City Council - Regular Meeting

December 15, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 200 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of four (4) members to the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following people as members of the BEUDO Review Board.
3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sue Walsh as a member of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee.
4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-66, regarding a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports.
5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-64, regarding poison ivy control at Fresh Pond.
6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-57, regarding body-worn cameras.
7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-54, regarding review of current crisis prevention protocols and deployment of mental health professionals.
8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-49, regarding development of a policy for future private development.
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-40, regarding updates to the Community Benefits Ordinance.
10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-65, regarding Connectivity North of Rindge Ave.
11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding proposed parking fine increases.
12 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Roadway Safety Audit Program.
13 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, transmitting an update on federal grant funding.
14 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $935,497.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($67,493.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($858,004.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($10,000.00).
1 Cancellation of the December 29, 2025 City Council Meeting.
2 That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Massachusetts Avenue subdistrict (MAS-12) from a maximum of 12 stories to 11 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the recommendation of the Mass Ave Planning Study. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI IN COUNCIL DECEMBER 15, 2025
1 1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to reduce the recommendations for the Inman Square zoning sub-district (CAM-10) from a maximum of 10 stories to 8 stories with ground floor active use/retail as consistent with the majority of the Cambridge Street corridor.
2 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
3 1. An Ordinance has been received from Interim City Clerk Paula M. Crane, relative to amend the Zoning Map and Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance as follows with the intent of establishing four new zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor PASSED TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED IN COUNCIL DECEMBER 8, 2025 ELIGIBLE TO BE ORDAINED DECEMBER 22, 2025 TABLED IN COUNCIL DECEMBER 22, 2025
1 An application was received from Brian Chipman representing Curie.Bio, requesting permission for two (2) projecting blade signs at the premises numbered 196 Broadway approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided.
1 A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding Support corridor zonings.
2 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Support for Policy Order #1 and Request to Reject Ordinance Committee Zoning Reports.
3 A communication was received from Wendy Jacob, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
4 A communication was received from Wayne Welke, regarding Please Support Abundant Housing on North Mass Ave and Cambridge Street.
5 A communication was received from Virginia Youngren, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
6 A communication was received from Tom Lindsley, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
7 A communication was received from Susan Ringler, regarding VOTE NO on the 2 NEW UPZONING Ordinances.
8 A communication was received from Susan Markowitz, regarding Cambridge St Upzoning.
9 A communication was received from Susan Markowitz, regarding Firing 7 Cambridge City employees.
10 A communication was received from Amy Meltzer, regarding opposition to upzoning changes.
11 A communication was received from Susan and Bruce Leslie-Pritchard, regarding We Need the Upzoning Petitions to Expire.
12 A communication was received from Su Chiang, regarding resident feedback on housing-related issues.
13 A communication was received from Amy Rothschild, regarding Support Mass Ave and Cambridge Street Zoning (9).
14 A communication was received from Steve Fitzsimmons, regarding Please vote NO VOTE NO on the 2 NEW UPZONING Ordinances.
15 A communication was received from Amy rugel, regarding No upzoning of Cambridge St.
16 A communication was received from Steve Kovacs, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
17 A communication was received from Steve Bardige.
18 A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, regarding The Manhattaniztion of Cambridge.
19 A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding Zoning petitions in policy orders #163 and #164_ also policy order #167.
20 A communication was received from Shelagh Hadley, regarding Please vote NO.
21 A communication was received from Ruth Josimovich, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
22 A communication was received from Ruth Carretta, regarding Mass Ave and Cambridge St_ Upzoning Petitions.
23 A communication was received from Russell Windman, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
24 A communication was received from Rosamund Coquillette, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
25 A communication was received from Rosalind Michahelles, regarding Vote NO on ordinances.
26 A communication was received from Robert C McCarthy, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
27 A communication was received from Rika Welsh, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
28 A communication was received from Rebecca Pries, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
29 A communication was received from Phyllis Simpkins, regarding Upzoning proposals.
30 A communication was received from Peter Kelsey, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
31 A communication was received from Andrea Saltzman.
32 A communication was received from Peter and Karen Falb, regarding Two overlays tonight.
33 A communication was received from Anne and Anand Sundaram, regarding No to the 2 proposed ordinances.
34 A communication was received from Pauline Demetri, regarding upzoning.
35 A communication was received from Aram Harrow, regarding remove legal barriers to housing supply.
36 A communication was received from Barbara Lewis, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (1).
37 A communication was received from Barbara Powell, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
38 A communication was received from Ben Wurgaft, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
39 A communication was received from Brad Kucab, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed Upzoning (25).
40 A communication was received from Brennan Waters, regarding Supporting Mass Ave and Cambridge St_ without Solar Step Backs.
41 A communication was received from Bud Evans, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (13).
42 A communication was received from Candace Young, regarding housing.
43 A communication was received from Candice Driver, regarding December 8 Meeting - Agenda Item 6.
44 A communication was received from Paul Raccuglia, regarding Comment w_r_t PO 2025 #16.
45 A communication was received from Carol Waldo, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (31).
46 A communication was received from Paul Funk, regarding Cambridge St_ upzoning petition.
47 A communication was received from Carole Stern, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (29).
48 A communication was received from Paul Breneman, regarding New Upzoning Ordinances.
49 A communication was received from Pat McCarthy, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
50 A communication was received from Norma Wassel, regarding Recommend that the Mass_ Ave_ and Cambridge St_ zoning expire.
