CivicPulse

AI Generated Summary

  • Meeting Title: City Council - Regular Meeting
  • City: Cambridge, MA
  • Date Published: 2025-09-29
Back to all meetings
View Official Recording
View Full 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.

Audio Version

Meeting Minutes: Cambridge City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date: September 29, 2025 Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Attendees: * Vice Mayor Marc McGovern (Chair) * 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 * City Councilor Burhan Azeem (joined late) * Mayor Denise Simmons (Absent)

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council convened for a regular meeting on September 29, 2025. Key discussions included a federal update from the City Manager regarding a potential government shutdown and ICE enforcement, and the approval of a preservation restriction for 44 JFK Street. Significant debate and public comment centered on Policy Order #2, advocating for social housing in Cambridge, and Policy Order #3, concerning the future use of 25 Lowell Street, home to the New School of Music and Cambridge Art Association. The Council also addressed a committee report on combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and a charter right item regarding the repurposing of the MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

  • The meeting was called to order by Vice Mayor Marc McGovern.
  • Roll Call:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent (later joined and marked Present)
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Present
    • Councilor Nolan: Present
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Present
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Present
    • Councilor Toner: Present
    • Councilor Wilson: Absent (later joined and marked Present)
    • Councilor Zusy: Present
    • Mayor Simmons: Absent
  • Seven members were initially recorded as present, two as absent.
  • After Councilor Azeem and Councilor Wilson joined, eight members were recorded as present, one as absent.

II. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence

  • The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence.

III. Remote Participation and Public Comment Procedures

  • Remote participation is authorized per Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.
  • Public comment via Zoom teleconference is available.
  • Meetings are audio and video recorded by the City of Cambridge and third parties.
  • 38 speakers signed up for public comment, each allotted two minutes.
  • Speakers were requested to state their name, address, and the item they were speaking on.
  • Applause or booing in the chamber was discouraged to maintain decorum.

