City Council - Regular Meeting

March 31, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 221 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-53, regarding assisting companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements.
3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-66 regarding an automated parking enforcement draft home rule petition.
4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-02, which requested that the City Manager ensure adherence to the existing prevailing wage ordinance, maintenance of consistent wage rates, provision of comprehensive employer-paid benefits, and development of a clear local employment strategy in relation to the construction of a new substation and the installation of duct banks.
5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 regarding Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER IN COUNCIL MARCH 31, 2025
6 That the City Manager and appropriate staff move forward with Option 4 to reopen Garden street to two way traffic while maintaining separated bike lanes.
7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Floodplain Zoning Amendments.
8 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend Articles 5.000 and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. PASSED TO A SECOND READING ON COUNCIL MAY 12, 2025 ELIGIBLE TO BE ORDAINED JUNE 2, 2025
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo regarding 84 and 96 Bishop Allen RFI submission responses and next steps.
10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numb #25-17 which requested that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework.
11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Harvard PILOT negotiations.
1 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to work together with the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to make appropriate changes to the draft of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 and forward a final draft to the full City Council for approval as the City’s policy document on zero waste.
2 Appointment of Paula M. Crane as Interim City Clerk effective June 1, 2025.
3 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable.
4 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department, and Human Rights Commission, and local immigrant rights and immigrant-serving organizations to develop and implement policies and protocols to prevent illegal detainment, hold Know Your Rights trainings, and ensure that the City of Cambridge is adequately prepared to respond to and mitigate violations of this nature.
5 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.
6 That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting to discuss Sex Work and Sex Trafficking.
1 1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to renewal of the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR AZEEM IN COUNCIL MARCH 24, 2025
2 1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all tra
3 1. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Cambridge Municipal Code 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs.
1 A communication was received from Andy Zucker, regarding Paul Toner.
2 A communication was received from Ann Haycox, regarding Our squares and corridors.
3 A communication was received from Annette Benedetto, regarding Our squares and corridors-Right on! Why not guarantee that new housing will actually be affordable_ Not the luxury ones that are bring built now!.
4 A communication was received from Arthur Gilman, regarding Councilor Toner.
5 A communication was received from Arti Pandey, regarding Our squares and corridors.
6 A communication was received from Barry Perlman, regarding Councillor Toner.
7 A communication was received from Bart Bussink, regarding Keep Paul Toner !!!!.
8 A communication was received from Becki Norris, regarding Support letter for 320 Charles Street.
9 A communication was received from Belinda Rathbone, regarding Our squares and corridors.
10 A communication was received from Benjamin Flaim, regarding Paul Toner.
11 A communication was received from Beth Gamse & Judy Singer, regarding Garden Street.
12 A communication was received from Carol Birnbaum, regarding Our squares and corridors.
13 A communication was received from Carol Munroe, regarding Our squares and corridors.
14 A communication was received from Carol Weinhaus, regarding Our squares and corridors.
15 A communication was received from Catalina Arboleda, regarding Our squares and corridors.
16 A communication was received from Catherine S. Alexander, regarding Our squares and corridors.
17 A communication was received from Christine Tessier, regarding Our squares and corridors.
18 A communication was received from Craig Kelley, regarding Paul Toner Should Not Resign.
19 A communication was received from Crystal Komm, regarding Our squares and corridors.
20 A communication was received from Dan Mazur, regarding Our squares and corridors.
21 A communication was received from Dan Sprague, regarding Yes to municipal shuttle program.
22 A communication was received from Dan Totten, regarding CMA #13 (NCDs).
23 A communication was received from Dave Halperin, regarding Oppose Half Crown-Marsh renewal as is.
24 A communication was received from David Hattis, regarding Half Crown Marsh NCD.
25 A communication was received from David Kudan, regarding Our squares and corridors.
26 A communication was received from David Levy, regarding Protecting Solar Access While Supporting Affordable Housing.
27 A communication was received from Deborah Valenze, regarding Our squares and corridors.
28 A communication was received from Debra Shapiro, regarding Our squares and corridors.
29 A communication was received from Dena Feldstein, regarding Our squares and corridors.
30 A communication was received from Diane Ballestas, regarding Our squares and corridors.
31 A communication was received from Dorothy Gaydosh, regarding Our squares and corridors.
32 A communication was received from Duncan MacArthur, regarding Paul Toner .
33 A communication was received from Ed Poirier, regarding Paul Toner.
34 A communication was received from Elizabeth Gilmore, regarding Keep Paul Toner.
35 A communication was received from Elizabeth Van Ranst, regarding Neighborhood Conservation Districts.
36 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Half Crown Marsh NCD.
