City Council - Regular Meeting

August 4, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 139 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Teamster strike and Republic Services
3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request for the City Council to authorize the Purchasing Agent to award a contract for 5 years with an option to renew for an additional 5 years to the successful bidder on the Flexible Spending Services Bid.
4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the of the Commercial Parking Control Committee (CPCC).
5 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 704,800, received from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Community Mitigation Fund to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($39,300); the Grant Fund Community Development Department Salaries and Wages account ($75,000); the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account ($12,000); the Grant Fund Community Development Department Travel and Training account ($1,000); the Grant Fund Arts Council Other Ordinary Maintenance accou
6 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $16,600 to the Grant Fund Historical Commission Salaries and Wages account ($14,500) and to the Grant Fund Historical Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,475) and to the Grant Fund Historical Commission Travel and Training ($625). The funds will be used to support financial assistance to educate and inform the public about the city's architectural and social history through presentations to children and adults, publications, technical assistance, and an archive and non-circulating referenc
7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item #25-15 regarding the creation of plaque upholding the separation of church and state and gender equality.
8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of John Nardone as a member of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for a term of five years.
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-28, regarding an update on the status of potential civilian flagger operations in the Cambridge Police Union contract.
10 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000, received from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Jail Diversion Program, to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($30,000). This appropriation if approved represents funding through the first quarter of FY26. These funds, if approved will enable the department to continue the current co-response program with one clinician through September 2025.
11 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $263,815.00 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($242,282.00), and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($21,533.00). Funds will be used to support the cost of 6 full-time staff and 1 part-time staff salaries. Additional funds will support Text-a Tip Fatherhood campaign, workshops, events, consultants, and program supplies.
12 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of of $46,000.00 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($32,395.00), and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($13,605.00). This is a grant that DHSP has received for many years. Funds will be used to support the cost of 3 full-time staff salaries; food for parenting support programming (parent/child activity snacks, parent education series, and community building events); program supplies; and staff training.
13 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,089,817.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($1,061,599.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($27,018.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,200.00).
14 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,437,938, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($19,720.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,418,218.00). This grant was awarded under the Federal Fiscal Year 2024 Continuum of Care Program competition. The Continuum of Care Program is authorized by the HEARTH Act of 2009. The Continuum of Care Program funds will be contracted with homeless services provider
15 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,161.22 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($1,261.22), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($900.00). The funds, received by the Friends of the CLC through a First Literacy mini-grant will be used to support an ESOL part-time teacher/advisor to offer the Eco Club class to CLC students, as well as pay for incentives for students who participate in the Student Leadership project this year.
16 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the First Street Garage Life Safety Priority Project.
17 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000, from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salaries and Wages Account to the General Fund Employee Benefits Travel and Training Account. Funds will be used to cover the costs of anticipated payments of workers compensation medical bills for personnel injured in the course of their job, through the end of FY26.
18 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-37, regarding full and open access to Linear Path at Westley Avenue.
19 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-36, regarding a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors.
20 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the 2025 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report.
21 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-35, regarding a request that the City Manager explore and establish a City of Cambridge Electronic Records Archiving Policy.
22 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-36, regarding a further response to the request that the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040 Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge city employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of Cambridge city employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ice.
23 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report regarding the Marasao, et al., Zoning Petition (Religious Uses).
24 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Number 25-101, regarding Marasao, et al., Zoning Petition.
25 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised Letter of Commitment dated August 4, 2025 submitted on behalf of BMR-320 Charles LLC that will be incorporated by reference in the East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District (ECCE District) if the Council adopts the zoning petition.
1 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, in collaboration with the Finance Department, to conduct a comprehensive review of current permitting fees for residential development projects, with a focus on identifying opportunities to create a tiered fee structure that reduces or eliminates fees entirely particularly for smaller-scale and affordable housing developments.
2 That the City Manager is requested to allocate $25,000 in feasibility funds to support an exploratory process – potentially including stakeholder engagement, legal and technical assessments, and community outreach – to evaluate the creation of a Business Improvement District in Porter Square.
3 That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Community Safety Department, the Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant parties to ensure that the overnight use of the garden area between St. James Episcopal Church and the Beech Street condos is actively monitored.
4 Declaring August 9, 2025, as Rocky Horror Day in the City of Cambridge.
5 That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, and any other relevant City departments to develop a plan to install needle drop boxes in identified problem areas throughout the city.
6 City Council support of Representative McGovern Resolution on nuclear deproliferation.
7 That the City Council go on record urging Governor of the Commonwealth Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature to act without delay to safeguard the constitutional rights of indigent defendants and preserve the integrity of the Commonwealth’s criminal justice system by increasing compensation rates for bar advocates to ensure adequate participation statewide, and establishing pay parity with neighboring states and competitive future rates to prevent recurring crises.
8 Recognizing August as National Black Business Month 2025.
1 1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request 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. PLACED ON THE TABLE IN COUNCIL MAY 5, 2025
2 1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a revised draft of the “Eastern Cambridge Community Enhancements” Zoning Petition. PLACED ON UNFINISHED BUSINESS IN COUNCIL JUNE 9, 2025
1 An application was received from Lucas Ingemi, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Vincent Street; 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.
