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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.

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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, viewing it as a crucial tool to address the housing crisis, leverage the city's bond rating, and generate low-market units beyond existing programs like 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), calling for a CSO commission to monitor sewage releases into Alewife Brook. He criticized the city's approach to green infrastructure and urged for substantial new sewer separation and green infrastructure to address pollution, heat waves, and air quality.
• 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, timely 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): Spoke on PO3, emphasizing the necessity of Cambridge Art Association and its gallery at 25 Lowell Street as an anchor for artists and a hub for community gatherings and exhibitions.
• 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, highlighting social housing as an opportunity for Cambridge to lead in reimagining public sector involvement in affordable housing. He emphasized public control and financing for developing housing without profit constraints, reinvesting profits, and leveraging bond capacity.
• 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 for 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 as a financial vehicle for housing and a strategy for encouraging social norms, community building, and providing housing at various life stages.
• Glenna Wyman (East Cambridge, Mass Senior Action Council): Supported PO2, emphasizing the need for deeply affordable housing for seniors on fixed incomes. She also supported using King Open School parking for residents and businesses during off-hours.
• Michelle Malvesti (Cambridge): Supported PO2, advocating for creative solutions to provide shelter and emphasizing 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 on meeting a 2050 25-year storm level of CSO control. He emphasized the need for an ambitious plan to eliminate CSO discharges and consider benefits beyond costs.
• 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 into a cultural/event space, viewing it as a commitment to understanding possibilities.
• Valerie Ann Bonds (Memorial Drive, 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, fostering stronger, healthier communities.
• Jacob Brown (Magazine Street): Supported PO2, highlighting social housing as a sustainable, community-oriented way to combat the housing crisis by retaining public ownership, reinvesting income, and providing permanently affordable housing with tenant/community control.
• James Williamson (North Cambridge): Spoke on Harvard Square items, questioning public funding for the MBTA tunnel feasibility study and the distribution of tourism funds to 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 updates to the long-term sewage control plan.
• Lily Halstead (32 Granville Road, #2): Supported social housing and spoke on item 25-56 (rodent control), urging the city council to address rodent issues in schools to prevent closures due to neglect. She also criticized the superintendent search process.
• 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, highlighting its potential to lower capital costs, fund more affordable homes, and complement existing zoning reforms. He also raised concerns about the feasibility of proposed solar protection stepbacks.
• LaQueen Battle (Otis Street, Putnam Square Apartments): Supported social housing, emphasizing its benefits for education, businesses, stable workforce, homelessness prevention, domestic violence situations, and promoting homeownership.

V. Close Public Comment

• Motion: By Councilor Zusy to close public comment.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

VI. Submission of the Record

• Minutes: Regular meeting of June 23, 2025.
• Motion: By Councilor Nolan to accept the minutes and place on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

VII. Reconsiderations

• No reconsiderations.

VIII. City Manager's Agenda

• Pulled Items: Items #1, #2, #5.
• Motion: To adopt the balance of the City Manager's Agenda.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. City Manager Agenda Item #1: Federal Update

• Communication: From City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to a federal update, including relevant court cases.
• Summary of City Manager's Report:
  • Federal Government Shutdown:
    • Likely shutdown starting October 1st, 2025.
    • Uncertainty due to lack of clear agency plans and stated intention for permanent terminations of "non-essential staff."
    • Approximately 1,000 federal employees in Cambridge (estimate likely lower due to previous terminations).
    • Essential functions (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, veteran services) would continue, but administrative aspects could be disrupted.
    • SNAP program not immediately affected, but long shutdown could impact benefits.
    • City will track developments and provide updates.
  • ICE and Immigration Updates:
    • Uptick in ICE enforcement and detention in the region, including a recent detention in Somerville.
    • Concerns over Supreme Court decision on shadow docket legitimizing racial profiling and arbitrary detention.
    • Internal meetings with Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship, Multi-Service Center, and Office of the Housing Liaison to strengthen support for immigrant community.
    • Discussion with State Office for Refugees and Immigrants regarding state initiatives and resources.
  • Overall Context: City Manager highlighted federal attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, undermining of free speech, political weaponization of the Justice Department, and targeting of higher education. He emphasized the city's role in fighting for these values while focusing on local issues like affordable housing, parks, and transportation.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Nolan: Inquired about financial impact on grants.
    • City Manager Huang: No immediate impacts on grants, but long shutdown could affect federal grants. Largest impact would be on initiatives depending on federal agency support (e.g., transportation, EPA).
• Motion: By Councilor Nolan to place the report on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

