October 2010 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

FW: Signs On Council's Monday Night Agenda
by Ruth Ryals 31 Oct '10

31 Oct '10

So the issues will be openly discussed at least. I suspect the meeting will be packed. Ruth From: Craig Kelley [mailto:CraigKelley62@verizon.net] Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 2:45 PM To: Craig Kelley Subject: Signs On Council's Monday Night Agenda FYI, Folks. The debate goes on. And on. As discussed in the MGRs response below, a special election to have the Citizens pass judgment directly on the changes to the sign ordinance will cost an estimated $170,000. If the City Council does not expressly revoke it, these changes will either be on a ballot for a special election or will be on next Novembers ballot, with the changes held in abeyance until after then. Feel free to join in the discussion tomorrow night, Im sure others on both sides of the issue will. Happy (rest of) Halloween. Craig City Manager Letter November 1, 2010 To the Honorable, the City Council: In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 10-164, regarding a report on outlining the ordinance changes to the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to signs and the impact of repealing Paragraph D3 and E of Ordinance #1335, please be advised of the following: On September 27, 2010 the Cambridge City Council adopted a series of amendments to Article 7.000 of the Zoning Ordinance that regulates signs in the city. Some of the changes generated heated discussion and opposition during the deliberations leading up to their adoption. Opposition has continued in the form of a citizen referendum that requires the City Council to reconsider its vote. As the Council reconsiders its vote, it is important to clarify the nature of the changes that have been made. To date, the discussion has been dominated by misunderstanding and exaggeration about the actions the City has taken. While there are differing opinions about the wisdom of the policy changes that have been made, those differences of opinion should be based on an accurate understanding of what actually has been done. At issue are two of the six provisions that were recently adopted. The first would allow signs, on the façade of buildings in a limited number of commercial districts in east and west Cambridge, to be placed higher on a building than twenty feet above the ground. Twenty feet was the maximum height allowed in the regulations prior to the changes adopted in September. In addition, such higher signs - if placed at the top of a six or seven story office building - would be allowed to be 90 square feet in area, an increase from the maximum 60 square feet previously permitted in the regulations for signs lower than 20 feet above ground. The recent amendments provide that these signs may only be permitted after a hearing before the Planning Board and only if a proposed sign (or signs) conforms to enumerated and detailed limitations that ensure that the sign will not be visually intrusive or dominant in its commercial neighborhood. Among those limitations: there can be no more than two signs per building; the signs may only consist of individual letters and symbols; may only be lighted from the outside (no bright florescent-lit signs with plastic faces); and the areas of all signs on any building, including any new higher signs, may not be increased beyond the total area allowed since adoption of the current sign ordinance in 1991. Signs permissible under the new amendments cannot fairly be characterized as billboards; indeed, no speculation is necessary to evaluate the impact of signs erected under the new zoning provisions, as many such signs currently exist quite unobtrusively, permitted in the past by a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeal: ADDRESSES OF SUCH SIGNS/PICTURES. The real visual impact of such signs, available for all to see, is much less unsettling than the exaggerations currently circulating. The second amendment provision in contention is unrelated to the issue of signs high up on the facade of a building. This provision allows the Planning Board to approve a plan for all signs that will be allowed on a lot, after a public hearing on a proposed plan. In order to approve such a proposed plan the Planning Board must consider the building context and review the specific dimensional and lighting limitations related to individual signs types (i.e. wall signs or projecting signs or freestanding signs), which now are imposed without regard to specific local circumstances. This new provision recognizes that the current