered sacrilege.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-47, regarding utilization of Code Red for text alerts regarding new polling locations for the primary election on Sept 6, 2022.
Pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

This is a tricky one. Code Red is supposed to be about emergency alerts (including that dire warning that your car may be towed in April). Should a reminder to vote be treated the same way as an emergency? Some may think so – but it’s also true that voter turnout can tilt an election, so promoting turnout could be seen as a political act. Besides, every registered voter gets a postcard and other mailings with information on where and when to vote and all voting options.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-49 regarding Bristol and Cardinal Medeiros intersection improvements. [Traffic Department Response] (Note: This also responds to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-53.)
Pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

This is in response to Councillor Zondervan’s Order regarding the intersection where his house is located.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-19, regarding drafting language to enable the Cambridge Police Department and Department of Public Works to donate abandoned bicycles to charitable organizations. [City Solicitor’s Response]
Pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

Good idea. Note that the City Solicitor’s recommendation is that this also include other mobility devices such as e-scooters and wheelchairs of de minimus value. It’s not clear what might be done with abandoned or unclaimed expensive (de maximus value?) bicycles and other devices.


Transportation is not only about bicycles

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-22, regarding the feasibility of increasing the number of high school students who receive a MBTA M7 Card at no cost. [Manager’s Response]
Pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

To be paid from ARPA funds. Like other current magnanimous gestures, one has to ask whether things funded from the ARPA manna that fell from federal heaven will at some point be folded into the City’s annual tax-supported operating budget. In the meantime, enjoy the ride.

Order #2. That the City Council urge the MBTA to reverse its decision to reconfigure and reduce service along the 47 Bus Line and take whatever steps are necessary to return it to its previous level of service.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

According to the T, the revised T39 bus route would replace most of the 47 Bus route and extend all the way from Porter Square to Forest Hills. Also, the current frequency of “every 30 min or better” would instead be “every 15 min or better”. I’m confused by this Order’s “urging the MBTA to reverse its decision to reconfigure and reduce service along the 47 Bus Line” – notwithstanding any current concerns about reductions due to labor shortages. What’s not to like about a longer route with more frequent service? [Clarification – Due to driver shortages and other reasons, service on the current 47 Bus Route has in fact been temporarily reduced.]


The Visible Hand of Picking Winners in the Wacky World of Cannabis

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-51, regarding Cannabis Industry Information. [CDD Response]
Pulled by Zondervan; Rules Suspended to take up Order #11 and Late Order from Toner; Report Placed on File 9-0; Order #11 – Charter Right (Toner); Late Order Adopted 9-0

Order #11. That the Ordinances of the City of Cambridge be amended as it relates to Permitting Preferences for Priority Applicants.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Toner

Late Order #13. Request that the City Manager ask the City Solicitor to prepare a legal opinion on the following questions regarding Policy Order #11 from the Sept 12, 2022 City Council meeting.   Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

There comes a point when repeated efforts to prop up and give advantages to certain cannabis operators becomes indistinguishable from political patronage. We have reached that point.


The Clash between Ideology and Practicality in Parking

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with negative recommendation on the Accessory Parking Requirements Zoning Petition.
Pulled by Carlone; Refer to Petition (Zondervan) 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Aug 3, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on Ordinance #2022-8, an ordinance amending Parking minimums and maximums. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

It’s worth noting that the Planning Board’s negative recommendation was unanimous. This, of course, will not stand in the way of the ideologues. Most people are perfectly agreeable regarding waiving or eliminating parking requirements in the city’s major squares and transit nodes, but that doesn’t necessary extend to every square inch of the city unless, of course, your alphabet ends after the first three characters. There are plenty of neighborhoods which currently have a delicate equilibrium in parking that are likely to be greatly disrupted by either adding a lot of new Priuses or replacing hundreds of on-street parking spaces with white plastic posts. We used to actually care about unintended (and intended) consequences back when thinking was part of the equation.

I appreciated the City Clerk’s no-nonsense note regarding timing: “The Committee will meet on Sept 21. To meet the deadlines, this needs to be voted out to full Council at this meeting to appear on the agenda for Oct 3. Assuming it passes to a 2nd Reading, it would be advertised on Oct 12, and could be ordained on Oct 24. There is no wiggle room. This must come out of committee on Sept 21.”


Our Friend Peter

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Peter Valentine.   Councillor Simmons

Order #7. That the Dedication Committee hold a special meeting to expedite the process of naming the corner of Brookline Street and Franklin Street in honor of Peter Valentine.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

There was an absolutely marvelous celebration of Peter’s life organized by friends and family and held at Starlight Square this past Saturday, Sept 10. Among other revelations, we learned that Peter was once a great basketball player in his original hometown of Everett and that he was a big Frank Sinatra fan. Many people saw Peter mainly in terms of his house, his fence, and his unusual clothing, but he was also a friend to many, many people (including me) – and many of them were there for the celebration in Starlight Square which owes its name to Peter. Farewell, my friend.


Resolution #11. Congratulations to The Dance Complex on the occasion of its 30 year anniversary in Central Square.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested work with the Cambridge Historical Commission, DPW, the Dedication Committee, and any other relevant City departments to create a system to document the histories of those honored, and to make those histories available to the public, including but not limited to a website on the City’s web page or a QR code on each sign.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

There is a map, and I seem to recall there being some narrative that went along with this. There may even have been a City Council Order calling for this to be done comprehensively, but this seems to have faded into obscurity. It would be great if this initiative could be revived and perfected. For example, from a Aug 29, 2011 Gov’t Operations Committee Report: “Mayor Maher commented that history of street names and the history of the persons to whom street corners are dedicated is becoming extremely important. He stated that it would be great to start to do research-finding for street corners. Councillor Seidel stated that should be the next step.”