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

• Communication: From City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to a preservation restriction at 44 JFK Street.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Zusy: Supported the preservation restriction for the historic building (designed by Guy Lowell, 1906), noting its character and notable former members of the Fox Club. Inquired if Charles Sullivan from the Historic Commission wished to speak.
    • Charles Sullivan (Historic Commission): Confirmed the Historic Commission supported the request.
  • Councilor Nolan: Supported the unanimous vote by the Historic Commission.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Inquired about renovations and ADA compliance.
    • Charles Sullivan: An elevator and stair tower for ADA accessibility was approved a couple of years ago.
• Motion: To accept the report and place on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

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

• Communication: From City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to a waiting report item #25-05 regarding the use of Mass General Law Chapter 40U for enforcing local statutes and collecting fines.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Nolan: Thanked staff for the comprehensive report. Explained the policy order's intent to address difficulties in collecting fines and enforcing laws, particularly for public health and safety violations (short-term rentals, dumpsters, rodents, snow/ice removal, litter, tenant rights). Inquired about next steps for adoption and potential staff burden.
    • City Solicitor Sean McKendree: Suggested further discussion at a committee meeting. Noted coordination among departments, staffing, and ordinance changes (e.g., snow/ice removal standards, fee schedule) would be needed.
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins: Explained that 40U would require ordinance changes for snow/ice removal and procedures around payment. Emphasized focusing on engagement and remedying underlying offenses before fines. Noted the need for transparency in enforcement ordinances.
  • Councilor Wilson: Inquired about the severity of the problem and whether it's revenue-driven or compliance-driven.
    • City Solicitor Sean McKendree: Explained that tickets are for compliance, not revenue. The current process (Chapter 40, Section 21D) is cumbersome. Chapter 40U is a more modern enforcement scheme for specific violations (short-term rentals, housing/sanitary codes, snow/ice removal), allowing internal appeals and additional penalties for unpaid tickets.
    • Deputy Commissioner Jacob Lazaro (Inspectional Services Department): Stated that ISD enforcement primarily uses face-to-face interaction and warning letters, with tickets as a last resort. Noted some unpaid fines, mostly related to temporary dumpsters.
  • Councilor Zusy: Inquired about the appropriate committee for further discussion.
    • City Solicitor Sean McKendree: Suggested either Ordinance Committee or Finance Committee (both committees of the whole) for initial discussion before drafting concrete ordinance language.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Suggested referring to the Finance Committee first.
• Motion: To place the report on file and refer to the Finance Committee.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

IX. Committee Reports

• Motion: By Councilor Nolan to move suspension of the rules to bring forward Committee Reports #1 and #3.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Committee Report #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 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 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 the policy order's origin from a Health and Environment Committee meeting. Thanked watershed associations and city staff. Highlighted the request for a clear cost-benefit analysis of the 2050 25-year storm CSO option, stormwater mitigation, and improved public input, including a public body to meet with advocates.
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins: Acknowledged the complexity and expense of the CSO program. Welcomed an ongoing working group or committee for healthy conversation, outreach, and education, especially with the draft CSO plan due at year-end.
  • Councilor Toner: Thanked Deputy City Manager Watkins for her work on the issue, acknowledging its complexity and the city's efforts.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Supported the policy order, recognizing the complexity but also the urgency of the issue.
• Motion: To accept the report, place on file, and adopt the underlying order.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. Committee Report #3: Solar Panel Protection

• Report: That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to draft zoning language based on 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 the policy order's origin from a Health and Environment Committee meeting (September 16th). Noted the recommendations were developed from an analysis of solar radiation impacts of taller buildings on lower building heights, seeking a 20-foot separation standard at solar panel height. Supported the compromise approach.
  • Councilor Zusy: Proposed an amendment by substitution to the policy order.
    • Rationale: Believed the assumption of average solar system height (40-45 feet) in Professor Harris's study was inaccurate, suggesting 25-30 feet is more common. Requested more data before drafting zoning language to ensure effective protection of existing solar arrays.
    • Requested Data:
      • 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 the item.
• Outcome: Discussion ended due to charter right. The item will be brought back at a future meeting.

