I need you to take action right away to oppose new restrictions on housing development in Cambridge's Riverside neighborhood.

Back in May I sent you an email (click here to see my previous message) asking you to contact the Cambridge Planning Board in opposition to a proposed down-zoning in Riverside which would make it harder to develop much-needed new housing in accessory dwelling units in that neighborhood.

You responded and the Planning Board agreed, calling for the City to adopt a Riverside Neighborhood Conservation District instead of down-zoning. A neighborhood conservation district could ensure that the design of new housing in Riverside reflect the surroundings -- without making it harder to build critical new housing in Cambridge. ABC finds this a sufficient compromise in the midst of a serve housing shortage in our region.

But apparently some members of the City Council do not agree with the Planning Board, and have re-introduced the Riverside down-zoning for consideration at this Wednesday's Ordinance Committee meeting. In the midst of an ongoing housing crisis, ABC remains opposed to any effort to make it more difficult to create new housing for Cambridge families. 

I ask you to join us in opposition by speaking against the proposed down-zoning at Wednesday's Ordinance Committee meeting:

If you cannot attend the meeting, or to reinforce your message, please email statements of opposition to all nine members of the City Council at [email protected]. Make sure to "CC" City Clerk Donna Lopez at [email protected] to get your comments on the official record of the Ordinance Committee proceedings.

Thanks for your support and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions.