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5 months ago

Ordinance committee continues debate on Mass Ave and Cambridge Street zoning; reconvenes Dec. 2 The Cambridge City Ordinance Committee continued review of two zoning petitions that would remake Mass Ave and Cambridge Street with higher building heights, incentives for ground-floor active uses, and new open-space and design standards; committee recessed and scheduled a Dec. 2 meeting for more public input.

Cambridge is poised for a transformation along Mass Ave and Cambridge Street, with new zoning proposals that could redefine the skyline and boost local businesses!

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5 months ago

Cambridge finance team warns of multi-year downturn; administration sets FY27 targets and seeks $12M in savings At a Nov. 10 joint roundtable, city finance officials told the Cambridge City Council and school committee that commercial property values and new growth have fallen, eroding excess levy capacity and prompting targets to limit FY27 levy growth to under 7% and operating growth to under 5%; departments were asked to identify about $12 million in near

Cambridge officials are sounding the alarm as declining commercial property values threaten the city's financial health, forcing a push for budget cuts and savings to limit tax increases.

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5 months ago

BZA approves Wonder Cambridge quick-service concept for 319 Main Street in Kendall Square The Board of Zoning Appeal granted a special permit to Wonder Cambridge, a 3,000-square-foot quick-service/multi-restaurant concept at 319 Main Street (the Google Building, Kendall Square). The board asked operational questions about deliveries and traffic but granted relief with conditions that the project conform to submitted drawings.

Wonder Cambridge is set to revolutionize dining with a cutting-edge food hall at 319 Main Street, focusing on quick-service and sustainable practices!

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5 months ago

Council presses state micro-mobility commission on outreach as residents report safety concerns Councilors on Nov. 3 pressed city transportation staff about the Special Commission on Micro Mobility, saying the commission's meetings did not include proactive public outreach and saying Cambridge needs faster action to address scooter and e-bike safety. Staff and the commissioner said recommendations are expected in January and may require state

Cambridge councilors are calling for urgent action on micro-mobility regulations after alarming reports of dangerous e-scooter and bike behavior in crowded areas.

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5 months ago

Cambridge allocates emergency funds for food and heating as SNAP, LIHEAP uncertainty continues City Council approved two emergency appropriations Nov. 3: a $138,372 federal HEAP grant to cover heating assistance through April and a $250,000 city appropriation (to be matched by $250,000 from the Cambridge Community Foundation) for grocery gift cards and food pantry support amid SNAP payment disruptions.

Cambridge City Council just approved $388,372 to combat food insecurity and heating costs amid SNAP payment disruptions—help is on the way!

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5 months ago

Ordinance committee reviews Cambridge Street zoning petition that raises corridor heights to encourage active ground floors City staff presented a Cambridge Street zoning petition that would establish four Cambridge Street districts (Cam 8/10/12/15), keep a six-story street wall baseline and allow taller set-back heights where projects provide active ground-floor uses. The Planning Board recommended approval; the committee recessed without voting.

A new zoning petition for Cambridge Street could reshape the area with taller buildings and vibrant ground-floor spaces, all while focusing on community input and sustainable growth.

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5 months ago

Cambridge committee hears Mass Ave zoning petition proposing up to 12 stories (18 with Porter PUD) tied to active ground-floor uses City planning staff presented a zoning petition that would create three Massachusetts Avenue base districts allowing greater residential height tied to active ground-floor uses, new design standards, and open-space requirements for taller buildings. The Planning Board recommended the petitions; the ordinance committee took no final vote and will re

A bold new zoning petition in Cambridge could pave the way for 12 to 18-story residential buildings, transforming Massachusetts Avenue into a vibrant hub of housing and retail.

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5 months ago

Cambridge staff outline steps to meet building emissions limits, expand renewables and help owners comply with BUTO City staff told the Health and Environment Committee that the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BUTO) will start requiring the largest nonresidential buildings to cut emissions next January, outlined support programs for owners and renters, and described long‑term strategies including virtual power purchase agreements and a thermal energy‑​

Cambridge is set to enforce ambitious emissions cuts for large buildings starting January 2026, but will it be enough to meet climate goals?

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5 months ago

Eversource details decade of upgrades for Cambridge grid, unveils underground substation timetable and AMI rollout Eversource told the committee its 10‑year Electric Sector Modernization Plan anticipates a shift from a summer peak to a winter peak as heating electrifies, described major projects including a fully underground substation in Cambridge and an underground cable modernization program, and mapped customer‑level impacts and an advanced metering rollout

Eversource is set to revolutionize Cambridge's energy landscape with the nation's first fully underground substation and a decade-long modernization plan that will double residential demand!