The Short-Term View of Long-Term Planning

Order #8. That the Health and Environment Committee of the City Council hold a public hearing to discuss the issue of PFAS, and overall water quality, cost of operating our own water department, cost of MWRA versus Cambridge Water Department and other appropriate factors to be considered and work with the City Manager, the Water Board, and relevant city staff to set up the initial meeting this fall.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem
Pulled by Toner; Order Adopted as Amended (Toner), Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

Suffice to say that any notion of abandoning Cambridge’s water supply and its high quality water treatment facility would be incredibly short-sighted and unwise (and expensive). That said, any opportunity to educate Cambridge residents (and city councillors) about how they get their water (and what becomes of their wastewater) is worth pursuing.


Linkage & Labs

Order #10. That the City Council refer the zoning petition regarding lab use to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for a hearing and report.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Charter Right – Toner

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 27, 2022 to continue discussions around an Ordinance potentially raising the linkage fee rates. (#2022-14). [Text of Committee Report]
Suspend Rules; pulled early by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Sept 7, 2022 to continue the discussion around Ordinance # 2022-14, Section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 Special Regulations Linkage Fee, proposal to amend by substitution, raising linkage fee rates. [Text of Committee Report]
pulled early by Zondervan; Petition amended as below* 8-1 (Zondervan – NO); Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Referred to Petition 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting a further amendment to the Linkage Fee Petition.
pulled early by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0

Late Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, clarifying his proposed amendment to the Linkage Fee Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Late Order #12. That the City Manager direct the City Solicitor answer any legal questions that came up during the discussion that occurred during the regular City Council meeting on Sept 12th.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Revising Cambridge’s Incentive Zoning Ordinance is long overdue, and the amendments that were passed in committee are on the right track – despite the claims of some low-information advocacy groups. It’s not all about maximizing revenues for a single purpose. The Community Development Department should also develop better language to make clear the definition of “lab”. Though some are and can be dreadful neighbors due to light, noise, and other intrusion, not all laboratory uses are plagues on their neighbors – and some of them are doing miraculous work. The greater issue is the fact that some of Cambridge’s current ordinances greatly incentivize the construction of laboratory uses over other desirable uses, and that needs to change.

I enjoyed the City Clerk’s no-nonsense note: “To meet the deadlines, this needs to be voted out to full Council at this (Sept 7) meeting to appear on the agenda for September 12. [It was] If this is passed to a 2nd Reading on Sept 12, it would be advertised on Sept 21 and could be ordained on Oct 25. There is no wiggle room.”


Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Mar 2, 2022 for the purpose of reviewing the draft leadership profile, and next steps in the City Manager search process. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

34 pages of old news that should have been reported 5 months ago. Now where are the other 11 Gov’t Ops. committee reports from this year and the previous two City Council terms that were never filed? If these were my students they’d be struggling to earn a “D”.

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee conducted a public hearing on June 29, 2022 to discuss Zoning Petition from Craig A. Kelley – The Cambridge Transportation De-Carbonization Congestion-Mitigation. (Ordinance #2022-13). [Text of Committee Report]
Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS – ABSENT)

Further conversation is still to be had on this and it is expected to be re-filed. As the City Clerk notes: “Because of the Jewish Holiday, the Council cannot meet on Sept 26 and therefore this matter will expire. The Committee is also waiting on an opinion from the Law Dept. related to this matter.”

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on July 26, 2022 to reconvene and continue a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There is a virtual “Building Emissions Public Forum” scheduled for this Wednesday evening (Sept 14). As the notice says (emphasis mine): “The City is considering changes that would require large buildings to lower their emissions over time. Join staff from the Community Development Department and several City Councillors” [Patricia Nolan and Quinton Zondervan only – apparently only those councillors who are zealously supportive of the proposed amendments as now written] “for a webinar to learn about proposed changes to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO). If you can’t attend virtually, we will stream the webinar on the second floor of 344 Broadway. There are a limited number of seats available.” [About BEUDO – In Cambridge, more than 80% of greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. Since 2014, the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) has required buildings over a certain size to report energy use to the City. (50+ units for residential, and 25,000+ square feet for commercial.) Proposed amendments would require these buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time. For more information, please visit cambridgema.gov/BEUDO (which only addresses the current reporting requirements with no mention of any proposed changes that may require extensive and expensive retrofits of existing buildings).

On the Table #4. An application was received from Andy Layman representing Tasty Burger, requesting permission for three (3) projecting signs at the premises numbered 353 Prospect Street. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter. [Tabled Aug 1, 2022; updated address and proof of mailing appended]
Removed from Table 9-0; Placed Back on Table 6-3 (BA, MM, PT – NO)

There’s not much to be said on this item other than the fact that the address has been corrected and two perfectly good signs are proposed for the front and back of this building. On the other hand, there are several other protruding blade signs proposed that probably should not be approved. I love spectacular signage and I can never get enough neon (or neo-neon) (like the gorgeous “Diner” sign directly across Prospect Street), but pasting directional signs for a single business sticking out like you might see at a strip mall is not so great (even for a good burger). – Robert Winters

July 31, 2022

Summer Simmer – What’s Cookin’ on the Aug 1, 2022 City Council Agenda

Summer Simmer – What’s Cookin’ on the Aug 1, 2022 City Council Agenda?