IV. Public Comment

  • Aya Al-Zubi (Cambridgeport): Supported PO2 (social housing), emphasizing its role in producing deeply affordable, permanently affordable homes under public control, fostering mixed-income developments, and leveraging the city's AAA bond rating.
  • Dan Totten (54 Bishop Allen Drive): Supported PO2, highlighting social housing as a versatile tool that can create market-rate and deeply affordable units without competing with LIHTC, allowing for faster scaling of affordable housing production. He noted its potential for recycling funds into new projects or community benefits.
  • Jesse Baer (Fresh Pond): Supported PO131 (social housing), stating that private market solutions alone cannot fix unaffordability and that social housing offers hope for preserving the city's unique character.
  • Margaret Ann Brady (Porter Square): Supported PO2, advocating for piloting social housing due to alignment with state funding, Boston's pilot, and its benefits of mixed-income, tenant-controlled, permanently affordable housing that reinvests public funds.
  • Henry H. Wordis (106 Berkshire Street): Supported PO2, drawing parallels to the New Deal's housing crisis and advocating for Cambridge to launch a social housing program to provide housing for all income levels, foster tenant/community response, and halt gentrification.
  • Ann Riesenfeld (Executive Director, New School of Music, Cambridge): Spoke on PO3, requesting continued city support for the New School of Music and Cambridge Art Association at 25 Lowell Street. She highlighted NSM's 400 annual students, need-based scholarships, and efforts to make the building ADA compliant.
  • Candace Driver (Executive Director, Cambridge Art Association, 25 Lowell Street): Spoke on PO3, emphasizing CAA's 80+ years of community building through visual arts, support for artists, and the importance of 25 Lowell Street as a community hub. She urged investment in the building to allow both organizations to continue serving Cambridge.
  • State Representative Mike Connolly (Cambridge/Somerville): Spoke in support of PO2 (social housing), defining it as publicly financed, publicly owned, mixed-income housing that leverages government financing and retains ownership interest. He noted state-level efforts for a social housing pilot program and Chicago's bonding capacity for this model, urging Cambridge to continue its leadership in housing.
  • Eppa Rixey (126 Harvey Street): Spoke on Committee Report #1 (CSOs), supporting a Cambridge CSO commission to ensure community voices are heard and ambitious solutions are considered. She advocated for legal compliance, healthy Alewife Brook, and exploring options like stormwater fees and Alewife Station reconstruction.
  • Carolyn Magid (71 Reed Street): Supported PO2, emphasizing social housing as an innovative model for permanently affordable, stable housing with democratic resident and community control. She highlighted the definition requiring at least 40% of units affordable to households below 80% AMI, with a significant portion below 30% AMI.
  • Suzanne Blier (Five Fuller Place): Applauded social housing efforts, thanked the Vice Mayor and Mayor for the city seal review committee, supported solar panel committees, and advocated for preserving 25 Lowell Street. She also supported the Green Cambridge approach to clean water in the Charles and Alewife Brook.
  • Trudy Goodman (Mass Senior Action Coalition, Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition): Supported social housing, emphasizing its human impact, particularly for seniors and those below 50% AMI. She highlighted its potential to create communities, provide equitable housing, and address homelessness among seniors.
  • David Halperin (14 Valentine Street, Unit 3): Supported social housing, calling it an "all of the above" approach to the housing crisis. He noted its potential to leverage the city's bond rating, offer better lending terms, and generate low-market units beyond AHO and IZ.
  • Anne McDonald (North Cambridge): Supported Committee Report #1 (CSOs), advocating for a CSO commission to ensure environmental health and community health. She urged the city to consider visionary options beyond minimal compliance, including sewer separation and green infrastructure.
  • Eric Grunenbaum (98 Montgomery Street): Supported Committee Report #1 (CSOs), emphasizing the need for a CSO commission due to raw sewage releases into Alewife Brook. He criticized the city's approach to green infrastructure and advocated for substantial new sewer separation and green infrastructure for public health and environmental benefits.
  • Ann Stewart (2531 Wheeler Street): Spoke on Committee Report #1 (CSOs), criticizing Cambridge's history of CSO variances and advocating for a CSO committee with clear reporting requirements to build a firm foundation for clean water.
  • Lee Ferris (Norfolk Street, President, Cambridge Residence Alliance): Supported PO2, emphasizing social housing as mixed-income, government-owned/controlled rental housing with at least 40% affordable units, low-interest capital, and tenant/community control.
  • Catherine Dessy (Attleboro, MA, Board of Directors, Cambridge Art Association): Supported PO3, highlighting the Cambridge Art Association's role in supporting artists and the importance of 25 Lowell Street as an anchor for exhibitions and community gatherings.
  • Denise Gilson (Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association): Spoke on CMA 2025, #233, regarding the abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square. She urged the city manager to fund an RFP to explore repurposing the tunnel into a cultural/event space to support Harvard Square's vitality.
  • Kavish Gandhi (Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition): Supported PO2, emphasizing social housing as an opportunity for Cambridge to lead in reimagining public sector involvement in affordable housing. He highlighted public control and financing for reinvestment, leveraging bond capacity, and democratic governance.
  • Andrew Frisina (22 Union Street, Water Quality Program Manager, Mystic River Watershed Association): Supported the policy order on CSOs, emphasizing the severity of untreated sewage releases into Alewife Brook and its public health, parks, and environmental justice implications. He urged the highest levels of control, including 25-year controls or complete sewer separation.
  • Steven Profet (194 Lexington Avenue, Board Member, New School of Music): Spoke on PO3, reinforcing the New School of Music's 50-year impact on the Cambridge community, its music education programs, and the Van Dyck Scholarship Fund.
  • Edward Henley (237 Franklin Street, Cambridge Somerville Mass Senior Action Council): Supported PO2, highlighting social housing's potential as a financial vehicle for housing and a strategy for encouraging social norms. He emphasized its benefits for various life stages and fostering community.
  • Glenna Wyman (East Cambridge, Mass Senior Action Council): Supported PO2, emphasizing the need for deeply affordable housing for seniors on fixed incomes. She highlighted social housing's benefits of permanent affordability, tenant/community control, and independence from federal funding changes. She also supported using King Open School parking for residents and businesses.
  • Michelle Malvesti (Cambridge): Supported PO2, emphasizing the need for creative solutions to provide shelter as a human necessity. She highlighted social housing's potential for community, unity, and aging in place with dignity. She also urged against changing inclusionary housing from 20% to 10%.
  • Alfredo Khan (Charles River Watershed Association): Supported Committee Report #1 (CSOs), urging the city manager to work with departments and the public on a report outlining the feasibility of meeting a 2050 25-year storm level of CSO control. He advocated for an ambitious plan to eliminate CSO discharges.
  • Jessica Scully (Humboldt Street, Chair, Harvard Square Business Association): Supported CMA 233, advocating for funding a feasibility study to repurpose the MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square. She emphasized it as an investment in vision, possibility, and stewardship of an underused historic asset.
  • Valerie Ann Bonds (President, Cambridge Somerville Chapter of Mass Senior Action): Supported social housing, emphasizing its economic benefits (freeing up budget, boosting local economy, creating jobs) and profound effect on well-being (reducing homelessness, fostering stability, creating healthier communities).
  • Jacob Brown (Magazine Street): Supported PO2, highlighting social housing as a sustainable, community-oriented way to combat the housing crisis. He emphasized public ownership, reinvestment of income, permanent affordability, and tenant/community control.
  • James Williamson (North Cambridge): Spoke on Harvard Square items, questioning public funding for the MBTA tunnel feasibility study and the Office of Tourism funds for business organizations. He also mentioned the poor condition of sidewalks around the Fox Club.
  • Kristen Anderson (12 Upland Road West, Arlington, MA, Save the Alewife Brook): Supported the creation of a CSO commission, emphasizing the long regulatory timeline for improvements at Alewife Brook and the need for meaningful solutions.
  • Lily Halstead (32 Granville Road, #2): Supported social housing and spoke on item 25-56 (rodent control), highlighting the rat infestation at Kennedy Longfellow School and urging the City Council to address rodent issues in schools and ensure strong leadership.
  • Jana Odette (176 Large Road): Supported social housing and advocated for repurposing 25 Lowell Street rather than demolishing it, citing environmental benefits and the building's historical significance for arts organizations.
  • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street): Supported CSO elimination and social housing, emphasizing tenant say in their lives. She also commented on litigation and local option fines.
  • Justin Safe (259 Hurley Street): Supported creating a revolving fund for social housing, emphasizing its potential to lower the cost of capital, fund more affordable homes, and complement existing zoning reforms. He also raised concerns about the feasibility of proposed stepbacks for solar protection.

