February 2021 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

FW: Letter to City council FW: Infrastructure and the Unhoused
by Ruth Ryals 08 Feb '21

08 Feb '21

There is a lot to cover at the City Council meeting tonight! There are a number of important issues coming up at City Council at Monday’s Meeting at 5:30. Speaker sign up here: https://www.cambridgema.gov/publiccomment. You can write to Council: council(a)cambridgema.gov and cc the Clerk: clerk(a)cambridgema.gov ****************************************************** I am forwarding this message from Suzanne Blier, of HSNA, because it is a good summary, and has all the right links. PSNA chose not to sign the letter, though we agree on the need for a city-wide plan. First, there was no time to have a robust discussion, but we can have it now. As someone who spent several years and attended many, many meetings for Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, I object to thinking one plan fits all of us. Different neighborhoods need different things, and I continue to believe that the planning needs to be negotiated on a neighborhood level. Further, I am suspicious that this letter ends, as so many from our neighborhood groups do, with the request to stop all development. It is hard to define how PSNA feels, as our members cover the entire spectrum. However, I do believe most of us recognize that it is not possible or healthy to freeze any part of the city as it was in 1890, or 1970, or any other point in time. Neighborhoods and cities grow and change (it is natural); that is life. We just need to work toward having it grow and change wisely. In any case, please read all about the issues, attend the city council meeting, sign up to speak, and let’s talk about it all here. Thanks, Ruth The Open Letter to City Council was also published in the Cambridge Chronicle and Cambridge Day: https://www.cambridgeday.com/2021/02/04/an-open-letter-to-the-cambridge-cit… From: <livablecambridge(a)googlegroups.com> on behalf of Suzanne Blier <suzannepblier(a)gmail.com> Date: Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 2:51 PM To: HSNA Steering Committee <HSNASteering(a)harvardsquareneighborhood.org>, livable Cambridge open <livablecambridge(a)googlegroups.com> Subject: [livablecambridgeopen] Letter to City council FW: Infrastructure and the Unhoused FYI – I hope to see many of you at Council tomorrow! This is looking to be an important meeting. Suzanne From: Suzanne Blier <suzannepblier(a)gmail.com> Date: Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 2:49 PM To: Cambridge City Council <council(a)cambridgema.gov> Cc: Cambridge City Clerk <cityclerk(a)cambridgema.gov> Subject: Infrastructure and the Unhoused Honorable Cambridge City Councillors: On Policy Order 5 asking the city manager to develop a 10-year infrastructure plan for the city. This is critical in light of all the new developments that have been and are still coming to the city, which will impact everything from electricity and plumbing to schools, traffic circulation, open spaces, the environment, and more. We are flying now without a pilot, meaning without an overall city plan, so developers are proposing and designing projects – and too often it is the neighborhood groups, and quickly assembled groups of residents that are left to address design and impacts. This important P.O. appears to have been written in part in response to a letter that a number of neighborhood groups wrote to Council last Monday asking that the city finalize the Envision Plan before more developments are approved. (see also COM 53 #2021). I urge every City Councillor to support P.O. 5 and the need for a city-wide plan (finalizing Envision). It is hard to imagine any city, much less one of our historic importance, density, and wealth, that is facing so much ongoing development, that is without a formalized City Plan in place to help shape these and future developments. Equally importantly, this plan would greatly help our Planning Board, Zoning Appeals Board, and Cambridge Historical Commission in their work. Dennis Carlone has also submitted a communication (COF 2021 #10) on the Impacts of Climate Change (Harvard Magazine - Nov-Dec 2020): A finalized Envision Plan will also help us to address these larger environmental impacts in a way that will greatly impact present and future city inhabitants. On the Unhoused and Charter Right A: This is an effort by a group of concerned citizens to house the unhoused in non-congregant housing. While part of this project was passed by Council last Monday, I want to emphasize here is how vital it is for the city to find a LONG-TERM solution to housing our homeless population. We should be a leader on this – and we are not. When politicians (and others) advocating for things such as “a warm socks drive” and similar piecemeal endeavors for the homeless, this underscores for me our intentional (verging on immoral) inadequacy as a city to address this issue. Why aren’t we providing long term non-congregant housing? Warm socks get wet and soon become dangerous. Other progressive cities have taken giant steps to address and solve this problem and it is time for us to do so as well. The fact that the federal government will pay for this effort makes it even more irresponsible that we are NOT doing something about this; Once we start this program the unhoused will also get the critical medical and other care they need. I just don’t understand those who insist “we are doing all we can” when clearly we are not! On inhospitable architecture – if we did what we need to do and actually provide housing for our unhoused this would not an issue because people would be sleeping in beds! https://www.righttohousing.com/the-project Cordially, Suzanne Blier 5 Fuller Place

