1 00:00:01,960 --> 00:00:15,280 You can hear me, mayor. I can hear you. I can hear you. You can't hear me. I can hear you now. I can hear you. Yeah, perfect. We're just going to promote councilor LZB before we start. 2 00:00:20,260 --> 00:00:21,220 All right, Madam Mayor. 3 00:00:24,450 --> 00:00:29,290 Hey. It's five thirty. Great. And we have a quorum. 4 00:00:33,100 --> 00:00:40,460 Yes, you do. Great. Good evening, everyone. A quorum of the city council being present. 5 00:00:40,480 --> 00:00:48,500 I wanted to call tonight's January 26th, 2026 regular meeting of the Cambridge City Council 6 00:00:48,500 --> 00:00:49,100 to order. 7 00:00:49,660 --> 00:00:52,900 The first order of visits is a role call of members present, please. 8 00:00:53,460 --> 00:00:55,580 The term Quirk, Quaint, Crane. 9 00:00:56,140 --> 00:01:02,480 Councillor Azubi, President, President Vice-Mirazim, President, President, Council of Flaherty, 10 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:04,860 President, President, Council of McEvern, 11 00:01:07,540 --> 00:01:10,640 Council of McEvern is absent, Councillor Nolan, 12 00:01:14,260 --> 00:01:20,080 Councillor Nolan, is listed as absent, Councillor Simmons, present and notable. 13 00:01:20,460 --> 00:01:27,140 Present, Councillor Sabrina Wheeler, present, Councillor Zucy, present, present, near Sadiki, 14 00:01:27,460 --> 00:01:27,640 present. 15 00:01:28,220 --> 00:01:31,740 Yes, and you have seven members recorded as present and two recorded as absent. 16 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:33,600 Thank you. 17 00:01:33,860 --> 00:01:34,680 Hear the rules. 18 00:01:34,980 --> 00:01:38,540 Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance and Pause for a Moment of Silence. 19 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:44,480 Congratulations to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. 20 00:01:45,100 --> 00:01:48,780 One nation under God and divisible with liberty and justice for all. 21 00:01:54,630 --> 00:01:59,910 Her chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Court and approved by the governor. 22 00:02:00,510 --> 00:02:04,910 The city is authorized to use remote participation at meetings of the Cambridge City Council. 23 00:02:05,630 --> 00:02:08,150 In addition to having members of the Council participate remotely, 24 00:02:08,390 --> 00:02:11,210 we've set up Zoom teleconference for public comment. 25 00:02:11,210 --> 00:02:17,310 You can also view the meeting via the city's open meeting portal or on the city's cable channel 22. 26 00:02:17,630 --> 00:02:24,350 To speak during public comment, you must sign up at www.kamerjame.gov slash public comment. 27 00:02:24,990 --> 00:02:30,310 You can also email your written comments for the record to the city clerk at city clerk at kamerjame.gov. 28 00:02:30,710 --> 00:02:33,870 We welcome your participation and you can sign up until 6 p.m. 29 00:02:34,650 --> 00:02:40,570 Please note that the city of Cambridge Audio and Video records this meeting and makes it available to the public for future viewing. 30 00:02:40,570 --> 00:02:46,370 In addition, third parties may also be audio and video recording this meeting. 31 00:02:47,910 --> 00:02:49,810 We will now move on to public comment. 32 00:02:50,110 --> 00:02:59,370 Public comment may be made in the court with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 38, Section 20G and the City Council rules 23D and 37. 33 00:03:00,090 --> 00:03:02,950 Once you finish speaking, the next speaker will be called. 34 00:03:03,370 --> 00:03:06,870 Individuals are not permitted to allocate the remainder of their time to other speakers. 35 00:03:06,870 --> 00:03:09,170 I ask that you state your name. 36 00:03:09,230 --> 00:03:12,930 That is for the record and the item on the agenda that you are speaking on. 37 00:03:13,390 --> 00:03:18,050 We have over 59 speakers who have signed up. 38 00:03:18,250 --> 00:03:20,790 Each speaker will have two minutes for the rules. 39 00:03:21,430 --> 00:03:22,110 So we will start. 40 00:03:22,770 --> 00:03:24,250 Go ahead to public comment. 41 00:03:24,530 --> 00:03:25,310 Madam Mayor. 42 00:03:25,870 --> 00:03:26,090 Yes. 43 00:03:26,470 --> 00:03:28,110 Council of Nolan is listed as present. 44 00:03:29,150 --> 00:03:29,530 Great. 45 00:03:29,870 --> 00:03:29,890 Present. 46 00:03:30,410 --> 00:03:30,830 Thank you. 47 00:03:31,450 --> 00:03:35,610 Our first speaker will be Elizabeth Rucker, followed by Louise Vendon, 48 00:03:35,610 --> 00:03:40,090 then Denise Jolson. Elizabeth, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 49 00:03:44,240 --> 00:03:50,080 My name is Elizabeth Rucker, and I live at 94 Monobello Road in Jamaica Plane. I managed 50 00:03:50,080 --> 00:03:54,800 the Democracy Center for eight years as the sole employee assigned to it within the Foundation 51 00:03:54,800 --> 00:03:59,280 for civic leadership, and I'm here to speak on the landmark petition for the Nathaniel 52 00:03:59,280 --> 00:04:04,120 Stigney House. I continue to work, play and participate in the Cambridge Community 53 00:04:04,120 --> 00:04:10,960 multiple days per week. In my former position, I handled all aspects of 45 monoburn street, 54 00:04:11,280 --> 00:04:15,920 including its physical structures and all programs. Please vote in favor of landmarking the 55 00:04:15,920 --> 00:04:20,900 building at 45 monoburn street. Landmarking this building is key to ensuring the appropriateness 56 00:04:20,900 --> 00:04:25,580 of new construction and additions and to celebrate the robust history of civic engagement 57 00:04:25,580 --> 00:04:31,040 that was led from this building. The Historic Commission's Favorable Report lays out key architectural 58 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:35,500 points at length so I will speak to the importance of 45 on Auburn Street to the people and 59 00:05:00,000 --> 00:05:05,620 To see from the ground up. For 22 years, this building was a crossroads of good people doing good work. 60 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:11,460 Here, generations came together to share wisdom and support, and to nuclear activists mentored those who 61 00:05:11,460 --> 00:05:15,960 would lead the movement for black lives. Here, community leaders used our space to feed, 62 00:05:15,980 --> 00:05:20,920 clothing, shelter immigrants turned out of shelters and Massachusetts. Here, Cambridge by Xafety, 63 00:05:21,000 --> 00:05:26,160 even organized to pass a city by Xafety ordinance. Here, Harvard students from fossil fuel 64 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:31,400 I vest planned their first direct actions, and 2019 trans people in their allies successfully 65 00:05:31,400 --> 00:05:34,220 mounted a campaign to defend transgender rights statewide. 66 00:05:35,020 --> 00:05:38,940 Aaron Swartz, the legendary internet freedom activist, had an office on the third floor. 67 00:05:39,560 --> 00:05:43,260 I do not have time to list everyone who has made history big and small at the Democracy 68 00:05:43,260 --> 00:05:43,780 Center. 69 00:05:44,260 --> 00:05:49,860 But the Cambridge we are building together has much of the positive history toward the 70 00:05:49,860 --> 00:05:54,240 hearts of 45 Mount Auburn Street, and I encourage you at this time when so much history 71 00:05:54,240 --> 00:05:59,060 is being maliciously rewritten. To preserve our history and celebrate our victories across 72 00:05:59,060 --> 00:06:03,160 generations by landmarking 45 Mount Auburn Street for all of us. Thank you. 73 00:06:05,950 --> 00:06:08,570 Thank you, our next speaker will be Louise Vendon, 74 00:06:08,850 --> 00:06:11,430 followed by Denise Jilsen, then Dan Taien. 75 00:06:12,710 --> 00:06:19,850 Louise has not joined, we will go to Denise Jilsen. Denise, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 76 00:06:20,990 --> 00:06:26,970 Good evening, Denise Jolson, the Executive Director for the Harvard Square Business Association. 77 00:06:27,170 --> 00:06:33,630 And I'm here speaking tonight on policy order, 2026-17. 78 00:06:34,010 --> 00:06:38,390 But before I do, I also want to just weigh in on 45-mile Auburn Street. 79 00:06:39,330 --> 00:06:48,570 I think landmarking that building is a, it makes good sense, and we should consider doing it. 80 00:06:48,570 --> 00:06:58,070 I think it means a lot to Harvard Square and Harvard Square's history, and we should consider the recommendation from Charlie Sullivan. 81 00:06:58,470 --> 00:07:18,090 Thank you. Here tonight to speak about policy order regarding pedestrianization, and I want to first of all thank 82 00:07:18,090 --> 00:07:23,310 here and thoughtfulness. Especially so when we consider a business district like Harvard Square, 83 00:07:23,770 --> 00:07:28,810 which is comprised of approximately 44 acres, about a million square feet of retail restaurant, 84 00:07:29,550 --> 00:07:32,510 services, hotels and social service providers. 85 00:07:34,730 --> 00:07:38,390 And we, of which, by the way, 70% are still 86 00:07:38,390 --> 00:07:47,870 locally owned independent. We also received between 68 million visitors per year. And when we consider 87 00:07:48,090 --> 00:08:15,730 The talent that we have within the city within the department heads and staff of the, I think we're not calling it Department of Transportation, within community development, within the Harvard Square Business Association, as well as the Harvard Square Advisory, and this body, this, this, you know, the City Council, as well as neighbors and property owners who have weighed in over the years regarding pedestrianization. 88 00:08:15,730 --> 00:08:23,330 I feel confident that there is not a group of people better suited who understand the cadence 89 00:08:23,330 --> 00:08:29,970 of Harvard Square and will work to enhance not only the pedestrianization but the curation 90 00:08:29,970 --> 00:08:35,090 of the public space. We want to partner with the city of Cambridge and hope that all of you 91 00:08:35,090 --> 00:08:37,910 will support this council order. Thank you. 92 00:08:40,290 --> 00:08:44,210 Our next speaker is Dan Taun followed by Ian Simmons 93 00:08:44,210 --> 00:08:50,010 than Jerry Pouchello. Dan, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 94 00:08:52,750 --> 00:08:59,770 Yes, hi. My name is Dan Totten. I live at 54 Bishop Malindrive and I also want to speak 95 00:08:59,770 --> 00:09:07,510 in support of Landmarking the building at 4335 Mount Auburn Street. I am a community member, 96 00:09:07,750 --> 00:09:11,970 a former frequent user of the Democracy Center and a signatory to the original Landmark 97 00:09:13,210 --> 00:09:19,570 The building does have objective historical and architectural significance when it was built nearly 200 years ago. 98 00:09:20,010 --> 00:09:21,670 The surrounding area was pasture land. 99 00:09:22,150 --> 00:09:30,350 It was one of the few surviving structures from that era in a neighborhood who is a peal as a global tourist destination is inseparable from its historic building. 100 00:09:30,990 --> 00:09:41,610 The fact that this building has been listed since 1982 on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource is evidence that these concerns did not come out of thin air over the past year. 101 00:10:00,000 --> 00:10:08,120 Last 25 years, the building served as the Democracy Center, one of the city's last remaining affordable gathering spaces for working class organizers and community groups. 102 00:10:08,500 --> 00:10:14,940 As Cambridge has transformed into a playground for the wealthy, working class residents and the spaces that serve them have been systematically erased. 103 00:10:15,420 --> 00:10:18,200 The closure of the Democracy Center is part of that problem. 104 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:27,600 I do agree that discretion is important, and I share concerns about the historical process, potentially blocking housing in some cases, 105 00:10:27,600 --> 00:10:32,460 but I think in this case, we have no promise of housing, I would love it if Mr. Simmons 106 00:10:32,460 --> 00:10:34,820 would promise us some housing on the site. 107 00:10:35,700 --> 00:10:44,920 But I think that it's very important that we maintain a degree of accountability over what 108 00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:53,920 happens on this site so that as we go forward, as we go forward that the owner is not allowed 109 00:10:53,920 --> 00:11:00,240 do whatever he wants, carte blanche. It's been almost two years since this happened and the promise 110 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:05,060 of bringing the community in engaging with us and meeting with us has never come to fruition 111 00:11:05,060 --> 00:11:13,060 and I would really value an opportunity to have that discussion respectfully and with Mr. Simmons 112 00:11:13,060 --> 00:11:18,580 regardless of how this turns out. Thank you very much. Thank you. Our next speaker is the 113 00:11:18,580 --> 00:11:23,900 Simons followed by Jerry Pujillo, then Marilyn Frankenstein, Frankenstein. 114 00:11:24,100 --> 00:11:26,440 The end you have two minutes, please go ahead. 115 00:11:29,270 --> 00:11:32,090 Hi, this is Ian Simmons, thanks for allowing us to speak tonight. 116 00:11:33,770 --> 00:11:35,490 I'm President of the Foundation for Civic Leadership, 117 00:11:36,290 --> 00:11:40,990 a small nonprofit that created the Moxie Center at 45 Med Auburn Street more than 20 years ago. 118 00:11:41,430 --> 00:11:45,150 I'm here tonight to respectfully reaffirm our opposition to landmarking 45 Med Auburn. 119 00:11:45,670 --> 00:11:49,690 We appreciate the work of the Cambridge Store Commission and want to thank Charlie Sullivan and the staff 120 00:11:49,690 --> 00:11:54,270 that said 3 key points remain. First, the property is already appropriately protected within 121 00:11:54,270 --> 00:11:58,790 this dark Harvard Square conservation district where changes already require a certificate 122 00:11:58,790 --> 00:12:03,530 of appropriateness. The city's current framework already provides the right kind of oversight. 123 00:12:04,470 --> 00:12:08,990 Second, while the 19th century Greek revival facade is notable, it already has adequate protection 124 00:12:08,990 --> 00:12:14,250 and the history of 45 in Auburn does not meet the threshold for historic landmark designation 125 00:12:14,250 --> 00:12:19,410 when compared to other landmarks across the city. Finally, we would, I've always been deeply 126 00:12:19,410 --> 00:12:24,670 committed to improving 45-minute Auburn as a civic hub, a landmark designation creates 127 00:12:24,670 --> 00:12:28,890 undue burdens and undue to risk for the nonprofit civic project going forward and would 128 00:12:28,890 --> 00:12:33,330 limit the amount of civic stability to continue to expand civic space on site. 129 00:12:34,170 --> 00:12:40,050 We would strongly encourage the council to keep our ability to maximize the expansion of 130 00:12:40,050 --> 00:12:44,790 civic space to help us improve civic, Cambridge civic and community life. 131 00:12:46,170 --> 00:12:47,590 Thank you so much for your time and consideration. 132 00:12:53,060 --> 00:12:58,400 Thank you, and I'm just going to call and I'm comes to my government. He's been here for a while for his role call. 133 00:12:58,580 --> 00:13:01,760 Council, look, Evan, present. 134 00:13:02,960 --> 00:13:08,440 The next speaker is Jerry Puchillo followed by Maryland Frankenstein, the Neil Miller. 135 00:13:08,900 --> 00:13:11,360 Jerry, you have the floor. Please go ahead two minutes. 136 00:13:12,700 --> 00:13:17,640 Thank you. My name is Jerry Puchillo, and I'm a consultant to the foundation for civic leadership. 137 00:13:17,860 --> 00:13:20,780 I'll keep my comments very brief, since you just heard from Ian. 138 00:13:20,780 --> 00:13:27,080 I have had decades of real estate development experience, including for 15 years, a position 139 00:13:27,080 --> 00:13:31,680 as the director of housing development for the Archdiocese of Boston. In that role, 140 00:13:31,800 --> 00:13:36,320 and others, I have acquired extensive experience in the rehab of existing historic assets, 141 00:13:36,580 --> 00:13:41,960 and I deeply appreciate the value of preserving such assets. It's partially due to that experience 142 00:13:41,960 --> 00:13:46,780 that the foundation has asked me to assist in the redevelopment of the property at 45 monoblin 143 00:13:46,780 --> 00:14:03,020 Much of my work has been focused on building low and moderate income housing for people with disabilities as well as repositioning these assets to serve ongoing strategic goals and nonprofit organizations such as the foundation for civic leadership. 144 00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:15,500 I accepted this specific assignment from the foundation because I believe they have demonstrated that they are aligned with the city schools and have worked for decades to provide civic space to enrich and build community at this location. 145 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:27,500 As you've heard from me and they help to only deepen this commitment going forward and it would limit their resolve if you were to add further constraints on their ability to do so. 146 00:14:28,400 --> 00:14:29,380 Thank you very much. 147 00:14:31,520 --> 00:14:41,900 Thank you our next speaker is Marilyn Frankenstein followed by Neil Miller than David Helper and Marilyn you have the floor two minutes. 148 00:14:42,640 --> 00:14:44,180 Please go ahead. 149 00:14:47,890 --> 00:14:49,810 Sorry, am I unmuted? 150 00:14:50,730 --> 00:14:52,190 You are, please go ahead. 151 00:14:52,490 --> 00:14:54,710 Sorry, I couldn't see the sign. 152 00:14:55,650 --> 00:14:59,350 Marilyn Frankenstein, 40 plus year resident of West Cambridge. 153 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:08,540 Cambridge will value by designating it a landmark. Beyond that historical concern is also that building's 154 00:15:08,540 --> 00:15:14,120 more current quarter of a century history is the democracy center, a comfortable and safe space 155 00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:21,460 for a variety of social justice organizations to meet and host events. I'm a community coalition member 156 00:15:21,460 --> 00:15:27,800 of heart, Cambridge's holistic emergency alternative response team, which developed their model 157 00:15:27,800 --> 00:15:30,740 for unarmed prices response in this space, 158 00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:33,760 and which also hosted a number of community gatherings 159 00:15:33,760 --> 00:15:35,580 at the Democracy Center. 160 00:15:36,760 --> 00:15:40,080 I've been to other organizations, educational events there, 161 00:15:40,400 --> 00:15:43,060 and art builds in that same building. 162 00:15:43,620 --> 00:15:47,300 It was an important space, not just for each individual organization, 163 00:15:47,980 --> 00:15:51,200 but for the natural, significant collaborations 164 00:15:51,200 --> 00:15:53,620 among social justice organizations. 165 00:15:54,420 --> 00:15:56,720 This is also an important part of the history 166 00:15:56,720 --> 00:16:03,780 a 45-minute urban street that I urge you to consider invoting yes to approve its landmark designation. 167 00:16:12,620 --> 00:16:17,480 Apologies. I just wanted to make a quick announcement. Some folks are having some issues with the 168 00:16:17,480 --> 00:16:23,200 stream. We're working on that, but this meeting is being recorded. So we'll have a video of it up 169 00:16:23,200 --> 00:16:31,580 immediately after. Our next speaker is Neil Miller followed by David Helperin, then Kelsey Kelter. 170 00:16:31,580 --> 00:16:34,580 Neil, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 171 00:16:36,980 --> 00:16:39,780 Hi, Neil Miller, four, two, five, MassAv. 172 00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:43,760 First, I wanted to just give a note of appreciation. 173 00:16:44,340 --> 00:16:46,880 Thank you to all the folks at DPW, 174 00:16:47,180 --> 00:16:47,940 Living on MassAv. 175 00:16:47,980 --> 00:16:51,380 I could see and hear people working through the night 176 00:16:51,380 --> 00:16:53,020 for the night, into the morning, 177 00:16:53,580 --> 00:16:54,640 keeping the road clear. 178 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:58,740 So thank you so much for everything that they do. 179 00:16:58,740 --> 00:17:05,160 I'm calling in in support of passing tonight the Cambridge Street Zone in petition, 180 00:17:05,940 --> 00:17:14,360 given the, I'm especially excited that the sites on Webster Street and Windsor Street going towards 181 00:17:14,360 --> 00:17:22,260 units where we'll now be encouraged and incentivized to turn into homes that we really need 182 00:17:22,260 --> 00:17:24,560 near jobs, near transit, 183 00:17:26,620 --> 00:17:35,480 I am disappointed that it seems like there is a push to move the 184 00:17:35,480 --> 00:17:42,100 zoning or the allowable heights on the rest of Cambridge Street down below what it even was 185 00:17:42,100 --> 00:17:49,020 already moved down to. It's stories to six stories. Everyone on this council basically says that 186 00:17:49,020 --> 00:17:56,780 the poor transit oriented development, and this was part of a long time plan to zone for 187 00:17:56,780 --> 00:18:01,740 more homes in our squares and corridors. And with the amendments, it does not do that, 188 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:08,100 but I support passing the plan for the Webster Windsor Street sub-district to allow housing 189 00:18:08,100 --> 00:18:14,880 there. But before the amendments are voted on, it would encourage us to ask city staff, 190 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:20,620 whether the changes on Cambridge Street will make rents higher or lower for people's 191 00:18:20,620 --> 00:18:25,900 struggling to stay in Cambridge, whether it will provide more opportunities for small businesses, 192 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:32,960 for fewer, whether it will make Cambridge Street more or less friendly to other forms of 193 00:18:32,960 --> 00:18:38,380 transportation. I think these are important questions to ask as we're making these decisions. Thank you. 194 00:18:38,440 --> 00:18:38,880 Have a good night. 195 00:18:41,300 --> 00:18:44,960 Thank you. Our next speaker is David Halper and followed by Kelsey 196 00:18:44,960 --> 00:18:53,000 counter than Ethan Frank. David, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. Good evening David 197 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:59,940 happened in 14 Valentine Street Unit 3. I'm also calling in to express my support for 198 00:18:59,940 --> 00:19:06,160 passing the Cambridge Street. It's owning Petition, not letting expire. Back during the multi-handly 199 00:19:06,160 --> 00:19:12,520 housing process. We were showing how under any scenario we're not going to hit our housing production 200 00:19:12,520 --> 00:19:19,460 goals and, you know, the multi-family housing would be one component of, you know, getting us back 201 00:19:19,460 --> 00:19:26,760 on track, a third something more reasonable, but the majority of our housing was projected to still 202 00:19:26,760 --> 00:19:32,780 be built on our squares and corridors. So, you know, and, you know, on our all these processes, 203 00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:36,920 we're always told, you know, well, the place that we should really be able to have something is 204 00:20:00,000 --> 00:20:29,500 And you know, continuing to water it down, we're going to have, you know, most of Cambridge Street be the same height as the neighborhoods, then, you know, it's, you know, like how is most of our housing going to be on our corridors, you know, it doesn't make sense, it's not consistent with what people have said they wanted in the past. So you know, I, you know, 205 00:20:29,500 --> 00:20:34,920 We can really, like move our with the best compromise that we can tonight, 206 00:20:37,020 --> 00:20:37,220 but, you know, 207 00:20:40,760 --> 00:20:50,180 but yeah, like we continue under every scenario where we are falling behind our housing goals, 208 00:20:50,280 --> 00:20:58,840 and we need to take that seriously, and we need to continue to find new strategies to move that forward, 209 00:20:58,840 --> 00:21:03,580 And you know, to get the housing, we built both market rate and affordable as 210 00:21:03,580 --> 00:21:06,200 inclusionary and you know, every tool in the toolbox. 211 00:21:06,380 --> 00:21:07,380 Thank you. 212 00:21:09,380 --> 00:21:09,740 Thank you. 213 00:21:09,860 --> 00:21:15,800 Our next speaker is Kelsey Keltzer, followed by Ethan Frank, then Dana Bullister. 214 00:21:16,760 --> 00:21:19,420 Kelsey, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 215 00:21:21,020 --> 00:21:21,400 Excellent. 216 00:21:21,920 --> 00:21:26,500 Distinguished City Councilors, thank you for pivoting to a virtual setting amid the New England 217 00:21:26,500 --> 00:21:27,120 Snowfall. 218 00:21:27,120 --> 00:21:31,720 My name is Kelsey Kelter, and I'm a resident of 71 Thorndike Street in Cambridge. 219 00:21:32,460 --> 00:21:37,160 I'm here to share my strong support for Policy Order 2, regarding the incorporation 220 00:21:37,160 --> 00:21:42,800 of plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge Initiative, which aligns with the plant-based treaty. 221 00:21:43,560 --> 00:21:48,540 In a professional capacity, I am dedicated and a dedicated environmentalist and sustainability consultant, 222 00:21:48,980 --> 00:21:51,320 specializing in enterprise-wide corporate decarbonization. 223 00:21:51,320 --> 00:21:57,260 As I volunteer, I co-lead the Sierra clubs of Massachusetts Energy Justice team, and I am a nine-year 224 00:21:57,260 --> 00:22:00,520 vegan for the planet, going back to my undergrad at Boston College. 225 00:22:01,380 --> 00:22:06,700 At the nexus of sustainability, environmentalism, and equitable justice, sits the plant-based 226 00:22:06,700 --> 00:22:07,100 treaty. 227 00:22:07,840 --> 00:22:13,080 My fellow campaigners will share more detail of the campaign in due course, but I am here to 228 00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:17,940 speak on the environmental effects of plant-based defaults, which can be included in the city's 229 00:22:17,940 --> 00:22:20,340 plant-based food strategy for events. 230 00:22:21,100 --> 00:22:28,680 Defaults make plant-based options the standard no-action choice with meat and daily of dairy available upon request. 231 00:22:28,960 --> 00:22:35,340 Studies have shown that serving plant-based food as the default option decreases meat consumption by up to 87%. 232 00:22:35,880 --> 00:22:42,340 Thus reducing foods GHD emissions by an average of 40% and the water footprint therein by 24%. 233 00:22:42,340 --> 00:22:48,620 percent. This behavioral nudging technique increases sustainable, healthy, healthier eating, 234 00:22:49,100 --> 00:22:54,440 while preserving freedom of choice. Thus, serving meals that work for all dietary restrictions, 235 00:22:55,020 --> 00:23:00,900 reduces overhead and food waste within our boundaries. Cambridge can use plant-based defaults 236 00:23:00,900 --> 00:23:06,080 and it's effective tool at the events to meet our carbon reduction goals while saving on food costs 237 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:11,120 and improving health and inclusivity in the community. This will help Cambridge reach its net zero 238 00:23:11,120 --> 00:23:15,600 she emissions by 2020, 2050. I asked this council to formally adopt 239 00:23:15,600 --> 00:23:20,080 potency water too, and I thank you to the councilors thus forward who have endorsed 240 00:23:20,080 --> 00:23:24,220 this petition, and for the whole council for considering the adoption of the plant-based 241 00:23:24,220 --> 00:23:25,200 treaty for Cambridge. 242 00:23:27,320 --> 00:23:29,460 Thank you, our next speaker is Ethan Frank, 243 00:23:29,460 --> 00:23:36,680 followed by Dana Bullister, then Jason House. Ethan, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 244 00:23:38,020 --> 00:23:40,120 Hello. Can you hear me? 245 00:23:42,690 --> 00:23:52,670 Yes, we can. Please go ahead. My name is Ethan. I live at 632 MassAv and the NVTA's 246 00:23:52,670 --> 00:24:02,270 cancellation of their L-Wi-3 development plan reminds me why it's so important that we use all of 247 00:24:02,270 --> 00:24:10,770 space we have available as efficiently as possible, which is just one of the many reasons 248 00:24:10,770 --> 00:24:13,330 that we should upzone Cambridge Street tonight. 249 00:24:14,390 --> 00:24:15,110 Thank you. 250 00:24:21,310 --> 00:24:21,690 Thank you. 251 00:24:21,770 --> 00:24:24,070 Our next speaker is Dana Ballister. 252 00:24:26,130 --> 00:24:27,090 Dana has not joined. 253 00:24:27,270 --> 00:24:32,710 We will go to Jason Alves followed by Jim Monteverde, then Taylor Cross. 254 00:24:33,170 --> 00:24:34,330 Jason, you have two minutes. 255 00:24:34,590 --> 00:24:35,310 Please go ahead. 256 00:24:37,710 --> 00:24:42,290 Hi, this is Jason Alves, Executive Director of these Cambridge Business Association, 257 00:24:42,630 --> 00:24:44,710 544 Cambridge Street. 258 00:24:45,170 --> 00:24:49,130 I want to just speak on the Cambridge Street Zoning and the communication tonight. 259 00:24:50,030 --> 00:24:59,970 So just a thanks to Council of Newell and I'm here to D.C. for recommending what I think is a pretty some good change. 260 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:18,280 The communication tonight, so just a thanks to Councillor Nolan and Mayor Sediki for recommending what I think is a pretty some some good changes and it makes for a nice compromise on the Cambridge Street zone in petition. 261 00:25:18,960 --> 00:25:26,940 I think for us it's important that the the website of intersection, it's something we've been advocating for close to a decade now. 262 00:25:26,940 --> 00:25:30,880 I think there was a missed opportunity because of some previous zoning, but I think getting 263 00:25:30,880 --> 00:25:35,720 that up zone there as a transition transition into the point in yards area of someable 264 00:25:35,720 --> 00:25:42,220 and union square can really help create some good transit oriented housing development that 265 00:25:42,220 --> 00:25:44,240 doesn't really cause much displacement. 266 00:25:45,160 --> 00:25:51,200 Think the reduction along Cambridge Street to six stories is a nice compromise. 267 00:25:51,200 --> 00:25:56,800 I think it gets in line with some of the recommendations of the R Camus Street study. 268 00:25:57,220 --> 00:26:03,280 You know, Camus Street is basically, has been up zone recently to six stories, and this kind 269 00:26:03,280 --> 00:26:10,220 of refines that zoning to make it more manageable for the neighborhood. 270 00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:16,620 So I think that that's a nice compromise, and I think we're supportive of all this knowing 271 00:26:16,620 --> 00:26:22,240 that you will be revisiting the ground floor commercial requirements and a subsequent petition. 272 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:27,020 That is very, very important to the district and something that we want to see happen. 273 00:26:30,080 --> 00:26:36,900 I guess quickly. So, hope you can pass this tonight. Again, I think it's a good compromise 274 00:26:36,900 --> 00:26:42,580 that can hopefully make a lot of different parties that have concerns and hopes for 275 00:26:42,580 --> 00:26:45,360 me street and bring everybody in line. So thank you all very much. 276 00:26:47,560 --> 00:26:58,020 Thank you. Our next speaker is Jim Monteverde. Followed by Taylor Cross then and it's holy bore a soft. Jim you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 277 00:27:05,100 --> 00:27:08,080 Jim Monteverde if you can unmute yourself you have the floor two minutes. 278 00:27:09,760 --> 00:27:20,780 Sorry. Thank you. Good evening. I'm Jim Monteverde of 12 oak street in mid square. I asked that you let the Cambridge street zoning petition expire and require the be revised with 279 00:27:20,800 --> 00:27:24,260 benefit of a robust open public review process. 280 00:27:25,060 --> 00:27:29,780 I support the Nolan Sediki Amendment to change the height limit in the new district 281 00:27:30,480 --> 00:27:36,920 C.A.M. eight to six stories and ask that that same limit applied to the new district 282 00:27:36,920 --> 00:27:44,000 C.A.M. ten in the heart of image square. I suggest that the proposed design review thresholds 283 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:50,780 of 75,000 square feet for residential projects be reduced so that most if not all of new 284 00:27:50,780 --> 00:27:56,380 development along Cambridge Street require review by the planning board to force their design 285 00:27:56,380 --> 00:28:02,500 competence. The zoning proposal should also be revised to allow existing retail uses to 286 00:28:02,500 --> 00:28:08,800 continue in any new construction to maintain the retail character and vibrancy of the street. 287 00:28:09,340 --> 00:28:14,620 Please let the zoning petition expire so that it can be improved to reflect the public 288 00:28:14,620 --> 00:28:18,560 to vision for Cambridge Street through public review and comment. 289 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:20,020 Thank you. 290 00:28:23,540 --> 00:28:26,620 Thank you, our next speaker is Taylor Cross, 291 00:28:26,620 --> 00:28:30,460 followed by Anatolia Borosov, then Hannah Roach. 292 00:28:30,920 --> 00:28:33,440 Taylor, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 293 00:28:35,140 --> 00:28:35,700 Good evening. 294 00:28:35,840 --> 00:28:37,180 My name is Taylor Cross, 295 00:28:37,200 --> 00:28:41,020 and my address is 1315 Harvard Yard Male Center Cambridge, 296 00:28:41,340 --> 00:28:43,280 and I'm here in strong supportive Cambridge 297 00:28:43,280 --> 00:28:46,680 endorsing the plant-based treaty and policy order number two. 298 00:28:46,680 --> 00:28:53,940 I'm a lifelong classical ballet dancer and a first year pre-med student at Harvard, planning to pursue cardiovascular surgery. 299 00:28:54,500 --> 00:28:58,460 Through years of intensive ballet training and internships with the Vascular Surgeons, 300 00:28:58,920 --> 00:29:04,420 I became deeply interested in the intersection of nutrition, chronic disease and preventative medicine. 301 00:29:04,920 --> 00:29:12,340 That journey led me to study Whole Foods Plant-based Nutrition and to see firsthand how powerful it can be for long-term health. 302 00:29:12,940 --> 00:29:15,280 We are living in a chronic disease epidemic. 303 00:29:15,280 --> 00:29:21,060 heart disease, diabetes, and many cancers are now the leading causes of death and disability 304 00:29:21,060 --> 00:29:26,840 in the U.S. These are largely preventable conditions. Yet our health care system spends 305 00:29:26,840 --> 00:29:33,020 trillions of dollars treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes. One of the most 306 00:29:33,020 --> 00:29:39,360 effective evidence-based tools we have is also one of the simplest food. A whole foods plant-based 307 00:29:39,360 --> 00:29:45,260 diet has been shown to prevent, treat, and in many cases reverse chronic disease. Leading physician 308 00:29:45,260 --> 00:29:50,680 and researchers, including many within the Cambridge and Harvard Medical Community, have demonstrated 309 00:29:50,680 --> 00:29:55,640 that plant-based diets can lower cholesterol, improve insulin sensitivity, and significantly 310 00:29:55,640 --> 00:29:59,980 reduce cardiovascular risk. What I find especially meaningful about the— 311 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:07,000 Is a clear, responsible step in the right direction. Thank you so much for your leadership and for considering this important vote. 312 00:30:09,820 --> 00:30:19,400 Our next speaker is Annette Holi, Borisov, followed by Hannah Roach, then Rosa Diaz Rivera, Annette Holi, two minutes. 313 00:30:21,040 --> 00:30:30,520 Thank you. My name is Annette Holi, Borisov. I live at 153 Webster Avenue, and I'm speaking about the proposed amendment to the Cambridge Zoningordinates near Cambridge Street, 314 00:30:30,520 --> 00:30:35,780 which I am strongly in support of. I'd argue that it is the responsibility of any city to balance 315 00:30:35,780 --> 00:30:40,580 its ability to provide housing, services, and job opportunities to its residents. There are 316 00:30:40,580 --> 00:30:44,180 currently many great reasons to live in Cambridge and frankly, it's unlikely that people will 317 00:30:44,180 --> 00:30:49,180 stop wanting to move to and remain in Cambridge. Between the vibrant communities, job opportunities, 318 00:30:50,060 --> 00:30:54,380 and being a part of the extensive Boston metropolitan area, populations will likely continue to 319 00:30:54,380 --> 00:30:59,220 grow in Cambridge. And to handle this transition gracefully and equitably, it is important that 320 00:30:59,220 --> 00:31:01,500 provide enough housing to meet their demand. 321 00:31:02,200 --> 00:31:05,920 The exceedingly low vacancy rate of apartments in high housing and rental prices indicate 322 00:31:05,920 --> 00:31:08,820 that despite the historical effort, Cambridge still lags behind. 323 00:31:09,280 --> 00:31:13,440 When this occurs, the wealthiest that can handle these prices are made in the rest are excluded 324 00:31:13,440 --> 00:31:14,720 from the Cambridge community. 325 00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:20,260 I think an important part of a graceful transition to demands that higher population brings comes 326 00:31:20,260 --> 00:31:23,440 with recognizing that housing and transportation are needed in tandem. 327 00:31:24,060 --> 00:31:27,940 As a result, the proposed upselling of Cambridge Street serves as a prime candidate as an effective 328 00:31:27,940 --> 00:31:32,260 to provide housing due to its accessibility to means of public transport. 329 00:31:32,720 --> 00:31:37,420 While there can and should be discussion about if these zoning changes in themselves are adequate 330 00:31:37,420 --> 00:31:42,700 to promote the development of housing, to me there's little doubt that this is a step in the 331 00:31:42,700 --> 00:31:47,700 direction of building more housing in Cambridge. Thus for that reason I am in support of the proposed 332 00:31:47,700 --> 00:31:53,140 establishment of New Zoning District on Cambridge Street, as a necessary albeit not sufficient 333 00:31:53,140 --> 00:31:57,520 set to allow Cambridge to equitably meet housing demand. Thank you. 334 00:31:57,900 --> 00:32:02,420 Thank you, our next speaker is Hannah Roach. Hannah, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 335 00:32:06,020 --> 00:32:11,640 Hi, this is Hannah Roach. I live at 20 Orchard Street in Cambridge, and I am a master student of nutrition at Tufts, 336 00:32:11,700 --> 00:32:16,500 and volunteer for the local plant-based community campaign. And I am testifying to ask you to vote for your 337 00:32:16,500 --> 00:32:26,000 verbally on policy order number two. As a volunteer, I wanted to use this time to talk a bit about the 338 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:30,320 through the initiative that brings food systems into the climate crisis conversation. 339 00:32:31,140 --> 00:32:35,820 Plant-based diets are proven to be the most environmentally sustainable and can also be the 340 00:32:35,820 --> 00:32:42,580 healthiest diets for us. Currently, 65 other cities worldwide have endorsed the plant-based 341 00:32:42,580 --> 00:32:48,360 treaty with campaigns spreading across every continent. One notable recent endorsement that 342 00:32:48,360 --> 00:32:54,020 I would like to mention is from the City of Belém in Brazil. Belém is located in the Amazon 343 00:32:54,020 --> 00:33:00,260 where mass deforestation has been ceaselessly occurring, often illegally, in order to raise 344 00:33:00,260 --> 00:33:04,960 and feed cattle and meet the rising demands for meat exports to the global north. 345 00:33:05,580 --> 00:33:09,080 They recognize the need for a plant-based treaty, and so should we. 346 00:33:09,900 --> 00:33:14,220 Cambridge already deeply acknowledges the climate crisis, encircled for the health of those 347 00:33:14,220 --> 00:33:18,020 who live here, so it logically follows that the city would join the squabble coalition 348 00:33:18,020 --> 00:33:19,580 and promote plant-based eating. 349 00:33:20,280 --> 00:33:27,180 Also, I'd like to clarify that this policy order does not take away any existing food options from any city resident. 350 00:33:27,680 --> 00:33:32,140 It only aims to increase accessibility and education regarding plant-based foods and diets. 351 00:33:32,860 --> 00:33:39,620 On top of that, the local plant-based 3D team is here to provide any assistance the city may need when implementing this new policy order. 352 00:33:40,580 --> 00:33:47,660 Thank you for your time counselors, and I again ask for all of you to vote in support of informally-adowed policy order number two. 353 00:33:47,940 --> 00:33:48,220 Thank you. 354 00:33:49,660 --> 00:34:00,060 Our next speaker is Rosa Diaz Rivera followed by N.J. Park, then Carl Schmepper. Rosa, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 355 00:34:05,950 --> 00:34:14,090 Council members. Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Rosa Diaz Rivera, and I have lived in 50 Cambridge Park Drive for two and a half years. 356 00:34:14,090 --> 00:34:19,410 I am here to ask the Council to vote favorably on policy order number 2. 357 00:34:19,710 --> 00:34:24,470 Research shows that shifting towards plant-based eating delivers real economic benefits 358 00:34:24,470 --> 00:34:30,330 for households and governments, reducing reliance on animal agricultural globally would allow 359 00:34:30,330 --> 00:34:34,250 us to produce enough additional food to feed hundreds of millions of people. 360 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:12,960 Of dollars each year in healthcare costs. While a broader shift towards a plant-based diet could save up to 250 billion annually and prevent hundreds of thousands of deaths linked to chronic disease. 361 00:35:13,580 --> 00:35:18,220 Importantly, plant-based diets are not more expensive for households, that is often assumed. 362 00:35:18,220 --> 00:35:23,400 Oxford University research found that vegan diets are the most affordable, cutting food costs 363 00:35:23,400 --> 00:35:29,080 by up to one third, a separate study confirmed that plant-based consumers spend less 364 00:35:29,080 --> 00:35:31,260 on food than omnivores overall. 365 00:35:31,720 --> 00:35:36,140 These findings directly challenge the idea that healthy, sustainable eating is financially 366 00:35:36,140 --> 00:35:37,740 out of reach for many people. 367 00:35:38,380 --> 00:35:43,180 For a city-like Cambridge, where cost of living is a major concern, this evidence highlights 368 00:35:43,180 --> 00:35:48,540 the importance of public information campaigns that promote plant-based eating as a budget-friendly 369 00:35:48,540 --> 00:35:54,500 option. But clearly communicating the financial benefits, Cambridge can empower residents to 370 00:35:54,500 --> 00:36:00,200 make choices that stretch household budgets and reduce long-term healthcare costs. Public education 371 00:36:00,200 --> 00:36:06,460 is a low-cost, high-impact tool that benefits everyone in the community. Thank you so much for your time. 372 00:36:08,120 --> 00:36:15,040 Our next speaker is N.J. Park followed by Carl Schmeck, Pepper, the Nina Wu. 373 00:36:15,480 --> 00:36:18,300 N.J., you have the floor of two minutes. Please go ahead. 374 00:36:26,390 --> 00:36:30,590 Good evening, Councillor. My name is N.J., and I'm a Cambridge resident at 332 375 00:36:30,590 --> 00:36:33,250 Broadway and an MBA student at Northeastern University. 376 00:36:33,950 --> 00:36:35,650 Thank you for the opportunity to speak tonight. 377 00:36:36,550 --> 00:36:40,770 I'm here not as a policy expert, but as some of who comes from a long lineage of 378 00:36:40,770 --> 00:36:42,890 Korean home cooks and professional chefs. 379 00:36:42,890 --> 00:36:45,070 Food is how my family show love. 380 00:36:45,610 --> 00:36:50,050 My uncle owns a Korean sushi restaurant in Austin called Opusushi, where we serve classic sushi 381 00:36:50,050 --> 00:36:51,670 and popular Korean dishes. 382 00:36:52,550 --> 00:36:57,290 Like many immigrant own restaurants, it's built on tradition, pride, and hard work. 383 00:36:58,290 --> 00:37:02,770 At the same time, I've seen how traditional Korean cuisine can unintentionally exclude people. 384 00:37:03,390 --> 00:37:08,830 Many staple dishes like Jigae stews and even kimchi rely on animal-based ingredients. 385 00:37:08,830 --> 00:37:13,650 When vegan friends or family die in a Korean restaurant, their options are often limited. 386 00:37:14,390 --> 00:37:16,210 They're there, but not fully included. 387 00:37:17,190 --> 00:37:19,950 I don't see plant-based treaty as an attack on tradition. 388 00:37:20,550 --> 00:37:25,770 I see it as an invitation, an invitation for creativity, evolution, and inclusion. 389 00:37:27,130 --> 00:37:31,030 This policy encourages restaurant across cuisine to expand who they serve, 390 00:37:31,410 --> 00:37:36,370 and gives chef the space to interpret tradition, while responding to today's climate realities. 391 00:37:36,370 --> 00:37:41,530 It also supports local businesses, like Cambridge's own Moments on Kitchen. 392 00:37:42,170 --> 00:37:46,250 While they're not exclusively plant-based Korean business, they're catering model 393 00:37:46,250 --> 00:37:50,930 allow them to adopt menus more flexibly than many brick and mortar restaurants, making 394 00:37:50,930 --> 00:37:56,610 them a valuable resource for individuals and city-sponsored events, looking to include plant-based 395 00:37:56,610 --> 00:37:57,430 Korean options. 396 00:37:58,950 --> 00:38:05,170 Cambridge had long led on climate and equity, and I urge you to vote favorably on policy 397 00:38:05,170 --> 00:38:12,150 order number two for the climate for local businesses and for more inclusive food culture. Thank you. 398 00:38:14,410 --> 00:38:22,170 Our next speaker is Carl Schlockpepper followed by Nina Wu, the young Kim. Carl, you have two 399 00:38:22,170 --> 00:38:23,650 minutes. Please go ahead. 400 00:38:30,240 --> 00:38:35,920 My name is Carl Schlocker. I live in 249 third street in East Cambridge, 401 00:38:35,920 --> 00:38:39,960 And I'd like to speak today on the Cambridge Street Building petition. 402 00:38:41,740 --> 00:38:46,100 I urge the Council to please adopt the Cambridge Street Building petition, 403 00:38:47,040 --> 00:38:49,720 increase the density along our squares and corridors, 404 00:38:50,680 --> 00:38:54,340 is something that's critical to meeting the city's goals, 405 00:38:55,140 --> 00:38:57,820 on housing reduction, making housing more affordable for everybody, 406 00:38:58,540 --> 00:39:01,980 and environmentally by making it so people are able to live 407 00:39:01,980 --> 00:39:07,100 close to public transportation and a less current dependent. 408 00:39:09,680 --> 00:39:13,520 Further we do this in the heights of this own inclusion via mistake, 409 00:39:13,980 --> 00:39:16,500 the women how many people would be able to live here, which would 410 00:39:16,500 --> 00:39:20,060 limit how many people would be able to have cheaper housing. 411 00:39:22,020 --> 00:39:25,460 So I urge the council to adopt the donation 412 00:39:25,460 --> 00:39:27,920 with no further questions. 413 00:39:28,320 --> 00:39:29,380 Thank you. 414 00:39:30,910 --> 00:39:34,750 Your next speaker is Nina Wu. 415 00:39:35,190 --> 00:39:37,370 We're at speaker number 22 for those waiting. 416 00:39:37,930 --> 00:39:39,910 Nina, you have two minutes. 417 00:39:40,650 --> 00:39:41,570 Please go ahead. 418 00:39:44,170 --> 00:39:45,670 Good evening, city counselors. 419 00:40:01,020 --> 00:40:12,100 I am a first student at Harvard College and the co-president of Harvard Undergrab campus. I am here to ask you to vote favorably on policy order number two and endorse the plant-based treaty. 420 00:40:12,980 --> 00:40:17,580 Many others are speaking on environmental and health benefits that come up promoting plant-based sites. 421 00:40:18,040 --> 00:40:23,220 But I would like to use opportunity to speak on what I believe to be the greatest and the benefit of all. 422 00:40:23,220 --> 00:40:26,900 promoting plant-based food allows us to shift towards a more compassionate 423 00:40:26,900 --> 00:40:29,560 free system through improving animal welfare. 424 00:40:30,460 --> 00:40:35,240 An animal agriculture, sentient animals, each with their own personality and lived experiences, 425 00:40:35,860 --> 00:40:40,020 are viewed as nothing more than a surgery food. Their entire lives are predetermined 426 00:40:40,020 --> 00:40:46,880 beings to an end. We're victimized animals being victimized animals being so hidden behind this industrial 427 00:40:46,880 --> 00:40:51,160 system, even the kindness people have trouble viewing the ones in their place and in the fridge 428 00:40:51,160 --> 00:40:57,580 as they don't settle. This policy order of morning and face guides helps not only protect the planet 429 00:40:57,580 --> 00:41:02,380 but also animal welfare. Thank you for your time counselors and I again ask you to book 430 00:41:02,380 --> 00:41:09,160 by Ripley on policy order number two. Thank you. Our next speaker is Young Kim followed by 431 00:41:10,920 --> 00:41:17,360 K.C. Karenfield and Sarah Suzuki. Young, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 432 00:41:18,930 --> 00:41:22,030 You understand the knowledge to it, 433 00:41:22,430 --> 00:41:26,590 people are based on laying the chemicals with corridors on intuition. 434 00:41:27,710 --> 00:41:32,330 Because when stuff descriptions are accepted without the independent verification, 435 00:41:33,290 --> 00:41:40,710 the public record, the causes were all just from less selective oversight to rubber stamping. 436 00:41:41,270 --> 00:41:44,030 And that creates a really institutional risk. 437 00:41:44,030 --> 00:41:54,790 If you both like to, they are in the Cambridge field called Corridor Zone in Petition and so on, together with the Mass Avenue amendment already adopted, 438 00:41:55,550 --> 00:41:58,230 we shall always have some conflict. 439 00:41:58,890 --> 00:42:06,350 Both Corridor maps and descriptive texts will enter the zone where the results were implemented by the CDC. 440 00:42:08,070 --> 00:42:16,710 I'm supposed to overlay such as the mass having overlay, and the overlay, and the replays, 441 00:42:16,730 --> 00:42:22,690 means that say five and 30 districts will also be left gambling in the cold. 442 00:42:23,550 --> 00:42:29,230 They say consistency is the sign of small money, but in the only ordinance, because this 443 00:42:29,230 --> 00:42:35,250 The first thing is the background and must be verified each time on your non-manious introduced. 444 00:42:36,050 --> 00:42:44,110 That particular has been neglected for far too long, and the Cambridge Street corridor may be 445 00:42:44,110 --> 00:42:49,290 where those of cumulative risk finally destabilized the zoning ordinance. 446 00:42:50,070 --> 00:42:58,870 One practical consequence is the rapid up zoning allowing polar project and sub-right is now 447 00:42:58,870 --> 00:43:05,770 According to incentives for city, you were treated to give the perfect affordable developers 448 00:43:05,770 --> 00:43:09,410 of a competitive edge or market developers. 