  • LaQueen Battle (Otis Street, Putnam Square Apartments): Supported social housing, highlighting its benefits for increased education, promoting businesses, stable workforce, getting people out of homelessness and domestic violence, and promoting social welfare.

  • Motion: By Councilor Zusy to close public comment.

    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Nolan), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

V. Submission of the Record

  • Minutes: Regular meeting of June 23, 2025.
  • Motion: By Councilor Nolan to accept the minutes and place on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

VI. Reconsiderations

  • No reconsiderations.

VII. City Manager's Agenda

  • Items Pulled: Numbers 1, 2, and 5.
  • Motion: To adopt the balance of the City Manager's Agenda.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. City Manager Agenda Item Number 1: Federal Update

  • Communication: Transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update, including an update on relevant court cases.
  • Discussion:
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang provided an update on the likely federal government shutdown and its potential effects on the city, noting significant uncertainty and the lack of clear agency plans. He mentioned the potential for permanent terminations of "non-essential staff" and the continuation of essential functions without pay.
    • He also updated on the uptick in ICE enforcement and detention in the region, expressing concern over recent Supreme Court decisions and the targeting of immigrant communities.
    • The City Manager emphasized the city's role in fighting for values while focusing on local issues like affordable housing, parks, and transportation.
    • Councilor Nolan inquired about the financial impact on grants. City Manager Huang stated no immediate impacts were foreseen, but long shutdowns could affect federal grants and collaborations with federal agencies.
  • Motion: By Councilor Nolan to place the report on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. City Manager Agenda Item Number 2: Preservation Restriction at 44 JFK Street

  • Communication: Transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a preservation restriction at 44 JFK Street.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Zusy supported the preservation restriction for the historic building, designed by Guy Lowell, noting its rich character and notable members of the Fox Club.
    • Charles Sullivan from the Historic Commission confirmed their support for the request.
    • Councilor Nolan also supported the unanimous vote by the Historical Commission.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern inquired about the ability to do renovations, specifically ADA compliance. Mr. Sullivan confirmed an elevator and stair tower were approved for ADA accessibility.
  • Motion: To accept the report and place on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

C. City Manager Agenda Item Number 5: Report on Mass General Law Chapter 40U

  • Communication: Transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a waiting report item number 25-05 regarding a report on the use of Mass General Law chapter 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan thanked the staff for the comprehensive report, highlighting the difficulty in collecting fines and enforcing laws. She noted Chapter 40U's potential for enforcing public health and safety violations (short-term rentals, dumpsters, rodents, snow/ice removal, litter, tenant rights).
    • City Solicitor Sean McKendree, DPW Commissioner John Nardone, Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Matthews, and ISD Deputy Commissioner Jacob Lazaro were present to discuss the report.
    • City Solicitor McKendree suggested further discussion at a committee meeting to detail pros and cons, coordination among departments, and ordinance changes.
    • Deputy Commissioner Matthews explained that ordinance changes would be needed for snow/ice removal standards and procedures around payment. She emphasized focusing on engagement and remedying offenses before fines.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern inquired about the extent of the problem and whether it was revenue-driven. City Solicitor McKendree clarified that fines are for compliance, and the current process (Chapter 40, Section 21D) is cumbersome. Chapter 40U offers a more modern enforcement scheme with internal appeals and additional penalties for unpaid tickets.
    • Deputy Commissioner Lazaro noted that ISD's enforcement primarily involves face-to-face interaction and warning letters, with fines as a last resort.
    • Councilor Zusy suggested referring the matter to the Ordinance Committee or Finance Committee. The Council agreed to refer it to the Finance Committee.
  • Motion: To place the report on file and refer to the Finance Committee.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

VIII. Committee Reports

  • Motion: By Councilor Nolan to move suspension of the rules to bring forward Committee Reports Number 1 and Number 3.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Committee Report Number 1: Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)

  • Report: That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant city departments and the recently formed coalition to consider options, including consideration of costs and benefits, to meet a 2050 25-year storm level of control, update regulations for private development of stormwater, use of green infrastructure, and improved meaningful public outreach regarding ongoing sewer and stormwater investment, including the creation of a combined sewer overflow commission. (From a meeting of September 9, 2025).
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan explained that the policy order resulted from a Health and Environment Committee meeting with watershed associations and city staff. It requests a clear cost-benefit analysis of the 2050 25-year storm CSO option, further stormwater mitigation, and improved public input, including a public body for city staff to meet with advocates.
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins acknowledged the complexity and expense of the CSO program and welcomed an ongoing working group or committee for conversation and education.
    • Councilor Toner thanked Deputy City Manager Watkins for her work on the issue, acknowledging its complexity.
  • Motion: To accept the report and place on file, and adopt the underlying order.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. Committee Report Number 3: Solar Panel Protection

  • Report: That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on the proposed recommendations, review the feasibility of the proposed recommendations with developers, and consider the possibility of having AHO construction be exempt from the proposed zoning.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan explained that the policy order came from a Health and Environment Committee meeting on September 16th. It addresses solar radiation impacts of taller buildings on lower building heights and seeks to create a 20-foot separation standard at the height of solar panels. She supported the compromise approach.
    • Councilor Zusy proposed an amendment by substitution to request more data before drafting zoning language. She argued that the assumption of 45-foot average height for solar installations might be inaccurate, and requested data on:
      • Average height of residential rooftop solar arrays (bell curve, raw data).
      • Average age of existing residential rooftop solar arrays (bell curve).
      • Output in megawatts of existing solar arrays (residential, commercial, municipal).
    • Councilor Azeem exercised his charter right on this item.
  • Outcome: Due to the exercise of a charter right, discussion on this item ended, and it was moved to the next meeting.

IX. Policy Orders

  • Items Pulled: Numbers 1, 2, 3.
  • Motion: To adopt Orders 4, 5, and 6.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Policy Order Number 1: City Seal Review Committee

  • Order: That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Council to establish a seal review committee with the charge of recommending an updated city seal and motto in time for adoption prior to the 400th anniversary of the City of Cambridge in 2030.
  • Sponsors: Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons.
  • Discussion:
    • Vice Mayor McGovern, as lead sponsor, explained the need to update the city seal, noting outdated elements and the desire for a more inclusive representation of Cambridge. He suggested the committee could set parameters for a potential competition.
    • Councilor Zusy suggested an open competition with artists, graphic designers, and students to generate new designs, questioning the need for another committee.
  • Motion: By Councilor Wilson to adopt Policy Order Number 1.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. Policy Order Number 2: Social Housing