2 An application was received from Meaghan Moriarty representing 212 Kitchen, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 212 Western Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.
3 An application was received from Craig Murphy representing Charles Schwab, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 1430 Massachusetts Avenue. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing.
4 A Zoning Petition Has been received from Martin Bakal in regard to Table 4.30, Sec. 4.40 Footnote with the intent of Restrictions on increasing pavement in Open Space Districts.
1 A communication was received from Abigail Lewis-Bowen, regarding Please support community benefits earmarked for the East End House.
2 A communication was received from Anne, Anand and Rowan Sundaram, regarding Please don’t lose the historic Cambridge areas.
3 A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, regarding 320 Charles Community Benefits.
4 A communication was received from Brendan Hickey, regarding Commission appointments.
5 A communication was received from Brinda Kirpalani, regarding Community Benefits Fund.
6 A communication was received from Darrin Korte, Cambridge Community Center, Community Art Center, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, and The Dance Complex, regarding Response to Representative Mike Connolly's Letter to City Council.
7 A communication was received from Cathleen Higgins, regarding Please vote to delay the deal negotiated with Biomed Realty_ in order to engage in a fairer_ more equitable process.
8 A communication was received from Chuck Hinds, regarding East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District (Unfinished Business #6).
9 A communication was received from Chuck Hinds, regarding RE_ Support for the East End House (re_ Unfinished Business #6).
10 A communication was received from Dan Totten, regarding On community benefits and the inclusionary zoning percentage.
11 A communication was received from David Halperin, regarding Inclusionary Housing Study.
12 A communication was received from David Hattis, regarding In Support of Adjusting Inclusionary Zoning.
13 A communication was received from Elena Saporta, regarding Equitable distribution of Public Benefit Dollars.
14 A communication was received from Elise Moore, regarding Policy Order #5: Request for a formal report on the 100+demolition requests now pending before the Historical Commission.
15 A communication was received from Esther Hanig, regarding Slow and review allocation of funds to local nonprofit.
16 A communication was received from Esther Hanig, regarding Re [Area4] Fwd Support for the East End House (re Unfinished_Business #6).
17 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Strong Support for Pedestrianization of Bow Street.
18 A communication was received from Fred Fantini, regarding comments regarding support for BioMed project.
19 A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, regarding Universal pre-kindergarten.
20 A communication was received from Janet Stein, regarding Transparency needed on process for Community Benefits Funds allocation.
21 A communication was received from Justin Saif, regarding Support for East End House and making IZ work.
22 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Fwd_ Support for the East End House (re_ Unfinished Business #6).
23 A communication was received from Lisa Glover, regarding Please support Policy Order #5.
24 A communication was received from Mark Kon, regarding Re_ strong concerns about mis-direction of Cambridge_ Protection of Historic Neighborhoods.
25 A communication was received from Mary Ann Donofrio, regarding Money being allocated to the East End House.
26 A communication was received from Matt Connolly, regarding Re_ Linden Park Letter re_ BioMed Petition for 320 Charles Street.
27 A communication was received from Michael Sellers, regarding CMA 2025 #180.
28 A communication was received from O. Robert Simha, regarding Bio- Med Zoning Petition ( APP 2025 #14 ).
29 A communication was received from Ozan Dokmecioglu, regarding Council Letter - DND Homes LLC.
30 A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, regarding CMA 2025 #180 Support for the Reduction of Inclusionary Zoning Requirments.
31 A communication was received from Rep. Mike Connolly, regarding Support for the East End House (re_ Unfinished Business #6).
32 A communication was received from Ronald Suleski, regarding I do not like demolitions.
33 A communication was received from Rosalyn Grunmann, regarding OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.
34 A communication was received from Tim Rowe, regarding Letter for inclusion in the packet for tomorrow's council meeting.
35 A communication was received from Rosalind Michahelles, regarding Preservatopn not demolition!
36 A communication was received from Priscilla Sanville, regarding Statement ORD 2025 #10 for record.
37 A communication was received from Geeta Pradhan, regarding Community Benefits Ordinance concerns related to the East Cambridge Funding Proposal.
38 A communication was received from Helen Abraham, regarding Concern About Affordable Housing Over 100 Demolitions.
39 A communication was received from Jacqui Fahey Sandell, regarding Please support policy order 5.
40 A communication was received from Quinton Zondervan, regarding The incredible story of the East End House (and the unfortunate fight between local nonprofits over the effort to save it).
41 A communication was received from Guillemette Simmers, regarding Policy #5.
42 A communication was received from The Title IX Aurelia Advocates, regarding An open letter from the Title IX Aurelia Advocates.
43 A communication was received from Ilan Levy, regarding City Council comments and Fwd_ Petition Against Biomed Realty proposed East Cambridge Enhancement Overlay District.
44 A communication was received from Sharmil Modi, regarding East End House + Inclusionary Zoning.
45 A communication was received from Sergey Petrov, regarding East End House.
46 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Support for Welcoming Communities changes_ CMA #5 .
47 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Support for the East End House_ and a new benefit process.