449 00:43:10,430 --> 00:43:17,790 One concrete example, even with the main net sense, I could not find in the engineering 450 00:43:17,790 --> 00:43:23,970 materials, I could not rely on the interest, but put a spirit boundaries, and say any 451 00:43:26,510 --> 00:43:39,150 Thank you, Kim Apologies. Your time is expired. Please email the remainder of your comment. Our next speaker is KC Karen Phil. KC you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 452 00:43:46,380 --> 00:43:51,840 KC you're on the phone. You need to unmute. I believe it's star six to unmute on the phone. 453 00:44:03,240 --> 00:44:05,440 All right. There you go. There you go. 454 00:44:05,440 --> 00:44:07,480 Okay, I'm so sorry for that. 455 00:44:07,480 --> 00:44:07,860 Thank you. 456 00:44:07,920 --> 00:44:09,140 My name is Cotton Phil Casey. 457 00:44:09,760 --> 00:44:11,660 Although I'm currently a resident, I've had 458 00:44:11,660 --> 00:44:13,000 in stack, crowed in Boston. 459 00:44:13,720 --> 00:44:16,620 I am a longtime Cambridge community member 460 00:44:16,620 --> 00:44:19,100 through family work, organizing, 461 00:44:20,920 --> 00:44:21,280 and whatnot. 462 00:44:21,460 --> 00:44:23,780 I am speaking in support of the landmark 463 00:44:23,780 --> 00:44:26,480 designation for 45 Mont Arban Street, 464 00:44:27,140 --> 00:44:28,380 the Nathaniel Stickney House. 465 00:44:28,460 --> 00:44:30,000 I'm not only because of its 200 years 466 00:44:30,900 --> 00:44:33,440 it's historical significance for Cambridge, 467 00:44:33,440 --> 00:44:41,380 but because this is home to the democracy center for a quarter of a century, and I may not be 468 00:44:41,380 --> 00:44:47,040 as elegant as my peers and the former speakers, but I just speak from my heart. I have personally 469 00:44:47,040 --> 00:44:54,240 been, I guess, the participant and an organizer of many gatherings and initiatives that have been 470 00:44:54,240 --> 00:44:59,980 housed and took in place in the former democracy center. We, as far as I know, 471 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:23,640 Great historical significance. We saw everything from standing rock, black lives matter, trans rights, and these are things that have become a very important part of the history in not just our community, but across many communities. And so I ask that you please consider supporting our request for historical designation. 472 00:45:23,640 --> 00:45:33,590 And I am very grateful to thank you, Council members, for your time and for your commitment. 473 00:45:34,610 --> 00:45:42,570 And I hope that you can remember to consider how important this is to the people, not just in our communities, 474 00:45:43,910 --> 00:45:46,950 that Cambridge has such a commitment to... 475 00:45:48,210 --> 00:45:54,710 Apologies, Karen Phil, if you can please email the remainder of your comment to City Council at CambridgeMade.gov. 476 00:45:55,290 --> 00:45:58,430 Our next speaker is Sarah Suzuki. 477 00:46:00,030 --> 00:46:07,510 I do not see Sarah and the Zoom. We're going to go to James Zall, followed by William Hughes, then Trudy Goodman. 478 00:46:08,030 --> 00:46:10,330 James, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 479 00:46:13,020 --> 00:46:16,460 Thank you. This is James Zall, 203, Pemberton Street. 480 00:46:16,460 --> 00:46:28,340 Since 2022, zoning along Cambridge Street was the subject of community meeting surveys, hearings, lots of public comment and online discussions. 481 00:46:28,980 --> 00:46:34,360 People who participated in these efforts got a chance to contribute to the resulting zoning. 482 00:46:35,040 --> 00:46:42,580 Each participant did not, yet, nor should they get, a set of zoning amendments that exactly match what they asked for. 483 00:46:42,580 --> 00:46:51,080 The claims that the results before you is somehow not legitimate and needs to be done over merely 484 00:46:51,080 --> 00:46:56,700 demonstrates the fact that Cambridge Street and probably every other street in neighborhood 485 00:46:56,700 --> 00:47:02,440 is home to some residents who don't need or don't want more housing in their area. 486 00:47:03,980 --> 00:47:08,660 Citywide surveys and the past several elections indicate that the majority of residents 487 00:47:08,660 --> 00:47:13,760 It's recognized the harmful consequences of our long running shortage of housing. 488 00:47:14,440 --> 00:47:21,000 Even if the requested doover of public engagement is accomplished quickly, the slow start-up 489 00:47:21,000 --> 00:47:27,260 time for new housing and Cambridge ensures that our housing crisis will be no less severe 490 00:47:27,260 --> 00:47:32,520 when the next version of this zoning proposal would come here for a vote. 491 00:47:33,080 --> 00:47:38,200 Please do not toss aside all the work that has been done so far and proceed to enact 492 00:47:38,200 --> 00:47:41,980 the Cambridge Street zoning tonight. Thank you. 493 00:47:43,450 --> 00:47:46,910 You are next speaker is William Hughes. 494 00:47:48,050 --> 00:47:50,470 William, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 495 00:47:50,850 --> 00:47:53,170 Followed by Trudy Goodman. William, you have two minutes. 496 00:47:56,820 --> 00:48:00,060 My name is Liam Hughes. William Hughes, and I live at 20 497 00:48:00,060 --> 00:48:01,420 orcher Street in North Cambridge. 498 00:48:02,480 --> 00:48:05,540 So I came here today to voice my support for policy order number two, 499 00:48:05,720 --> 00:48:09,440 and specifically to discuss the environmental need for a plant-based treaty. 500 00:48:09,440 --> 00:48:15,280 I've been masters degree in mechanical engineering and I work as a mechanical energy systems designer 501 00:48:15,280 --> 00:48:19,040 where I've dedicated my life to decarbonizing buildings throughout Massachusetts. 502 00:48:20,160 --> 00:48:25,560 I chose this career path because I deeply care about taking action to combat the climate crisis 503 00:48:25,560 --> 00:48:34,140 and when I learned about the devastating environmental impact of animal agriculture, that's when I had to adopt a plant-based diet. 504 00:48:34,140 --> 00:48:43,680 Our food system accounts for about 1-3rd of all greenhouse gas emissions, which is larger than even the transportation sector. 505 00:48:44,960 --> 00:48:50,700 So shifting towards a plant-based diet is a huge component of addressing climate change. 506 00:48:52,100 --> 00:49:02,180 When it comes to the decarbonization, every little bit counts and similarly, when we choose to purchase plant-based products or meals instead of animal products, 507 00:49:02,180 --> 00:49:07,560 we're doing our part to mitigate the demand for environmentally harmful animal products and 508 00:49:07,560 --> 00:49:12,800 to show our grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes that we are, that we as consumers 509 00:49:13,500 --> 00:49:15,720 want sustainable plant-based foods. 510 00:49:16,760 --> 00:49:22,520 I know the city of Cambridge has counterduction goals already in place and by enacting 511 00:49:22,520 --> 00:49:26,640 policy order number two, and formally endorsing the plant-based treaty, the city will become 512 00:49:26,640 --> 00:49:30,320 further aligned with sustainable best practices. 513 00:50:00,000 --> 00:50:09,080 It's true. Goodman. Followed by Adrian Apprat, then Mark Keyblur, treaty. You have two minutes. Please go ahead. 514 00:50:09,460 --> 00:50:14,200 Good evening. I live. Can you hear me, okay? We can. Please go ahead. 515 00:50:14,200 --> 00:50:19,740 are the 1221 Cambridge Street Eomans Square cast two apartments in 516 00:50:19,740 --> 00:50:24,040 Eomans Square. I've lived there for 33 years now. There's a lot of 517 00:50:24,040 --> 00:50:28,180 misinformation floating around here this evening. I'm not going to 518 00:50:28,180 --> 00:50:30,840 necessarily address that, but here's what I do want to address. 519 00:50:31,300 --> 00:50:36,220 I'm going to building this 15 stories high. Down this tree for me is, 520 00:50:36,380 --> 00:50:39,880 Miller's River, which I believe is 18 stories high. 521 00:50:39,880 --> 00:50:45,920 There are higher rises in this area already, those high rises basically the people who 522 00:50:45,920 --> 00:50:49,640 live in those high rises are section 8, tenants are voucher tenants. 523 00:50:50,260 --> 00:50:55,660 New high rises will not help people like me and the people who live in Miller's river. 524 00:50:56,300 --> 00:50:59,060 For people to believe that is misinformation. 525 00:51:00,960 --> 00:51:08,440 Inclusionary will not assist people predominantly who are 11 to 20 AMI which is the people in 526 00:51:08,440 --> 00:51:14,820 building. There are 126 units in this building, most of these people are low income. They will 527 00:51:14,820 --> 00:51:19,740 not be able to get into these high rises and into the inclusionary that some of these people 528 00:51:19,740 --> 00:51:25,480 are suggesting. Here more importantly is the people in this neighborhood have not been given 529 00:51:25,480 --> 00:51:31,180 an opportunity to discuss any of this, including the merchants who have long-term businesses 530 00:51:31,180 --> 00:51:37,620 here in Inman Square. So everybody who wants to ram this through, what would be the problem if we 531 00:51:37,620 --> 00:51:44,400 Just a couple of months and heard from everybody and found out just what people in this neighborhood want. 532 00:51:44,760 --> 00:51:47,740 Instead of people trying to ram this down everyone's throat. 533 00:51:48,140 --> 00:51:50,620 Please put a gender item three on hold. 534 00:51:50,980 --> 00:51:58,380 So the people in this neighborhood have the opportunity to speak about what they need because we actually live here. 535 00:51:58,760 --> 00:52:01,340 Thank you very much and have a very good evening. 536 00:52:02,360 --> 00:52:09,300 Thank you, our next speaker is Adriana Pratt, followed by Mark Keibler, then Marley Meyer. 537 00:52:10,000 --> 00:52:12,140 Adriana, please go ahead, two minutes. 538 00:52:18,640 --> 00:52:20,620 Adriana, if you can unmute yourself, you have the floor. 539 00:52:23,800 --> 00:52:24,180 Yes. 540 00:52:24,180 --> 00:52:24,420 Hello. 541 00:52:26,480 --> 00:52:27,120 Good evening. 542 00:52:27,360 --> 00:52:27,940 Council members. 543 00:52:28,280 --> 00:52:33,700 I am Adriana Pratt at 543 Patnam Avenue, and I'm here to strongly support policy order 544 00:52:33,700 --> 00:52:35,820 number two, the plant-based treaty. 545 00:52:35,820 --> 00:52:43,260 I am an artist, scientist, mother, immigrant, and my passion is to inspire urgently needed action 546 00:52:43,260 --> 00:52:48,600 for the human-made environmental crisis through my art and through the artist's collective 547 00:52:48,600 --> 00:52:50,100 I found it I3C. 548 00:52:50,800 --> 00:52:55,660 I do not need to speak about the environmental and climate crisis that we are experiencing. 549 00:52:56,580 --> 00:53:01,920 When seven of the nine planetary boundaries have been surpassed, I am an agricultural 550 00:53:01,920 --> 00:53:07,720 is a major contributor to this in addition to the cruelty inflicted to species that never agreed 551 00:53:07,720 --> 00:53:14,620 to become a human commodity. As it has been eloquently described before me, a clan-based diet 552 00:53:14,620 --> 00:53:20,240 can prevent and even reverse chronic diseases, so it is dramatically better for the health 553 00:53:20,240 --> 00:53:26,800 of all of our community's members. I would have loved it if my daughter had had more plan-based 554 00:53:26,800 --> 00:53:30,120 food options when she was at Sierra Lees years ago. 555 00:53:31,540 --> 00:53:36,860 In the time when our federal government is pushing us into a dystopian world, having you 556 00:53:36,860 --> 00:53:41,660 indoors the plant-based treaty in Cambridge will be a tremendous win for the 557 00:53:41,660 --> 00:53:48,620 environmental cost and exemplary leadership and priest president for other cities and states and 558 00:53:48,620 --> 00:53:54,620 world regions. Thank you for all your ongoing work on climate issues and for embracing 559 00:53:54,620 --> 00:53:57,880 the clan-based reading today to contribute to a 560 00:53:57,880 --> 00:54:00,700 livable future for all populations on our 561 00:54:00,700 --> 00:54:01,840 cherished planet. 562 00:54:04,070 --> 00:54:05,990 Thank you, our next speaker is Mark Keebler, 563 00:54:06,130 --> 00:54:09,150 followed by Merley Meyer, then Susanne Bleey. 564 00:54:09,650 --> 00:54:13,130 Mark, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 565 00:54:15,350 --> 00:54:17,150 All right, I think I'm on me the day off. 566 00:54:17,730 --> 00:54:19,730 So good evening, counselor is my name is Mark Keebler, 567 00:54:19,730 --> 00:54:22,070 and I live at 52 Fort Street in East Cambridge, 568 00:54:22,430 --> 00:54:23,650 and thank you very much for your time, 569 00:54:24,010 --> 00:54:25,490 and all the work that you put into 570 00:54:25,490 --> 00:54:32,030 He's doing proposals, I'm speaking today to strongly urge you to support the Cambridge Street 571 00:54:32,030 --> 00:54:37,790 rezoning proposal and to move it forward, so this city has spent years engaging residents 572 00:55:00,000 --> 00:55:09,780 Issue facing the city through residents surveys. And there is no way to address this without making more housing with this ordinance. 573 00:55:10,120 --> 00:55:15,700 The city would be following through on its commitments and engaging with residents longstanding concerns. 574 00:55:15,700 --> 00:55:25,660 And in particular, this proposal focuses both where it makes the most sense, while major corridors, your transit, jobs, and neighborhoods, businesses. 575 00:55:27,040 --> 00:55:32,520 So, this proposal height is not just a developer giveaway, it's tied directly to public benefits. 576 00:55:33,180 --> 00:55:37,000 Like active ground floor uses better street design, inclusionary housing. 577 00:55:37,000 --> 00:55:43,940 So that means that new development has to contribute to the daily life on Cambridge Street to make things more walkable, 578 00:55:44,440 --> 00:55:50,380 at more support for local businesses and the greater potential for sustainable livings. 579 00:55:50,580 --> 00:55:55,040 So we often talk about equity, affordability and sustainability as our values in Cambridge, 580 00:55:55,880 --> 00:56:02,060 and if you don't, enable housing and places like this, places with transit jobs and services, 581 00:56:02,060 --> 00:56:06,640 available these values remain to be just talk so this wouldn't 582 00:56:06,640 --> 00:56:10,600 it says it's all to everything but it's a concrete step in the right direction 583 00:56:10,600 --> 00:56:15,820 that aligns our zoning with our stated values. Thank you. 584 00:56:16,300 --> 00:56:20,740 Thank you our next speaker is Marlee Meyer. Marlee you have two minutes please 585 00:56:20,740 --> 00:56:21,520 go ahead. 586 00:56:24,850 --> 00:56:28,110 I'm Marlee Meyer and Dana Street. Well I remember reducing 587 00:56:28,110 --> 00:56:33,650 heights on Cambridge Street to six stories excluding in men's square. It doesn't 588 00:56:33,650 --> 00:56:38,370 include other egregious issues. Please let Cambridge Street expire for a more 589 00:56:38,370 --> 00:56:44,170 comprehensive urban plan. Expiration often pointed out by Councilor McGuvern is 590 00:56:44,170 --> 00:56:49,050 not the final word. A continuation is not re-ledicating, but a more efficient 591 00:56:49,050 --> 00:56:53,750 consolidating of amendments, possibly even helping central square. 592 00:56:54,810 --> 00:56:59,770 Forcing this petition ignores the unresolved issues, including evictions of residents, 593 00:56:59,770 --> 00:57:07,350 small businesses, labs as of right, insufficient open space, setbacks, parking, residential and 594 00:57:07,350 --> 00:57:14,270 commercial projects should have the same design and planning board review at 20,000 square feet. 595 00:57:14,890 --> 00:57:21,290 Inclusionary is unpredictable and unqualifiable, and there is no mention of affordable housing at all. 596 00:57:21,690 --> 00:57:27,810 Vote now, fix later, leaves this plan wanting in its piecemeal state. 597 00:57:27,810 --> 00:57:44,850 A pro developer counselor has been reshaping Cambridge into the lightless playgrounds of this super rich, except for some tone deaf housing efforts, passed as of right without compromise, and that's the problem without compromise. 598 00:57:44,850 --> 00:57:47,170 Such as the case of the Harvard Square, 599 00:57:47,290 --> 00:57:53,250 a historic district, where a proposed or initially proposed 600 00:57:53,250 --> 00:57:57,210 residential 12-tower project was proposed 601 00:57:57,210 --> 00:58:04,530 for the democracy sector and on a small footprint, 602 00:58:05,110 --> 00:58:06,570 it would be essentially a dorm. 603 00:58:07,010 --> 00:58:10,550 Strict of size, shape, and design oversight. 604 00:58:10,550 --> 00:58:17,990 the CHC had on landmarked because of its importance. We continue to see the council's arbitrary 605 00:58:17,990 --> 00:58:28,870 number crunching in all upzoning without nuance. Nose is you need nuance. Do better think holistically 606 00:58:28,870 --> 00:58:36,370 about ramifications. This is not an all or nothing for a formula against me. There has to be a pathway. 607 00:58:36,370 --> 00:58:38,770 Thank you. 608 00:58:38,770 --> 00:58:39,030 Thank you. 609 00:58:39,170 --> 00:58:44,170 Our next speaker is Susan Blee, followed by Timothy Koski, then Ruth Feffer. 610 00:58:45,090 --> 00:58:46,710 Susan, you have two minutes. 611 00:58:46,870 --> 00:58:47,990 Please go ahead. 612 00:58:50,460 --> 00:58:50,920 Thank you. 613 00:58:50,920 --> 00:58:52,860 Suzanne Blee, a five-filer place. 614 00:58:53,440 --> 00:58:58,960 First, please landmark the democracy center, not only because it's really important, historically 615 00:58:58,960 --> 00:59:04,160 in Harvard Square, but because also the democracy of this country is really under threat. 616 00:59:04,160 --> 00:59:09,720 and this has been a critically important place within the city of Cambridge and within the 617 00:59:09,720 --> 00:59:16,840 area. Secondly, on the Cambridge Street Obsoning, my first choice would be to let this expire. 618 00:59:17,060 --> 00:59:22,200 At the same time, I want to thank Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan for bringing parts of this 619 00:59:22,200 --> 00:59:28,620 down to six stories. At the same time, going forward, we have to realize that this is going to bring 620 00:59:28,620 --> 00:59:35,400 or lease terminations, and that it's unlikely to have any affordable housing, particularly with the 621 00:59:35,400 --> 00:59:42,100 Patrick Barrett lawsuit in play. I, for once, actually agreed with something that Neil Miller said, 622 00:59:42,140 --> 00:59:47,740 which is, we need to find out if this is going to make rents lower or higher. And my feeling 623 00:59:47,740 --> 00:59:51,820 based on what we're seeing around the city is that this is not only going to cause people to 624 00:59:51,820 --> 00:59:59,700 lose their leases but also will be making rents higher. I urge you if this if the amendment does 625 00:59:59,700 --> 00:59:59,960 pass. 626 01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:06,140 We all know that we can do better and good design generally is no more expensive than really bad design. 627 01:00:06,700 --> 01:00:15,800 So I urge you to let this lab at the labs that have the same time, I think, Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan and happy snow day. 628 01:00:18,420 --> 01:00:27,880 Thank you. Our next speaker is Timothy Koski, followed by Ruth Feffer than Lee Faris. Timothy, please go ahead. You have two minutes. 629 01:00:29,770 --> 01:00:32,530 Hi, my name is Timothy Koski. 630 01:00:33,010 --> 01:00:37,670 I live on 97 Elmwood Street in Cambridge. 631 01:00:38,970 --> 01:00:44,850 I'm here to ask the counselors to get support 632 01:00:44,850 --> 01:00:49,190 to the Cambridge Street Obsoning Amendment. 633 01:00:49,650 --> 01:00:54,570 From what I have read, it seems deeply moderate 634 01:00:54,570 --> 01:01:04,490 in scope and but we do desperately need more housing and more building in the city. 635 01:01:06,970 --> 01:01:12,670 And so I would hope that the counselors would support this event. Thank you 636 01:01:18,330 --> 01:01:19,230 for those waiting. 637 01:01:19,450 --> 01:01:27,530 We are at speaker number 34 of 65 speakers. Our next speaker is Ruth Feffer followed by 638 01:01:27,530 --> 01:01:33,010 the fairest and Zion Sharon. Ruth, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 639 01:01:37,010 --> 01:01:42,190 My name is city counselors. My name is Ruth Feffer, and I'm a high school senior who 640 01:01:42,190 --> 01:01:48,830 was lived at 171 Harvey Street for my entire life. I'm here to support policy order 641 01:01:48,830 --> 01:01:55,090 number two, the plant-based treaty. I've loved this city since I was little. While I grew 642 01:01:55,090 --> 01:02:00,730 up here, I learned about the extreme and widespread violence towards animals involved in 643 01:02:00,730 --> 01:02:07,610 food system. As a pacifist, I found this cruelty unconscionable and I was inspired to become 644 01:02:07,610 --> 01:02:14,610 an advocate. Last year, I organized the Ed for Impact Campaign to add plant-based options to 645 01:02:14,610 --> 01:02:20,210 restaurants and Cambridge. I'd like to thank the city for supporting me, including some of you 646 01:02:20,210 --> 01:02:26,070 in this meeting. It's easy to feel despair when I think of the billions of animals struggling 647 01:02:26,070 --> 01:02:31,830 every day, but Cambridge's longstanding commitment to environmentalism gives me hope. 648 01:02:33,130 --> 01:02:37,330 As I go off to college, I plan to keep advocating for the world that I believe in. 649 01:02:37,990 --> 01:02:44,270 I dream of someday living in a country with a non-violent food system that's based on bringing 650 01:02:44,270 --> 01:02:51,190 communities together and building that food system starts right here with a plant-based treaty. 651 01:02:52,050 --> 01:02:56,930 Thank you for your time and for considering this important policy order. 652 01:02:58,690 --> 01:03:05,030 Thank you. Our next speaker is Lee Ferris, followed by Science Sharing, then Helen Walker. 653 01:03:05,410 --> 01:03:07,470 Lee, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 654 01:03:12,630 --> 01:03:18,710 Good evening. Lee Ferris from Norfolk Street in the port. I'm speaking for the Cambridge Residence Alliance. 655 01:03:19,330 --> 01:03:23,190 We encourage counselors to vote for the Nolan Amendment for six floors. 656 01:03:23,190 --> 01:03:29,350 However, the Cambridge Residence Alliance still thinks the petition should expire, followed by a brief 657 01:03:29,350 --> 01:03:34,850 community process on the proposed zoning, and then all the remaining issues, including the 658 01:03:34,850 --> 01:03:40,930 act of ground floor requirement, can be resolved and presented in one comprehensive petition. 659 01:03:41,470 --> 01:03:48,130 It is the wrong approach to conduct a planning study then design the zoning, but not allow residents 660 01:03:48,130 --> 01:03:53,310 and businesses to discuss that zoning, except during public comment to the council. 661 01:03:54,490 --> 01:04:00,390 Our biggest concern is not knowing the amount of inclusionary housing estimated to result from 662 01:04:00,390 --> 01:04:07,030 the zoning. We asked the council that council required those inclusionary estimates before passing 663 01:04:07,030 --> 01:04:12,690 the zoning and state-to-city staff that those estimates must be produced for every future zoning 664 01:04:12,690 --> 01:04:19,110 petition. We believe that the proposed zoning will result in six floor buildings with 665 01:04:19,730 --> 01:04:27,930 not even active ground floor and not having inclusionary units. That could be fixed, but it would 666 01:04:27,930 --> 01:04:35,850 take another petition to do that. We ask the council to delay implementation. If the Cambridge 667 01:05:00,000 --> 01:05:04,000 Will require active ground floor space is passed. 668 01:05:06,140 --> 01:05:09,280 In summary, we ask councillors to vote in favor of the 669 01:05:09,280 --> 01:05:15,940 Nolan amendment for six floors and to not support the petition as a whole. Some outstanding issues 670 01:05:15,940 --> 01:05:22,220 that could be addressed include not allowing labs as a right increased project review requirements 671 01:05:22,220 --> 01:05:28,220 increased open space and street carry requirements and through requirements for active ground floor 672 01:05:28,220 --> 01:05:36,100 Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Zion sharing. Followed by Helen Walker, then Brennan 673 01:05:36,100 --> 01:05:39,240 Waters. Zion, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 674 01:05:41,950 --> 01:05:49,330 Hi Zion, Sharon, for when Washington Street. I am calling and asking the council to let the 675 01:05:49,330 --> 01:05:54,590 Cambridge Street zoning petition expire. I do think that the amendments being proposed would 676 01:05:54,590 --> 01:06:02,410 better. However, while looking at the amendment, I still have not content with the lack of addressing 677 01:06:03,210 --> 01:06:07,910 zoning issues when it comes to people with disabilities and accessibility, whether it be proper 678 01:06:07,910 --> 01:06:13,350 loading zones or handicapped spaces. I brought this up several times and shared the story that I had 679 01:06:13,350 --> 01:06:20,310 with my mother who recently passed the cancer and her experiences getting in and out of vehicles 680 01:06:20,310 --> 01:06:26,470 and how difficult that was. And I think that the council had taken the time to make amendments 681 01:06:26,470 --> 01:06:32,810 when it came to high up buildings, but not properly addressed disabled residents is really 682 01:06:32,810 --> 01:06:39,990 telling to the priorities the council is pushing. Additionally, I'd like to state that if this is 683 01:06:39,990 --> 01:06:45,290 truly about a housing crisis and we're working on making sure more residents come live here, 684 01:06:45,290 --> 01:06:48,110 having labs by right does the exact opposite, 685 01:06:48,710 --> 01:06:51,310 encourages space that may not even be used properly, 686 01:06:51,410 --> 01:06:53,450 due to the fact that right now, 687 01:06:53,630 --> 01:06:56,730 about a third of labs facing the greater Boston area is vacant. 688 01:06:57,150 --> 01:06:59,170 So overall, I do think that the amendment 689 01:06:59,170 --> 01:07:01,350 would be better for the zoning, 690 01:07:01,670 --> 01:07:03,410 but I am requesting that people, 691 01:07:04,010 --> 01:07:05,910 that counselors allow it to expire 692 01:07:05,910 --> 01:07:08,910 and that they focus on priorities such as accessibility 693 01:07:09,410 --> 01:07:12,610 and potentially reigning in the lab space. 694 01:07:13,190 --> 01:07:13,230 Thanks. 695 01:07:14,810 --> 01:07:22,410 Thank you, our next speaker is Helen Walker, followed by Brennan Waters, then Halley trial. 696 01:07:22,930 --> 01:07:24,350 Helen, you have two minutes. 697 01:07:24,850 --> 01:07:25,690 Please go ahead. 698 01:07:28,180 --> 01:07:28,760 Sorry about that. 699 01:07:28,760 --> 01:07:31,300 Helen, if you can try to unmute yourself now, you have two minutes. 700 01:07:31,700 --> 01:07:32,680 Can you hear me now? 701 01:07:33,000 --> 01:07:33,280 Yes. 702 01:07:33,360 --> 01:07:34,360 Please go ahead. 703 01:07:35,300 --> 01:07:37,240 Helen Walker 43, many in Street. 704 01:07:37,800 --> 01:07:40,960 Thank you for the chance to speak about the Cambridge Street zoning petition. 705 01:07:40,960 --> 01:07:46,900 For just thanks to Councillor Nolan and Mayor Sadiki for their amendments, of course the 706 01:07:46,900 --> 01:07:51,760 results of the study involving significant taxpayer funds and working group time should 707 01:07:51,760 --> 01:07:54,400 not be set aside without a legitimate process. 708 01:07:55,300 --> 01:07:59,860 And thanks for highlighting many for further action to protect ground floor business, especially 709 01:07:59,860 --> 01:08:00,720 small business. 710 01:08:01,600 --> 01:08:02,700 But there's more to do. 711 01:08:03,200 --> 01:08:08,300 On December 15, Council voted to reduce the maximum height of inventory from 10 stories 712 01:08:08,300 --> 01:08:14,860 to eight stories, hasn't happened, hasn't in this agenda package? When is that going to happen? 713 01:08:15,900 --> 01:08:22,200 There's no zoning map or descriptive text. How do we verify the boundaries of Cambridge 812 and 15? 714 01:08:23,160 --> 01:08:28,900 And where the amendments the community keeps asking for, inclusionary units required at over four 715 01:08:28,900 --> 01:08:36,120 stories, same as seeing one district. Rear setbacks over five feet. New and existing residents 716 01:08:36,120 --> 01:08:39,620 staring into each other's bedroom's ten feet away will be miserable. 717 01:08:40,500 --> 01:08:44,720 These will not be home for casting routes and raising families in. 718 01:08:46,060 --> 01:08:51,200 Open space, comparable to all other residential districts at least 15 percent, 719 01:08:51,560 --> 01:08:55,620 and should be mostly green and that grade. Remember the planning board comment. 720 01:08:56,160 --> 01:08:59,720 No open space will need to a really crappy urban streetscape. 721 01:09:00,780 --> 01:09:05,800 Projects with you at a lower threshold, all projects over four stories or 20,000 square feet. 722 01:09:06,560 --> 01:09:12,520 accessible drop-off and delivery. As I say more to do, and thank you for your efforts. 723 01:09:19,760 --> 01:09:26,300 I guess that was the end. We will go to Brennan Waters, followed by Halley Trial, 724 01:09:27,080 --> 01:09:28,280 then Laurie Sheffield. 725 01:09:36,740 --> 01:09:38,980 Brennan, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 726 01:09:41,280 --> 01:09:51,820 Hi. Thank you. Brennan Waters. I leave a 14 Remington Street. I previously lived at 727 01:09:52,260 --> 01:09:56,560 street. Housing is supposed to come to the Cambridge and I really love to stay in the city long 728 01:09:56,560 --> 01:09:59,980 term and hopefully raise a family here. But, today it's... 729 01:10:00,880 --> 01:10:11,000 I want to voice my support for increased housing in the Cambridge Street. Housing is so expensive, the Cambridge and I really love to stay in the city long term and hopefully raise a family here. 730 01:10:11,540 --> 01:10:17,680 But today it's hard to envision it with housing prices so high in the premium of staying in Cambridge being so large. 731 01:10:19,180 --> 01:10:27,180 More housing will help drive down costs for everyone, for young people who want to join the Great Job Market. 732 01:10:27,180 --> 01:10:32,860 also for family to want to stay here long-term and help residents like me who want to contribute to 733 01:10:32,860 --> 01:10:35,400 Cambridge, both life and Cambridge, be able to stay in Cambridge. 734 01:10:35,940 --> 01:10:39,680 This is a great opportunity to build more housing on underutilized lots, as well as 735 01:10:39,680 --> 01:10:43,940 can contribute to increased density in our quarters. 736 01:10:44,940 --> 01:10:45,540 Thank you very much. 737 01:10:54,880 --> 01:10:57,460 Apologies, I'm having a little delay with my internet. 738 01:10:58,020 --> 01:11:04,960 Our next speaker is Halley Trial, followed by Lori Sheffield, then Camilla Elviss. 739 01:11:05,660 --> 01:11:08,380 Howie, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 740 01:11:09,960 --> 01:11:10,160 Hello. 741 01:11:10,440 --> 01:11:12,600 Thank you for the opportunity to speak here. 742 01:11:12,740 --> 01:11:17,300 And thank you to the counselors for bringing this proposal to 743 01:11:18,680 --> 01:11:20,740 Upzone Cambridge Street forward. 744 01:11:20,960 --> 01:11:25,000 Really appreciate this as well as the community engagement that led to it. 745 01:11:25,660 --> 01:11:28,860 I'm one of the officers of the MIT graduate student council, 746 01:11:29,020 --> 01:11:32,500 which represents over 6,000 graduate students living 747 01:11:32,500 --> 01:11:39,640 you know, around MIT and Cambridge Summerville in Boston, and I'm here to share the perspective of graduate students. 748 01:11:42,460 --> 01:11:51,920 This zoning change will help limit market rate rent increases by mitigating housing scarcity while also allowing the construction of desperately needed affordable units. 749 01:11:51,920 --> 01:12:01,880 And data from two surveys, one conducted by the GSC and one conducted by my home department highlight the urgency of the housing crisis as an equity issue. 750 01:12:02,460 --> 01:12:18,040 Only 40% of graduate students in my department who identifies first-generation college students agreed that they were able to transition to MIT without severe financial burden compared to a much higher percentage 75% of non-first-generation students. 751 01:12:18,040 --> 01:12:23,500 The financial burden of relocation is primarily driven by high housing costs in the area. 752 01:12:24,340 --> 01:12:31,000 And our GSC survey similarly found that first-generation and low-income students were those most impacted by high housing costs. 753 01:12:31,460 --> 01:12:41,580 Multiple students even reported having to live in Airbnb's for the first few weeks in Cambridge because our low vacancy rate made it impossible for them to find a place to live before they needed to start their program. 754 01:12:41,580 --> 01:12:49,340 Our striking results motivated us to continue pressuring both local government and the MIT administration to reduce the cost of housing. 755 01:12:50,020 --> 01:12:58,620 Failure to address our housing crisis will not diminish the desirability of the excellent educational, professional, cultural and professional experiences Cambridge has to offer. 756 01:12:59,100 --> 01:13:01,960 But it will limit who can take advantage of these opportunities. 757 01:13:01,960 --> 01:13:07,080 If we want Cambridge to be a place that welcomes people of all backgrounds, we cannot allow housing 758 01:13:07,080 --> 01:13:12,360 scarcity to continue acting as a barrier to low income people who are here to pursue their dreams. 759 01:13:15,070 --> 01:13:15,710 Thank you, Holly. 760 01:13:16,050 --> 01:13:22,010 We will go to Lori Sheffield, followed by Kamila Elvis, Sydney Snow, then Kathy Hoffman. 761 01:13:23,170 --> 01:13:24,410 Lori, you have two minutes. 762 01:13:24,530 --> 01:13:25,450 Please go ahead. 763 01:13:29,900 --> 01:13:30,280 Okay. 764 01:13:30,540 --> 01:13:31,120 I'm unmuted. 765 01:13:31,120 --> 01:13:36,800 Hello, I'm a Cambridge part resident and I've lived in Cambridge for decades. 766 01:13:37,280 --> 01:13:45,420 I'm sure that all the speakers in favor of increased housing are both speaking from their 767 01:13:45,420 --> 01:13:52,020 hearts and absolutely correct in terms of the pressures that many people face in terms of housing 768 01:13:52,020 --> 01:13:58,260 cost. There are other speakers who have gone through the proposed amendments in more detail. 769 01:13:58,260 --> 01:14:07,940 I'd like to speak to the active use of the ground floor issue which was spelled out pretty carefully related to existing businesses on Cambridge Street. 770 01:14:08,200 --> 01:14:15,940 This is one of the few semi-entact shopping districts in Cambridge and includes businesses I regularly use. 771 01:14:17,100 --> 01:14:22,060 The hardware store, the craft store, the rug store, the paint store. 772 01:14:22,480 --> 01:14:26,160 This is one of the places in Cambridge where you can actually shop locally. 773 01:14:27,180 --> 01:14:32,160 As a property owner and a homeowner and someone who brought up children in the city, I want 774 01:14:32,160 --> 01:14:37,700 these types of shopping areas to be possible and I think that careful work on this proposal 775 01:14:37,700 --> 01:14:43,660 can make that more possible. So I would like to support the Nolan Amendment about the number 776 01:14:43,660 --> 01:14:48,640 of stories included and would like to particularly emphasize the parts of the proposal which 777 01:14:48,640 --> 01:14:56,380 address existing businesses, the size, the square footage of businesses on the ground floors and part 778 01:14:56,380 --> 01:14:59,740 of that is because of having observed development on other major quarters. 779 01:15:00,590 --> 01:15:12,710 Thank you. Our next speaker is Camilla Elvis. Camilla has not joined the Zoom. We're going to go to Sydney Snow, followed by Kathy Hoffman. Sydney, please go ahead. You have two minutes. 780 01:15:15,460 --> 01:15:26,060 Thank you all. Good evening. My name is Sydney Snow, a 43 fifth street, just off Cambridge. I'm here to discuss the proposition to amend the zoning map and zoning ordinances and item number three on the table. 781 01:15:26,060 --> 01:15:30,360 Well, I think added residential space would be beneficial to those who live in this corridor. 782 01:15:30,800 --> 01:15:34,120 There just not seem to be a guarantee of inclusionary housing projects or other types 783 01:15:34,120 --> 01:15:38,600 of affordable housing being mandated in the future with this zoning plan, which is why I would 784 01:15:38,600 --> 01:15:43,300 like to suggest that the council allows the amendment to expire and to add language in revisions 785 01:15:43,300 --> 01:15:47,400 to the amendment for guaranteed inclusionary housing and or other types of affordable housing 786 01:15:47,400 --> 01:15:48,580 in any future projects. 787 01:15:49,100 --> 01:15:53,100 My concern is that the inclusionary housing will be avoided in new developments if it is below the 788 01:15:53,100 --> 01:16:00,780 and unit in 10,000 square foot threshold for inclusionary housing mandates outlined in section 11.203 of the current zoning ordinance. 789 01:16:01,260 --> 01:16:06,040 And that we will continue to see expensive units come up even with the zoning changes if they go through. 790 01:16:06,740 --> 01:16:11,760 This would make an already expensive area even more and affordable pushing out long time residents in the working class. 791 01:16:12,340 --> 01:16:19,220 On a more personal note, I'm a teacher and I honestly already struggle to live in the area due to the cost of living, specifically the housing costs. 792 01:16:19,220 --> 01:16:26,340 And I think it would be really beneficial to working class residents as a whole, not just those who would qualify for the inclusionary housing. 793 01:16:26,840 --> 01:16:34,420 If there was a guarantee of that type of housing amid rising rent prices, I know it's been suggested by some that there is naturally occurring affordable housing. 794 01:16:34,580 --> 01:16:39,740 But in all honesty, I was looking for housing 68 months before I plan to move to Cambridge this past year. 795 01:16:40,180 --> 01:16:46,300 And the housing prices are astronomical, I think, across the board, especially considering the state of a lot of the older housing stock. 796 01:16:47,400 --> 01:16:51,340 Thank you all for your time. Again, I would urge a council to just put this on hold and 797 01:16:51,880 --> 01:16:56,520 like some other folks have said, please review it. I also agree with you know the other 798 01:16:56,520 --> 01:17:02,080 comments about kind of reviewing some other parts of the plan. It seems like some more specific 799 01:17:02,080 --> 01:17:06,560 verbiage would be helpful in a couple of different sections. So thank you all for your time. 800 01:17:07,480 --> 01:17:12,600 Thank you our next speaker is Kathy Hoffman followed by Barrel Lipton then Max Kaplan. 801 01:17:12,600 --> 01:17:16,860 Kathy, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 802 01:17:25,800 --> 01:17:28,500 Can you hear me? We can. Please go ahead. 803 01:17:29,060 --> 01:17:35,090 Beautiful. Good snowy evening. I want to begin thanking the city workers out there, 804 01:17:35,880 --> 01:17:40,240 making it possible for us to move around and keep our lives sort of on track. 805 01:17:41,100 --> 01:17:47,560 With so much blowing up and dividing us around the country, it shows the cooperation and mutual care we really need. 806 01:17:47,560 --> 01:17:53,020 It's in that spirit that I'm adding my voice to those asking for the unimended Cambridge 807 01:17:53,020 --> 01:17:54,420 treat zoning to expire. 808 01:17:55,380 --> 01:18:00,360 So we can reorient, stop fighting each other, or putting time into a fraught proposal, 809 01:18:01,000 --> 01:18:06,380 which has the possibility of heights without benefits, or even with benefits, which might 810 01:18:06,380 --> 01:18:11,160 disappear, leaving us with tall, as of right heights led by developers. 811 01:18:13,520 --> 01:18:31,460 As we see, I also want to mention to the graduate student from MIT, I appreciate your remarks and that is part of why there has been an ongoing struggle to hold MIT responsible for housing its graduate students, not putting that burden on the city of Cambridge to build buildings for you. 812 01:18:32,060 --> 01:18:40,260 As we see the divides between the haves and have not dramatically played out around us, this council should take the time to find solutions to housing, 813 01:18:40,260 --> 01:18:46,440 as well as health care public safety transit, which benefit the good of the whole while 814 01:18:46,440 --> 01:18:52,100 catering those most left out. We don't have to vilify anyone to lift up those 815 01:18:52,100 --> 01:18:58,300 most in need in our city and choosing things like social housing, CLTs, or maximum 816 01:18:58,300 --> 01:19:01,720 affordability over market rate giveaways for developers. 817 01:19:02,980 --> 01:19:07,340 Finally, I just want to mention I'm in support of Landmarking the Democracy Center 818 01:19:07,340 --> 01:19:13,480 As someone who was in and out of that building with many hats on over the past 25 years, 819 01:19:13,900 --> 01:19:22,960 it was an extraordinary, extraordinary place of vibrancy on the whole breadth of what democracy 820 01:19:22,960 --> 01:19:29,860 can mean from feeding people to envisioning new ways of being serving high school students 821 01:19:29,860 --> 01:19:36,820 in the Cambridge and many others, creating this statute, I think my apologies, Kathy, please 822 01:20:00,140 --> 01:20:02,680 Barrel, two minutes, please go ahead. 823 01:20:03,760 --> 01:20:11,860 Thank you so much. Barrel looked in Oak Street. I've spoken with many Cambridge Street people of diverse backgrounds and clones and levels of comfort with public testimony. 824 01:20:12,620 --> 01:20:25,180 Our concerns about community engagement, planning and details, transparency, our beloved small businesses, environment, history, and vibrancy in the public realm, the love. I and we have expressed all that in good faith. 825 01:20:25,180 --> 01:20:32,660 While I've worked and volunteered for nonprofits, I've spent more than a quarter million dollars in rent alone in Cambridge and I've never owned a car. 826 01:20:33,020 --> 01:20:35,920 I'm still trying to make the numbers pencil for my own life. 827 01:20:36,400 --> 01:20:43,800 And I respect this place and it's people and those who share and want to share this home in the great cultural center that is Cambridge, a place worthy of quality thought. 828 01:20:44,600 --> 01:20:54,180 On that note, I want to share that last week, friends made me aware of an unfortunate blog post by a local commentator featuring images of the Webster Wins or Area regarding this petition in all of Cambridge Street. 829 01:20:54,180 --> 01:21:00,340 It stated, in part, City Council needs to decide, will it maintain the character of gas stations and tow lots? 830 01:21:01,060 --> 01:21:04,460 I've walked to these streets, including Webster literally thousands of times. 831 01:21:05,040 --> 01:21:10,820 Development there is a chamber bill issue, and it's wild to encounter such confusion about the character of Cambridge Street we've referenced, 832 01:21:11,100 --> 01:21:17,280 and suggests that we don't see both room for serious progress and the empty spaces and labs that already exist. 833 01:21:17,940 --> 01:21:21,400 This kind of low quality framing of important community issues is crap. 834 01:21:21,400 --> 01:21:24,740 And to it I say, miss me with that kind of bad faith BS. 835 01:21:25,480 --> 01:21:29,080 I did appreciate hearing interest tonight, and some of the same questions we've been asking, 836 01:21:29,620 --> 01:21:34,180 and I've truly appreciated the conversations and actual care some of you have shown to me in my neighborhood. 837 01:21:34,980 --> 01:21:40,360 I welcome more discussion with anyone interested in Cambridge Street's future as I'm optimistic that our values are not so different. 838 01:21:41,040 --> 01:21:47,440 While I want this particular split shot petition to expire, I know that it isn't the last word on what happens to Cambridge Street, 839 01:21:47,740 --> 01:21:49,780 and I'll be here for those next conversations. 840 01:21:49,780 --> 01:21:53,220 The bones here are good, and it should be truly thoughtful about the renovation. 841 01:21:54,020 --> 01:21:57,840 I urge you counselors as you move forward with this term and plans for Central Square and 842 01:21:57,840 --> 01:22:02,740 sewage and transit in our city. Please, show us what real consideration and deliberation and 843 01:22:02,740 --> 01:22:07,780 quality conversation looks like. Model the local leadership and good government governance 844 01:22:07,780 --> 01:22:10,940 our city deserves and our country needs. Thank you. 845 01:22:17,180 --> 01:22:23,760 All right, I could not mute there. Our next speaker is Max Kaplan, followed by Mary Ann Quinn, 846 01:22:23,760 --> 01:22:25,900 and then Amina Bubuakar. 847 01:22:26,260 --> 01:22:29,160 Max, you have two minutes. 848 01:22:35,200 --> 01:22:36,420 Max, if you can unmute yourself, 849 01:22:37,320 --> 01:22:38,000 you have two minutes. 850 01:22:38,040 --> 01:22:38,740 Please go ahead. 851 01:22:39,060 --> 01:22:39,300 Yep. 852 01:22:40,120 --> 01:22:42,380 Hi, Max Kaplan, 45 years of road. 853 01:22:43,160 --> 01:22:45,240 If you look at which cities across the country 854 01:22:45,240 --> 01:22:47,140 have managed to halt or reverse 855 01:22:47,140 --> 01:22:50,060 of control rent prices, they all have one thing in common. 856 01:22:50,440 --> 01:22:51,500 They built more units. 857 01:22:52,140 --> 01:22:54,160 I support the Cambridge Street Obsoning 858 01:22:54,160 --> 01:22:55,440 because we need the housing. 859 01:22:55,700 --> 01:22:56,400 Thank you. 860 01:22:59,120 --> 01:23:13,540 Thank you, our next speaker is Marianne Quinn followed by Amina Bubakar, the Nancy Ryan, Marianne, if you can unmute yourself please go ahead you have two minutes. 861 01:23:14,800 --> 01:23:20,420 Hi, it's Marianne Quinn. I live at 29 out of three and I would like to comment on the up zoning. 862 01:23:20,420 --> 01:23:28,880 So 29 Otis Street is part of the one-first complex that takes up the city block of Cambridge and Otis and first and second streets. 863 01:23:29,440 --> 01:23:35,740 Our building has more than 400 residents in a six-story complex of building situated around a courtyard. 864 01:23:36,760 --> 01:23:46,180 We understood that the empty parcel of land directly across Cambridge Street was zoned to become a six-story building with a seven-floor building utilities such as HVAC. 865 01:23:46,180 --> 01:23:54,260 We now understand that the City Council is considering upzoning this lot and allowing a developer to put up a 15-story building, 866 01:23:54,720 --> 01:23:56,580 more than double the original footprint. 867 01:23:57,500 --> 01:24:02,860 Communication about this potential change was not well disseminated, we only learned about it by chance. 868 01:24:03,560 --> 01:24:09,280 A 15-story building would dwarf our building, along with the triple deckers adjacent to this lot, 869 01:24:09,400 --> 01:24:12,780 and the glass factory apartment building across McGrath highway. 870 01:24:12,780 --> 01:24:17,940 and East Cambridge is a whole which is mostly two and three story buildings. It is not 871 01:24:17,940 --> 01:24:22,840 in keeping with the neighborhood. Residents of the neighborhood recently endured the demolition 872 01:24:22,840 --> 01:24:27,880 of the Sullivan courthouse in the building of Forty Thorndike, a process that went on for months 873 01:24:27,880 --> 01:24:33,500 and months. Forty Thorndike has only three occupied floors, the rest of the building at empty. 874 01:24:34,400 --> 01:24:39,540 We do not want another large noisy, disruptive lengthy construction project. The proposed 875 01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:15,000 That up for blocks during rush hour on Cambridge Street. Finally, a 15-story building will result in a permanent loss of day like to our apartments, as well as to the community roof deck and courtyard. Please vote against this proposal. Thank you. 876 01:25:15,700 --> 01:25:26,220 Thank you. Our next speaker is Amina Rubikar followed by Nancy Ryan, then Mark Truent. Amina, you have the floor. Please go ahead two minutes. 877 01:25:26,220 --> 01:25:27,140 I 878 01:25:36,550 --> 01:25:41,570 mean, I see you listed as different name possibly if you can unmute yourself. You have the floor. 879 01:25:46,640 --> 01:25:55,320 Okay, we're going to move on to Nancy Ryan followed by Mark Truett. Nancy, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 880 01:25:58,540 --> 01:26:02,080 Hi, good evening and thanks for this discussion. 881 01:26:03,140 --> 01:26:08,980 I urge you to let this Cambridge Street up zoning petition expire. 882 01:26:08,980 --> 01:26:23,620 We do have a housing crisis in Cambridge, but the name of the crisis is affordability, and there is nothing built into this petition that guarantees any kinds of affordability. 883 01:26:23,620 --> 01:26:43,800 I just want to note that recently, leaders of the so-called Yimbee Abundance Housing Movement in Massachusetts and in Cambridge have been quoted as saying that essentially inclusionary zoning gets in the way of development. 884 01:26:43,800 --> 01:26:52,860 So it's kind of becoming clear that this is not a priority for the intense advocates of the height and density agenda. 885 01:26:53,800 --> 01:27:11,540 So let's take a breath, let this petition expire, and take a look at how Cambridge Street can, we can plan Cambridge Street for the future that is genuinely inclusive of low and moderate income earners in particular, 886 01:27:11,540 --> 01:27:17,640 But of a broad range of residents. Thanks so much. Thank you. 887 01:27:18,380 --> 01:27:26,460 We already heard from Jerry Puchillo. We're going to go to Mark Truett followed by Steven Gardner, then Susan Markowitz. 888 01:27:27,440 --> 01:27:31,340 Mark, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 889 01:27:38,500 --> 01:27:40,940 Mark Truett? Yep. Please go ahead. Okay. 890 01:27:43,720 --> 01:27:50,340 Okay, hi, it's ironic that the long-time home of the democracy center was mentioned by 891 01:27:50,340 --> 01:27:55,120 a couple of my fellow can't to bridge in earlier this evening because the way that the 892 01:27:55,120 --> 01:27:59,300 up zoning along Cambridge Street has been enacted over the past year has been anything 893 01:27:59,300 --> 01:28:00,100 but democratic. 894 01:28:00,780 --> 01:28:04,600 It is a good example of how our government acts without first understanding the impact 895 01:28:04,600 --> 01:28:10,920 of major zoning chances and crafting regulations that will achieve goals without destroying 896 01:28:10,920 --> 01:28:12,020 the built environment. 