Summertime and the livin’s easy, but the boys and girls of summer are back for their annual Midsummer meeting this Monday. Here are a few notable votables:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting communication from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 and Monkeypox update.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #13. That the City Manager report back on ways in which we can prepare for a Monkeypox outbreak in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled early by Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0


Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-31, regarding funding received through the housing linkage program.
pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

Order #10. Incentive Zoning Program Data.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #15. That the City Manager work with the City Solicitor to ask for a legal opinion on whether a tiered linkage fee system by square footage and/or a marginal rate system would be permitted under the current petition parameters and what was previously advertised.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

The Incentive Zoning Program has been in existence now for decades and the only changes have been the relatively recent increases in the linkage fees. If commercial development was the great concern back in the late 1980s that justified Incentive Zoning, it’s pretty clear that a lot has changed since then and that a deeper dive than just uniformly jacking up the rates is overdue.


Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to the submission of the Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report.
pulled by Mallon; most AHO projects (as many of us predicted) are on existing properties of CHA, Just-A-Start, etc.; McGovern celebrates the lack of any process; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-35 regarding options to update the HomeBridge and Homeownership Programs.
pulled by Mallon; notable that CDD shows at best lukewarm support of increasing homeownership opportunities and building of wealth; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Owen C. O’Riordan, Acting City Manager, relative to a request that the City Council extend its prior authorization for the City Manager to grant street obstruction approvals, which are required for restaurants to operate outdoor dining on the sidewalk or street until June 30, 2023.
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

As much as I would like to see Covid retreat into obscurity by next season, it’s pretty clear that some of the accommodations made in the state of emergency have worked out pretty well in some places (like Central Square) and should continue.


Charter Right #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of building renovations to the vacant City owned property at 105 Windsor Street. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 27, 2022]
taken w/Order #11 and Comm. & Reports #8 by Zondervan; debate primarily about nature of community process; allocation is primarily for design, much more money expected later for construction; Azeem suggests expanding building; Tabled (Mallon) 9-0

Order #11. 105 Windsor Community Process.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
pulled early by Zondervan; Tabled (Zondervan) 9-0

Communications & Reports #7. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting historical information about the city-owned property at 105 Windsor Street.
pulled early by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

This definitely reminds me of what Bob Healy was reported to have said when informed that The Foundry building was being donated to the City: “This is going to be a problem.” As soon as the asset became available political people and activists alike all began competing for it. I hope things are more rational (and quick) with 105 Windsor.


Applications & Petitions #5. An application was received from Andy Layman representing Tasty Burger, requesting permission for three (3) projecting signs at the premises numbered 21 Prospect Street. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter. [Note: The agenda brief gives the address as 353 Prospect Street (near the intersection with Cambridge Street), and one of the included maps suggests this, yet all of the photos indicate the address as 21 Prospect, in the large building at the corner of Mass. Ave.]
Address Corrected, Tabled 9-0 to allow for proper notification of abutters

Lotsa Communications opposing the planned Brattle Street Separated Bike Lanes.

Resolution #36. Resolution on the death of Rosemary Dorothy O’Neill.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #39. Congratulations on the Retirement of Maryellen Carvello from The City Manager’s Office.   Councillor Toner

I will simply say that for people like me who have been in and out of City Hall for over 3 decades you make a lot of friends, and retirements always bring a touch of sadness and a sense of the relentless passage of time.

Order #1. That the Ordinance Committee of the City Council meet to amend the Cambridge Municipal Code by adding a chapter numbered 6.24, titled Sale of Fur Apparel Products.   Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Memories are dancing in my head of a past Order calling for the banning of large sugary drinks. I really wish city councillors would spend as much time winning people over to their point of view rather than enacting bans to force people to do as they’re told.

Order #5. City Council support of additional MBTA bus service in Alewife and East Cambridge.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended (details to follow)

I met some of the MBTA staff involved in planning these changes. Fresh out of “planning school” with little grasp of how people actually use public transportation or how they’ll be using it in the future.

Order #6. Policy Order re ID Badges For City Employees.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0

Badges? We don’t have to show you no stinking badges!


Order #7. Policy Order re Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted and Referred to Civic Unity Committee 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #8. Black Men and Boys Commission.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted and Referred to Civic Unity Committee as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #9. Cannabis Industry Information PO.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0


Order #14. Water Drought Emergency.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0


Order #16. Policy Order to investigate shared free bus service and E bike delivery program.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Order #18 (separated from Order #16). That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to develop a pilot program in which the city would purchase E Bikes and hire city residents to create a city-based delivery service for our restaurants and local businesses to reduce the costs paid by businesses and customers of current home delivery services.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)


Order #17. That the City Council goes on record in support of the alternative route (S11C) instead of the preferred route (S1A) for Eversource’s plans to connect the proposed substation to existing substations.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Azeem; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee met on Mar 17, 2022 to conduct a public hearing to discuss the appropriateness of laboratories in neighborhood retail districts. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee met on Mar 23, 2022 to hold a public hearing on Wed, Mar 23, 2022 at 5:00pm to discuss the final report from the Ad Hoc Working Group on Homelessness released on Jan 31, 2022. [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on June 22, 2022 to continue a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). [Text of Committee Report]
Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting updated version of the final CCWG report, amended per the last Health & Environment Committee meeting.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Azeem, transmitting information regarding the Fare Free Working Group. [Ridership Information] [Cost-Estimate] [Bus Routes and NRS Areas] [Fare-Free Bus Report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information regarding the Charter Review Committee.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

There is apparently a first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 16 at 5:00pm (remote meeting – how very disappointing). Time will tell if this group turns out to be objective, rational, and reasonable.