51 A communication was received from Nonie Valentine, regarding CMA #8_ #9.
52 A communication was received from Nike Tirman, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
53 A communication was received from Nicole Bryant, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
54 A communication was received from Carolyn Magid, regarding public comment on proposed upzoning.
55 A communication was received from Neheet Trivedi, regarding Support North Mass Ave and Cambridge Street upzoning.
56 A communication was received from Nancy Salzman, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
57 A communication was received from Cassandra Ling.
58 A communication was received from Catherine Hoffman, regarding comments on zoning for Cambridge St and Mass Ave_.
59 A communication was received from Nancy E. Phillips, regarding zoning proposals for Mass_ Ave_ and Cambridge St.
60 A communication was received from Mira Simon, regarding Concerned Residents_ Cambridge Street Upzoning.
61 A communication was received from Michael Rogove, regarding POR 2025 #162.
62 A communication was received from Charles Honnet, regarding Vote No.
63 A communication was received from Michael Matfess.
64 A communication was received from Michael Buck, regarding Cambridge St_ upzoning building heights.
65 A communication was received from Maureen Whitehouse, regarding Vote NO ON 2.
66 A communication was received from Maureen Mueller, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
67 A communication was received from Matt Goldstein, regarding Build more housing on Mass Ave in North Cambridge!
68 A communication was received from Mary Shetterly.
69 A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, regarding NO on Mass Ave upzoning.
70 A communication was received from Charles Teague, regarding Manager agenda 8 & 9_ let these two zoning amendments expire.
71 A communication was received from Mary Browne, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
72 A communication was received from Mark Kon, regarding Please Vote NO on the Proposed Upzoning of Mass_ Ave.
73 A communication was received from Chris McElroy, regarding No to UpZoning (44).
74 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding Please let the two zoning petitions expire or postpone the vote.
75 A communication was received from Christine Tessier, regarding Proposed upzoning for Mass Ave and Cambridge St.
76 A communication was received from Marie-Ovide Gina Dorcely, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
77 A communication was received from Claire Silvers and Mark Feeney, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (24).
78 A communication was received from Connie Saems, regarding Upzoning .
79 A communication was received from Crystal Leslie, regarding DOCUMENT the results of upzoning and please RETHINK UPZONING in small residential neighborhoods .
80 A communication was received from Dan Sprague, regarding Support for N_ Mass Ave Rezoning.
81 A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Opposition to Largest Zoning Deregulation of Cambridge Street in over a Century.
82 A communication was received from Daniel Hidalgo, regarding Zoning Reforms.
83 A communication was received from Daniel Mascoop, regarding Pass Pro-Housing Zoning.
84 A communication was received from Maria Kosovsky, regarding Please vote NO on the 2 upzoning ordinances.
85 A communication was received from Darren Buck, regarding Support for N Mass Ave upzoning.
86 A communication was received from Dave Halperin, regarding Support corridor zoning proposals.
87 A communication was received from Deborah Hulihan.
88 A communication was received from Diane Brancazio, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (3).
89 A communication was received from Donnie Harding.
90 A communication was received from Ed Bacher, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (4).
91 A communication was received from Elisabeth Werby, regarding Mass Ave Upzoning.
92 A communication was received from Elizabeth Gombosi.
93 A communication was received from Elizabeth Greywolfup, regarding-zoning development.
94 A communication was received from Elizabeth Keating, regarding Vote No on Both Upzoning Ordinances.
95 A communication was received from Elizabeth Kon, regarding Please Vote NO on the Proposed Upzoning of Mass_ Ave.
96 A communication was received from Ella Lesatele, regarding Proposed rezoning of Cambridge Street.
97 A communication was received from Eoin Power, regarding Support for North Mass & Cambridge Street Zoning.
98 A communication was received from Erin.
99 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Don't reduce inman square to 8 stories.
100 A communication was received from Fleet Hill, regarding 25 Lowell Neighbors.
101 A communication was received from Fritz Donovan.
102 A communication was received from Gary Mello.
103 A communication was received from Gaylen Morgan, regarding NO to Upzoning.
104 A communication was received from Georg Kirchner, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (35).
105 A communication was received from Guillemette Simmers, regarding New Upzoning Ordinances.
106 A communication was received from Lynne Hall, regarding Let Mass_ Ave_ and Cambridge St_ zoning expire so it can be amended (CM#8 and CM#9).
107 A communication was received from Luis Mejias, regarding Support housing.
108 A communication was received from Louise Venden, regarding Public comment City Council 12_8.
109 A communication was received from Louide Henri, regarding Opposition to renewing Half Crown Marsh NCD.
110 A communication was received from Lois Josimovich, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
111 A communication was received from Liz Cabot, regarding 2 upzoning ordinances.
112 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance concerns on Mass_ Ave_ and Cambridge St_ zoning.