897 01:28:12,720 --> 01:28:16,540 The our Cambridge Street study had been cited by counselors and other supporters of up 898 01:28:16,540 --> 01:28:18,640 zoning as a justification for it. 899 01:28:18,940 --> 01:28:25,920 For the record, the study stated that in the public, that stated that the public in general 900 01:28:25,920 --> 01:28:32,400 was okay with an increase in density, as long as the additional housing was affordable and 901 01:28:32,400 --> 01:28:37,220 sunlight, open space, trees, traffic, and parking were all counted for, so that the character 902 01:28:37,220 --> 01:28:39,420 of the neighborhood was respected and strengthened. 903 01:28:39,420 --> 01:28:45,300 The ordinances which have been passed and those proposed are not responsive to the study. 904 01:28:46,500 --> 01:28:51,720 Cambridge Shree is 65 feet wide. The study itself recognized that increasing building heights 905 01:28:51,720 --> 01:28:57,580 on the street beyond four stories would have a negative impact unless buildings were required 906 01:28:57,580 --> 01:29:02,700 to have step backs so that sunlight would reach people and trees on the street and the building's 907 01:29:02,700 --> 01:29:06,920 massing would be in scale and responsive to the context of the neighborhood. 908 01:29:07,460 --> 01:29:12,240 Redder, whose company famously fought oil field fires to bring them under control, said 909 01:29:12,240 --> 01:29:12,860 to a client. 910 01:29:13,220 --> 01:29:18,400 If you think it's expensive to hire professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur. 911 01:29:21,160 --> 01:29:27,520 I respect the desire to increase density and housing, but the ordinances that have been 912 01:29:27,520 --> 01:29:30,300 worked on today are works of an amateur. 913 01:29:31,580 --> 01:29:36,480 We need to hold this press redo all of these ordinances. 914 01:29:36,920 --> 01:29:38,840 Thank you. 915 01:29:39,420 --> 01:29:39,880 Thank you. 916 01:29:40,000 --> 01:29:45,300 Our next speaker is Stephen Gardiner followed by Susan Markowitz, then Deborah Kovar. 917 01:29:46,660 --> 01:29:48,420 Stephen, you have two minutes. 918 01:29:52,770 --> 01:29:55,210 Stephen, if you can try to admit yourself, you have the floor. 919 01:29:56,690 --> 01:29:57,990 I'm Stephen Gardiner. 920 01:29:58,030 --> 01:29:59,870 I live at 29 out of street. 921 01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:07,940 The idea of triple-deckerers, storm fronts, and modest mid-rise properties. Thankfully, that compromise included 922 01:30:08,400 --> 01:30:15,700 an increase in affordable housing. Most recent developments like CBS, pharmacy, and buildings 923 01:30:15,700 --> 01:30:23,200 long first street have maintained that low-rise profile. With the proposed up zoning of Cambridge 924 01:30:23,200 --> 01:30:29,460 treated Parsons 7, the city of Cambridge may once again impose an out of scale tower 925 01:30:29,460 --> 01:30:32,120 or our community, albeit residential. 926 01:30:33,620 --> 01:30:39,900 At the entry point, the residential east Cambridge, if allowed to proceed, this tower will 927 01:30:39,900 --> 01:30:43,000 stand out as an unwelcoming sewer thump. 928 01:30:44,600 --> 01:30:49,900 This site should not be an extension of Cambridge crossing rather a welcoming addition to east 929 01:30:49,900 --> 01:30:53,500 a reflection of the residential and storefront community 930 01:30:53,500 --> 01:30:55,400 bullet war at its beginning. 931 01:30:56,760 --> 01:31:00,500 As one first condominium association owner, 932 01:31:01,140 --> 01:31:03,380 I could certainly urge the council to reduce the 933 01:31:03,380 --> 01:31:07,020 zoning height to force the seven because of its negative impact 934 01:31:07,020 --> 01:31:11,280 on our particular community from congestion at an albeit challenging 935 01:31:11,280 --> 01:31:15,360 intersection to a necessary blocking sunshine to our 936 01:31:15,360 --> 01:31:19,540 complex that the more compelling argument against this 937 01:31:19,540 --> 01:31:26,420 zoning is a negative impact. It's such a sore comb would have on our entire community. I 938 01:31:26,420 --> 01:31:32,520 close the proposed up zoning of parcel, seven, and herbs that council to allow the petition to 939 01:31:32,520 --> 01:31:39,120 expire. Thank you very much. Thank you. Our next speaker is Susan Markowitz followed by 940 01:31:39,120 --> 01:31:46,880 Deborah Kovar, then Sophia Sanchez. We have about 11 speakers left for those who are waiting. 941 01:31:47,480 --> 01:31:51,100 Susan, you have two minutes, please go ahead. 942 01:31:54,520 --> 01:31:55,440 Hi, thank you. 943 01:31:55,680 --> 01:31:59,800 Thank you to Patty Nolan and Symbol Sadiki for your recent amendment. 944 01:32:00,220 --> 01:32:03,140 This is a compromise and I really appreciate it. 945 01:32:03,520 --> 01:32:11,660 I still say they'll let the petition expire, because the overwhelming majority of people in the community do not know that this petition exists. 946 01:32:12,180 --> 01:32:18,620 This morning when I was struggling, I spoke to my next or neighbor in a neighbor across the street, both of whom I met for the first time. 947 01:32:18,620 --> 01:32:22,060 neither of them knew anything about the petition. One responded, 948 01:32:22,560 --> 01:32:24,620 that's horrible. How did you find out about this? 949 01:32:24,840 --> 01:32:26,880 The other one who moved in in September said, 950 01:32:27,040 --> 01:32:29,620 oh no, they're going my favorite shops down the street. 951 01:32:30,360 --> 01:32:31,720 When is this going to happen? 952 01:32:32,400 --> 01:32:37,180 I really don't understand why it's not important for residents to be notified about this 953 01:32:37,180 --> 01:32:41,600 petition. Most people do not go to or read the city council meetings. 954 01:32:42,040 --> 01:32:45,100 They have not been informed about the major changes that you're planning 955 01:32:45,100 --> 01:32:52,200 in contrast to the Cambridge Street study. We've suggested a two-month democratic community process 956 01:32:52,200 --> 01:32:56,540 to give people a chance to hear what and why you were proposing this precision. 957 01:32:57,300 --> 01:33:02,200 There would get a chance to be heard. The outstanding issues could that we could discuss 958 01:33:02,200 --> 01:33:06,760 could include the amount of inclusionary housing that will be generated because it's not known 959 01:33:06,760 --> 01:33:13,560 and it's likely small. The need for increased project review, labs that are currently as of 960 01:33:13,560 --> 01:33:19,600 increasing step-backs, increasing open space, increased street trees, increased protections 961 01:33:19,600 --> 01:33:25,340 for small, small, first floor businesses. You've said the petition as amended needs to be 962 01:33:25,340 --> 01:33:30,240 passed now in order to move on to central square. Really, is this how you're going to treat 963 01:33:30,240 --> 01:33:35,980 the residents in central square? What is the rush? If you think that this is what Cambridge 964 01:33:35,980 --> 01:33:40,940 Street needs engage us in the legitimate two-month community process, we'll ask some questions 965 01:33:40,940 --> 01:33:47,500 express what we like and you can do the same. Please do not short-change us. This will renew our trust 966 01:33:47,500 --> 01:33:55,440 and faith in you. Thank you. Thank you. Our next speaker is Deborah Kovar, followed by Sophia Sanchez, 967 01:33:55,720 --> 01:34:01,400 then Kirin Vaya. I really thank you. I don't. 968 01:34:08,280 --> 01:34:11,560 Deborah, if you can please unmute yourself, you have the floor. 969 01:34:13,420 --> 01:34:15,580 Can you hear me now? 970 01:34:16,080 --> 01:34:17,520 We can. Please go have a great. 971 01:34:17,940 --> 01:34:19,620 I'm Deborah Kovar and I'm an owner 972 01:34:19,620 --> 01:34:22,760 at one first condominium at 150 Cambridge Street. 973 01:34:23,340 --> 01:34:26,880 I'm here tonight to address policy number three 974 01:34:26,880 --> 01:34:29,440 and to ask the city council to oppose 975 01:34:29,440 --> 01:34:33,160 the up zoning proposal to a 15 story building 976 01:34:33,160 --> 01:34:34,620 along Cambridge Street. 977 01:34:35,280 --> 01:34:38,120 While I support responsible development 978 01:35:00,000 --> 01:35:13,420 We'll contribute to a heavily congested area. Cohesion with surrounding structures would be best served by a six to eight story structure, which also makes provisions for parking. 979 01:35:14,360 --> 01:35:22,740 This would also maintain and respect the well-vetted process that was previously undertaken for zoning to allow a six to eight story building. 980 01:35:22,740 --> 01:35:30,800 Please vote no to up zoning along the Cambridge corridor. No on policy number three. Thank you for your time 981 01:35:31,640 --> 01:35:34,580 Our next speaker is Sofia Sanchez 982 01:35:34,580 --> 01:35:39,140 then Karen via followed by Ann Cover. Sofia. 983 01:35:41,770 --> 01:35:42,450 I 984 01:35:42,450 --> 01:35:48,030 Don't see Sofia on the Zoom. We will go to Karen via Karen two minutes. Please go ahead 985 01:35:49,210 --> 01:35:55,430 Hi, I live in one first Cambridge, which overlooks this parking, the space, which was the 986 01:35:55,430 --> 01:36:01,450 erstwhile beach beach station, and I urge the city council members to oppose the 987 01:36:01,450 --> 01:36:07,570 up zoning for converting this previously approved six story building into a proposed 15 story 988 01:36:07,570 --> 01:36:07,950 building. 989 01:36:08,570 --> 01:36:14,250 Like the rest of them before me have mentioned the reduction in sunlight, which is going to force 990 01:36:14,250 --> 01:36:18,950 us to turn our lights on during the day, increasing our electricity bills, the parking, no 991 01:36:18,950 --> 01:36:24,050 requirement for parking increases the traffic, which is, which is almost beginning to be a nightmare 992 01:36:24,050 --> 01:36:32,090 already. This, no, there's already 40 thundry, which we see very scarcely occupied. So, 993 01:36:32,310 --> 01:36:38,090 is there really a requirement for more housing when we can't fill in what exists already? And this 994 01:36:38,090 --> 01:36:43,030 totally changes, the look and feel of Cambridge state where we've lived for almost 15 years now. 995 01:36:43,030 --> 01:36:51,250 That said, apart from the fact that the burden is going to fall on the rest of us who have been living here and serving this community and contributing to this community, 996 01:36:51,970 --> 01:36:57,230 it's also not going to increase, improve, provide a good quality of life for people living in this new building, 997 01:36:57,710 --> 01:37:06,530 with no parking, with congested areas, no grocery stores in, in walkable distance, which means everybody will have to have a car or some public transportation or ubers. 998 01:37:06,530 --> 01:37:12,710 It's going to convert this whole street and area into extremely unlivable surroundings. 999 01:37:14,450 --> 01:37:21,170 So in the name of affordable housing, is this what we're providing to the folks who would want to come and live in these buildings. 1000 01:37:21,450 --> 01:37:32,490 So I respectfully urge you to please let this expire, rethink how this gels with the Cambridge Street community and not necessarily the Cambridge Crossing community, 1001 01:37:32,710 --> 01:37:35,750 which is completely different while it's just across the street. 1002 01:37:35,750 --> 01:37:43,330 And I do appreciate all the hard work that's being done in this, but respectfully urge to please reconsider this proposal. 1003 01:37:44,270 --> 01:37:45,070 Thank you. 1004 01:37:45,290 --> 01:37:45,650 Thank you. 1005 01:37:45,770 --> 01:37:48,030 Our next speaker is Jamie Hayg. 1006 01:37:48,130 --> 01:37:48,470 Jamie. 1007 01:37:49,130 --> 01:37:49,790 We have two minutes. 1008 01:37:50,050 --> 01:37:50,910 Please go ahead. 1009 01:37:59,180 --> 01:37:59,480 Jamie. 1010 01:38:01,420 --> 01:38:03,580 Sorry, Jamie, if you can try to unmute yourself again. 1011 01:38:04,220 --> 01:38:04,820 Oh, sure. 1012 01:38:05,240 --> 01:38:05,580 Yep. 1013 01:38:05,580 --> 01:38:06,140 Go ahead. 1014 01:38:06,560 --> 01:38:07,900 Thank you. 1015 01:38:07,920 --> 01:38:09,120 My name is Jamie Hayg. 1016 01:38:09,120 --> 01:38:37,880 and my wife and I live at 17 out of street in Cambridge at one first. And, like many of the other speakers have said, we oppose the proposed up zoning petition, especially as it pertains to the development of the parcel across the street from one first as either parcels six or seven. 1017 01:38:37,880 --> 01:38:44,520 the former Leachmeer Station site to construct up to 15 stories. 1018 01:38:45,220 --> 01:38:53,600 That is completely out of character with the character of the rest of the neighboring property. 1019 01:38:54,560 --> 01:39:06,600 It will affect traffic and congestion in the area, and will not be designed or developed for affordable housing. 1020 01:39:06,600 --> 01:39:20,040 A 15-story complex, as I understand, is this is being proposed as a benefit for a particular 1021 01:39:20,040 --> 01:39:28,260 developer who is interested in developing high-end residential housing and just increasing 1022 01:39:28,260 --> 01:39:34,620 profit, but it's going to affect the Cambridge community as a whole to have this high-density 1023 01:40:00,000 --> 01:40:11,360 On another day. Thank you. Thank you. Next, we have Anne Coburn followed by John Gagliardi, then James Williamson, and you have the floor two minutes. 1024 01:40:12,120 --> 01:40:22,240 Thank you. Hi, my name is Anne Coburn. I live at 117A. Oh, it's a strange language. Tonight, I am speaking to urge that the city council pass. 1025 01:40:22,240 --> 01:40:27,480 able motion number three to allow this Cambridge Street rezoning petition to move forward. 1026 01:40:28,380 --> 01:40:33,260 I usually urge elected officials to do things because it's the right thing to do for people, 1027 01:40:33,340 --> 01:40:39,760 because everybody should be able to afford a place to live because there's enough housing for folks, et cetera. 1028 01:40:40,720 --> 01:40:42,520 But tonight, well, this is the right thing to do. 1029 01:40:42,620 --> 01:40:47,860 I'm also going to mention that I believe that passing this motion is a necessary first step to 1030 01:40:47,860 --> 01:40:54,320 first in diversifying the size and number of businesses in Cambridge by revisiting the ground 1031 01:40:54,320 --> 01:40:56,580 slow commercial requirements in the future. 1032 01:40:57,620 --> 01:41:02,420 Or at least the last few decades, Cambridge has relied on a restrictive economic 1033 01:41:02,420 --> 01:41:04,580 monoculture of biotech and academics. 1034 01:41:05,420 --> 01:41:10,300 The cities available commercial and housing spaces speak to that economic framework. 1035 01:41:10,800 --> 01:41:16,120 Well-funded venture capital back businesses or universities with massive endowments versus 1036 01:41:16,120 --> 01:41:24,620 the ability to create the capacity for small businesses to grow more gradually and more sustainably. 1037 01:41:25,940 --> 01:41:32,000 But now, the real-life concrete and long-term effects of the Trump administration's assault on those kinds of industries 1038 01:41:32,000 --> 01:41:37,500 deeply affects the city of Cambridge's current property tax revenue sources. 1039 01:41:38,240 --> 01:41:43,440 I believe that by passing this motion, the City of Cambridge may be positioned to cultivate 1040 01:41:43,440 --> 01:41:49,080 more small to medium-sized industries and more space to welcome new ideas, new businesses 1041 01:41:49,080 --> 01:41:54,320 and new residents, residents who can actually afford to live here, because I think that this 1042 01:41:54,320 --> 01:41:58,360 city needs that kind of energy-hope and movement. Thank you so much for your time. 1043 01:41:59,340 --> 01:42:05,560 Thank you, our next speaker is John Gagliardi, followed by James Williamson, then Ed Henry. 1044 01:42:05,560 --> 01:42:09,660 John, you have the floor you have two minutes. Please go ahead 1045 01:42:17,310 --> 01:42:18,710 on your unmuted. 1046 01:42:25,140 --> 01:42:39,980 We're not getting any sound from John. We're going to move on to James Williamson followed by Ed Henley. Then Jose Estrella James, you have the floor you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 1047 01:42:39,980 --> 01:42:41,580 Can you hear me? 1048 01:42:41,760 --> 01:42:42,480 We can. 1049 01:42:43,080 --> 01:42:44,420 That's probably a study. 1050 01:42:45,280 --> 01:42:47,700 But anyway, thank you. 1051 01:42:49,120 --> 01:42:52,260 I want to talk a first about the Cambridge Street 1052 01:42:52,260 --> 01:42:53,880 Upsoning proposal. 1053 01:42:55,520 --> 01:42:57,560 I learned for the first time tonight, 1054 01:42:57,900 --> 01:42:59,600 here listen to some people on Otis Street 1055 01:43:00,320 --> 01:43:03,980 in the Leachmere about this 1056 01:43:04,920 --> 01:43:08,280 idea of the proposal for a major 1057 01:43:08,280 --> 01:43:13,960 a development in excess of what they, their previous understanding had been. 1058 01:43:15,100 --> 01:43:22,980 I think what we need to know among other things before anything gets passed is, when developers 1059 01:43:22,980 --> 01:43:30,000 go in and have private meetings with city staff, are we entitled to know what the details 1060 01:43:30,000 --> 01:43:31,140 are of those conversations? 1061 01:43:31,700 --> 01:43:37,700 I'm not necessarily against city staff talking to developers, but I think we who live here 1062 01:43:37,700 --> 01:43:44,520 have a right to know what transpires in those conversations. Our city staff making deals 1063 01:43:44,520 --> 01:43:50,220 privately to accommodate developers and we're not told about it. And now we have to hear 1064 01:43:50,220 --> 01:43:56,120 about it as city council meeting. I do think there are a lot of problems with this Cambridge 1065 01:43:56,120 --> 01:44:02,740 Street proposal. It seems like a real mess. The more I listen to other speakers. By the way, 1066 01:44:02,740 --> 01:44:08,180 MIT, and there was a time when the graduate student council there demanded that MIT 1067 01:44:08,180 --> 01:44:15,700 fouls all of their graduate students on land they already own in attractive housing 1068 01:44:15,700 --> 01:44:22,700 at affordable prices. But anyway, I want to say a word about the stigma landmark petition. 1069 01:44:22,820 --> 01:44:29,300 I think it's flawed, and I don't think you should pass it. It did remind me of the addition, 1070 01:44:29,300 --> 01:44:35,820 the East addition to the White House that was demolished recently, to the horror of many people, 1071 01:44:36,180 --> 01:44:41,140 and now you're going to allow an addition that makes that building, gives it the integrity 1072 01:44:41,140 --> 01:44:46,860 that it currently has, and it seems like a sellout, so I hope you don't pass it. 1073 01:44:47,920 --> 01:44:56,600 Thank you, our next speaker is Ed Henley followed by Jose Estrella. Ed, you have two minutes, 1074 01:44:56,600 --> 01:44:57,980 Please go ahead. 1075 01:45:00,000 --> 01:45:11,160 Local homes for new housing in for everyday and especially lower income residents to live in and live in over the course of a lifetime, especially if they're raising a family. 1076 01:45:12,480 --> 01:45:28,040 Community in Cambridge is everything. It is that community of people that wants affordable housing, but wants it including the ability to drive, park and shop, attain medical services and medical goods, those kinds of things locally. 1077 01:45:28,040 --> 01:45:34,340 locally is where we spend the majority of our incomes, whether that's from our retirement 1078 01:45:34,340 --> 01:45:43,740 income from work or from renting apartments that some people have worked for a lifetime 1079 01:45:43,740 --> 01:45:48,920 to own enter rent, of people to own their own homes. 1080 01:45:49,500 --> 01:45:55,620 I can personally name small family owned businesses and they probably own the actual building 1081 01:45:55,620 --> 01:46:02,040 as well as opposed to renting on Cambridge Street, as well as Inman Square, which regularly 1082 01:46:02,040 --> 01:46:08,420 makes the, which I regularly make the rounds of when I'm shopping. Typically, it'll do a 1083 01:46:08,420 --> 01:46:14,140 medical appointment and then stop in a couple places on Cambridge Street, a couple places in 1084 01:46:14,140 --> 01:46:22,880 Inman Square. Please do not change Cambridge in such that a way that large mega-mogles own 1085 01:46:22,880 --> 01:46:30,680 large development, property, and constantly test tenets ability to pay without 1086 01:46:30,680 --> 01:46:40,200 religious rent increases in whatever added cost they can add to that tenets cost of 1087 01:46:40,200 --> 01:46:46,660 living there. This creates such instability for families trying to match, trying 1088 01:46:46,660 --> 01:46:52,180 to maintain consistency, especially with regards to living situations, 1089 01:46:54,640 --> 01:47:00,580 in their children's schooling as well as ability to get around the community. Please don't 1090 01:47:00,580 --> 01:47:08,100 put these community features at risk. I guess please do the right thing the right way for 1091 01:47:08,100 --> 01:47:15,440 the right reason. Thank you very much. Thank you. We are going to skip Jose as he is not joined. 1092 01:47:15,600 --> 01:47:19,700 We will go to Kathleen Higgins followed by Heather Hoffman. Kathleen, 1093 01:47:22,360 --> 01:47:23,440 you have two minutes. Please 1094 01:47:23,440 --> 01:47:24,140 Go ahead. 1095 01:47:26,170 --> 01:47:29,750 Hi, my name is Kathy and I live at 345 North Extreme. 1096 01:47:30,430 --> 01:47:32,850 A few houses in from Cambridge Street and in from Square. 1097 01:47:33,050 --> 01:47:37,590 I strongly support acting favorably on the Cambridge Street petition to change the 1098 01:47:37,590 --> 01:47:39,110 going to allow for more homes. 1099 01:47:39,810 --> 01:47:40,930 I have also lived for me. 1100 01:47:40,930 --> 01:47:45,410 I also live for many years at Inmond Square apartments and can only hope that more buildings 1101 01:47:45,410 --> 01:47:50,330 like this can be built with this zoning and thus add to the vibrancy of Cambridge Street. 1102 01:47:50,330 --> 01:47:58,130 I experienced the wonderful caring people who lived in immense correspondence who created a community of support despite yes challenges. 1103 01:47:58,890 --> 01:48:08,010 If HRI working with the residents had not preserved the approximately 100 apartments as affordable, many people who found a home there would have had to leave Cambridge. 1104 01:48:08,590 --> 01:48:13,150 We need a wide range of housing tools and more of all types of housing build. 1105 01:48:13,150 --> 01:48:21,930 Of course, we should do all we can to increase deeply affordable housing and the possibility of social housing being developed and Cambridge is an exciting new type. 1106 01:48:22,490 --> 01:48:29,970 But we also need to provide options for those in the affordable ranges that qualify for 100% affordable housing that take just to start nature. 1107 01:48:30,170 --> 01:48:39,570 I build as well as those who don't qualify to these or in claims in our units, but who may be paying exorbitant rents, 50% of their income are in rent. 1108 01:48:39,570 --> 01:48:50,150 As we, as others have said, disowning for more housing represents another step forward by removing the barriers to allowing all types of housing in all neighborhoods. 1109 01:48:50,850 --> 01:48:56,150 It is part of undoing a history, a sad history of exclusionary and racist zoning. 1110 01:48:56,150 --> 01:49:02,510 If a compromise was entertaining the ability to build denser and taller near such areas 1111 01:49:02,510 --> 01:49:08,010 as Webster, then that should be, that should be rezoned for housing, then I would support 1112 01:49:08,010 --> 01:49:12,330 that rather than see the petition die. We don't need more process. Thank you. 1113 01:49:13,790 --> 01:49:19,290 Thank you, our next speaker is Heather Hoffman. Heather, you have two minutes. Please go ahead. 1114 01:49:20,410 --> 01:49:37,290 Hello, Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, like to start off with the court cases once again and I would just love to hear how the inclusionary zoning case is doing and whether you actually got the answer in today along with the three new lawyers. 1115 01:50:00,000 --> 01:50:14,500 We're worth anything. And did anything to make it so we could get around better. Look at how you set up construction and what you want is construction everywhere all the time. 1116 01:50:15,440 --> 01:50:20,560 And pedastrians just get shunted from one side of the street to the other if they're lucky. 1117 01:50:20,560 --> 01:50:23,620 With respect to the Cambridge Street zoning, 1118 01:50:25,640 --> 01:50:28,600 I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there 1119 01:50:28,600 --> 01:50:35,300 is, as someone said before me, absolutely nothing in this zoning to expect that you will 1120 01:50:35,300 --> 01:50:42,500 build anything affordable. This is simply a giveaway to developers, and I understand that 1121 01:50:42,500 --> 01:50:50,140 that is the way Cambridge does things, take a look at what's being built now, such as it is. 1122 01:50:51,020 --> 01:50:58,560 people are regularly avoiding providing a single inclusionary apartment. 1123 01:51:00,520 --> 01:51:06,460 They will build bigger, they'll make more money, and it will be nothing affordable to it. 1124 01:51:07,280 --> 01:51:18,180 I will also note as was noted before me that there doesn't seem to be a zoning map or a description anywhere in the packet. 1125 01:51:20,080 --> 01:51:29,640 And I'm just wondering if you guys are two overworked at CDD to get your act together or what? 1126 01:51:30,320 --> 01:51:40,400 Because I have not seen such screw up in the past just on a regular basis. 1127 01:51:41,040 --> 01:51:42,720 So please let it left. 1128 01:51:43,060 --> 01:51:44,060 Thank you. 1129 01:51:46,700 --> 01:51:49,080 Madam Mayor, that is all that we're signed up to speak. 1130 01:51:51,070 --> 01:51:56,170 Thank you Naomi for leading us to public comment 1131 01:52:00,900 --> 01:52:09,100 and that concludes public comment on a motion by 1132 01:52:09,100 --> 01:52:12,780 Councillor Simmons to close public comment. 1133 01:52:13,200 --> 01:52:14,140 We'll do a roll call. 1134 01:52:14,460 --> 01:52:15,050 Councillor Azubi. 1135 01:52:16,060 --> 01:52:16,620 Yes. 1136 01:52:16,620 --> 01:52:16,860 Yes. 1137 01:52:16,860 --> 01:52:17,740 Vice-merezine. 1138 01:52:18,240 --> 01:52:18,480 Yes. 1139 01:52:18,760 --> 01:52:19,080 Yes. 1140 01:52:19,080 --> 01:52:20,020 Councillor Flaherty. 1141 01:52:20,860 --> 01:52:21,000 Yes. 1142 01:52:21,360 --> 01:52:21,680 Yes. 1143 01:52:21,700 --> 01:52:22,520 Councillor McGovern. 1144 01:52:24,220 --> 01:52:24,280 Yes. 1145 01:52:24,280 --> 01:52:29,280 Councilor Nolan? Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons? Yes. Yes. 1146 01:52:29,360 --> 01:52:32,680 Councilor Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. Yes. Councilor Zucy? 1147 01:52:37,370 --> 01:52:38,530 Yes. Yes. 1148 01:52:38,930 --> 01:52:42,730 Mayor Sadiki? Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1149 01:52:43,550 --> 01:52:47,950 Public comment is now closed. There's no submission of their record. 1150 01:52:48,270 --> 01:52:54,550 There are no reconsiderations. So we'll move on to city managers agenda. 1151 01:52:54,550 --> 01:52:59,350 I had hold counselors on items that they'd like to pull. 1152 01:53:00,190 --> 01:53:04,350 So what I'm going to do to make it as easy as possible is I'm going to 1153 01:53:04,350 --> 01:53:12,470 pull the ones that my colleagues had inquired about and then we'll do a 1154 01:53:12,470 --> 01:53:19,410 motion on the balance and when I and I'll sign particular counselors to the 1155 01:53:19,410 --> 01:53:24,530 ones that they had pulled and when we get to each item I'll ask for you to 1156 01:53:24,530 --> 01:53:30,730 raise your hands when after the counselor is spoken, you have additional questions. 1157 01:53:32,290 --> 01:53:40,270 So we'll pull number one, and then number three was pulled by counselor Juicy. And 1158 01:53:40,270 --> 01:53:46,930 number four was also pulled by counselor Juicy. We have number five that was pulled by 1159 01:53:46,930 --> 01:53:53,730 Councillor Nolan. We have number seven. That was pulled by Councillor Simmons. And then we have 1160 01:53:54,830 --> 01:54:02,410 City Manager agenda item number 10. That was pulled by Councillor Zousie. And then finally we have 1161 01:54:03,010 --> 01:54:10,970 City Manager agenda item number 11 that was pulled by Councillor Nolan. After we just have 1162 01:54:10,970 --> 01:54:17,170 exposed to the city matters of agenda. We do have a late city matters of agenda and I'll come 1163 01:54:17,170 --> 01:54:22,330 to the motion at that time, along with some of the other motions, we'll have to do. So for the record, 1164 01:54:22,570 --> 01:54:30,530 we've pulled number one, number three, number four, number five, number seven, number 10, and 11. 1165 01:54:31,550 --> 01:54:35,830 Are there any in addition to this? My colleagues would like to pull. 1166 01:54:37,860 --> 01:54:39,380 Hearing none, we'll go ahead 1167 01:54:39,380 --> 01:54:42,500 into a roll call on city manager agenda. 1168 01:54:42,740 --> 01:54:47,820 I have number two, six, eight, nine, please. 1169 01:54:48,620 --> 01:54:49,800 Councilor L. Zubi. 1170 01:54:50,300 --> 01:54:50,440 Yes. 1171 01:54:50,860 --> 01:54:51,180 Yes. 1172 01:54:51,260 --> 01:54:52,140 Vice-Mayor Azine. 1173 01:54:52,980 --> 01:54:53,340 Yes. 1174 01:54:53,340 --> 01:54:54,300 Council of laFlarity. 1175 01:54:54,800 --> 01:54:54,920 Yes. 1176 01:54:55,280 --> 01:54:55,600 Yes. 1177 01:54:55,860 --> 01:54:56,460 Council of McEvern. 1178 01:54:57,440 --> 01:54:57,640 Yes. 1179 01:54:58,200 --> 01:54:58,540 Yes. 1180 01:54:58,540 --> 01:54:59,180 Councilor Nolan. 1181 01:54:59,880 --> 01:54:59,960 Yes. 1182 01:55:00,000 --> 01:55:05,140 We'll go to city manager agenda item number one, which is a communication transmitted from 1183 01:55:05,140 --> 01:55:10,700 Anne Wong City Manager relative to a federal updating, including an update on relevant court cases. 1184 01:55:11,220 --> 01:55:12,640 City Manager, you have before. 1185 01:55:16,480 --> 01:55:18,760 I can't hear you. We can't hear you. 1186 01:55:24,850 --> 01:55:27,350 It's just not me, right? People can't hear city manager. 1187 01:55:27,810 --> 01:55:29,850 Is that better? Great. Great. 1188 01:55:29,930 --> 01:55:30,070 Great. 1189 01:55:30,750 --> 01:55:32,170 Okay. Good for in business. 1190 01:55:33,470 --> 01:55:37,790 Thank you, Mayor Sediki. I want to provide an update on all that's been happening. 1191 01:55:37,790 --> 01:55:42,690 on ice enforcement across the country and how we are both responding and preparing 1192 01:55:42,690 --> 01:55:49,290 in our own community. We have held cross-pensive departmental meetings to discuss 1193 01:55:49,290 --> 01:55:53,390 immigration surges that we are seeing particularly in Minnesota and Maine and to 1194 01:55:53,390 --> 01:55:57,610 review preparations for potential surge in the Greater Boston area. We've also 1195 01:55:57,610 --> 01:56:01,630 begun meeting across the 17 Metro Mayor's communities in Greater Boston on 1196 01:56:01,630 --> 01:56:07,230 sharing practices and coordinate responses across the region. Within Cambridge we've 1197 01:56:07,230 --> 01:56:11,070 take in a number of city actions over the last year, including holding 1198 01:56:11,070 --> 01:56:14,690 know your rights trainings in partnership with Mira and the State Office for 1199 01:56:14,690 --> 01:56:18,910 refugees and immigrants, discretion of red cards and multiple languages to help 1200 01:56:18,910 --> 01:56:23,070 people assert their constitutional rights and difficult situations, providing 1201 01:56:23,070 --> 01:56:27,690 education and information on family preparedness, continuing to talk closely and 1202 01:56:27,690 --> 01:56:32,330 partner where we can with local organizations, like Luce, B. John, Dinovo, and 1203 01:56:32,330 --> 01:56:36,370 Greater Boston Legal Services. We've provided funding for Dinovo to provide 1204 01:56:36,370 --> 01:56:41,450 legal assistance to low-income families and hosted a monthly legal clinic, and thank you as 1205 01:56:41,450 --> 01:56:45,030 well to the City Council for the work to strengthen our welcoming community's ordinance, 1206 01:56:45,290 --> 01:56:50,310 which includes specific reporting requirements for ICE actions in the City at regular intervals. 1207 01:56:51,230 --> 01:56:56,010 We've also transitioned mixed out as families from federal to municipal housing vouchers to avoid 1208 01:56:56,010 --> 01:57:01,810 the impact of changing HUD policies and potential data sharing with ICE. We provided training 1209 01:57:01,810 --> 01:57:05,670 and protocols to frontline city staff on what to do of ICE shows up, 1210 01:57:06,030 --> 01:57:10,430 demarcating public versus private spaces in city buildings and establishing a hotline 1211 01:57:10,430 --> 01:57:15,590 for city staff to reach out to the law department or in business iris to review any potential 1212 01:57:16,170 --> 01:57:20,730 administrative or judicial warrants that are being presented by ICE agents and finally 1213 01:57:20,730 --> 01:57:25,330 we've taken significant legal action where we can. Related to immigration and ICE, the city 1214 01:57:25,330 --> 01:57:30,710 is a plaintiff in two cases and filed nine Amicus briefs and litigations related to immigration 1215 01:57:30,710 --> 01:57:37,330 enforcement and actions. So this is a growing list. I'm really appreciative for counselors and people 1216 01:57:37,330 --> 01:57:42,670 in our community who continue to bring us great ideas. And in particular, thank you to Karolina 1217 01:57:42,670 --> 01:57:46,930 Almante and the work that the Commission and Immigrant Rights and Citizenship has been doing in 1218 01:57:46,930 --> 01:57:53,310 this space. Please continue to be in contact with Karolina and the Commission. Give us those ideas 1219 01:57:53,310 --> 01:57:58,730 we're excited to assess new things that we can be doing and how we can support our community in this time. 1220 01:57:58,730 --> 01:58:05,750 I know many of us over this weekend have been really horrified by the tragic second killing 1221 01:58:05,750 --> 01:58:10,970 of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis, Alex Pretty, who contrary to federal statements seems 1222 01:58:10,970 --> 01:58:15,210 from video footage to have clearly been restrained by multiple agents when he was shot and 1223 01:58:15,210 --> 01:58:15,530 killed. 1224 01:58:16,490 --> 01:58:21,250 I know that many of us have been so deeply disturbed and as co-chairs of Metromares, 1225 01:58:21,810 --> 01:58:26,750 Mayor Briata Lungel Kern of Medford and I released a statement to crying the ice occupation 1226 01:58:26,750 --> 01:58:32,410 that we are seeing in Minnesota and Maine, we note that an occupying force does not belong 1227 01:58:32,410 --> 01:58:36,970 in our communities or anywhere in the United States or America, and that these unconstitutional 1228 01:58:36,970 --> 01:58:42,490 and unnecessary actions are making us less safe. The city of Cambridge also has filed an 1229 01:58:42,490 --> 01:58:47,330 Amicus brief in the Minnesota verse known litigation that held a hearing earlier today, 1230 01:58:47,830 --> 01:58:52,690 which requested an injunction on the isers that has caused so much harm in Minneapolis. 1231 01:58:52,690 --> 01:58:52,830 this. 1232 01:58:53,470 --> 01:58:58,110 The judge did not rule today from the bench, but promised that, quote, if I had a burner 1233 01:58:58,110 --> 01:59:02,830 in front of the front burner, this would be on it, and that a decision would come 1234 01:59:02,830 --> 01:59:03,330 quickly. 1235 01:59:04,450 --> 01:59:07,970 Well, the judge was critical of the federal government's intent for the surge, as well 1236 01:59:07,970 --> 01:59:09,730 as the long list of troubling actions. 1237 01:59:09,730 --> 01:59:15,630 He also appeared skeptical of issuing a sweeping order for ICE to leave the state, rather 1238 01:59:15,630 --> 01:59:19,350 than more narrow solutions targeting specific wrongs. 1239 01:59:19,350 --> 01:59:27,350 What I think is actually very unprecedented in this case is that it's being built on the coercive nature of the ice surge, 1240 02:00:00,000 --> 02:00:20,120 Common Constitutional use a federal power to coerced state action. In this line of argument, the court is being asked not to focus on a, quote, line by line, person by person analysis, or oversight of DHS operations, how many agents are too many, what the right practice should be, but rather that the act itself is illegitimate by its intent. 1241 02:00:20,780 --> 02:00:25,440 We'll keep the city council updated, but this line of argument feels relevant because it's 1242 02:00:25,440 --> 02:00:29,800 a similar pattern that we're litigating in other cases where the federal government is seeking 1243 02:00:29,800 --> 02:00:34,800 to, for instance, withhold funds to coerce cities toward policy changes that are irrelevant 1244 02:00:35,260 --> 02:00:38,260 to the program goals of that funding. 1245 02:00:40,180 --> 02:00:45,940 So I think there's still ultimately a lot to be understood in terms of where that court ruling 1246 02:00:45,940 --> 02:00:51,460 will land and even as we speak, I think decisions are being made but just know that we are 1247 02:00:51,460 --> 02:00:55,760 certainly wanting to continue to be in close conversation with this city council with 1248 02:00:55,760 --> 02:01:00,740 our community about how we're preparing actions that we can take and following and supporting 1249 02:01:00,740 --> 02:01:06,260 communities around the country that are struggling with with what the federal government is doing. 1250 02:01:07,700 --> 02:01:12,640 I also want to touch on the potential for a federal government shutdown after the upcoming 1251 02:01:12,640 --> 02:01:17,840 deadline, which is the end of day this Friday, January 30th. We've been watching that deadline 1252 02:01:17,840 --> 02:01:23,660 since the government reopened in the fall. At this point, it appears clear that Democrats in the 1253 02:01:23,660 --> 02:01:28,340 Senate are unlikely to vote for funding packages that include more budget for the Department of 1254 02:01:28,340 --> 02:01:33,680 Homeland Security and ICE without some reform, which may threaten the passage of these bills before 1255 02:01:33,680 --> 02:01:39,460 the deadline. I think it's hard to know exactly how the next four days will unfold and there isn't 1256 02:01:39,460 --> 02:01:44,200 a lot of time for them to figure out how to get all of these bills passed. 1257 02:01:45,200 --> 02:01:50,060 The remaining agencies that need to be funded include the departments of defense, labor, 1258 02:01:50,720 --> 02:01:55,140 health and human services, education, transportation, and housing and urban development. 1259 02:01:55,220 --> 02:01:59,560 This represents about, I believe, 75% of the government's annual spending. 1260 02:02:00,760 --> 02:02:04,880 And I think I would say as we experienced during the last recent shutdown, it will take 1261 02:02:04,880 --> 02:02:11,260 time to better understand even after the government shuts down when appropriations run out and 1262 02:02:11,260 --> 02:02:15,800 where there may be an impact that filters to states and cities. So we'll keep watching 1263 02:02:15,800 --> 02:02:20,020 developments and we can provide a fuller update with more information in two weeks when we meet 1264 02:02:20,020 --> 02:02:26,920 on Monday, February 9th, but just know that we're definitely in touch to try and figure out how 1265 02:02:26,920 --> 02:02:30,740 this might affect our community and ultimately the programs that we're running. 1266 02:02:31,380 --> 02:02:36,340 A final update just in terms of things that are happening that the council and the community 1267 02:02:36,340 --> 02:02:39,640 may be thinking about in the next couple of weeks. 1268 02:02:40,640 --> 02:02:44,840 A number of people in our community are very concerned over the expiration of temporary 1269 02:02:44,840 --> 02:02:46,880 protected status for Haitians. 1270 02:02:47,500 --> 02:02:50,280 That expires next Tuesday, February 3rd. 1271 02:02:50,680 --> 02:02:55,520 There is a court decision that is scheduled to be made the day before next Monday, February 1272 02:02:55,520 --> 02:02:59,460 2nd, and it may be possible that an injunction or an extension may be issued. 1273 02:02:59,460 --> 02:03:03,780 Certainly, the judge during a prior hearing was skeptical that the federal government had 1274 02:03:03,780 --> 02:03:07,740 sufficiently reviewed whether conditions in the ground and Haiti had improved. 1275 02:03:08,660 --> 02:03:13,400 Apparently, the only evidence of an actual review being conducted was a one sentence email 1276 02:03:13,400 --> 02:03:19,300 sent about an hour after an inquiry was made to the State Department, but we will find out 1277 02:03:19,300 --> 02:03:24,220 more in the coming week. I really wish there was more certainty that we could provide on what may 1278 02:03:24,220 --> 02:03:32,460 happen. It is generally the case that even without temporary protected status, people who are 1279 02:03:32,460 --> 02:03:37,360 in some pending asylum case would have legal protection. But given what we're seeing around the 1280 02:03:37,360 --> 02:03:42,220 country, it's also clear that ICE is picking people up, detaining folks and putting people 1281 02:03:42,220 --> 02:03:51,420 into deportation proceedings beyond, I think, what we have understood to be legal or policy within 1282 02:03:52,660 --> 02:03:58,620 within DHS. And so I think this is sort of a case where I would really continue to encourage 1283 02:03:58,620 --> 02:04:06,540 folks who are in these complicated statuses to be in touch with an immigration lawyer. We are 1284 02:04:06,540 --> 02:04:11,860 trying to provide resources so that anybody can get in touch with an immigration lawyer and have their 1285 02:04:11,860 --> 02:04:18,660 case worked on. But this is a tough time and really my heart is with everybody that's in these 1286 02:04:18,660 --> 02:04:24,100 situations. So I think those are the major updates, things that we have been tracking and watching, 1287 02:04:24,580 --> 02:04:31,000 and that will unfold over the next two weeks and very open to questions or comments from the 1288 02:04:31,000 --> 02:04:32,700 council. So thank you all. 1289 02:04:37,240 --> 02:04:41,160 Yes, thank you City Manager and you know, as has been mentioned, 1290 02:04:42,920 --> 02:04:48,120 these are really challenging times and sometimes it feels like we have more questions than answers 1291 02:04:48,120 --> 02:04:54,400 and as much information we can provide the community the better. I know my colleagues, 1292 02:04:54,840 --> 02:04:59,460 and I have all thought about and asked about how we can even strengthen. 1293 02:05:00,700 --> 02:05:09,460 So, I will ask that you raise your hand and I will then call on you in turn. And the raise hand feature is at the end. In the bottom of the screen. 1294 02:05:13,040 --> 02:05:15,580 I'll go to Councillor Malzubi. 1295 02:05:18,350 --> 02:05:23,810 Yeah, hey. Just want to say thank you for addressing the ways that our city is trying to be active about protecting our residents. 1296 02:05:24,310 --> 02:05:30,250 It'd be great to get a list of the resources and opportunities that you noted here. 1297 02:05:30,250 --> 02:05:36,090 And I also just want to also acknowledge the pain that you noted with the recent killings by ICE. 1298 02:05:36,710 --> 02:05:41,230 I will personally be continuing to work on an assessment of our welcoming city ordinance, 1299 02:05:41,390 --> 02:05:48,570 some are to what Mayor Sadiki noted, to ensure that our federal administration knows that when they are blurring the lines on who is what, 1300 02:05:48,690 --> 02:05:53,470 that we will be moving to ensure that we are as explicit as possible in non-cooperation. 1301 02:05:54,530 --> 02:05:56,670 I'll yield no questions there. 1302 02:05:58,050 --> 02:05:59,170 Councillor Fairety. 1303 02:06:01,640 --> 02:06:09,340 Thank you. Through you, Madam Mayor. I just note that the 9th Circuit is a problematic circuit and we just had a big win there. 1304 02:06:09,620 --> 02:06:24,700 One of the Amicus briefs that the city of Cambridge filed so congratulations to that. I've got a thought on our response to unlawful detention for a residence of city of Cambridge and maybe. 1305 02:06:24,700 --> 02:06:32,380 you know, the city solicitor and and the city manager is interested in establishing a 1306 02:06:32,940 --> 02:06:38,480 a volunteer network of lawyers, maybe 30 or 40 or 50 lawyers in the city of Cambridge, 1307 02:06:38,560 --> 02:06:44,020 everybody could take a day and be the only call lawyer if somebody is detained if there's 1308 02:06:44,020 --> 02:06:51,000 a surge in Cambridge, then we have a person who's identified for that day to go and file a 1309 02:06:51,000 --> 02:06:53,300 maybe as corpus petition in the federal court. 1310 02:06:53,540 --> 02:06:58,020 So the body's not removed because we're seeing this everywhere. 1311 02:06:58,980 --> 02:07:02,980 Just a thought and we can talk about it, but I can graduate the city on its efforts. 1312 02:07:03,680 --> 02:07:05,520 And let's keep it up. 1313 02:07:05,560 --> 02:07:06,740 Thank you so much. 1314 02:07:08,800 --> 02:07:10,260 I have councilor Nolan. 1315 02:07:13,700 --> 02:07:18,420 Thank you Mayor and thank you city manager and thank you my colleagues. 1316 02:07:18,920 --> 02:07:20,700 I do have a question on it. 1317 02:07:20,700 --> 02:07:27,120 It's a sensitive area to know how many of our residents are in temporary protected status, 1318 02:07:27,700 --> 02:07:34,200 but as the city manager referenced, one of the most, I think horrifying things that has 1319 02:07:34,200 --> 02:07:40,600 been happening is that this particular federal administration is literally taking people even at 1320 02:07:40,600 --> 02:07:48,920 the very point of when they are about to get their citizenship. They are not only ignoring the fact that 1321 02:07:48,920 --> 02:07:55,240 many folks are here legally seeking asylum, but even when they've gone through the entire process 1322 02:07:55,960 --> 02:08:02,100 followed every single rule and are about to finalize it. They have had no qualms about 1323 02:08:03,340 --> 02:08:10,500 picking up people and detaining them unlawfully. Do we have standing if it is and I realize this is a 1324 02:08:10,500 --> 02:08:17,200 question I'm throwing out? Would we have standing as a city if a resident is illegally detained to 1325 02:08:17,200 --> 02:08:19,340 and sue the federal government back. 1326 02:08:19,700 --> 02:08:22,500 Is that one of the tools in our toolkit 1327 02:08:22,500 --> 02:08:24,320 that we will be able to use? 1328 02:08:24,520 --> 02:08:27,340 I mean, one of the things that since they have no 1329 02:08:27,340 --> 02:08:28,800 coins at all about breaking the law, 1330 02:08:28,920 --> 02:08:31,620 the question is, can we, as a city, actually, 1331 02:08:31,620 --> 02:08:32,860 have standing them just curious? 1332 02:08:34,000 --> 02:08:36,480 And if we don't know then, I'll just, 1333 02:08:36,620 --> 02:08:38,880 I'll just, and I think the other related question 1334 02:08:38,880 --> 02:08:41,700 is, do we have a sense of how many families, 1335 02:08:41,900 --> 02:08:43,760 as Councilor Zumi said, getting information 1336 02:08:43,760 --> 02:08:46,200 out to the community to make sure all the families know 1337 02:08:47,320 --> 02:08:54,700 what their options are and as Councillor Flaherty said, if we could make sure that any residents have access to 1338 02:08:54,700 --> 02:08:59,420 perhaps in Pribono lawyers to help. Do we have any sense of how many residents this TPS affects? 1339 02:09:01,870 --> 02:09:03,450 I have solicitor, Mayor. 1340 02:09:05,330 --> 02:09:11,110 Thank you and through you, Madam Mayor. Just to the question on whether the city would have standing. 1341 02:09:12,550 --> 02:09:20,430 Unfortunately, I don't think the city would have standing in that instance where there's an individual who's unlawfully detained. 1342 02:09:22,690 --> 02:09:30,630 But I hear the points that several of you raised on looking at volunteer attorney services. 1343 02:10:00,880 --> 02:10:29,880 Once a month I believe answering questions and then also connecting clinic participants with ongoing legal support, but I think we will be continuing to look at ways we can partner with our legal service providers and partner with volunteer attorneys and see if there's any other programs that the city can be part of to help get the necessary legal services out to the immigrants. 1344 02:10:33,120 --> 02:10:35,980 And then Councilor Nill and you're taking question on the number. 1345 02:10:36,120 --> 02:10:36,580 Right. 1346 02:10:36,680 --> 02:10:38,560 Can we have any sense of that? 1347 02:10:39,380 --> 02:10:44,210 I'm sure that maybe a city manager, maybe we can look into that. 1348 02:10:45,500 --> 02:10:47,360 Yeah, we can look into it. 1349 02:10:47,960 --> 02:10:48,420 Yeah. 1350 02:10:49,000 --> 02:10:57,300 And then I actually think I just remind all of us that as we move forward, our welcoming ordinance is quite strong. 1351 02:10:57,440 --> 02:11:01,240 You know, we can always look at it to see if we can improve it. 1352 02:11:01,240 --> 02:11:05,820 The other thing we need to remember is that we need to insist on our rights if there are 1353 02:11:05,820 --> 02:11:15,760 laws broken in our city to make sure we will be the ones to ensure that they are taking 1354 02:11:15,760 --> 02:11:21,360 care of, you know, we know in many, in theapolis there's been a concerted effort to not even 1355 02:11:21,360 --> 02:11:26,560 allow local law enforcement to be involved and it's something we should probably proactively 1356 02:11:26,560 --> 02:11:34,100 think about how do we ensure that if if if I assault someone on the street our law enforcement 1357 02:11:34,100 --> 02:11:41,120 officers right fully so will be in charge of adjudicating that and looking at it and if 1358 02:11:41,120 --> 02:11:46,480 an isopist or assault someone which we have seen happen time and time again across the country 1359 02:11:46,880 --> 02:11:51,440 we need to make sure that we can hold them accountable we will not interfere with the federal 1360 02:11:51,440 --> 02:11:57,860 immigration work, however, when our own laws are broken, I think we need to proactively think about 1361 02:11:57,860 --> 02:12:06,280 how do we ensure that our law enforcement can enforce law and order when the laws are being broken by 1362 02:12:06,280 --> 02:12:12,000 federal officials. So I'm not sure that's an answerable question, but I do want to raise it now because we have 1363 02:12:12,000 --> 02:12:16,820 certainly seen it and clearly it will come up at some point here because they will be after us given 1364 02:12:16,820 --> 02:12:21,420 particularly our status as a as a city that stands strong. 1365 02:12:25,080 --> 02:12:32,710 We're going to concentrate on that matter through you, Mr. Manager, can you just remind 1366 02:12:34,630 --> 02:12:38,630 remind us that reports that we get from the police department on 1367 02:12:39,350 --> 02:12:42,630 Is activity in the city. Those are what every three months. 1368 02:12:43,930 --> 02:12:44,670 Oh, I'll have to do we get those. 1369 02:12:45,870 --> 02:12:50,190 I thought it might have been every it's either every three months every quarter or every six months. 