Communications & Reports #6. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting updates from the UPK Ad-Hoc meetings.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan ABSENT)

Additional comments may follow as the spirit moves. – Robert Winters

March 21, 2022

Springing into Inaction – March 21, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:31 pm

Springing into Inaction – March 21, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

It looks like a pretty light agenda this week. Here are a few notable items:First Sign of Spring

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2022 and ending Mar 31, 2023. [Order]
pulled by Nolan; Zondervan wants to quit our own water supply and switch to MWRA; City Manager disagrees w/Zondervan claim we have PFAS "contaminated water"; City Engineer Kathy Watkins and DPW Commissioner Owen O’Riordan provide expert information re: sewer system improvements; Carlone asks about advantages of AAA bond ratings; Azeem asks about relationship between rates and consumption, long-term projections on capacity vs. population growth; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #10. That the City Manager is requested to amend all existing Community Host Agreements previously issued by the City by reducing the Impact Fee to 0.05% of Gross Revenue and to refrain from placing this burden upon any future HCAs that may yet be issued. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 28, 2022; Tabled Mar 7, 2022]
Removed from Table 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT); Simmons explains her amendments, Zondervan amendments; Amendments Adopted on voice vote; Order Adopted on voice vote; Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Resolution #2. Happy 100th Birthday to Marion A. Sullivan.   Councillor Simmons

Resolution #14. Resolution on the death of Lawrence Hudson.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Police Department to look into specific pedestrian safety interventions that can be placed at the intersection of Broadway and Highland Avenue.   Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Mallon; notes recent motor vehicle accident and claims many near-accidents (but this is really just hazardous for pedestrians); Adopted as Amended (voice vote)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to immediately convene an Alewife Overlay District Zoning Proposal Working Group.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Toner; Carlone explains that an urban design plan should precede any approval of zoning changes, bemoans fact that City Council continues to leave this out; Zondervan wants at least 50% housing in this area; Adopted as Amended (voice vote)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Mallon, transmitting a memorandum regarding updates on the City Manager search. [memo] [timeline] [outreach] [leadership profile] [application for Initial Screening Committee]
Placed on File as amended (voice vote)

Late Order #5. That the City Council supports H.3457/S.2307 in Mass. General Court re: regulation of e-bikes.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted (voice vote)

Note: This was the first meeting in two years where all 9 councillors were physically present.

July 21, 2021

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 511-512: July 20, 2021

Episode 511 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 20, 2021 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on July 20, 2021 at 6:00pm. Topics: NYC mayoral RCV primary completed; Boston mayoral election and Independent Expenditure PACs; Cambridge candidates and nomination papers, esp. Kathleen Kelly & Caroline Hunter; Candidate Pages; political “times”; buzzards circling for #2 votes behind ill-fated candidates. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]


Episode 512 – Cambridge InsideOut: July 20, 2021 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on July 20, 2021 at 6:30pm. Topics: “car storage”, rhetorical warfare, subverting the dominant paradigm; real vs. Potemkin changes; Animal Farm and strategic political dishonesty; Cambridge water – treatment, quality, watershed, fire protection, redundancy. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

May 24, 2021

Who’s Zoomin’ Who? – May 24-25, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:15 pm

Who’s Zoomin’ Who? – May 24-25, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

A temporary cease-fire may be going into effect in Israel and Gaza, but that won’t stop the Zoom speeches this Monday. Lots of rhetorical rockets were fired last week. This week there’s likely to be a lot of response and maybe even some skirmishes. What all this has to do with the City of Cambridge escapes me. [Note: This meeting was recessed and continued to a May 25 Special City Council meeting starting at 5:30pm.]City Hall

Here are some things that struck a chord or a nerve:

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request the adoption of a statutory small business exemption for personal property accounts equal to or less than $10,000 in assessed value and the authorization for an exemption for personal property accounts equal to or less than $20,000 in assessed value, by requesting a special act from the Legislature and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Orders Adopted 9-0

This exemption has been in effect for the current FY21 fiscal year, and the City sought and received a Special Act of the legislature to allow the City to make the exemption permanent. Perhaps most notable in this communication is this: “Not only will this tax exemption assist small businesses financially and administratively, but it will also relieve the burden upon the City for the collection and accounting of small accounts.”


Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request to approve the acquisition of land in Lincoln, Massachusetts for the purpose of adding to the City’s watershed lands for water supply protection and conservation purposes. [Water Board Letter] [Map/Plot Plan]
Orders Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the PFAS Treatment Grant in the amount of $115,680.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ‘s Drinking Water Program (DEP) to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures account which will assist in the effort to remove Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) from our finished water and will also help to offset the costs of the ongoing Cambridge Water Department bench-scale study to determine the effectiveness of granular activated carbon (GAC) to remove PFAS from our water.
Order Adopted 9-0

Unlike other items on this meeting agenda (see below) that have no connection whatsoever to the City of Cambridge but which will draw public comments galore, these two items have everything to do with one of the most essential services provided by our local government – the provision and security of clean drinking water. These items will likely draw little, if any, public comment.


