Planning Board Meeting

• Date: May 12, 2026
• Governing Body: Cambridge Planning Board
• Meeting Type: Regular Meeting (Remote Participation)
• Chair: Tom Sieniewicz
• Board Members Present: Mary Flynn, Mary Lydecker, Diego Macias, Ashley Tan, Carolyn Zern, Dan Anderson (Associate), Joy Jackson (Associate), Tom Sieniewicz (Chair)
• Board Members Absent: Ted Cohen
• Staff Present: Evan Spatrini (Senior Manager for Zoning and Development), Swathi Joseph, Jeff Roberts, Eric Thorkelson (Urban Designer)

Evan Spatrini provided an update on the upcoming Planning Board schedule:

• June 2, 2026: Public hearings on zoning petitions regarding active uses on Cambridge Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
• June 16, 2026: Potential review of a special permit case (unconfirmed).
• June 30, 2026: Presentation of annual utility reports.

The Board reviewed the certified transcripts for the meeting held on March 31, 2026.

• Motion: To accept the transcripts as meeting minutes (Mary Flynn).
• Second: Diego Macias.
• Vote: 6-0-0. (Mary Flynn: Yes; Mary Lydecker: Yes; Diego Macias: Yes; Ashley Tan: Yes; Carolyn Zern: Yes; Tom Sieniewicz: Yes. Ted Cohen was absent.)

The Board conducted the second of two required advisory consultations for a mixed-use project at 1740 Massachusetts Avenue. The project, proposed by Old North Development Company, involves constructing a six-story building with 71 residential units and commercial space totaling 64,330 square feet.

Project Updates from Developer (Adam Siegel and Peter Quinn):

• Mechanical Systems: The team reduced rooftop condensers by switching to internal Passive House-compliant units for studio apartments. These units vent through sidewalls and operate at approximately 50 dB.
• Architectural Details: The facade at the southeast corner was pulled back to accommodate a cafe space. The residential end of the Linnaean Street facade was scaled down with single and double windows.
• Bicycle Infrastructure: The building will feature oversized elevators to accommodate cargo bikes. The developer is coordinating with the city to install a Bluebikes station on Linnaean Street.
• Botanical Theme: A mural featuring Linnaea borealis (Twinflower) is proposed for the siding as a tribute to Carl Linnaeus, the namesake of Linnaean Street.
• Landscaping: Katia Pezzato detailed the addition of 'Street Life' planters with integrated benches and permanent irrigation systems.

Board Discussion and Recommendations:

• Massing and Color: Dan Anderson and Carolyn Zern suggested a color study for the sixth floor to differentiate it from the main body and reduce the 'boxy' appearance.
• South Facade: Multiple members, including Ashley Tan and Mary Lydecker, expressed concern over the blank wall on the south elevation. Chair Tom Sieniewicz suggested treating the wall as a canvas for subtle artistic or botanical elements.
• Materials: The Board requested that the developer coordinate with the Community Development Department (CDD) on final material selections and mock-ups.

Official Action:

• Motion: To conclude the design consultation and submit a final report with comments to the Superintendent of Buildings (Mary Flynn).
• Second: Mary Lydecker.
• Vote: 6-0-0. (Mary Flynn: Yes; Mary Lydecker: Yes; Diego Macias: Yes; Ashley Tan: Yes; Carolyn Zern: Yes; Tom Sieniewicz: Yes. Ted Cohen was absent.)

One member of the public provided comment regarding Case PBAC-2:

• Mr. Bentley (1734 Massachusetts Avenue): Inquired about the location and noise impact of the heat exchange for the new internal mechanical units. "I'm wondering if they'll be visible, audible, that kind of thing."
• Response: Adam Siegel clarified that the units are internal, vent through small sidewall penetrations, and are designed to be very quiet and compliant with the Cambridge noise ordinance.

The Board acknowledged that this was the final meeting for Associate Member Joy Jackson, who is resigning due to relocating outside of Cambridge. Chair Tom Sieniewicz and other members thanked her for her service and contributions to the Board's deliberations.