1370 02:12:50,310 --> 02:12:55,130 check and I think we had one fairly recently in the fall. 1371 02:12:56,470 --> 02:13:00,750 I would just maybe recommend, especially if we're looking at there's going to be a potential 1372 02:13:00,750 --> 02:13:03,050 surge that maybe we get those reports more frequently. 1373 02:13:03,630 --> 02:13:09,550 I think people, as much as we communicate with folks in the community about what is actually 1374 02:13:09,550 --> 02:13:15,130 happening to the best of our knowledge, I think the better, I see on social media a lot 1375 02:13:15,130 --> 02:13:20,090 about people saying, you know, I just was spotted here, I just was spotted there, a lot 1376 02:13:20,090 --> 02:13:26,910 times those turn out not to be accurate. But again, everyone is so anxious and so on edge 1377 02:13:28,130 --> 02:13:35,150 that the more information we can provide and then going, you know, going for months or longer to 1378 02:13:35,150 --> 02:13:39,970 to give people information is probably too long given the way things are going and potentially 1379 02:13:39,970 --> 02:13:45,210 going to go. So if we can do that maybe more often, I think that would be helpful. 1380 02:13:46,430 --> 02:13:48,630 Yeah, that's all I have, Madam Mayor, I will. 1381 02:13:48,870 --> 02:13:49,730 Thank you, Madam Chair. 1382 02:13:49,950 --> 02:13:50,750 Through you, Mayor Sediki. 1383 02:13:51,270 --> 02:13:54,210 I think we can definitely, we can maybe be in touch 1384 02:13:54,210 --> 02:13:57,070 in terms of what is, what is better. 1385 02:13:57,210 --> 02:13:58,870 I mean, I think doing it monthly would be fine. 1386 02:13:59,130 --> 02:14:00,230 We currently have it quarterly. 1387 02:14:01,550 --> 02:14:05,930 There has not been a significant amount of ice 1388 02:14:05,930 --> 02:14:08,870 to tensions within the city of Cambridge, 1389 02:14:09,010 --> 02:14:11,330 but certainly I think our understanding is there's been more 1390 02:14:11,330 --> 02:14:14,410 activity in many of our surrounding communities 1391 02:14:14,410 --> 02:14:20,270 and of course we are very much watching for if there would be any indication that there's 1392 02:14:20,270 --> 02:14:25,730 going to be some sort of a surge or an uptick. So I appreciate that thought. 1393 02:14:25,950 --> 02:14:33,370 Councilor McGovern. Other questions comments from the City Council on this? 1394 02:14:35,620 --> 02:14:35,720 Seeing 1395 02:14:35,720 --> 02:14:45,300 then we'll be in touch with the City Manager on other items. So on our motion by Councillor 1396 02:14:45,300 --> 02:14:51,200 Simmons to place city manager gender number one on file. We'll do a roll call. 1397 02:14:51,500 --> 02:14:59,260 Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Vice Mayor Azim. Yes. Yes. Council of Flaherty. Yes. Yes. Council of McGuvern. 1398 02:15:00,000 --> 02:15:05,260 Number 1 is placed on file. We'll move on to city manager agenda item number 3. This has 1399 02:15:05,260 --> 02:15:12,040 transmitted communication from Ian Wong City manager. Relative for the appropriation of $100,000 received 1400 02:15:12,040 --> 02:15:17,180 from the Massachusetts School Building Authority to the public investment fund school, exterior 1401 02:15:17,180 --> 02:15:24,000 ordinary expenditures account to fund the feasibility study and schematic design costs for the 1402 02:15:24,000 --> 02:15:26,960 roof replacement project at the Cambridge Sports School, 1403 02:15:27,140 --> 02:15:29,040 located at 89 Elm Street. 1404 02:15:29,620 --> 02:15:31,100 Counselors, do you see you have the four? 1405 02:15:31,580 --> 02:15:34,360 Thank you, Mayor Sedicki. 1406 02:15:35,280 --> 02:15:36,480 I think it's great. 1407 02:15:36,600 --> 02:15:37,420 We got this grant. 1408 02:15:37,640 --> 02:15:42,140 I just wondered why a feasibility study, 1409 02:15:42,260 --> 02:15:45,420 or whether a feasibility study and a design 1410 02:15:45,420 --> 02:15:48,100 is needed for roof replacement, having, 1411 02:15:48,380 --> 02:15:51,020 I know a school is more complicated than a house, 1412 02:15:51,020 --> 02:16:03,220 But wouldn't a good roof or be able to come up with a plan and not need a hundred thousand dollars for feasibility study in a formal design. 1413 02:16:04,420 --> 02:16:08,100 So that's a question through you, Mayor Sediki, for the city manager. 1414 02:16:10,520 --> 02:16:16,820 So we have a bunch of school staff here, so we'll go to meet that. 1415 02:16:17,400 --> 02:16:18,460 Sure, thank you, Mayor. 1416 02:16:19,020 --> 02:16:29,380 Hi, my name is Gidad Konjukam, director of facilities for Cambridge Public Schools. I'm not sure if you can see me, but you can hear me, right? 1417 02:16:29,620 --> 02:16:29,680 Yeah. 1418 02:16:30,240 --> 02:16:30,900 Okay, excellent. 1419 02:16:31,680 --> 02:16:38,460 So I just want to explain, you know, Massachusetts School Building of Authority process. 1420 02:16:38,460 --> 02:16:53,960 So in order to get a program for accelerated repair, which is for replacement of roofs, 1421 02:16:54,480 --> 02:17:00,720 boilers and windows, we need to submit the statement of interest last year around this time. 1422 02:17:00,960 --> 02:17:06,440 After that, we get invited if we are selected based on the criteria that they have, 1423 02:17:06,440 --> 02:17:11,900 which is usually the age and the condition of the roof or the boiler or the window. 1424 02:17:12,540 --> 02:17:20,460 You get invited to do a feasibility study or a schematic design to see if we qualify 1425 02:17:21,600 --> 02:17:24,260 for being accepted into their program. 1426 02:17:25,060 --> 02:17:31,620 We finance the entire cost of the project and once the project is completed, we are 1427 02:17:31,620 --> 02:17:38,600 burst, certain rate, which is roughly between 30 and 40% of cost of the project. 1428 02:17:39,980 --> 02:17:47,260 These are MSB requirements. They're required us to do feasibility study. They also, if 1429 02:17:47,260 --> 02:17:58,900 we are selected to go forward with the process, they will assign us a designer and the 1430 02:17:59,520 --> 02:18:06,000 process, those are their rules. We've completed several projects, you know, with them in a past, 1431 02:18:08,180 --> 02:18:14,920 and it is definitely, you know, something, if we were doing it on our own, which we had 1432 02:18:14,920 --> 02:18:20,640 right now, we were in the midst of replacing a roof at a long-tailed Broadway, we would hire an architect 1433 02:18:21,240 --> 02:18:28,140 ourselves. This is required, these roofs are a little more complex. There's a lot to go into, 1434 02:18:28,140 --> 02:18:34,580 There's a lot of curves, a lot of things up on the roof is not just kind of like a flat 1435 02:18:34,580 --> 02:18:41,840 roof that can easily be done, so there's definitely some design that goes into it. 1436 02:18:41,840 --> 02:18:49,820 And we also need a design to go out to bed to the competitive buildings so that roof and 1437 02:18:49,820 --> 02:18:56,900 contractor know what they're building on, what the condition of substructure is and all 1438 02:18:56,900 --> 02:19:02,920 that so they can make up meaningful bid on the project. Thank you. 1439 02:19:03,020 --> 02:19:08,420 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Again, through you, Mayor Sadiki. That's really 1440 02:19:08,420 --> 02:19:16,720 helpful, helpful, Mr. Conject. And so we're not guaranteed of the funding from the state 1441 02:19:16,720 --> 02:19:22,560 or partial funding for the repair of the roof, but it sounds like it's likely if we follow 1442 02:19:22,560 --> 02:19:30,120 this procedure is that right? Yes, that is correct. Yeah. Anyway, sounds great and I thank you very 1443 02:19:30,120 --> 02:19:38,180 much for making this happen. Thank you. Do my colleagues have any other questions on this? 1444 02:19:39,940 --> 02:19:47,320 Thank you to the school staff who joined. Hearing none, we'll go ahead and do on a motion by 1445 02:19:47,320 --> 02:19:51,860 Councillor Zuzzi, a roll call on the appropriation and placing 1446 02:19:51,860 --> 02:19:54,840 city manager agenda item number three on file. 1447 02:19:55,280 --> 02:19:56,040 Councillor Luzzi. 1448 02:19:56,420 --> 02:19:56,960 Yes. 1449 02:19:57,260 --> 02:19:57,660 Yes. 1450 02:19:57,660 --> 02:19:58,500 Vice-mayorazine. 1451 02:19:59,040 --> 02:19:59,240 Yes. 1452 02:20:00,000 --> 02:20:07,600 The council of plurality. Yes. Yes. Council of McGuvern. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. 1453 02:20:07,600 --> 02:20:19,400 Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1454 02:20:21,700 --> 02:20:29,820 We have placed the item on file, the money has been appropriated, will move on to City Manager 1455 02:20:29,820 --> 02:20:31,280 agenda item number four. 1456 02:20:31,800 --> 02:20:36,260 This is transmitting a communication from Ian Wong City Manager relative to the appointment 1457 02:20:36,260 --> 02:20:41,360 of the following person's as public weirers for the calendar year 206 to operate scales 1458 02:20:41,360 --> 02:20:47,420 at 500 fronts street, Cambridge Massachusetts, 0.142, Councilor Suzy, you have a four. 1459 02:20:47,420 --> 02:20:53,280 Thank you so much, Mayor Siddiqui. I just wanted to hear more about this because it sounded very 1460 02:20:53,280 --> 02:21:00,960 mysterious to me. How long is the term? What is the function of the public wayers? I've never 1461 02:21:00,960 --> 02:21:07,160 heard of a public wayer. What are their qualifications? Are they paid? And I was looking at 1462 02:21:07,160 --> 02:21:13,340 500 front street. It looks like it's very close to MIT. Is it right beside MIT? I've never 1463 02:21:13,340 --> 02:21:18,660 noted a scale there. So I'm just eager to learn more about this through you Mayor Siddiqui. 1464 02:21:18,920 --> 02:21:23,920 I guess to Deputy City Manager, Kathy Watkins. 1465 02:21:25,540 --> 02:21:32,600 Hi, through you, Madam Mayor. I think we are having some technical difficulties. So ISD is trying to 1466 02:21:32,600 --> 02:21:39,360 log on who would be the best people to answer these questions. And so I genuinely apologize. 1467 02:21:39,360 --> 02:21:43,660 So I know Peter was trying to apologize, trying to log on. 1468 02:21:44,000 --> 02:21:46,080 We may have to get back to you on some of these questions. 1469 02:21:46,920 --> 02:21:47,720 So thank you, Anthony. 1470 02:21:48,660 --> 02:21:49,120 Yes. 1471 02:21:49,780 --> 02:21:51,000 Sorry about that. 1472 02:21:51,240 --> 02:21:51,540 Oh, perfect. 1473 02:21:51,700 --> 02:21:52,420 Thank you, Anthony. 1474 02:21:52,640 --> 02:21:54,140 I'm like, try to do it. 1475 02:21:54,140 --> 02:21:54,580 Thank you. 1476 02:21:54,680 --> 02:21:55,560 Anthony is here. 1477 02:21:55,720 --> 02:21:56,680 We're a good ambulance. 1478 02:21:57,180 --> 02:21:57,340 Sure. 1479 02:21:57,340 --> 02:21:58,340 I thank you, Councilor. 1480 02:21:58,340 --> 02:21:59,020 For that question. 1481 02:21:59,320 --> 02:22:00,360 Through you, Madam Mass. 1482 02:22:00,840 --> 02:22:01,320 Publicways. 1483 02:22:01,660 --> 02:22:03,460 In Massachusetts, cities and towns. 1484 02:22:04,600 --> 02:22:05,660 Swear and Publicways. 1485 02:22:06,240 --> 02:22:08,920 For businesses to ensure accuracy and fairness. 1486 02:22:08,920 --> 02:22:14,300 with their state consumer protection laws of sale of goods and weights and measures. 1487 02:22:14,500 --> 02:22:20,800 This practice is mandated by Mass General Law, Chapter 41, Section 85, which requires 1488 02:22:20,800 --> 02:22:29,280 mass and city councils to appoint wares upon request to verify accuracy of commodities, particularly 1489 02:22:29,280 --> 02:22:32,020 in heavy materials like stone and sand. 1490 02:22:32,780 --> 02:22:40,960 When it is, as Boston Senator Gravel had, sell such large volumes of goods, these public 1491 02:22:40,960 --> 02:22:49,100 ways sworn in to certify that the goods that they sell weigh to according to law. 1492 02:22:49,780 --> 02:22:58,420 They do go through quarterly third-party inspection, and we do join them once a year on 1493 02:22:58,420 --> 02:23:04,700 third party, especially in Sean, is our inspector who does that, is online also. 1494 02:23:06,760 --> 02:23:12,180 I think one of your questions was, do they get paid? They get paid by Boston Sending Gravel, 1495 02:23:13,280 --> 02:23:20,660 not by us, and it's just to safeguard against public fraud and carelessness 1496 02:23:22,500 --> 02:23:23,880 involving weights and measures. 1497 02:23:25,500 --> 02:23:26,380 So, is there anything? 1498 02:23:26,640 --> 02:23:28,620 Yeah, through Mayor Sadikis, 1499 02:23:28,620 --> 02:23:30,620 if I wanted to be a public wear 1500 02:23:30,620 --> 02:23:33,520 what sort of credentials would I need to have? 1501 02:23:34,800 --> 02:23:36,660 Well, I, through you, Madam Mayor, 1502 02:23:37,740 --> 02:23:41,920 trust you would work for the company that you're being sworn in to. 1503 02:23:43,340 --> 02:23:45,340 You know, we have a weights and measures 1504 02:23:46,080 --> 02:23:48,900 department that go, that's fuel and special services. 1505 02:23:48,900 --> 02:23:58,640 we do all of the smaller scales. This particular business, the such large volumes, we don't, we 1506 02:23:58,640 --> 02:24:04,580 we don't have the equipment to do this. A lot of cities and towns and Massachusetts that have this 1507 02:24:04,580 --> 02:24:10,900 type of business do swearing publicoyers. 1508 02:24:12,580 --> 02:24:27,220 So are they so are they like civil and so mostly it's a check-in balance system it sounds like so you just you need a reliable honest person who might have some mechanical ability that would check this scales 1509 02:24:27,220 --> 02:24:32,960 Is that it I mean why so why would why would we need like nine of those? 1510 02:24:34,240 --> 02:24:36,960 People because do they take turns or? 1511 02:24:38,660 --> 02:24:45,220 through you, through you matter, yes, I think they all work in different shifts in different 1512 02:24:45,220 --> 02:24:51,820 capacities I've fostered seeing and gravel, whether it's what they're selling or what 1513 02:24:51,820 --> 02:24:57,160 they're weighing, what materials are going out, it's a different different people. 1514 02:24:57,740 --> 02:24:59,800 Okay, I'm just absolutely fascinated. 1515 02:25:00,000 --> 02:25:06,220 But I never heard of the square occupation, and thank you for telling me about it. Thank you, I yield. 1516 02:25:07,240 --> 02:25:08,100 Councillor Simmons. 1517 02:25:08,700 --> 02:25:14,940 Thank you, Mayor Chair. I'm just kind of following up behind council, Zuzzi, and I want to thank her for raising 1518 02:25:14,940 --> 02:25:21,220 this question, because as I was reading through the agenda and became to this particular item, 1519 02:25:21,320 --> 02:25:25,880 one thought I had was I went to how many members actually know what these folks do, so 1520 02:25:25,880 --> 02:25:27,720 of us do have been around for a while. 1521 02:25:27,720 --> 02:25:29,880 Some of us might have known and didn't remember. 1522 02:25:30,660 --> 02:25:34,700 And so I raised this and support my colleague and her queries. 1523 02:25:36,080 --> 02:25:38,220 So I don't have any objections to concerns. 1524 02:25:38,760 --> 02:25:41,940 But I do want to point out that the city manager 1525 02:25:43,200 --> 02:25:47,300 should be better about providing information 1526 02:25:47,300 --> 02:25:50,220 of sentence or to this is, you know, wait some measures. 1527 02:25:50,360 --> 02:25:51,700 And this is what the person does 1528 02:25:51,700 --> 02:25:53,680 because everyone doesn't know. 1529 02:25:53,720 --> 02:25:55,340 Including the people that might be viewing in. 1530 02:25:55,340 --> 02:25:57,760 We're not only identifying ourselves as counselors, 1531 02:25:57,760 --> 02:25:59,600 but we're telling the people that are viewing in. 1532 02:25:59,760 --> 02:26:01,520 So, what are these people that they're appointing? 1533 02:26:01,560 --> 02:26:02,140 What do they do? 1534 02:26:02,360 --> 02:26:03,120 What are they for? 1535 02:26:03,780 --> 02:26:05,420 The other thing that we don't know, 1536 02:26:05,840 --> 02:26:07,080 because we don't know who they are, 1537 02:26:07,580 --> 02:26:10,000 we don't know why they're qualified for these roles, 1538 02:26:10,340 --> 02:26:11,460 or even what the roles are. 1539 02:26:11,660 --> 02:26:12,480 So, thank you again. 1540 02:26:12,660 --> 02:26:15,400 That's what it now is by calling for raising that. 1541 02:26:15,400 --> 02:26:17,260 And I just think as we go forward, 1542 02:26:18,100 --> 02:26:20,200 it would be helpful to have some consistency 1543 02:26:21,000 --> 02:26:23,360 across the appointments of boards and commissions, 1544 02:26:23,360 --> 02:26:30,980 And quasi-employees, if you will, because I don't know what, really, to identify these individuals 1545 02:26:32,260 --> 02:26:39,560 as, but having some consistency on the communication and the information that we render on these 1546 02:26:39,560 --> 02:26:46,080 appointments that we're supposed to approve, the information in the context that we're getting 1547 02:26:46,080 --> 02:26:51,920 is in the record and that anyone has access to it. And I think it's better for us as counselors 1548 02:26:51,920 --> 02:26:54,660 that we know who and what we're voting to approve. 1549 02:26:55,080 --> 02:26:56,240 So with that, I yield a floor. 1550 02:26:56,460 --> 02:26:57,020 Thank you, Manager. 1551 02:26:59,300 --> 02:27:00,320 Thank you, Councillor Simmons. 1552 02:27:00,760 --> 02:27:02,640 Any other questions on this? 1553 02:27:05,640 --> 02:27:07,500 Hearing then, the clerk claimed, 1554 02:27:07,520 --> 02:27:08,980 Crayon, did you have your hand up? 1555 02:27:09,620 --> 02:27:12,440 I did. I just wanted to add that these terms 1556 02:27:12,440 --> 02:27:14,040 are usually for one year. 1557 02:27:14,420 --> 02:27:17,280 The City Clerk's office goes out on site yearly 1558 02:27:17,280 --> 02:27:20,440 and swiss these public wares in. 1559 02:27:20,720 --> 02:27:21,960 I know that was a question. 1560 02:27:23,340 --> 02:27:23,940 Thank you, Kirk. 1561 02:27:24,860 --> 02:27:31,560 And to folks' points, I think, you know, if there's a way we can get some more information 1562 02:27:31,560 --> 02:27:38,080 about what this is, what public wares are, so that it's on the record. 1563 02:27:39,760 --> 02:27:48,700 Seeing no one else, we'll, on a motion by Councillor Zusie to approve the appointments and 1564 02:27:48,700 --> 02:27:53,300 place, city manager, agenda, and before on file, we'll do a real call. 1565 02:27:53,740 --> 02:27:57,540 Councilor LZB. Yes. Yes. Vice Mayor Azine. Yes. 1566 02:27:57,820 --> 02:28:03,400 Yes. Councilor Flaherty. Yes. Yes. Councilor McGuvern. Yes. 1567 02:28:03,400 --> 02:28:08,560 Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. 1568 02:28:09,060 --> 02:28:13,320 Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councilor Zucy. Yes. 1569 02:28:13,720 --> 02:28:16,120 Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. 1570 02:28:16,120 --> 02:28:18,060 of nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1571 02:28:19,540 --> 02:28:22,300 The appointments have been approved and City Manager, 1572 02:28:22,600 --> 02:28:24,360 Gender and Forest placed on file. 1573 02:28:24,860 --> 02:28:28,040 We're moving on to City Manager agenda item of five. 1574 02:28:28,400 --> 02:28:31,240 Transmitting communication from Ian Wong City Manager relative 1575 02:28:31,240 --> 02:28:33,940 to the appointment, reappointment of the following people 1576 02:28:33,940 --> 02:28:37,700 to the recycling advisory committee for terms of three years. 1577 02:28:38,200 --> 02:28:39,700 Councillor Nolan, you have before. 1578 02:28:40,900 --> 02:28:41,760 Thank you, Mayor Sedik. 1579 02:28:41,760 --> 02:28:43,900 You're very excited to see this on the agenda. 1580 02:28:43,900 --> 02:29:12,520 And the reason I pulled is I do have a question on how the appointments were made in the process by which both the reappointments and the new members, it's it's great that while there's a total of nine that are required it can be as many as 20 or 24 so this last term we spent a lot of time working to make updates to the zero waste master plan and there's been many many discussions around how it is that we can improve all of the city operations related to recycling. 1581 02:29:12,520 --> 02:29:17,440 And part of that initiative around the changes we're making more aggressive benchmarks or 1582 02:29:17,440 --> 02:29:21,880 dense changes to reduce waste, take the first steps for the first time toward a single 1583 02:30:00,000 --> 02:30:15,720 This is a look at candidates who were inclined to advocate for strong improvements in waste reduction and or additionally specifically looking for candidates who would help oversight of existing and future city practices. I just want to make sure candidates for these boards and commissions. 1584 02:30:16,380 --> 02:30:28,880 And this is just one of them, as we go through them, there will be a lot more boards and commissions are not only dedicated residents, but really able to help us perform a very critical role in oversight and management. 1585 02:30:28,880 --> 02:30:36,120 not just given input or hearing about plans of the city, but to actually be able to inform 1586 02:30:36,120 --> 02:30:41,440 develop, create, and push the city to be the best that it can be in these areas. 1587 02:30:41,680 --> 02:30:45,300 And particularly for this advisor committee, I think it's critically important role, 1588 02:30:46,100 --> 02:30:50,820 so that we can have a successful implementation of the zero waste master plan for already behind 1589 02:30:50,820 --> 02:30:56,040 on a couple of the ideas that were supposed to be promulgated up by now, so I'm just really 1590 02:30:56,040 --> 02:31:08,060 I wanted to understand how the process included that somewhat expanded vision for what our zero waste master plan will bring to the city and this RAC will be key to that. 1591 02:31:09,080 --> 02:31:10,720 What are the deputy city manager? 1592 02:31:11,540 --> 02:31:13,920 Thank you through your mayor, city key. 1593 02:31:14,560 --> 02:31:17,120 So I think they were trying to get promoted, hopefully they did. 1594 02:31:17,700 --> 02:31:24,680 We have Jennifer Matthews who is the deputy commissioner of public works in Michael or who is the recycling director who I will turn it over to that. 1595 02:31:24,680 --> 02:31:28,120 can talk about respond to your questions, Councilor Nolan. 1596 02:31:29,980 --> 02:31:33,300 Hi. This is my gore through you, Madam Mayor. 1597 02:31:34,160 --> 02:31:39,700 So the interview process was, you know, first of all, we look at, you know, how many 1598 02:31:39,700 --> 02:31:45,300 people applied. We look at geographic diversity of applicants. You know, we want to just make 1599 02:31:45,300 --> 02:31:50,940 sure we have like a well-rounded group of people on the committee. But then we do look at 1600 02:31:50,940 --> 02:31:56,620 specific qualifications like we have one candidate who was a chief communications officer 1601 02:31:56,620 --> 02:32:01,820 and has a lot of insight as to like how to communicate around zero waste or things in the 1602 02:32:01,820 --> 02:32:08,040 climate realm. But then we also have different kind of candidates that are maybe newer to the 1603 02:32:08,040 --> 02:32:14,240 zero waste kind of lifestyle or lack of a better word that can offer different insights. 1604 02:32:14,920 --> 02:32:19,440 So we like to balance different ages, different backgrounds, different parts of the city, 1605 02:32:20,200 --> 02:32:24,680 people that are in the industry and so people that are not in the industry, so we have 1606 02:32:25,720 --> 02:32:31,240 a representative from Harvard and MIT that are both in the zero-waste kind of like their 1607 02:32:31,240 --> 02:32:37,700 job descriptions fully covered the zero-waste initiatives and then we have people that 1608 02:32:37,700 --> 02:32:44,480 that have worked in industry as plastics manufacturers or different kind of individuals and 1609 02:32:44,480 --> 02:32:50,300 circularity thing. So, I think we have a pretty well-rounded group here. It is a relatively 1610 02:32:50,300 --> 02:32:55,180 large advisor committee, but we do like giving a lot of different people inside. When we have 1611 02:32:55,180 --> 02:33:00,740 so many applicants that are volunteering for voluntary committee, we like to give them the opportunity. 1612 02:33:05,000 --> 02:33:11,860 One thing I would add to that through Madam Mayor, Councillor Nolan, we are in the process of 1613 02:33:11,860 --> 02:33:17,740 finalizing draft ordinance changes to affect the changes that were anticipated in the zero 1614 02:33:17,740 --> 02:33:23,040 waste master plan 2.0 and one of the changes that we will be proposing that I think is consistent 1615 02:33:23,040 --> 02:33:27,460 with some of the issues you braised is changing the name of the recycling advisory committee 1616 02:33:27,460 --> 02:33:33,380 to the waste reduction advisory committee and really refocusing their work on zero waste initiatives 1617 02:33:33,380 --> 02:33:39,820 broadly. So again, looking at this and thinking about it not simply as recycling but the very 1618 02:33:39,820 --> 02:33:46,160 the varied ways that that this group will be helping to advise on zero waste initiatives. 1619 02:33:49,000 --> 02:33:54,140 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I'm speaking. Thank you. My gore and Jennifer. 1620 02:33:54,920 --> 02:33:58,780 That's terrific. It wasn't really responsive to the question though. The question really was, 1621 02:33:59,180 --> 02:34:04,700 as we were recruiting and talking to these people, was it very clear that oversight monitoring, 1622 02:34:05,040 --> 02:34:09,000 not just being told that the issues are not just communicating the issues, 1623 02:34:09,000 --> 02:34:14,340 but actually taking a much more intentional approach 1624 02:34:15,240 --> 02:34:16,420 to our zero-wise offline. 1625 02:34:16,500 --> 02:34:19,740 We've had some successes in the zero-waste 1626 02:34:19,740 --> 02:34:20,680 and recycling area. 1627 02:34:20,820 --> 02:34:22,660 And we've had some really stalled out, 1628 02:34:22,740 --> 02:34:24,920 which is part of why zero-waste master plan 2.0 1629 02:34:24,920 --> 02:34:26,880 was really significant, exciting. 1630 02:34:27,120 --> 02:34:29,620 However, this committee, again, 1631 02:34:29,960 --> 02:34:31,760 like, as I've said with many of our other committees, 1632 02:34:31,820 --> 02:34:33,260 let's really make use of the volunteers 1633 02:34:33,260 --> 02:34:35,280 in the community who are very interested in this. 1634 02:34:35,820 --> 02:34:38,720 So my question was that part of the interview process 1635 02:34:38,720 --> 02:34:45,060 to let them know that they do have a role that we want them to push us and, again, go forward 1636 02:34:45,060 --> 02:34:48,540 with this renaming the committee as good, that the other ordinance changes are ones 1637 02:34:48,540 --> 02:34:53,580 who are really eagerly awaiting for commercial food waste, you know, and terminology matters 1638 02:34:53,580 --> 02:34:57,960 as, you know, we thought really hard to have it be food waste, not compost, however, there's 1639 02:34:57,960 --> 02:34:59,980 so many other things we really need to work on. 1640 02:35:00,000 --> 02:35:29,340 And meet our goals that I'm just curious, again, in this interview process, whether that was part of the approach to ensure that people coming on are going to be the types of people who are not only capable of creating and giving input, because that's our job is into listen to them, but also have an attitude that, you know, to push the city to really do all we can, because that's what we all need and hopefully want from these boards and commissions. If that makes sense as a question, I just want to be very clear about that part of the question. 1641 02:35:32,460 --> 02:35:37,800 Sure, through you, Madam Mayor, you know, we did talk extensively about how we do have a 1642 02:35:37,800 --> 02:35:43,220 news zero waste master plan and we do want this committee to have a lot of 1643 02:35:43,900 --> 02:35:49,720 kind of stake in helping us reach those goals. And you know, I think that's something that we can 1644 02:35:49,720 --> 02:35:56,020 continue to work on is kind of like, on our monthly meetings and even between meetings, just trying 1645 02:35:56,020 --> 02:36:02,020 to figure out like how to empower the committee as much as possible to like help push us along. 1646 02:36:02,020 --> 02:36:31,860 to meeting these goals. I mean, it is a little bit tricky. I mean, because, you know, there's a lot of people that are coming from different backgrounds, and they may not fully understand everything in the waste world or like the operations, but, you know, as we start getting more versed, and as we get a lot of these new candidates, interested and more involved in the DPW, it'll help kind of bring out, I think, a better kind of opportunity for them to not just along. And so that's something that we can definitely look a lot more closely at. 1647 02:36:33,490 --> 02:36:47,310 Great, thank you. And again, this is going to be triple boards and commission. I think that we're going to be doing our job better if we take advantage and really use these boards and commissions and particularly in this area. I think it's going to be critically important. 1648 02:36:48,070 --> 02:36:58,490 As you know, I'm I'm that this is a great plan and yet it could have been even more aggressive and any other timeline is we really need to meet these timelines so we can get on to zero waste master plan. 1649 02:36:59,270 --> 02:37:00,390 D.C.M. 1650 02:37:00,430 --> 02:37:04,290 Walkins may not like this, but I'm already thinking of their way to master plan 3.0. 1651 02:37:04,590 --> 02:37:05,790 Once we get through this. 1652 02:37:06,430 --> 02:37:09,050 So thank you with that Mayor Siddiqui, I yield. 1653 02:37:09,250 --> 02:37:10,330 I will be approving these. 1654 02:37:10,430 --> 02:37:11,930 There's a terrific array of people. 1655 02:37:12,270 --> 02:37:24,090 And I do hope they hear the message and the staff hear the message that we'd really love to have this group be part of the solution to so many of these issues that are critically important for the city moving forward. 1656 02:37:24,150 --> 02:37:24,990 Thank you, I yield. 1657 02:37:24,990 --> 02:37:32,690 Councillor Nolan yields, don't see any other questions on this item, so on a motion by Councillor 1658 02:37:32,690 --> 02:37:40,610 Nolan to prove the appointments placed in the agenda item number five on file, will 1659 02:37:40,610 --> 02:37:48,410 do a roll call please? Councillor Elzuby. Yes. Yes. Vice-marazine. Yes. Yes. Councillor Flaherty. Yes. 1660 02:37:48,410 --> 02:37:53,430 Yes, Councilwoman govern. Yes. Yes, Councilor Nolan. 1661 02:37:57,910 --> 02:38:10,310 Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons. Yes, Councilor Sabrina Wailer. Yes. Yes, Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes, Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes, and you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1662 02:38:10,310 --> 02:38:16,510 The appointments are approved and City Manager Agenda I Amr5 is placed on file. 1663 02:38:17,350 --> 02:38:20,270 We are moving on to City Manager Agenda I Amr7. 1664 02:38:20,670 --> 02:38:29,690 Transmanic Communication from Ian Huang City Manager relative to the appropriation of 226,880 dollars 1665 02:38:29,990 --> 02:38:37,550 from the Emergency Solutions grant to the grant fund Human Services salary and wages and other ordinary maintenance accounts. 1666 02:38:37,550 --> 02:38:39,370 Councillor Simmons, you have before. 1667 02:38:40,090 --> 02:38:40,970 Thank you, Madam Chair. 1668 02:38:41,570 --> 02:38:47,870 So tonight we're off to rising the 226,880 dollars in emergency solutions grant funding. 1669 02:38:48,510 --> 02:38:53,470 In every dollar of this allocation is directed to a homeless assistance and shelter operation 1670 02:38:53,470 --> 02:38:58,250 for central services, private housing, and homelessness prevention. 1671 02:38:59,410 --> 02:39:05,150 And so this is not discretionary spending, it is core, it is core to how we need our obligations 1672 02:39:05,150 --> 02:39:10,950 to some of our most vulnerable residents, and the city, but at the same time I think it's important 1673 02:39:10,950 --> 02:39:11,710 to be candid. 1674 02:39:13,270 --> 02:39:18,050 Over the past several years, this council and the city has encountered some troubling concerns 1675 02:39:18,050 --> 02:39:22,850 related to the experiences of people utilizing some of our local shelters. 1676 02:39:23,470 --> 02:39:28,570 Those concerns of comfort residents, advocates, and service users themselves. 1677 02:39:28,570 --> 02:39:34,630 They range from safety issues to dignity and respect to how complaints that we see and address. 1678 02:39:35,050 --> 02:39:40,170 And so while the city does not directly operate these shelters, we are not without responsibility. 1679 02:39:41,950 --> 02:39:47,870 From my point of view, when public dollars are being invested, especially federal dollars, 1680 02:40:00,000 --> 02:40:11,720 Expectations. So, for me, oversight cannot be symbolic, accountability cannot be cosmetic. My support for this appropriation comes with the expectation that the city will most 1681 02:40:11,720 --> 02:40:21,280 strangely assert its influence with the shelter partners. And what does that mean? That means insisting upon meaningful responses from concerns are raised, 1682 02:40:21,820 --> 02:40:29,060 not procedural box checking or temporary fixes designated to quiet criticism. It needs a willingness to look honestly 1683 02:40:29,060 --> 02:40:35,960 at patterns, not just individual incidents, and to push for real improvements in the practice 1684 02:40:35,960 --> 02:40:40,720 in the culture. I particularly trust that the city manager's approaching these agreements 1685 02:40:40,720 --> 02:40:46,060 carefully and deliberately, and that when this funding is dispersed, it is paired with 1686 02:40:46,060 --> 02:40:53,160 clear standards, active monitoring, and sharing understanding that the partnership does not mean 1687 02:40:53,160 --> 02:40:55,100 application of our responsibility. 1688 02:40:56,100 --> 02:40:59,680 So our most vulnerable residents deserve better than lip service. 1689 02:40:59,940 --> 02:41:05,020 And our partnership understand that continued public investment carries real expectations. 1690 02:41:05,940 --> 02:41:07,620 Thank you, and I yield the floor. 1691 02:41:10,290 --> 02:41:11,250 Thank you, Councillor Simmons. 1692 02:41:11,470 --> 02:41:13,070 I see Councillor Susie's. 1693 02:41:14,730 --> 02:41:19,350 For you, Mayor Siddiqui, I just wanted to thank this is great news that we got this grant. 1694 02:41:19,350 --> 02:41:28,230 So is it a federal grant and were we anticipating it or are we just thrilled that we got this money? 1695 02:41:31,080 --> 02:41:36,540 Do you know what I mean? Was it budgeted? Were we anticipating, is this something we get every year? Is this something new? 1696 02:41:36,540 --> 02:41:38,180 Does this incident manage the seminar? 1697 02:41:39,840 --> 02:41:46,420 To you, Madam Mayor, this is a federal grant that we have received for a very long time. 1698 02:41:46,820 --> 02:41:56,120 This was, as you may recall, many of our HUD related grants were subject to conditions. 1699 02:41:56,560 --> 02:42:03,700 Either we weren't getting the money or they were subject to conditions that it wasn't clear we could agree to. 1700 02:42:03,700 --> 02:42:21,700 The fact that we are appropriating the money now is a result of HUD having entered into agreements which included our, and the, and if Megan still here, if you have more question, she could join in. 1701 02:42:21,700 --> 02:42:42,020 But, which included are being able to cross out the conditions that were unacceptable because of the pending injunction in the King lawsuit that is which we've talked about a number of times here. 1702 02:42:42,020 --> 02:42:52,300 but this particular funding, the city manager, knowing that we had the federal funding allowed 1703 02:42:52,300 --> 02:42:59,300 us to actually contract with these shelters beginning in July because although it's not 1704 02:42:59,300 --> 02:43:05,730 a lot of money for each of the individual shelters, they count on this money and so we were 1705 02:43:06,710 --> 02:43:14,450 operating under the assumption that if those funds did not ultimately get released by HUD, 1706 02:43:14,950 --> 02:43:20,650 that these would be covered through that federal stabilization fund fortunately. 1707 02:43:22,510 --> 02:43:26,570 We now have been given authority by HUD to go ahead, 1708 02:43:26,890 --> 02:43:34,570 and so we will be able to continue this funding to the various shelters. 1709 02:43:34,570 --> 02:43:51,610 And if I might say something in response to Councillor Simmons, I appreciate your comments and I know that we worked closely with your office over the course of the last year, last two years. 1710 02:43:51,610 --> 02:44:11,750 When there were some complaints and we were able to develop stronger systems for supporting individuals who had complaints in the shelters and I want to say that something which we would expect 1711 02:44:11,750 --> 02:44:16,070 to continue to happen as we move forward. 1712 02:44:18,120 --> 02:44:20,260 That's what's associated with you, have anything else? 1713 02:44:20,740 --> 02:44:27,920 Yeah, I just thank you so much, and I'm so grateful, former assistant city manager, 1714 02:44:28,660 --> 02:44:35,280 seven off that you are still here and engaged in helping us in so many different ways. 1715 02:44:35,340 --> 02:44:36,240 Thank you so much. 1716 02:44:36,700 --> 02:44:42,140 Through you, Madam Mayor, I just want to say, I'm just here through this weekend, 1717 02:44:42,460 --> 02:44:45,160 and then we will have a new assistant city manager. 1718 02:44:45,160 --> 02:44:51,060 So you will just be seeing me as a constituent no longer as the assistant city manager. 1719 02:44:51,660 --> 02:44:54,310 Thank you. We're very lucky to have you so close by. 1720 02:44:55,220 --> 02:44:57,520 Councillor Simmons did you have anything else? 1721 02:45:00,080 --> 02:45:07,580 Our, our treating our clients and residents some respectfully. So thank you for that. 1722 02:45:07,700 --> 02:45:11,760 And it's all the way. I was going to say, I thought you'd be tired, but I'm glad you're here. 1723 02:45:12,080 --> 02:45:15,040 It's always good to see you. Are you the floor madam, too? 1724 02:45:16,080 --> 02:45:29,640 I do not see any other hands on this. So on our motion by Councillor Simmons on the appropriation and placing city manager agenda item number seven on file will do a roll call. 1725 02:45:29,640 --> 02:45:40,200 Councilor Elzumbi. Yes. Yes. Vice Mayor Azine. Yes. Yes. Councilor Flarrady. Yes. Yes. Councilor McGuvern. Yes. Yes. 1726 02:45:40,220 --> 02:45:47,540 Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. 1727 02:45:47,540 --> 02:45:53,580 Councilor Susie. Yes. Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1728 02:45:53,580 --> 02:46:01,730 If the money has been appropriated and city manager agenda item number seven is placed on file. 1729 02:46:02,120 --> 02:46:05,220 We're moving on to city manager agenda item number 10. 1730 02:46:05,480 --> 02:46:09,800 A communication transmitted from the N. Wong city manager relative to the appointment or 1731 02:46:09,800 --> 02:46:14,440 re-appointment of the following people as possible for terms of three years. 1732 02:46:14,620 --> 02:46:16,080 Councillor Azusa, you have the floor. 1733 02:46:17,280 --> 02:46:18,500 Thank you so much, Mayor City. 1734 02:46:18,640 --> 02:46:19,700 Just a quick question. 1735 02:46:19,700 --> 02:46:24,840 And again, I know there's a constable that opens up the Harvard Commencement every year. 1736 02:46:25,220 --> 02:46:34,780 I did a little Googling and I understand that they serve legal process, eviction, provide eviction notices and do other law enforcement. 1737 02:46:35,620 --> 02:46:39,480 Are these usually police members of our police force that do this work? 1738 02:46:40,240 --> 02:46:43,400 And again, is it a paid position? 1739 02:46:43,800 --> 02:46:44,960 Is it a full-time position? 1740 02:46:45,460 --> 02:46:47,400 Or is it an honorary position? 1741 02:46:53,080 --> 02:47:05,540 Thank you through you Madam Mayor, so a constable is a position established under state law and we also have an ordinance on constables. 1742 02:47:06,220 --> 02:47:15,200 We don't employ them, they're not employees of the city but it's a designation that the city is authorized to appoint someone with. 1743 02:47:15,200 --> 02:47:25,440 Often, private security companies employ constables, or, as you mentioned, service, you know, 1744 02:47:25,740 --> 02:47:29,660 process service servers are often, are constables. 1745 02:47:30,580 --> 02:47:36,480 So when in constable is appointed with the power to serve process, they are process servers. 1746 02:47:37,900 --> 02:47:53,500 And the city's role is doing a background investigation that if you want to hear more about the police commissioner can speak to, and then the city manager appoints the Constable for a term of three years. 1747 02:47:53,500 --> 02:47:54,500 So, 1748 02:47:57,120 --> 02:47:59,860 do we have one or do we have many? 1749 02:48:01,380 --> 02:48:03,540 I'm not sure you might have there are multiple 1750 02:48:04,380 --> 02:48:04,900 Constables. 1751 02:48:06,160 --> 02:48:08,400 So when they're they're term is up there. 1752 02:48:08,740 --> 02:48:10,820 Re-appointed or someone new is appointed. 1753 02:48:11,660 --> 02:48:13,460 It comes up before the council. 1754 02:48:14,820 --> 02:48:16,400 I don't know the exact number. 1755 02:48:16,560 --> 02:48:20,380 The city manager's office might have that information of how many have been appointed. 1756 02:48:21,600 --> 02:48:22,920 Through you, Mayor Citikey. 1757 02:48:22,920 --> 02:48:24,920 I think councilors use to you may be thinking 1758 02:48:24,920 --> 02:48:28,100 in terms of Harvard commencement of the middle sex sheriff, 1759 02:48:28,580 --> 02:48:30,260 of which there is only one. 1760 02:48:32,840 --> 02:48:37,100 OK, again, it's just a mystery to me about who these people are. 1761 02:48:37,280 --> 02:48:41,920 So a private security firm might provide them, 1762 02:48:41,940 --> 02:48:43,440 make them accessible to the city, 1763 02:48:43,620 --> 02:48:47,040 and we hire them, who hires them. 1764 02:48:47,400 --> 02:48:48,720 Did you hire them? 1765 02:48:49,000 --> 02:48:49,580 City manager. 1766 02:48:49,580 --> 02:49:00,980 But so if I may, through you, Madam Mayor, it's the title and the authority is designated 1767 02:49:00,980 --> 02:49:07,460 by the City Manager by state law, but they're not city employees, they're not police officers, 1768 02:49:08,160 --> 02:49:13,940 we do not, the city does not employ constables, just the City Manager by state law has the 1769 02:49:13,940 --> 02:49:18,160 authority to designate to appoint someone to be a constable. 1770 02:49:18,160 --> 02:49:32,180 And so like I said, some are employed by private security firms, some work for a process server company or themselves have a, you know, self-employed doing process serving. 1771 02:49:32,900 --> 02:49:35,040 So that that type of work. 1772 02:49:35,540 --> 02:49:35,560 Yeah. 1773 02:49:36,080 --> 02:49:36,880 Thank you. 1774 02:49:37,080 --> 02:49:39,060 Yeah, thank you so much for that clarification. 1775 02:49:40,320 --> 02:49:40,920 I yield. 1776 02:49:41,920 --> 02:49:44,160 Any other questions on this? 1777 02:49:45,020 --> 02:49:56,840 Hearing none, seeing none, we'll go ahead on a motion by Councillor Zuzzi to prove the appointments and place City Manager at Gender Item 10 on file. 1778 02:49:57,560 --> 02:49:58,520 Councillor Zuzzi. 1779 02:49:58,900 --> 02:49:59,200 Yes. 1780 02:50:00,000 --> 02:50:16,780 Yes. Yes, Councillor Zucing. Yes. Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. The appointments are approved. And city manager agenda item number 10 is placed on file for moving on to city manager agenda item number 11. 1781 02:50:17,240 --> 02:50:29,980 A communication transmitted from Iran wants to imagine relative to a waiting report item number 25-69 regarding review of the previous home real petition and preparing a new petition that would allow Cambridge and that. 1782 02:50:29,980 --> 02:50:33,380 to real estate transfer fee to be sent to the state legislature. 1783 02:50:33,900 --> 02:50:35,300 Councillor Nolan, you have the floor. 1784 02:50:36,320 --> 02:50:37,280 Thank you, Mayor Sediki. 1785 02:50:38,120 --> 02:50:46,060 I am this is an exciting time to, we have to refile this petition because the council has 1786 02:50:46,060 --> 02:50:51,760 sent several into the state legislature each time it is not gone through, but we do have to 1787 02:50:51,760 --> 02:50:53,220 refile it in order to be heard. 1788 02:50:53,240 --> 02:50:57,780 There have been some questions raised about, for instance, whether we can do, we got an email 1789 02:50:57,780 --> 02:51:01,880 about ensuring that this does not end up raising 1790 02:51:01,880 --> 02:51:05,220 rents for multifamily zoning because that is something 1791 02:51:05,220 --> 02:51:09,260 apparently LA is concerned about and some other housing 1792 02:51:09,260 --> 02:51:10,440 advocates are concerned about. 1793 02:51:10,820 --> 02:51:12,920 I did reach out to the city solicitor earlier today, 1794 02:51:13,100 --> 02:51:16,940 and she didn't think some of the ways that the council 1795 02:51:16,940 --> 02:51:19,240 could change us in the future would be possible, 1796 02:51:19,460 --> 02:51:20,100 but she's not certain. 1797 02:51:20,240 --> 02:51:22,840 So I will exercise my charter rights so that I can make sure 1798 02:51:22,840 --> 02:51:23,940 that those questions are enforced. 1799 02:51:24,040 --> 02:51:27,340 The next time that we are looking at this before we file it 1800 02:51:27,340 --> 02:51:33,000 state legislature to ensure that we're all in sync with what it is that we can and may not do with 1801 02:51:33,000 --> 02:51:37,440 this petition. But again, I'm in favor of that. I had filed some of this, but I think there's 1802 02:51:37,440 --> 02:51:42,540 some on answer questions. Thank you, Councillor Nolan. Councillor Nolan exercises are chartered 1803 02:51:42,540 --> 02:51:45,700 on city manager agenda item number 11. 1804 02:51:48,020 --> 02:51:52,520 At this time, I'll entertain a motion to suspend the rules 1805 02:51:52,520 --> 02:51:59,560 to bring forward late communication late city manager agenda item and I'm going to 1806 02:52:00,080 --> 02:52:05,480 I'm going to other items I'm going to go to go to the co-chair of the ordinance committee 1807 02:52:05,480 --> 02:52:07,340 Council from the government. 1808 02:52:08,220 --> 02:52:08,760 Excuse me. 1809 02:52:08,820 --> 02:52:09,520 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 1810 02:52:09,720 --> 02:52:10,500 Through you. 1811 02:52:10,840 --> 02:52:15,020 There's a number of things we can do right now to bring Cambridge Street in front of us. 1812 02:52:15,960 --> 02:52:16,040 So. 1813 02:52:16,920 --> 02:52:22,820 I'd like to move first to suspend the rules to bring forward the late communication from the city manager, 1814 02:52:23,580 --> 02:52:30,780 as well as the late communication from other city officers filed by yourself and Councilor Nolan. 1815 02:52:31,820 --> 02:52:35,020 Who do roll call on bringing forward those two items? 1816 02:52:42,330 --> 02:52:43,410 I'm sorry, Clara. 1817 02:52:43,650 --> 02:52:44,650 Are you Councilor Azubi? 1818 02:52:45,050 --> 02:52:45,490 Yes. 1819 02:52:45,890 --> 02:52:46,210 Yes. 1820 02:52:46,250 --> 02:52:47,030 Vice Mayor Azim? 1821 02:52:47,390 --> 02:52:47,710 Yes. 1822 02:52:48,130 --> 02:52:48,510 Yes. 1823 02:52:48,510 --> 02:52:49,530 Council of the Flaherty? 1824 02:52:49,590 --> 02:52:49,930 Yes. 1825 02:52:49,930 --> 02:52:58,070 Yes, Council of McGuvern? Yes. Yes, Councilor Nolan? Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons? Yes. 1826 02:52:58,070 --> 02:53:04,770 Yes, Councilor Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. Yes, Councilor Zucy? Yes. Yes. Yes, Mayor Sediki? Yes. Yes. 1827 02:53:04,770 --> 02:53:10,990 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. So we have the lead. The need manager agenda item. 1828 02:53:11,970 --> 02:53:14,290 That's the revisions to Cambridge Street. 1829 02:53:14,290 --> 02:53:21,170 So any petition and the communications from other city officers, we have one more vote council member govern? 1830 02:53:21,750 --> 02:53:25,330 Yeah, I think we should move suspension to bring forward. 1831 02:53:25,950 --> 02:53:30,370 But we have to vote to take the chambered street zoning off the table. 1832 02:53:30,750 --> 02:53:34,110 So I like to move suspension to do that. 1833 02:53:34,610 --> 02:53:36,030 Councilor Alzubi. 1834 02:53:36,370 --> 02:53:36,550 Yes. 1835 02:53:37,170 --> 02:53:37,570 Yes. 1836 02:53:37,590 --> 02:53:38,550 Vice Mayor Zene. 1837 02:53:39,530 --> 02:53:40,830 Council of Larrady. 1838 02:53:41,770 --> 02:53:41,790 Yes. 1839 02:53:41,790 --> 02:53:42,090 Yes. 1840 02:53:43,190 --> 02:53:47,170 Yes. Yes, Councillor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Yes. 1841 02:53:47,270 --> 02:53:49,630 Councillor Simmons. Yes. Yes. 1842 02:53:50,010 --> 02:53:52,530 Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. 1843 02:53:52,790 --> 02:53:56,270 Councillor Susie. Yes. Yes. 1844 02:53:56,290 --> 02:53:56,970 Yes. Yes. Yes. 1845 02:53:58,250 --> 02:54:00,310 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 1846 02:54:02,810 --> 02:54:05,270 Madam Mayor, I'll turn it back to you for discussion. 1847 02:54:06,150 --> 02:54:07,450 And then depending on how that goes, 1848 02:54:07,450 --> 02:54:12,510 they're potential other votes after that. Great. Thank you, Councillor. We're 1849 02:54:12,510 --> 02:54:18,810 governed. So we have multiple items before us. We have the City Manager 1850 02:54:21,450 --> 02:54:26,210 late. The revisions. We have the communication from other city officers. The actual 1851 02:54:26,210 --> 02:54:30,030 petition itself. I'll go to Councillor Nolan to talk about the communication from 1852 02:54:30,030 --> 02:54:34,650 other city officers. Thank you. But before we do that, Mayor 1853 02:54:34,650 --> 02:54:39,090 to seek the late communication from city manager. 1854 02:54:39,750 --> 02:54:44,930 Is that on grant a kiss or whatever the new system is? 1855 02:54:45,010 --> 02:54:47,110 I'm just making sure that we all have access to it. 1856 02:54:47,310 --> 02:54:49,090 Or was it email to us or? 1857 02:54:49,110 --> 02:54:51,970 Yeah, it was for very- 1858 02:54:51,970 --> 02:54:56,550 I'm just having trouble seeing it on the regular screen now, 1859 02:54:56,550 --> 02:54:57,850 but I know it was email to us separately. 1860 02:54:57,990 --> 02:54:59,310 So I guess we could just use that. 1861 02:55:01,770 --> 02:55:08,410 Yes, all of us should have it and remind our standing that it was also on the 1862 02:55:10,790 --> 02:55:15,410 We can have Naya, we pull it up as well, or someone. 1863 02:55:18,640 --> 02:55:20,140 Can you imagine if you want to say anything? 1864 02:55:20,320 --> 02:55:25,240 Through your university, I believe the meeting portal is updated, 1865 02:55:25,660 --> 02:55:31,760 and so it is showing up as an agenda item number 12 on the city manager's agenda, 1866 02:55:32,340 --> 02:55:33,160 but it did go off late. 1867 02:55:37,250 --> 02:55:39,990 Okay, thank you. 1868 02:55:43,760 --> 02:55:49,040 Yeah, so if I think all of our colleagues receiving as part of the agenda may or 1869 02:55:49,040 --> 02:55:52,480 seducing I worked on the chemistry petition. 