Council OK's Raise For City Employees

The Cambridge City Council gave final approval to salary increases in various city departments in a speedy roll call vote yesterday.

Before dispatching the salary increases, the Council had engaged in a lengthy debate on a proposal to buy the Central Square Theatre property for $130,000 and turn it into a parking lot.

City Manager John J. Curry recommended the deal to the Council as "a very good purchase." There was some disagreement from the Council members, particularly from Joseph A. DeGuglielmo '23, who wanted it stipulated that the present owners of the property would clear and grade it for the city. A motion to buy the property was eventually tabled.

Vellucci and Councillor Daniel J. Hayes exchanged words when Hayes maintained that Cambridge would lose over $250,000 on property in Central Sq. by refusing urban renewal funds from the federal government.

"Yes, but we didn't lose 1600 families," replied Vellucci, who has been one of the most outspoken foes of urban renewal projects on Council. Hayes' attempt at rebuttal was brushed off by Vellucci. "You can't equate people with stones," he declared.