48 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Maintain current Inclusionary 20% rate_ consider Capital funding.
49 A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding Bus routes have already been changing.
50 A communication was received from Catherine Coleman, regarding Two abandoned properties on Upper Rindge Avenue.
51 A communication was received from Christopher Bar, regarding Concerns Regarding Proposed Development at 44 Russell Street and Zoning Ordinance Impacts.
52 A communication was received from Ed Bacher, regarding Concerns about proposed development at 70 Walden Street_ Cambridge.
53 A communication was received from Federico Muchnik, regarding 21 Walden Square Road in North Cambridge.
54 A communication was received from Janet Stein, regarding horrified by ICE and DHS tactics.
55 A communication was received from Jeffrey Singer, regarding Mt Auburn St condo demolition .
56 A communication was received from John O’Reilly, regarding
57 A communication was received from Nua Nicaj, regarding Oversized Development at 70 Walden Street.
58 A communication was received from Ovadia R Simha, regarding East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District(ECCE) Petition.
59 A communication was received from Tara R Greco, regarding WHY_________ Cambridge has filled only 17 of 48 affordable units in nine months since 40 Thorndike tower opened .
60 A communication was received from Julie Craven, regarding Petition to City Council for Monday_ July 28 agenda.
61 A communication was received from Ovadia R Simha, regarding East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District Petition.
62 A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, regarding Promise to East End House.
63 A communication was received from Arthur Strang, regarding What do we know about our non-resident participants in the Cambridge Housing Marke.
64 A communication was received from Nicolai Cauchy, regarding Water concerns_ should not large scale developers pay an additional fee for water _.
1 Congratulations to Angela Orangio on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance
2 Resolution on the 90th Birthday of Mary (Miano) DiClemente
3 Happy 100th Birthday to Retired Cambridge Police Officer Nicholas "Nick" Arancio.
4 Congratulations to Robert Sarchioni and Sarchioni's Variety for 47 years of service to the community and wishes him well in his retirement.
5 Condolences to the family of William Bruce "Bill" King.
6 Resolution on the death of Tom Lehrer.
7 Condolences on the death of Maria Cinira (Silva) Vicente.
8 Condolences to the family of Margaret “Peggy” Mickle.
9 Retirement of Dr. Lisa Dobberteen from the Cambridge Public Health Department.
10 Resolution on the death of Elizabeth Oberhauser Bohart.
11 Condolences on the death of Patricia M. (Kennedy) Boyle.
12 Late Condolence Resolution for Christley Harris
1 A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
2 A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting proposed response to the Open Meeting Law Complaint from Charles Teague along with a copy of the Complaint.
3 A communication was received from Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, transmitting a memorandum regarding share questions and concerns regarding the recent incident at 243 Broadway involving the Cambridge Police Department on August 2, 2025.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
5 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to assemble a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors, noting contact information and any associated requirements, ensuring that there are public meeting places identified in each neighborhood.
6 That the City Manager investigate bike pod storage options to be placed in suitable areas in the City to provide residents and visitors safe storage options.
7 That the City Manager is requested to prepare an update with details on the status of potential civilian flagger operations in the Cambridge police union contract and work with relevant city staff to explore a civilian traffic flagger program and update the current police union contract on the City's website.
8 That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents.
9 That the City Manager is requested to meet with the leadership of the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss the proposal and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the release of $72,000 to fund the RFP development for the tunnel engineering study.
10 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to determine whether the City Council can revoke an already approved curb cut application if said application was incomplete due to applicant failure.
11 The City Manager is requested to work with the City Clerk, the Information Technology Department, the Law Department, and any other relevant departments to draft an ordinance establishing the City of Cambridge Electronic Records Archiving Policy.
12 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to ensure that there is full open access for all users to Linear Park from Westley Avenue as an additional community access point.
13 The City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Transportation to evaluate adjustments to meter enforcement hours on Broadway Segment A, designating 25 spaces as residential permit parking overnight to increase overnight parking access for residents.
14 The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Department of Transportation to study the feasibility of modifying non-resident parking permit fees for households in within the Broadway Segment A project area, including offering a discounted rate structure for permits that are requested by residents with low- income residents.
15 The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor, in consultation with relevant City departments and the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, to draft amendments to the Community Benefits Ordinance that allow for the use of funds for capital expenses, provided that such expenses clearly advance the goals of the Community Benefits program.
16 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore creative solutions that reduce car dependency, while expanding access to parking options nearby Broadway.
17 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to continue to work with stakeholders in the area including Harvard University and the Harvard Square Business Association to pursue options for pedestrianization on Lower Bow Street and to report on the option for automatic bollards for Winthrop and/or Bow Street.
18 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare an interim report on demolition requests and building permit applications, in order to facilitate a discussion on the outcomes observed during the first six months of the new Multifamily Housing Zoning.
19 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.
20 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a legal opinion outlining, in light of current zoning including the most recent Multifamily Zoning Amendments, the ability of Cambridge to regulate institutional and religious uses in C-1 residential districts and what state and federal law allows in terms of local restrictions, if any, for institutional and religious uses.

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