City Council - Regular Meeting

May 12, 2025
Watch Video View Transcript
AI Disclaimer: Summaries and transcripts above were created by various AI tools. By their nature, these tools will produce mistakes and inaccuraies. Links to the official meeting recordings are provided for verification. If you find an error, please report it to somervillecivicpulse at gmail dot com.

Podcast Summary

Subscribe to AI-generated podcasts:
RSS Spotify Apple Podcasts

Cambridge City Council Meeting Minutes - May 12, 2025

Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: May 12, 2025 Attendees: Mayor Denise Simmons, Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, City Councilor Burhan Azeem, City Councilor Yi-An Huang, City Councilor Patricia Nolan, City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, City Councilor Paul Toner, City Councilor Ayesha Wilson, City Councilor Catherine Zusy.

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council addressed critical housing issues, including the future of the Transitional Wellness Center and the Rise Up Cambridge program, and the city's inclusionary zoning policy. Public comment was extensive, with many residents advocating for continued support for unhoused individuals and expressing concerns about potential changes to inclusionary zoning. The Council voted to allocate additional housing vouchers and explore a successor program for Rise Up Cambridge. Discussions also covered proposed technical corrections to floodplain zoning and the potential for first-floor retail in residential neighborhoods. The meeting concluded with a heartfelt farewell to City Clerk Diane LeBlanc, who is retiring.

I. Roll Call

  • Present: Councilor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilor Nolan, Councilor Siddiqui, Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councilor Toner, Councilor Wilson, Councilor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.
  • Outcome: Nine members present, constituting a quorum.

II. Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

  • The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  • A moment of silence was observed in memory of Esther Scantleberry.

III. Remote Participation & Public Comment Procedures

  • The City Council is authorized to use remote participation per Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.

  • Public comment sign-up: www.cambridgema.gov/publiccomment.

  • Written comments: cityclerk@cambridgema.gov.

  • Meetings are audio and video recorded.

  • Public Comment Speakers (2 minutes each due to 42 sign-ups):