37 A communication was received from Eunice Williams, regarding Our squares and corridors.
38 A communication was received from Florence Mountain, regarding Paul Toner.
39 A communication was received from Franziska Amacher, regarding Our squares and corridors.
40 A communication was received from Helene Bank, regarding Our squares and corridors.
41 A communication was received from Heli Meltsner, regarding Our squares and corridors.
42 A communication was received from irallen48, regarding Our squares and corridors.
43 A communication was received from Irving Allen, regarding Paul Toner should remain on council.
44 A communication was received from Jack Silvers, regarding in Councillor Toner should not be asked to resign now.
45 A communication was received from Jackson Moore-Otto, regarding Comment Against Half Crown Marsh NCD.
46 A communication was received from Jacqueline Brown, regarding Our squares and corridors.
47 A communication was received from Jacqueline Olds, regarding Our squares and corridors.
48 A communication was received from James Bertram, regarding Paul Toner.
49 A communication was received from James Zall, regarding Half Crown Marsh NCD (CM #13_ 3_24_2025 Council meeting).
50 A communication was received from Jane Murphy, regarding City council.
51 A communication was received from Jane Williams, regarding Our squares and corridors.
52 A communication was received from Jean Kindleberger, regarding Our squares and corridors.
53 A communication was received from Jeff Petrucelly, regarding Our squares and corridors.
54 A communication was received from John Hanratty, regarding Paul Toner deservers a fair and civil process.
55 A communication was received from John O’Reilly, regarding Paul Toner .
56 A communication was received from John Patrick, regarding On the Cambridge Brothel Case.
57 A communication was received from John Sitkin, regarding Our squares and corridors.
58 A communication was received from John Trever, regarding Our squares and corridors.
59 A communication was received from John Whisnant, regarding Our squares and corridors - Stop the Trojan Towers.
60 A communication was received from Joseph Antebi, regarding Our squares and corridors.
61 A communication was received from Joyce Devlin, regarding Our squares and corridors.
62 A communication was received from Judith Bowman, regarding Our squares and corridors.
63 A communication was received from Judith Sandler, regarding Our squares and corridors.
64 A communication was received from Karen Klein, regarding Our squares and corridors.
65 A communication was received from Kathleen Moore, regarding Do not approve the proposed renewal of the Half Crown-March NCD.
66 A communication was received from Kathleen Murphy, regarding Our squares and corridors.
67 A communication was received from Kathleen Skinner, regarding Paul Toner .
68 A communication was received from Kathy Smith, regarding Paul Toner.
69 A communication was received from Kellie DeJon, regarding Paul Toner.
70 A communication was received from Larry Ward, regarding Paul Toner.
71 A communication was received from Lawrence Hartmann, regarding Our squares and corridors.
72 A communication was received from Lawrence J. Adkins, regarding Our squares and corridors.
73 A communication was received from Leesteffy Jenkins, regarding Paul Toner.
74 A communication was received from Lisa Glover, regarding Our squares and corridors.
75 A communication was received from lynn Cetrulo, regarding Paul Toner.
76 A communication was received from Mal Malme, regarding Toner must resign.
77 A communication was received from Manny Pacheco MD and Heather Pacheco AIA, regarding Support for Paul Toner.
78 A communication was received from Margaret Compher, regarding Our squares and corridors.
79 A communication was received from Margaret Gadon, regarding Paul Toner as fit for councilor.
80 A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Clarification on Brothel Case in Federal Court and District Court.
81 A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Submission in favor of CMA #66.
82 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding One person's opinion given the situation.