113 A communication was received from LaQueen Battle.
114 A communication was received from Kosar Mohamed.
115 A communication was received from Kevin Whalen, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
116 A communication was received from Kathleen Moore, regarding Support Abundant Housing.
117 A communication was received from Katherine Merseth, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
118 A communication was received from Julie Altman, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
119 A communication was received from Julia Bishop, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
120 A communication was received from Judy Somberg, regarding CMA #8 and CMA #9.
121 A communication was received from Judith Bowman, regarding New housing ordinances.
122 A communication was received from Fritz Donovan.
123 A communication was received from Judi Neu, regarding Please vote NO on proposed up zoning.
124 A communication was received from Judi Neu, regarding 25 Lowell Street_ PO 2025 #287.
125 A communication was received from Joyce Myers, regarding Vote no on the upzoning proposals.
126 A communication was received from John Trever, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
127 A communication was received from Joan Doolittle, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
128 A communication was received from Gary Mello.
129 A communication was received from Joan and Michael Frutkoff, regarding Upzoning Ordinance.
130 A communication was received from Gaylen Morgan, regarding NO to Upzoning.
131 A communication was received from Jessica Boyatt, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
132 A communication was received from Georg Kirchner, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (35).
133 A communication was received from Guillemette Simmers, regarding New Upzoning Ordinances.
134 A communication was received from Jess Sheehan, regarding Support for Cambridge St_ & N_ Mass Ave zoning_ confusion about lowering heights in Inman.
135 A communication was received from Jeffrey Baron, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
136 A communication was received from Jean Spera, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning.
137 A communication was received from Heddi Siebel, regarding Letter re_ MFHO.
138 A communication was received from Janet Slemenda, regarding Upzoning along Cambridge Street Corridor.
139 A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street Zoning Petitions_ IUR’s.
140 A communication was received from Jaimie McNeil.
141 A communication was received from Heli Meltsner, regarding Please vote no on two new upzoning proposals_.
142 A communication was received from Jacqui Fahey Sandell, regarding Please vote NO on the new proposed Upzoning.
143 A communication was received from Hugh Russell, regarding Please do not vote to approve Cambridge St and Mass Ave upzoning.
144 A communication was received from Hunter Aldrich, regarding Please vote NO on the proposed upzoning (36).
145 A communication was received from Jacquelyn Smith, regarding Housing CMA 8 and 9.
146 A communication was received from Ilisa Hurowitz, regarding Please vote NO on Upzoning.
147 A communication was received from Jack Silversin, regarding VOTE NO on the up-zoning proposals for North Mass Ave and Cambridge St.
148 A communication was received from Jacqueline King, regarding Allow true community input on Cambridge St & Mass Ave zoning.
149 A communication was received from Jacob Lezberg, regarding Support Mass Ave and Cambridge Street Zoning.
150 A communication was received from Van Wallach, regarding Building projects.
151 A communication was received from Merry White, regarding Concerns over development in Cambridge_ thank you for your consideration.
1 Congratulations to Patrol Officer Keith Albert on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
2 Congratulations to Sikha Sen on retiring from the Department of Human Services.
3 Congratulations to Umme Banu on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
4 Congratulations to Lieutenant David Schofield on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
5 Congratulations to Charles Antinoro on his retirement from the Cambridge Housing Authority.
6 Congratulations to Maria Flores on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
7 Congratulations to Lisa Munson on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
8 Congratulations to Lynette O'Brien on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
9 Congratulations to Thomas Sullivan on his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
10 Congratulations to Maria Eby on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
11 Congratulations to Ronald Venancio on his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
12 Congratulations to Vengerflutta Smith
13 Condolences on the death of Roger O'Sullivan
1 A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update
1 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.
2 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.
3 The City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments, including the City Solicitor’s Office, to establish a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
4 the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the City Assessor, and all other relevant departments to develop a comprehensive policy for future private development projects in the city.
5 The City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to seek input from the community as well as direct outreach to condo owners and short-term rental operators and develop additional recommendations based on the discussion in the Ordinance Committee.
6 The City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to review current crisis prevention protocols, strengthen them by clearly defining the role and deployment of mental health professionals.
7 The City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the timely release of body-worn camera footage.
8 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments, state agencies, and the property owner IQHQ to provide an update on efforts to maintain cleanliness and safety in the area on Alewife Paths near Russell Field.
9 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to report back to the City Council on current efforts towards poison ivy control in the Fresh Pond Master Plan as well as recommended improvements for signage and regular maintenance planning.
10 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Transportation and other relevant departments to examine how to improve connectivity north of Rindge Avenue during the Linear Park Reconstruction Project so that vulnerable road users can bypass Rindge Avenue and Cedar Street where possible.
11 The City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and supports.
12 Assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website – including clearer navigation paths, standardized posting practices, and improved user-friendliness – and report back to the City Council on recommended steps.
13 Streamline the permitting process, including but not limited to creating a central role dedicated to the permitting process, the creation of a unified online permitting portal, and standardized timelines, and report back to the City Council not later than March 2026.
14 Review the previous home rule petition and prepare a new petition that would allow Cambridge to enact a Real Estate Transfer Fee to be sent to the state legislature.

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