one-size-fits-all standards don't always serve the best interests of individual store owners or the public. What might work well for a large suburban-style shopping center differs from the needs of a series of small stores on a narrow side street in Harvard Square. The new provision would enable the City to respond to individual circumstances with considered flexibility. And, for the first time, this provision provides leverage to the City to encourage property owners to remove some large and garish signs, erected decades ago, that continue to blight our landscape, in exchange for the flexibility provided by this new regulation. Notably, this provision does not allow more signs on a property than have been allowed since adoption of the current ordinance in 1991, and the twenty foot height restriction continues to apply. Why propose these changes? The prescriptive standards in place since 1991 generally provided a reasonable balance of adequate visibility for the retail and business enterprises that make Cambridge such a vibrant place, while at the same time protecting the basic quality and harmony of our shared visual environment. Nevertheless, over the twenty years of administering the sign regulations, the Planning Board, Board of Zoning Appeals, and City staff have found that the prescriptive nature of our current sign regulations can produce odd, ill-fitting and sometimes bad results; at times resulting in losing the opportunity for a much better sign design and a more engaging public environment; often with the result that the legitimate needs of a Cambridge business cannot be well-served. In the past, a property owner's only route for approval of such signage was to seek a variance; but that approach is bad public policy, as these matters seldom rise to the "hardship" standards required for the grant of a variance. It is better to acknowledge the positive benefits of limited flexibility and provide a process by which good design and the legitimate interests of our business communities can be served, without harming the visual quality of our public environment. The City Council recognized this in adopting the sign ordinance changes, and all Cambridge residents can be well served by these improvements to the sign ordinance. With respect to the question of the cost taxpayers would incur as a result of holding a special election to dispose of the referendum petition, I have determined that the cost would be approximately $170,000. The City Solicitor advises that the options that the City Council has in responding to the referendum petition are dictated by statute as follows. The referendum signatures were certified to the City Council by the Election Commissioners on October 20, 2010. Upon that certification the protested measure or parts thereof are suspended from taking effect. The City Council must reconsider the protested provisions within twenty days of the certification (in this instance City Council action must occur by no later than November 9, 2010). If the City Council does not "entirely rescind" the protested provisions, then the Election Commissioners must place a question on the ballot either at the next regular City Election which is not less than thirty days after the twentieth day following certification (which would be the November election for 2011), or at a special election which the City Council may, in its discretion, call for the purpose. At that election a question must be placed on the ballot by the Election Commission stating "Do you agree with the measure summarized below?" followed by a fair, concise summary of the protested measure or part thereof as determined by the City Solicitor. In this instance, the voters would be asked if they agreed with the City Council's ordination of Section 7.16.22 (D)(3) and Section 7.16.22 (E) of the Zoning Ordinance, with a summary of those sections provided on the ballot. Very truly yours, You can speak for up to three minutes on any topic on the Council's agenda at Monday's Council's meeting. To see the complete agenda, follow the links on the ride hand side of http://www.cambridgema.gov/ccouncil.cfm after 5 PM on the Thursday before a Council meeting. To speak at a Council meeting, call 349-4280 between 9 AM and 3 PM to sign up, or show up at City Hall at 5:30 to speak. The speaker list is closed at 6 PM, so you need to sign up before then to be assured of a chance to speak. You may email the entire Council at Council(a)Cambridgema.gov and the City Manager at RHealy(a)Cambridgema.gov. You can also check out archived Council meetings on line at http://www.cambridgema.gov/council-archive.cfm.

