City Council - Regular Meeting

January 27, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 156 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ronald DiGiorgio as a Constable for a term of three years.
2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of members to the Transit Advisory Committee.
3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Number 2024 #154, regarding the City’s Sanctuary/Trust Act City status, the protections provided by the 2020 Welcoming Community Ordinance, and the importance of ensuring non-citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on negotiations with Harvard University regarding PILOT payments
5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an updated drought regulation ordinance.
6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to changes in the Animal Commission ordinance regarding a fee increase.
7 Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Animal Commission Ordinance 2025 #3 Changes - Fees.
8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-54 , regarding a review of Curb Cut Policies
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-31 regarding an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP)
10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-60 regarding grant funding through Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing).
11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Potential amendments to required setbacks for additions and alterations to existing buildings in the Multifamily Housing Zoning Petitions.
1 That the City Council go on record urging Eversource to prioritize considerations and implement them wherever possible as part of the Greater Cambridge Energy Program.
2 That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path and how implementation between Gore Street and Little Binney could coincide with Phase 2 of the CSO implementation on Cambridge Street.
3 City Council opposition to Congressional Voter-Suppression SAVE Bill.
4 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to install "Bicycles Must Yield" signs along the Linear Park Parkway, Russell Field, Cambridge Commons, and any other shared use pathway determined appropriate by the City Manager and staff. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED IN COUNCIL JANUARY 27, 2025 BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
5 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop zoning recommendations, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A §9B, for regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems that have been in existence for one year, per Ordinance Ch. 22.60, specifically on structures over 4 stories.
6 That the City Council Amend Petition One, Section 5.40, Footnote (2) to add paragraph (c) to read:
1 1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,500,000, from Free Cash, to the Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,500,000), and to the Finance Department Extraordinary Expenditures account ($1,000,000), to support the continued operation and needed capital and equipment improvements to Neville Center, a 5-star skilled nursing facility with 112 beds, which is part of Neville Communities Inc. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL JANUARY 6, 2025
1 Request has been received from Mike Kimball representing Bank of America, regarding Revocation of Bond #14BSBDG6280 for Bank of America, 600 Technology Square. Response from the Inspectional Services Department has been received confirming said sign has been removed.
2 An application was received from Mahmood Firouzbakht, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 38 Hubbard Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
3 An application was received from Stuart Pitchel representing Petunia, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 73 Mount Auburn Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
4 An application was received from Xin Shangguan representing TOO HOT, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 16 Eliot Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
1 A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, regarding WHY Does the City Council want to Prevent the use of SOLAR PANELS_.
2 A communication was received from Andrey Fradkin, regarding Please end exclusionary zoning.
3 A communication was received from Annie Brewster, regarding Coolidge Hill_ Don't Let Developers Write the Zoning Laws (5).
4 A communication was received from Arthur Moore, regarding opposes building measure.
5 A communication was received from Arti Pandey, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (4).
6 A communication was received from Asha Daniere, regarding IN STRONG SUPPORT OF THE MULTI FAMILY ZONING PETITIONS.
7 A communication was received from Barbara Appignani, regarding Housing proposals.
8 A communication was received from Ben Tyler, regarding Thank you for working towards citywide multi family zoning.
9 A communication was received from Betsy, regarding housing_zoning.
10 A communication was received from Camilla Elvis, regarding Support Current Housing Compromise.
11 A communication was received from Chris Hopkins, regarding Support for Zoning Reform.
12 A communication was received from Conleigh Byers, regarding Support for inclusionary zoning.
13 A communication was received from Constance Gavin, regarding POLICY ORDER #1_ GARDEN STREET.
14 A communication was received from Crystal Leslie, regarding Vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
15 A communication was received from Dan Phillips, regarding Nearly 400 people signed a petition in support of allowing apartments city-wide.
16 A communication was received from Dan Totten, regarding supporting Unfinished Business #1.
17 A communication was received from Donald Grossman, regarding Anti-Plan ? Anti-Vax.
18 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Trees (support for 30% open space)
19 A communication was received from Harpreet Grewal, regarding DO NOT APPROVE CURRENT RECOMMENDATION FOR CHANGES TO SINGLE FAMILY ZONING.