  • Order: That the Housing Committee will be convened to discuss the concrete details of social housing, that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, Finance Department, Law Department, and any other relevant departments to explore all steps towards advancing social housing in Cambridge.
  • Sponsors: Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilor Siddiqui, Councilor Wilson.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler, as lead sponsor, expressed excitement for the initiative, thanking co-sponsors, Rep. Mike Connolly, and the Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition. He highlighted social housing as a paradigm shift towards housing as a human right, mixed-income public housing, and a model for cross-subsidizing lower-income units and building more affordable housing. He noted its prevalence in Europe and other US cities.
    • Councilor Siddiqui emphasized the importance of exploring all tools for housing, especially given federal government actions, and looked forward to discussions in the Housing Committee.
    • Councilor Wilson highlighted social housing as an innovative concept for bringing more housing and fostering diversity and quality of life through mixed-income living.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern thanked the Housing Justice Coalition and Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler, emphasizing social housing as another way to address the housing crisis, building on Cambridge's leadership in affordable housing.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern proposed an amendment to the ordered section to adjust the timeline for the Housing Committee meeting and CDD report, acknowledging staff capacity.
      • Amended Ordered Section: "That the Housing Committee hold a public meeting to discuss social housing prior to the end of calendar year 2025, with a report back from Community Development by the end of March 2026."
    • Councilor Zusy supported the policy order, emphasizing the need to incentivize improvements to existing housing, support the Cambridge Land Trust, and lower the cost of producing affordable housing. She noted Montgomery County's revolving fund and the challenge of land acquisition.
    • Councilor Nolan supported the policy order, highlighting the advantages of mixed-income housing for economic mobility and the ability for residents to stay in housing regardless of income changes. She requested to be added as a co-sponsor.
    • Councilor Wilson emphasized the urgency of the timeline for budgetary reasons and the need for informed decisions.
    • Councilor Azeem requested to be added as a co-sponsor. He provided context on the complexities and trade-offs of social housing, noting higher costs per unit compared to LIHTC-funded projects and the impact of prevailing wage laws and climate standards.
  • Motion: To adopt the amendment.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.
  • Motion: To adopt the order as amended.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.
  • Co-sponsors added: Councilor Nolan, Councilor Azeem.

C. Policy Order Number 3: Future Use of 25 Lowell Street

  • Order: That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a recommendation on the site conditions of 25 Lowell Street and considerations and process for determining the future use of the property.
  • Sponsors: Councilor Nolan, Councilor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilor Siddiqui.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan, as lead sponsor, thanked co-sponsors and the New School of Music and Cambridge Art Association. She clarified that the PO is about reviewing the utilization and use of city-owned properties, assessing building conditions (due to a small fire and elevator considerations), and ensuring transparency in future use discussions. She noted the building's historic status and that demolition is not being considered.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern, as a co-sponsor, reiterated the goal of preserving the building and supporting the nonprofits, emphasizing that the discussion is not about removing them.
    • Councilor Zusy supported the long-term planning for the facility, noting the importance of art and culture organizations throughout the city and the need for long-term leases for the current tenants.
  • Motion: To adopt Policy Order Number 3.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

X. Matters on the Table

  • Item Pulled: Number 5.

A. Charter Right Number 1: MBTA Tunnel in Harvard Square

  • Item: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a waiting report, item number 25-32, regarding a request that the city engage in discussions with leadership from the MassBay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Harvard Square Business Association (HSBA) regarding a proposal to explore the feasibility of repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square into a commercial or cultural space.
  • Charter Right Exercised By: Councilor Azeem on September 15, 2025.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Azeem explained his charter right was to allow for further discussion and for the City Manager to provide updates.
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang reported ongoing conversations with the MBTA, emphasizing their ownership of the tunnel and the need for close collaboration. He noted the MBTA's favorable inclination to explore the RFP but highlighted the complexity and the need for budget commitment for a feasibility study (estimated $500,000 to $1 million). He also stressed the long timeline (5-10 years) for the project and the need for nearer-term initiatives for Harvard Square.
    • Councilor Nolan supported the City Manager's memo, emphasizing that no funds should be committed until the MBTA is fully on board. She advocated for nearer-term solutions like pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
    • Councilor Zusy inquired if an entertainment company could fund the feasibility study. City Manager Huang explained the challenge of private funding due to MBTA ownership and the public bidding process.
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins detailed the complexities of working with the MBTA, citing examples like the Harvard Square kiosk project and the Central Square elevator project ($55 million budget), to illustrate the significant time, review, and cost involved.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern urged moving forward with a decision on allocating funds for the initial exploration, noting the long abandonment of the tunnel.
    • Councilor Wilson supported allocating the $72,000 for the initial study to make an informed decision, recalling excitement from a tour with MassDOT officials.
  • Motion: By Councilor Azeem to place on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. Table Item Number 5: Apex Clean Energy and Union Labor

