Executive Summary
The Cambridge Planning Board met on March 3, 2026, to conduct the second advisory design consultation for Case AHO-09, a 100% affordable housing project located at 2072 Massachusetts Avenue. The proposal involves the construction of a 12-story mass timber building containing 74 affordable rental units, with 72% designated as family-sized units. Key discussion points included refinements to the ground-floor pedestrian experience, the widening of Walden Street, and the integration of a rooftop garden and play area. Following public comment and board deliberation, the Planning Board voted unanimously (6-0) to conclude the consultation and issue a final report in support of the project's building permit application.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: Cambridge Planning Board
- Meeting Type: Planning Board Meeting
- Date: March 03, 2026
- Time: 06:30 PM
- Attendees:
- Planning Board Members: Tom Sieniewicz (Vice Chair/Acting Chair), Ted Cohen, Mary Lydecker, Diego Macias, Ashley Tan, Carolyn Zern.
- City Staff: Evan Spatrini (CDD Senior Manager), Swathi Joseph (CDD), Becca Mapuri (CDD), Eric Thorkeldsen (CDD), Cassie Arnault (Housing), Janet Haynes (Housing), Alexis Turgeon (Housing).
- Project Team: Sean Hope (Hope Real Estate), Jason Korb (Capstone Communities), Jason Forney (Bruner Cott Architects).
Community Development Department Update
Evan Spatrini provided updates on upcoming department activities and legislative hearings:
- Upcoming AHO Projects: On March 10, the Board will review two Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) projects: Corcoran Park (second consultation) and 240 Broadway (single consultation).
- Ordinance Committee: A meeting is scheduled for March 11 to discuss potential zoning petitions regarding active uses on Mass Ave and Cambridge Street.
- Housing Committee: Meetings are scheduled for March 24 (Central Square Planning update) and March 25 (Annual Housing Review).
Case AHO-09: 2072 Massachusetts Avenue - Advisory Design Consultation
The Board conducted the second of two required advisory consultations for the project at 2072 Massachusetts Avenue.
Project Specifications:
- Developer: CCHRE 2072 Mass Ave LLC and CCHRE 2072 Mass Ave Tenant LLC.
- Building Type: 12-story mass timber residential building.
- Unit Count: 74 affordable rental units (increased from 73 in the previous iteration).
- Affordability: 100% affordable in perpetuity; 12 units at or below 30% AMI, 62 units at or below 60% AMI.
- Size: 90,472 square feet of gross floor area.
- Sustainability: Passive House Certification and mass timber construction.
Design Updates Since October 2025:
- Ground Floor: Increased height from 16 feet to 18 feet to improve street presence. The entry was flattened to be more prominent, and a placeholder for public art/mural was added behind the bus stop.
- Setbacks: The building was pulled back 5 feet from the property line on the east side to improve light, air, and tree protection for the adjacent Russell Apartments.
- Bicycle Parking: Reconfigured to accommodate all 45 long-term spaces on the ground floor, eliminating the need for a second-floor bike room.
- Rooftop: Refined the 12th-floor roof garden to include three zones: a dining area, a lounge area, and a small play structure for children.
Public Comment
The following individuals provided testimony during the public hearing:
- Young Kim: Requested a continuance, citing a lack of traceable documentation in the submission. He noted: "When height is permitted as of right, documentation clarity becomes one of the few remaining mechanisms for proportional accountability for a project of this scale."
- Jamie Siakow (12 Ridge Ave): Expressed excitement for more affordable housing in the neighborhood.
- James Zoll (203 Pemberton St): Supported the project, praising the design and the addition of 74 new homes.
- Kirsten Greco (2103 Mass Ave): Raised concerns regarding the feasibility of widening Walden Street due to underground utilities and requested safety enhancements for the alleyway between buildings.
- Christian Abney (44 Callender St): Praised the design and inquired about the per-unit development costs following design changes.
Planning Board Discussion
Board members discussed several technical and aesthetic aspects of the proposal:
- Walden Street Widening: Mary Lydecker questioned the city's rationale for widening the street at the expense of potential tree planting space, urging a focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety.
- Alleyway Safety: Diego Macias and Ashley Tan emphasized the need for motion-sensor lighting and secure gates in the alleyway to prevent unauthorized congregation.
- Mass Timber: The Board expressed strong support for the use of mass timber. Chair Sieniewicz noted: "Inside that unit, you've got wood ceilings... we're doing our very best to try to make a building that has some humanity in terms of its detail."
- Color Palette: Ted Cohen and Tom Sieniewicz suggested exploring warmer or richer colors beyond the proposed buff and gray palette to better harmonize with the surrounding brick context.
- Rooftop Amenities: The Board lauded the inclusion of a playhouse on the roof, acknowledging the project's commitment to family housing.
Official Actions and Votes
The Board moved to conclude the advisory design consultation and transmit a final report to the Superintendent of Buildings.
- Motion: To conclude the design consultation for Case AHO-09 and submit a final report with comments in support of the building permit application.
- Mover: Ted Cohen
- Seconder: Diego Macias
- Vote Outcome: 6-0 (Approved)
Roll Call Vote:
- Ted Cohen: Yes
- Mary Lydecker: Yes
- Diego Macias: Yes
- Ashley Tan: Yes
- Carolyn Zern: Yes
- Tom Sieniewicz: Yes
- (Mary Flynn: Absent)