1 0

Apartment vacancy near Porter Square
by Ruth Ryals 08 Feb '21

08 Feb '21

From: jamjammjamiel(a)gmail.com Date: Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:19 PM Subject: Re: Apartment vacancy We are seeking a new housemate in our five-bedroom house in Porter Square. The room rents for $730/month plus utilities with one month's security deposit required. We are looking for someone who can move in March 1, and stay through the end of the lease (August 31st). No smoking, no pets and no couples please. The house includes: two living rooms (one is a TV room and the other is the wood-stove/study room), a large kitchen with gas stove and dishwasher, a dining room, a laundry room with washer and dryer, two full bathrooms, hardwood floors, a driveway, and an enclosed backyard with a bike-storage shed and grill. The house is in a fantastic location. Porter Square is an 8 minute walk away. Mass Ave. is a block away with various restaurants within walking distance. Harvard And Davis Squares are both 15 minute walks, and the Charles River and Minuteman bike paths are about 1 mile away. The available room is on the third floor, has a great skylight and a small but mighty built-in closet. The room is not furnished. The room could fit a desk if working from home (but it might be a bit small). Otherwise, there is ample room on the first floor. The bed in the images is a Queen size. Current roommates are a mixture of young professionals and academics (late 20s to early 30s), plus one 9-month old black lab mix named Goose. All roommates currently work from home and we would prefer a new housemate who is also able to work from home. Our house takes COVID guidelines and precautions seriously. We are looking for a roommate who will be on board with these guidelines and maintain the same level of caution. We can share our list of COVID norms to make sure we are a good fit. I can forward some photos as well, if there is interest. Thanks, jamjammjamiel(a)gmail.com (jamjammjamiel(a)gmail.com) sent a message using the contact form at https://portersquare.net/contact. Hi there! I currently live near Porter along Mass Ave and will regretfully be moving out of my apartment. I was curious if this group had any resources about where I could post this apartment vacancy. I'd hate to muck up this page with solicitations, but was wondering if any such forum exists. Do you know of any? My current roommates and I were hoping to use a more target source than Craigslist. My best,

1 0

Our very own Angela!
by raryals 05 Feb '21

05 Feb '21

https://twitter.com/CambridgeLF/status/1357721415370342401?s=20 -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