    • Michael Demella (CEO, Charles Gate): Strongly supported Policy Order #68, advocating for improved inclusionary policies to prevent stalled development. Noted Boston's 2023 increase to 20% inclusionary requirement led to a development freeze.
    • Daniel Seaborg (Managing Partner, North Cambridge Partners, 2400 Mass Ave): Highlighted discrepancies in CDD's development log, stating only 7 of 41 "current" residential projects are under construction, and 3,700 of 5,300 units lack building permits. Emphasized zero multifamily inclusionary deliveries in 2025.
    • Josh Zakim (Executive Director, Housing Forward Massachusetts): Supported Policy Order #68, stressing the need for affordable housing and acknowledging macroeconomic challenges. Suggested reviewing and adjusting inclusionary housing requirements for immediate impact.
    • Timothy Rowe: Thanked the Council for their work on housing. Expressed concern that projects, compliant with existing policies, might stall due to inclusionary issues.
    • Rita Guastella (127 Reed Street): Spoke in favor of Policy Order #68, specifically requesting a reduction from 20% to 8% inclusionary housing for the 2400 Mass Ave project, citing extensive community involvement and support for the project.
    • Stan Rivkin (17 Channing Street): Applauded the municipal voucher program but criticized the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center without a clear plan for its 22 residents. Opposed Charter Order #1, arguing that lowering inclusionary thresholds would not overcome macroeconomic conditions and could lead to gentrification.
    • David Halperin (14 Valentine Street): Advocated for nimble inclusionary zoning policies to maximize affordable units. Supported first-floor retail, suggesting restrictions on certain uses (e.g., "corner stores and cafes, no labs and dance clubs").
    • Jana Odette (Larch Road): Opposed retail on every street, citing concerns about bypassing zoning and difficulty in selective retail allowances. Questioned the timing of inclusionary housing requirement changes after recent upzoning.
    • Carolyn Magid (71 Reed Street, Our Revolution Cambridge, Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition): Strongly opposed Charter Right #1 and any reduction in inclusionary units, calling it "incredible and totally unacceptable" given recent upzoning based on 20% inclusionary projections. Supported all programs in Charter Right #2, prioritizing vouchers for Transitional Wellness Center residents.
    • Henry Wirtis (106 Berkshire Street): Argued that profit-driven development has failed to address the housing crisis. Advocated for new solutions like community land trusts and social housing, urging the Council to learn from other cities.
    • Gertrude Goodman (1221 Cambridge Street): Opposed changing the inclusionary standard. Emphasized the urgent need for 22 vouchers for Transitional Wellness Center residents, stating, "This is unimaginable that you would just throw people out on the street."
    • Rabbi Yoni: Strongly opposed Policy Order #68, particularly the study, arguing that questioning the 20% inclusionary rate would stall development. Advocated for maximizing affordable units and providing direct aid to the poor.
    • Mohib Ahmed (900 Yard): Thanked the Council for supporting Rise Up and housing vouchers but criticized the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center without a plan for its 22 medically vulnerable residents. Stated, "Cambridge cannot preach resistance to Trumpism while practicing abandonment."
    • Avinash Rahman: Advocated for continued support for Transitional Wellness Center residents, comparing it to paying for the fourth year of college after three years of investment. Shared personal stories of residents who have made significant progress.
    • Tahara Sadiq: A lifelong Cambridge resident and current Transitional Wellness Center resident, expressed fear of homelessness due to the center's closure, stating, "I have nowhere to go."
    • Yousef Jilal (18-year Cambridge resident): A Transitional Wellness Center resident with a brain injury, requested a voucher for permanent housing, stating, "We all need permanent housing."
    • Michael Rogo (65 Sparks): Supported Policy Order #68 for more apartments and Policy Order #70 for first-floor retail, suggesting "conservative change" to add vitality. Encouraged finesse in financial matters related to Spaulding.
    • Dan Totten (54 Bishop Allen Drive): Criticized the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center without a transition plan, despite a proposed $1 million for housing vouchers. Argued for prioritizing Spaulding residents for these new vouchers. Commended Clerk LeBlanc.
    • Hanan Rhodes: Supported Policy Order #70 for first-floor retail in residential neighborhoods, citing benefits like walkability and local entrepreneurship. Advocated for amending zoning to allow retail by right.
    • Shilpa S: Supported Rise Up, sharing her personal experience as a PhD student and new mother who benefited from the program. Emphasized the importance of financial support for women and families.
    • Saira Prasant (PhD student, Harvard University, Cambridge DSA): Supported prioritizing new vouchers for Transitional Wellness Center residents, calling the closure "inhumane" and a "reckless endangerment of people's lives."
    • Bonte Gannetti (Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition): Supported municipal vouchers and prioritizing Transitional Wellness Center residents for housing. Opposed Charter Right #1, calling inclusionary zoning reductions "extremely premature."
    • Aya Al-Zubi (156 Magazine Street): Disappointed by the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center without a clear transition plan. Opposed a study on inclusionary zoning with the intention to lower the threshold, arguing it would harm low-income residents.
    • David Haith (Transitional Wellness Center resident): Expressed fear of being on the street again and losing access to his son. Pleaded for support for vouchers.
    • Lee Farris (Norfolk Street, Cambridge Residents Alliance): Opposed Charter Right #1, arguing that a study on reducing inclusionary housing is premature and would stall development. Advocated for social housing programs and prioritizing Spaulding residents for vouchers.
    • Brooke Moncarna (13 Cedar Street): Spoke in support of Policy Order #68, specifically for the 2400 Mass Ave project, asking for flexibility to move the "mature project" forward.
    • Brandon Dorms (568 Green Street): Advocated for prioritizing Transitional Wellness Center residents for the 25 upcoming vouchers, emphasizing the importance of trust between the city and its residents.
    • Dahir Garan: Urged the City Council to fund a cash program like Rise Up for low-income families, highlighting its importance for stabilization and future planning.
    • Joe Quest-Newbert (1222 Cambridge Street, Apt 1): Criticized the Council's decision to fund only vouchers and not the Transitional Wellness Center or Rise Up, calling it a "cop out" in a wealthy city.
    • Melissa Quest Mercadante (1222 Cambridge Street, Apt 1): Advocated for continued funding for the Transitional Wellness Center and Rise Up, urging the Council to find solutions rather than cutting successful programs.
    • Rin Homa (5 Calperthway Street, Cambridge Housing Affordability Organizers): Supported a stronger version of Charter Order #2, criticizing the decision to close the Transitional Wellness Center without adequate support for residents.
    • Ruhi Wadhwanya (Cambridge Housing Affordability Organizers, Harvard student): Supported a stronger version of Charter Right #2, advocating for sustained funding for emergency housing vouchers, mixed-status households, the Transitional Wellness Center, and Rise Up.
    • Virginia Fisher (Clinton Street): Expressed disappointment at the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center without a plan, arguing it would criminalize vulnerable people. Prioritized Spaulding residents for new housing vouchers.
    • Patrick Barrett (907 Maine): Discussed the retail policy order, advocating for an open mind on mixed-use zoning. Criticized the ideology that developers are the enemy and called for data-driven decisions on inclusionary zoning.
    • Jacob Brown (Magazine Street): Supported prioritizing Transitional Wellness Center residents for vouchers, emphasizing the city's commitment to helping them transition.
    • Brendan Hickey (54 Concord Ave): Supported CR2 and CR3, criticizing the city's spending priorities (e.g., fire headquarters renovation vs. housing for vulnerable people). Supported first-floor retail for vibrant neighborhoods and tax base diversification.
    • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street): Thanked Clerk LeBlanc. Questioned the city's erratic attitude towards parking. Called for a credible study on inclusionary zoning, criticizing past studies for being biased.
    • James Williamson (North Cambridge): Praised the Transitional Wellness Center as a working model and questioned its closure. Advocated for more than 20% inclusionary zoning and other social housing approaches.
    • Amy Waltz (12 Blakeslee Street): Stated it's too soon to assess upzoning effectiveness and opposed lowering inclusionary units. Supported additional business use in residential neighborhoods with community buy-in. Emphasized fiscal responsibility and essential shelter services.
    • Alex Steinberg (3 Clinton Street): A real estate developer, suggested 27% affordable housing was too high in 1989. Advocated for a city housing plan with population growth and income level goals. Proposed an experiment to drop the inclusionary rate to 10-15% for two years.
    • Justin Safe (259 Hurley Street): Supported increasing funding for the housing budget, particularly the federal stability fund, to address vulnerabilities. Supported an overdue study on inclusionary zoning, noting the lack of recent IZ projects.