83 A communication was received from Marjoleine Kars, regarding Our squares and corridors.
84 A communication was received from Mark Goldberg, regarding Paul Toner (1).
85 A communication was received from Marlene Brown, regarding Our squares and corridors.
86 A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, regarding On calls for Councillor Toner's resignation.
87 A communication was received from Mary S. Kennedy, regarding Our squares and corridors.
88 A communication was received from Matthew Sutton, regarding Keep Paul Toner on the City Council.
89 A communication was received from McKelden Smith, regarding Upzoning_ historic preservation.
90 A communication was received from Buck Mcnamara, regarding Paul Toner must go.
91 A communication was received from Melissa Ulen, regarding Please reconsider bike lane changes on Broadway.
92 A communication was received from Michael Rogove, regarding 2025-03-23 Meeting - CMA 2025 #66 - Crown Marsh NCD.
93 A communication was received from Michal Regunberg, regarding Our squares and corridors.
94 A communication was received from Miriam Goldberg, regarding Our squares and corridors.
95 A communication was received from Vincent Mili, regarding Councilor Paul Toner.
96 A communication was received from Tony Hsiao and Lestra Litchfield, regarding Regarding Half-Crown Marsh NCD.
97 A communication was received from Title IX Aurelia Advocates, regarding Statement on Councillor Paul Toner.
98 A communication was received from Suzanne Hopkins, regarding Our squares and corridors.
99 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding NCDs.
100 A communication was received from Susan Strang, regarding Our squares and corridors.
101 A communication was received from Susan Goldhor, regarding Our squares and corridors.
102 A communication was received from Stuart Gedal, regarding Our squares and corridors.
103 A communication was received from Steve Bardige, regarding Paul Toner should NOT resign.
104 A communication was received from Shelagh Hadley, regarding Our squares and corridors.
105 A communication was received from Sharon Sears, regarding Our squares and corridors.
106 A communication was received from Sandra McCallum & Robert McCallum, regarding Paul Toner City Councilor.
107 A communication was received from Alex Irving, regarding 18 Clinton MC-6545: 6 unit property becoming 2 large single family units.
108 A communication was received from Ayah Al-Zubi, regarding Paul Toner.
109 A communication was received from Beth Gamse and Judy Singer, regarding In strong support of Councillor Toner.
110 A communication was received from Bob Shane, regarding light pole banner program.
111 A communication was received from Carlos Loya, regarding Please help Daycare in Cambridge - Elizabeth's Daycare Huron Street - Case Study and learning for City of Cambridge.
112 A communication was received from Carole Stern, regarding Our squares and corridors.
113 A communication was received from Claudia Secundy, regarding Paul Toner.
114 A communication was received from Charles Rinaldo and Michele Rinaldo, regarding Paul Toner.
115 A communication was received from Denise Talarico, regarding Councilor Toner.
116 A communication was received from Diane Reposa, regarding Councilor Toner.
117 A communication was received from Fred Fantini, regarding Comments regarding Paul Toner.
118 A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding Reporting in Cambridge Day.
119 A communication was received from irallen, regarding COUNCILLOR Paul Toner should stay on Council.
120 A communication was received from Jason Alves, regarding King Open Parking.
121 A communication was received from E. A. and Julie S. Vargas, regarding Our squares and corridors.
122 A communication was received from Morgan Nerich, Kaelyn Silva, and Molly Stone-Peterson, regarding Founding TIAA Members: Statement on the Status of Councilor Paul F. Toner.
123 A communication was received from Katiti Kironde, regarding Paul Toner.
124 A communication was received from Kevin Crane, regarding Councillor Paul Toner.
125 A communication was received from Laura McMurry, regarding Councillor Toner should not resign.
126 A communication was received from Lawrence Adkins, regarding Not to resign.
127 A communication was received from Linda Chicariello, regarding Paul Toner.
128 A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding What has occurred recently concerning Councilor Paul Toner.
129 A communication was received from Lucy Norris, regarding Paul Toner Should Not Resign.
130 A communication was received from Mary Ann Donofrio, regarding Support for Paul Toner.
131 A communication was received from Michael Rome, regarding Paul Toner.
132 A communication was received from Nancy Ryan, regarding Paul Toner.
133 A communication was received from Patrick Magee, regarding POR 2025 #38.
134 A communication was received from Paula Van Gelder, regarding Toner: The Right to Due Process.
135 A communication was received from Peter Norris, regarding Our squares and corridors.
136 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, regarding Strong Support for Eviction Sealing. Right to Counsel to Implement it?