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FW: Traffic Advisory on Craigie Bridge (at Museum of Science) Closure
by Ruth Ryals 28 Oct '10

28 Oct '10

Oh boy! From: Deignan, Bill [mailto:wdeignan@cambridgema.gov] Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 12:23 PM To: Ruth Ryals; neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org Subject: Traffic Advisory on Craigie Bridge (at Museum of Science) Closure Passing this advisory along. Please see below for further information. Bill Deignan Massachusetts Department of Transportation TRAFFIC ADVISORY For Immediate Release October 15, 2010 Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation Project Closures All inbound travel lanes on Route 28 southbound to close at the intersection of Land Boulevard starting Nov. 6th Effective November 6, 2010, MassDOT will close all inbound travel lanes on Route 28 southbound at the intersection of Land Boulevard as part of the Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation Project Phase I. The Craigie Drawbridge carries McGrath O'Brien Highway (Route 28) between Land Blvd. in Cambridge and Leverett Circle in Boston. Traffic trying to access I-93 and Storrow Drive will be detoured east over the Gilmore (Prison Point) Bridge towards Bunker Hill Community College/City Square. Traffic heading to I-93 Northbound will be directed left through Sullivan Square, while traffic trying to access I-93 Southbound and Route 1 via the Tobin Bridge will be directed to turn right. Traffic traveling to the Charles Circle Area will be detoured westbound down Land Boulevard to the Longfellow Bridge to cross the Charles River. Outbound traffic leaving Boston through Leverett Circle will be unaffected during this period. (see attached detour map) For more information on the Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation project, please see www.mass.gov/massdot/charlesriverbridges. Access to the Museum of Science will not be restricted but patrons are advised to approach the Museum from Boston to avoid anticipated traffic congestion on the Cambridge side of the project. Bicycle and Pedestrian Access during Construction Full bike and pedestrian access in each direction will be maintained during construction. During Phase I of the drawbridge replacement, only one side of the bridge will be opened and must be shared by inbound and outbound bicycle and pedestrian traffic. A manned and signalized crossing area will be placed at the mid-point of the roadway at the Museum of Science during these phases. Charles River Channel As a result of the construction activities, the Charles River Channel will be closed to all marine traffic beginning at 12 AM on November 1, 2010 and will reopen no later than April 27, 2011. MBTA Public Transportation Options MassDOT encourages auto commuters to consider taking advantage of alternative transportation opportunities to avoid traffic and increased commuting times. For additional information on alternative commuter options please see <http://www.mbta.com/> www.mbta.com or contact the MBTA Customer Support Services Center at (617) 222-3200 or TTY (617) 222-5146. Customer Service representatives are available Monday-Friday 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. For transportation news and updates visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot <blocked::http://www.mass.gov/massdot> , the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation <blocked::http://www.mass.gov/blog/transportation> or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot <blocked::http://www.twitter.com/massdot> . For more information on the Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation project, please see www.mass.gov/massdot/charlesriverbridges.

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FW: [PSNA] Discussion Nov. 7 in N. Cambridge about environmental concerns & reactions to them--do come!
by Ruth Ryals 28 Oct '10

28 Oct '10

Buena Vista Neighbors are also invited! From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of Robin Finnegan Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 9:38 AM To: Porter Sq. Neighborhood Assn. Subject: [PSNA] Discussion Nov. 7 in N. Cambridge about environmental concerns & reactions to them--do come! Please send to listserv Thank you - Robin Dear friends, neighbors and colleagues: You are invited to a get-together on Sunday, November 7, for people concerned about climate change, environmental issues, and our emotional/spiritual reactions to these issues. We will explore ways to prevent being bogged down by feelings of despair and helplessness through the power of group support. This event is open to all-do pass the word! WHERE AND WHEN? Sunday, November 7, from 2:45-5:00 PM at Cambridge Cohousing, 175 Richdale Ave. Refreshments provided. 10 minutes walk from Porter Sq. busses, subway and commuter rail. Also for those who have to drive, on-street parking should be available, and you won't need a parking pass) Some powerful tools have been honed over the past thirty years to help deal with the issues we'll bring up, based on the work of Joanna Macy, Fran Peavey and others. Activists from around the country have taken these tools, adapted, and refined them. On November 7, come meet some local people who have been offering workshops and an on-going group curriculum. We will talk about how we might use these tools in the Cambridge area. We would like to provide ways to make it easier for us to listen to each other, to take in and express our deep concerns and in so doing release positive energy for action If you're interested, curious, or just in need of a morale booster shot, please join us on November 7! For more information, check out <http://www.earth-circles.org/> www.earth-circles.org, <http://www.joannamacy.org/> www.joannamacy.org, and <http://www.interhelpnetwork.org/> www.interhelpnetwork.org or call Rosalie Anders at 617-868-6058. Also it would help if you could RSVP to <mailto:Abigail.tischler@gmail.com> Abigail.tischler(a)gmail.com Best wishes, John MacDougall