Charter Right #1. In Support of H.R.2590, “The Palestinian Children and Families Act”.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Nolan In Council May 17, 2021]
Resolution Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Purchasing Department to review Cambridge’s corporate contracts and identify any companies that are in violation of Cambridge’s policy on discrimination, including (but not limited to) Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Hewlett Packard Incorporated over their role in abetting apartheid in the Middle East, and to suggest alternatives for Cambridge to explore in order to ensure the city embody the values it put on paper.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Nolan In Council May 17, 2021]
Order Adopted as Amended by Substitution 9-0 (see notes below)

Note 1: Zondervan introduced an amendment to the substitute language specifically calling out Hewlett-Packard (and implicitly endorsing BDS).
Amendment Fails 3-6: YES – DC,JSW,QZ; NO – AM,MM,PN,DS,TT,SS

Note 2: Zondervan introduced another amendment to the substitute language saying same but w/o specifically calling out Hewlett-Packard (yet still implicitly endorsing BDS).
Amendment Fails 3-6: YES – DC,JSW,QZ; NO – AM,MM,PN,DS,TT,SS

Note 3: Zondervan introduced another amendment regarding right of people to defend themselves and specifically calling out Israeli government attacks against Palestinean people (replacing Netanyahu w/Israeli government and removing any reference to any negative actions by Hamas and Israel’s right to exist).
Amendment Fails 3-5-0-1: YES – JSW,QZ,SS; NO – AM,MM,PN,DS,TT; PRESENT – DC

Note 4: Sobrinho-Wheeler introduced an amendment to the substitute language amending “ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Purchasing Department to review Cambridge’s corporate contracts and purchases to identify any vendors or manufacturers whose products are used to perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws and Cambridge’s policy on discrimination.”
Amendment Passes 6-3: YES – DC,AM,MM,JSW,QZ,SS; NO – PN,DS,TT

Approximately 25 communications relating to last week’s Resolution and Policy Order regarding Israel, Gaza, and boycotts.

At last count on Monday morning, there were 426 people signed up for Public Comment with the overwhelming majority of those signed up expected to comment on these two matters that have nothing whatsoever to do with the City of Cambridge. A Special Meeting was scheduled for Tues, May 25 to continue the meeting. The Monday meeting was all Public Comment (apparently 537 people


Applications & Petitions #1. A petition was received from Loren Crowe, requesting that the City Council ordain ordinance language relative to the creation and operation of Neighborhood Conservation Districts in the city. [Text of Petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT) [Note: QZ motion to Place on File failed 1-7-1]

This petition appears to be the latest skirmish in a battle that began when some people in East Cambridge sought to create a neighborhood conservation district a couple of years ago. This tit-for-tat battle has now turned into a “cause” for those who see preservation as antithetical to their idea of “progress.” What comes to mind when I see these battles for power and control are Jane Jacobs vs. Robert Moses in New York City, and the demolition of over half of Boston’s West End to make way for Jerome Rappaport’s Charles River Park. “If You Lived Here You’d Be Home Now” – but only if you never lived here before.

Order #2. That the City Council amend the Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge entitled “SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT” to insert a new section 22.24.4 (Ordinance #2021-13).   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT) – This is same zoning peition filed in April, re-filed due to expiration.

This is being billed by its authors as the “Cambridge Green New Deal Zoning Petition.” It is presented as being primarily about reporting requirements for emissions associated with the construction and maintenance of new buildings and is being pitched in terms of “green jobs” and “economic opportunity and climate justice for our most vulnerable residents.” However, it appears to really be about forcing the elimination of natural gas as a fuel source (which cannot currently be banned according to a ruling from the Mass. Atty. General), and additional government control over property, e.g. “The developer will present a payment schedule for how to zero out the Total Emissions of the building, using a social cost of carbon formula approved by CDD. The payment schedule may be annualized over a period not to exceed 10 years. The outstanding balance shall act as a lien on the property in case it is sold. Any offset must demonstrate direct benefits to low-income and minority communities in Cambridge, including economic opportunity through job creation and or financial savings through e.g. utility bill reductions.” Oh yeah, and “any residential buildings that include affordable units” will be exempt from any of the proposed requirements.

This current City Council can be characterized best by one word: “Control”

Order #3. Cambridge HEART Proposal.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
Charter Right – Zondervan

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons and Councillor McGovern, transmitting a memorandum regarding the Report for Future of Public Safety Task Force.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

The so-called "HEART proposal" comes from the group that calls itself “The Black Response” and is fundamentally rooted in the abolition of traditional police. It appears that its presentation at this moment is meant as a challenge (more like a short circuit) to the report from the Task Force which nonetheless shares some similar ideas. We are fortunate to have a Police Commissioner and a City administration open to reasonable suggestions and it will be interesting to see if some helpful reallocation of resources grows from these suggestions without jeopardizing public safety. The deliberations of the Task Force have been far from transparent, but there was at least some effort to involve a greater cross-section of the community. Emphasis is needed about what exactly constitutes “the community” with councillors and residents alike routinely claiming what is not theirs in any reasonable sense. Contrary to some of rhetoric offered at the recent FY22 Budget Hearings, a proposal from a small unrepresentative group of advocates does not translate into “the community has spoken.” – Robert Winters

