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)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:30am The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent 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. (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 (2/4/2025, 2/11/2025, 2/25/2025)
Public Hearing
6:30pm East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay (AP25#14)
Zoning Petition by BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P to Create a new overlay district called the East Cambridge Community Enhancement (ECCE) Overlay District that would allow for increases in height and floor area by special permit to facilitate the conversion of older industrial properties to new structures in a way that will improve the edge of the district adjacent to Ahern Field, improve the pedestrian experience within the zoning district, and/or provide support for community services in East Cambridge. (Materials)
7:30pm Floodplain Overlay (ORD25#9)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to replace the Floodplain Overlay and Planning Board Special Permit with the Massachusetts model ordinance structure for permitting development in the flood plain through administrative review, update references to the most recent FEMA maps to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program, and revise other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency. (Materials)
General Business
3. Multifamily Design Guidelines (Materials)
Board of Zoning Appeal Cases
BZA-1160291 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 5/8/2025)
59 First Street - Variance to install three outdoor banners to the First Street facade of the existing city-owned public parking garage with banners exceeding allowable size, square footage, and height for wall signs. Art. 7.000, Sec 7.16.22.c (Wall Sign). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance). (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.
1:30pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 5.000 and Section 20.70 with the intent of (1) replacing the Floodplain Overlay and Planning Board Special Permit with the Massachusetts model ordinance structure for permitting development in the flood plain through administrative review; (2) updating references to the most recent FEMA maps to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Zoom)
I. PUBLIC COMMENT II. MINUTES III. OFFICER SELECTION |
IV. REPORTS 1. Executive Director’s Report 2. Assistant Director’s Report 3. Commissioners’ Reports V. ACTION AGENDA Old Business - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
1:00pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the 2025 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to initiate the process of re-appointing the City Auditor (PO25#62).
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss all Workforce Development/Job Training programs provided for and/or funded by the City, School Department, and non-profits, and discuss a possible future “Jobs Trust” may do differently, or in addition to, current programming funded and/or operated by the City. (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-408
36-64 Whittemore Avenue - Special Permit application by IQHQ-Alewife LLC to improve the area around Jerry’s Pond with pedestrian paths, boardwalks, pavilion, and landscaping pursuant to Sections 6.108 Modification of Bicycle Parking Requirements and 20.70 Flood Plain Overlay District. (Materials)
7:30pm Cannabis Uses (ORD25#6)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to amend a subsection of the Cannabis Uses standards, Section 11.800 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent to remove the provision that prohibits the packaging or repackaging of cannabis products on the premises of a Cannabis Retail Store. (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 Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend a subsection of the Cannabis Uses standards, Section 11.800 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent to remove the provision that prohibits the packaging or repackaging of cannabis products on the premises of a Cannabis Retail Store.The Committee will also review and discuss proposed amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 5.50, Cannabis Business Permitting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 [AGENDA]. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
General Government & Public Safety
| Arts Council ✓ City Clerk City Council Election Commission ✓ Employee Benefits ✓ Equity and Inclusion ✓ Executive - Leadership ✓ Executive - Communications ✓ |
Executive - Housing Liaison ✓ Executive - Tourism ✓ Finance - Administration ✓ Finance - Auditing Finance - Assessing ✓ Finance - Budget ✓ Finance - General Services Finance - Information Technology ✓ |
Finance - Purchasing Finance - Treasury/Revenue Human Resources ✓ Law ✓ Mayor’s Office Reserve Animal Commission |
Community Safety ✓ Emergency Communications ✓ Fire Department (postponed to May 14) Inspectional Services (postponed to May 14) License Commission (postponed to May 14) Police Department (postponed to May 14) Transportation (postponed to May 15) |
| Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. | |||
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 School Department Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (DPW, 147 Hampshire St., or via Zoom)
Minutes of Past Meetings
9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Community Maintenance and Development; Human Resources Development; Intergovernmental; Overview; Financial Summaries, Revenue; & Public Investment (Capital Budget):
| Cambridge Health Alliance License Commission ✓ (postponed from May 8) Fire Department ✓ (postponed from May 8) Police Department ✓ (postponed from May 8) Inspectional Services ✓ (postponed from May 8) |
Cable TV Capital Building Projects ✓ Community Development ✓ Debt Service Historical Commission |