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FW: North Mass Ave Improvement Study 4th public meeting
by Ruth Ryals 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

Late notice, but some of you might want to go. The web link at: cambridgema.gov/northmassave has a pretty good description of the proposals. From: Jennings, Taha [mailto:tjennings@cambridgema.gov] Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 6:41 PM Subject: North Mass Ave Improvement Study 4th public meeting REMINDER! The fourth public meeting to discuss the North Massachusetts Avenue Improvement Study recommendations will take place Wednesday October 27th, at 6:30pm in the Peabody School Cafeteria, 70 Rindge Avenue. The meeting agenda is attached (pdf format). This meeting will be an opportunity to further refine the zoning recommendations as well as review the non-zoning recommendations, regarding the retail environment and streetscape improvements, of the study. Draft recommendations, as well as additional information and materials are posted on the web at: www.cambridgema.gov/northmassave If you have additional questions please feel free to call or email Taha Jennings at 617-349-4603 or tjennings(a)cambridgema.gov Please feel free to share this information with any others you think may be interested See you tomorrow!

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FW: Benefit Concert for St. James's Helping Hand Food Pantry!
by Ruth Ryals 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

Oops, here is the poster and suggested donation. From: St. James's Office [mailto:office@stjames-cambridge.org] Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11:16 AM To: rryals(a)comcast.net; shunziker(a)comcast.net; jhh(a)alum.mit.edu Subject: Benefit Concert for St. James's Helping Hand Food Pantry! Our annual Food Pantry Fundraiser is growing--this year we have regional singer/songwriters, including Jacqueline Francis (a Cambridge favorite), Olinde Mandell, and Carrie Cheron. The concert will be held on Saturday, Oct 30th, at 7 p.m. A $10 donation is requested. St. James's Episcopal Church is located at 1991 Massachusetts Avenue, in Cambridge, near Porter Square. See attached flyer for more info!

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FW: [PSNA] Helping Hand Food Pantry Benefit Concert
by Ruth Ryals 27 Oct '10

27 Oct '10

Sounds good! Come and help out a good cause. -----Original Message----- From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of John Howard Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 11:58 AM To: Porter Square Neighbors Association Subject: [PSNA] Helping Hand Food Pantry Benefit Concert Helping Hand Food Pantry Concert 7PM Friday, October 30th St. James's Episcopal Church http://www.stjames-cambridge.org/ The Helping Hand Food Pantry presents the fourth annual benefit concert in the St. James's sanctuary on Saturday, October 30, at 7:00pm. The pantry serves 500-600 households per month at its new temporary location at Fresh Pond Apartments. Director, Nina Siciliano, is a part-time staff person who coordinates the efforts of many volunteers. The food pantry has no residency requirement and has served families since 1984. Performers include: Namaste Drumming, founded by Mike Morse, is a group of drum performers and teachers committed to spreading the joy of hand drumming through performance and drum education. They feature an eclectic mix of African, Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms. It is their fourth year supporting the Pantry through benefit concerts. Namaste conducts benefits for non-profit organizations and has performed at the Frederick Scott Gallery, Decordova Museum, the Hudson Holiday Stroll, the Marlborough Family Series, and the Framingham World AIDS Day. Singer, Songwriters - Jacqueline Francis, a regional singer/songwriter based in Boston, has enlisted the help of her peers: Jimmy Mullen, Kim Davidson, Olinde Mandell, and Mark Lipman. St. James's Mens' choir performs in the area and exhibits an engaging a capella style. Refreshments to follow. Call Janet at 617.354.6449 for further information. _______________________________________________ PSNA mailing list PSNA(a)lists.portersquare.net http://lists.portersquare.net/listinfo.cgi/psna-portersquare.net

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FW: Upcoming Senior Housing Forum - What's Next: Housing Options as We Age
by Ruth Ryals 25 Oct '10