1870 02:55:52,680 --> 02:55:57,740 This is a compromise from what was originally on the agenda. 1871 02:55:58,500 --> 02:56:02,480 There's a it's laid out in the memo company in this. 1872 02:56:02,480 --> 02:56:09,380 these zoning changes which respond to many of the community feedback that we have, this is 1873 02:56:10,440 --> 02:56:18,180 as in any time we take on a very important and also quite far reaching zoning 1874 02:56:19,300 --> 02:56:24,040 conversation across the city. There are a range of voices. There are people who would like 1875 02:56:24,040 --> 02:56:30,420 something the original or something even more aggressive. There are people who want nothing. There are 1876 02:56:30,420 --> 02:56:32,340 people who wants everything in between. 1877 02:56:33,000 --> 02:56:38,260 And thank you, Mayor Siddiqui, for working with me on what seems to me to be, and I hope 1878 02:56:38,260 --> 02:56:44,580 the council agrees, to be a reasonable compromise of ensuring that a development can happen 1879 02:56:44,580 --> 02:56:48,820 and will happen in line with many of the goals of the community, including some additional 1880 02:56:48,820 --> 02:56:51,480 setbacks, some open space, allowing housing. 1881 02:56:51,960 --> 02:56:58,540 We have already put in place the process by which we would look at ground floor retail, which 1882 02:56:58,540 --> 02:57:10,360 was something that Jason Alex from the East Cambridge Business Association, many of the other small business owners, Patrick McGee, also signed a letter, encouraged us to pass these amendments and then pass the zoning instead of waiting. 1883 02:57:11,100 --> 02:57:18,540 I know there are many people who are disappointed that I have said that when these, if these amendments pass that I will be supporting the, 1884 02:57:18,540 --> 02:57:23,280 the underlying zoning petition instead of letting it expire. 1885 02:57:23,840 --> 02:57:30,280 We can always improve things and I don't believe in acting in a way that is 1886 02:57:30,280 --> 02:57:32,260 Capricious or just too quickly. 1887 02:57:32,440 --> 02:57:34,820 However, this process has been going on for several years. 1888 02:57:35,260 --> 02:57:41,360 These amendments are very much in line with the R Cambridge State Work that a huge range of people in the city were involved in. 1889 02:57:41,580 --> 02:57:44,680 So I'm very glad that we are presenting this to the council. 1890 02:57:44,680 --> 02:57:49,480 we hope that they pass so that we can more than as a city and adopt the petition tonight, 1891 02:57:49,660 --> 02:57:54,500 which before it expires, and then move on to a range of other issues that the city is facing. 1892 02:57:54,520 --> 02:57:58,680 I'm going to trip you want me to go on to more detail on this. Mayor Sediki, it is laid out 1893 02:57:58,680 --> 02:58:02,400 in a memo, but I'm happy to talk a little bit more about it. That isn't raised by our colleagues 1894 02:58:02,400 --> 02:58:03,860 in the ensuing discussion. 1895 02:58:06,080 --> 02:58:10,840 Thank you, Councillor Nolan. You know, I think we can open it up. 1896 02:58:11,380 --> 02:58:21,840 two questions and comments. So I have confidence in. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So happy to support 1897 02:58:21,840 --> 02:58:29,900 these amendments. I did want to say that, you know, from my perspective, it's a very, very mild improvement 1898 02:58:29,900 --> 02:58:35,240 over the current zoning. You know, Cambridge Street is already six stories. This would keep it six stories. The leach 1899 02:58:35,240 --> 02:58:40,820 your parcel, you know, before it was 15 in the Cambridge Street Study was 12 this would bring 1900 02:58:40,820 --> 02:58:46,540 you down to 10 but already it's been zoned or permitted for six at 11 and a half percent inclusionary. 1901 02:58:46,800 --> 02:58:51,340 So the odds that someone would re permitted at 20 just to get to 10 which is kind of a dead zone 1902 02:58:51,340 --> 02:58:57,720 I think is unlikely. The only, I think, new housing work expected to get from this is the 1903 02:58:57,720 --> 02:59:03,180 Webster Street parcel which is something but also I would say that, you know, with this plus the 1904 02:59:03,180 --> 02:59:09,500 changes open space and the follow-up will do on first floor retail, which is even less profitable 1905 02:59:09,500 --> 02:59:15,340 than housing, means that overall, I think that Cambridge Street, once it's all done, will make housing 1906 02:59:15,340 --> 02:59:22,820 harder to pencil in the city, not easier. Having said that, a lot of work has been done by city staff, 1907 02:59:23,140 --> 02:59:28,380 this is now more restricted than the Cambridge Street study presented, and I think that it's important 1908 02:59:28,380 --> 02:59:33,180 for us to, you know, feel like we finished our process, even if I'm not entirely excited 1909 02:59:33,180 --> 02:59:38,260 about the results, but, you know, thank you to Councillor Nolan and Mayor Siddiqui for coming 1910 02:59:38,260 --> 02:59:41,640 together and trying to get us something that helps us get this over the finish line. 1911 02:59:43,700 --> 02:59:47,480 Hi, we'll go to Councillor Gibbons Arena Wheeler. 1912 03:00:00,000 --> 03:00:04,040 Madam Mayor, believe other folks out there can't stop if anybody wants to go first. I'm happy to go. 1913 03:00:05,200 --> 03:00:11,320 I really appreciate the amendment from Councillor Nolan and sort of the thought that went to it. 1914 03:00:11,380 --> 03:00:14,900 Just briefly on the amendment itself that I'm, we'll be at a note for the same reasons. 1915 03:00:14,980 --> 03:00:23,400 I was the know on the previous amendment and the amendment on Massav and that's because anything above six stories is in the range where we're getting inclusionary housing. 1916 03:00:23,620 --> 03:00:28,180 So if we're reducing from eight stories to six stories, those are two stories where we're going to be getting affordable housing. 1917 03:00:28,180 --> 03:00:34,940 I just can't cautionably reduce that. I do expect the amendment will pass that and so on the underlying 1918 03:00:34,940 --> 03:00:39,220 petition, you know, I have spent a bunch of time over the last few weeks and months 1919 03:00:39,220 --> 03:00:43,580 looking at the current buildings on Cambridge Street, looking at the lot sizes on Cambridge Street, 1920 03:00:43,740 --> 03:00:47,580 looking at the city's building permit log to see what is being built under the current zoning 1921 03:00:47,580 --> 03:00:52,560 that log is all online in public. I think the important context for this discussion tonight 1922 03:00:52,560 --> 03:00:57,060 is that whether this proposal passes or not, buildings are going to continue to be redeveloped on 1923 03:00:57,060 --> 03:01:01,680 like they are now, whether the council does anything or if we just, we just call it an A right now, 1924 03:01:01,800 --> 03:01:05,640 buildings are going to keep happening. The choice is not between development and no development. 1925 03:01:05,880 --> 03:01:10,760 The choice is between shorter buildings that are 100% market rate, which is what we're getting now, 1926 03:01:10,980 --> 03:01:14,240 or slightly taller buildings that are going to create hundreds of new affordable homes. 1927 03:01:15,180 --> 03:01:20,920 The buildings that are being now are like the one I came up with my research on Cambridge Street. 1928 03:01:20,940 --> 03:01:24,160 It's right near the King Open School in the Valente Library branch. 1929 03:01:24,160 --> 03:01:29,420 was built in 2024. You can find it on the city's development log and on Zillow if you're curious 1930 03:01:29,420 --> 03:01:34,500 which one exactly I'm talking about. It's a six unit, four story building, it replaced the 1931 03:01:34,500 --> 03:01:40,200 existing building and each of the units in that building was built recently, sold for around 1932 03:01:40,200 --> 03:01:46,440 a million dollars or more. One of them sold for 1.75 million dollars which the vast majority of 1933 03:01:46,440 --> 03:01:51,060 folks in Cambridge cannot afford and that building had zero affordable housing in it because it was 1934 03:01:51,060 --> 03:01:55,180 less than 10 units, which is where the city's inclusionary zoning picks in. 1935 03:01:55,680 --> 03:01:59,220 That is what's being built right now, and that's when it's going to continue to get built on 1936 03:01:59,220 --> 03:02:02,820 Cambridge Street if we take no action, $1 million units and no affordable housing. 1937 03:02:03,420 --> 03:02:07,000 The affordable housing overlay that we've passed has worked really well in a lot of places. 1938 03:02:07,020 --> 03:02:10,100 It has not worked on quarters like Cambridge Street for a number of reasons. 1939 03:02:10,440 --> 03:02:15,440 We've not seen a HO projects there, and there's basically no IZ units there being built on Cambridge Street. 1940 03:02:15,680 --> 03:02:20,460 When we talked about the multifamily housing ordinance to end exclusionary zoning last term. 1941 03:02:20,460 --> 03:02:23,340 There are many folks who argued it wouldn't actually lead to affordable housing, 1942 03:02:23,740 --> 03:02:28,200 that is not what's happened in a reality. We've seen lots of six-story buildings with affordable 1943 03:02:28,200 --> 03:02:31,820 housing and them being proposed even under the current economic conditions. 1944 03:02:32,220 --> 03:02:35,260 Anything with the objections we're hearing at that there's too many six-story buildings 1945 03:02:35,260 --> 03:02:39,740 with affordable housing being proposed and we should have shorter buildings that are all market rate. 1946 03:02:39,860 --> 03:02:44,420 And I disagree with that. There's no reason to think that we would see different 1947 03:02:44,420 --> 03:02:48,560 result here on Cambridge Street where the lots are similar sizes and corridors are more 1948 03:02:48,560 --> 03:02:52,060 effective for taller buildings. This is the place that everybody says. We should be having taller 1949 03:02:52,060 --> 03:02:57,580 buildings. That's where we're going to see taller buildings with affordable housing. I appreciate 1950 03:02:59,480 --> 03:03:05,200 the amendment from Councillor Nolan and really worked to engage on this and figure out how to get 1951 03:03:05,200 --> 03:03:10,460 to yes. I think the main concerns I heard the last few times we talked about this was that about the 1952 03:03:10,460 --> 03:03:17,340 height. Eight stories being total. Parts was being total. That's been addressed. The local businesses 1953 03:03:17,340 --> 03:03:21,480 might be impacted. The local business association as we've heard tonight is in favor of this. 1954 03:03:22,840 --> 03:03:26,400 With the the amendments that the concerns that folks get bring a report were addressed. 1955 03:03:26,680 --> 03:03:29,740 So when it comes to say they would really like to vote for a proposal because they care about 1956 03:03:29,740 --> 03:03:34,240 affordable housing, but they can't because they're there's an important concern and then the the concern 1957 03:03:34,240 --> 03:03:38,420 gets addressed. And then then there's another concern. It begins to be a little like 1958 03:03:38,420 --> 03:03:41,780 sort of Lucy in the football from Charlie Brown sort of pulling it out the last minute. 1959 03:03:42,080 --> 03:03:46,240 If you say what you want more housing and corridors, but this isn't quite right. You come 1960 03:03:46,240 --> 03:03:49,560 bring an amendment work on it. I really appreciate Councillor Nolan for doing that. 1961 03:03:49,700 --> 03:03:52,220 I mean, the reason similar reason we passed the multi-family housing ordinance, 1962 03:03:52,400 --> 03:03:55,620 eight to one was not because we had city counselors totally in lockstap, 1963 03:03:55,700 --> 03:03:59,200 because we worked together and we had amendments and changes and we got to something. 1964 03:04:00,080 --> 03:04:04,680 I think the last piece I want to make on this was something I've been thinking about a lot recently, 1965 03:04:04,980 --> 03:04:08,800 you know, in the last term there was a vote to delay bike lanes on Cambridge Street and the 1966 03:04:08,800 --> 03:04:14,080 arguments and favor of not making any changes there was that needed more time for study and 1967 03:04:14,080 --> 03:04:18,520 progress before we did any changes to Cambridge Street. I listened to those arguments, I heard 1968 03:04:18,520 --> 03:04:22,340 them, I sat with them, but I voted against that delay because I have gotten to know a number 1969 03:04:22,340 --> 03:04:26,720 of people whose loved ones were killed by King on Cambridge Street. I could not bear to be responsible 1970 03:04:26,720 --> 03:04:33,880 for another death due to delay. We know this will create more affordable housing, which is the 1971 03:04:33,880 --> 03:04:37,600 main question I need answered, and it feels hypocritical for me to vote for an additional delay 1972 03:04:37,600 --> 03:04:43,340 here when we know the answer already. The people who need affordable housing are just as important to 1973 03:04:43,340 --> 03:04:48,260 every month, every week, every day matters to that person whose life could be changed by having a affordable housing. 1974 03:04:49,000 --> 03:04:53,200 I gave this a little more time from December because we had another big proposal on North Mass Ave. 1975 03:04:53,700 --> 03:04:54,980 We've given that more time. 1976 03:04:55,760 --> 03:04:59,980 We're not getting any more housing on Cambridge Street under the status quo, and I can't defend that. 1977 03:05:02,680 --> 03:05:20,260 Thank you, Mayor Siddiqui. I have a couple points of information. So, one, someone brought up during public testimony that with the six stories, does that, would that be for admin square as well? So, that's one question. 1978 03:05:20,260 --> 03:05:31,820 And another is a question, is some have suggested that there wouldn't be inclusionary at six stories? 1979 03:05:33,500 --> 03:05:42,960 And is that true or not? And then third of all, will we be discussing the overall zoning proposal for Cambridge Street afterwards? 1980 03:05:42,960 --> 03:05:50,060 should I be sharing all my thoughts about the proposal right here and now. So those are my three questions. 1981 03:05:50,980 --> 03:05:58,940 So this is the space for all of it. Okay, so can you maybe through you Mayor City, 1982 03:05:59,160 --> 03:06:07,640 can you maybe Assistant City Manager Peters can answer whether this whether Inmond Square would be 1983 03:06:07,640 --> 03:06:10,680 Six stories or eight stories with this amendment? 1984 03:06:11,720 --> 03:06:16,080 Yes, thank you for the question, Councillor Zuzzi, through you, Mayor Siddiqui, 1985 03:06:16,400 --> 03:06:20,920 Invin Square, under this revised petition text, is that six stories? 1986 03:06:21,700 --> 03:06:27,700 Okay, so everything is six stories except for Webster Windsor, which would be ten to twelve 1987 03:06:27,700 --> 03:06:29,960 and then Leachmeer would be ten. 1988 03:06:29,960 --> 03:06:30,480 this thought. 1989 03:06:30,860 --> 03:06:37,520 Webster, Webster Windsor would be at 12, and then bleach merit is at 10 under these proposed amendments. 1990 03:06:38,080 --> 03:06:44,540 Okay. Great. And then maybe through you, Mayor Sadiki, maybe for our solicitor, or 1991 03:06:44,540 --> 03:06:50,320 one of our solicitors, I'd love to understand, so there, some have suggested that, you 1992 03:06:50,320 --> 03:06:58,560 know, so we know currently when we pass multi-family housing, or when you pass multi-family 1993 03:06:58,560 --> 03:07:05,940 housing that the six stories along all our quarters, all of the quarters were upzoned so that 1994 03:07:05,940 --> 03:07:14,520 we would still be incentivizing taller buildings on the quarters. So the question is, so are we 1995 03:07:14,520 --> 03:07:23,680 so is it still if you're building six stories two stories or 20% is inclusionary or is that not 1996 03:07:23,680 --> 03:07:29,960 part of the six stories on Cambridge Street now. 1997 03:07:32,060 --> 03:07:37,880 So, so maybe I'll take the first attempt at that in Solster Bear, can jump in as needed. 1998 03:07:38,720 --> 03:07:47,040 But the current inclusionary zoning ordinance, as you know, applies for any project over 10,000 square feet or 10 units. 1999 03:07:47,040 --> 03:07:52,040 It's part of the conversation around this Cambridge Street in the Mass Ave, 2000 03:07:52,400 --> 03:07:53,100 Resonings. 2001 03:07:53,980 --> 03:07:58,240 The City Council contemplated an amendment that we've included in this draft, 2002 03:07:58,460 --> 03:08:05,060 that would require projects over six stories to be subject to inclusionary, 2003 03:08:05,280 --> 03:08:10,180 regardless if they met that 10,000 square foot threshold. 2004 03:08:10,540 --> 03:08:13,680 So that would require projects to be inclusionary. 2005 03:08:13,680 --> 03:08:19,600 I did want to note that, you know, there's been a lot of talk that a lot of projects 2006 03:08:19,600 --> 03:08:27,540 could, you know, we'll go up to six stories or five stories without meeting the inclusionary 2007 03:08:27,540 --> 03:08:34,140 zoning requirement. Given the size of the parcels that we consider soft size or 2008 03:08:34,140 --> 03:08:40,480 developmental sites, we are quite significantly over that 10,000 square foot threshold. So 2009 03:08:40,480 --> 03:08:45,600 There's always a case where someone could significantly underbuild their site, but just given 2010 03:08:45,600 --> 03:08:52,760 the likelihood in the developers' desire to maximize development potential, we do think 2011 03:08:52,760 --> 03:08:59,120 it's going to be over 10,000 square feet, and then certainly with this additional requirement 2012 03:08:59,120 --> 03:09:02,360 and includes rezoning would be required. 2013 03:09:03,920 --> 03:09:08,380 Okay, again, through you, Mayor City, thank you. 2014 03:09:08,580 --> 03:09:12,200 Assistant City Manager, Peter, so much for that, 2015 03:09:12,200 --> 03:09:13,920 explain or that clarification. 2016 03:09:15,900 --> 03:09:20,540 So, so it's likely that some affordable units will be built 2017 03:09:20,540 --> 03:09:24,520 but we don't have any calculated calculation of how many, 2018 03:09:25,400 --> 03:09:29,040 we're not, we have no idea how much affordable 2019 03:09:29,120 --> 03:09:34,860 units will be built, right? And if people are building over six stories, so this would 2020 03:09:34,860 --> 03:09:39,420 allow people to build over six stories. So if they want to build over six stories, 2021 03:09:39,920 --> 03:09:45,260 then do they have what do they have? If they want to go to eight stories and build inclusionary 2022 03:09:45,260 --> 03:09:54,100 units, what reviews would they have to, they wouldn't need a special permit to what was they 2023 03:09:54,100 --> 03:09:55,740 to go through. 2024 03:09:56,420 --> 03:09:59,980 Yeah, thank you for your mayor, City G. 2025 03:10:00,000 --> 03:10:12,220 So, the special permit, threshold, kicks in at 75,000 square feet. So, projects exceed that, they would have to go at the planning board for a special permit. 2026 03:10:12,920 --> 03:10:26,480 We do have design review at different thresholds. So, all of these projects would go through staff review and different degrees of advisory or project review with staff and public meetings. 2027 03:10:28,740 --> 03:10:39,360 What I don't understand though is if the street is zone for six stories, if someone wanted to go to eight stories, what would they have to do? 2028 03:10:39,940 --> 03:10:42,340 The street is zone for six stories. 2029 03:10:42,340 --> 03:10:45,760 Yes, so thank you for clarifying the question. 2030 03:10:46,320 --> 03:10:53,700 So if this proposed amendment were to pass and the cap was six stories, you could not go 2031 03:10:53,700 --> 03:10:57,000 to eight stories regardless if you were to get an additional permit. 2032 03:10:57,160 --> 03:10:58,860 So six stories would be the cap. 2033 03:10:59,960 --> 03:11:07,320 Except in those, again, those two areas on Cambridge Street that we've said could go potentially 2034 03:11:07,320 --> 03:11:08,600 up to 10 or 12. 2035 03:11:08,600 --> 03:11:15,260 So, but if long the corridor and men's square, if you could only build up to six stories. 2036 03:11:16,600 --> 03:11:20,380 So, there would not be any inclusionary units in this story building. 2037 03:11:20,460 --> 03:11:22,240 So, unless they're over 10,000 square feet. 2038 03:11:22,580 --> 03:11:23,600 That's correct. 2039 03:11:23,920 --> 03:11:23,940 Correct. 2040 03:11:25,580 --> 03:11:26,960 So, here's, okay. 2041 03:11:27,320 --> 03:11:34,320 So, over the weekend, I attended the Mass Municipal Association meeting at the Convention Center in Boston. 2042 03:11:34,320 --> 03:11:39,440 And so I was walking down Summer Street, which is a much wider street. 2043 03:11:39,660 --> 03:11:41,880 It's about the width of MassAv. 2044 03:11:42,460 --> 03:11:45,860 So it's 90, I guess MassAv isn't about 100 feet or anyway. 2045 03:11:47,080 --> 03:11:48,920 Summer Street is 98 feet. 2046 03:11:49,140 --> 03:11:50,780 So it's a very broad avenue. 2047 03:11:51,720 --> 03:11:57,980 And there are beautiful brick buildings there that are five story, six stories, seven stories. 2048 03:11:58,020 --> 03:12:02,840 And then of course there's some taller buildings as you get deeper into the support district. 2049 03:12:02,840 --> 03:12:12,760 But what walking down that street made me realize is, like those buildings really looked handsome on that wide street. 2050 03:12:13,480 --> 03:12:24,360 But I really worry about Cambridge Street. I think I also walked Cambridge Street on a very, very cold day last week. 2051 03:12:24,360 --> 03:12:34,900 And we were walking on the south side of the street, and it was very cold, but we had sun because the buildings on the other side of the street were lower. 2052 03:12:35,660 --> 03:12:37,460 So we could still be in the sunlight. 2053 03:12:37,700 --> 03:12:51,000 So what I'm aware of since it's an east west street, that if we build Cambridge Street taller, like to even six stories, we really need setbacks. 2054 03:12:51,000 --> 03:13:01,860 A setback would allow for light to penetrate the street so that it isn't a dark corridor in the winter. 2055 03:13:02,360 --> 03:13:08,000 So I do worry about that and I feel like the proper from my walk of Cambridge Street. 2056 03:13:08,600 --> 03:13:18,660 I really feel as though for or six stories or four stories with a ten-foot stepback is what would really be best for Cambridge Street. 2057 03:13:18,660 --> 03:13:24,320 But I realize that is an under consideration at this point. 2058 03:13:24,320 --> 03:13:27,120 I think six stories is much better than eight stories. 2059 03:13:27,940 --> 03:13:32,960 But I think that the step back at four stories will really be critical. 2060 03:13:34,440 --> 03:13:40,400 What I worry about, the other thing that's come to my realization is like how much I love 2061 03:13:40,400 --> 03:13:41,220 Cambridge Street. 2062 03:13:41,680 --> 03:13:47,820 Because I think I feel like it's the last vestige of a street with local retail 2063 03:13:47,820 --> 03:14:02,660 in the city. I mean, it's rich with local retail. It's rich with ethnic businesses, you know, organizations, residents, there's a great diversity there. 2064 03:15:00,000 --> 03:15:07,580 Developers without any guarantee of the production of affordable units or any community benefits. 2065 03:15:08,460 --> 03:15:18,520 I feel as though it's too much that we're giving away. I do think it makes sense to have more height in the Webster Windsor area. 2066 03:15:18,800 --> 03:15:22,920 I really appreciate that as a place that could use more height. 2067 03:15:22,920 --> 03:15:28,140 And I think you could have more height at Leachmeer, though I feel for the people in the 2068 03:15:28,140 --> 03:15:31,760 chocolate factory across the street, because they're like, well, be blocked. 2069 03:15:32,000 --> 03:15:36,160 I mean, I really hope DIVCO West does build a sixth story building there, because I do 2070 03:15:36,160 --> 03:15:41,240 think it would be more in keeping with neighborhood. 2071 03:15:41,800 --> 03:15:47,760 And I worry about all the concerns Cambridge Street residents have shared. 2072 03:15:48,060 --> 03:15:49,980 They're already as a lot of congestion. 2073 03:15:49,980 --> 03:15:54,900 There's a great concern about no parking minimum and adding density to the street. 2074 03:15:55,240 --> 03:15:57,400 There's a, you know, concerns about labs. 2075 03:15:58,220 --> 03:16:04,440 I, I, I will support this amendment because I think six stories is better than eight stories. 2076 03:16:04,980 --> 03:16:11,740 But overall, I, I think we should, like, wait a month. 2077 03:16:11,920 --> 03:16:15,240 Maybe this should go to neighborhood and long-term planning for further discussion. 2078 03:16:15,240 --> 03:16:20,660 But I think we should work out the kinks of the zoning and like consider the step-backs 2079 03:16:21,200 --> 03:16:26,740 Consider other things people have discussed like they're really worried about the wet labs apparently 2080 03:16:26,740 --> 03:16:29,240 They're already arson wet labs on Cambridge street 2081 03:16:31,000 --> 03:16:33,740 So residents don't want them there 2082 03:16:34,460 --> 03:16:42,940 I think we should make sure we're gonna get inclusionary units. I think we should make sure that we're gonna get that first floor retail 2083 03:16:44,120 --> 03:16:49,940 I think the ideas residents have shared during public testimony about saying 2084 03:16:51,760 --> 03:16:58,860 smaller, requiring smaller ground floor retail should be part of the zoning way pass. 2085 03:16:59,520 --> 03:17:03,220 And we do want to discourage banks and larger businesses. 2086 03:17:03,780 --> 03:17:09,380 So putting in something about you can't have huge spaces for banks. 2087 03:17:09,400 --> 03:17:11,920 I think that would be important to include as well. 2088 03:17:11,920 --> 03:17:19,060 So, again, I will support this amendment because I think six stories is much better for 2089 03:17:19,060 --> 03:17:20,680 then eight stories on that street. 2090 03:17:20,680 --> 03:17:25,060 I think when we think about up zoning, we have to really think about the context of the 2091 03:17:25,060 --> 03:17:37,040 neighborhood and the access of the street and look at shadow studies and I wish, assistant 2092 03:17:37,040 --> 03:17:40,600 city manager, Peter's, I wish, I think it's really important. 2093 03:17:40,600 --> 03:17:45,940 And I know you've got the tools to share what the street would look like at four stories, 2094 03:17:46,120 --> 03:17:50,500 what it would look like at six stories, what it would look like with the ten foot step back 2095 03:17:50,500 --> 03:17:54,360 at four stories, what it would look like at eight stories, what it would look like with ten 2096 03:17:54,360 --> 03:17:54,580 stories. 2097 03:17:54,700 --> 03:18:00,300 I think it's really important that you as the head of the planning department share those 2098 03:18:00,300 --> 03:18:01,320 images with us. 2099 03:18:01,480 --> 03:18:06,040 So we understand the implications of the zoning that we're considering. 2100 03:18:06,040 --> 03:18:10,680 And then also it would be good to have stats to really better understand. 2101 03:18:11,500 --> 03:18:15,900 I thought I actually really thought that our Cambridge Street study was strong. 2102 03:18:16,560 --> 03:18:20,720 But you know what it talks about is the goals are support small businesses. 2103 03:18:20,920 --> 03:18:25,260 And I worry this will force them out. 2104 03:18:25,340 --> 03:18:28,560 It'll improve mobility while our bike lanes will improve mobility. 2105 03:18:29,060 --> 03:18:32,120 It'll increase housing supply, especially affordable housing. 2106 03:18:32,120 --> 03:18:47,020 But again, it doesn't look like we're going to be increasing affordable housing, increase public open space. I don't see this increasing public open space that seems like we need to be adding a 15% requirement for open space. 2107 03:18:47,020 --> 03:18:54,300 have a few people anyway. So those are my thoughts. I am committed to 2108 03:18:55,340 --> 03:19:01,320 up zoning or coming up with thoughtful zoning for Cambridge Street, but I don't think we're there 2109 03:19:01,320 --> 03:19:08,060 and I think we should hold off. Let this petition expire and and be a little bit more thoughtful 2110 03:19:08,060 --> 03:19:13,060 and then push something through in the next month or two with the corrections that people 2111 03:19:13,060 --> 03:19:17,880 recommend it. Thank you, I yield. We'll go to Councilor Zubi and Councilor Mugover next. 2112 03:19:19,420 --> 03:19:24,020 Thank you, Mayor Sediki. I'm going to specifically speak on the amendment piece and later on 2113 03:19:24,020 --> 03:19:30,680 the final petition after we vote on this amendment for clarity. I want to share why I will abstain 2114 03:19:30,680 --> 03:19:35,200 on this amendment. I currently don't feel like I've been a part of the process around the 2115 03:19:35,200 --> 03:19:41,200 zoning petition and my concerns are deeper than just the height of the buildings. I'm right now 2116 03:19:41,200 --> 03:19:46,780 focused on who gets to benefit from the new buildings, not just how tall they are, I appreciate 2117 03:19:46,780 --> 03:19:52,280 that a last minute deal has been struck and that this will likely move forward tonight, but 2118 03:19:52,280 --> 03:19:57,440 that's not how I think we should do this work and it's not how I hope we do this work going forward 2119 03:19:57,440 --> 03:19:59,980 and again, I'd love to speak to the overall- 2120 03:20:00,000 --> 03:20:08,940 Sure, yeah. So on the second half of the overall petition, and again, I really purchased from the side of clarity for residents to understand the two pieces. 2121 03:20:09,940 --> 03:20:16,900 I also want to be clear about why I will be voting no on the overall zoning petition tonight over the last few weeks. 2122 03:20:17,060 --> 03:20:24,940 Things have been very intensive listening to community perspectives understanding the particulars of this petition, getting up to speed on zoning more broadly. 2123 03:20:24,940 --> 03:20:31,240 I mean, I'm I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to weigh in and disrupt the status quo on housing in our city 2124 03:20:31,760 --> 03:20:35,900 But with that said, I don't feel like I've been a part of this process thoroughly enough 2125 03:20:35,900 --> 03:20:39,740 I would have appreciated a committee hearing time pack the issue 2126 03:20:39,740 --> 03:20:44,800 But I also understand that you all went through that last term and that there's a desire to finish this tonight 2127 03:20:44,800 --> 03:20:50,480 It's just hard for me right now to coast sign on a process that I was in part of that I didn't help shape 2128 03:20:50,480 --> 03:20:54,900 Especially when there are concerns about how it went and pieces that aren't in the zoning 2129 03:20:54,940 --> 03:20:57,040 and I can't ignore those in good faith. 2130 03:20:57,880 --> 03:21:02,460 My thinking is more fundamental than how tall the buildings will be. 2131 03:21:03,020 --> 03:21:07,060 I want us to think more about who will ultimately benefit from the buildings, 2132 03:21:07,560 --> 03:21:08,680 the affordability aspect. 2133 03:21:09,120 --> 03:21:11,820 I want us to consider working-class people in our city, 2134 03:21:12,180 --> 03:21:14,480 our educators, our service workers and others, 2135 03:21:14,820 --> 03:21:17,580 who largely probably won't be able to benefit at all 2136 03:21:17,580 --> 03:21:19,820 outside of the subsidized units if they're built. 2137 03:21:20,760 --> 03:21:21,920 At the core of the issue, 2138 03:21:21,920 --> 03:21:31,320 I cannot vote to give developers additional value until I can tell our constituents with confidence that our 20% inclusionary housing will actually be delivered. 2139 03:21:32,040 --> 03:21:36,160 We must refuse to hand over massive development rates to private capital without that guarantee. 2140 03:21:36,800 --> 03:21:44,080 Our inclusionary zoning requirement is legally reliant on the economic justification study from 2016 that is now out of date. 2141 03:21:44,080 --> 03:21:52,020 And the new feasibility study arrives in just five months, that's June of 2026, and that's on top of the lawsuit we're now navigating. 2142 03:21:52,980 --> 03:21:59,740 So the next study arriving in June will likely show that the 20% is not economically justifiable under the conditions of this current moment. 2143 03:22:00,160 --> 03:22:08,340 And face with that, the Council will inevitably vote to lower the inclusionary percentage to whatever the study claims is just a file, which I'm quite concerned about. 2144 03:22:08,340 --> 03:22:16,220 And then the question on the promise for inclusionary zoning being at 20% in this zoning petition will pretty much evaporate. 2145 03:22:16,880 --> 03:22:23,000 What makes it really especially difficult for me to support this tonight is we're giving away our leverage for free. 2146 03:22:23,340 --> 03:22:27,980 The taller heights in additional density contemplated in this petition are incredibly valuable to developers. 2147 03:22:28,580 --> 03:22:34,280 And if we were to frame these as a density bonus, condition, condition explicitly on delivering 20% affordable housing, 2148 03:22:34,280 --> 03:22:40,400 And rather than giving them away in the base zoning, which we have under section 11.203, 2149 03:22:40,860 --> 03:22:44,980 we would preserve our ability to maintain that 20% requirement, even if the next study 2150 03:22:44,980 --> 03:22:46,600 forces us slower the base requirement. 2151 03:22:46,780 --> 03:22:49,740 I mean, we had this conversations even in the last year. 2152 03:22:50,300 --> 03:22:53,840 So under the density bonus framework developers who want to build these new heights would 2153 03:22:53,840 --> 03:22:58,300 have to deliver 20% of fortability, those that don't want to meet the threshold can build 2154 03:22:58,300 --> 03:23:02,640 to whatever the base zoning allows with whatever lower percentage the next study supports. 2155 03:23:02,640 --> 03:23:10,420 And this is one way we might actually be able to guarantee affordability outcomes, rather than making promises that we probably know will be broken. 2156 03:23:11,140 --> 03:23:18,440 20% is the minimum threshold we can accept for economically stratified buildings to also feel dignified and integrated. 2157 03:23:19,160 --> 03:23:27,980 And especially according to our own resident experience study, 50% of renters in inclusionary units reported experiencing bias where race was seen as the primary cause. 2158 03:23:27,980 --> 03:23:34,340 So it's obvious that as the buildings get more economically segregated by race and class, the potential for harm increases. 2159 03:23:35,500 --> 03:23:44,020 But I also just want to address directly the argument that waiting until June 2026 will delay housing production because for me, it's not about a delay. 2160 03:23:44,200 --> 03:23:45,580 It's about doing our due diligence. 2161 03:23:46,100 --> 03:23:49,740 Developers right now are waiting to see where inclusionary program lands. 2162 03:23:50,380 --> 03:23:56,980 And why would they move forward with projects under 20% requirement when they know that in five months we might just lower that to 12 or 15%. 2163 03:23:56,980 --> 03:24:03,360 percent. So in a way, our failure to resolve on this uncertainty is in itself freezing development. 2164 03:24:04,380 --> 03:24:09,860 The position acts as a subzone significant portions of Cambridge Street, which, again, gives developers 2165 03:24:09,860 --> 03:24:14,780 really go right to extract significantly more value from the land while the legal foundation for our 2166 03:24:14,780 --> 03:24:20,160 only community benefit is most likely crumbling beneath us. And I also want to just talk about 2167 03:24:20,160 --> 03:24:24,800 who benefits from rushing this through. It's not working class contributions who desperately need 2168 03:24:24,800 --> 03:24:28,860 affordable housing, it's not small developers who are frozen out by the market by financing 2169 03:24:28,860 --> 03:24:29,440 costs. 2170 03:24:29,460 --> 03:24:34,240 Anyways, it's landowners and large developers who want to lock in new development rights 2171 03:24:34,240 --> 03:24:38,620 before the inclusionary program is legally tested before we've had the chance to structure 2172 03:24:38,620 --> 03:24:40,160 this as a density bonus. 2173 03:24:40,920 --> 03:24:43,160 Right now, the alternative is right in front of us. 2174 03:25:00,000 --> 03:25:28,180 We have our own rep. My colleague, who's indicated that the state would entertain a proposal, as part of the June 2026 state capital budget, if something actionable were submitted. So we know that social housing is built by the public for the public remain inter remain for the public. And it's proven that it works, but it is available to us right now, if we choose to prioritize it. Yet in this policy order, the council that had passed last September, it was unceremoniously white from the awaiting report, 2175 03:25:28,180 --> 03:25:30,780 list without the report back from the manager that was requested. 2176 03:25:31,360 --> 03:25:35,700 The December hearing was informative, a good start, but produced no productive 2177 03:25:35,700 --> 03:25:40,800 progress from staff. I have to ask why because my assumption is most likely that 2178 03:25:40,800 --> 03:25:44,840 staff are being asked to spend all their time running from a zoning petition to another, 2179 03:25:45,480 --> 03:25:49,240 essentially chasing the false blagues that we can build our way out of the affordability crisis 2180 03:25:49,780 --> 03:25:54,900 through inclusionary zoning alone. So I'm hoping that we can spend the next five months prioritizing 2181 03:25:54,900 --> 03:25:59,040 social housing and getting a proposal together for the state capital budget. And when the next 2182 03:25:59,040 --> 03:26:04,100 study arrives in June, we have a serious conversation about restructuring our approach. And if we 2183 03:26:04,100 --> 03:26:09,540 aren't facing or focusing on solutions like social housing that actually decommodify housing and treated 2184 03:26:09,540 --> 03:26:14,360 as a human right, we'll almost be trading the line of reburining gentrification as abundance. 2185 03:26:15,080 --> 03:26:19,920 My bottom line is observing conversations are usually framed as creating opportunity for working 2186 03:26:19,920 --> 03:26:25,940 class people which can be true but oftentimes they serve profit and not people and right now 2187 03:26:25,940 --> 03:26:30,640 we're being asked to give away development rights while the only mechanism we have to ensure 2188 03:26:30,640 --> 03:26:37,320 community benefit is under intense legal and economic threat. The only emergency we're facing tonight 2189 03:26:37,320 --> 03:26:42,060 is again the affordable housing crisis as we all know and this potential this petition specifically 2190 03:26:42,060 --> 03:26:47,040 has written with the inclusionary requirement that will likely not be relevant in five months. 2191 03:26:47,040 --> 03:26:50,400 It is going to be making things worse by transferring 2192 03:26:50,400 --> 03:26:54,160 while to landowners without a guarantee of meaningful community benefits. 2193 03:26:54,760 --> 03:26:58,940 I'm open to voting yes on zoning proposals that deliver meaningful guaranteed community benefits. 2194 03:26:59,580 --> 03:27:04,600 I just need to feel confident with what we can deliver on affordability when proceeding with these. 2195 03:27:04,820 --> 03:27:07,960 And I don't think this petition does that for me right now at this time. 2196 03:27:08,060 --> 03:27:11,660 I know we can do better and we should all yield. 2197 03:27:12,100 --> 03:27:14,980 I'll go to a council member government and then a council authority. 2198 03:27:17,070 --> 03:27:19,030 Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. 2199 03:27:19,970 --> 03:27:21,010 There's a lot here. 2200 03:27:21,770 --> 03:27:25,010 I had a statement that I'm going to go a little bit off that for a second. 2201 03:27:26,650 --> 03:27:32,650 First, I want to address the continued suggestion that rushing this through. 2202 03:27:33,710 --> 03:27:35,970 This is better conversation that's been going on for years. 2203 03:27:37,950 --> 03:27:41,690 And this council, this is why I felt it was important for the previous council 2204 03:27:41,690 --> 03:27:44,530 to take ownership of this good or bad 2205 03:27:45,070 --> 03:27:55,490 Because we were the ones that were doing the work and I understand that it's probably difficult if you are a new counselor to be coming on in the last minute and being asked to take a very difficult and controversial vote. 2206 03:27:56,670 --> 03:28:05,790 And so I still believe that we should have taken responsibility and people are going to get mad when I'm getting mad at us because we were the ones that have been doing this. 2207 03:28:06,590 --> 03:28:11,110 But that doesn't mean it's rushed and I don't believe that this has been rushed. 2208 03:28:13,330 --> 03:28:20,890 Second of all, you know, when we hear, when folks say, you know, I support building 2209 03:28:20,890 --> 03:28:26,810 more housing, but then list off 15 other things that they want addressed that make building 2210 03:28:26,810 --> 03:28:30,950 that housing impossible to actually build. 2211 03:28:32,330 --> 03:28:36,870 Not that those things are important, setbacks, setbacks, trees, all of those things. 2212 03:28:36,870 --> 03:28:45,890 But if you put so many requirements that you then make it impossible to build the housing, 2213 03:28:46,350 --> 03:28:50,110 you allegedly say you want, then you're not going to get it. 2214 03:28:50,610 --> 03:28:57,190 And no one zoning ordinance is going to solve all the hills that we have, 2215 03:28:57,230 --> 03:29:00,790 which is why we have to have multiple tools. 2216 03:29:01,450 --> 03:29:02,550 We need social housing. 2217 03:29:02,910 --> 03:29:04,230 We need inclusionary zoning. 2218 03:29:04,230 --> 03:29:15,010 we need market rent housing, so this ordinance is not necessarily going to solve every single problem that everybody has and that we all share. 2219 03:29:16,370 --> 03:29:31,890 So, I'll just say that, you know, I continue to believe we have a housing shortage, and I think that allowing eight stories on Cambridge Street would provide more homes for people, more customers for our local businesses, and more inclusionary units. 2220 03:29:31,890 --> 03:29:43,970 Toler buildings will deliver more low income units through IZ and let's remember that close to 50% of the people who live in inclusionary units are less than the minimum income requirements. 2221 03:29:44,530 --> 03:29:51,110 The qualified for IZ and they are in those units because of vouchers including many formerly on-house people. 2222 03:29:53,130 --> 03:29:57,510 So in order to get more inclusionary units when you limit the amount of units that can be built, 2223 03:29:57,650 --> 03:29:59,750 you're going to therefore get less inclusionary units. 2224 03:30:00,000 --> 03:30:06,360 Housing or for a voucher, but are still paying about 50% or income on rent. That is the middle 2225 03:30:06,360 --> 03:30:13,580 class of Cambridge now. And those are the folks who earn too much money to get any kind of help 2226 03:30:13,580 --> 03:30:19,140 or subsidy, but those are the ones who are leaving because after a couple years they can no longer 2227 03:30:19,140 --> 03:30:27,320 pay 50% or income on rent. So those people are going to suffer too. But I will say, in terms 2228 03:30:27,320 --> 03:30:35,320 of the amendments, I don't believe that there are six votes to pass this ordinance without 2229 03:30:35,320 --> 03:30:36,140 the amendments. 2230 03:30:40,540 --> 03:30:47,760 And I do believe that we need to pass this. I think it is better than 2231 03:30:47,760 --> 03:30:54,340 the current zoning. It is a step forward. Unfortunately, it is not the leap forward that 2232 03:30:54,340 --> 03:31:02,560 think we need if we're going to address our housing shortage, but it is better to pass this 2233 03:31:02,560 --> 03:31:06,540 and to not pass this. I don't think taking two more months for more community conversation 2234 03:31:06,540 --> 03:31:13,780 is going to make that much of a difference. I think people who, the same people who are upset about 2235 03:31:14,660 --> 03:31:23,720 age stories and six stories on the corridors or the same people who are upset about that on mass 2236 03:31:23,720 --> 03:31:25,700 I don't think that's going to change. 2237 03:31:27,300 --> 03:31:32,060 So I think we've had the conversation, I will vote for the amendments, I will vote for the 2238 03:31:32,060 --> 03:31:33,580 final ordinance. 2239 03:31:33,940 --> 03:31:40,240 Again, I think it's not what I think we need, but it's better than what we have, thank you 2240 03:31:40,240 --> 03:31:40,520 men and men. 2241 03:31:41,400 --> 03:31:47,540 And I do, before I go, I do want to thank our staff who, let's see, D.D., our professional 2242 03:31:47,540 --> 03:31:52,560 staff who worked really, really hard on this and I know how difficult it is to balance all 2243 03:31:52,560 --> 03:31:58,440 different visions and wants and desires in the community because there are so many different 2244 03:31:58,440 --> 03:32:02,590 opinions. And I do want to just make sure that I appreciate you. Thank you. 2245 03:32:03,780 --> 03:32:05,960 Thank you, Kasim or Governor. Casa Ferdin? 2246 03:32:09,320 --> 03:32:11,110 Thank you, Madam Mayor and through you. 2247 03:32:13,840 --> 03:32:19,160 It's a complicated issue. And I don't think anyone here denies their fact. 2248 03:32:20,340 --> 03:32:27,280 I will say, like Councilor Al Zubi, I was not a part of the public process, and I regret 2249 03:32:27,280 --> 03:32:34,700 that because I know that there was a valuable exchange of ideas, and I know that say, staff, 2250 03:32:37,300 --> 03:32:40,660 spent an exhaustible effort on all of this. 2251 03:32:41,200 --> 03:32:48,740 But I'm here to represent the people who voted for me, and I'm not going to have those people 2252 03:32:48,740 --> 03:32:56,460 in disenfranchised because I was not involved in that public process. So I'm going to 2253 03:32:58,680 --> 03:33:07,020 I'm in favor of allowing the petition to expire and I'm also not going to support this well-intentioned 2254 03:33:07,020 --> 03:33:14,400 amendment because as Council McGuven just mentioned, I don't want to see an amendment pass. 2255 03:33:14,400 --> 03:33:25,540 I would like to see the entire petition expire and I speak about this issue from I come from maybe a more global issue 2256 03:33:26,240 --> 03:33:34,340 standpoint of viewpoint, then many of my brother and sister counselors do because I fully 2257 03:33:34,340 --> 03:33:41,640 recognize, appreciate and understand that our housing shortage issue is a regional issue. 2258 03:33:41,640 --> 03:33:46,940 This is not a local issue. This is not a Cambridge only issue. We don't live in a silo. 2259 03:33:47,640 --> 03:33:53,080 This is something that we're experiencing, regionally, nationally, and in my lifetime, 2260 03:33:53,740 --> 03:33:59,840 the city of Cambridge has done it continues to do more than all of the other 351 cities 2261 03:33:59,840 --> 03:34:05,640 in towns and Massachusetts to alleviate the housing shortage. And we have done that. 2262 03:34:06,380 --> 03:34:12,520 And over the last maybe decade, in partnership with the State and the federal government 2263 03:34:12,520 --> 03:34:19,260 would spend $2.2 billion on the green line extension to make the communities of some 2264 03:34:19,260 --> 03:34:27,140 of all the method easily accessible to the high-paying jobs in Kendall Square, yet in 2265 03:34:27,740 --> 03:34:35,620 the wake of all of that, the city council and the last term, I guess in February 10th of 2266 03:34:35,620 --> 03:34:41,440 decided that we should upzone the entire city. Every block, every street, every neighborhood, 2267 03:34:41,620 --> 03:34:50,920 any size one. So as of right, on any size one, a structure of four stores can be built, 2268 03:34:51,380 --> 03:34:59,980 thereby incentivizing the demolition of single two family and three family homes without any element of a 2269 03:35:00,000 --> 03:35:07,180 Resolving, ordinance, which has dramatic negative impacts on the city as a whole. 2270 03:35:07,260 --> 03:35:11,800 And if we take it to its logical, some people would say, 2271 03:35:11,900 --> 03:35:19,840 Firm-wongering conclusion, and we consider the availability of money at a maybe a major 2272 03:35:19,840 --> 03:35:24,260 real estate developers' hands to be deployed to the city of Cambridge. 2273 03:35:24,260 --> 03:35:31,160 He would recognize and let's say, for example, just hypothetically, that person's name might be Donald Trump. 2274 03:35:31,620 --> 03:35:37,260 He would recognize the massive investment opportunity in the city of Cambridge. 2275 03:35:37,640 --> 03:35:42,600 And in one generation, we could eradicate this city, and lose neighborhoods. 2276 03:35:43,740 --> 03:35:48,980 And I look at the city of Cambridge in its future as a sustainable city. 2277 03:35:48,980 --> 03:35:56,360 One way we're doing all we can to support and incentivize families here in the city so that we remain 2278 03:35:56,360 --> 03:36:00,440 the historically fabulous place to live and raise a family. 2279 03:36:00,920 --> 03:36:07,780 And I think that that multifamily housing zoning ordinance has the unintended consequences 2280 03:36:08,700 --> 03:36:11,400 of the fairity that's before us. 2281 03:36:11,560 --> 03:36:12,480 So you have to know what's back. 2282 03:36:12,900 --> 03:36:17,660 I'm trying to link it to this and I'm by linking it to this. 2283 03:36:17,660 --> 03:36:25,080 I think that it creates, in my view, a dangerous precedent, and I think that the 2284 03:36:25,080 --> 03:36:31,300 up zoning of Cambridge Street does the exact same thing in that region. It creates an 2285 03:36:31,300 --> 03:36:38,620 as of right development of six stories along that corridor, which in turn will have the same 2286 03:36:38,620 --> 03:36:44,880 impact of causing the displacement of the middle class in that region of Cambridge. And I think 2287 03:36:44,880 --> 03:36:45,820 It's a bad idea. 2288 03:36:46,480 --> 03:36:50,900 I'm fully in favor of the up zoning on the Webster Avcarta, 2289 03:36:50,960 --> 03:36:52,240 because I think it's appropriate. 2290 03:36:52,960 --> 03:36:54,180 And like Councilor Alzubi, 2291 03:36:54,180 --> 03:37:00,620 I think that we have as a city when we allow these zoning 2292 03:37:00,620 --> 03:37:04,380 amendments like this one, we're giving up our leverage. 