  • Outcome: Public comment closed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

IV. Minutes

  • Item: City Council Ad Hoc Executive Session Meeting Minutes - June 29, 2020.
  • Motion: Councilor Siddiqui moved to accept and place on file.
  • Outcome: Accepted and placed on file by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

V. City Manager's Agenda

  • Item 2025, Number 118: Relative to technical corrections that should be made to the floodplain zoning text.
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to suspend the rules to bring forward Committee Report #1.
    • Outcome: Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to bring forward Committee Report #1.
    • Outcome: Committee Report #1 brought forward by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to amend the petition by substitution with text provided by CDD and the Law Department.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to pass the petition as amended to a second reading.
      • Discussion: Councilor Nolan emphasized the importance of updating floodplain regulations for vulnerable areas. Councilor Zusy expressed concern about properties outside the 100-year flood zone with high water tables.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to accept the committee report and place it on file.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to place City Manager Agenda Item 2025, Number 118 on file.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

VI. Policy Orders

  • Policy Order 2025, Number 71: Requesting the City Manager to meet with the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss and facilitate the release of $72,000 for an RFP for a tunnel engineering study.

    • Discussion: Councilor Zusy questioned the timing and funding, suggesting Harvard Square merchants and Harvard University should also invest. City Manager Yi-An Huang expressed skepticism about the project's economic viability and the significant capital cost (estimated $500,000 to $1 million for an engineering study). Vice Mayor McGovern supported the initial step of an RFP to explore possibilities. Councilor Nolan suggested including the MBTA in discussions.
    • Charter Right: Councilor Azeem exercised a charter right to allow more time for discussion.
    • Outcome: Discussion closed due to charter right.

  • Policy Order 2025, Number 72: Requesting the City Manager to work with the School Department, DPW, and other relevant departments to ensure city-owned parking lots, especially school complexes, are available for after-hours use by residents.