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5 months ago

Planning board, CRA approve major amendment to Volpe infill plan allowing 149,000 sq ft shift to 105 Broadway The Cambridge Planning Board and Cambridge Redevelopment Authority approved an amendment to the Volpe infill development concept plan that lets Boston Properties shift about 149,000 square feet of approved commercial gross floor area from 250 Binney Street to a redeveloped 105 Broadway. The boards approved the amendment with conditions and sent the

Big changes are coming to Cambridge as the Planning Board approves a major amendment allowing a 149,000 square foot shift from 250 Binney to a new redevelopment at 105 Broadway!

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5 months ago

Cambridge committee launches five-year update to Urban Forest Master Plan after citywide canopy rises to about 30% The Cambridge City Council Health and Environment Committee received a status report on the city’s Urban Forest Master Plan and launched a five-year update process. Officials reported a net canopy gain since 2018, described remaining equity gaps and enforcement limits on private-property tree loss, and outlined public engagement and a timeline for

The Cambridge City Council is taking significant steps to enhance its Urban Forest Master Plan, aiming for a greener future with an impressive canopy increase to 30% by 2024, but challenges of equity and tree loss on private land remain.

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5 months ago

Planning Board recommends Cambridge Street zoning changes to allow 8‑ to 15‑story pockets, ties height to active ground‑floor uses The Cambridge Planning Board voted 7–0 Oct. 21 to recommend a City Council petition that establishes Cambridge Street districts allowing up to 8 stories along the corridor and taller buildings (10, 12, 15 stories) in targeted areas if projects provide active ground‑floor uses and meet design standards.

The Cambridge Planning Board just approved a bold zoning petition that could transform Cambridge Street with buildings up to 15 stories high, all while promoting vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces!

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5 months ago

Planning Board recommends zoning changes on Massachusetts Avenue to allow up to 12‑story housing, 18 in Porter Square under PUD The Cambridge Planning Board voted 7–0 Oct. 21 to recommend a City Council zoning petition that would create new Massachusetts Avenue districts to implement the Mass Ave planning study, allow up to 12 stories of residential development (18 with a PUD in Porter Square), and tie added height to active ground‑floor uses and design standards.

Cambridge's Planning Board just voted to revolutionize the Massachusetts Avenue corridor with zoning changes that could allow buildings up to 18 stories high—are you ready for this urban transformation?

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5 months ago

Cambridge committee reviews out-of-school-time expansion study, highlights inclusion and staffing gaps City staff and the Agenda for Children presented a May expansion study to the Human Services and Veterans Committee, reporting high lottery offer rates but remaining unmet demand for inclusive placements, staffing shortages for one‑to‑one supports and ongoing work on space-sharing and workforce pathways.

Cambridge's push for expanded out-of-school programs has seen impressive lottery success but still faces critical challenges in inclusion and staffing.

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5 months ago

Cambridge council approves tax‑rate split and 30% residential exemption after contentious public comment After a public hearing with dozens of speakers, the Cambridge City Council approved the fiscal‑year 2026 tax‑rate classification, adopting a commercial/residential split and a 30% residential exemption; councilors and staff warned of continued pressure on future budgets due to falling commercial values and higher levy needs.

Cambridge City Council's controversial decision to increase commercial tax rates by 22% has sparked outrage among local business owners, who claim it threatens their survival.

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5 months ago

City manager warns SNAP and federal programs could be disrupted as shutdown stretches on; Cambridge monitors local impacts Cambridge city manager briefed the council on Oct. 20 about the federal government shutdown and budget reconciliation provisions that cut and reshape SNAP and other federal programs; staff warned of near‑term uncertainties and urged coordination with state agencies and nonprofits.

Cambridge's city manager warns that the ongoing federal shutdown could jeopardize SNAP benefits for thousands of local households, creating uncertainty for those who rely on vital nutrition assistance.

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5 months ago

Cambridge speakers urge city council to back Harvard grad students after university carves out workers from union Dozens of Harvard graduate students and supporters spoke at the Cambridge City Council on Oct. 20 urging the council to adopt a resolution backing the Harvard Graduate Students Union after the university reclassified many stipended researchers as non‑employees, cutting them off from union benefits and funds.

Harvard's recent decision to strip graduate student researchers of union protections has sparked a passionate outcry from students and supporters at the Cambridge City Council.