Don’t forget about these:

Tues, May 25

3:00pm   The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) that would drive down energy use and emissions in existing buildings in Cambridge as well as an update on the Net Zero Action Plan 5-Year Review process and recommendations.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Zondervan]

Wed, May 26

10:00am   The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing on the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board and to discuss the pilot of street closures in Harvard Square.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Nolan]

12:00pm   Special Meeting of the City Council  (Sullivan Chamber)
Note: There has been no notice whatsoever of the purpose of this Special Meeting.
Late Breaking News: The City Clerk finally posted the agenda for this Special Meeting on Monday afternoon. “The City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss the charter assessment conducted by the Collins Center.”

Thurs, May 27

Time Unknown   The City Council’s Civic Unity Committee shall meet to discuss the recently released ‘Social Equity Legislation in Cannabis: A National Study of State and Local Approaches’ by the Initiative organization.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Simmons]

Tues, June 1

3:00pm   The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing on the small business grant and loan programs managed by the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Mallon]

Wed, June 2

2:00pm   The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Alewife Envision Plan.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Nolan]

5:30pm   The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on an order to amend the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge to insert new section Restricting the Use of Chemical Crowd Control Agents and Kinetic Impact Projectiles.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Co-Chairs = Carlone, McGovern]

Tues, June 8

11:00am   The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss strategies and opportunities to alleviate permit and license fees for small businesses, through possible consolidation or elimination.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Mallon]

Wed, June 9

11:00am   The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss the city’s progress on our Zero Waste Plan, and relevant items referred to committee, including eliminating single use plastics.  (Sullivan Chamber)

5:00pm   The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to follow-up from the initial neighborhood group hearing and further discuss how the City can work with groups.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Nolan]

Thurs, June 10

5:30pm   The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Cambridge Missing Middle Housing Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2021-2).  (Sullivan Chamber) [Co-Chairs = Carlone, McGovern]

Tues, June 15

11:00am   The City Council’s Government Operations Committee will meet to discuss the hiring of the next City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber) [Chair = Simmons]

April 8, 2021

A Peek at the April 12, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 7:22 pm

A Peek at the April 12, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting agenda

Here are a few things coming up:Peoples Republic of Cambridge

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Placed on File

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the COVID-19 Update.
Placed on File

The beat goes on. Things will get better but right now the variants are temporarlity making things worse. That said, I have seen good statistical models that suggest that the latest wave may peak by early May and drop substantially as we head into June and July. For the moment, however, we still have to take precautions, get vaccinated, and curb our enthusiasm.

7-day averages (April 11)


Charter Right #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $130,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Electrical Extraordinary Expenditures account which will fund the purchase of a new aerial bucket truck. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL APR 5, 2021]
Order Adopted 8-1

Regardless of Councillor Nolan’s enthusiasm to obliterate fossel fuels, motor vehicle, and anything that might create emissions (like cows?), there is more than a touch of micromanagement when a city councillor second-guesses a vehicle purchase that had already been vetted for its environmental worthiness (it’s bio-diesel, but not electric).

Resolution #2. That the City Council go on the record in support of this session’s proposed TOPA bills, SD.1672 and HD.2984, and in urging the Cambridge State Legislative Delegation to advance this legislation to swift passage.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Resolution Adopted 8-1 (Toomey – NO)

My guess is that this resolution will pass without any substantial questions – and there should be questions raised about these bills. For example, should it be the rule that the "right of first refusal" can be assigned to a third-party entity so that existing tenants are not the ones getting an advantage in possible home-ownership opportunities? As one friend with first-hand knowledge of the Washington, DC law noted: “It is largely a mistake and hasn’t really done much for DC real estate values or tenant protections. The right in DC is transferable which has created a sub-market that has really only harmed small owners who need to sell in a pinch or in estate succession.”

My personal take on the proposal is that it is yet another attempt to move residential property from private ownership to “social ownership” with no real intention of empowering existing tenants to own their own housing. If you think this is about the admirable goal of forming tenant-owned coops, think again.

Order #1. Policy Order re: Making Remote Participation Permanent.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone – ABSENT)

Order #2. Policy Order Re: Making Remote Public Participation Easier.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone – ABSENT)

I spoke at a Government Operations Committee meeting on this topic last week. While I think it is clearly a good idea to continue to provide an opportunity for people to chime in remotely, this will never be a substitute for in-person participation. Getting 120 seconds to hastily read a statement with no opportunity for any back-and-forth interaction is more political theater than actual democracy. More importantly, remote participation should not just be about public comment.

On several occasions in the past I testified at Government Operations Committee meetings that there should be a separate website for every City Council committee that clearly shows what the current activity of the committee is, what actions have been taken or are pending, all supporting documents, and a mechanism for public input with a mechanism for ongoing feedback. I also believe that aides should assigned to committees rather than to individual councillors. Say what you will about remote participation during the pandemic, but the dark side is that much of the City Council business now takes place entirely out of view, and springing late orders at Council meetings or recruiting a parade of Zoom commenters is a poor substitute for deliberative public process.