    • Motion: Councilor Nolan moved to add Councilors Siddiqui and Zusy as co-sponsors.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to amend the policy order to include the "School Committee" in the request.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Discussion: Councilor Toner acknowledged potential challenges but hoped for solutions to parking availability.
    • Outcome: Policy Order 2025, Number 72 adopted as amended by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

VII. Calendar

  • Charter Right (Policy Order 2025, Number 68): Requesting the City Manager to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Inclusionary Housing Study, explore revenues to address the lack of housing starts, and provide draft amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and explore other incentives.

    • Motion: Councilor Azeem moved to suspend the rules to bring forward a communication from Housing Director Chris Carter.
    • Outcome: Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Councilor Azeem moved to bring forward the communication from Chris Carter.
    • Outcome: Communication brought forward by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Presentation: Chris Carter, Housing Director, presented information on the inclusionary housing program's growth since 1998, unit production, and the timeline for the next inclusionary housing study (procurement in early FY26, study completion 6-8 months later).
    • Discussion: Councilors questioned the timeline for the study and the impact of recent economic conditions. Councilor Toner expressed concern about project delays. City Manager Yi-An Huang clarified that lowering inclusionary requirements might not require a full study, but a comprehensive study is needed for raising them.
    • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to amend the policy order to change the reporting date from January 2026 to October 2025.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Councilors Nolan and Toner offered further amendments to the policy order, including additional "whereas" clauses about the five-year review and the September 2024 request for analysis of step-function inclusionary programs, and an "ordered" clause requesting specific recommendations with rationale if changes to the inclusionary percentage are required.
    • Motion: Councilor Azeem called the question on the amendments.
    • Outcome: Motion to call the question passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Outcome: Amendments by Councilors Nolan and Toner passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: To amend Policy Order 2025, Number 68 by substitution.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: To adopt Policy Order 2025, Number 68 as amended.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: To place COF 81 on file.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

  • Charter Right (Policy Order 2025, Number 69): Requesting the City Manager to include in the FY26 operating budget a continued commitment to emergency housing vouchers for permanent supportive housing and mixed-status families and the Transitional Wellness Center, and to allocate resources for a successor to Rise Up Cambridge.

    • Motion: To adopt the policy order as amended (from a previous meeting).
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to suspend the rules to bring forward a late order by substitution.
    • Outcome: Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Councilor Wilson moved to bring forward the late order by substitution.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Policy Order (Substitute): Order that the City Manager is requested to allocate at least 25 additional housing vouchers or $1 million (whichever is greater) to be open to the 20 remaining residents at the Transitional Wellness Center who do not have permanent housing placement and process into other shelter residents in Cambridge. Further ordered that the City Manager is requested to allocate funding for a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge as soon as possible and provide an update on preparations to the City Council no later than August 2025.
    • Discussion: Councilor Wilson and Vice Mayor McGovern thanked the community and co-sponsors, emphasizing the unprecedented times and the need to support vulnerable residents. Assistant City Manager Seminoff confirmed that Transitional Wellness Center residents would be offered beds at 240 Albany Street if other solutions are not found. Councilor Nolan proposed an amendment to include "scope and cost" in the update for the Rise Up successor program. Councilor Zusy expressed concerns about the long-term financial commitment and the city's budget cuts, stating she would vote no. Councilor Toner sought clarification on the feasibility and funding of the proposed vouchers and Rise Up successor program. City Manager Yi-An Huang confirmed the feasibility of the additional $1 million for vouchers within the FY26 budget but highlighted the need for prioritization discussions for future programs like Rise Up. Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler expressed sadness about the closure of the Transitional Wellness Center and advocated for fair prioritization of all unhoused residents.
    • Motion: Councilor Nolan moved to amend the policy order to include "scope and cost" in the update for the Rise Up successor program.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: To adopt the policy order as amended.
    • Outcome: Passed (8-1, Councilor Zusy voting no).

  • Charter Right (Policy Order 2025, Number 70): Requesting the City Manager to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language to allow first-floor retail in residential neighborhoods.