  • Item: That the City Council go on record expressing its profound disappointment over Apex Clean Energy's decision to forego the use of local union labor on the Bowman Wind Project. (Placed on the table as amended in Council June 23, 2025, placed back on the table in Council August 4, 2025).
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Toner explained that the substitute motion was drafted by the City Solicitor and City Manager to address concerns about the original language. He stated that Local 151 and national representatives were okay with the language, which expresses the Council's support for union labor and disappointment when it's not used, without legal jeopardy.
    • Councilor Nolan supported the compromise language.
  • Motion: To adopt the substitute order.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XI. Applications and Petitions

  • Two applications and petitions.
  • Motion: By Councilor Toner to adopt applications 1 and 2.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XII. Communications

  • 25 communications.
  • Motion: By Councilor Wilson to put all 25 communications on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XIII. Resolutions

  • Items Pulled: Numbers 1, 2, 4, 6.
  • Motion: To adopt the balance of the resolutions, making them unanimous upon adoption.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Resolution Number 1: Passing of Red T. Mitchell

  • Resolution: On the passing of Red T. Mitchell.
  • Discussion: Vice Mayor McGovern exercised his charter right to allow Mayor Simmons to speak on this resolution at a later meeting, given her connection to Red T. Mitchell. He suggested a proclamation could be issued for services this week.

B. Resolution Number 2: 30th Anniversary of Phoenix Landing

  • Resolution: Congratulations to Kevin Traynor and Joe McCabe on their 30th anniversary of Phoenix Landing.
  • Sponsor: Councilor Zusy.
  • Discussion:
    • Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilor Toner, and Councilor Wilson requested to be added as co-sponsors.
    • Councilor Zusy praised Phoenix Landing as a local business with character that has enhanced Cambridge life.
  • Motion: To add Vice Mayor McGovern, Councilor Toner, and Councilor Wilson as co-sponsors.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.
  • Motion: To adopt the resolution as amended.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

C. Resolution Number 4: 50 Years of Cambridge Port Children's Center

  • Resolution: Celebrating 50 years of the Cambridge Port Children's Center.
  • Sponsor: Councilor Zusy.
  • Discussion: Councilor Zusy highlighted the center's grassroots origins, its ethos of being a welcoming and diverse place, and its provision of childcare for over 1,000 families.
  • Motion: To adopt the resolution.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

D. Resolution Number 6: Dr. Maria McCauley's Election

  • Resolution: Congratulations to Dr. Maria McCauley on her election as the 2026-2027 President of the American Library Association, for which she was recently honored by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.
  • Sponsors: Councilor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councilor Toner.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan highlighted Dr. McCauley's tremendous honor and the astonishing spread of library events. She thanked Dr. McCauley and the library staff for providing opportunities for connection and community.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern also congratulated Dr. McCauley, noting her capability in a time when education and libraries are under attack.
  • Motion: To adopt the resolution.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XIV. Committee Reports (Continued)

A. Committee Report Number 2: Public Safety Committee Hearing

  • Report: That the Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on September 10, 2025, to discuss COF 2025, number 106, including questions that were submitted by City Council members regarding an incident at 243 Broadway on August 2, 2025, and the public safety response.
  • Discussion: Councilor Wilson, who chaired the meeting, appreciated the comments and presentations, calling it an informative meeting.
  • Motion: To accept the report and place on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XV. Communications and Reports from Other City Officers

  • One item.
  • Motion: To place on file.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XVI. Late Resolutions

  • Motion: To suspend the rules for late resolutions.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.
  • Resolution: The City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Nancy Lange.
  • Sponsor: Councilor Toner.
  • Motion: To adopt, making unanimous upon adoption.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.

XVII. Late Policy Orders

  • No late policy orders.

XVIII. Announcements

  • Councilor Wilson: Announced the "Celebrating Disability Prize" event on Saturday, October 4th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Joan Lorenz Park (49 Broadway), featuring various activities and complimentary wheelchair shuttle service.
  • Councilor Zusy: Announced the "Bow Tie Ride" on Sunday at 10 a.m., meeting at the Cambridge Public Library.

XIX. Adjournment

  • Motion: By Councilor Wilson to adjourn.
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy), Absent: 1 (Simmons). Motion Passed.
  • The meeting was adjourned.
Back to top