X. Policy Orders

• Motion: To adopt Orders 4, 5, and 6.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Policy Order #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 intent to update the seal, noting outdated elements (Gore Hall, Washington Elm) and the need for a more inclusive representation of Cambridge beyond Harvard. Suggested the committee would set parameters for a potential competition.
  • Councilor Zusy: Supported the idea of a better seal but also appreciated the current one. Suggested an open competition with artists, graphic designers, and students for new designs, believing it might be more effective than a committee.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Acknowledged the competition idea but suggested a committee could first set parameters, referencing the state-level seal discussion.
• Motion: By Councilor Wilson to adopt Policy Order #1.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

B. Policy Order #2: Social Housing Discussion

• 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: Thanked co-sponsors and Rep. Mike Connolly. Emphasized social housing as a paradigm shift towards housing as a human right, returning to mixed-income public housing roots, and using revenue from higher-income units to cross-subsidize lower-income units or build more affordable housing. Noted its prevalence in Europe and other US cities. Proposed a Housing Committee meeting with experts as the next step.
  • Councilor Siddiqui: Supported further discussion with experts, emphasizing the importance of exploring all tools for housing given federal government actions.
  • Councilor Wilson: Supported the innovative concept of social housing, highlighting its potential for diversity, shared experience, and quality of life.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Thanked the Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition and Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler. Emphasized social housing as another tool to address the housing crisis, building on Cambridge's leadership in affordable housing.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern (Proposed Amendment): Suggested amending the order to state that the Housing Committee hold a public meeting prior to the end of calendar year 2025, and that CDD report back with recommendations by the end of March 2026, to set realistic expectations for staff.
  • Councilor Zusy: Supported the policy order. Emphasized the importance of incentivizing improvements to existing housing, ADUs, and supporting the Cambridge Land Trust. Noted the challenge of land acquisition and the potential for donated properties.
  • Councilor Nolan: Supported the policy order, highlighting the advantages of mixed-income housing for economic mobility and the ability for residents to stay regardless of income changes. Requested to be added as a co-sponsor.
  • Councilor Wilson: Emphasized the urgency of the timeline for budgetary reasons, wanting to ensure any budget implications are considered for the current fiscal year.
  • Councilor Azeem: Requested to be added as a co-sponsor. Provided context on the complexities and trade-offs of social housing, noting that while beneficial, it's not a "low-hanging fruit" due to factors like prevailing wage laws, higher climate standards, and cost per unit compared to LIHTC-funded projects.
• Amendment:
  • Motion: To amend the order to state: "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."
  • Co-sponsors added: Councilor Nolan, Councilor Azeem.
  • Vote on Amendment: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Amendment Passed.
• Vote on Order as Amended: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

C. Policy Order #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: Thanked co-sponsors and the New School of Music and Cambridge Art Association. Clarified the PO is about reviewing city-owned property utilization and site conditions, not about removing the nonprofits. Noted the building's historic status and the need to assess conditions (e.g., fire, elevator needs) and address an outdated lease. Emphasized transparency and community process for future use.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Reassured the public that the intent is not to demolish the building or remove the nonprofits, but to gather information for informed decisions. Stressed the council's support for nonprofits.
  • Councilor Zusy: Supported the long-term planning, noting the benefit of a long-term lease for the institutions and the importance of arts and culture organizations throughout the city.
• Motion: To adopt Policy Order #3.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XI. Matters on the Table

• Pulled Item: Item #5.
• Motion: To adopt the balance of matters on the table.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Charter Right Item #1: MBTA Tunnel in Harvard Square