    • Motion: Councilor Toner moved to amend the policy order by adding an additional order: "Order that the draft language be sent to a joint meeting of the Economic Development University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee for hearing discussion before being forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for deliberation."
    • Discussion: Councilor Toner explained the intent to allow existing retail to remain and explore new opportunities, ensuring robust discussion before ordinance. Councilor Zusy supported the amendment, emphasizing thoughtful consideration of locations, uses, and ownership. Councilor Azeem supported the amendments, acknowledging the complexity of zoning changes for retail.
    • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0-1, Councilor Wilson absent).
    • Motion: To adopt the policy order as amended.
    • Outcome: Passed (8-0-1, Councilor Wilson absent).

  • Charter Right (Application 2025, Number 19): Curb cut at 49 Alpine Street.

    • Discussion: Councilor Nolan expressed concern about lack of proper notice to neighbors and overwhelming disapproval from residents on the block. She stated she would vote no, advocating for a policy requiring at least half of direct neighbors to be in favor. Councilor Toner stated he would vote for it, emphasizing objective criteria and the approval of Historic Commission, ISD, and DPW. Vice Mayor McGovern was torn, acknowledging both neighbor concerns and the applicant's medical condition. Councilor Siddiqui supported the curb cut, citing the petitioners' reasons and the need for clearer guidelines. Councilor Zusy expressed concern about setting a precedent for front yard parking.
    • Motion: Councilor Siddiqui moved to adopt the curb cut.
    • Outcome: Approved (5-2-2, Councilors Nolan and Zusy voting no, Councilors Wilson and Simmons voting present).

VIII. Communications

  • Item: 67 communications.
  • Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to place on file.
  • Outcome: Placed on file by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

IX. Consent Resolutions

  • Items 1-6: Adopted unanimously.
  • Item 7: Resolution congratulating Diane LeBlanc on her retirement.
    • Discussion: Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilors Toner, Siddiqui, Azeem, Nolan, Zusy, Wilson, and Sobrinho-Wheeler offered heartfelt tributes to City Clerk Diane LeBlanc, praising her professionalism, dedication, modernization of the office, and personal impact.
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to add Vice Mayor McGovern and Councilor Zusy as co-sponsors.
    • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0-1, Councilor Azeem absent).
    • Outcome: Resolution adopted unanimously as amended (8-0-1, Councilor Azeem absent).

X. Committee Reports

  • Minutes of April 30, 2025 Ordinance Committee: Review of floodplain zoning text changes. (Addressed earlier in City Manager's Agenda).
  • Government Operations Rules and Claims Committee:
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to reappoint Joseph McCann as City Auditor for a three-year term.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to accept the report and place on file.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

XI. Communications from Other City Officers

  • Item 79:
  • Motion: Councilor Nolan moved to place Communication #79 on file.
  • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).

XII. Late Resolutions

  • Item: Resolution in memory of Esther Scantleberry.
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to suspend the rules.
    • Outcome: Rules suspended by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to bring up the late resolution.
    • Outcome: Motion passed by unanimous roll call vote (9-0).
    • Discussion: Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, and Councilor Zusy shared personal anecdotes about Esther Scantleberry, praising her vibrant spirit and community involvement.
    • Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to add Vice Mayor McGovern and Councilor Zusy as co-sponsors.
    • Outcome: Motion passed (8-0-1, Councilor Azeem absent).
    • Outcome: Resolution adopted unanimously as amended (8-0-1, Councilor Azeem absent).

XIII. Announcements

  • Councilor Wilson: First Street Market's newest indoor farmers market ribbon cutting on Friday, May 16th at 10:30 AM. Congratulations to CRLS scholars receiving scholarships on Thursday evening.
  • Councilor Zusy: East End House spring open house on Thursday, May 15th, 6:30-8:30 PM. Film "Where Do Black Men Live?" premiere at the Foundry on Thursday, May 15th, 6-8 PM. Cambridge Plant and Garden Club distributing plant plugs on Saturday, May 17th. Annual spring bike ride on Saturday, May 17th at 9:30 or 10 AM. Cambridge Community Center cookout on Saturday, May 17th, 1-4 PM.
  • Councilor Nolan: School Department Finance Committee meeting on the school budget tomorrow night. Continuation of Finance Committee meetings all day Wednesday, potentially extending to Thursday morning.

XIV. Adjournment

  • Motion: Councilor Zusy moved to adjourn.
  • Outcome: Adjourned (8-0-1, Councilor Azeem absent).

Last updated: Oct 6, 2025

Back to Meetings