Housing Office of Sustainability Peace Commission/PRAB ✓ Public Works |
Water (postponed to May 15) Women’s Commission Human Rights Commission (postponed to May 15) Human Services ✓ |
| Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. | |||
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 - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
9:00am The City Council’s Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the FY26 City Budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
| Human Rights Commission (postponed from May 14) Library Veterans Services |
Water (postponed from May 14) Transportation ✓ (postponed from May 8) Cherry Sheet |
MWRA City Overview Section Financial Summaries Section |
Revenue Section Public Investment Section ✓ |
| Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. | |||
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Multifamily Design Guidelines (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.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:30am The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by Mushla Marasao, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, and Table 5.1 with the intent to remove gross floor area (GFA) and floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for religious uses, permit conforming additions to nonconforming structures without limitation for religious uses, and permit religious uses with the same dimensional limitations as residential uses except that in a Residence C-1 district permeable open space would not be required, buildings would be permitted up to 6 stories and 74 feet above grade without meeting inclusionary housing requirements, and buildings taller than 35 feet and 3 stories above grade would not be required to notify neighbors and hold a meeting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
In addition, the Ordinance Committee will review and discuss a Zoning Petition by BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 20.000 with the intent to create a new overlay district called the East Cambridge Community Enhancement (ECCE) Overlay District that would 1) allow for increases in height and floor area by special permit to facilitate the conversion of older industrial properties to new structures in a way that will 2) improve the edge of the district adjacent to Ahern Field, improve the pedestrian experience within the zoning district, and/or provide support for community services in East Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss whether the City Council can be removed from the process of approving/denying curb cuts, whether abutters should continue to be part of the process of approving/denying curb cuts and if abutters remain part of the process including renters in definition of “abutters,” and to prepare draft Ordinance language. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
4:00pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss PO25#46 on sex trafficking. This discussion will allow for stakeholders and other community members to raise awareness and share resources important to keeping individuals safe and free of harm. (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 - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
12:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing for an update and review of the Cambridge Police Department’s use of “Shot-Spotter” technology. Public comment will be allowed if time permits. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Anticipated Budget Adoption
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 (3/18/2025, 3/25/2025)
3. PB-315
MXD Infill Development Concept Plan - Extension Request
Annual Utility Reports
• Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW)
• Cambridge Water Department (CWD)
• Eversource Energy
• Vicinity Energy
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 City Council’s Civic Unity Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss how Cambridge can proactively prepare for the growing challenges associated with elder care. The discussion will focus on critical areas including: senior housing needs, equitable access to medical and mental health care, and the mounting shortages in the healthcare workforce that impact elder services. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee and the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint public hearing to discuss draft zoning recommendations for Cambridge Street and Massachusetts Avenue. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:00am The City Council’s Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a joint meeting to help define a study, including its focus, areas of consideration and expected outcomes to identify service gaps and potential improvements in the public transit and shuttle network in the city. This discussion will build on Awaiting Report 2025-23 dated 4/10/2025 (really Manager’s Agenda #5 of Apr 14, 2025 that was in response to City Council Order #4 from Mar 24, 2025). (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 - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
11:00am-6:00pm Cambridge River Festival (Memorial Drive between JFK Street and Western Avenue)
1:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing inviting representatives from the 23 long term vacant properties (defined as has been vacant for more than five years) on the record, to share updates on their tenancy efforts, short and long-term plans, and to provide the community with an opportunity to weigh in on this important discussion (PO25#49). (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss term limits and appointments to Neighborhood Conservation Districts and the Historical Commission. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
8:30am-8:00pm Municipal Election Nomination Papers available at Election Commission office (689 Mass. Ave.)