20 A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding your sole policy order tonight remains absolute gobbledygook.
21 A communication was received from Helen Abraham, regarding Vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (1).
22 A communication was received from Ira Nichols-Barrer, regarding support for multifamily rezoning.
23 A communication was received from Jane Williams, regarding Oning.
24 A communication was received from Jason Alves, regarding CM 1 and CSO Amendments.
25 A communication was received from Joshua Hartshorne, regarding No further delays to bike lanes!.
26 A communication was received from Kimberly M. Rhoten, regarding Unfinished Business #1_ Fair Housing Family Structure and Relationship Status.
27 A communication was received from Laura (Hale) Brannon, regarding End exclusionary zoning.
28 A communication was received from Lee Rosenthal, regarding Cambridge resident in support of upzoning proposal.
29 A communication was received from Lisa Glover, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (2).
30 A communication was received from Margaret D Carroll, regarding Coolidge Hill_ Don't Let Developers Write the Zoning Laws.
31 A communication was received from Mark Kon, regarding strong concerns about the direction of Cambridge.
32 A communication was received from Michael Millner, regarding Zoning Changes.
33 A communication was received from Nicolaï Cauchy, regarding Opposition to up-zoning + WATER!!!.
34 A communication was received from Paul E. Fallon, regarding In Support of Zoning Proposal!.
35 A communication was received from Peter Crawley, regarding Oppose the proposed City-wide Multi-family Up-zoning Ordinance.
36 A communication was received from Quinton Zondervan, regarding Please ordain anti-discrimination Ordinance tonight!.
37 A communication was received from Sara Mae Berman, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (3).
38 A communication was received from Susan Mcdonald, regarding More about Broadway.
39 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding City Manager Agenda Item#8 & PO #1 re Multifamily Housing Petitions
40 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Urgent Request re City Can't take these kinds of questionable actions in a rush to pass MFH Petitions.
41 A communication was received from Shana Ashar, regarding Support for the Multifamily Housing Ordinance.
42 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Could you please explain 1_16 Ordinance Committee Meeting Agenda Packet.
43 A communication was received from chickpea.fritter23, regarding Support end of exclusionary zoning.
44 A communication was received from Amanda Beatty, regarding Questions about CPP in advance of the roundtable.
45 A communication was received from Asha Daniere, regarding Thoughts on 2000 sf limit.
46 A communication was received from Jadyn Damon, regarding Feedback_ Thoughts on Universal Preschool- Special Education.
