Calendar Pieces - 2025
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Board of Zoning Appeal Cases
BZA-1144543 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 1/9/2025)
1 Brattle Square - Special Permit for Dish Networks to install a telecommunications facility including the placement of outdoor equipment and antennas on rooftop. Art. 4.000, Sec. 4.32.G.1 & Sec. 4.40 (Footnote 49) (Telecommunication Facility). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.40 (Special Permit). 6409 (Middle Class Tax Relief Act). (Materials)
General Business
2. Election of the Planning Board Chair
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (DPW, 147 Hampshire St., or via Zoom)
Minutes of Past Meetings
1:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing on best practices for urban planning from 1:00pm-3:00pm. The meeting will feature MIT’s Chris Zegras (Head of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning and Professor of Mobility and Urban Planning) and Jeff Levine (Associate Professor of the Practice of Economic Development & Planning). There will be limited opportunity for public comment following the presentations and Committee member discussion. There will be no public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 1 and Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 2. There will be public comment at this meeting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm Joint Roundtable of the City Council and School Committee to discuss the City’s universal pre-kindergarten program (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 1 and Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 2. There will be no public comment at this meeting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom)
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Executive Director’s Report 2. Assistant Director’s Report 3. Commissioners’ Reports |
IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - State/Presidential Election, November 5th Review New Business - 2024 Statement of Financial Interests |
11:00am Special Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing to resume the review and discussion of recommendations from the Charter Review Committee and any additional suggestions from the full City Council pertaining to the Cambridge City Charter. This public hearing is a continuation of the meeting that was recessed on Dec 9, 2024. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
4:00pm Special City Council meeting to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with the City Manager relative to his contract. There will be public comment. At the conclusion of public comment, the City Council will move into Executive Session. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss inter-jurisdictional projects that are in play that may impact mobility in Cambridge. This discussion will build on CDD’s report of Nov 14, 2024 to the City Council (Awaiting Report 24-36). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
4:00pm Special City Council meeting to discuss strategy in preparation for negotiations with the City Manager relative to his contract. There will be public comment. At the conclusion of public comment, the City Council will move into Executive Session. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (11/26/2024)
3. Town Gown Reports (Reports)
• CDD Introduction
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Lesley University
• Hult International School of Business
• Harvard University
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
3:00pm Special Meeting of the City Council to go in to Executive Session to conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the City Manager. There will be public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
12:30pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the update to the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-406
675 Massachusetts Avenue - Special Permit application by Resurgence Investment, LLC d/b/a Jersey Mike’s to establish a Formula Business occupying approximately 1,780 square feet in the first floor of the existing building pursuant to Section 20.304.5.4 Formula Business. (Materials)
General Business
2. PB-141
675 West Kendall Street Lulu Green - Use Determination (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (DPW, 147 Hampshire St., or via Zoom)
Minutes of Past Meetings
3:00pm The Special Committee of the Whole will hold a public meeting to resume the review and discussion of recommendations from the Charter Review Committee and any additional suggestions from the full City Council pertaining to the Cambridge City Charter. This is a continuation of the public hearing that began on Dec 9, 2024, that reconvened and recessed again on Jan 27, 2025. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm Special Meeting of the City Council to go in to Executive Session to conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the City Manager. There will be public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the City Manager’s Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) related to allowing Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA) technology in Cambridge. (CM25#11). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - postponed to March 3
2:00-4:00pm Grace: The History of Black Churches in Cambridge (Kendall Public Lobby)
10:00am The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the launch of the Cambridge Net Zero Transportation Plan (NZTP). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
1:30pm The Special Committee of the Whole will hold a public meeting to resume the review and discussion of recommendations from the Charter Review Committee and any additional suggestions from the full City Council pertaining to the Cambridge City Charter. This is a continuation of the public hearing that began on Dec 9, 2024, that reconvened and recessed again on Jan 27, 2025, and reconvened and recessed again on Feb 13, 2024. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) [Agenda (contains red-lined DRAFT of proposed Charter)
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Cambridge City Council and School Committee to discuss FY26 Cambridge Public Schools budget priorities. No Public Comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss tenant-paid broker fees and other housing fees and the options that the city and state government have to regulate them. (Zoom only - Why?)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (12/10/2024, 12/17/2024, 1/7/2025)
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-22
8 James Way - Withdrawal Request
General Business
3. Open Space and Recreation Plan Update
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss City Council priorities and goals and discuss how these will shape and be incorporated within the City budget. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:00am Special City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
The purpose of the meeting is to go into Executive Session for reviewing and deliberating on the City Manager’s contract, followed by deliberations and a vote on the City Manager’s contract in Open Session.
2:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the City Manager’s Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) related to allowing Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA) technology in Cambridge. (CM25#11). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:30am The City Council’s Housing Committee and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint public hearing to discuss zoning priorities focusing on major squares and corridors. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:00am The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update on the state of the arts in Cambridge and discuss how the City is currently supporting artists and art organizations through grant programs and funding, with a focus on the Central Square Cultural district. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom)
5:30pm – Statement of Financial Interests Filing Delinquency Hearing
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Executive Director’s Report 2. Assistant Director’s Report 3. Commissioners’ Reports |
IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - State/Presidential Election, November 5th Review - Timeline and City Charter Revision Update New Business
|
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled
3:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity Division, to discuss concerns with vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge, and prior efforts and possible options such as new policies, taxes, and/or fines to reduce the number of vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (DPW, 147 Hampshire St., or via Zoom)
Minutes of Past Meetings
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom)
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Assistant Director’s Report 2. Commissioners’ Reports |
IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - City Charter Draft - Election Section New Business
|
10:00am The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing with MIT transportation experts and City staff to brainstorm ways to better accommodate mobility for all users as we continue to promote the use of sustainable modes. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. 35 Cherry Street Project – Informational Update
3. PB-386
36 JFK Street, 81 Mount Auburn Street, 33 Dunster Street – Special Permit Extension (Materials)
4. Citywide Urban Design Guidelines
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
12:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the amendments to the Floodplain regulations. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public meeting from 3:00pm-5:00pm. This meeting will be a Cannabis Roundtable with cannabis businesses to discuss issues facing the retail cannabis industry in Cambridge and discuss potential changes, including adjustments to the current 1,800 foot buffer zones and introduction of social consumption. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00-8:00pm Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board (Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, and Zoom)
Item 1: Review Agenda
Item 2: Meeting Minutes – Nov 21, 2024 Minutes
Item 3: Annual Volunteer Report/Plans (T. Puopolo, CWD)
Item 4: Friends of Fresh Pond 2023 Woodland Habitat Report (E. Wyle, C. Young)
Item 5: Huron Forest Pilot Project Update (Duke Bitsko, Hatch)
Item 6: Watershed Manager’s Report (D. Kaplan, CWD)
Status of other projects within, along Reservation Landscape Management Report: (V. Falcione)
Item 7: Fresh Pond Day Plans
Item 8: Preliminary Agenda for May 22, 2025
Watershed Manager’s Report; Huron Forest Pilot Update; Status of designating Joe Harrington Way; Upcountry Reservoir Report;
Golf Course Landscape Report; Fresh Pond Day Sign-up; 2023-2024 Term Proposed Meeting Schedule
Item 9: Public Comment
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the update to the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-315
255 Main Street, 325 Main Street, 290 Binney Street, 135 Broadway, 145 Broadway, 250 Binney Street, and 105 Broadway – Major amendment to alter the Infill Development Concept Plan (IDCP) with an alternative to Phase 4 to provide the option to shift a portion of the approved commercial GFA from the building at 250 Binney Street to a new building at 105 Broadway with no change to the total GFA pursuant to Sections 14.32.2.5 Major Amendment to the IDCP in the Mixed-Use Development (MXD) District and 22.35.3 Reduction of Green Roofs requirement. (Materials)
General Business
3. PB-315
MXD IDCP - Minor amendment (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
1:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to receive a status update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge, as well as to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY26 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040, and to further discuss Free Cash Appropriation Requests, CM25#40 and CM25#41, referred to the Finance Committee on Mar 17, 2025. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
9:30am The Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review will hold a public meeting to review the communication from the City Solicitor with updates in the Charter review process that was referred from the Mar 17, 2025 City Council meeting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:00am The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 31, 2025 to discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs, to include revised drought regulations and procedures. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom)
5:30pm – Statement of Financial Interests Filing Delinquency Hearing
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Executive Director’s Report 2. Assistant Director’s Report 3. Commissioners’ Reports |
IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - State/Presidential Election, November 5th Review New Business - 2025 Municipal Election Calendar |
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (DPW, 147 Hampshire St., or via Zoom)
Minutes of Past Meetings
3:00pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss services being provided to the unhoused community and an update on the opioid settlement funds. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
2:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems (PO25#7). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-407
729, 735-737, 745, and 755 Concord Avenue - Special Permit application by Boylston Properties to Construct a 12-story residential building of approximately 232,464 square feet gross floor area with 236 residential units, 15 on grade parking spaces, and 272 long-term and short-term bicycle parking spaces pursuant to Sections 6.44.1 Modification of setback requirements for on grade open parking facilities, 19.20 Project Review Special Permit, 20.1100.5.5.9.3 Yard Requirements Waiver, and 22.35.3 Reduction of Green Roofs requirement. (Materials)
7:30pm Affordable Housing Overlay (ORD25#7)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent of limiting allowable height increases in Residence C-1 districts, removing references to provisions in the base zoning that are no longer applicable, and clarifying references to departments responsible for enforcement. (Materials)
General Business
2. PB-175
2 Leighton Street - Design Update (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Swaathi Joseph, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4668, sjoseph@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard. Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.
3:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss capital and large-scale programs and projects currently underway and in the funding plan, and potential future programming and projects that would need to be planned and incorporated into medium- and long-term capital and operating budgets. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) [Note: Zoom was unavailable.]
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom) cancelled due to technical difficulties (Zoom unavailable)
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. REPORTS 1. Executive Director’s Report 2. Assistant Director’s Report 3. Commissioners’ Reports |
IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
3:00pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)