2293 03:37:05,280 --> 03:37:09,940 And if we do anything in terms of housing development, 2294 03:37:09,940 --> 03:37:17,220 along the Cambridge Recorder to six stories, eight stories, ten stories, all of this should be through 2295 03:37:17,220 --> 03:37:24,320 every view which requires a special permit hearing with community involvement, the opportunity 2296 03:37:24,320 --> 03:37:32,660 for input, and with specific capacity to be met. And without that component in this particular 2297 03:37:35,260 --> 03:37:42,360 zoning woodenance. And again, without being involved in the public process, I would have to, 2298 03:37:42,360 --> 03:37:48,600 you know, for the racket, not that it makes any difference at this point, but I have to say that I, 2299 03:37:48,600 --> 03:37:55,680 I just, I can't, I can't vote in favor of it. So thank you, Madam Mayor, and I yield, and I'm sorry 2300 03:37:55,680 --> 03:38:02,180 to be as low as I was. I know that we're, we're listening to each one of us, and I appreciate 2301 03:38:02,660 --> 03:38:07,260 you're attention in your respect and I I don't mean to belive. Thank you. 2302 03:38:08,340 --> 03:38:14,940 Thank you, Councillor Ferry. Everyone who's wanted to speak on this issue of spoken, at least once. 2303 03:38:17,620 --> 03:38:20,820 I'm going to just briefly speak and then go to Councillor Zeeam. 2304 03:38:21,600 --> 03:38:26,660 You know, I'll say that I hear right colleagues on their various points of view. 2305 03:38:26,940 --> 03:38:32,200 Oh, Councillor Simmons did you want to speak before I go? Okay. I hear you all 2306 03:38:32,660 --> 03:38:38,560 on the various points of view. I think I won't repeat what so my colleagues have said. I'll 2307 03:38:38,560 --> 03:38:46,000 just say that I think the amendments were an attempt to incorporate some of that feedback that we 2308 03:38:46,000 --> 03:38:50,840 had heard. And this process started in the fall of 2021. 2309 03:38:52,940 --> 03:38:55,180 And it, you know, if you look, 2310 03:38:55,180 --> 03:39:04,120 There's 105 page community engagement summary about this process and exactly what was done, 2311 03:39:05,040 --> 03:39:05,780 105 pages. 2312 03:39:06,780 --> 03:39:13,640 And so the assertion around this being rushed and this not having enough process. 2313 03:39:14,420 --> 03:39:18,100 I think I come out a little differently than that. 2314 03:39:18,100 --> 03:39:20,900 I think there are arguments that folks have made 2315 03:40:00,000 --> 03:40:29,980 And I hear that. I think we are trying to be, we're trying to do a lot of things. And we have our 100% overlay. We have, we've, we're going, there's a lot of, further over, multi-family housing. And I know many of us are open to amendments. We're talking about social housing. So, I do think there's no lack of commitment from, most of this council on, many of these important things. 2316 03:40:30,000 --> 03:40:34,680 And I think right now, before us is an attempt to say, 2317 03:40:34,700 --> 03:40:38,280 look, we did hear that the process didn't recommend 2318 03:40:38,280 --> 03:40:42,220 six stories and with some greater heights. 2319 03:40:42,800 --> 03:40:45,880 And sure, there can be critiques of process. 2320 03:40:46,100 --> 03:40:47,740 And I'm so open to that. 2321 03:40:47,740 --> 03:40:49,820 I'm open to improving on a lot of different things. 2322 03:40:49,920 --> 03:40:52,560 But I think on substance, I do think we 2323 03:40:52,560 --> 03:40:55,000 are taking into account a number of things. 2324 03:40:55,420 --> 03:40:58,040 And namely, also, the feedback from our business 2325 03:40:58,040 --> 03:41:05,900 Association from others who at first were saying, you know, you should let this expire, you know, we don't like what happened here. 2326 03:41:06,440 --> 03:41:13,160 And so I do think there are people who've come and said, we've come forward on this. 2327 03:41:13,160 --> 03:41:15,400 And so I, you know, I did want to recognize that. 2328 03:41:15,580 --> 03:41:18,000 So I wanted to just make that brief point. 2329 03:41:18,220 --> 03:41:18,880 I'll go to a conversation. 2330 03:41:20,620 --> 03:41:21,920 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 2331 03:41:22,880 --> 03:41:24,320 I just had a few remarks. 2332 03:41:24,320 --> 03:41:29,000 I typically tend to keep my comments short, but I didn't want to just address some misconceptions. 2333 03:41:30,280 --> 03:41:36,780 You know, my colleague, Councillor Flaherty said, you know, he supports a Webster part, but all the other changes, you know, are a bit too much. 2334 03:41:36,820 --> 03:41:41,740 I would just say that, you know, in-minute staying at six, it's already at six. There is no change there. 2335 03:41:42,620 --> 03:41:45,520 Cambridge Street is at six. It's staying at six. There's no change there. 2336 03:41:46,440 --> 03:41:51,780 And the leech mirror parcel has already been permitted at six at a lower inclusionary. So there's functionally no change there. 2337 03:41:51,780 --> 03:41:59,080 So, it is what the proposal of my fellow council are wanted, and that basically this is just a change to Webster. 2338 03:41:59,300 --> 03:42:03,220 It was also concerned about it not being better right, but requiring special permit, congratulations. 2339 03:42:03,620 --> 03:42:06,600 The Webster block requires a special permit. 2340 03:42:07,000 --> 03:42:08,640 So, I think we should check off those boxes. 2341 03:42:09,480 --> 03:42:11,880 The process has been going around until 2021. 2342 03:42:12,140 --> 03:42:16,180 And I agree that a three year process or really four year process was way too long. 2343 03:42:16,340 --> 03:42:21,520 Every term we have new counselors, if we want to make sure that all of our counselors are part of the entire process, 2344 03:42:21,520 --> 03:42:22,940 which should make our processes shorter. 2345 03:42:24,220 --> 03:42:26,140 I would say that there's been concerns about displacement, 2346 03:42:26,680 --> 03:42:28,360 but also I would say that it's notable 2347 03:42:28,360 --> 03:42:30,440 that the first buildings that were really proposed 2348 03:42:30,440 --> 03:42:32,500 at a multi-family housing where you know 2349 03:42:32,500 --> 03:42:34,580 the spirit's funeral home, the Harriet Jacobs house, 2350 03:42:34,740 --> 03:42:36,840 buildings that had no residence living in there, 2351 03:42:36,960 --> 03:42:39,900 because the place where the economics were best 2352 03:42:39,900 --> 03:42:42,160 are places that aren't already residential. 2353 03:42:42,760 --> 03:42:44,620 And so what we've seen has actually been 2354 03:42:44,620 --> 03:42:45,780 a lot of development in places 2355 03:42:45,780 --> 03:42:47,620 where we would want to see it. 2356 03:42:48,180 --> 03:42:50,940 I would say that it was concerned that the study will come back 2357 03:42:50,940 --> 03:42:56,400 and say that like inclusionary zoning needs to be adjusted. I would say the nexus is not based on the feasibility, 2358 03:42:56,740 --> 03:43:02,840 the economic field is the ability of inclusionary zoning. It's based on diversity, which is inherently built in economic diversity. 2359 03:43:03,580 --> 03:43:10,840 So, I think that that's just not how the nexus studies failed up on like what on how inclusionary zoning is built up. 2360 03:43:10,860 --> 03:43:15,080 There was concerns about other communities on Cambridge doing way more than everyone else. 2361 03:43:15,080 --> 03:43:17,620 Housing is a portion of the city, 2362 03:43:18,180 --> 03:43:20,360 Everett, Revere, Boston, lots of other places 2363 03:43:20,360 --> 03:43:23,500 have been building more housing per capita than we have. 2364 03:43:23,960 --> 03:43:25,800 Just a few more short responses was, 2365 03:43:27,360 --> 03:43:30,620 this is basically just a zoning for Webster at this point. 2366 03:43:31,180 --> 03:43:32,400 And there's lots of great ideas. 2367 03:43:32,440 --> 03:43:33,620 It is a housing emergency. 2368 03:43:33,980 --> 03:43:35,800 And we can either take a stance of, like, yes, 2369 03:43:35,840 --> 03:43:37,520 and we all have slightly different approaches. 2370 03:43:37,720 --> 03:43:39,740 Some people really love the age. 2371 03:43:39,740 --> 03:43:41,340 We'll a little bit more, some the multifamily, 2372 03:43:41,380 --> 03:43:42,340 some other proposals. 2373 03:43:42,840 --> 03:43:44,880 And then we're going to try to build each other up 2374 03:43:44,880 --> 03:43:49,720 try to yes and approach with all different sorts of answers. Or we can break each other down. 2375 03:43:50,240 --> 03:43:54,740 Like I have my issues with South Soil Housing. I think of it as a way of weakening the AHO and actually 2376 03:43:54,740 --> 03:43:58,900 saying that we should pay more for 33% of affordable housing. I don't think the numbers make sense. 2377 03:43:59,260 --> 03:44:02,660 But I understand that other colleagues want to. And I'm like, okay, let's explore. Let's try to 2378 03:44:02,660 --> 03:44:08,880 prove the thing of it. But I see social housing as a way to, you know, actually make more market 2379 03:44:08,880 --> 03:44:13,640 housing and less affordable housing at worst economic. So I don't really understand that. But like, 2380 03:44:13,640 --> 03:44:17,020 we give each other the opportunity and grace to try to make our points. 2381 03:44:17,700 --> 03:44:21,540 And I would just finally just end off by saying that I think that this is an approach that other places are 2382 03:44:21,540 --> 03:44:27,880 visiting both the new mayor of New York and the new mayor of Seattle, Zorad and Kate Wilson are 2383 03:44:27,880 --> 03:44:31,300 really looking at our examples and saying that this is the approach that we want to take between 2384 03:44:31,300 --> 03:44:35,660 multifamily housing and Cambridge Street. I think that we've had a long enough discussion. 2385 03:44:35,780 --> 03:44:39,100 I would just like to vote on the amendments, but I just wanted to address those points. 2386 03:44:40,480 --> 03:44:43,260 Councillor Simmons, anything you'd like to say? 2387 03:44:47,400 --> 03:44:48,320 Thank you, madam. 2388 03:44:48,540 --> 03:44:52,320 I think it's all been said quite well and quite often. 2389 03:44:53,260 --> 03:44:56,160 So if anything, I would like to move that Lee Vodam's. 2390 03:44:56,160 --> 03:44:56,540 Thank you. 2391 03:44:56,780 --> 03:44:57,200 I yield. 2392 03:44:57,800 --> 03:44:59,980 And I will go to Councillor McGurkey. 2393 03:45:00,000 --> 03:45:26,080 Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. So the next order of business would be for the council to vote to amend the Cambridge Street zoning petition by substitution with the attached petition text revised map and revised map boundary descriptions put forward in the late order by the city manager. So that's on the amendments. 2394 03:45:29,760 --> 03:45:33,440 So, would the motion, before us, Councilor Noon? 2395 03:45:34,060 --> 03:45:37,260 Just to be clear, thank you through you, Mayor City, 2396 03:45:37,360 --> 03:45:39,640 to ordinance chair of my govern. 2397 03:45:40,800 --> 03:45:44,360 These, this would mean we'd be voting on the amendments proposed 2398 03:45:44,360 --> 03:45:46,640 in the communication from other city officers, 2399 03:45:46,740 --> 03:45:48,700 is that what we're, this vote. 2400 03:45:49,220 --> 03:45:49,420 Okay. 2401 03:45:50,560 --> 03:45:52,580 So the, just by the, just in case people haven't, 2402 03:45:52,940 --> 03:45:57,720 so the, so the late city manager agenda item, 2403 03:45:57,720 --> 03:46:01,700 talk what was in the communication filed by 2404 03:46:01,700 --> 03:46:05,220 Mayor City, Game Concerned, all and put that into ordinance language. 2405 03:46:05,820 --> 03:46:09,860 We would have vote on that so that that will be substituted into the 2406 03:46:09,860 --> 03:46:14,080 Cambridge Street language, and then that will become the language that we 2407 03:46:14,080 --> 03:46:18,500 eventually in a few minutes vote on as amended. 2408 03:46:20,920 --> 03:46:22,300 That's no end, does that make sense? 2409 03:46:22,660 --> 03:46:24,300 Yes, thank you for the clarification. 2410 03:46:24,840 --> 03:46:27,240 Mayor, City, Kian, Chairman govern. 2411 03:46:28,780 --> 03:46:36,380 So, per customer governance motion, we have to first vote on the amendments, and then the underlying 2412 03:46:36,380 --> 03:46:36,840 petition. 2413 03:46:38,460 --> 03:46:41,860 So, clerk, will you please call the roll on the amendments? 2414 03:46:44,850 --> 03:46:50,370 So, we're calling the roll on the amendments by the late City Council agenda by the City 2415 03:46:50,370 --> 03:46:52,070 Manager, correct, man, a mayor? 2416 03:46:52,550 --> 03:46:52,570 Yes. 2417 03:46:52,950 --> 03:46:53,190 Okay. 2418 03:46:53,630 --> 03:46:54,810 Councilor Elzubi. 2419 03:46:55,110 --> 03:46:55,470 Present. 2420 03:46:57,470 --> 03:46:58,370 Vice Mayor Zeme. 2421 03:46:58,550 --> 03:46:58,890 Yes. 2422 03:46:58,890 --> 03:47:08,910 Yes, Council of Flaherty. No. No, Council of McGuvern. Yes. Yes, Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. 2423 03:47:08,950 --> 03:47:18,330 Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. No. No. Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. 2424 03:47:18,330 --> 03:47:30,570 Yes, yes, and you have six members recorded in the affirmative. Two members recorded in the negative and one recorded is present. 2425 03:47:39,970 --> 03:47:49,470 So the next vote would be to vote the Cambridge Street zoning ordinance as amended. 2426 03:47:52,460 --> 03:47:55,320 We'll go hand with that real call, seeing no hands. 2427 03:47:57,020 --> 03:48:09,220 Councilor Alzubi. No. No. Vice-Mayor Zim. Yes. Yes. Councilor Flaherty. No. No. Councilor Luma-Govern. Yes. Yes. 2428 03:48:09,280 --> 03:48:17,000 Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. 2429 03:48:17,000 --> 03:48:24,960 answers you see? No. No. Mayor Sadiki. Yes. Yes. And you have six members recorded in 2430 03:48:24,960 --> 03:48:27,640 the affirmative and three recorded in the negative. 2431 03:48:29,680 --> 03:48:32,780 The, the, we're almost there. We're almost there. Go ahead, 2432 03:48:33,000 --> 03:48:40,600 come soon. We now need to vote. Um, the city manager, the late city manager at that agenda. I don't 2433 03:48:40,600 --> 03:48:47,720 number 12, and communication and report from other city officers, it's number 2 to be placed on 2434 03:48:47,720 --> 03:48:48,140 file. 2435 03:48:50,380 --> 03:48:55,860 So we'll go ahead on that motion from Councillor Gouverne to place those two items on 2436 03:48:55,860 --> 03:48:56,620 file. 2437 03:49:00,400 --> 03:49:01,500 Councillor Alzubi. 2438 03:49:02,520 --> 03:49:02,720 Yes. 2439 03:49:02,860 --> 03:49:03,540 Yes. 2440 03:49:03,540 --> 03:49:04,340 Vice-merzine. 2441 03:49:04,960 --> 03:49:05,120 Yes. 2442 03:49:05,500 --> 03:49:05,860 Yes. 2443 03:49:05,900 --> 03:49:06,820 Councillor Flaherty. 2444 03:49:07,260 --> 03:49:07,660 Yes. 2445 03:49:08,040 --> 03:49:08,500 Yes. 2446 03:49:08,500 --> 03:49:09,320 Councillor McGuvern. 2447 03:49:10,000 --> 03:49:10,420 Yes. 2448 03:49:10,800 --> 03:49:11,280 Yes. 2449 03:49:11,280 --> 03:49:11,840 Councillor Nolan. 2450 03:49:13,180 --> 03:49:13,580 Yes. 2451 03:49:13,580 --> 03:49:17,080 Yes, Councillor Simmons. Yes. Yes. 2452 03:49:17,420 --> 03:49:19,960 Councillor Sabrina Wailer. Yes. Yes. 2453 03:49:20,120 --> 03:49:22,020 Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 2454 03:49:22,040 --> 03:49:23,980 Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. 2455 03:49:23,980 --> 03:49:25,860 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 2456 03:49:27,660 --> 03:49:28,640 So those are one more. 2457 03:49:29,140 --> 03:49:30,400 One more. We have one more. 2458 03:49:30,740 --> 03:49:32,880 And we'll go ahead and to Councillor Montgomery. 2459 03:49:33,940 --> 03:49:35,660 Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. 2460 03:49:35,660 --> 03:49:39,580 I would like to move suspicion of the rules to move reconsideration, 2461 03:49:40,280 --> 03:49:41,700 hoping the same will not prevail. 2462 03:49:43,590 --> 03:49:51,490 So there's two going to be two votes here. So clerk, I'll lead you. You'll lead us through those votes. 2463 03:49:51,850 --> 03:49:54,770 So the first is to move the suspension, Councilor Azubi. 2464 03:49:56,070 --> 03:49:59,970 Can I do a point of order here and ask them, ask you all to explain what is. 2465 03:50:00,000 --> 03:50:09,700 The expansion of the rules basically means that we are going out of order of the regular agenda of the meeting to bring something else forward. 2466 03:50:10,160 --> 03:50:29,250 So, we're suspending the rules. So, by so council of a government can move reconsideration, which means if reconsideration is approved, then there will be no reconsideration allowable before the 12 o'clock Wednesday final. 2467 03:50:30,080 --> 03:50:32,500 I don't know if I was very clear with that. 2468 03:50:32,820 --> 03:50:36,700 Yeah, I'll just add that basically a motion to, 2469 03:50:36,700 --> 03:50:40,740 if there's a motion to reconsider under Robert's rule, 2470 03:50:41,640 --> 03:50:45,920 you can bring back something that was already voted on. 2471 03:50:45,960 --> 03:50:49,540 voted on and that can be re-debated and possibly changed. 2472 03:50:49,780 --> 03:50:53,020 And so we're saying that we want this matter to be closed. 2473 03:50:53,800 --> 03:50:55,800 And so you wouldn't allow reconsideration 2474 03:50:55,800 --> 03:50:57,340 so that would be a no vote. 2475 03:50:57,340 --> 03:51:01,940 And historically, on various matters, we've done 2476 03:51:01,940 --> 03:51:07,180 no votes on reconsideration, because we feel that the matter should be closed. 2477 03:51:07,240 --> 03:51:11,700 And you have a certain amount of time to do the reconsideration. 2478 03:51:11,800 --> 03:51:15,040 If I've missed anything, anyone feel free to add? 2479 03:51:15,520 --> 03:51:16,480 I'm not sure. 2480 03:51:17,040 --> 03:51:17,260 Yes. 2481 03:51:17,600 --> 03:51:18,080 I'm sorry. 2482 03:51:18,080 --> 03:51:18,180 I'm sorry. 2483 03:51:19,140 --> 03:51:19,760 Thank you. 2484 03:51:20,380 --> 03:51:22,660 Also, we consideration can only be done. 2485 03:51:23,160 --> 03:51:26,140 But I want to make sure we're correct if you were on the prevailing side. 2486 03:51:27,880 --> 03:51:31,840 Yeah. Yes. So, any further questions? 2487 03:51:34,200 --> 03:51:35,940 Okay. So, who? 2488 03:51:36,780 --> 03:51:38,580 Consulate, answer your question. 2489 03:51:39,040 --> 03:51:39,280 Yes. 2490 03:51:39,360 --> 03:51:43,220 My understanding is the first, first vote is on the suspension of the rules and the second 2491 03:51:43,220 --> 03:51:44,520 vote is on the reconsideration. 2492 03:51:44,660 --> 03:51:44,920 Yes. 2493 03:51:45,320 --> 03:51:46,280 Okay. That's it. 2494 03:51:46,640 --> 03:51:49,340 I have questions, clarifying questions. 2495 03:51:49,620 --> 03:51:50,400 I'll go to Councillor. 2496 03:51:50,400 --> 03:51:52,820 for Flair any of the concerns, is he? 2497 03:51:53,900 --> 03:51:58,240 No, no, I'd consider Simmons answered my question. 2498 03:51:58,700 --> 03:52:01,020 Under the point, I was going to make a point of 2499 03:52:01,020 --> 03:52:03,480 parliamentary procedure to ask him to rub its rules 2500 03:52:05,960 --> 03:52:12,200 that the only movement under a most 2501 03:52:12,200 --> 03:52:15,000 reconsideration must be the prevailing party, 2502 03:52:15,060 --> 03:52:16,100 not the agreeable party. 2503 03:52:16,680 --> 03:52:18,140 So it's been answered, thank you. 2504 03:52:18,140 --> 03:52:21,240 You've been studying cancer, where did I appreciate it all these days? 2505 03:52:21,720 --> 03:52:23,560 Well, we'll go to a councillor, as I was saying. 2506 03:52:23,600 --> 03:52:29,120 I just wanted to say, I was talking to a, like, a contributing lawyer who was saying that 2507 03:52:29,120 --> 03:52:37,200 the councillor didn't use to ask for the suspension of rules and the inability to reconsider 2508 03:52:37,200 --> 03:52:37,800 things. 2509 03:52:37,940 --> 03:52:40,960 It's just something that we've been doing more recently. 2510 03:52:40,960 --> 03:52:46,460 I mean, they're actually having more time to think about things, 2511 03:52:46,480 --> 03:52:48,380 can sometimes be a good thing. 2512 03:52:48,580 --> 03:52:55,360 So it doesn't seem like we should always be locking every vote into a final vote. 2513 03:52:56,140 --> 03:52:59,400 And we'll have roles discussion this week. 2514 03:53:00,360 --> 03:53:02,520 So feel free to bring that out there. 2515 03:53:03,060 --> 03:53:05,420 Yes, I would say, Matt, I would say about America. 2516 03:53:05,680 --> 03:53:08,220 This is something that we've been doing. 2517 03:53:08,220 --> 03:53:14,140 is I got elected in this full committee 22 years ago. So I'm not sure who says who I gave that 2518 03:53:14,140 --> 03:53:19,740 advice on that counselors as a result, but we have done this very very long to on important issues. 2519 03:53:19,800 --> 03:53:27,240 This is not unusual. So now that we've had questions answered, clarified, we'll go back to the vote please. 2520 03:53:28,400 --> 03:53:37,660 on suspension, counselor LZB. Yes. Yes, vice-marison. Yes. Yes, counsel authority. No. No, 2521 03:53:37,660 --> 03:53:38,340 counsel Montgomery. 2522 03:53:41,820 --> 03:53:49,880 Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Counselor Simmons. Yes. Counselor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. 2523 03:53:50,020 --> 03:53:56,720 Counselor Zucy. No. No. Mayor C. D. K. Yes. Yes. And you have seven members recorded in the affirmative 2524 03:53:56,720 --> 03:53:58,540 and to record it in the negative. 2525 03:53:58,920 --> 03:54:02,020 Suspension prevails. We'll go on to the reconsideration vote, please. 2526 03:54:02,480 --> 03:54:04,000 On reconsideration. 2527 03:54:04,440 --> 03:54:05,580 Councilor Alzubi. 2528 03:54:05,800 --> 03:54:06,320 No. 2529 03:54:06,820 --> 03:54:08,200 No, Vice-Mirazine. 2530 03:54:09,300 --> 03:54:10,720 No, Councilor Flaherty. 2531 03:54:11,520 --> 03:54:11,700 No. 2532 03:54:12,280 --> 03:54:13,580 No, Councilor McGovern. 2533 03:54:14,540 --> 03:54:15,040 No. 2534 03:54:15,260 --> 03:54:16,460 No, Councilor Nolan. 2535 03:54:16,920 --> 03:54:17,500 No. 2536 03:54:17,820 --> 03:54:18,880 No, Councilor Simmons. 2537 03:54:20,640 --> 03:54:20,800 No. 2538 03:54:20,900 --> 03:54:22,120 No, Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. 2539 03:54:22,480 --> 03:54:22,780 No. 2540 03:54:23,340 --> 03:54:24,540 No, Councilor Zucy. 2541 03:54:24,880 --> 03:54:25,300 Yes. 2542 03:54:25,860 --> 03:54:26,280 Yes. 2543 03:54:26,280 --> 03:54:32,440 Mayor Siddiqui. No. No, and you have one member recorded in the affirmative in eight recorded in the 2544 03:54:32,440 --> 03:54:37,760 in the negative. Councillor Montgomery, was there anything else? I think we've wrapped up. 2545 03:55:00,000 --> 03:55:05,980 Thank you everyone. Thank you for going through this at the Cambridge Street Petitions. 2546 03:55:05,980 --> 03:55:24,360 It's only petition has been ordained as amended. We are now done with the city managers agenda. So, we will go ahead to policy orders, pressure of the city council. And I ask that you raise your hands. 2547 03:55:27,380 --> 03:55:28,520 We'll go to council. 2548 03:55:28,520 --> 03:55:40,530 Would you like to pull one and three counselor I'll do be pulls one and three counselors you see 2549 03:55:44,850 --> 03:55:46,190 your mutate counselors. 2550 03:55:46,810 --> 03:55:50,510 I apologize two and nine 2551 03:55:51,390 --> 03:55:52,730 two and 2552 03:55:58,600 --> 03:55:59,680 nine 2553 03:55:59,680 --> 03:56:14,680 It's been pulled mayor city camp. Okay, so we've pulled 1, 2, 3 and 9 and so we'll go ahead and do a roll call. 2554 03:56:14,700 --> 03:56:17,400 Consular as if you're not pulling number eight. 2555 03:56:19,090 --> 03:56:31,330 No, but yeah, okay. So we'll do a roll call on adopting pulse orders 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. 2556 03:56:33,050 --> 03:56:41,010 Counts, Laura, Zubi. Yes. Yes, Vice-Mayor Zim. Yes. Yes, Council of Flaherty. Yes. Yes, Council of McGovern. 2557 03:56:42,090 --> 03:56:47,670 Yes, Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons. Yes. 2558 03:56:47,670 --> 03:56:59,810 Yes, Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. The balance of the policy orders. 2559 03:57:00,590 --> 03:57:16,170 The adopted will go to positive number one that the city manager asked the appropriate departments review the city's digital equity work to date, including the studies recommendations and all steps taken since the study inclusion in order to update the evaluation 2560 03:57:16,170 --> 03:57:23,290 of existing internet access programs, assessing whether residents' digital needs are or could be provided for 2561 03:57:23,290 --> 03:57:28,630 and to propose how we could better meet their needs and to report back to the council by June 20, 2562 03:57:28,910 --> 03:57:31,250 26 on internet access programs. 2563 03:57:31,250 --> 03:57:35,870 This was filed by Councilor Zuzzi, Councilor Nolan, Councilor Serena Wheeler, and Vice Mayor Azim. 2564 03:57:36,010 --> 03:57:41,890 This was pulled by Councillor Azubi, I'll go to the lead sponsor, Councillor Azuzzi, and 2565 03:57:41,890 --> 03:57:44,590 And she yields to Casper, I am. Casper, does he? 2566 03:57:45,990 --> 03:57:53,550 This is a policy order that we introduce less spring and with the same co-sponsors. 2567 03:57:54,370 --> 03:57:56,730 But we forgot to ask for a report back. 2568 03:57:56,930 --> 03:58:01,570 So we've resubmitted this policy order asking for a report back, 2569 03:58:02,690 --> 03:58:09,710 because I realize at least that we may not have the 150 to 200 million estimated 2570 03:58:09,710 --> 03:58:18,270 to invest in municipal broadband right now over the next five years, but it's absolutely essential 2571 03:58:18,270 --> 03:58:26,270 that all of our residents have digital access. And I'm really happy for the $100,000 grant 2572 03:58:26,270 --> 03:58:32,930 that we just received, the Cambridge Public Library just received, for their digital navigator program. 2573 03:58:33,450 --> 03:58:39,530 But what I wanted and I guess what we wanted was a broader report back on what else is happening 2574 03:58:39,530 --> 03:58:48,910 in Cambridge housing, in CHA properties and other, there are all these other programs that 2575 03:58:48,910 --> 03:58:53,970 have existed over time, and we would like to update on the status of them because we 2576 03:58:53,970 --> 03:59:00,590 want to make sure that everybody really has digital access with that. I yield. 2577 03:59:01,590 --> 03:59:02,590 What are Councilor Zubby? 2578 03:59:03,930 --> 03:59:08,410 Thank you Madam Mayor. I would like to exercise my charter right on this policy order to 2579 03:59:08,410 --> 03:59:13,750 understand, to better understand it, especially as it can actually relates to municipal broadband. 2580 03:59:15,250 --> 03:59:19,690 Councillor Osubi. Exercise is return rate and policy number one will move to 2581 03:59:19,690 --> 03:59:25,530 policy number two. That the city manager is requested to work with a relevant city. 2582 03:59:25,870 --> 03:59:32,850 Departments regarding incorporating plant-based solutions into the Sustainable Cambridge Initiative 2583 03:59:32,850 --> 03:59:39,330 incorporating plant-based practices and city-operated events and using municipal communication 2584 03:59:39,330 --> 03:59:44,710 channels to promote sustainable and affordable food and drink practices throughout the city. 2585 03:59:45,370 --> 03:59:49,450 This was filed by Councillor Nolan, a Councillor Serena Wheeler, Councillor McGovern and myself. 2586 03:59:49,990 --> 03:59:55,630 It was pulled by Councillor Susie, but I will go to Councillor Nolan as the lead sponsor, 2587 03:59:55,830 --> 03:59:58,830 Councillor Nolan, unless you yield Councillor Nolan, you have the four. 2588 03:59:59,230 --> 03:59:59,890 Thank you, Mayor. 2589 04:00:00,000 --> 04:00:05,140 Thank you, Mayor Siddiqui, and I'll just make a few remarks related to this policy or to before 2590 04:00:05,140 --> 04:00:10,400 yielding to Councillor Susie. As we heard in public comment, I want to thank all the folks 2591 04:00:10,400 --> 04:00:15,420 from the plant-based treaty who came to public comment. I know they met with, I think, many 2592 04:00:15,420 --> 04:00:20,320 city councilors, and they're really working to ensure that Cambridge is part of the leading edge 2593 04:00:20,320 --> 04:00:25,280 of cities across the country and in fact the world that are looking into every single way that 2594 04:00:25,280 --> 04:00:31,220 can address not only a mission in climate, but this is also gets at the heart of a lot of 2595 04:00:31,220 --> 04:00:36,500 public health as well. So again, it also improves social justice, economic well-being. 2596 04:00:37,200 --> 04:00:41,200 This whole policy order is about supporting Cambridge and reducing its consumption-based 2597 04:00:41,200 --> 04:00:48,360 emissions and getting the word out to the public at large, about the importance of this for 2598 04:00:48,360 --> 04:00:52,080 for that climate work, but also for public health. As some of the public comment noted, 2599 04:00:52,080 --> 04:00:58,600 doesn't restrict anybody's individual choices. What it does do is what it would do if we move 2600 04:00:58,600 --> 04:01:03,700 forward and it asks the city staff to really incorporate plant-based solutions not only into 2601 04:01:03,700 --> 04:01:09,520 sustainable Cambridge but into everything that we do and incorporate purchasing practices across 2602 04:01:09,520 --> 04:01:14,940 the city. Again, no one's diet has to change overnight but I would say everyone's diet can be 2603 04:01:14,940 --> 04:01:21,920 improved. The emission pollution that is directly caused by all of our diets is something that we 2604 04:01:21,920 --> 04:01:26,520 be prioritizing because it's something we control and also it's easy. And you can still have 2605 04:01:26,520 --> 04:01:32,080 a lot of tasty things and still just reduce the emission pollution that comes with every single 2606 04:01:32,080 --> 04:01:37,620 choice we make related to eating. So I would be really excited for the Council to pass this 2607 04:01:37,620 --> 04:01:42,420 policy order to there's a lot of folks in the community, many of whom came to public comment 2608 04:01:42,420 --> 04:01:47,700 who are willing to work with us on this. And again, this is really about setting the stage for 2609 04:01:47,700 --> 04:02:00,620 to be a lead to join some of the leaders in the country and in the world who are working on this really, really important issue related to our public health goals as well as our climate reduction and emission pollution reduction goals. 2610 04:02:01,380 --> 04:02:15,620 So I hope these more plant-based food choices is going to be a great way for residents also to work with each other and educate each other and help the city and therefore then the world as a role model move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. 2611 04:02:15,620 --> 04:02:22,280 So that's my reason for bringing this for it and I'm really grateful I know there's there's several other 2612 04:02:22,280 --> 04:02:26,700 counselors including Councilman Governor who'd worked with this a lot and he is a 2613 04:02:26,700 --> 04:02:34,210 co-sponsor he might want to speak before we go to Councilor Zizzi who was a co-sponsor 2614 04:02:34,210 --> 04:02:41,030 it was yeah any of the co-sponsors Councilman Governor I Councilman I don't see oh yeah 2615 04:02:41,030 --> 04:02:46,650 your head is up go ahead thank you man I've been through you I just want to thank 2616 04:02:47,610 --> 04:02:53,450 for putting this policy order together, I actually got a approach with this issue. 2617 04:02:53,630 --> 04:02:59,650 Maybe a year and a half ago through the MSPCA, 2618 04:03:01,530 --> 04:03:04,890 that was endorsing this work through some of their animal rights work, 2619 04:03:06,790 --> 04:03:08,430 and then as Councillor Nolan said, 2620 04:03:08,730 --> 04:03:12,410 we were approached again more recently by some of the other groups 2621 04:03:12,410 --> 04:03:14,770 that wanted us to put this forward. 2622 04:03:14,770 --> 04:03:19,990 I just, I want to thank Councilor Nolan for actually writing it and putting it together because 2623 04:03:19,990 --> 04:03:28,050 I dropped the ball on it, but I appreciate her taking the lead and sponsoring this. 2624 04:03:28,510 --> 04:03:33,690 And I think important point that she said is that, you know, this doesn't force anybody to, you know, 2625 04:03:33,770 --> 04:03:34,850 to do anything. 2626 04:03:35,990 --> 04:03:43,010 You know, but it is so that we have a greater awareness of this issue and can make some progress and do a better job with, 2627 04:03:43,010 --> 04:03:49,230 with how the eating and environmental issues. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Are you all? 2628 04:03:49,230 --> 04:03:54,750 Thank you. What about the councillors? Thank you. Through Madam Mayor, I just I wanted to 2629 04:03:54,750 --> 04:04:01,170 think councillor Nolan. It also for initiating this. I also met with the plant based treaty people last 2630 04:04:01,170 --> 04:04:08,150 fall and I was really impressed with their presentation and she councillor Nolan just speak me to 2631 04:04:08,150 --> 04:04:15,030 drafting a policy order about it. I think it's great to get information out about this and for the 2632 04:04:15,030 --> 04:04:21,330 city to model it. And I would like to be added as a co-sponsor for the policy order. 2633 04:04:23,640 --> 04:04:31,520 Would anyone else like to be added as a co-sponsor? Would anyone do any folks have any questions or 2634 04:04:31,520 --> 04:04:37,940 comments on this before we go ahead and ask Councillor, ask that Councillor Susie me added? 2635 04:04:39,220 --> 04:04:42,220 So, on that motion, we'll do a roll call to add 2636 04:04:42,220 --> 04:04:44,740 Councillor Zuzi to the policy order. 2637 04:04:45,200 --> 04:04:46,300 Councillor Lzubi. 2638 04:04:46,320 --> 04:04:46,960 Yes. 2639 04:04:47,220 --> 04:04:47,620 Yes. 2640 04:04:47,620 --> 04:04:48,440 Vice-merzine. 2641 04:04:48,920 --> 04:04:49,040 Yes. 2642 04:04:49,460 --> 04:04:49,780 Yes. 2643 04:04:50,040 --> 04:04:50,720 Councillor Flaherty. 2644 04:05:00,560 --> 04:05:11,880 Yes, Councillor Nolan? Yes. Yes, Councillor Simmons? Yes. Yes, Councillor Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. Yes, Councillor Susie? Yes. Yes, Mayor Sadiki? Yes. Yes. 2645 04:05:11,880 --> 04:05:13,540 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 2646 04:05:14,320 --> 04:05:28,900 Also, number two, as amended is passed, we'll go to policy number three, that the city manager's requested to work with relevant city departments to prioritize pilot projects in 26 with that the use of a consultant or an extensive. 2647 04:05:30,800 --> 04:05:38,900 pedestrianization study and in the medium term consider how additional pedestrianization is a long word. 2648 04:05:39,620 --> 04:05:48,420 I was section of Rattles Street by restoring two-way traffic to JFK Street could enhance the square. 2649 04:05:48,800 --> 04:05:52,440 This was filed by Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, myself and Councillor Susie. 2650 04:05:52,440 --> 04:05:56,300 This is pulled by Councillor Azubi. 2651 04:05:56,440 --> 04:06:00,880 We'll go to Councillor Nolan and any of the co-sponsors to speak on that. 2652 04:06:00,940 --> 04:06:02,600 Councillor Nolan and then Councillor Simmons. 2653 04:06:03,520 --> 04:06:04,440 Thank you, Mayor Sediki. 2654 04:06:05,580 --> 04:06:11,520 This policy order is about something that Councillor has been working on as I think is noted 2655 04:06:11,520 --> 04:06:13,020 for many, many years. 2656 04:06:13,640 --> 04:06:18,480 There's been lots of folks across the city who are interested in this and the Harvard 2657 04:06:18,480 --> 04:06:24,300 business association as we heard in public comment wants us to move forward with some 2658 04:06:24,300 --> 04:06:30,440 pilots and the whole idea is that we are all on record the Council's been on record in 2659 04:06:30,440 --> 04:06:34,340 a number of ways of supporting more opportunities to pedestrian eye sections of the public 2660 04:06:34,340 --> 04:06:41,180 way in order to in live in the community, help local businesses build community. We have worked as a 2661 04:06:41,180 --> 04:06:45,960 group to pilot a number of pedestrianization opportunities. We can continue that work in 2662 04:06:45,960 --> 04:06:51,380 The policy order really asked the city staff to prioritize these pilot opportunities pretty much immediately. 2663 04:06:52,120 --> 04:06:56,140 We have several streets that are named in the policy order to move forward. 2664 04:06:56,300 --> 04:07:00,480 And I think if we pass this, it really says to the city, we want these to happen as soon as possible. 2665 04:07:01,120 --> 04:07:10,600 We also believe partly because the world has changed in the last few years in terms of availability of information and availability of data, 2666 04:07:10,600 --> 04:07:16,800 particularly in transportation or traffic that we do not need a very expensive and time-consuming 2667 04:07:16,800 --> 04:07:22,640 consultant study to move forward. I hope that the city will understand that we can move forward with 2668 04:07:22,640 --> 04:07:30,320 some pilots but that also the dream for me is still to make sure that we take, we follow the example 2669 04:07:30,320 --> 04:07:36,820 of leading cities in Europe and several in this country as well to use pedestrianization as a strategy 2670 04:07:36,820 --> 04:07:41,280 for building community and helping small businesses, including that stretch of battle street, which 2671 04:07:41,280 --> 04:07:49,260 is identified in earlier policy orders, which would require some re-direction of some 2672 04:07:49,260 --> 04:07:54,160 of the other streets, but it's eminently feasible and does not require inexpensive lengthy study. 2673 04:07:54,180 --> 04:08:00,900 So, I hope that we can move forward and have on-the-ground problems solved by joint and collaborative 2674 04:08:00,900 --> 04:08:03,780 efforts of local property owners businesses in the council. 2675 04:08:05,380 --> 04:08:09,540 Thank you, Councillor Nolan. We'll go to Councillor Simmons. 2676 04:08:10,180 --> 04:08:14,420 Thank you, Madam Chair. Let me just stop by acknowledging Councillor Nolan for taking a lead 2677 04:08:14,420 --> 04:08:19,100 on this policy order and for doing the work of hard work of keeping your focus practical 2678 04:08:19,100 --> 04:08:25,440 and achievable, especially in tonight's in this tight budget environment. I also wanted to 2679 04:08:25,440 --> 04:08:30,040 recognize Denise Jielson, whose long-standing advocacy for more welcoming people selected 2680 04:08:30,040 --> 04:08:33,320 Harvard School has been a real spark behind this effort. 2681 04:08:34,080 --> 04:08:35,940 This ought to be flexious of community conversation, 2682 04:08:36,300 --> 04:08:38,840 careful walkthrough, shared interest, and testing ideas 2683 04:08:38,840 --> 04:08:41,060 thoughtfully better than of a study in them. 2684 04:08:41,340 --> 04:08:42,340 Size of Portland is the approach 2685 04:08:42,340 --> 04:08:45,600 because it prioritizes real world pilots. 2686 04:08:46,520 --> 04:08:48,700 Respects, fiscal constraints, and gives us 2687 04:08:48,700 --> 04:08:51,140 an opportunity to learn quickly collaboratively 2688 04:08:51,140 --> 04:08:51,960 and transparently. 2689 04:08:52,380 --> 04:08:54,520 But what works of residence, businesses, and business 2690 04:08:54,520 --> 04:08:57,100 is all I. So I hope our colleagues will see fit to support 2691 04:08:57,100 --> 04:08:58,600 this, and with the obvious faculty, 2692 04:08:58,600 --> 04:09:02,360 the flow back to you. Thank you, Councillor Simmons. 2693 04:09:03,620 --> 04:09:04,800 Councillor, is this you did you want to speak? 2694 04:09:07,880 --> 04:09:10,040 Okay, great. Now, we'll go to 2695 04:09:10,040 --> 04:09:14,960 Councillor Azubi, who will this? Yeah, thank you, Madam Mayor. I'm okay with voting 2696 04:09:14,960 --> 04:09:19,280 yes on this policy order and appreciate the work put into it. I do just want to 2697 04:09:19,280 --> 04:09:23,100 quickly let some thoughts and questions that I have that I'll be curious about. I'm 2698 04:09:23,100 --> 04:09:28,180 excited about the potential to betestrianize Harvard Square, but as someone who was 2699 04:09:28,180 --> 04:09:39,080 I think JFK going to ways this likely dangerous, especially when you consider how heavy pedestrian traffic is in that area despite the fact that there is traffic moving there. 2700 04:09:39,280 --> 04:09:45,860 I'm worried about the safety of pedestrian drivers, bikers and anyone else, and I'm looking forward to understanding the feedback on this report. 2701 04:09:46,080 --> 04:09:50,280 Just a few questions on are we thinking outside of the box here as much as we can? 2702 04:09:50,280 --> 04:09:59,980 Are we only going to consider one way forward toward pedestrianization or can we leave room for a range of options, but this just need more 2703 04:10:00,000 --> 04:10:05,200 Our adjustments then what is on this policy order currently, is it simply enough to go back to 2704 04:10:05,200 --> 04:10:10,320 two-way traffic? I have a lot of questions and we'll be curious as I do care about the pedestrianization 2705 04:10:10,320 --> 04:10:15,200 of Harvard Square since it's such a busy area in our city. So I'll be checking out the report and 2706 04:10:15,200 --> 04:10:15,640 would love to. 2707 04:10:18,380 --> 04:10:22,860 Any other questions on the policy order before us? 2708 04:10:25,120 --> 04:10:27,360 I don't see any. So we can go ahead and 2709 04:10:27,360 --> 04:10:31,380 roll call on adopting Paul's your number three. 2710 04:10:31,800 --> 04:10:35,740 Councilor L. Zubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-Mayor Zene. Yes. 2711 04:10:35,980 --> 04:10:39,620 Yes. Council of Flaherty. Yes. Yes. Council of McGuvern. 2712 04:10:40,780 --> 04:10:44,160 Yes. Yes. Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. 2713 04:10:44,160 --> 04:10:48,760 Yes. Councilor Simon. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. 2714 04:10:49,080 --> 04:10:52,940 Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Yes. Mayor Sediki. Yes. 2715 04:10:53,240 --> 04:10:55,420 Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 2716 04:10:56,520 --> 04:11:04,660 policy order number three is adopted. We now are on to policy order number nine that the 2717 04:11:04,660 --> 04:11:08,100 Mayor he arrived points the committee to screen applicants for the position of city clerk. 2718 04:11:08,120 --> 04:11:13,420 This was filed by myself and Vice Mayor Azim and pulled by Councillor Azuzi before I go to 2719 04:11:13,420 --> 04:11:21,260 Councillor Azuzi. I will ask for a motion by Councillor Azim to on suspension to bring forward 2720 04:11:22,100 --> 04:11:29,980 communications from other city officers number four, which is a communication from me 2721 04:11:29,980 --> 04:11:34,880 transmitting information about the search process for permanent city clerk so that we 2722 04:11:34,880 --> 04:11:42,060 can have both of those together as we talk about the policy order and where things left off 2723 04:11:42,060 --> 04:11:48,540 with the previous search. So on that motion we'll do a real call for suspension. 2724 04:11:48,540 --> 04:11:53,880 Councillor Al-Zubi? Yes. Yes. Vice-Mayor Azine? Yes. Yes. 2725 04:11:53,880 --> 04:11:59,040 Councillor Flaherty? Yes. Yes. Councillor Luma-Govern? Yes. Yes. 2726 04:11:59,040 --> 04:12:03,200 Councillor Nolan? Yes. Yes. Councillor Simmons? Yes. 2727 04:12:03,680 --> 04:12:05,720 Yes. Councillor Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. 2728 04:12:06,200 --> 04:12:08,640 Yes. Councillor Zucy? Yes. Yes. 2729 04:12:08,640 --> 04:12:12,540 Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 2730 04:12:14,300 --> 04:12:17,840 The communication and from other city officers and before 2731 04:12:17,840 --> 04:12:25,720 is before us alongside this policy order and I'll just quickly briefly brief the 2732 04:12:26,340 --> 04:12:33,000 half the communication kind of outlines the history of the city clerk search process 2733 04:12:33,840 --> 04:12:43,200 and the fact that there was a process and I want to thank Councillor Simmons who has 2734 04:12:43,200 --> 04:12:49,300 We're led that process and many of the several of the city councillors who were involved. 2735 04:12:50,340 --> 04:12:59,080 And as was mentioned, you know, I think there was thought put into the fact that, well, 2736 04:12:59,380 --> 04:13:06,400 there was a process that were folks who were evaluated for the position that we, 2737 04:13:07,100 --> 04:13:12,080 the committee at the time was not ready to bring forward recommended finalists. 2738 04:13:12,080 --> 04:13:16,080 Councillor Simmons, if you want to add anything, I'll yield to you. 2739 04:13:17,300 --> 04:13:21,360 Thank you, Madam Mayor, and thank you for bringing this forward and restarting the process. 2740 04:13:21,800 --> 04:13:26,140 As you had said, there was a committee convened. 2741 04:13:26,460 --> 04:13:33,460 I want to thank and Naomi Steffen, who helped us by, we sent out the job description. 2742 04:13:33,660 --> 04:13:37,520 We got a number of resumes, back those resumes were bedded. 2743 04:13:37,520 --> 04:13:44,780 We sat down and looked over finalists, got those finalists down to another finalists, and at the end of that, 2744 04:13:44,860 --> 04:13:51,640 although we came very close without saying too much, we did not feel confident that we should go 2745 04:13:51,640 --> 04:13:56,100 forward with the final product. I'm trying to be vague on purpose. 2746 04:13:58,540 --> 04:14:00,200 So, sorry, I guess you could say, 2747 04:14:00,280 --> 04:14:05,920 tag your it. Madam Mayor, but it was, I do want to thank my colleagues for the worth they put in. 2748 04:14:05,920 --> 04:14:13,480 It was well-run, it we did our best work but this is an important job and as an important 2749 04:14:13,480 --> 04:14:18,380 job we wanted to make sure we got the best candidate and one of the candidates that we were 2750 04:14:18,380 --> 04:14:24,080 very interested in dropped out at the end and did not want to say well let's take whose left 2751 04:14:24,080 --> 04:14:25,240 let's restart. 2752 04:14:25,760 --> 04:14:28,620 So thank you for that opportunity to explain that and I yield the floor. 2753 04:14:29,040 --> 04:14:35,180 Thank you Councillor Simmons and I'll say to my colleagues, you know, being on the City Clerk 2754 04:14:35,180 --> 04:14:39,340 Search Process is all the rage, and so please do, 2755 04:14:39,420 --> 04:14:40,640 let me know if you're interested, 2756 04:14:41,880 --> 04:14:43,120 because we do need you. 2757 04:14:43,120 --> 04:14:44,040 We need you. 2758 04:15:00,000 --> 04:15:26,800 I just wanted to thank Paula Creme for continuing to serve as our clerk. Yeah, when you had signed up for a six-month job, and I wanted to express interest in being on the committee, I think it's very important that we fill this position and soon, and I understand that summer bill is just about to hire a new clerk too. 2759 04:15:26,800 --> 04:15:29,980 So I hope they haven't snatched the best candidate. 2760 04:15:30,300 --> 04:15:32,500 So I think we need to get on it. 2761 04:15:33,100 --> 04:15:37,420 And again, Paula, thank you so much for all of your service. 2762 04:15:38,320 --> 04:15:46,440 But anyway, so I'm eager for us to advance and to find someone that can do the job. 2763 04:15:46,920 --> 04:15:47,620 Thank you. 2764 04:15:48,240 --> 04:15:48,800 Thank you. 2765 04:15:48,920 --> 04:15:49,880 Thank you, Councillor Susanne. 2766 04:15:51,020 --> 04:15:52,320 Look forward to hearing from others. 2767 04:15:52,640 --> 04:15:53,200 Yes, Councillor. 2768 04:15:54,620 --> 04:16:16,400 I'm happy to serve on the committee, Madam Mia, but I confess that, no matter how hot I work in it, we're not going to find anybody as talented and as experienced and as racist, gracious as Paul a crane. So maybe I shouldn't serve on the committee because I don't want to be blamed for hiring her replacement because she's irreplaceable. 2769 04:16:17,860 --> 04:16:21,500 We appreciate your part. Thank you so much. Thank you. 2770 04:16:22,340 --> 04:16:27,560 And I think the best gift to you would be to find someone. And so we will, we're on it. 2771 04:16:28,500 --> 04:16:34,760 So on that on a counselor on a motion by Councillor Zousie to adopt this policy order. 2772 04:16:35,240 --> 04:16:40,520 And then place communication at the from other city officers on file. We'll do a roll call. 2773 04:16:40,520 --> 04:16:45,400 Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-Mairzine. Yes. Yes. 2774 04:16:45,400 --> 04:16:51,260 Council of Plarity. Yes. Yes. Council of Montgomery. Yes. Yes. 2775 04:16:51,280 --> 04:16:54,060 Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. 2776 04:16:56,200 --> 04:16:56,420 Yes. 2777 04:16:56,940 --> 04:16:59,920 Sorry. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. 2778 04:16:59,920 --> 04:17:01,960 Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. 2779 04:17:01,960 --> 04:17:05,660 Mayor C. D. K. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 2780 04:17:07,380 --> 04:17:15,800 policy order number nine is adopted, and the city manager, the communications from other city 2781 04:17:15,800 --> 04:17:24,180 officers is placed on file or done with policy orders, but we're not done with the calendar, 2782 04:17:24,500 --> 04:17:31,740 so we'll move on to the calendar. There are two items on the calendar, so we'll go to the number one item, 2783 04:17:31,740 --> 04:17:37,340 which is a communication transmitted from the on-wallung city manager relative to the final landmark 2784 04:17:37,340 --> 04:17:44,180 designation report for the Nathaniel Sikney House at 45-month Auburn Street. This 2785 04:17:44,180 --> 04:17:50,360 charter rate was exercised by Councilor Alzubi at our last Councilor meeting, January 12th, 2786 04:17:50,440 --> 04:17:57,200 so I will go to Councilor Alzubi. Thank you Madam Mayor. So some context I exercised my charter 2787 04:17:57,200 --> 04:18:00,920 right to better understand what was going on in the case of this landmarking decision. 2788 04:18:01,960 --> 04:18:06,260 Tonight, I will be voting in favor of landmarking the Nathaniel Stichney House for two 2789 04:18:06,260 --> 04:18:11,140 main reasons that I just wanted to note the first is recognizing the significance of the space 2790 04:18:11,140 --> 04:18:16,060 within a historical district such as Harvard's and I believe that landmarking can assist with 2791 04:18:16,060 --> 04:18:19,780 appreciating its significance historically, culturally and socially. 2792 04:18:20,100 --> 04:18:23,160 I mean, we're talking about one of the most historical areas in the United States. 2793 04:18:23,160 --> 04:18:28,980 The second is out of support for the organizations and people who made the Democracy Center what it was. 2794 04:18:29,200 --> 04:18:38,020 My understanding is that there could have been significantly more intentionality placed into bringing community members and organizations into the conversation about next steps. 2795 04:18:38,700 --> 04:18:47,380 It has been almost two years since this has started, granted probably more because it's not easy to take the step to close down and think about the future. 2796 04:18:47,380 --> 04:18:59,840 And I know Ian is interested in doing that work and I believe him in good faith and because of that, I think this landmarking could help give us a chance to bring in more of that collaboration on the historic community pieces, all yield. 2797 04:19:02,570 --> 04:19:06,210 We'll go to Conther, as Ian and then Councillor Serena Wheeler. 2798 04:19:07,210 --> 04:19:07,930 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 2799 04:19:09,130 --> 04:19:12,230 I will not be voting in favor of this today. 2800 04:19:12,230 --> 04:19:20,890 You know, first of all, I would say that Harvard's quiz already a conservation district is in large, ready and extensive process in place to make sure that buildings fit the character. 