Alec Papazian

207sc
  • Jan 19, 2015

ABC January '15 Newsletter: An opportunity for more housing in Central Square

A belated happy New Year from A Better Cambridge. Below you will find the January ABC Newsletter. We are now officially in a Cambridge election year. Expect development to be a top issue of discussion.

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DEVELOPMENT UPDATES

ABC has released a statement in support of the Twining/Normandy zoning proposal. The proposal would bring much needed housing including a significant number of affordable and three bedroom units.
ABC Action Alert

The average Boston area rent rose 5 percent from 2013, approaching $1,200 in 2014. Note that according to a survey of rents in 2013 referenced on the CDD website, the median rent in Cambridge for a one-bedroom was $2,385.
Boston Globe

The City Council continues to discuss the vacant Vail Court and possible actions that can be taken to get something done about the abandoned property right off Central Square.
Cambridge Day

CDD released a proposal for zoning changes for the eventual redevelopment of the Volpe Center in Kendall Square. The Federal Government has yet to release any proposal for the site.
City of Cambridge

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee is seeking new members. Applications are due by February 6th.
City of Cambridge

UPCOMING EVENTS

The next A Better Cambridge general meeting will take place on Thursday, February 26th at 7 pm. Location TBD.

On Thursday, January 22nd at 5:30 pm in the Sullivan Chamber, the Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Normandy/Twining zoning petition. The proposal is to amend Article 20.000 of the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by adding a new Section 20.800 entitled Mass and Main Residential Mixed Income Subdistrict within the Central Square Overlay District. If you cannot attend in person we encourage you to send an email to the Council at [email protected] AND City Clerk [email protected]

The Planning Board will also be holding a public hearing on the proposal on Tuesday, January 27th at 7:00 PM at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. You can email the planning board at [email protected]

On Saturday, January 24th from 10 am to 1:30 pm at the Andrew Peabody School Gym the Center for Families is hosting a Winter Family Fun Day for families with children aged 0-8.

LINKS OF INTEREST

DID YOU KNOW?

The MBTA operates 29 bus lines through Cambridge in addition to the one Green Line and five Red Line stations.