Nomination papers may be picked up between July 1 and July 31. The deadline for submitting nomination signatures is Thurs, July 31 at 5:00pm.
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 - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
5:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Election Commission Office, 689 Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor Conference Room - in person only)
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
|
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Meeting Room or Remote via Zoom)
Note: I believe this may be the first in-person meeting of the Planning Board since the initial COVID shutdown. This is great news (and about time).
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Board of Zoning Appeal Cases
BZA-1169571 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 7/31/2025)
100 Cambridgeside - Variance to install 2 wall signs on Cambridgeside building facade in excess of permitted sign height. Art. 7.000, Sec 7.16.22.c (Wall Sign). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance).
BZA-1176016 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 7/31/2025)
1 Alewife Park - Variance to install a free-standing sign with greater area than allowed by Article 7. Art. 7.000, Sec 7.16.22. a (Free Standing Sign). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance).
BZA-1170612 (scheduled to be heard by BZA on 7/31/2025)
36-64 Whittemore Ave - Variance to install 8 free-standing sign with greater area than allowed by Article 7. Art. 7.000, Sec 7.16.22. a (Free Standing Sign). Art. 10.000, Sec. 10.30 (Variance).
General Business
3. Mass Ave Planning Study - Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
2:00pm City Council Special Meeting (remote only)
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss updates on 221 Mount Auburn Street and the actions the City is taking to protect public health and public safety. In addition, the City Council may meet in executive session to discuss litigation regarding 221 Mount Auburn Street because discussing this in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the City’s litigating position.
Join us for the 10th Annual Cambridge Jazz Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 26 and 27, 2025, from noon to 6pm each day, at Cambridge’s Danehy Park. Free admission. Open to everyone. Presented by the Cambridge Jazz Foundation in partnership with and sponsored by Cambridge Arts. The festival lineup features:
| Saturday, July 26: Zahili Zamora Quartet Ron Reid's Precious Metals Project Namisa Mdlalose and Lumanyano Bizana Eguie Castrillo y Su Orchestra Salsa Dance Party |
Sunday, July 27: The Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice directed by Terri Lyne Carrington Sound of Soul featuring: Ron Savage, Bill Pierce, Bobby Broom, Consuelo Candelaria-Barry and Ron Mahdi Cammy Award & Scholarship presentations Terri Lyne Carrington at 60, a Musical Retrospective Elan Trotman and Friends featuring Aric B Motown Dance Party |
1:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss updates to the City’s Welcoming City Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:00pm Deadline for submitting Municipal Election Nomination Papers (689 Mass. Ave.)
Nomination papers may be picked up between July 1 and July 31. The deadline for submitting nomination signatures is Thurs, July 31 at 5:00pm.
3:00pm Cambridge Election Commission (Election Commission Office, 689 Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor Conference Room - in person only)
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
|
5:30pm City Council (Midsummer) Special Meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:00pm Cambridge School Committee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Meeting Room or Remote via Zoom)
General Business
Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearing
6:30pm Short-term rental amendments (CM25#176)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to amend Section 4.60 to redefine short-term rental, add definitions for “operator-occupied short-term rental,” “owner-adjacent short-term rental” and “booking agent,” add conditions of authorized uses to comply with the state building code, fire code, sanitary code, and all other state and local habitability requirements, add requirements to provide booking information and other documentation to the City upon request, and add enforcement mechanisms for violation of the ordinance or state regulations. (Materials)
General Business
Advisory Design Consultation AHO-8
28-30 Wendell Street – Affordable housing project proposal by HRI 30 Wendall LLC to construct a new 8-story building to create 95 affordable rental units and amenities, and 77 long-term and 8 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 110,803 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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 Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the City’s community engagement function, share updates on its structure and direction, and hear from the City Council about their values, priorities, and expectations for engaging with community members. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
Note: Harriet Jacobs is buried alongside her daughter Louisa Matilda Jacobs in Mount Auburn Cemetery.
photo by Robert Winters, Aug 9, 2015
2:00pm The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss policy options presented by city staff to regulate maximum unit sizes to ensure that the City’s zoning ordinances incentivize the creation of housing. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:00pm Deadline for Election Commission to certify signatures on nomination papers (689 Mass. Ave.)
Nomination papers may be picked up between July 1 and July 31. The deadline for submitting nomination signatures is Thurs, July 31 at 5:00pm.
5:00pm Deadline for municipal candidates to file withdrawal of nomination (689 Mass. Ave.)
Nomination papers may be picked up between July 1 and July 31. The deadline for submitting nomination signatures is Thurs, July 31 at 5:00pm.
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (4/29/2025, 5/6/2025, 5/13/2025, 5/20/2025)
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-294
88 Ames Street – Amend PB-294 to share 150 long-term bicycle parking spaces at 88 Ames Street with 325 Main Street, which is part of PB-315 pursuant to Section 6.108 amendment of previously approved special permit for Modification of Bicycle Parking Requirements. (Materials)
General Business
3. PB-315
MXD IDCP (Materials)
• Minor Amendment • Design Updates • Extension Request
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
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 - Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business
|
7:00pm 31st Annual Oldtime Baseball Game (St. Peter’s Field, Sherman St.)
The game was postponed from Wednesday to Thursday due to rain.
9:00am-1:00pm Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day (50 Mooney Street, enter via Fawcett St.)
3:30pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 4.000 with the intent to amend Section 4.60. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm Cambridge School Committee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
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 Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business |
6:00-7:00pm Central Square Advisory Committee (Zoom only) – Agenda
5:00pm-8:00pm Cambridge Citizens Coalition (CCC) Endorsee City Council, School Committee candidate event (Zoom only)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:30am Cambridge Election Commission (689 Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor Conference Room)
10:30am Objection to Nomination Papers Hearing
Objections from Missy Page to the nomination papers of Caroline Hunter for the office of School Committee Member
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 |
2:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss ongoing work to mitigate and reduce Combined Sewer Overflows within Cambridge and the surrounding area and other mitigation efforts to address extreme weather events that affect city residents and future infrastructure projects. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss COF25#106, including questions that were submitted by City Council members regarding an incident at 243 Broadway on August 2, 2025 and the public safety response. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm-8:00pm School Committee Candidate Forum hosted by the Cambridge Education Association (CEA, teachers union); (Cambridge Main Library) [flyer]
6:00pm-8:00pm City Council Candidates Forum hosted by A Better Cambridge (ABC) [register here] (Central Square Senior Center)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30-8:30pm School Committee Candidates Forum focused on academic excellence, hosted by the Cambridge Advanced Learning Association (CSUS/King-Open Auditorium)
Panel 1 (6:30pm) – Bowers, Dube, Havstad, Schraah Huh, Hunter, Lee, dePaula Santos, Weinstein
Panel 2 (7:40pm) – Battle, Bejnood, Coburn, Goetz, Harding, Hirshi, Hudson, Jaikumar, Rojas Villarreal
2:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss solar impact analysis and zoning options to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm Cambridge School Committee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
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 Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business |
6:00-8:00pm Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board (Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
9:30am The City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee will meet to go into Executive Session to review and interview applicants for the position of City Clerk by a preliminary screening committee because doing so in an open session will have a detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. There will be no public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:00am-3:00pm Danehy Park Family Day (Danehy Park)
Rain date is Sept 27.
11:00am The City Clerk Preliminary Screening Committee will meet to go into Executive Session to review and interview applicants for the position of City Clerk by a preliminary screening committee because doing so in an open session will have a detrimental effect in obtaining qualified applicants. There will be no public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:00am The City Council’s Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss whether we should reinstate something similar to the exemption of the Dover Amendment to regulate the density and impact of institutional development within residential districts. Our 1979 & 1980 exemption was eliminated February 10, 2025 with the passage of the Multifamily Housing Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm School Committee Candidate Forum sponsored by “Cambridge Progressive Electoral Collaboration” (King Open/CSUS Auditorium)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm School Committee Roundtable meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
The subject of this meeting is a discussion of the Superintendent search. The meeting is expected to end on or before 8:00pm. The meeting will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 26. The meeting can also be viewed on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96081106637. There will be no public comment. [Meeting Agenda]
3:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on PO24#33, regarding a request to amend Cambridge Code of Ordinance 6.08.10 (“Regulation of vicious dogs”) to bring into compliance with State law; and to create a “Kennel License” that complies with MGL Section 137A. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:30pm Special Meeting of the School Committee (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
The purpose of this meeting is to interview the finalist candidates for the position of Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Lourenço Garcia, Assistant Superintendent for the Revere Public Schools; Mr. David Murphy, Interim Superintendent, Cambridge Public Schools; and Ms. Magaly Sanchez, Chief Family Advancement Officer for the Boston Public Schools. The meeting is expected to end on or before 9:00pm. No votes will be taken and there will be no public comment. The meeting will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 26. The meeting can also be viewed on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96081106637. [Meeting Agenda]
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 Municipal Election, November 4, 2025 New Business |
6:00pm City Council Candidate Forum sponsored by “Cambridge Progressive Electoral Collaboration” (CRLS Cafeteria)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (6/10/2025, 7/8/2025)
Public Hearing
6:30pm Martin Bakal, et al., (AP25#31)
Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.” (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
5:00pm Special Meeting of the School Committee (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Special Meeting of the School Committee for the purpose of appointing a new Superintendent from the finalists. At the conclusion of the appointment, the Committee may convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy for contract negotiations for with non-union personnel (Superintendent), as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the strategy and negotiation position of the School Committee. Individuals may sign up in advance to provide public comment for the October 6 Special Meeting: The sign-up window is Wed, October 1 through Mon, October 6 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 4:30pm (online). To register for public comment during the sign-up times: Visit the School Committee online portal: https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee or contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620. Regular Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 26, as usual. The meeting can also be viewed on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96081106637. This meeting will be recorded by audio and visual devices.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm City Council Tax Rate Hearing (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by Martin Bakal, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Sections 4.30 and 4.40 with the intent to restrict increasing pavement in Open Space districts by establishing “Paved way greater than 10’ wide” as a principal use within the Table of Use Regulations that would be prohibited in Open Space districts and permitted in all other zoning districts, with a footnote providing further clarifications and restrictions on the establishment of “paved ways.” (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:00pm Cambridge School Committee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Advisory Design Consultation AHO-9
2072 Massachusetts Avenue – Affordable housing project proposal by CC HRE 2072 Mass Ave LLC and CC HRE 2072 Mass Ave Tenant LLC to construct a new 12-story building to create 73 affordable rental units and amenities, and 44 long-term and 1 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 91,700 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
2:00pm The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity and Development Division, to provide an update on the city’s efforts to support small businesses and commercial districts in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30-9:00pm Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association Candidate Night (LBJ Apartments, 150 Erie St.)
5:00-7:00pm School Committee Candidate Meet & Greet sponsored by Central Square Church/Cambridge Day (Central Square Church, 5 Magazine Street, Central Square)
7:00pm Harvard Community City Council Candidate Forum - hosted by Harvard College Democrats (Harvard Hall 201)
11:00am Cambridge Election Commission (Election Commission Office, 689 Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor Conference Room - in person only)
11:00am Random Draw of Precincts (for the PR Count)
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 |
7:00-9:00pm City Council Candidate Forum sponsored by Porter Square Neighbors Association, Baldwin Neighborhood Council and the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods (Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass. Ave.)