2801 04:19:21,750 --> 04:19:24,190 And it's a conservation district that I strongly support. 2802 04:20:01,660 --> 04:20:06,020 Vindictive, you know, rapport in that sense that like we all know that the real reason 2803 04:20:06,020 --> 04:20:10,120 here is not because certain, suddenly people had a very different feeling about like the 2804 04:20:10,120 --> 04:20:15,780 historical nature of the house, but rather because, you know, in order to do the renovations, 2805 04:20:16,020 --> 04:20:20,000 people had to be moved out, but also like, you know, for a long time the democracy center 2806 04:20:20,000 --> 04:20:25,080 was providing low income space as a benefit to the community and it's unfair. I think in my 2807 04:20:25,080 --> 04:20:30,000 for them to be punished for doing that as a community service and also I think that it's 2808 04:20:30,000 --> 04:20:35,000 abusing our historical process because this in no way will keep that use the same or anything 2809 04:20:35,000 --> 04:20:39,000 else. It will just keep the building in the same way that those renovations can't happen because 2810 04:20:39,000 --> 04:20:44,220 people are upset about the fact that you know people had to be moved but I will also say that like 2811 04:20:44,220 --> 04:20:50,620 you know the owners of the property have indicated every desire to welcome people back in after 2812 04:20:50,620 --> 04:20:54,660 everything is done and so and work with the community to help people 2813 04:20:54,660 --> 04:20:58,880 going forward. So for all those reasons I don't think I can support this as a nation. Thank you. 2814 04:21:00,060 --> 04:21:04,340 We're going to consider being a winner. Thanks so much through you. I spent a lot of time 2815 04:21:04,340 --> 04:21:09,060 in this building at organizing meetings at campaign launches at South Bayesian Community 2816 04:21:09,060 --> 04:21:12,920 Open mics and I was proud to be the lead sponsor of a policy order last term 2817 04:21:12,920 --> 04:21:17,000 calling on the foundation for civic leadership to keep the democracy center open and 2818 04:21:17,000 --> 04:21:20,300 listen to the community groups that were impacted and sit down and have more meetings with them 2819 04:21:20,300 --> 04:21:26,600 and come to our resolution, we need more community gathering spaces like the one that served, 2820 04:21:26,800 --> 04:21:30,820 we have some wonderful public libraries and meeting rooms and public buildings and Cambridge, 2821 04:21:31,060 --> 04:21:35,920 but there's a real demand for more. This lane-marking petition by the historical commission 2822 04:21:35,920 --> 04:21:41,220 unfortunately doesn't do anything to mandate that the foundation for civic leadership or any other 2823 04:21:41,220 --> 04:21:45,860 entity that would be in this building actually use this building as a community gathering space 2824 04:21:45,860 --> 04:21:55,580 If the historical commission had submitted a petition that did that, or if the still commission put forward a proposal for the city to purchase this building, I would vote for that in a heartbeat. 2825 04:21:56,080 --> 04:22:05,460 But in reading through the report, it's pretty clear that it would only preserve specific architectural features of the building and not any protections for actual community use. 2826 04:22:05,460 --> 04:22:08,600 The landmarking would still even allow for major changes to the building. 2827 04:22:08,980 --> 04:22:11,340 There's a line directly from the prediction, quote, 2828 04:22:11,840 --> 04:22:16,360 the proposed designation offers approval in principle for removal of the L and one strict 2829 04:22:16,360 --> 04:22:21,040 brick addition, as well as relocation of the house to the corner of Duolf Street to accommodate 2830 04:22:21,040 --> 04:22:27,280 new construction. The only thing the land provides landmark protection for our specific 2831 04:22:27,280 --> 04:22:31,760 features and keeping the building roughly the same size, but even that could change. 2832 04:22:31,760 --> 04:22:40,520 provide another layer of bureaucracy, but not any meaningful protections for the building itself that the Harvard Square historic district doesn't already provide. 2833 04:22:41,140 --> 04:22:50,180 The importance of the building has been in its use as a community gathering space, not in the architectural features that are honestly pretty similar to hundreds of other buildings in Cambridge. 2834 04:22:50,680 --> 04:22:56,560 If the landmark process did anything to actually guarantee its use as a community space, I would gladly vote for it. 2835 04:22:56,560 --> 04:23:07,420 I think that's the situation also, you really underlines that we shouldn't have to rely on private entities like the Foundation Pacific Leadership to voluntarily provide affordable public meeting and gathering spaces for Cambridge residents. 2836 04:23:08,080 --> 04:23:15,560 You know, the city of Cambridge as a public entity should be the one ensuring that we provide more of those spaces. I hope that's where we can continue to pursue this term. I go back. 2837 04:23:16,640 --> 04:23:18,560 We will go to concert fairity. 2838 04:23:21,410 --> 04:23:26,610 Thank you for supporting the landmark designation of this building. 2839 04:23:26,970 --> 04:23:28,610 I know the building very well. 2840 04:23:28,890 --> 04:23:37,470 So matter of fact, I visited the building many years ago before the democracy centre was in there. 2841 04:23:38,510 --> 04:23:41,470 And I'm familiar with it's decay. 2842 04:23:41,470 --> 04:23:52,670 And I would say I agree with Councillor Azim that this seems to me to be sort of an abuse 2843 04:23:52,670 --> 04:23:57,590 of the historical process because this is a building that falls in the jurisdiction of the 2844 04:23:57,590 --> 04:24:04,210 Harvard Square neighborhood conservation district and this is a further encombrance that 2845 04:24:04,210 --> 04:24:09,150 I think erodes from the importance of the historical commission. 2846 04:24:09,150 --> 04:24:16,110 Now, I fully appreciate the work that the historical commission does and Mr. Sullivan, 2847 04:24:16,310 --> 04:24:19,490 at the historical commission, I think, is outstanding. 2848 04:24:20,610 --> 04:24:22,990 But when I looked at this, I did a little research. 2849 04:24:23,530 --> 04:24:31,650 I think, as a initial report, it was to recommend to decline the petition for the reasons 2850 04:24:31,650 --> 04:24:33,070 in his original report. 2851 04:24:33,130 --> 04:24:34,730 And I think I'm correct about that. 2852 04:24:34,730 --> 04:24:41,910 So I will not be voting to designate this as a landmark because then it would be I think 2853 04:24:41,910 --> 04:24:47,970 only the 44th building in the history of the city of Cambridge to be a landmark and 2854 04:24:47,970 --> 04:24:50,990 this building does not fit that criteria might be. 2855 04:24:50,990 --> 04:24:53,570 We'll go to the Constitutional Assembly. 2856 04:24:55,550 --> 04:24:59,970 Point of information, can we bring Charlie Sullivan from the Historic? 2857 04:25:00,000 --> 04:25:09,240 I apologize. He was on prior, and I don't see him in the Zoom at all now. We can try to get him a link. 2858 04:25:10,160 --> 04:25:29,220 Yeah. I don't think we should be making a decision tonight without hearing from Charlie. And I mean, when I day would be to move this discussion to a neighborhood in long-term planning, committee meeting to better understand his arguments for why it should be landmarked. 2859 04:25:29,220 --> 04:25:36,620 I mean, what I took from the report was that the building has significance for many different 2860 04:25:36,620 --> 04:25:41,740 reasons, not only because of its association with the democracy center. 2861 04:25:41,840 --> 04:25:49,920 It was really powerful to hear so many of our public presenters talk tonight about the important 2862 04:25:49,920 --> 04:25:55,420 role that a democracy center has played in their lives and in the history of Cambridge and 2863 04:25:55,420 --> 04:26:03,980 square. The history of Nathaniel Stickney as someone that was a lumber dealer and a warfoperator, 2864 04:26:04,140 --> 04:26:13,160 but it sounds like it's really the rare wooden frame building that the historic commission union 2865 04:26:13,160 --> 04:26:18,360 and emissary thought, you know, well, all these things they thought it was important, but they also, 2866 04:26:18,360 --> 04:26:19,200 So, 2867 04:26:22,340 --> 04:26:27,500 they were worried about the view shed and as I was walking up Mount Auburn Street from 2868 04:26:27,500 --> 04:26:36,440 Harvard Square towards Central to City Hall, I was really aware, I think what Landmarking 2869 04:26:36,440 --> 04:26:41,800 would allow is for there to be some review in the development of the property. 2870 04:26:41,800 --> 04:26:50,740 And I guess I really would trust the historic commission in helping to facilitate that review. 2871 04:26:52,080 --> 04:27:00,020 I would hate to have the Bell Tower, the view of the Bell Tower, which is one of those quintessential views blocked by the new buildings. 2872 04:27:00,260 --> 04:27:08,520 So I just feel like so instead of it being as of right with this landmarking, there would be some review in the development of the site. 2873 04:27:08,520 --> 04:27:14,640 that was one of the reasons that it seemed really important to do. I was impressed with the 2874 04:27:14,640 --> 04:27:20,940 allowances that the historic commission had made in the development of the site. They said, 2875 04:27:20,940 --> 04:27:25,660 you know, they could change the developer, can change the entrance. He can remove the side, 2876 04:27:25,960 --> 04:27:32,240 addition. He can remove the back addition. He can even move the house. So I felt like there had been 2877 04:27:32,240 --> 04:27:39,200 a lot of flexibility. And I also just wanted to say in talking to Charlie recently about how many 2878 04:27:39,200 --> 04:27:46,340 historical properties have been evaluated for historic review. As of like two weeks ago, 2879 04:27:46,340 --> 04:27:52,420 you know, 240 properties had been reviewed, but the historic commission is really trying to be really 2880 04:27:52,420 --> 04:27:58,000 thoughtful about how many they consider historical because they don't want to get in the way of 2881 04:27:58,000 --> 04:28:07,840 development. So they're only saying like that 60, 60 buildings, that's a quarter of 240 or historically 2882 04:28:07,840 --> 04:28:14,020 significant. But they are saying this building is historically significant. They've been working with 2883 04:28:15,220 --> 04:28:21,140 and Simon's of the foundation for civic leadership for years on it. It seems like they have a 2884 04:28:21,140 --> 04:28:25,520 of a set of relationship. I was asking Charlie about, um, um, 2885 04:28:25,620 --> 04:28:31,460 set counselor Nolan's point that it might add to the expense of the redevelopment of the site. 2886 04:28:31,980 --> 04:28:36,540 And, you know, apparently, you know, this sort of commission doesn't have any control over the interior 2887 04:28:36,540 --> 04:28:43,500 of the building, but only the exterior. But he, he said the interior had basically been gutted. 2888 04:28:43,760 --> 04:28:50,640 Apologies, counselors, Lucy. Um, Mr. Sullivan has joined. Okay. Great. Uh, I yield to Mr. Sullivan. 2889 04:28:51,140 --> 04:28:58,580 And I think it would be good to just go around to those who do want to speak on this so far I've heard. 2890 04:28:58,680 --> 04:29:07,520 One counselor who is supportive, I guess two counselors who are supportive of designation, three who are not. 2891 04:29:08,400 --> 04:29:17,480 Are there particular questions that others have that we can lay out for director Sullivan? 2892 04:29:18,360 --> 04:29:24,480 Anyone who hasn't spoken on this or would do you like to hear from? 2893 04:29:25,640 --> 04:29:27,100 Then you are like the director. 2894 04:29:28,440 --> 04:29:28,560 Okay. 2895 04:29:29,020 --> 04:29:29,800 All right, director Sullivan. 2896 04:29:30,020 --> 04:29:32,720 Do you want to go through us with us? 2897 04:29:34,810 --> 04:29:35,410 Thank you. 2898 04:29:40,640 --> 04:29:42,380 Did you get the questions director Sullivan? 2899 04:29:43,980 --> 04:29:48,280 Or did you hear what was said prior? 2900 04:29:51,520 --> 04:29:52,120 I'll look at you. 2901 04:29:52,240 --> 04:29:53,480 Can you hear us? 2902 04:29:55,560 --> 04:29:59,560 Let me text him, sorry folks. Yeah, I don't think he can hear it. 2903 04:30:00,660 --> 04:30:03,580 Got to love Zoom, right? 2904 04:30:06,040 --> 04:30:24,060 Mayor, did you get my question though? So, it was about whether, if the historic commission was involved, whether it would really increase the cost of renovating the building, whether there was significant detail to increase the cost. 2905 04:30:24,740 --> 04:30:27,200 And Dr. Selen, you're still, we can't hear you. 2906 04:30:30,600 --> 04:30:32,180 Oh, no, we can see, but not here. 2907 04:30:32,420 --> 04:30:34,360 Sorry, we can see you, we can't hear you. 2908 04:30:43,950 --> 04:30:47,970 Charlie, if you can dial in on your phone, 2909 04:30:48,130 --> 04:30:50,730 I'm about to email you the dial in instructions. 2910 04:31:01,040 --> 04:31:03,400 We're just holding, we're materially. 2911 04:31:38,620 --> 04:31:40,480 Sorry, I wasn't prepared to have the exact tonight. 2912 04:31:40,920 --> 04:31:41,320 Sorry. 2913 04:31:42,380 --> 04:31:43,680 You can, I don't know if there's other agenda. 2914 04:31:43,740 --> 04:31:44,980 I know it was Charlie's right next door. 2915 04:31:45,020 --> 04:31:46,900 You can also walk over and go into my office. 2916 04:31:48,700 --> 04:31:49,440 What did you say? 2917 04:31:49,440 --> 04:31:59,620 I was just saying I don't know. There's other agenda items. I think Charlie's right next door and could walk over to my office this quickly as we can figure this out. 2918 04:32:00,140 --> 04:32:03,000 I did also send him the phone dial in. 2919 04:32:03,180 --> 04:32:04,260 I want to say anything. 2920 04:32:05,480 --> 04:32:07,600 Councillor Simmons, what did you say? 2921 04:32:08,000 --> 04:32:11,400 I was going to say to be want to go to the next item and then come back to Charlie. 2922 04:32:12,140 --> 04:32:17,760 Yeah, what we can do is we only have we don't ever have anything else in the calendar, 2923 04:32:17,760 --> 04:32:25,680 but in the meantime, we can go to the right item, this one would try to write. Charlie, do you want 2924 04:32:25,680 --> 04:32:28,700 to go to the city hall and I can meet you there? 2925 04:32:31,040 --> 04:32:33,480 I don't think you can hear you. I'll call on you. 2926 04:32:34,440 --> 04:32:41,680 So we'll go to charter item. That the city manager is requested to conduct a comprehensive review of 2927 04:32:41,680 --> 04:32:46,760 existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, which shall include an assessment 2928 04:32:46,760 --> 04:32:52,440 physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing, and training, 2929 04:32:52,660 --> 04:32:58,620 emergency response, and evacuation protocols and the use of security technologies such as surveillance 2930 04:32:58,620 --> 04:33:05,200 systems and alarm monitoring. Charterite was exercised by Councillor Simmons. Actually, 2931 04:33:06,800 --> 04:33:12,500 yeah, it was Councillor Simmons, and then I know there was a discussion of amendment that does 2932 04:33:12,500 --> 04:33:18,820 carry over. But Councillor Simmons, please go ahead. Thank you, man in there. I just want to 2933 04:33:18,820 --> 04:33:24,440 start first of all by just a small housekeeping issue. Councillor McGurham had asked to be a 2934 04:33:24,440 --> 04:33:29,840 co-sponsor but in the process of working on the policy order, we had a little technical problem 2935 04:33:29,840 --> 04:33:35,660 when he was not added. So the first thing I'd like to do is to add that we amend the policy order 2936 04:33:35,660 --> 04:33:42,080 by adding Councillor McGurham. We can do that now. I can go through my remarks and come back to what 2937 04:33:42,080 --> 04:33:50,560 question. I think let's just go do that now, in case we'll do. We'll do a real call on 2938 04:33:50,560 --> 04:33:56,340 Councillor Simmons motion to add Councillor McGovern. Councillor Elzuby. Yes. Yes. Vice-Mayor 2939 04:33:56,340 --> 04:34:08,420 Resene. Yes. Yes. Councillor LaFlarity. Yes. Yes. Councillor McGovern. Yes. Yes. Councillor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councillor Simmons. Yes. 2940 04:34:08,420 --> 04:34:16,340 Councillor Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded 2941 04:34:16,340 --> 04:34:21,520 in the affirmative. Councillor McEvers added. Councillor Simmons, please go ahead. 2942 04:34:22,060 --> 04:34:28,400 Well, thank you. So I exercised my charter, right, because I knew there was a amendment that was 2943 04:34:28,400 --> 04:34:35,140 added by my colleague. I'll do the answer being a Wheeler and I want that opportunity to talk 2944 04:34:35,140 --> 04:34:39,200 who their amendment with them and we did have that opportunity. 2945 04:34:39,480 --> 04:34:44,620 So I want to acknowledge and thank them for taking my call and having an opportunity to talk 2946 04:34:44,620 --> 04:34:50,780 to them a little bit about the reason behind my policy order and they proposed the amendment. 2947 04:34:51,420 --> 04:34:59,400 And so for me, I also want to be very clear to my colleagues at large about the policy order 2948 04:34:59,400 --> 04:34:59,980 and what it is. 2949 04:35:00,000 --> 04:35:07,580 This is not about turning city hall into a fortress. It's not about making this building inhospitable or unwelcoming. 2950 04:35:08,400 --> 04:35:20,600 It's not about flooding city hall with police weapons or aggressive enforcement. City hall, as to be all green must remain open, accessible, and fundamentally democratic, and that is not negotiable. 2951 04:35:20,600 --> 04:35:24,920 But what this is about is safety, plain and simple. 2952 04:35:25,560 --> 04:35:31,480 We're asking for a serious professional review, not saying that I reconcelted, but I am 2953 04:35:31,480 --> 04:35:37,500 looking for a serious professional review, where we stand today, not because something terrible 2954 04:35:37,500 --> 04:35:45,240 is happening to you, but because you recognize that we live in a world, that we live in this 2955 04:35:45,240 --> 04:35:50,200 world, and we have to be responsible to the people who work in the building and the 2956 04:35:50,200 --> 04:35:56,280 gag. Right now, City Hall has very limited mechanisms to know who is entering the building, 2957 04:35:57,060 --> 04:36:03,320 who remains inside it, or how to respond to a situation if it escalates quickly. Over 2958 04:36:03,320 --> 04:36:08,600 the past two decades alone, we have had more than a few moments that were uncomfortable, 2959 04:36:09,460 --> 04:36:14,060 close to something that may be happening worse. And the only reason those moments did not 2960 04:36:14,060 --> 04:36:20,180 turn into tragedies is the lock. And luck is not a safety strategy. Across the country 2961 04:36:20,180 --> 04:36:25,660 three municipal buildings like ours have been the sites of real violence, elected officials 2962 04:36:25,660 --> 04:36:31,620 staff and members of the public have been killed inside spaces designated for civic participation. 2963 04:36:32,400 --> 04:36:36,760 These are not hypothetical scenarios and they're not ancient history. 2964 04:36:37,500 --> 04:36:43,040 The recent incident in Lawrence can, Lawrence Kansas, is a stark reminder that the risk 2965 04:36:43,040 --> 04:36:49,960 remain very veal, and very current. None of us wants to be standing here after an incident, 2966 04:36:50,260 --> 04:36:54,680 whether it happens in Cambridge or somewhere uncomfortable to close the home, being asked 2967 04:36:55,240 --> 04:37:00,220 to, you know, why didn't you do more? Why didn't you do anything when you had a chance? 2968 04:37:00,800 --> 04:37:06,700 So this policy order does not dictate solutions, it does not pre-approose surveillance systems, 2969 04:37:06,700 --> 04:37:13,540 access controls or staffing models, and ask the city manager to do what we should expect any 2970 04:37:13,540 --> 04:37:19,940 responsible administrative to do, take a comprehensive look at existing conditions, identify 2971 04:37:19,940 --> 04:37:24,980 vulnerabilities, and come back to the council with some concrete, thoughtful recommendations, 2972 04:37:25,620 --> 04:37:30,980 recommendations that would require council review and approval, think that's important to say, 2973 04:37:30,980 --> 04:37:35,900 We're not asked to act blindly, we're asked to plan deliberately. 2974 04:37:36,860 --> 04:37:41,020 Other municipalities have found ways to find the balance between openness with lay-up 2975 04:37:41,020 --> 04:37:43,120 proportions of safety measures. 2976 04:37:43,720 --> 04:37:49,000 KVTB capable of doing the same, and in a way that reflex our values, our scale, and our 2977 04:37:49,000 --> 04:37:50,200 commitment to transparency. 2978 04:37:51,320 --> 04:37:56,000 Taking safety seriously does not mean abandoning openness, it means protecting it. 2979 04:37:56,340 --> 04:38:00,680 I hope my college will support this order not out of fear, but out of responsibility 2980 04:38:00,680 --> 04:38:03,840 to our staff, to our constituents and to ourselves, 2981 04:38:06,240 --> 04:38:08,500 so that we are not wishing that we had 2982 04:38:08,500 --> 04:38:15,120 active sooner. I believe Ms. Stefan has a copy of a amendment that I made acknowledging 2983 04:38:15,120 --> 04:38:21,100 my colleagues a concerns around this policy order. She can bring that up on the screen. 2984 04:38:22,140 --> 04:38:28,000 I will be able to flow over for the discussion and I hope that you will favor me and my colleagues 2985 04:38:28,000 --> 04:38:29,840 Thank you. 2986 04:38:30,120 --> 04:38:30,340 Thank you. 2987 04:38:30,340 --> 04:38:30,460 Thank you. 2988 04:38:30,460 --> 04:38:30,580 Thank you. 2989 04:38:30,580 --> 04:38:30,860 Thank you. 2990 04:38:30,860 --> 04:38:31,700 Thank you. 2991 04:38:31,720 --> 04:38:32,580 Thank you. 2992 04:38:44,370 --> 04:38:50,890 Just to kind of piggyback on what Councillor Simmons said, you know, I, I think, 2993 04:38:51,590 --> 04:38:54,570 I think that there is a way to balance 2994 04:38:55,230 --> 04:39:09,700 increased safety without becoming a building that is inhospitable. I certainly do not want people to feel that way. I want people to feel welcome in city hall and I also understand that 2995 04:39:11,810 --> 04:39:23,810 things can happen and things can happen here. You know the one thing that most of these communities that see some some type of 2996 04:39:23,810 --> 04:39:25,930 I'll say, we never thought it could happen here. 2997 04:39:26,070 --> 04:39:30,100 I can't believe this happened here, right? 2998 04:39:30,460 --> 04:39:32,640 So to think that somehow Cambridge is somehow 2999 04:39:32,640 --> 04:39:35,260 magically immune to something bad happening, 3000 04:39:36,320 --> 04:39:37,620 I wish that were the case. 3001 04:39:38,620 --> 04:39:39,080 It's not. 3002 04:39:40,160 --> 04:39:43,040 And so I would like to get a report back from the manager 3003 04:39:43,040 --> 04:39:44,800 with some ideas and some recommendations. 3004 04:39:45,080 --> 04:39:47,120 I may not support all of those recommendations. 3005 04:39:47,320 --> 04:39:48,680 I may not support any of those recommendations. 3006 04:39:49,360 --> 04:39:53,400 If he comes back and says, we should have 3007 04:39:53,400 --> 04:39:59,980 military personnel at every door i would not want that right but if he comes back and says we can put a panic button in each 3008 04:40:00,000 --> 04:40:19,300 Office, so that if, you know, an employee, and let's remember, we also employ a lot of older folks in our building who may not feel as comfortable dealing with someone who is being threatening or being dangerous, or, you know, the button that they're desk that they can press to alert the police officers who's downstairs. 3009 04:40:19,920 --> 04:40:30,480 You know, that's not going to hinder anyone from coming into City Hall, but it would add an extra level of safety for those folks should they find themselves alone in their office with someone who is 3010 04:40:31,780 --> 04:40:35,280 You know threatening them. So there is a way to do this 3011 04:40:36,240 --> 04:40:45,520 Without it without city hall becoming an inhospitable fortress. So I would like to hear those recommendations back from the city manager again 3012 04:40:45,520 --> 04:40:51,180 make support some of them, not others, but let's get this report and get these things in front of 3013 04:40:51,180 --> 04:40:55,800 us so that we can have a broader conversation about it. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I yield. 3014 04:40:56,400 --> 04:41:03,960 Well, good. It comes to a fairity. Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. I fully support 3015 04:41:03,960 --> 04:41:09,840 what tons of Simmons has put forward. I'm in public buildings throughout this commonwealth every 3016 04:41:09,840 --> 04:41:18,140 single day. I'm in court houses in very urban areas, very rural areas, federal, state, 3017 04:41:18,560 --> 04:41:25,220 a pallet, district, pro-be courts, and there's a metal detector at the front door of every single 3018 04:41:25,220 --> 04:41:32,980 one of them. It does not make the buildings inhospitable, but it elevates decorum, and it's a, 3019 04:41:32,980 --> 04:41:38,820 it's a security measure that I think is necessary in public buildings because 3020 04:41:38,820 --> 04:41:48,620 all of us, as members of the city council, whether we like it or not, in today's age, because 3021 04:41:48,620 --> 04:41:56,020 of our function become a person who's potentially the target of someone, 3022 04:41:58,320 --> 04:41:59,020 because of their 3023 04:41:59,020 --> 04:42:07,980 disagreement or whatever it may be, so I think that it's incumbent on all of us and the entire 3024 04:42:07,980 --> 04:42:15,600 staff in the building to have a thoughtful security plan present in the building in the event 3025 04:42:15,600 --> 04:42:21,700 that there is some sort of an emergency that arises. So I fully support this policy out of 3026 04:42:21,700 --> 04:42:28,800 thank you, I yield. Councillor Azim and then Councillor Nolan. Thank you. I was going to say 3027 04:42:28,800 --> 04:42:33,080 the same thing when I first came into City Hall. I was very skeptical of measures like these, 3028 04:42:33,780 --> 04:42:41,580 But over my time, I've seen both, you know, the Massachusetts State House and Boston City Hall have measures, and I feel like they're still equally welcoming. 3029 04:42:42,980 --> 04:42:49,840 And in fact, I would say that it's more welcoming in some ways. It's nice to be in a space where you feel like automatically a little bit safer than you do outside. 3030 04:42:51,000 --> 04:43:00,140 You know, there's a lot of different sorts of people that walk into Cambridge City Hall, not just residents of Cambridge, or like people who come here for public comment, but really anyone. 3031 04:43:00,140 --> 04:43:06,320 And I think that it really just helps to have a little bit of confirmation of what do we do in terms of emergencies. 3032 04:43:07,040 --> 04:43:15,800 I know that during my time in city hall, people have gotten in myself included letters from people with, you know, sometimes vague, sometimes less than vague threats. 3033 04:43:16,220 --> 04:43:24,000 I still get emails from time to time with threats, especially after inauguration this time from white supremacist sorts of situations. 3034 04:43:25,020 --> 04:43:28,740 And you really do worry like what happens at any particular moment. 3035 04:43:29,800 --> 04:43:35,800 And it's not my intention of any way of making it less welcoming, but hopefully just, you know, a higher assumption of safety. 3036 04:43:36,280 --> 04:43:40,040 And I would say like the small little caveat I would throw out there as well is like, 3037 04:43:40,040 --> 04:43:43,260 oftentimes in these metal detectors, your badges are also thrown. 3038 04:43:43,600 --> 04:43:45,740 And so I know there'll be a separate conversation about, 3039 04:43:46,520 --> 04:43:48,540 I saw if there's in multiple buildings and things like that. 3040 04:43:48,860 --> 04:43:53,220 And so we want to use for them to get their badge out of their pocket and have to put it through the detector. 3041 04:43:54,120 --> 04:43:56,040 So for all those reasons, I'm happy to support. 3042 04:43:57,290 --> 04:43:58,930 Councilor Nolan? 3043 04:44:00,490 --> 04:44:05,510 Thank you, and through you, Mayor Sediki, to my colleagues, I can support this. 3044 04:44:05,710 --> 04:44:10,570 I find myself with appreciative of Councilor Simmons for bringing this forward. 3045 04:44:10,870 --> 04:44:18,650 It makes sense to have a review, and also, as Councilor McGuvern said, depending on what measures 3046 04:44:19,650 --> 04:44:23,630 are suggested, I have no idea what I would support. 3047 04:44:23,630 --> 04:44:29,970 But I am mixed on this, on the one hand, very much understand that we all need to be safe. 3048 04:45:00,000 --> 04:45:14,800 In Salt Lake City, just a couple months ago for National League of Cities, I walked right into an incredibly beautiful state house, the capital of the state house, no security whatsoever. 3049 04:45:15,200 --> 04:45:27,380 It was open to the public. It felt unbelievably welcoming. People were wondering, this is on a weekend yet. It wasn't even during the week. It just felt like, wow, this is the kind of welcoming city hall we should have. 3050 04:45:27,380 --> 04:45:31,580 So I think what's going to be critically important is for us to not feel like a fortress 3051 04:45:31,580 --> 04:45:38,840 whatever happens to obviously balance that safety with an approachable open city hall 3052 04:45:38,840 --> 04:45:45,740 where people are not feeling that they don't belong and I know that is the intention here 3053 04:45:45,740 --> 04:45:51,160 which is why I can support it and I also very much hope that we do everything we can to make 3054 04:45:51,160 --> 04:45:57,720 that people throughout the city feel welcome and to city hall that and yet to address the 3055 04:45:57,720 --> 04:46:03,560 the very real concern about safety makes sense to me. But again, there's plenty of places 3056 04:46:03,560 --> 04:46:09,240 in this country that have managed to have safe environments and have not gone overboard with 3057 04:46:10,280 --> 04:46:15,700 as scaring people and to feeling that they don't feel safe. So I very much look forward to the 3058 04:46:15,700 --> 04:46:19,900 view of our current situation and appreciate the policy order 3059 04:46:19,900 --> 04:46:21,320 who's intent is that. 3060 04:46:23,200 --> 04:46:27,600 I have Councillor Azubi and then I'll go to our city manager and then 3061 04:46:27,600 --> 04:46:29,580 to the amendment by Councillor Simmons. 3062 04:46:30,980 --> 04:46:31,720 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 3063 04:46:31,880 --> 04:46:35,960 It might make sense that I go after because I will be proposing an 3064 04:46:35,960 --> 04:46:40,440 amendment to what I believe is the amended policy order that Councillor 3065 04:46:41,060 --> 04:46:44,980 Simmons is going to pull on the floor with Councillor's 3066 04:46:44,980 --> 04:46:48,360 clarity in the government, if I understood that correctly. 3067 04:46:49,480 --> 04:46:50,500 Councillor Simmons? 3068 04:46:51,820 --> 04:46:52,340 Yes. 3069 04:46:53,100 --> 04:46:54,320 Do you have the amendment? 3070 04:46:54,840 --> 04:46:55,160 I don't know. 3071 04:46:55,260 --> 04:46:55,460 I'm sorry. 3072 04:46:55,620 --> 04:46:56,800 Naomi has it. 3073 04:46:57,040 --> 04:46:58,540 Do you want to walk us through it? 3074 04:46:59,440 --> 04:47:00,460 It's very short. 3075 04:47:00,680 --> 04:47:02,980 It's at the very end and it says. 3076 04:47:04,240 --> 04:47:05,720 I'm waiting for it. 3077 04:47:06,440 --> 04:47:07,920 I'm subject to city council approval. 3078 04:47:08,700 --> 04:47:13,380 If I understood and truly, I understood what my colleagues were saying. 3079 04:47:13,380 --> 04:47:18,960 They want to be sure that nothing went through without the council approval, which, you know, 3080 04:47:19,180 --> 04:47:22,060 and I've having had the benefit of being on the council for a long time. 3081 04:47:22,080 --> 04:47:28,280 I know that we don't usually do things that quickly, but I wanted to, in the spirit of collaboration 3082 04:47:28,280 --> 04:47:34,280 and cooperation and collegiality, I wanted to add this language to assure my colleagues that 3083 04:47:34,280 --> 04:47:42,160 we would not be taking any actions on any proposed implementation without having it approved 3084 04:47:42,160 --> 04:47:48,840 by the city council and it has two pathways directly to the council or if you go through any 3085 04:47:48,840 --> 04:47:49,660 number of committees. 3086 04:47:49,900 --> 04:47:50,740 I yield. 3087 04:47:51,680 --> 04:47:55,240 So, we have this amendment before us discussion on the amendment. 3088 04:47:59,730 --> 04:48:02,230 We will go to Councillor D.C. 3089 04:48:02,890 --> 04:48:03,170 Yes. 3090 04:48:03,470 --> 04:48:03,950 Councillor Nolan? 3091 04:48:06,190 --> 04:48:10,650 I don't understand why there would be parentheses around it. 3092 04:48:10,730 --> 04:48:15,510 I mean, it may seem minor, but it should just be subject to city council approval, right? 3093 04:48:18,950 --> 04:48:21,730 It's just a way to stand out for us to see it. 3094 04:48:21,950 --> 04:48:25,010 It's not how we would say subject to city council, 3095 04:48:25,590 --> 04:48:26,830 wouldn't have parenthesis. 3096 04:48:27,270 --> 04:48:30,370 This is just a way of emphasizing that we are making this change. 3097 04:48:30,690 --> 04:48:32,230 In addition to it being read. 3098 04:48:32,870 --> 04:48:35,250 I might have made it bold in this palace. 3099 04:48:35,850 --> 04:48:37,510 But we didn't. 3100 04:48:39,710 --> 04:48:40,990 Well, if I understand the intent, 3101 04:48:40,990 --> 04:48:43,290 Councillor Simmons, we can take out the parentheses. 3102 04:48:44,310 --> 04:48:44,450 Yes. 3103 04:48:44,570 --> 04:48:44,630 Thank you. 3104 04:48:45,310 --> 04:48:45,890 Got it. 3105 04:48:46,150 --> 04:48:46,370 Okay. 3106 04:48:46,910 --> 04:48:48,390 Because Councillor Nolan, that was your question? 3107 04:48:50,010 --> 04:48:50,290 Yes. 3108 04:48:50,990 --> 04:48:59,510 I mentioned hearing Councillor Azubis amendments because it very much assumes there will be an 3109 04:48:59,510 --> 04:49:00,610 enhanced safety plan. 3110 04:49:01,850 --> 04:49:07,310 And I think what we're all saying is there may be an enhanced safety recommendations for 3111 04:49:07,310 --> 04:49:09,630 a plan and then it would be subject to City Council approval. 3112 04:49:09,630 --> 04:49:13,750 so I support this amendment because I think it's very important that the city council 3113 04:49:13,750 --> 04:49:16,330 be involved before anything happens. 3114 04:49:16,750 --> 04:49:21,150 We'll go to Constell and Zubi and then I know the manager is on so if he wants to 3115 04:49:21,150 --> 04:49:24,410 share anything that would be great. Go ahead Constell and Zubi. 3116 04:49:25,270 --> 04:49:31,870 Yes, so I sent a ver and amended version to Councillor Simmons Flaherty and the governance 3117 04:49:33,370 --> 04:49:39,530 proposed amended policy order. And I just want to preface this conversation first with 3118 04:49:39,530 --> 04:49:44,990 saying that I really appreciate that they're bringing this to the table and I really do care 3119 04:50:00,600 --> 04:50:15,080 They do raise an important concern, and I think I'm coming from a place of wanting to make sure that first, we have a better understanding of what is going on within City Hall, from a public safety perspective, before moving forward on the next steps. 3120 04:50:15,080 --> 04:50:18,780 I mean, even in the conversation that we're having right now, we have people understanding 3121 04:50:18,780 --> 04:50:24,600 it as possibly metal detectors and then Councilor Simmons raising this is not necessarily 3122 04:50:24,600 --> 04:50:31,400 about that, which assumes certain things about the amended piece that Councilor Sabrina Wheeler 3123 04:50:31,400 --> 04:50:36,300 and I are proposing in this conversation, so we're trying to be explicitly thoughtful about this 3124 04:50:36,300 --> 04:50:40,620 because we care about our city staff and our residents as well. And I want to make sure by 3125 04:50:40,620 --> 04:50:44,220 focusing on delivering a solid report on what we currently have. 3126 04:50:44,520 --> 04:50:47,380 We can take the next step on exploring recommendations together. 3127 04:50:47,880 --> 04:50:53,160 That's part of why I decreased the days with Councillor Sabrina Wheeler to, again, 3128 04:50:53,360 --> 04:50:55,700 be thoughtful and proactive about that process. 3129 04:50:55,820 --> 04:51:01,300 And I do think that a strong foundation of understanding what's going on and tying it all together 3130 04:51:02,040 --> 04:51:08,200 with what we currently have on the amended policy order is going to harm the intentionality 3131 04:51:08,200 --> 04:51:11,000 that goes into this process. 3132 04:51:11,640 --> 04:51:14,600 So breaking it down, again, from my perspective, 3133 04:51:15,180 --> 04:51:17,620 will actually help us bring more voices into the process 3134 04:51:17,620 --> 04:51:18,940 that would make it more democratic, 3135 04:51:19,060 --> 04:51:21,440 especially when this is a space that grounds 3136 04:51:21,440 --> 04:51:22,960 the people and government engagement. 3137 04:51:23,600 --> 04:51:26,800 So I'm looking forward to hearing more about what we're doing 3138 04:51:26,800 --> 04:51:29,740 to keep City Hall safe and accessible to our residents, 3139 04:51:29,900 --> 04:51:31,540 but that's just a little bit more about 3140 04:51:31,540 --> 04:51:34,560 the thinking behind this specific amendment. 3141 04:51:39,460 --> 04:51:43,340 Can we go to City Manager? 3142 04:51:47,750 --> 04:51:49,610 Oh, thank you, Mayor Siddiqui. 3143 04:51:51,270 --> 04:51:54,630 I appreciate the discussion, and I think this is actually a really important topic. 3144 04:51:55,670 --> 04:52:00,970 And one that we may want to just approach very thoughtfully. 3145 04:52:01,610 --> 04:52:09,930 Certainly, I think this is a challenge that a lot of organizations are facing in terms of how to be open, welcoming, 3146 04:52:09,930 --> 04:52:16,670 and then real security concerns, especially as we see different incidents happen across the 3147 04:52:16,670 --> 04:52:17,170 country. 3148 04:52:18,330 --> 04:52:24,210 I think my thought would be first that I want to recognize some of the inherent challenges 3149 04:52:24,210 --> 04:52:31,510 in the layout of City Hall, in particular, the front entrance is pretty significantly stepped 3150 04:52:31,510 --> 04:52:39,830 up, and because of the American Disabilities Act and our desire to be accessible, we essentially 3151 04:52:39,830 --> 04:52:45,730 operate two entrances to the public. One in the front that is accessible by staircase, and the 3152 04:52:45,730 --> 04:52:53,230 back entrance is actually the one that you can use that's wheelchair accessible. And so I just 3153 04:52:53,230 --> 04:52:59,830 want to acknowledge that one of the logistical challenges is that we are actually covering two entrances. 3154 04:53:01,210 --> 04:53:09,430 I think the second is that it may be helpful for further engagement perhaps with a smaller group of 3155 04:53:09,430 --> 04:53:16,610 just to be specific. I think from the policy order it feels like the intent of this is mostly 3156 04:53:16,610 --> 04:53:22,730 thinking about security from the standpoint of specifically weapons. And I think that's probably 3157 04:53:22,730 --> 04:53:30,710 a little bit different than potentially a broader sense of safety, but I think that may be just 3158 04:53:30,710 --> 04:53:35,290 something for us to work out because the interventions may be a little bit different if we're thinking 3159 04:53:35,290 --> 04:53:41,610 about gun violence versus a different kind of challenge. 3160 04:53:42,010 --> 04:53:44,950 And I think that actually helps us better understand 3161 04:53:44,950 --> 04:53:49,430 what kind of technology or security solutions would fit. 3162 04:53:50,390 --> 04:53:53,230 I think the other, and so I think the second is just being clear, 3163 04:53:53,690 --> 04:53:55,390 what is the problem that we're trying to solve? 3164 04:53:56,210 --> 04:53:58,470 And the third would be to make sure that, 3165 04:53:58,470 --> 04:54:01,210 especially as we are examining this, 3166 04:54:01,570 --> 04:54:03,630 that we're also getting a sense from the council 3167 04:54:05,050 --> 04:54:09,850 on what level of comfort we have with what amount of budget and that's actually probably 3168 04:54:09,850 --> 04:54:14,110 a bit of a back and forth. I don't want to say like we need a policy or to specifically 3169 04:54:14,110 --> 04:54:18,230 says like this much I think ultimately we're going to want to both understand what the problem 3170 04:54:18,230 --> 04:54:24,650 is and then start doing some research and looking at you know what is the range of potential solutions 3171 04:54:24,650 --> 04:54:31,050 but I just want to acknowledge that some of these potential solutions could be costly and they're 3172 04:54:31,050 --> 04:54:35,150 of those people's solutions and training solutions and technical solutions. 3173 04:54:36,350 --> 04:54:41,130 And certainly if you've been, I think in other city halls or I know there are many 3174 04:54:41,130 --> 04:54:48,490 facilities within our city that have put in place very sophisticated tools, but are very 3175 04:54:48,490 --> 04:54:54,390 expensive, which actually pertain really significant senses of openness, but some of those 3176 04:54:54,390 --> 04:54:58,150 tools are actually pretty expensive. 3177 04:54:59,270 --> 04:54:59,970 So, I think it was the... 3178 04:55:00,000 --> 04:55:10,000 I think this is an important topic, but I want to just call out some expectations that this isn't going to be like the council says. 3179 04:55:10,420 --> 04:55:17,460 Go and give us a perfect answer and then we disappear and within 30 days we come back and there's an answer and we can implement it. 3180 04:55:17,980 --> 04:55:24,820 I think this is probably a longer conversation that will take more research and also more discussion to make sure remaining in the right place. 3181 04:55:26,440 --> 04:55:31,000 I would go to, I have concerts the way we are, and they'll go to concerts and I'm going to 3182 04:55:31,120 --> 04:55:31,820 Thanks, Vladimir. 3183 04:55:32,220 --> 04:55:33,280 I'll try to re-brief you. 3184 04:55:33,500 --> 04:55:35,760 I think I'm happy to support a concert. 3185 04:55:36,340 --> 04:55:37,300 I'll zoom these amendments here. 3186 04:55:37,480 --> 04:55:42,260 I think that's probably on this sort of thinking about public safety and what really 3187 04:55:42,260 --> 04:55:42,920 keeps us safe. 3188 04:55:43,060 --> 04:55:47,120 And I think that is ultimately people and community planning and communication. 3189 04:55:47,620 --> 04:55:52,820 It's easy to spend money on sort of security and public safety solutions and 3190 04:55:52,820 --> 04:55:57,920 but the real hard work is the dialogue and the planning of how do we keep each other safe. 3191 04:55:59,660 --> 04:56:05,360 I think, I had a really good, had a good conversation with councilor Simmons and councilor 3192 04:56:05,360 --> 04:56:09,500 LZB about this and one of the things I had said in that conversation was I think there's just, you know, 3193 04:56:09,500 --> 04:56:14,940 some part of the, the challenge is just the complexities, the policy order process and what are we actually asking for? 3194 04:56:15,000 --> 04:56:21,420 Are we asking for a report back? Are we asking for something to be implemented right away and reviewed and then report back? 3195 04:56:21,420 --> 04:56:33,400 And that's part of the challenge is the impreciseness of this, but I think the amendments from Councillor Zubi do help it be a little more clear in terms of what we're getting for and you know how we really focus on community safety. 3196 04:56:33,780 --> 04:56:35,240 I'll back. 3197 04:56:35,560 --> 04:56:38,560 We'll go to Councillor Simmons. 3198 04:56:40,460 --> 04:56:41,480 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 3199 04:56:42,460 --> 04:56:43,820 Two, three you to the city manager. 3200 04:56:44,740 --> 04:56:50,760 You said, I don't know if this is talking about gun violence or if you said some other things I didn't, I didn't like them all down. 3201 04:56:50,760 --> 04:56:57,580 It's talking about safety and it's brought us way and it's smallest way will it cost money? 3202 04:56:57,900 --> 04:57:08,100 Maybe maybe not but I don't think you can put a price on people's life when it comes to keeping them safe because I don't think anyone wants to be happy in the position of saying 3203 04:57:08,100 --> 04:57:13,240 I wish I would have could have would have if we had known and so again 3204 04:57:13,240 --> 04:57:17,020 It's off it's saying to the administration 3205 04:57:17,020 --> 04:57:23,200 Please look at this and hear some of some of the things that you may want to look at. 3206 04:57:23,920 --> 04:57:30,780 I'd like for the City Manager through his administration to come back with some, have looked at at a topic. 3207 04:57:32,040 --> 04:57:37,380 Given that give us some suggestions and then we work from there as opposed to, 3208 04:57:37,520 --> 04:57:41,180 well, we're going to give you a report without saying, 3209 04:57:41,180 --> 04:57:46,800 Well, this is something that I think you might want to try, and then there's the scale of something that's 3210 04:57:48,440 --> 04:57:53,180 fairly benign, whatever that might be, to something that's more stringent. I, as my colleague 3211 04:57:54,220 --> 04:57:56,260 Tell them a government said 3212 04:57:56,260 --> 04:58:02,900 We don't know until we see what other some of the options are that we might want to take 3213 04:58:03,840 --> 04:58:10,180 If we want to vote it or not, but I want to feel the work. It's a material. So we're in all do we expect to my colleagues 3214 04:58:10,180 --> 04:58:13,020 about, well, let's leave it open and let's get back in 30 days. 3215 04:58:13,420 --> 04:58:16,080 As the city manager says, it's not going to happen that quickly. 3216 04:58:17,620 --> 04:58:22,960 If you wanted to be thoughtful, the city manager and the staff engage in all the people 3217 04:58:22,960 --> 04:58:27,260 that are involved in public safety, because that doesn't quite include fire. 3218 04:58:28,660 --> 04:58:34,560 To have an opportunity to say, we looked at it, we looked at the building, here are some 3219 04:58:34,560 --> 04:58:40,880 issues that we see that could be tightened up. You might say, we think it's all fine. Nothing's 3220 04:58:40,880 --> 04:58:46,980 going to happen here. We're all good. But if we don't allow this administration to at least look 3221 04:58:46,980 --> 04:58:52,900 at our procedures and our protocols, I don't think we've ever done a safety drill, other than 3222 04:58:52,900 --> 04:58:58,120 a fire drill, and this building. And so it's very broad and I think we should keep it bright 3223 04:58:58,120 --> 04:59:03,680 and allow the administration to look at the issue, take the 90 days and if they need a little 3224 04:59:03,680 --> 04:59:08,120 longer, they take a little longer, but they say we're looking at this, we're close to 3225 04:59:08,120 --> 04:59:12,560 coming up with some information. We don't have it yet, we respectfully ask you for an extension, 3226 04:59:12,980 --> 04:59:17,800 so that they can have the time to do it correctly. And then bring it back to the council, 3227 04:59:17,820 --> 04:59:23,800 the council, can then, I think it should be a full council engagement piece, so that we're all 3228 04:59:23,800 --> 04:59:29,440 at the table all the time to talk about this. And the last thing, you said, let me go back to 3229 05:00:00,000 --> 05:00:15,180 And she might remember the name of them, but these folks came to agitate people and gotten to the law department and really rattled this young lady in the way they approached her and talked to her. 3230 05:00:15,480 --> 05:00:19,860 They didn't have any guns or anything like that, but they were very menacing. 3231 05:00:19,860 --> 05:00:22,340 And we want people to feel safe in the building. 3232 05:00:22,900 --> 05:00:25,560 We guard this, a wide idea, whether they're employee, 3233 05:00:26,040 --> 05:00:27,620 or they're here to pay them what a bill. 3234 05:00:28,040 --> 05:00:30,040 So with that, I will yield a little bit. 3235 05:00:30,320 --> 05:00:32,360 I have a constant, as I see. 3236 05:00:33,540 --> 05:00:36,780 Just very quickly, I would support a security assessment. 3237 05:00:36,840 --> 05:00:38,820 I think that's what we're asking for. 3238 05:00:38,980 --> 05:00:40,780 I agree, maybe it'll take 90 days. 3239 05:00:41,020 --> 05:00:47,380 So I would support, I think we should just keep it with, 3240 05:00:47,380 --> 05:00:54,580 the Scouts or Simmons proposal adding the subject to City Council approval. 3241 05:00:54,680 --> 05:01:00,180 And I agree with my colleagues, we want the, we want City Hall to be a welcoming place. 3242 05:01:00,700 --> 05:01:05,540 And I almost wonder if this should be an executive session, and you know, I, I feel like we, 3243 05:01:05,620 --> 05:01:12,480 we know what the bad guys to know about all our security measures, but I, I, I look forward 3244 05:01:12,480 --> 05:01:20,260 hearing more from the city manager and I think there's some way to make sure we have, they're 3245 05:01:20,260 --> 05:01:27,940 probably is a security protocol whole plan in place but it would be a comfort to know more about 3246 05:01:27,940 --> 05:01:39,180 it. Thank you. I yield. I think we've heard from all city counselors, I think one thing to what I've heard 3247 05:01:39,180 --> 05:01:45,600 is from a city manager, and long as that this has to be 3248 05:01:45,600 --> 05:01:47,180 some back and forth here. 3249 05:01:50,120 --> 05:01:58,140 And it's much better to have kind of guidelines around that piece of it. 3250 05:01:58,140 --> 05:02:04,980 So I do think we can perhaps have a public sphere 3251 05:02:04,980 --> 05:02:13,460 to public safety hearing. We could have an executive session. I think it could be permissible 3252 05:02:13,460 --> 05:02:20,120 under the executive session purposes that do exist. So there are different avenues here. 3253 05:02:22,120 --> 05:02:29,460 I think it's clear that we can do this. We could probably do think it's important to get on paper 3254 05:02:29,460 --> 05:02:33,900 what our policies and procedures are. This frankly, there's been a lot of changes to City Hall. 3255 05:02:33,900 --> 05:02:40,080 the last, you know, many years. And I'm not, I'm not actually sure at what everything is. And so 3256 05:02:40,080 --> 05:02:47,560 I do think that's important to get, you know, on other record. And then I do think it is 3257 05:02:47,560 --> 05:02:55,080 important for us to discuss, to give feedback, to, you know, it is subject to us. And so that is, 3258 05:02:55,100 --> 05:02:59,760 you know, important point. I do see Councilor Alzulu, Councilor Zulu, did you want to say 3259 05:02:59,760 --> 05:03:01,900 something before we go ahead on your amendment? 