Spring is here, and with it comes a new round of opportunities to shape housing policy in Cambridge. Here’s what’s happening this month.

Zoning Update: Council enacts hurdles to housing on Cambridge Street

Unfortunately, the City Council has again taken action reducing the likelihood of new housing on Cambridge Street. First, the allowed heights were reduced from eight stories to six stories for most of the stretch from Inman to Lechmere. Now, active ground‑floor use requirements have been added, which create an unfunded retail mandate on a street where new commercial space is expensive to build and can be difficult to lease. The Council failed to provide any offsetting incentives to balance the cost of requiring retail, such as a height bonus beyond six stories or other zoning or permitting relief. As a result, projects that could add housing—particularly those including affordable inclusionary units—become financially infeasible.

Cambridge Street’s shallow lots, frequent turnover, and high vacancy risk mean that first-floor commercial space often sits empty while housing that could be built above it never pencils out. Without flexibility or compensating incentives, the requirement acts as a de facto cap on redevelopment, suppressing the very housing production the corridor needs to support local small businesses. Instead of a win-win with more housing and more small businesses, we’re stuck with the status quo of dying commercial and residential displacement.

Take Action: Davis Square Neighborhood Council (DSNC) holds election

There’s an important local election happening: the Davis Square Neighborhood Council is holding elections now. The DSNC boundaries extend well beyond Somerville—much of North Cambridge and Porter Square is eligible to vote—so many ABC members may be able to participate. The DSNC plays a meaningful role in shaping neighborhood priorities and weighing in on development proposals, including several major housing efforts.

In-person voting location

• Somerville Public Library, West Branch (40 College Ave)

Upcoming voting opportunities

• Wednesday, April 22, 4:30 - 8:30 PM
• Saturday, April 25, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
• Monday, April 27, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Affordable Housing: HomeBridge program narrows eligibility

The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust is tightening eligibility rules for its HomeBridge program, which helps middle-income residents buy homes. City Housing Director Chris Cotter says the refined criteria are meant to better target Cambridge households most likely to benefit. At the same time, the city is adding $10 million in new funding to sustain the program. The changes underscore both the popularity of homeownership assistance and the ongoing affordability challenges in the city’s housing market.

Policy Spotlight: State measure aims to lower construction costs

A Massachusetts State Senate proposal would eliminate the state sales tax on construction materials as a way to encourage housing production. Limited specifically to projects that would benefit lower- and middle-income residents, supporters argue that lowering upfront costs could make more projects financially viable. The idea reflects increasing attention to the role of construction costs in limiting housing supply.

Neighborhood News: New group forms in North Cambridge

A new neighborhood group is forming in North Cambridge: NoCa Neighbors. Organizers say existing neighborhood groups don’t fully cover the area or reflect the range of voices there, prompting the effort to build something more inclusive and responsive. Interested neighbors can complete this survey and offer ideas for topics of discussion.

Events & Opportunities to Get Involved

Somerville YIMBY Happy Hour 

• May 1, 6:00 PM at Remnant Brewing (2 Bow Mkt Wy)  

ABC Events Committee 

• May 12, 6:00 PM on Zoom (email info@abettercambridge.org for the link)

Lobby Day with Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA)

• Virtual training: May 12, 12:00 PM on Zoom (register here)
• Lobby day: May 27, 1:30 PM at the MA State House (register here)
• Join AHMA and fellow pro-housing advocates from across the state to meet with legislators and rally support for the YIMBY Bill – a comprehensive housing proposal that updates outdated zoning laws, creates more abundant homes, and tackles our housing shortage head-on.