All:
Happy New Year for those celebrating – L’Shana Tova. Our family celebrates and I use this time of the Jewish New Year for reflection.
This month has lots of great community events… too many of which I miss, since it’s impossible to get to everything. The Cambridge Science Festival last weekend was a total blast, and was mobbed. It really shows that people of all ages love to engage in science. I visited the MIT thermal energy booth and spoke with folks. I also learned about MIT women scientists, saw kids doing awesome experiments, and was energized by the spirit of the event. Thanks to all the sponsors, especially MIT. And this weekend there are more events – from Fly, Buzz, Hop Festival Saturday at Fresh Pond, to Paddy’s Classic 5k race (someday I will get back in shape to be able to run, but not this year). And lots of other events, including several block parties, thanks to the City’s efforts to promote community.
Danehy Park Family Fun Day was a blast – and I especially appreciated that water was from the city’s water supply, not single use plastic water bottles. I am proud to be a constant thorn in the side when it comes to single-use plastics at City events. And Open Studios last weekend did not get enough publicity – I try to support local artists and have asked the City to do more to publicize these events.
Last night at a webinar on the sewage control plans, I appreciated all the advocates who supported a call for faster action to address the unhealthy and disgusting issue of sewage flowing into our streets and homes with high rainfall events, which are becoming more common with high intensity storms. I asked that public health costs be considered, and that the benefit of fixing the overflows be calculated and included. More on this issue below.
The New Tobin/Darby Vassal Schools are open and fantastic – save the date for a community open house October 18. I was able to take a tour the last week before school started and I was amazed. I can’t wait for you all to see it and the great community benefit it will be.
And the City reminds us all that there are ways to help pay for heat this winter. Last winter’s colder-than-normal temperatures sent gas heating bills soaring. Now, following a proposed winter gas rate increase from local suppliers, the Office of Sustainability is urging residents to plan ahead and prepare for colder weather. They can call the Cambridge Energy Helpline at 617-430-6230 to learn how to lower their bills and improve their home’s energy efficiency.
Below are comments on a few top line items and a few quick notes for Monday’s meeting. If you have questions or comments on these or anything else, please feel free to reach out at any time.
Patty
I had a great time at the Cambridge Science Festival. So many great projects and experiments.
Council Updates
Health and Environment Committee Updates
Urban Forest Master Plan Update: Monday, October 27, 11:00am-1:00pm
- (Meeting materials, when available)
- In the same way that Patty held a number of H&Env committee meetings throughout the process of updating the Zero Waste Master Plan, which was completed earlier this year, this is the first meeting to discuss the process of updating the Urban Forest Master Plan, which has a budget line associated with it for FY26. The original Urban Forest Master Plan was published in 2020.
Electrification and Energy Capacity Planning: Wednesday, October 29, 3:00pm-5:00pm
- (Meeting materials, when available)
- This meeting will build on some of the work from the April 11, 2023 H&Env cmte meeting, as well as the Jan. 24, 2023 Econ Dev cmte meeting w/ Eversource on BEUDO electricity planning, and the annual planning board utility reports, of which the most recent was in June. The idea of the meeting is to discuss how the City and utilities are planning on expanding capacity for clean energy and electricity. We will also be including information about thermal energy network planning and solar expansion in this meeting. Eversource will have representatives available and will be able to discuss barriers to large scale electrification planning as well as local transmission planning at the transformer level.
Lower Bow Street Pedestrianization
Over the years, the City Council and the community have expressed support for more pedestrianization opportunities and street closures in the area of Harvard Square and I have been working with community leaders, local businesses, and City staff to come up with creative solutions to enhance the area by piloting street closures when possible. After passing a policy order and working with City staff, I am proud to see that Lower Bow Street will be permanently closed to car traffic starting in Spring 2026 to coincide with the outdoor dining season. After years of pushing this idea, I am glad that staff have agreed to this change. I hope this change will enliven the area for years to come and am proud to have worked for so long on this. The Crimson and Boston.com wrote about the planned pedestrianization.