First panel (7:00pm): Nolan, Zusy, Al-Zubi, Flaherty, Winters, Hanratty
Middle panel (7:40pm): Battle, Bisio, McGovern, Azeem, Melanson, Hsu
Last panel (8:20pm): Wilson, Siddiqui, Bullister, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Sherin, Rivkin
6:30 to 8:30pm School Committee Candidates Forum - sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Boston and the Cambridge Unit (Central Square Branch Library, 45 Pearl St.)
9:00am-10:30am City Council Candidate Meet & Greet sponsored by The Comedy Studio/Cambridge Day (The Comedy Studio, 5¾ JFK Street, Harvard Square)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
12:00pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to further discuss the Out of School Time (OST) Expansion Study Report which was presented to the City Council on May 19, 2025 (CM25#127).
6:00pm Cambridge School Committee meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway and Zoom)
Meeting Agenda
6:00-8:00pm Harvard Community City Council Candidate Forum - open to all Harvard affiliates and the broader Cambridge community (Harvard Science Center, Hall D)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
Public Hearing
6:30pm Massachusetts Avenue (CM25#235) (Materials)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Map and Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, 17.000, and 20.000 with the intent of establishing three new base zoning districts for the Massachusetts Avenue corridor in order to:
(1) encourage patterns of development consistent with the vision of the Mass Ave Planning Study (2025);
(2) allow up to 12 stories of residential uses along the length of the corridor;
(3) incentivize active non-residential uses on the ground floor;
(4) establish building and site design standards to achieve urban design goals; and
(5) create a Planned Unit Development Overlay District in Porter Square allowing up to 18 stories of residential uses in exchange for increased open space requirements and minimum retail density.
7:00pm Cambridge Street (CM25#234) (Materials)
Zoning Petition by Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Map and Ordinance in Articles 3.000, 17.000, and 19.000 with the intent of establishing four new base zoning districts for the Cambridge Street corridor in order to:
(1) encourage patterns of development consistent with the vision of the Our Cambridge Street Planning Study (2023);
(2) allow up to 8 stories of residential uses along the length of the corridor;
(3) incentivize active non-residential uses on the ground floor;
(4) establish building and site design standards to achieve urban design goals; and
(5) allow additional residential height of up to 10 stories in parts of Inman Square, up to 12 stories in the Webster Ave/Windsor Street area, and up to 15 stories in the Lechmere area.
General Business
2. PB-179
20 Child Street – Use Determination Request (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
6:00pm-8:00pm City Council Candidates Forum - sponsored by YWCA Cambridge and CEOC (YWCA, 7 Temple St., doors open at 5:30pm)
1:00pm Cambridge School Committee Special Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
7:00pm-8:30pm Climate & Environmental Justice Cambridge City Council Candidates Forum (Zoom)
sponsoring organizations: 350 Mass, Mothers Out Front, Elders Climate Action, Sierra Club, CREW, and Green Cambridge
5:00pm Last day to register to vote in municipal election
In-Person Early Voting. Any registered voter can vote early. Unlike Election Day, you are not assigned to a polling location during the early voting period. You can go to any of the three (3) Cambridge early voting locations during the times designated below. The Election Commission office at 689 Mass. Ave. will NOT be an early voting location for this election. [cambridgema.gov/election]
| Sat, Oct 25 | Sun, Oct 26 | Mon, Oct 27 | Tues, Oct 28 | Wed, Oct 29 | Thurs, Oct 30 | Fri, Oct 31 |
| 9:00am-3:00pm | 9:00am-3:00pm | 8:30am-8:00pm | 8:30am-5:00pm | 8:30am-5:00pm | 8:30am-5:00pm | 8:30am-12:00pm |
Deadline for School Committee candidates and Political Committees to file Municipal Campaign & Political Finance Reports. (City Council candidates should consult their OCPF packets regarding depository-filing requirements).