47 A communication was received from Susan McDonald, regarding more on Broadway.
48 A communication was received from Caroline Desbordes, regarding Housing policy.
49 A communication was received from Elizabeth D. Hodder, regarding new housing ordinance.
50 A communication was received from David Hattis, regarding In support of 4+2.
51 A communication was received from Sally Edmonds, regarding multi-story rezoning.
52 A communication was received from Lida Griffin, regarding Feedback on the University Kindergarten Program..
53 A communication was received from Hirschy Zarchi, regarding For the City Council.
54 A communication was received from Esther Grunblatt, regarding Multifamily Housing Proposal.
55 A communication was received from Brian Conway, regarding Multifamily Up-Zone Housing Proposal.
56 A communication was received from Kimberly Simonsen, regarding multiple story re-zoning.
57 A communication was received from Leigh Needleman, regarding NO on multi-story re-zoning.
58 A communication was received from A.M. Kubilius, regarding NO on the current citywide rezoning petition.
59 A communication was received from Jan Devereux, regarding oppose Multi-Family Zoning Petition.
60 A communication was received from Harold J. Bursztajn, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
61 A communication was received from Tom Rawson, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
62 A communication was received from Susan Strang, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
63 A communication was received from Julie Vargas, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
64 A communication was received from Martha C Kingsbury, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
65 A communication was received from Mimi Truslow, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
66 A communication was received from Anne Lowell, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
67 A communication was received from Beverly Reifman, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
68 A communication was received from Nance goldstein, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
69 A communication was received from Marjorie Hilton, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
70 A communication was received from Elena Lori, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
71 A communication was received from Debbie Monosson, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
72 A communication was received from btantony, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
73 A communication was received from Nan Laird, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
74 A communication was received from Fritz Mueller, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
75 A communication was received from Susan Pharr, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
76 A communication was received from Peter Wilson, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
77 A communication was received from Susan lapides, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
78 A communication was received from Michelle Seligson, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
79 A communication was received from Robin Greeley, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
80 A communication was received from Renie Herman, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
81 A communication was received from Joel Altstein, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
82 A communication was received from Wilder Fleming, regarding Please vote YES on citywide upzoning petition.
83 A communication was received from Kolleen Burbank, regarding Support for Multifamily Housing Ordinance.
84 A communication was received from Kavi Gupta, regarding Please vote yes on the rezoning ordinance.
85 A communication was received from Deneen Crosby, regarding Council zoning petitions.
86 A communication was received from Andrew Ray, regarding Current Multifamily Zoning Proposal.
87 A communication was received from William Bloomstein, regarding Vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
88 A communication was received from Laura Blacklow, regarding Vote NO on upzoning petition.
89 A communication was received from McKelden Smith, regarding STRONG NO on upzoning.
90 A communication was received from Ellie Muter, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (2).
91 A communication was received from Nancy Carpenter, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
92 A communication was received from Ewa Lajer-Burcharth, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition,.
93 A communication was received from Jane Huang, regarding 4 story housing measure.
94 A communication was received from Carmel O'Reilly, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
95 A communication was received from Gordon Moore?, regarding The previously protected borderline between Avenues and Squares and their abutting lower zoned neighborhoods is breached in the proposed multifamily residential zoning.
96 A communication was received from Michael Rogove, regarding Ordinance Committee - thank you ahead of votes.
97 A communication was received from Pamela A. Thomure, regarding Garden Street.
98 A communication was received from Terry Crystal, regarding BROADWAY BIKE LANES ARE BAD IDEA.
99 A communication was received from Gordon Moore, regarding Multifamily residential zoning petition.
100 A communication was received from Alexander Weiss, regarding Support for Multifamily Housing Citywide.
101 A communication was received from Crystal Leslie, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition (1).
102 A communication was received from Fred-Rick Schermer, regarding LR News_ New York Times article_.
103 A communication was received from Liz Byron Loya, regarding MFH Proposal- Need for solar protections.
104 A communication was received from Amos Denny, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
105 A communication was received from Arti Pandey, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
106 A communication was received from Robert Camacho, regarding upzoning proposal.
107 A communication was received from William Graham, regarding zoning proposal.
108 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding AUSTIN TX video- worth a look again.
109 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding Critical upzoning changes before a vote.
110 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding Charter Review & voting option.
111 A communication was received from Julie Heck, regarding Plea.
112 A communication was received from Stuart Gedal, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
113 A communication was received from Elizabeth Van Ranst, regarding Upzoning.
114 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Ordinance Committee Recommendation and CM report on Multifamily Housing Zoning Petitions.
1 Congratulations to Helen Gibbons on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
2 Congratulations to Judith Rolph on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
3 Congratulations to Jan Snyder on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
4 Thanks to Iram Farooq for her 25 years of commitment, service, and leadership at the City of Cambridge Community Development Department and best wishes as she joins Harvard University.
5 Condolences on the death of Robert V. Travers.
6 Condolences on the death of Henry Edward (Ted) Tierney.
7 Condolences to the family of Janet Rose.
8 Resolution on the death of Sterling Zen Singletary.
9 Condolences on the death of Alfred Marazzo.
10 Condolences on the death of Robert Lenkauskas.
11 Condolences on the death of David Bertrand.
12 Resolution on the death of Ms. Joella Bieber.
4 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Ordinance 2025 #1 Multi Family Zoning Petition-Part 1.
5 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to ORDINANCE 2025 #2 Multi Family Zoning Petition-Part 2.
6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts.
7 A communication was received from Jeff Roberts, Director of Zoning and Development, transmitting a response to Policy Order 2024 #163 and Policy Order 2025 #1, regarding amendments to the Multifamily Housing Zoning Petitions.
1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
2 A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting a letter to the Council with a response to the Ortiz Open Meeting Law Complaint.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update
2 1. Provide an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP) including revised cost estimates to help inform the FY26 and ongoing capital budget priorities in a timely manner.

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