Interim Report on Multi Family Demolitions
In my last email I mentioned the interim report on multi-family zoning in response to my policy order asking for a report. The report was helpful to understand the permit application info vs. permits granted. There are more demolition applications this year versus last, but also fewer actual permits. Why is the important question. We need to further understand why those permit applications haven’t been granted – is it a lag in processing applications or are developers not prepared to undertake construction and are submitting applications to test the waters? The preliminary report is that there are many more applications for demolition – although fewer permits. In 2024, eventually 10 out of 12 permit applications were granted – is there any reason to think that percentage won’t be the same for applications? Those are the questions I asked at the last meeting and followed up with City staff on. And the next report, as I asked at the meeting, needs to include the breakdown of the types of projects proposed, in terms of numbers of units and size of units. If we are seeing 3-decker multifamily buildings being replaced by 3 townhouses of much greater size, that is counter to our goals. That would mean NO new units and LESS affordability. Since the goal is for more housing units and more affordable units, we should be tracking both of those outcomes for regular reporting. Some projects – Ellery St, Kirkland Avenue are providing more units and possibly more affordable. I wanted to clarify the expectations for staff, which I believe the whole council shares, which are that the next report, (the annual report February or March) will include this information. And if we are not seeing the type of project we want to see, I am committed to work to amend the ordinance to get the results we want.
City Council Meeting - Monday, September 29, 2025
Combined Sewer Overflow Mitigation
On Tuesday, September 9 I held a Health and Environment Committee meeting to discuss Combined Sewer Overflow (CSOs) planning (meeting materials, video recording). It was a great meeting and allowed direct dialogue between City staff, City Council and the three different advocacy groups that presented – the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA), the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), and Save the Alewife Brook (StAB). City staff were able to deliver a very detailed presentation on current and previous work as well as how they are continuing to plan for future infrastructure improvements in different areas of the city. The result of the meeting was a policy order that will be considered on Monday night that asks City staff to present a matrix of options along with a cost-benefit analysis on a way forward to eliminate CSOs. In addition, the motion asked staff to consider putting together a commission or working group with advocates and subject matter experts to improve public participation for these huge infrastructure investments. After Monday night, I will continue to work with DPW staff to get a report back that includes all the requests, which are: a clear cost-benefit analysis of a 2050 25-year storm CSO control that includes green infrastructure options, options for further stormwater mitigation requirements for private development, and a commitment to improve meaningful public input, including the creation of a public body that will collaborate on CSO work.
Solar Panel Impact Zoning
On Tuesday, September 16 I held a Health and Environment Committee meeting to follow up on protecting solar energy systems and solar access for residents with solar panels (meeting materials, video recording). This was a follow up to the previous hearing I held on April 14, and we discussed a proposal to amend the zoning to protect residential buildings from shading from neighboring buildings on the south side. With new development popping up in neighborhoods and new zoning in effect, it is essential that we continue to promote investment in renewable energy sources, but equally as important to work to protect residents who have already made that important investment in renewable energy. The result of this meeting was a policy order which we will discuss on Monday night that asks staff to draft formal zoning language to require some step-backs above a certain height on the north side of residential buildings (to protect south-facing solar panels). These recommendations were developed through an analysis of solar radiation impacts of taller buildings on lower building heights, and the step-backs seek to create a 20’ separation standard at the height of the solar panels. This is a novel approach that I have been working with staff and community advocates on for many months, and I am excited to continue to push this forward. It is a compromised approach, and the recommendation from CDD will reduce the annual solar radiation impact significantly without significantly impacting housing production.
Chapter 40U Fine Collection
On Monday night we will discuss a report on municipal fine collection through a function of M.G.L Ch. 40U. I filed a policy order asking the Law Department to review Ch. 40U and consider the applicability to Cambridge. Ch. 40U was developed by the state in order to help municipalities better collect fines related to public health and safety violations. Some of the intended uses are for short term rentals, dumpster and rodent violations, snow and ice removal, litter and refuse, and tenants rights notifications, among others. All of these functions are essential to a safe and healthy city, and so better enforcement of our existing regulations is important. On council we have often heard of issues with finding absentee landlords and especially problematic properties, because fine collection can be a very onerous, if not impossible, task for City staff. I think that by considering this alternative fine collection method, we can better address public health and safety issues citywide.
Social Housing
I have long been interested in social housing, which leads to more mixed income housing. I have been advocating for years on the council for different pilot versions and have long been an advocate at the state level for funding opportunities for social housing. I am glad that this issue is before us as a policy order, and I intend to support it.
