ABC News, June 2023 🏘️Federal caps, new ideas, jazz outdoors, and more

Homeowners Rehab Inc. has filed for an Affordable Housing Overlay permit to turn a parking lot into 25 apartments of permanently affordable housing. The proposal includes a renovation of the historic mansion – landmark designation pending – at 1627 Mass Ave to provide an additional four apartments. When this development is complete, the 1863 Charles Hicks Saunders mansion – previously owned by Lesley University – will return to its original residential use. The Planning Board will take emailed comments on the plan until 5:00 pm on Monday, July 17 and live comment at a Zoom hearing at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, July 18. The HRI project team will also answer questions at an Open House in the Saunders building on Wednesday, July 26, from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. Continue reading

May 2023 🏘️ AHO changes advance, states take action, housing discrimination testing, and more

After five months, amendments to strengthen the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay have achieved a step forward. Continue reading

ALERT - Affordable Housing Emergency

Monday’s City Council meeting will decide the future of affordable housing in Cambridge for the coming years.  With your help, we can ensure that our local non-profit affordable homebuilders can acquire new sites and that the funding for them to build on these sites is available. Continue reading

ABC News, Apr 2023 🏘️ AHO expansion, North Cambridge tour, local journalism, and more

ABC urges you to lend your support to a City Council policy order to expand and improve the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) -- preferably by speaking this Monday evening, May 1, at 5:30pm (in person or remotely; sign up here starting at 9 am Friday, referring to Policy Order #1), or by emailing the Council and the Clerk ([email protected], [email protected]). If you have a relationship with individual Councilors (other than the four sponsors), please speak to them personally about the importance of this proposal. Continue reading

A Better Cambridge’s Statement in Support of At-Large Proportional Representation

ABC strongly opposes transitioning from at-large proportional representation to any ward-based system because of the negative effects on political representation and housing production. Continue reading

ABC News, Mar 2023 🏘️ Housing Social, action and inaction on zoning, homes for seniors, and more

Come out to Lamplighter CX (near Lechmere T station) on March 30! A Better Cambridge and Abundant Housing MA are having a party at 6:30pm with free food and drinks, great company and lots of exciting pro-housing policy to discuss. RSVP here!   Continue reading

New leadership at ABC

(Sent by Allan Sadun on March 23, 2023.) I've been co-chair of A Better Cambridge since July 2020. It's a tough role, but it's been a deeply rewarding volunteer experience getting to know and working with so many people who care so much about Cambridge. Continue reading

ACTION ALERT: Next AHO Hearing on Wednesday

On Wednesday (March 22) at 5:30pm, the City Council's Neighborhood & Long Term Planning Committee will hold a hearing on proposed amendments to expand the Affordable Housing Overlay. Continue reading

Apply to join the Planning Board! (March 6 deadline)

The City of Cambridge is seeking Cambridge residents to serve on the Planning Board. The Planning Board makes recommendations and decisions about urban development on behalf of the City of Cambridge. The application deadline is Monday, March 6, 2023.  More details here. Continue reading

ABC News, Feb 2023 🏘️ Planning Board vacancies, upcoming hearings, ABC events and more

Applications are open for seats on Cambridge’s extremely powerful Planning Board, through Monday, March 6. Through its role in the special-permit process, the Planning Board has the authority to block most significant homebuilding proposals in the city. It also provides advice to the City Council on all zoning amendments. A background in planning, architecture, or law is advantageous, but the primary requirement is that members be interested in thoughtfully reviewing proposals and available for weeknight meetings almost every week. The City Manager is offering an annual stipend of $6000. If you or someone you know may be interested in serving on the Planning Board, please apply or encourage them to apply!  Continue reading