137 A communication was received from Rebecca Sama, regarding Plea for Resignation of City Council Member Paul Toner.
138 A communication was received from Robert Skenderian, regarding Paul Toner.
139 A communication was received from Sam Allon, regarding Spare our city the embarassment.
140 A communication was received from Sharmil Modi, regarding Comment in support of Councilor Paul Toner.
141 A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, regarding Paul Toner.
142 A communication was received from Ronald Suleski, regarding Please Reconsider.
143 A communication was received from romac106, regarding Our squares and corridors.
144 A communication was received from Robert Camacho, regarding City-wide up-zoning petition.
145 A communication was received from Rob Carney, regarding Council Member Toner Support.
146 A communication was received from Richard Schwartz, regarding Our squares and corridors.
147 A communication was received from Quinton Zondervan, regarding No more guns for the police!.
148 A communication was received from Phyllis Simpkins, regarding Our squares and corridors (1).
149 A communication was received from Paul Silin Levenson, regarding Our squares and corridors.
150 A communication was received from Paul Breneman, regarding Our squares and corridors.
151 A communication was received from Nike Tirman, regarding Our squares and corridors.
152 A communication was received from Nike Tirman, regarding KEEP PAUL TONER ON COUCIL!.
153 A communication was received from Ned Melanson, regarding Do not renew Half Crown Marsh NCD as-is.
154 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Remove Paul Toner's leadership roles now.
155 A communication was received from Bonnie Bertolaet, regarding Letter of support for BioMed Realty and 320 Charles St.
156 A communication was received from Alfred Disidoro, regardingn Paul Toner.
157 A communication was received from Emily WiejaI, regarding support Councillor Toner (1).
158 A communication was received from Joseph Sultan, regarding Support for Councilor Paul Toner.
159 A communication was received from Leah Tynan, regarding Resident Support of Garden St One Way Format.
160 A communication was received from Michael Keane, regarding Paul Toner support.
161 A communication was received from Stephen HelferI, regarding support Councillor Toner.
162 A communication was received from Katherine M, regarding OUR SQUARES and CORRIDORS.
1 Resolution on the death of Donna J. Barry.
2 20th anniversary of the Andrea Harvey Memorial Fund.
3 Resolution on the passing of Joseph Nichols, Sr.
4 Resolution on the death of Carol Elizabeth Moses.
5 Congratulations to Paula Gates on her retirement from the Water Department.
6 Congratulations to Meredith Woods on her retirement from the Cambridge Public Library.
7 Congratulations to Brian McCoy on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.
8 Congratulations to James Rita on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.
9 Resolution Congratulating Local Author Ora Grodsky
10 Resolution Acknowledging National Library Week 2025
11 Resolution Recognizing April as International Black Women's History Month
12 On the Annexation of Boston and Formation of MegaCambridge on April 1 CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR AZEEM IN COUNCIL MARCH 31, 2025
13 Resolution Honoring 45th Anniversary of the Xi Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta
1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update 03.31.25
1 at the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply.
2 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.
3 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.
4 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review with a robust and inclusive community process the Cambridge Bicycle Plan, most recently updated in 2020, and identify potential improvements and consider next steps for a network of Separated Bicycle Facilities, and Separated Bicycle Facilities on streets across the city in order to facilitate safer travel and ways to coordinate routes with neighboring communities including Arlington, Somerville, Watertown, Belmont, Boston, and others.
5 The City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and Harvard University to restore Garden Street to two-way automobile traffic while preserving two-way protected bike lanes, preserving as much parking on and/or near Garden Street as possible and identifying potential areas for resident parking on neighboring streets and communicating the changes to the affected neighborhood.
6 That the City Manager ensure staff work to Adherence to the existing prevailing wage ordinance, Maintenance of consistent wage rates, Provision of comprehensive employer-paid benefits and Development of a clear local employment strategy.
7 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.
8 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.
9 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a report on the use of M.G.L. Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local-option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances and provide a recommendation to the City Council for implementation of Ch. 40U procedures.
10 The City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to investigate safety improvements such as signalization to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge Street, and Warren Street, and to implement these changes as soon as possible.
11 The City Manager is requested to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years.
12 The City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments about exploring how the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can advance protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders as authorized by the two new Massachusetts laws.
13 The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures.
14 The City Manager is requested to exert all appropriate influence on EZ Ride and Passio to take immediate and concrete steps to fully resolve tracking deficiencies and improve real-time transit accuracy for riders.
15 The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
16 The City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms.
17 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality.
18 The City Manager is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework (Report Back in 30 days)
19 The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to insure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.
20 The City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt
21 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
22 hat the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants.
23 at the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
24 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and institutional stakeholders currently operating some form of shuttle to explore options for a municipal transit pilot program.

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