25 Lowell Street Property
The City is looking into how to best use the 25 Lowell St. property the city owns. We are in the process of reviewing all city properties, and Lowell St. is the next one for study. City staff approached me as Finance Chair to inform me that the parcel is appropriate to review due to some sense of building condition. I filed a policy order for Monday night to publicize that effort and to emphasize a clear process by which any determinations are made. Any decisions on use would take more than a year, and both nonprofits currently in the building – the New School of Music and the Cambridge Art Association are aware of these plans, as is the neighborhood association. I look forward to discussing the process by which the City will determine best future use and ways to address building conditions.
Local Events/Notes
Rib Fest
“Smoke This” Rib Fest is a culinary showdown pitting pit master against pit master for the title of the best ribs in town. The event is perfect for all ages, so come and enjoy some BBQ, live music, kids’ crafts, and so much more! Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 12:00pm – 4:00pm on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, between Fulkerson Street and Fifth Street.
Annual Bow Tie Ride
Sunday, October 5, 9:30am, at Joan Lorentz Park/Main Library, 449 Broadway, near intersection of Broadway and Trowbridge St. Trace the city’s bow tie shape on the Bow Tie Community Bike Ride, hosted by the Cambridge Bicycle Committee and Department of Transportation. Stay tuned for route updates through the Cambridge Bike Rides website. Gather at 9:30am, the ride departs at 10:00am. Don’t forget your bow tie! There is no registration or charge for the ride – just show up and enjoy!
Participatory Budgeting
The twelfth PB cycle has started, and the City wants to hear your ideas for projects! How would you spend $1 million to improve our community? City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting
Home Energy Assistance Program
Home Energy Assistance Program to accept applications beginning October 1. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), formerly called the Fuel Assistance Program) helps income-eligible Cambridge and Somerville residents pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30. Applications for the 2025-2026 heating season will be accepted beginning October 1. For information on how to apply, visit www.cambridgema.gov/HeatingHelp
Arts in the Park
What do art and stormwater drainage have in common? Nothing, usually. But in The Port neighborhood, a partnership has been flowing between the City of Cambridge’s Department of Public Works and Adius Arts Initiative, which are presenting the fourth annual Arts in the Park event on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, as part of a continued celebration of local art and The Port Infrastructure Improvements Project currently underway. The event, held at Clement Morgan Park, is aimed at highlighting the neighborhood’s rich art and the infrastructure project whose construction is imminent. The event began in 2022 as a way to connect with the community through art and raise awareness about The Port Infrastructure Improvements Project. The multimillion-dollar infrastructure project in The Port neighborhood will reduce flooding by replacing old pipes, installing new pipes, and building underground storage tanks. The Port neighborhood is exceptionally vulnerable to the effects of climate change, making these infrastructure improvements all the more critical. This project also includes improvements to drainage, water, sewer, streets and sidewalks, trees, and open space, including Clement Morgan Park where the event is taking place. Also come learn about the City’s Stormwater Management Program and provide feedback. Attendees will enjoy a variety of live art installations, food by Everybody Gotta Eat, music by DJ Vyper, James Lambert III, MBA, information about local art institutions, kids’ activities, and much more. To learn more, visit cambridgema.gov/ThePort.
Celebrate Puerto Rico
¡Celebremos Puerto Rico! Saturday, September 27, 1:00pm – 4:00pm at the Harvard Museum of Natural History (26 Oxford Street) and Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (11 Divinity Avenue). Celebrate Puerto Rico’s rich culture and natural wonders at the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture! Join for a fun-filled day with hands-on artmaking and storytelling led by Puerto Rican artist and director Pedro Adorno Irizarry and his celebrated arts collective, Agua, Sol y Sereno—known for their vibrant masks, street theater, and community-inspired performances. Learn about coquí frogs, colorful birds, and glowing bioluminescent bays. Try out cool augmented reality tools to explore ancient Taíno artifacts and enjoy tasty Puerto Rican food (available for purchase). Bring the whole family—there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Free admission. Free event parking at the 52 Oxford Street Garage. Advance registration recommended.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone for reading. If there are any topics you want me to cover in future newsletters, I’m always happy for the input! As always, please feel free to reach out to my aide, Patrick (phayes@cambridgema.gov), or me for any of your City Council needs.
You can find all previous newsletters on my website. Please share with anyone you think would be interested: https://pattynolan.org/news/