• Communication: From City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to a waiting report, item #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: Requested an update from the City Manager.
  • City Manager Huang:
    • Continued conversations with MBTA, who owns the tunnel.
    • MBTA is favorably inclined to explore an RFP, but the process is complex and requires close collaboration.
    • Second piece: Need for budget commitment for a Phase 1 feasibility study ($500,000 - $1 million), to be weighed against other FY27 budget priorities.
    • Third piece: Even with aggressive timelines, the tunnel would likely come online in 5-10 years, urging consideration of nearer-term initiatives for commercial districts.
  • Councilor Azeem: Made a motion to place on file.
  • Councilor Nolan: Supported the City Manager's memo. Stated that no funds should be committed until MBTA is fully on board. Advocated for nearer-term pedestrianization efforts in Harvard Square as a quicker, less costly solution.
  • Councilor Zusy: Inquired if HSBA could issue the RFP or if an entertainment company could fund the feasibility study.
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins: Clarified that HSBA sought partners to draft the RFP scope. The $72,000 was for homework to understand what a real RFP would look like. Noted the complexity of working with MBTA due to its infrastructure, operational priorities, and multiple review groups.
    • City Manager Huang: Explained challenges of private funding due to MBTA ownership and the need for a public bidding process. Highlighted legal, regulatory, and policy prioritization challenges with MBTA, and the possibility of MBTA needing the space in the future.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Emphasized the need to get started on exploring the tunnel's potential despite complexities, referencing the long abandonment of the tunnels.
  • Councilor Wilson: Agreed on the need to invest to make an informed decision, suggesting allocating the $72,000 already reserved for related purposes. Noted excitement from key stakeholders during a recent tour.
• Motion: To place the matter on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

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

• Order: 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.
• Status: 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 this was a substitute motion drafted by the City Solicitor and City Manager to address concerns about original language. Stated that Local 151 and national representatives approved the language. Emphasized the council's support for union labor.
  • Councilor Nolan: Supported the compromise language, noting it avoids legal jeopardy while expressing support for union labor.
• Motion: To adopt the substitute order.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XII. Applications and Petitions

• Two applications/petitions.
• Motion: By Councilor Toner to adopt applications 1 and 2.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XIII. Communications

• 25 communications.
• Motion: By Councilor Wilson to put all 25 communications on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XIV. Resolutions

• Pulled Items: #1, #2, #4, #6.
• Motion: To adopt the balance of resolutions, making unanimous upon adoption.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Resolution #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 next week, given her connection to Red Mitchell. Suggested a proclamation could be issued for services this week.

B. Resolution #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: Requested to be added as a co-sponsor, noting his sons work there and he is a frequent visitor.
  • Councilor Toner & Councilor Wilson: Also 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: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.
• Motion: To adopt the resolution as amended.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

C. Resolution #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: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

D. Resolution #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.
• Sponsors: Councilor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councilor Toner.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Nolan: Highlighted the tremendous honor for the library director and the astonishing spread of library events. Congratulated Dr. McCauley and the library staff for providing opportunities for connection and community.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Congratulated Dr. McCauley, noting her capabilities in a time when education, science, libraries, and books are under attack.
• Motion: To adopt the resolution.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XV. Committee Reports (Continued)

• Committee Reports #1 and #3 were previously addressed.

A. Committee Report #2: Public Safety Committee Hearing on 243 Broadway Incident

• Report: That the Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on September 10, 2025, to discuss COF 2025, #106, including questions submitted by City Council members regarding an incident at 243 Broadway on August 2, 2025, and the public safety response.
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson: Appreciated the comments and presentations, calling it an informative meeting.
• Motion: To accept the report and place on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XVI. Communications and Reports from Other City Officers

• One item.
• Motion: To place on file.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XVII. Late Resolutions

• Motion: To suspend the rules for late resolutions.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

A. Late Resolution: Sympathy for Nancy Lange

• 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: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.

XVIII. Late Policy Orders

• No late policy orders.

XIX. 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.

XX. Adjournment

• Motion: By Councilor Wilson to adjourn.
• Vote: 8 Yes, 1 Absent (Mayor Simmons). Motion Passed.