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5 months ago

Council halts use of Flock license‑plate readers pending public‑safety committee review after weeks of public concern After extensive public comment raising privacy and data‑sharing concerns, the Cambridge City Council ordered suspension of Flock Safety license‑plate reader use and referred further review to the Public Safety Committee, asking staff to work with civil‑liberties groups during the review.

In a bold move for transparency, the Cambridge City Council has suspended the use of Flock Safety's automated license-plate readers after public outcry over privacy concerns.

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5 months ago

Cambridge council approves FY2026 tax rate after hours of public comment over commercial spike After a lengthened public comment period with business owners and residents warning of harm to small firms, the Cambridge City Council approved the citys FY2026 tax rate, including a 22% rise in the commercial rate and a 30% owner-occupied residential exemption.

The Cambridge City Council just approved a controversial 22% increase in the commercial tax rate, sparking concerns from small business owners about the potential impact on their livelihoods.

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5 months ago

Students, unions and residents urge council to back Harvard graduate student union after university 'carve-outs' Dozens of graduate student workers and union allies urged the Cambridge City Council to back the Harvard Graduate Students Union after Harvard classified many research assistant roles as non‑employees; several council policy orders were adopted later in the meeting.

Dozens of graduate students stood united at the Cambridge City Council, pleading for support against Harvard's controversial move to strip essential benefits from their union.

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5 months ago

Council pauses use of Flock Safety ALPRs and refers broader review to Public Safety Committee After hours of public comment expressing privacy and civil‑liberties concerns, the City Council suspended use of Flock Safety cameras and referred a broader review of automated license‑plate readers to its Public Safety Committee; the councils stop-order passed unanimously.

Cambridge City Council has put the brakes on Flock Safety cameras amid growing privacy concerns and calls for a deeper review of surveillance technology.

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6 months ago

Korb Architecture proposes mass timber building for affordable housing near 2072 Mass Ave Simon Mance discusses benefits of mass timber in affordable housing project at Cambridge meeting.

Discover how mass timber is revolutionizing urban construction with its eco-friendly benefits and cost-saving potential!

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6 months ago

Cambridge City Council Implements Remote Participation for Meetings Cambridge City Council begins meeting with remote participation and public comment options.

Cambridge City Council is breaking new ground by embracing remote participation, highlighting a strong commitment to animal welfare and community engagement!

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6 months ago

City Council Proposes Dangerous Dog Ordinance Updates to Align with State Law Council suggests amendments for vicious dog ordinance and new kennel licensing requirements.

Cambridge is taking a bold step to enhance public safety by proposing significant updates to its outdated dangerous dog ordinances for the first time in over three decades.

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6 months ago

Cambridge City Council to Implement New Kennel Licensing Regulations for Vicious Dogs Council moves to update kennel policies to comply with new state law.

Cambridge is taking a bold step to enhance public safety with new kennel licensing regulations aimed at managing vicious dogs in the community.

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6 months ago

Massachusetts Enacts Ollie's Law to Strengthen Kennel Licensing and Safety Regulations Ollie's Law mandates stricter kennel licensing and safety requirements in Massachusetts.

Cambridge City is on the verge of revolutionizing its animal control laws with significant updates that could reshape the future of dog licensing and kennel safety!

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6 months ago

Cambridge City Council Considers Amendments to Vicious Dog Ordinance and Kennel Licensing Council proposes updates to align dog regulations with state law and establish kennel licensing.

Cambridge is taking a bold step to modernize its dangerous dog regulations and introduce kennel licensing—find out how these changes will enhance public safety and animal welfare!

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6 months ago

City Proposes Kennel Licensing Ordinance Following Governor Haley's Ollie's Law City outlines new kennel licensing requirements to align with Ollie's Law regulations.

Cambridge is taking a bold step in pet safety with a proposed kennel licensing ordinance inspired by "Ollie's Law," ensuring stricter regulations for the welfare of our furry friends.

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6 months ago

City Council proposes updates to dog ordinance aligning with state law City updates dog ordinance definitions and procedures to match state law and enhance public safety.

Cambridge is set to revamp its dog regulations, aligning them with state standards to enhance community safety and accountability among pet owners.

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6 months ago

Cambridge Council Approves Kennel Licensing to Comply with State Law Councilman Nolan confirms kennel licensing updates ensure compliance with state regulations for safety.

Cambridge City Council is taking bold steps to ensure community safety with a new kennel licensing ordinance aimed at responsible pet ownership and compliance with state law.

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