11:00am The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the launch of the update to the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and hear a status report on the current plan including any adjustments that have been or might be made before any update. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
12:00pm Cambridge School Committee Special Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
2:00pm 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 Municipal Election, Nov 4, 2025 New Business |
5:00pm Deadline to request a ballot by mail
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (8/5/2025, 8/19/2025, 9/30/2025)
Public Hearing
6:30pm PB-315 (continued from 3/25/2025)
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
2. PB-368
75 Broadway – Design Review revisions to approved site plan (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
2:30pm Cambridge School Committee Virtual Special Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
3:00pm The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss energy planning in Cambridge including expanding electricity capacity, expanding renewable energy productions, BEUDO energy requirements, and thermal energy network planning and any other topics relevant to the city’s overall planning for ensuring city goals of electrification may be met. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council – Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition and Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. The Committee will recess and reconvene on Thurs, Nov 13, 2025 at 5:30pm. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
10:30am Cambridge School Committee Virtual Special Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
1:00pm Cambridge School Committee Virtual Special Meeting for the purpose of approving the contract for Mr. David Murphy, Superintendent of Schools. This meeting will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 26, as usual. The meeting can also be viewed on Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/96081106637. This
Meeting Agenda
12:00pm Noontime deadline to apply for absentee ballot for over-the-counter voting
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
7:00am-8:00pm Municipal election (citywide)
All vote-by-mail ballots (except overseas absentee ballots) must arrive at the Election Commission office by 8pm to be counted. Ballot count begins at Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave., after the polls close. Overseas absentee ballots are due by 5pm on Fri, Nov 14, but must be postmarked by Nov 4.
9:30pm Cambridge Election Commission (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. OR via 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 - Municipal Election, Nov 4, 2025 New Business |
9:00am Cambridge Election Commission (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. - in person only)
The ballot count will continue from day to day as needed until completed.
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, Nov 4, 2025 New Business |
9:00am Cambridge Election Commission (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. - in person only)
The ballot count will continue from day to day as needed until completed.
9:00am Cambridge Election Commission (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. - in person only)
The ballot count will continue from day to day as needed until completed.
5:30pm Joint Roundtable City Council/School Committee meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion from the Oct 30, 2025 hearing on two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council – Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition and Cambridge Street Zoning Petition. There will be no public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
4:00pm Cambridge Election Commission (in person only, 689 Mass. Ave., 2nd Floor Conference Room)
4:00pm Counting of Provisional Ballots
5:00pm Counting of Overseas Ballots
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 |
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
Open Session
The Cambridge Planning Board (the “Board”) will meet in the Zoom public session to vote to go into executive session, under a different platform to discuss charges brought against the Planning Board with respect to the October 2, 2025 Open Meeting Law Complaint brought by Young Kim against the Board.
Executive Session
For the above-stated reasons, the Board will meet in executive session to discuss the litigation strategy with respect to the matter listed above.
Return to Open Session
The Board will return to public session.
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Advisory Design Consultation AHO-8 (continued from 8/5/2025)
28-30 Wendell Street – Affordable housing project proposal by HRI 30 Wendell LLC to construct a new 8-story building to create 95 affordable rental units and amenities, and 77 long-term and 8 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 112,066 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
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 Municipal Election, Nov 4, 2025 New Business |
6:00-8:00pm Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board (Water Treatment Plant or remote)
Item 1: Review Agenda
Item 2: Meeting Minutes
May 15, 2025 and Sept 19, 2025 Minutes (D. Kaplan)
Item 3: Little Fresh Pond In-Lake Study Results (Hatch, K. Wagner)
Item 4: Maynard Ecology Center Report (S. Agger)
Item 5: Watershed Manager’s Report (D. Kaplan)
Huron Pine Forest Pilot Plots - data collected, current conditions and next steps
Greenway Progress on Directional Signage
Alternative Funding Source Search for Landscape Projects
Landscape Management Report: (V. Falcione)
Effect of late summer early Fall Level 2 (Significant) Drought on plants
Wildlife issues: deer, etc.