25 Oct '10

Too many of us are getting there... From: Cook, Cliff [mailto:ccook@cambridgema.gov] Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 3:44 PM To: Joyce, Tracey Subject: Upcoming Senior Housing Forum - What's Next: Housing Options as We Age Dear Cambridge Community Member, On Wednesday, November 10 the City of Cambridge will sponsor a panel discussion for seniors and those approaching their senior years - "What's Next: Housing Options as We Age." The discussion will take place in the lecture hall of the Cambridge Main Library from 6:30 P. M. to 8:30 P. M. One of the most important concerns we face as we age is the question of where to live. Faced with the question of remaining in their homes versus moving, many people are unsure of what services and housing choices are available to help guide that choice. This panel discussion aims to help frame the choices both for individuals and for Cambridge as a community. Our speakers are knowledgeable about nonprofit, for profit, and public housing as well as housing and elder services: . Jim Stockard, Moderator: Board member of the Cambridge Housing Authority and Affordable Housing Trust and an expert in affordable housing and community development . Ann Bookman: Visiting scholar at Brandeis University, author of Finding Elder Care Resources in Massachusetts. . Allan Isbitz: Vice President for Real Estate Development at Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly . Gwen Noyes: Partner at Oaktree Development, a developer of multifamily and cohousing projects in Cambridge . Greg Russ: Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority . Susan Stockard: Vice President and Director of Resident Services Maloney Properties Please plan to attend this panel discussion and please help spread the word by making announcements and mentioning this event in your organization's newsletter and web site. To learn more, to complete our questionnaire, and to join our mailing list - go to: http://www.cambridgema.gov/aging. Also, attached to this email is a copy of a flyer about the Forum. If you would like to obtain copies to distribute, please contact Cliff Cook. For additional information, please contact either Cliff Cook at the Community Development Department at 617/349-4656 or ccook(a)cambridgema.gov or Eileen Ginnetty at the Council on Aging at 617/349-6216 or eginnetty(a)cambridgema.gov. Thanks for your attention. Susan Glazer Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development Ellen Semonoff Assistant City Manager for Human Service Programs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Sent from the mailbox of: Clifford Cook Planning Information Manager Cambridge Community Development Dept. 344 Broadway Cambridge, MA. 02139 617/349-4656 FAX 617/349-4669 TTY 617/349-4621 email => <mailto:ccook@cambridgema.gov> ccook(a)cambridgema.gov web site => < <http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CDD/> http://www.cambridgema.gov/~CDD/>

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Flooring installer recommendation?
by Wendy Irvine 25 Oct '10

25 Oct '10

Hi Neighbors, We need to replace the floating maple floor in our basement. Our insurance adjuster is balking at the first quote we obtained so we need to find at least two other estimates. Can anyone please recommend a good floor contractor? Thanks in advance! Wendy Leiserson

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FW: [PSNA] Article by Alice Wolf on the Ballot Questions
by Ruth Ryals 25 Oct '10

25 Oct '10

Representative Alice Wolf was at the Porter Square Neighborhood Association meeting last week and referenced the following article on the ballot questions: http://www.wickedlocal.com/cambridge/news/x549831019/Wolf-Just-say-no The use of the phrase, "Just Say No", originating with Nancy Reagan is ironic! Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 rryals(a)comcast.net

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FW: [PSNA] CRLS Yard Sale in Porter Square
by Ruth Ryals 18 Oct '10

18 Oct '10

fyi From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of Brady/Cole Sent: Monday, October 18, 2010 6:09 PM To: psna(a)lists.portersquare.net Subject: [PSNA] CRLS Yard Sale in Porter Square Cambridge Rindge and Latin is organizing a trip to London next April for theater and English students. We are raising funds for scholarships for the trip. Our biggest fundraiser will be a huge yard sale with donated items from dozens of Cambridge families, practically in your back yard! Actually it will be in the back yard and the front patio of Porter Square's Kaya Restaurant. It takes place this Saturday from 9 - 2. We will be selling: books, CD/DVDs, household goods and appliances, home decor, clothing, toys & games, sporting goods, electronics, yard & garden goods, and who knows what else. Please join us on Saturday and buy stuff. I look forward to seeing you there! Catherine Brady

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