3260 05:03:02,680 --> 05:03:07,620 Yeah, I just wanted to quickly know that, you know, I don't think this is about keeping 3261 05:03:07,620 --> 05:03:08,500 it open and did. 3262 05:03:08,580 --> 05:03:13,420 I actually think it's the opposite about keeping it focused and also democratic because 3263 05:03:13,420 --> 05:03:17,240 the space isn't as this space is about all of us. 3264 05:03:17,440 --> 05:03:20,840 I mean, we're hearing from the city manager that there would also be an expectation that 3265 05:03:20,840 --> 05:03:23,560 it would take a good amount of time. 3266 05:03:23,960 --> 05:03:28,160 And so if we move forward with this larger piece, again, it could bring in a lot of different 3267 05:03:28,160 --> 05:03:30,460 pieces that make it harder to navigate the conversation. 3268 05:03:30,940 --> 05:03:34,880 So this is more so about keeping it focused and making sure it's moving forward with the 3269 05:03:34,880 --> 05:03:35,960 clarity that it deserves. 3270 05:03:36,680 --> 05:03:40,240 And also it'll give the city manager part of what he's looking for and what he listed, 3271 05:03:40,540 --> 05:03:45,380 which is, what are we trying to resolve here and if we're not taking those explicit steps, 3272 05:03:45,760 --> 05:03:51,400 and that's where again, where the amendments coming from, because I share that level of care 3273 05:03:51,400 --> 05:03:55,620 for making sure that we have the right public safety measures in place, oh, yield. 3274 05:03:57,650 --> 05:04:12,310 So, we've heard from everyone we have to, we should move on so we do have to move first on, yes, on the, we have to work, yeah, we have to vote on consoles, we'll be the moment and then vote on. 3275 05:04:13,190 --> 05:04:18,810 Right, so I will not be supporting consoles, we'll be the member by Joe Freishate with thoughtfulness. 3276 05:04:18,810 --> 05:04:26,970 Okay, so we'll put that before us and it was to take out 3277 05:04:29,050 --> 05:04:38,650 the, it's the red line at it's any questions, we can go proceed to the vote. 3278 05:04:38,650 --> 05:04:59,150 Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-marazine? No. No. Councillor Flaherty. No. No. No. Councillor Luma-Govern. No. No. Councillor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councillor Simmons. No. No. No. Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councillor Azuci. 3279 05:05:00,000 --> 05:05:29,420 Present. Present. Vice-marison. Yes. Yes, council of clarity. Yes. Yes, council of Montgomery. Yes. Yes, councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes, councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes, councilor Sabrina Wheeler. No. No, councilor Susie. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have seven members recorded in the affirmative. One recorded in the negative and one recorded as present. 3280 05:05:30,000 --> 05:05:36,220 The policy order as amended is passed so now we'll go back to 3281 05:05:37,260 --> 05:05:39,140 The first charter rate 3282 05:05:39,140 --> 05:05:43,700 We do have director Sullivan. We do. Yes 3283 05:05:43,700 --> 05:05:49,040 Councilor Susie you had left out. You had left off with your a question 3284 05:05:49,040 --> 05:05:53,400 Do you want to repeat that since it was three hours ago? 3285 05:05:54,840 --> 05:05:56,440 Almost three hours ago 3286 05:05:56,440 --> 05:05:59,920 No, I'm eager to hear from Charles Sullivan. 3287 05:06:00,200 --> 05:06:07,540 I have the historic commission and to see what his thoughts are about why it would be important to landmark the building. 3288 05:06:07,920 --> 05:06:08,920 Great, director. 3289 05:06:09,920 --> 05:06:10,020 Okay. 3290 05:06:10,680 --> 05:06:16,980 Thank you, Madam Mayor, and apologize and I appreciate your accommodation for the technical issues. 3291 05:06:17,980 --> 05:06:26,120 So what the commission is trying to accomplish here is to recapture the authority over size and shape of additions and new construction. 3292 05:06:26,120 --> 05:06:32,480 That was taken away from neighborhood conservation districts by the amendments of October 23. 3293 05:06:34,740 --> 05:06:38,760 So the commission already has jurisdiction over this property. 3294 05:06:39,620 --> 05:06:45,960 It could easily put a pause on future development by saying that, 3295 05:06:46,140 --> 05:06:52,680 no, the additions and the L and the can't be removed in a house has to stay on its current location. 3296 05:06:52,680 --> 05:06:57,240 and that would be basically the end of anything except 3297 05:06:57,240 --> 05:06:59,020 a rehab of the person property. 3298 05:07:00,220 --> 05:07:03,760 We heard very clearly working with the owner 3299 05:07:04,680 --> 05:07:07,640 that he intended to re-develop the site. 3300 05:07:08,060 --> 05:07:09,500 He hoped to re-develop the site. 3301 05:07:09,760 --> 05:07:13,280 We recognized his wishes in that regard. 3302 05:07:14,520 --> 05:07:19,120 And we came up with a designation that would create a 3303 05:07:19,120 --> 05:07:26,120 possible site by allowing the house to be moved to face the Wall Street and then creating 3304 05:07:26,120 --> 05:07:34,880 a space behind it that could accommodate a, as of right, building that could be, theoretically, 3305 05:07:35,000 --> 05:07:42,340 up to 12 stories high. And we crafted the designation order to accommodate that, explicitly 3306 05:07:42,340 --> 05:07:47,240 to accommodate new construction as permitted by the zoning in effect. 3307 05:07:48,680 --> 05:07:56,340 And the reason we need to have the authority on resizing shape in this instance is the 3308 05:07:56,340 --> 05:08:02,580 particular location of a potential tower adjacent to the tower of St. Paul's Church. 3309 05:08:03,780 --> 05:08:09,600 And the sensitivity over all sensitivity of the location, which is subject to distant 3310 05:08:09,600 --> 05:08:12,180 use all the way from JFK Street. 3311 05:08:13,720 --> 05:08:20,520 So the actual design of that tower, which we had said we will allow, is critical. 3312 05:08:21,200 --> 05:08:28,400 Size and shape of that tower is critical to do an appropriate construction on that site. 3313 05:08:29,980 --> 05:08:31,940 So that's still long and short of it. 3314 05:08:32,440 --> 05:08:38,140 We need that jurisdiction back, because we worked with Ian Simmons and his architect 3315 05:08:38,140 --> 05:08:46,540 very imaginative architect who blocked out some high-rise alternatives that included some 3316 05:08:46,540 --> 05:08:53,580 frankly grotesque projections and candle leaders that would have incorporated or encroached 3317 05:08:53,580 --> 05:08:58,980 over that relocated the restored building, which we felt would be really inappropriate. 3318 05:09:00,560 --> 05:09:05,640 I don't think Mr. Simmons or his architect were serious about that, but they are possibilities 3319 05:09:05,640 --> 05:09:09,400 under the zoning, or it could be possibilities under the zoning. 3320 05:09:10,360 --> 05:09:15,260 So the commission is willing to accept a high-rise building on that site. 3321 05:09:15,580 --> 05:09:16,980 We're not trying to prevent it. 3322 05:09:17,020 --> 05:09:23,900 We're just trying to be able to detail to shape its massing and shape its character, 3323 05:09:24,260 --> 05:09:29,720 so that it best accommodates the surroundings, specifically the same Paul's tower. 3324 05:09:30,320 --> 05:09:39,080 So, the other point I would make is that we're totally aware that the motives of some 3325 05:10:00,000 --> 05:10:14,020 Motion is aware that life is complicated. This is an historic resource, an important historic resource and a potential development site that could be done well, could be done not so well. 3326 05:10:14,600 --> 05:10:27,020 And so regardless of the motivations of some of the petitioners, the commissioner recognized that this is an important asset and a critical place in Harvard Square where its jurisdiction needed to be strengthened. 3327 05:10:27,020 --> 05:10:31,360 And so I'll leave it at that, Madam Mayor, thank you very much. 3328 05:10:32,660 --> 05:10:34,700 I have considered as is he. 3329 05:10:36,140 --> 05:10:39,740 Through Madam Mayor, I just wanted to ask Charlie, 3330 05:10:40,220 --> 05:10:57,000 Charlie, I had asked you, I know Councillor Nolan had been concerned about the cost of restoring the exterior of the 3331 05:10:57,000 --> 05:11:02,620 and you had suggested that there isn't that much detailing that, so the question is, just the 3332 05:11:02,620 --> 05:11:09,700 open question is, do you think this would increase the cost of building on the site dramatically, 3333 05:11:10,740 --> 05:11:17,560 with the landmarking of the Sticney building increase the cost of the restoration of the Sticney 3334 05:11:17,560 --> 05:11:23,360 House dramatically? Well, the Sticney House is basically a wood friend, my King's Century House, 3335 05:11:23,360 --> 05:11:29,940 like thousands of houses in Cambridge, and it's had hard treatment. It's covered with 3336 05:11:29,940 --> 05:11:39,800 sighting. It can be treated with a residential grade approach to construction. I don't think 3337 05:11:39,800 --> 05:11:53,340 we're going to cost them significant amount more money, and certainly it's already in the 3338 05:11:53,340 --> 05:11:59,800 work with the property owners, and most of what would be done in a restoration would probably 3339 05:11:59,800 --> 05:12:08,020 be done without, without commission review would be done with staff review. If Mr. Simmons wants 3340 05:12:08,020 --> 05:12:15,960 to redevelop the site, yeah, relocating the house that he might prefer to take to scrape the site 3341 05:12:15,960 --> 05:12:22,080 and make it go away. Of course, that's an extra expense. But that's the nature of 3342 05:12:22,080 --> 05:12:24,360 on property ownership and a 3343 05:12:24,360 --> 05:12:26,380 constitution district or historic district, 3344 05:12:26,560 --> 05:12:27,380 the public interest. 3345 05:12:28,080 --> 05:12:29,900 Years ago, the City Council recognized 3346 05:12:29,900 --> 05:12:32,840 that the public interest imposed certain costs 3347 05:12:32,840 --> 05:12:39,640 on property owners and voted to implement 3348 05:12:39,640 --> 05:12:41,300 districts with that recognition. 3349 05:12:41,860 --> 05:12:43,600 So that's just to give them going forward. 3350 05:12:44,060 --> 05:12:46,300 But the Commission has always tried to be part 3351 05:12:46,300 --> 05:12:49,280 of the solution and not burden on property owners. 3352 05:12:49,280 --> 05:12:57,900 And so I think our track record shows that we've helped property owners deliver projects that 3353 05:12:57,900 --> 05:13:00,640 contribute to the characters, Cambridge and the significant money. 3354 05:13:02,360 --> 05:13:03,400 Thank you so much, I yield. 3355 05:13:03,820 --> 05:13:04,340 Councillor Noan. 3356 05:13:07,910 --> 05:13:08,690 Thank you. 3357 05:13:09,710 --> 05:13:14,970 Marcia Vicki and thank you, Councillor Susie, for inviting and having director Sullivan here. 3358 05:13:15,310 --> 05:13:20,350 This is really hard because I support historical preservation and conservation. 3359 05:13:20,350 --> 05:13:26,350 I respect the work of this director commission. I do want to address and I believe director 3360 05:13:26,350 --> 05:13:34,030 Sullivan alluded to this or actually directly address it. On the question of some other reasons 3361 05:13:34,030 --> 05:13:40,170 for why some people are wanted to landmark, which is not related to the historical commission. 3362 05:13:40,750 --> 05:13:47,350 I just want to reaffirm what several I think has been known to some people. The owners did work 3363 05:13:47,350 --> 05:13:50,770 with the community, and despite no requirement to do so 3364 05:13:50,770 --> 05:13:53,290 had many meetings with the tenants in the building. 3365 05:13:54,350 --> 05:13:57,490 And they do have amazing plans for a great community asset. 3366 05:13:58,530 --> 05:14:01,290 And yes, for those people who came and spoke in public comment, 3367 05:14:01,290 --> 05:14:02,370 I really appreciate it. 3368 05:14:02,410 --> 05:14:04,530 I myself have been to a number of meetings there. 3369 05:14:05,110 --> 05:14:09,930 They were very useful and really great space. 3370 05:14:10,610 --> 05:14:14,790 And many important meetings in probably historic decisions 3371 05:14:14,790 --> 05:14:16,730 are organizing took place in the building. 3372 05:14:16,730 --> 05:14:21,730 But if every space that had important meetings, including political planning, or historically known people, 3373 05:14:22,590 --> 05:14:26,050 where to be landmarked and practically every building in Cambridge can never be altered, 3374 05:14:26,110 --> 05:14:28,930 because our city is the epicenter of so many different things. 3375 05:14:28,970 --> 05:14:36,590 So I just want to acknowledge that of course it's hard to see a building that you've had important space in meetings and to be changed. 3376 05:14:36,830 --> 05:14:43,690 And yet it does seem to not want this building to be developed by this incredible nonprofit to enhance the square. 3377 05:14:44,250 --> 05:14:48,710 would really, we would be timing efforts by responsible owner to create a wonderful space. 3378 05:14:48,810 --> 05:14:51,930 So that is really kind of the community, some of the folks who want land, 3379 05:14:52,510 --> 05:14:54,170 marking just to preserve what they had. 3380 05:15:00,000 --> 05:15:16,220 Report, which director Sullivan just talked about, goes on for different reasons and I really appreciate the ways that the building itself has been allowed to say we could, owners could move it, take off the L which doesn't make any sense to preserve historically. 3381 05:15:17,180 --> 05:15:25,280 However, I agree with Councillor Flaherty that this building to me does not meet the criteria that I believe we should be using for landmarking. 3382 05:15:25,280 --> 05:15:30,780 And has been noted by my points and counselors as you thank you for raising about cost 3383 05:15:30,780 --> 05:15:35,840 is that any additional layer of oversight just raises the cost for any product. 3384 05:15:36,100 --> 05:15:40,940 This still is a nonprofit wanting to develop nonprofit community asset space. 3385 05:15:41,380 --> 05:15:44,900 There's already fairly significant preservation due to the neighborhood conservation 3386 05:15:44,900 --> 05:15:46,260 district requirements. 3387 05:15:46,920 --> 05:15:49,080 The allowed changes to the building are allowed. 3388 05:15:49,260 --> 05:15:51,500 I mean the building site will be dramatically different. 3389 05:15:51,900 --> 05:15:54,500 Why add additional challenges to the project? 3390 05:15:54,500 --> 05:15:56,860 And as we've put more constraints on owners 3391 05:15:56,860 --> 05:15:58,400 without clear historic rationale, 3392 05:15:58,760 --> 05:16:00,620 ironically enough, it may lead to less preservation 3393 05:16:00,620 --> 05:16:03,320 because if you do not have a highly resourced owner, 3394 05:16:03,860 --> 05:16:06,000 they could just let the building completely deteriorate, 3395 05:16:06,100 --> 05:16:08,320 which is what we saw in our scene some 3396 05:16:10,000 --> 05:16:12,980 with the space over on the story street 3397 05:16:12,980 --> 05:16:14,120 to Harriet's makeup house. 3398 05:16:14,200 --> 05:16:15,680 You know, it could just fall into ruin. 3399 05:16:16,100 --> 05:16:18,280 And if we don't allow for proper development, 3400 05:16:18,460 --> 05:16:20,200 it's going to have further deteriorate, 3401 05:16:20,220 --> 05:16:21,560 space is in seven movement forward. 3402 05:16:21,560 --> 05:16:27,820 So I am still voting no on the landmarking, I hope this is not, I want to make sure that 3403 05:16:27,820 --> 05:16:32,380 people understand, I really appreciate the report and the willingness of the Structural 3404 05:16:32,380 --> 05:16:38,640 Commission to consider various changes and I expect them to continue, I know that this 3405 05:16:38,640 --> 05:16:43,600 property in a few years will be a tremendous asset to the city and I'm for one and grateful 3406 05:16:43,600 --> 05:16:49,140 that it's being developed because I think it's going to add tremendously to the civic institutions 3407 05:16:49,140 --> 05:16:54,000 and the city and we'll all be the better off if they are allowed to develop it as soon as possible 3408 05:16:54,520 --> 05:16:57,960 with as few restrictions as possible given the ones that are already on their 3409 05:16:57,960 --> 05:17:03,100 fourth historical commission and their commitment to a really great asset in the city. 3410 05:17:03,400 --> 05:17:05,320 I yield. Councillor McGovern. 3411 05:17:09,740 --> 05:17:11,040 Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. 3412 05:17:12,500 --> 05:17:20,280 So just because we did hear a number of people talk about the meetings, the community meetings and 3413 05:17:20,280 --> 05:17:26,300 organizations that have been part of the history of that building, which I too have been 3414 05:17:26,300 --> 05:17:30,140 in the Catholic involvement in that building a million times for different reasons. 3415 05:17:31,040 --> 05:17:36,040 But you know, just so make sure that folks know that whether this is landmark or not, 3416 05:17:36,960 --> 05:17:42,260 or say landmarking this building has no influence whatsoever on what happens inside the building. 3417 05:17:43,680 --> 05:17:49,300 So we heard some people say, we should landmark this because we want to preserve the democracy 3418 05:17:49,300 --> 05:17:54,580 center and the meeting that that has nothing to do with landmarking the building. 3419 05:17:55,300 --> 05:17:58,600 The landmarking of the building is what the physical outside structure of the building. 3420 05:17:59,240 --> 05:18:05,540 So even landmarking this doesn't mean that it's going to go back to how it was used before. 3421 05:18:05,580 --> 05:18:11,500 That comes from developing a relationship with the owner of the building and their mission, 3422 05:18:11,680 --> 05:18:14,660 which is one to foster civic space. 3423 05:18:14,680 --> 05:18:17,400 That is their mission, that's what they do. 3424 05:18:18,760 --> 05:18:23,410 And so, landmarking is not going to protect that. 3425 05:18:25,780 --> 05:18:28,420 I would also say, you know, I guess Mr. Sullivan, 3426 05:18:28,420 --> 05:18:31,160 it's about a marathon for you to Mr. Sullivan, 3427 05:18:33,680 --> 05:18:35,640 you know, you outlined a lot of things that, you know, 3428 05:18:35,640 --> 05:18:38,540 why this building should be considered historic, 3429 05:18:38,620 --> 05:18:40,820 I guess, and you maybe can't answer this, 3430 05:18:41,260 --> 05:18:43,820 but, you know, the building's obviously been around for a very long time 3431 05:18:43,820 --> 05:18:47,520 and no one has moved to landmark it before, 3432 05:18:49,560 --> 05:18:51,560 which sort of makes, again, makes me wonder 3433 05:18:51,560 --> 05:18:57,660 around the motivation for this, you know, and I'd like you, if you could talk a little 3434 05:18:57,660 --> 05:19:03,700 bit more, because where I also am a little bit uncomfortable, was your opening statement 3435 05:19:03,700 --> 05:19:10,700 tonight, where you said that basically this is a way for the historic commission to regain 3436 05:19:10,700 --> 05:19:14,940 control over a rule change that the council made back in 2023. 3437 05:19:16,460 --> 05:19:23,560 And I guess what worries me a little bit is that is this about this particular site? 3438 05:19:23,840 --> 05:19:31,000 Or is this about the historical commission not being happy with that rule change and has found a way to work around that rule change? 3439 05:19:32,600 --> 05:19:36,360 For you, Madam Mayor, this is about the particular site. 3440 05:19:37,840 --> 05:19:41,640 I would be, it would be, it doesn't matter if you need to say the Commission was pleased 3441 05:19:41,640 --> 05:19:46,780 about the rule change because size and shape is really critical to any kind of designer 3442 05:19:46,780 --> 05:19:47,360 of you. 3443 05:19:47,840 --> 05:19:54,940 But in this particular case, the possibility of a high-rise building shaped and such a way that 3444 05:19:54,940 --> 05:19:58,780 it would not only block the views of, say, Paul's tower. 3445 05:19:58,780 --> 05:19:59,860 Bye! 3446 05:20:00,000 --> 05:20:14,480 In the first round of this discussion before we came in, where it came in. But someone had said that initially your position was not to landmark it, and then that position change, is that accurate? And then if so, why did it change? 3447 05:20:14,480 --> 05:20:22,280 Well, they could, you know, could block almost any development on this site, just simply 3448 05:20:22,280 --> 05:20:26,540 by its authority to regulate alterations or relocations of the building. 3449 05:20:27,560 --> 05:20:35,680 When we started to get into it with the owner and his plans for redevelopment and 3450 05:20:35,680 --> 05:20:40,600 new construction on the site, we thought it would be advantageous to the district and to 3451 05:20:40,600 --> 05:20:47,900 building itself, if it were relocated, the face, the face east on dual street, that we can accommodate 3452 05:20:48,600 --> 05:20:56,120 the owner's intention to develop on the site and on appropriate way. And so, yes, so then, 3453 05:20:56,980 --> 05:21:03,120 you know, the commission did vote that, and we've worked positively constructively, I think, 3454 05:21:03,120 --> 05:21:06,260 with with the owner without a mind. 3455 05:21:07,240 --> 05:21:09,920 I mean, we could have just dug our heels in 3456 05:21:09,920 --> 05:21:13,080 without this, the commission could dig its heels in and say no. 3457 05:21:13,440 --> 05:21:17,660 And so on that basis, you know, initially, you know, 3458 05:21:17,740 --> 05:21:22,300 I was skeptical of the petition, but as we got into it. 3459 05:21:24,600 --> 05:21:25,180 Thank you. 3460 05:21:25,580 --> 05:21:26,260 Thank you. 3461 05:21:26,260 --> 05:21:26,780 Thank you, madam. 3462 05:21:26,980 --> 05:21:27,380 Thank you, sir. 3463 05:21:28,080 --> 05:21:29,060 And I do, you know, 3464 05:21:29,480 --> 05:21:31,360 and I think Councillor Nolan mentioned this. 3465 05:21:31,360 --> 05:21:34,100 that there was, you did allow for a lot of flexibility 3466 05:21:34,100 --> 05:21:36,220 and a lot of things to happen with the site. 3467 05:21:36,620 --> 05:21:38,380 So, clearly those conversations were very helpful 3468 05:21:38,380 --> 05:21:39,720 and I do appreciate that. 3469 05:21:41,220 --> 05:21:42,580 That will yield for now, Madam Mayor. 3470 05:21:42,640 --> 05:21:43,260 Thank you. 3471 05:21:43,640 --> 05:21:44,360 Councillor Simmons? 3472 05:21:46,360 --> 05:21:47,280 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 3473 05:21:47,980 --> 05:21:51,760 I think my colleagues asked, and it has asked the questions 3474 05:21:51,760 --> 05:21:56,080 that would have asked, I was on the fence from minute, 3475 05:21:56,360 --> 05:22:02,650 but I don't, I think I'm going to stay with my original opinion 3476 05:22:02,830 --> 05:22:09,890 that I would not vote to landmark the side elbow. I do hear and respect Mr. Sullivan in his work 3477 05:22:09,890 --> 05:22:15,830 and I always enjoy any time he puts anything before the council. So it's just relaxing that I 3478 05:22:15,830 --> 05:22:23,730 be two or three times over, but specific to the landmarking. I feel confident that it's going to be 3479 05:22:23,730 --> 05:22:29,190 dealt with in a way that is going to preserve much of the integrity that is spoken about 3480 05:22:29,190 --> 05:22:35,330 in too. So I will not be supporting it and I will be able to move forward. Thank you. 3481 05:22:35,410 --> 05:22:42,410 Thank you, Councillor. And Councillor Ferry? You spoke on this. Yes, and through you, Madam Mayor. Miss 3482 05:22:42,410 --> 05:22:53,110 Assolving, you do actual work. And I understand that the building, whether landmark or not, stays 3483 05:22:53,110 --> 05:22:59,370 under the jurisdiction of the conservation district. Correct? Yes. That's correct through you. 3484 05:22:59,590 --> 05:23:06,930 And so any, in my right it is a certificate of appropriateness that has to be issued 3485 05:23:06,930 --> 05:23:14,390 or am I mistaken for, yes, through you, Madam Mayor, any exterior work that requires a building 3486 05:23:14,390 --> 05:23:21,490 permit requires a certificate of appropriateness. Right. And obviously all the zoning is still in play, 3487 05:23:21,490 --> 05:23:29,410 right? Yes. Okay. All right. Well, I appreciate that. Thank you very much. Thank you. So we've 3488 05:23:29,410 --> 05:23:36,850 heard from all my colleagues and you know I am where I think the majority of the council is around 3489 05:23:36,850 --> 05:23:44,010 not designating this as a landmark based on what's been said. So I think we should go ahead and take a 3490 05:23:44,010 --> 05:23:51,130 on whether or not to approve the final landmark designation 3491 05:23:51,130 --> 05:23:55,930 report for the Nathaniel Sydney House at 45 Mount 3492 05:23:55,930 --> 05:23:57,930 Arbor Street. So we'll do a roll call. 3493 05:23:58,630 --> 05:24:03,650 Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-marisine. No. No. 3494 05:24:03,650 --> 05:24:11,430 Councillor Flaherty. No. No. No. Councillor Nolan. No. 3495 05:24:11,430 --> 05:24:40,610 No, Councilor Simmons. No. No. No, Council Sabrina Wheeler. No. No, Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor Sediki. No. No. And you have two members recorded in the affirmative and seven recorded in the negative designation for the report fails. We have disposed of the charter items and the table items. We're moving to applications and petitions. There are three pleasure of the council. 3496 05:24:43,670 --> 05:24:52,670 on a motion by council move to accept them to accept the applications and petitions adopt them. 3497 05:24:53,090 --> 05:24:56,530 Yes on a motion by Councillor Nolan to adopt let's do a roll call please. 3498 05:24:58,150 --> 05:24:59,310 Councillor Azubi. Yes. 3499 05:25:00,000 --> 05:25:11,940 Yes, Vice Mayor Azine. Yes. Yes. Councilful Flaherty. Yes. Yes. Councilwoman Gavin. Yes. Yes. Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. 3500 05:25:12,160 --> 05:25:15,180 Yes. Councilor Serena Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councilor Suzy. 3501 05:25:18,540 --> 05:25:29,500 Yes. Yes. Yes. Mayor city gate. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. The applications and petitions are adopted. We'll go to communications. 3502 05:25:29,500 --> 05:25:29,920 Thanks. 3503 05:25:30,860 --> 05:25:31,760 Thanks, I love you. 3504 05:25:31,840 --> 05:25:32,060 Thank you. 3505 05:25:32,060 --> 05:25:36,300 One more motion by Councillor Simmons to place them on fire. 3506 05:25:36,440 --> 05:25:37,600 We'll do a roll call. 3507 05:25:38,140 --> 05:25:39,080 Councillor Aousubee. 3508 05:25:40,240 --> 05:25:40,380 Yes. 3509 05:25:40,380 --> 05:25:40,480 Yes. 3510 05:25:40,640 --> 05:25:41,160 Vice-merzine. 3511 05:25:42,480 --> 05:25:43,840 Councillor Flaherty. 3512 05:25:44,880 --> 05:25:45,160 Yes. 3513 05:25:45,320 --> 05:25:46,040 Councillor McGavin. 3514 05:25:47,060 --> 05:25:47,140 Yes. 3515 05:25:48,230 --> 05:25:49,000 Councillor Nolan. 3516 05:25:49,940 --> 05:25:50,180 Yes. 3517 05:25:50,520 --> 05:25:50,940 Yes. 3518 05:25:50,940 --> 05:25:51,840 Councillor Simmons. 3519 05:25:52,680 --> 05:25:52,860 Yes. 3520 05:25:53,340 --> 05:25:53,720 Yes. 3521 05:25:53,720 --> 05:25:54,740 Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. 3522 05:25:55,940 --> 05:25:56,380 Yes. 3523 05:25:56,380 --> 05:26:02,080 Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3524 05:26:03,560 --> 05:26:08,400 The communications are dropped in. Well, two resolutions. There are six pleasure of the city council. 3525 05:26:09,160 --> 05:26:11,520 And chair. Yes. Councillor Simmons. 3526 05:26:12,280 --> 05:26:12,740 One. 3527 05:26:13,960 --> 05:26:14,200 One. 3528 05:26:15,300 --> 05:26:17,040 Any others? Councillor 30. 3529 05:26:17,280 --> 05:26:18,440 I pulled two. 3530 05:26:18,700 --> 05:26:19,440 Number two. 3531 05:26:22,200 --> 05:26:28,300 And then we can do a roll call on adopting the balance of the resolutions. 3532 05:26:28,300 --> 05:26:32,520 is making the unanimous upon adoption on our motion by Councillor Simmons. 3533 05:26:34,440 --> 05:26:35,440 Councillor Elzubi. 3534 05:26:35,440 --> 05:26:35,900 Yes. 3535 05:26:36,260 --> 05:26:36,660 Yes. 3536 05:26:36,760 --> 05:26:37,400 Vice-merzine. 3537 05:26:38,020 --> 05:26:38,240 Yes. 3538 05:26:38,560 --> 05:26:38,880 Yes. 3539 05:26:38,880 --> 05:26:39,840 Councillor Flaherty. 3540 05:26:40,700 --> 05:26:40,960 Yes. 3541 05:26:40,960 --> 05:26:42,260 Councillor Nolan. 3542 05:26:44,980 --> 05:26:45,220 Yes. 3543 05:26:45,400 --> 05:26:45,860 Yes. 3544 05:26:45,860 --> 05:26:46,620 Councillor Simmons. 3545 05:26:47,420 --> 05:26:47,700 Yes. 3546 05:26:48,060 --> 05:26:48,480 Yes. 3547 05:26:48,660 --> 05:26:49,460 Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. 3548 05:26:50,340 --> 05:26:50,800 Yes. 3549 05:26:51,520 --> 05:26:51,640 Yes. 3550 05:26:52,300 --> 05:26:52,500 Yes. 3551 05:26:52,640 --> 05:26:53,180 Mayor City. 3552 05:26:53,500 --> 05:26:53,740 Yes. 3553 05:26:54,220 --> 05:26:54,560 Yes. 3554 05:26:54,560 --> 05:26:56,860 of nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3555 05:26:57,660 --> 05:26:59,860 The balance of the resolutions are adopted. 3556 05:26:59,940 --> 05:27:02,780 We'll go to number one, which is a resolution 3557 05:27:02,780 --> 05:27:05,240 wishing down a low means of full recovery 3558 05:27:05,240 --> 05:27:05,700 consequences. 3559 05:27:06,720 --> 05:27:07,980 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 3560 05:27:08,780 --> 05:27:13,520 A couple of things relative to this particular resolution. 3561 05:27:13,980 --> 05:27:16,980 I want to pull it in a men-by-substitution. 3562 05:27:17,720 --> 05:27:21,420 Unfortunately, Mr Williams passed away Saturday at 8.29 3563 05:27:21,420 --> 05:27:33,480 in with all his friends and family around him. It was a very, very sad moment I was able to visit him a few times before I was passing and so it was just very sad. 3564 05:27:33,760 --> 05:27:46,700 So this is not appropriate this time. I do believe or at least I hope Mr. Stefan has an amended resolution to send to his family. 3565 05:27:46,700 --> 05:27:54,380 In fact, his funeral will be this Friday and I can't have details for those that they want to know, but Mr. Fund, do you have the amendment? 3566 05:27:55,320 --> 05:27:57,920 Yes, I do. Did you want to show an on-screen? 3567 05:27:59,120 --> 05:28:00,100 You don't mind, 3568 05:28:04,100 --> 05:28:04,100 please. 3569 05:28:04,840 --> 05:28:09,440 So what we'll do is I'm do a roll call on the... 3570 05:28:09,440 --> 05:28:10,180 By substitution. 3571 05:28:11,220 --> 05:28:16,300 I don't know if my college's have it or not, but it basically is just not acknowledging his life. 3572 05:28:16,300 --> 05:28:20,160 I think he knows how to do that. He has transitioned. 3573 05:28:21,820 --> 05:28:23,120 Madam, Madam Mayor. 3574 05:28:23,460 --> 05:28:24,200 Yes, Councilor Governor. 3575 05:28:26,720 --> 05:28:30,960 Through you, the Councilor Simmons, would you also add me as a co-sponsor? 3576 05:28:31,220 --> 05:28:31,980 Can we vote that, too? 3577 05:28:32,100 --> 05:28:34,080 I knew the family very well as well. 3578 05:28:34,720 --> 05:28:35,280 Absolutely. 3579 05:28:35,580 --> 05:28:36,800 Absolutely. So I would move that. 3580 05:28:37,640 --> 05:28:44,420 We add Councilor McGuven to the policy resolution. 3581 05:28:44,420 --> 05:28:54,860 And because it's made union with the Pana D'Aption, each member will be listed as fully supporting this conversation. 3582 05:28:56,420 --> 05:29:01,420 So the amendment is before us, 3583 05:29:03,470 --> 05:29:09,230 and we can go ahead and adopt and do a roll call on the amendment. 3584 05:29:09,230 --> 05:29:18,990 Councilor Elzubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-Mayor Zim. Yes. Yes. Councilor Flarity. Yes. May God have mercy in the soul. 3585 05:29:19,830 --> 05:29:35,510 Councilor McGavin. Yes. Yes. Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor Simmons. Yes. Yes. 3586 05:29:35,510 --> 05:29:37,310 of nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3587 05:29:39,390 --> 05:29:44,450 I'm sorry, near City Gate. I didn't even notice. 3588 05:29:45,030 --> 05:29:55,390 Yes, I'm sorry. And thank you. Yes, I'm really through this very quickly and one of the things 3589 05:29:55,390 --> 05:29:59,970 for me. Let's do it out. About Mr. Williams is he loved to- 3590 05:30:00,000 --> 05:30:27,960 Special Square and was found finally regarded as the vice mayor of Central Square. And I don't see it. And I would just like to add that I someplace appropriately like, you know, 3591 05:30:27,960 --> 05:30:36,120 think about shoe-horning founding members' lifelong contribution, A&B, the unofficial mayor, 3592 05:30:36,580 --> 05:30:41,480 a vice mayor of Central Square, I would shoe-horne that any people would accept that without 3593 05:30:41,480 --> 05:30:50,020 having me write it out. Thank you. Mr. Farnish here. So, Mr. Perfect, when it comes to this, 3594 05:30:50,020 --> 05:30:52,460 Thank you, and vice versa. 3595 05:30:52,460 --> 05:30:53,580 And vice versa. 3596 05:30:53,740 --> 05:30:55,160 I'm so interested in it. 3597 05:30:55,620 --> 05:30:55,860 Yes. 3598 05:30:56,140 --> 05:31:00,180 So we can go ahead and maybe that is a friendly amendment. 3599 05:31:00,880 --> 05:31:06,120 But we can add that and then also add 3600 05:31:06,120 --> 05:31:09,400 Councillor McGuvern as the second co-sponsor 3601 05:31:10,160 --> 05:31:12,300 and do a roll call. 3602 05:31:12,940 --> 05:31:14,400 Councillor Azubi. 3603 05:31:14,660 --> 05:31:15,320 Yes. 3604 05:31:15,940 --> 05:31:16,700 Yes, vice versa. 3605 05:31:17,560 --> 05:31:17,880 Yes. 3606 05:31:18,360 --> 05:31:18,640 Yes. 3607 05:31:18,640 --> 05:31:26,360 Council of Flaherty? Yes. Yes. Council of McGuvern? Yes. Yes. Council of Nolan? Yes. Yes. 3608 05:31:26,440 --> 05:31:32,260 Council of Simmons? Yes. Yes. Council of Sabrina Wheeler? Yes. Yes. Council of 3609 05:31:32,260 --> 05:31:36,600 Zucy? Yes. Yes. Mayor City Gate? Yes. Yes. And you have nine members 3610 05:31:36,600 --> 05:31:42,020 recorded in the affirmative. My condolences as well to 3611 05:31:42,020 --> 05:31:50,160 family and I know his daughter. So we'll, we'll miss him. So we'll go ahead and do a 3612 05:31:50,160 --> 05:32:00,020 roll call on adopting the amended resolution. We just did that in there. I thought we added, 3613 05:32:01,020 --> 05:32:12,000 we added, we did the amendment and then we added Mark, but we didn't do a red, we didn't do a 3614 05:32:12,000 --> 05:32:15,500 Councillor McGovern is outed in the previous vote. 3615 05:32:15,860 --> 05:32:16,400 That's fine. 3616 05:32:16,900 --> 05:32:18,640 So on the amendment by substitution, 3617 05:32:19,040 --> 05:32:20,780 Ian to add, Councillor McGovern. 3618 05:32:20,900 --> 05:32:22,020 No, no, we did that. 3619 05:32:22,220 --> 05:32:22,920 We did all that. 3620 05:32:23,100 --> 05:32:25,660 But now we have to vote on the whole resolution. 3621 05:32:27,080 --> 05:32:30,820 As I said, then we just added the Vice Chair line as well. 3622 05:32:31,080 --> 05:32:31,280 Thank you. 3623 05:32:32,620 --> 05:32:32,880 Thank you. 3624 05:32:33,420 --> 05:32:34,560 Councillor Azubi. 3625 05:32:34,780 --> 05:32:35,220 Yes. 3626 05:32:35,640 --> 05:32:35,980 Yes. 3627 05:32:35,980 --> 05:32:36,880 Vice-merzine? 3628 05:32:38,420 --> 05:32:38,660 Yes. 3629 05:32:39,160 --> 05:32:39,540 Yes. 3630 05:32:39,540 --> 05:32:40,440 Councillor Flaherty? 3631 05:32:40,700 --> 05:32:40,960 Yes. 3632 05:32:40,960 --> 05:32:49,020 Yes, Councilwoman govern. Yes. Yes, Councilwoman Nolan. Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. 3633 05:32:49,300 --> 05:32:57,180 Council of Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes, Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor Simmons. I'm sorry. Mayor Sediki. Yes. 3634 05:32:57,620 --> 05:33:08,960 I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. The resolution as amended was adopted. We're going on to resolution number two. 3635 05:33:10,140 --> 05:33:15,740 condolences on the death of Renee, and Amara, this was filed by 3636 05:33:15,740 --> 05:33:18,220 muscle clarity, because of where do you have that for? 3637 05:33:18,700 --> 05:33:23,340 Yes, just very briefly, and I know some of my colleagues attended the 3638 05:33:23,340 --> 05:33:27,400 celebration of life for Renee last week at the Charles Hotel. 3639 05:33:28,660 --> 05:33:35,840 And I just wanted to mention that I was struck by her humanity and her generosity, 3640 05:33:35,840 --> 05:33:44,820 there was several speakers that mentioned her impact on their lives and what a vibrant person 3641 05:33:44,820 --> 05:33:54,240 she was beyond being such a talented person and then her husband Paul, you know, told stories 3642 05:33:54,240 --> 05:34:04,060 about how she would, she was a master puzzler whenever there was a 4,000 piece puzzle, she would 3643 05:34:04,060 --> 05:34:11,940 assemble it in the house and they had a laugh about that. But I was struck by just the tremendous 3644 05:34:12,560 --> 05:34:18,460 love they have for one another and the impact she's had on so many different people and one of 3645 05:34:18,460 --> 05:34:25,540 loss she is not just a Paul but to the city of Cambridge and just what a tremendous human being 3646 05:34:25,540 --> 05:34:32,400 in generalment Paul is. He's an outstanding example to all of us and he's been a great friend 3647 05:34:32,400 --> 05:34:38,260 and a wonderful proprietor of the Hong Kong restaurant and Harvard Square. 3648 05:34:39,720 --> 05:34:45,300 And I just want to offer my condolences to him and to the entire family. 3649 05:34:46,360 --> 05:34:47,480 It just excellent people. 3650 05:34:48,240 --> 05:34:49,960 So thank you very much, Madam Mayor. 3651 05:34:50,160 --> 05:34:50,880 I yield. 3652 05:34:51,720 --> 05:34:52,140 I agreed. 3653 05:34:52,460 --> 05:34:53,600 Thank you, Councillor Ferry. 3654 05:34:55,460 --> 05:34:56,720 Any other comments? 3655 05:34:58,300 --> 05:34:59,980 We'll go ahead and do it. 3656 05:35:00,000 --> 05:35:03,260 roll call on adoption, making unanimous upon adoption. 3657 05:35:03,580 --> 05:35:15,540 Councilor L. Zubi. Yes. Yes. Vice-marazine. Yes. Yes. Council of Flaherty. Yes. Yes. Council of McEvern. Yes. Yes. Councilor Nolan. Yes. 3658 05:35:15,820 --> 05:35:25,280 Yes. Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes. Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor C. D. K. Yes. Yes. 3659 05:35:25,280 --> 05:35:27,100 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3660 05:35:27,100 --> 05:35:34,320 The resolutions are adopted. We're going to committee reports. There are four measure of the committee to be 3661 05:35:34,320 --> 05:35:34,700 Council. 3662 05:35:36,060 --> 05:35:42,440 It's set to committee reports and points on five on that motion from Councillor Simmons. We'll do a roll call. 3663 05:35:42,660 --> 05:35:42,980 Council. 3664 05:35:43,260 --> 05:35:43,860 Yes. 3665 05:35:44,760 --> 05:35:45,740 Yes. Vice-marison. 3666 05:35:46,400 --> 05:35:46,540 Yes. 3667 05:35:47,000 --> 05:35:47,540 Yes. Council. 3668 05:35:47,960 --> 05:35:47,980 Yes. 3669 05:35:48,960 --> 05:35:49,320 Yes. 3670 05:35:49,360 --> 05:35:49,680 Council. 3671 05:35:51,300 --> 05:35:51,900 Yes. 3672 05:35:51,900 --> 05:35:52,260 Council. 3673 05:35:52,800 --> 05:36:02,300 Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons. Yes. Yes, Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes, Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. 3674 05:36:02,320 --> 05:36:10,440 Yes, Mayor Sediki. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. The four committee committee reports are placed on file. 3675 05:36:10,900 --> 05:36:18,920 There are no roundtable minutes. There are three remaining communications from other city officers. 3676 05:36:20,020 --> 05:36:28,280 We've, well, no, there's two, only one, no, only two, so we can do a roll call on that on the balance. 3677 05:36:28,600 --> 05:36:30,040 Play some file. 3678 05:36:31,020 --> 05:36:33,400 I'm placing them on file from Pastor Nolan. 3679 05:36:34,120 --> 05:36:34,920 Councillor Azubi. 3680 05:36:36,040 --> 05:36:36,140 Yes. 3681 05:36:36,140 --> 05:36:36,200 Yes. 3682 05:36:36,200 --> 05:36:36,660 Vice-marison. 3683 05:36:37,000 --> 05:36:37,360 Yes. 3684 05:36:37,740 --> 05:36:38,100 Yes. 3685 05:36:38,100 --> 05:36:38,280 Yes. 3686 05:36:42,440 --> 05:36:42,700 Yes. 3687 05:36:43,300 --> 05:36:44,200 Councillor Nolan. 3688 05:36:45,160 --> 05:36:45,320 Yes. 3689 05:36:45,580 --> 05:36:46,140 Yes. 3690 05:36:46,920 --> 05:36:47,480 Yes. 3691 05:36:47,980 --> 05:36:48,360 Yes. 3692 05:36:48,480 --> 05:36:48,540 Yes. 3693 05:36:48,540 --> 05:36:49,520 Councillor Sabrina Wheeler. 3694 05:36:50,040 --> 05:36:50,080 Yes. 3695 05:36:50,540 --> 05:36:50,820 Yes. 3696 05:36:51,080 --> 05:36:51,440 Councillor Susie. 3697 05:36:52,260 --> 05:36:52,780 Yes. 3698 05:36:53,000 --> 05:36:53,320 Yes. 3699 05:36:53,320 --> 05:36:53,400 Yes. 3700 05:36:54,080 --> 05:36:54,260 Yes. 3701 05:36:54,780 --> 05:36:57,160 And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3702 05:36:58,560 --> 05:37:02,220 Those communications that are reports from other city officers are placed on fire. 3703 05:37:02,900 --> 05:37:03,880 We remove on. 3704 05:37:04,320 --> 05:37:06,040 Are there any late resolutions clerk? 3705 05:37:08,300 --> 05:37:08,580 No. 3706 05:37:08,640 --> 05:37:10,180 I do not have any late resolutions. 3707 05:37:10,500 --> 05:37:12,020 I do have one late policy order. 3708 05:37:12,040 --> 05:37:17,500 We have one late policy order, which requires a suspension of the rules. 3709 05:37:17,500 --> 05:37:21,940 So, on to Spension, we'll do a little roll call, 3710 05:37:25,600 --> 05:37:26,440 Councillor Azubi. 3711 05:37:26,720 --> 05:37:26,800 Yes. 3712 05:37:27,200 --> 05:37:27,620 Yes. 3713 05:37:27,620 --> 05:37:28,440 Vice Mayor Azim. 3714 05:37:29,460 --> 05:37:29,840 Yes. 3715 05:37:29,840 --> 05:37:29,940 Yes. 3716 05:37:29,940 --> 05:37:30,120 Yes. 3717 05:37:30,120 --> 05:37:30,500 Yes. 3718 05:37:30,860 --> 05:37:31,220 Yes. 3719 05:37:31,640 --> 05:37:31,880 Yes. 3720 05:37:31,880 --> 05:37:32,080 Yes. 3721 05:37:32,080 --> 05:37:32,420 Yes. 3722 05:37:33,580 --> 05:37:33,860 Yes. 3723 05:37:34,300 --> 05:37:34,820 Yes. 3724 05:37:37,300 --> 05:37:38,740 Councillor Azubi. 3725 05:37:45,120 --> 05:37:45,140 Yes. 3726 05:37:45,140 --> 05:37:45,460 Yes. 3727 05:37:45,820 --> 05:37:46,140 Yes. 3728 05:37:46,840 --> 05:37:47,320 Yes. 3729 05:37:47,420 --> 05:37:52,560 record in the affirmative. We're in suspension so we can bring forward the late policy order 3730 05:37:53,240 --> 05:37:59,740 Councillor Serena Wheelerney. Thanks for coming through you. This policy order asks the city manager 3731 05:37:59,740 --> 05:38:07,380 direct staff to request that flags be lowered to half staff for one week in recognition of the 3732 05:38:07,380 --> 05:38:13,100 horrific killings of people who are trying to exercise their first amendment rights by federal agents 3733 05:38:13,100 --> 05:38:18,580 Minnesota or in some cases we're trying to protect other people. We had a number of residents 3734 05:38:18,580 --> 05:38:23,440 came with residents. We talked about this over the past few days. I think it's a fitting 3735 05:38:23,440 --> 05:38:28,480 way to honor the folks and really recognize what's a tragic moment in our country's history 3736 05:38:28,480 --> 05:38:34,060 that we haven't seen for decades really. We reached out to the city staff and a lot of 3737 05:38:34,060 --> 05:38:38,740 apartments after we started getting questions about this from residents and we clear that 3738 05:38:38,740 --> 05:38:44,180 the city does have the authority to make flag lowering decisions on our own as a city even without 3739 05:38:44,180 --> 05:38:48,880 the order from a governor and that it would be appropriate for us as a council to put 3740 05:38:48,880 --> 05:38:51,740 an elite policy order tonight, directing the city manager to do so. 3741 05:38:52,660 --> 05:38:56,260 I also just want to clear that this is not the only way we are thinking of responding to 3742 05:38:56,260 --> 05:39:00,420 the actions of ice as a public and you know, it shouldn't be interpreted that way. 3743 05:39:00,920 --> 05:39:03,640 It's something we can do, you know, immediately to respond to it. 3744 05:39:03,900 --> 05:39:07,620 We are also, at least for myself, considering additional policy solutions that have been 3745 05:39:07,620 --> 05:39:12,660 touch with city staff and legal advocates about, you know, the horrific act of policing, both out 3746 05:39:12,660 --> 05:39:17,380 of response to them and how to be prepared and protect our residents. I'll defer to the 3747 05:39:17,380 --> 05:39:20,220 thing that the co-sponsors want to speak on this and be all back. 3748 05:39:23,660 --> 05:39:25,760 Any comments? Yes, Councillor McGuvern. 3749 05:39:29,420 --> 05:39:34,880 Thank you, Madam Mayor, through you. I want to thank just Sabrina Wheeler and the other 3750 05:39:34,880 --> 05:39:40,160 co-sponsors for putting this forward and just as the co-sponsors should bring in Wheeler 3751 05:39:40,160 --> 05:39:47,940 have their other actions that a few of us are working on to really try to ensure safety 3752 05:39:47,940 --> 05:39:55,340 in our own community, but also respect and support other cities that are currently seeing 3753 05:39:55,340 --> 05:39:59,260 unsafe conditions on their streets. 3754 05:40:00,000 --> 05:40:09,500 You know, I could certainly go on for quite a while on my feelings about ice and their tactics and the 3755 05:40:09,500 --> 05:40:17,460 violence that they're causing. I will leave that for another time. But I do appreciate this and share 3756 05:40:17,460 --> 05:40:25,720 in solidarity with the people of Minnesota and the families of the victims at the hands of this legalized 3757 05:40:25,720 --> 05:40:27,680 militia by the President. Thank you. 3758 05:40:31,960 --> 05:40:59,520 Thank you, Marcia Vicki. I appreciate this also. I had been also working on something and then was told there was already a late order in process. So I'd love to be added to this order and to recognize for some folks that may have concerns that how do we decide what to do this. Well, this is a time that we need to stand up very clearly and say these deaths are completely different. 3759 05:41:01,060 --> 05:41:08,660 necessary for us to acknowledge that they are beyond the pale, and that we, as a city, 3760 05:41:09,140 --> 05:41:13,640 can stand up and acknowledge just through this symbolic gesture, and yet we've done a lot 3761 05:41:13,640 --> 05:41:18,540 of other work and what continue to do work to make sure that we are standing on the side of 3762 05:41:19,980 --> 05:41:28,000 democracy and justice and against what too many elements of the federal government have become. 3763 05:41:28,000 --> 05:41:37,260 So I appreciate this order and recognize that we are in very scary times. 3764 05:41:37,960 --> 05:41:39,600 Thank you, Councillor Nolan. 3765 05:41:40,340 --> 05:41:41,560 Well, certainly add you. 3766 05:41:42,380 --> 05:41:45,200 I'll just go around to hear from others. 3767 05:41:45,440 --> 05:41:46,140 Councillor Azim. 3768 05:41:47,240 --> 05:41:53,740 I just wanted to thank all those monsters and especially Councillor Sabrina Wheeler for leading on this. 3769 05:41:53,880 --> 05:41:56,000 I just wanted to be added as well. 3770 05:41:57,530 --> 05:42:00,330 Does anyone else like to be added? 3771 05:42:02,510 --> 05:42:05,190 We'll go ahead and just add a counselor, 3772 05:42:05,670 --> 05:42:08,730 Nolan and Azim, and do a role call? 3773 05:42:09,950 --> 05:42:17,130 Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Vice Mayor Azim. Yes. Yes. Council of Larry? Yes. Yes. Council of 3774 05:42:17,130 --> 05:42:20,210 McGuvern? Yes. Yes. Council of Nolan? 3775 05:42:23,960 --> 05:42:29,720 Council of Nolan? Oh, sorry. Yes. Yes. Council of Simmons? Yes. Yes. 3776 05:42:29,720 --> 05:42:36,240 Council Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes, Councillor Zusie. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. And you have 3777 05:42:36,240 --> 05:42:42,000 nine members recorded in the affirmative. Would anyone else like to be heard on this 3778 05:42:42,000 --> 05:42:49,740 before we adopt? Hearing none, we'll go ahead and do a roll call on the policy order on a late 3779 05:42:49,740 --> 05:42:59,700 policy order as amended. Councillor Azubi. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Council of 3780 05:42:59,700 --> 05:43:13,600 Yes, Councilor Nolan. Yes. Yes, Councilor Simmons. Yes, Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes, Councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes, Mayor City. Yes. Yes, and you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3781 05:43:15,560 --> 05:43:18,700 The late policy order as amended is 3782 05:43:20,160 --> 05:43:26,800 adopted, so we're done with the agenda. Any announcements? Yes, Mayor. Yes, thank you. 3783 05:43:27,120 --> 05:43:31,240 Thank you. I just wanted to let people know the specifics for Donald William 3784 05:43:31,240 --> 05:43:36,880 Skinroll. I was a beheld at Rogers funeral home 380 Cambridge Street in Cambridge 3785 05:43:36,880 --> 05:43:48,220 on Friday. That's this Friday. The 30th of January from 4 to 8 p.m. There'll be a 3786 05:43:48,220 --> 05:43:55,100 at church, 49th, 6th Street in Cambridge at 10 a.m. then people will be going to the cemetery, 3787 05:43:55,760 --> 05:44:02,440 they will be a repasse at the American League in March, 442 at 3 going to boulevard in 3788 05:44:02,440 --> 05:44:10,180 that's from 12 to 4. Thank you for sharing that information. Any other announcements from the body? 3789 05:44:11,820 --> 05:44:15,180 you're not going to go ahead. 3790 05:44:15,740 --> 05:44:16,220 Go ahead, Councillor. 3791 05:44:16,820 --> 05:44:22,300 Quick reminder, the basketball game between the Cambridge police and the Cambridge 3792 05:44:22,300 --> 05:44:24,740 Warriors, a special needs. 3793 05:44:25,660 --> 05:44:29,160 A basketball team is this Saturday at the warm memorial. 3794 05:44:29,900 --> 05:44:31,180 Five o'clock. 3795 05:44:32,640 --> 05:44:33,760 Be there a be square. 3796 05:44:35,320 --> 05:44:36,260 Thank you. 3797 05:44:36,260 --> 05:44:37,720 Thank you. 3798 05:44:37,720 --> 05:44:39,180 Thank you. 3799 05:44:39,180 --> 05:44:39,200 Sorry. 3800 05:44:40,000 --> 05:44:41,500 Don't see anyone else. 3801 05:44:41,760 --> 05:44:42,440 Thank you. 3802 05:44:42,860 --> 05:44:46,760 We'll go ahead on Councillor Simmons' motion to adjourn to a roll call. 3803 05:44:46,900 --> 05:44:47,500 Councillor Elzubi. 3804 05:44:48,080 --> 05:44:48,620 Yes. 3805 05:44:48,880 --> 05:44:49,260 Yes. 3806 05:44:49,260 --> 05:44:49,740 Vice-marism. 3807 05:44:50,520 --> 05:44:50,820 Yes. 3808 05:44:51,220 --> 05:44:51,560 Yes. 3809 05:44:51,820 --> 05:44:52,460 Councillor Flaherty. 3810 05:44:52,900 --> 05:44:53,400 Yes. 3811 05:44:53,700 --> 05:44:54,180 Yes. 3812 05:44:57,160 --> 05:44:57,500 Councillor Nolan. 3813 05:44:58,120 --> 05:44:58,660 Yes. 3814 05:44:58,880 --> 05:44:59,360 Yes. 3815 05:44:59,360 --> 05:44:59,500 Yes. 3816 05:44:59,600 --> 05:44:59,800 Councillor Simmons. 3817 05:45:01,260 --> 05:45:11,040 Yes, councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Yes. Yes, councilor Zucy. Yes. Yes. Mayor CDG. Yes. Yes. And you have nine members recorded in the affirmative. 3818 05:45:11,820 --> 05:45:17,420 Good night. Thank you everyone. Nice to meet you. You are only tomorrow. Yes. This and bye.