City Politics
‘Neighborhood Representatives’ Urge Cambridge City Council to Hit Brakes on Upzoning
For months, Cambridge officials and politicians have worked to advance a proposal to eliminate single-family zoning citywide. But pushback from neighborhood leaders suggest that the policy may be headed for rockier waters.
With New Master Plan, City of Cambridge Aiming to Reduce Trash by 50 Percent
Cambridge officials updated the City Council’s Health and Environment Committee on the drafting of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0, aiming for 50 percent trash reduction by 2030
‘I Don’t Want to Die’: City Council Moves Up Bike Lane Rollout Amid Cyclist Outcry
More than 120 Cambridge residents voiced their concerns for biker safety at Monday’s City Council meeting, where councilors voted to move up the deadline for bike lane expansion from 2027 to 2026.
‘Up at Night’: Tipped Workers Fearful About Mass. Ballot Question to Hike Minimum Wage
Tipped workers in Massachusetts might see their minimum wage increase by more than $8 an hour if voters approve Ballot Question 5 during the Nov. 5 elections. They’re not thrilled.
Cambridge School Committee to Consider Expanding Union Leader Speaking Time
The Cambridge School Committee has been discussing how to discuss at committee meetings. In recent weeks, the conversation has centered around how much time union leaders have to speak at meetings — and how to formalize rules around public comment time allocation.
City Planners Propose Allowing 18-Story Housing Developments in Central Square
The Cambridge Community Development Department presented their recommendations to upzone Central Square up to 18 stories to the City Council on Thursday.
Residents Weighs in as Developers Propose Affordable Housing Development at Maximum Height
Capstone Communities and Hope Real Estate Enterprises — the firms behind two existing 100 percent affordable developments in Cambridge — offered residents preliminary details of their first project, 2072 Massachusetts Ave., developed under Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay on Wednesday.
City Council Asks Mass. DCR to Lower Speed Limit, Reduce Memorial Drive Lanes
The Cambridge City Council asked state officials to lower the speed limit and implement a “road diet” of fewer lanes on Memorial Drive, just two weeks after bicyclist John H. Corcoran ’84 died in a fatal crash on the parkway.
Cambridge City Council Raises Property Taxes Amid Budget Concerns
The Cambridge City Council unanimously voted Monday to raise property taxes by 7.3 percent on residential property and 10.1 percent on commercial property amid concerns about the sustainability of the city’s growing budget.
John Corcoran ’84, Cyclist Killed in Crash, Remembered for Devotion to Family
John Corcoran died on Sept. 23 after he was struck by an oncoming SUV while riding his bike on Memorial Drive. Family and friends remembered him as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Cambridge City Council Declines to Endorse Eliminating MCAS Requirement
The Cambridge City Council rejected a policy order to endorse a ballot question to remove the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System standardized test as a graduation requirement for high schoolers at a meeting Monday evening.
California Man Arrested For Threatening Cambridge and Somerville Businesses
A California man was arrested on Thursday after allegedly threatening to open fire at several businesses in Cambridge and Somerville, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
‘A Lonely Battle’: How Cambridge Parents Navigate the Special Education System
On paper, students with special educational needs are guaranteed personalized accommodations. But Cambridge parents said securing the right services for their children was an arduous, time-consuming, and expensive process — and one they often had to navigate alone.
Growing Cambridge Budget Spooks City Leaders
Cambridge pursued ambitious spending programs using an ample flow of federal relief funds and property taxes for several years. But as revenue streams dry up, the city is going to have to take a hard look at its priorities.
Boston to Overhaul Development Review Process
Boston is one step closer to making a major overhaul of its long-maligned development review process after Mayor Michelle Wu ’07 unveiled a draft modernization plan last week.
‘Wake Up Call’: Council Debates Memorial Drive Revamp Following Fatal Bike Crash
The Cambridge City Council debated adopting a policy order calling on Massachusetts to boost bike safety measures on Memorial Drive, as calls for reform gained traction in the wake of a fatal crash that killed biker John H. Corcoran ’84 last week.
At Memorial for John Corcoran, Cyclists Grieve and Demand Action
Nearly 100 cyclists and pedestrians gathered at the site of last Monday’s fatal bicycle crash to mourn the loss of John H. Corcoran ’84 — and express their frustration at the lack of road safety measures in the area.
Healey Admin Seizes St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, CEO Resigns
Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey ’92 announced in a press release Friday that the state had officially seized St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center by eminent domain, putting an end to the Brighton hospital’s tumultuous, decade-long stint under for-profit owner Steward Healthcare.
Years of Safety Concerns Preceded Fatal Crash on Memorial Drive
The stretch of Memorial Drive where Newton cyclist John H. Corcoran ’84 was killed in a crash Monday evening was the subject of years of safety warnings from local politicians and transit activists.
After 3 Weeks, Cambridge Public Schools Addresses Widespread Bus Delays
On Tuesday, adjustments to certain bus routes finally took effect, alleviating some of the delays. Still, parents were frustrated by weeks of unpredictable and stressful mornings, back-and-forths with district officials, and a lack of official communication from the district.
Cambridge to Explore Continuing Guaranteed Income Program Despite Budget Fears
The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously to explore a successor to the city’s guaranteed income pilot program during its Monday meeting, even as Councilors have raised concerns about the city’s growing budget.
Cathie Zusy To Fill Vacancy on Cambridge City Council
The Cambridge Election Commission confirmed Catherine “Cathie” Zusy will fill the vacancy on the Cambridge City Council Thursday following the sudden death of Councilor Joan F. Pickett on Aug. 30.
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Launches $10 Million Affordable Housing Capital Fund
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has reserved up to ten million dollars for its Housing Capital Fund to provide financial assistance for ongoing housing projects in Cambridge.