Order #4. That the City and CPD create laminated, information cards detailing how an individual can file complaints and concerns regarding their interactions with CPD.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

I remember a day when the Cambridge Police Department produced a series of trading cards (same size as baseball cards) for most and possibly all members of the Police Department. They even had a card for City Manager Bob Healy (I have it in my collection). Making informational business cards available may be useful, but I preferred the trading cards.

Order #5. That the Chair of Civic Unity schedule a meeting to discuss survey results, progress made to date, and recommendations to diversify City’s Boards and Commissions.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

With all that has gone down over the last year it’s worth noting that the last time the City Council’s Civic Unity Committee held a meeting was in May 2019 during the previous City Council term. Perhaps we should just trade it in for a Civic Disunity Committee and call it a day. Regarding the boards and commissions, the real difficulty has generally been in getting enough people to apply.

Order #6. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to consult with the Water Department and report back to the City Council by the end of the month on plans for monitoring the situation, for early communication on conserving water and for instituting water savings measures, and to inform the Water Board of this request.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Information is good. I will, however, point out that anyone (including city councillors) can go to the Water Department site to learn most of this information. In particular, there’s a Drought Status page.

Order #7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Law Department, and the City Manager’s Housing Liaison to discuss and advise on ways to increase equity in the initial application process for tenants looking to rent in Cambridge that does not violate fair housing laws.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Some of us don’t do credit checks at all, but I certainly wouldn’t want to deny a property owner the right or choice to do a credit check of potential tenants. On the other hand, if the sponsors of this Order want to personally contribute to a fund to underwrite any losses due to nonpayment of rent, that would be a very generous thing for them to do.

Order #8. That the City Council shall have its own budget for outside legal research to be utilized at the discretion of the Council when designated by a majority of members in pursuance of the Council’s authority to exercise the legislative powers of the City as specified in the City charter.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right – Simmons

If this were to happen there is no doubt whatsoever that we would soon see five councillors hand-picking their own lawyer who would then be pitted against the City Solicitor – a recipe for chaos. Furthermore, the City Council is under no obligation to abide by the legal advice of the City Solicitor – though that would generally be a rather poor choice.

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 4, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the Green Roofs zoning petition.
Report Accepted as Amended 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Mar 31, 2021 to continue a public hearing on the Green Roofs zoning petition.
Report Accepted; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 9-0
[Note: Two late policy orders were passed – (1) requesting information about possible impacts of removing the rooftop parking exemption, and (2) where to insert the phrase "That all affordable housing projects, including those that fall under the Affordable Housing Overlay, will be exempt from this section."]

I expect this will pass to a 2nd Reading and may even be ordained in a few weeks in its amended form. It is worth noting, however, that the Planning Board recommended against adoption and I would hope that all of the Planning Board’s concerns are fully addressed before ordaining this. – Robert Winters


And don’t forget about these:

Wed, Apr 14

10:00am   The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  (Sullivan Chamber – Televised)

5:30pm   The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Retail Uses Zoning Recommendations – Refiled (Ordinance #2021-3) and the Home Occupations Zoning Recommendations – Refiled (Ordinance #2021-4).  (Sullivan Chamber – Televised)

Thurs, Apr 29

5:30pm   The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Broad Canal Zoning Petition.  (Sullivan Chamber – Televised)

March 18, 2021

Rites and Rongs of Spring – March 22, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

Rites and Rongs of Spring – March 22, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here’s my vernal-eyed view of this week’s proceedings:First Sign of Spring

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update on vaccination rollout.
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the City Manager’s COVID-19 update.
Placed on File 9-0

Still searching for that vaccination. Preregistered for Covid vaccine. Got a call telling me to call 211 to book an appointment. Called 211 and was told there are no appointments available. So what was the call about? This is typical Massachusetts. Who can I bribe to get a vaccination appointment? (I’m age-eligible.)


Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant received from MAPC in the amount of $52,250 which will be used for technical assistance for 1) planning and permitting the expansion of the floating wetland pilot in the Charles; 2) outlining and disseminating a permitting road map and lessons learned that can enable similar capital, resiliency projects; and 3) engagement with the wider community to support understanding of water quality and to inform the expansion process.
Order Adopted 9-0

I really do like projects like this, but as long as it’s now OK to put things in the river, how about a floating boardwalk on the back side of the Museum of Science garage to create a quiet pedestrian connection on the river away from the traffic on the Craigie Bridge? Decades have now passed since this idea was “floated.”


Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance. [DPR letter] [proposed ordinance changes]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (Toomey – NO)

On the Table #5. The Health & Environment Committee met on Oct 13, 2020 to discuss amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (Toomey – NO)

On the Table #6. The Health & Environment Committee met on Nov 10, 2020 to continue discussing amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (Toomey – NO)

Among the shortcomings in the proposed revised Tree Protection Ordinance is that it only considers single lots in isolation. The removal of a "significant tree" on one lot would trigger significant cost or tree replacements on that lot even if the removal might be greatly beneficial to trees on an adjacent lot. There are also no guidelines regarding what might be considered dangerous, e.g. very close proximity to a building. Prior to ordination there should also be provided a list of some examples with actual costs so that people can get a sense of the potential burdens that may be imposed on homeowners.


Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2021 and ending Mar 31, 2022. [City Manager letter]
Order Adopted 9-0

Water rates are proposed to go up 1% and sewer rates are proposed to go up 8% for a combined increase of 6.5%. For the lowest block, it’ll cost you $3.05 to buy 750 gallons of water and $13.51 to get rid of it.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to suggested zoning text amendments as well as amendments to Chapter 5.50 of the Municipal Code regarding cannabis delivery businesses. [Law Department memo] [Zoning text] [Municipal Code]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0

The proposed zoning and ordinance changes replace the recently expired zoning proposal. Though I don’t oppose any of the individual proposed cannabis business locations I often think about what the cumulative effect of all of this might be. Cambridge doesn’t generally do a very good job of considering The Big Picture when pushing their favored few things, and cannabis has definitely been a favored thing over the last few years among councillors.

Resolution #6. Standing in Solidarity with Asian Community and Condemning White Supremacy.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t suppose you’ll find anyone around here who supports any of the things that this Order condemns, but both "Resolved" statements in the resolution draw conclusions that may not necessarily be true.

Order #1. Opposing wood-burning biomass plants.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. In Support of the FARE Act.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 9-0

This proposal would make public transit free on the days of all statewide primary and general elections. The idea of making it free every day is not actually insane.

Order #3. Making Remote Participation in City Council Meetings Permanent.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted as Amended 9-0

I’m pretty sure that remote participation is here to stay in some form or another regardless of this City Council order. There are a few observations I might make about the whole experience. First, it does provide more equitable access to public meetings, so I guess that’s a positive from a democracy point of view. On the other hand, it has facilitated what I sometimes call “democracy by the pound” where tech-savvy organizers can marshal their troops to read scripted comments from the comfort of home. Like the much-maligned-of-late and far-to-easy-to-invoke filibuster rule, I generally leans toward having at least minor hurdles to increase the fraction of serious democratic participants and ideas. Perhaps showing up in person to a meeting isn’t the only way to do this and we have seen ill-informed parades of actual people at public meetings in recent years carrying the flag of their various noble causes. The depth of the pond just seems more shallow of late. On balance, I’d say that ensuring some remote participation is still a good thing – especially for those who may be physically less able to make their way to the Sullivan Chamber or other civic venue. I still prefer to do things in person.

There’s another aspect of this virtual zoom-government that I consider to be a Big Problem. Citizens may get to tune in to watch the political equivalent of Hollywood Squares and maybe even give their 120 seconds of public comment before being muted with no opportunity for rebuttal (which you could always do in person outside the Sullivan Chamber). They may even be able to watch the recorded meetings in their leisure time. However, Open Meeting Law or not, there’s a lot of deliberation and decision-making that now takes place out of public view. Significant proposals often simply rise out of the virtual firmament and the public gets to react far more than it gets a chance to act and often too late to make any real difference. Neighborhood listservs have become the dreadful forum of action and reaction in which the loudest voices take up a lot more space than rational discussion. Social media campaigns have become the norm, and much of it is indistinguishable from propaganda.

Order #5. Opposing The MBTA Service Cuts.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Adopted as Amended 9-0

This is one of those cases where both sides are right. It sucks to cut back on public transportation while there’s still a pandemic, but because of the pandemic the ridership is a fraction of what it used to be and it’s crazy to be operating empty and near-empty trains and buses. Perhaps a Reality Compromise can be found. It’s not all about “winning.”

Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee met on Oct 14, 2020 to discuss traffic enforcement and Order #14 of July 27, 2020.
Accept Report, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Oct 28, 2020 to discuss the Real Estate Transfer Home Rule Petition.
Accept Report, Placed on File 9-0

The more I think about this the less I like it – even though it would likely not affect me personally (unless the redistributionists really go wild). In truth, I don’t like any revenue proposal that dedicates all the revenue to a single purpose, e.g. subsidized housing. It takes decisions about financial priorities out of the hands of the local legislature. I’m even having second thoughts about the Community Preservation Act for similar reasons. The rumor is that this Home Rule Petition doesn’t stand a chance in the State Legislature, though some believe that it could lead to enabling legislation that might allow any city or town to sock it to the seller. I hope not. Local control does not necessarily translate into fairness.

Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 11. 2021 to conduct a public hearing a petition to amend Article 8.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
Accept Report, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading

This is more of a technical correction based on recent court opinions and will like be passed to a 2nd Reading and ordained in a few weeks.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Vice Mayor Mallon transmitting information about a Commercial Composting Pilot Program in Cambridge. [Cambridge Table to Farm Commercial Composting Report] [Cambridge Table to Farm Composting Fact Sheet]
Placed on File 9-0

I generally find this to be a good proposal, but there is a part of me who wonders whether this is more about cost avoidance for small businesses than it is about environmental salvation.

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting an update on the Charter Assessment Review. [Siddiqui memo] [Collins Center memo] [Appendices]
Placed on File 9-0

I piped up about this at last week’s Government Operations Committee meeting about the initial steps of the city manager search process. It seems a bit awkward to be talking about hiring the next city manager at the same time that some councillors are privately (and publicly) talking about shifting more power to themselves by possibly moving away from a city manager form of government. That would be a dreadful outcome, but once again that problem of invisibility behind the Zoom screen rears its ugly head. Overturning a system that has worked well for 80 years is not something that should be considered lightly.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting communicating information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0

With all this talk about searching for an interim school superintendent and then a "permanent" school superintendent in addition to the initial steps to search for the next city manager, all I can think of is John Wayne, Natalie Wood, and Jeffrey Hunter. – Robert Winters

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