Winter Preparations
Item 6: Status of 2020 Board Vote to Designate Joseph Harrington Way (A. Roosevelt)
Naming history of this area and assigning names to areas at the Reservation (J. Snow)
Item 7: Preliminary Agenda for March 20, 2026
Watershed Manager’s Report; Projects Updates; CWD Annual Volunteer Report/Plans; Friends of Fresh Pond 2023 Woodland Habitat Report; Edited Transition Zones Addition to Sustainable Landscape Management Plan; Upcountry Reservoir Report
Item 8: Public Comment
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled per Nov 24 City Council Order
5:00pm Cambridge School Committee Special (Executive Session) Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
5:30pm The City Council’s Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to continue the discussion on two Zoning Petitions by the Cambridge City Council. This meeting will be a continuation of the meeting that was held and recessed on Oct 30, 2025 and reconvened and recessed again on Nov 13, 2025. There will be public comment. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm Cambridge School Committee Regular Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26)
Meeting Agenda
3:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee and Finance Committee will hold a joint public hearing to discuss the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing residential development incentives - such as tax incentives, public equity financing, and reduced fees and requirements - on housing production and City finances. (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 Municipal Election, Nov 4, 2025 - Election Review New Business |
1:00pm The City Council’s Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the Executive Summary from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee which was presented to the full City Council on May 19, 2025. [CM25#128] (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:30pm The City Council’s Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the organizational changes to the Equity & Inclusion Department. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
12:00pm The City Council’s Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing to further discuss the implications of deploying automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) and to discuss whether adjustments should be made related to the deployment of ALPRs since approval in February of this year, CM25#257 in City Council Oct 20, 2025. (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 (7/22/2025, 10/7/2025, 10/21/2025, 10/28/2025)
3. Advisory Consultation PBAC-1 – Request for Continuance (continued to 1/13/2026)
16-28 Porter Street – Housing project proposal by FBCH Porter Street LLC to construct a new 6-story building to create 68 residential units with 72 long-term and 8 short-term bicycle parking spaces with a gross floor area of 59,464 square feet pursuant to section 19.47 Planning Board Advisory Consultation Procedure. (Materials)
4. PB-179
20 Child Street – Use Determination Request (Materials)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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 Health and Environment Committee and Housing Committee will hold a joint public hearing to review and discuss PO25#137, which asks the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to reduce the impact on solar energy systems, based on the recommendations discussed in the Sept 16, 2025 Health and Environment Committee meeting. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
11:30am The City Council’s Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing with the Cambridge Office for Tourism to provide an update on the Tourism Office’s efforts as it relates to destination marketing, visitor services, as well as an update on the Tourism Destination Marketing District program [PO25#117]. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
3:00pm The City Council’s Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to begin a discussion around social housing as referenced in PO25#131. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
6:00pm Cambridge School Committee Regular Meeting (live-streamed at www.cpsd.us, broadcast on Channel 26) [Agenda]
6:30pm Planning Board Meeting (Remote via Zoom)
General Business
1. Update from the Community Development Department
2. Advisory Design Consultation AHO-10
8-12 May Street and 53 Lawn Street – Affordable housing project proposal by Corcoran Park Phase 1 LLC to construct a 4-story building and a 3-story building to create 67 affordable rental units and amenities, 36 off-street parking spaces, and 42 long-term and 8 short-term bicycle parking spaces with total gross floor area of 82,407 square feet pursuant to section 11.207 Affordable Housing Overlay. (Materials - under Planning Board Materials tab)
General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. 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 at cddzoning@cambridgema.gov.
Send written comments by 5:00pm the day before the meeting to planningboardcomment@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.
3:30pm City Council Special Meeting to review the City Manager’s evaluation. (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) - cancelled