1 0

Fwd: Council updates - another busy week!
by Comcast 05 Feb '21

05 Feb '21

Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.ne ________________________________ From: Patty <pattynolanz(a)gmail.com> Sent: Friday, February 5, 2021 3:27:04 PM To: rryals(a)comcast.net <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: Council updates - another busy week! View this email in your browser<https://mailchi.mp/3d34944678f9/council-updates-another-busy-week?e=380c79c…> [https://mcusercontent.com/d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90/images/c36c3082-7029-4e…] Happy February! A whirlwind of a week - our council meeting was moved to Wednesday, an ordinance meeting last night about one of the most exciting zoning petitions presented to the council, and then another council meeting on Monday. Below are a few items from the Council Agenda, some information on the vaccine rollout, and opportunities to volunteer in the city this week. There are many initiatives being planned, and the council is entering a period of numerous zoning changes being proposed and debated. All of that work continues alongside ongoing work to address the pandemic impact - which continues to upend public health, economics for small businesses and households and individuals and our city, and our mental health. In the coming months, I plan to continue to work on addressing covid (a lot of information below on the vaccines) and continue to work to address the climate crisis, the sense of belonging in the community, and justice issues. That’s it for now. Stay safe, masked up, dream of post-vaccination days, and please let me know any good news…. I could use some uplift. As always, let me know if you have questions, concerns, or issues that I can be helpful with. Patty [https://mcusercontent.com/d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90/images/07890071-f71d-4c…] Vaccine information Massachusetts is currently in Phase 2, and there are some positive signs that despite the lackluster start, the vaccine rollout will begin to pick up speed. At this moment, everyone in Phase 1 and individuals 75 years of age and older are eligible. The next parts of phase 2 will be distributed as follows: individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals with 2 or more comorbidities, early education and K-12 workers, transit, utility, food and agriculture, sanitation, public works, and public health workers, and individuals with 1 comorbidity. This eligibility questionnaire<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> can provide specific information on when you are eligible. Additionally, the city has been working hard to ensure that seniors have access to up to date information and can easily sign up for COVID vaccine appointments. The Cambridge Community Corps will be going to all senior buildings to register residents, address concerns, and administer vaccinations. Here is a list of FAQ’s from the Mayor’s office: How much does the vaccine cost? Nothing! Booking an appointment does not require payment or a credit card number to book online. Beware of scams asking for this information. Why doesn't Cambridge have a vaccination site? Massachusetts is experiencing a severe vaccine shortage. Because of this, the State is triaging its limited vaccine supply with a greater allocation to larger mass vaccination sites and smaller allocations to smaller cities and towns. The State is capping vaccine requests from local health departments at 100 doses a week through February. We are working with the State and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to launch a site as soon as we begin receiving a larger allocation of vaccines. How many doses of the COVID vaccine did Cambridge receive? The Cambridge Public Health Department received a total of 1,500 doses to conduct vaccination clinics for eligible priority groups under Phase 1. To date, over 80% of the vaccines have been administrated to our City’s first responders, health care workers, and clients and staff at area shelters. Vaccination for Phase 1 will continue. Will additional appointment slots open up at the mass vaccination sites? The Governor has stated that 120,000 new appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations will be made available next week, including 55,000 at the state’s 4 mass vaccination sites. Additionally, about 30 additional pharmacy sites will open next week with 21,000 appointments as a result of the Retail Pharmacy Program. When will teachers be able to receive the vaccine? Teachers will be eligible to receive the vaccine in the third priority group of Phase 2. The Cambridge Public Health Department is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to receive a larger vaccine supply in order to set up a specific CPS staff vaccination site. If approved, we will be able to vaccinate about 3,000 CPS staff and educators at CPS. If denied, teachers will still be able to receive the vaccine at the mass vaccination sites listed above. Where are the COVID vaccination sites located? There are many locations available to specific groups within Phase II as well as mass vaccination sites. Some are listed above, but this map also provides the closest location<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> for eligible recipients to receive their COVID vaccine. If I'm 75 years old and can't drive, is there anyone to help me get to a vaccination site? Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is offering free transportation for local seniors to get to nearby COVID-19 vaccination sites. To register for a ride, call 617-628-2601 or email info(a)eldercare.org. How do I make an appointment? If your primary care doctor is at CHA or Beth Israel Lahey, contact them to schedule your appointment. You can also make an appointment online<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> or schedule an appointment at Fenway Park or Gillette Stadium directly through CVS<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>, Walgreens<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>, or CICHealth<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>. Is there vaccine information available in other languages? Yes. Information in Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Amharic, Arabic and Chinese are available here<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>. What if my question isn't included here? The City of Cambridge has a dedicated COVID vaccine webpage<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> with additional FAQs and regularly updated information. [https://mcusercontent.com/d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90/images/1c21914b-c2e2-4b…] Council Agenda Full Agenda Here<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> Sign up for public comment here<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> City Manager Agenda item #14<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> - I charter righted this item last week because I did not believe the response from the City Solicitor was sufficient. This is what I wrote to the Solicitor in an attempt to get a clearer answer on Monday: This agenda item (a response to an earlier policy order<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>) stated that the 7 affordable units in the proposal (15% affordable) stem from Article 11, section 11.203 of the ordinance, does not directly answer the question from PO #265; namely, shouldn’t all developments and requests for special permits be required to follow all zoning at the time of the extension? The order states that projects seeking extensions should be required to follow standards - inclusionary, environmental, and any others - in place at the time of the extension. In the response, it is asserted that it is legal to NOT ask for additional affordable units. The question posed is different: what the council should know is how we CAN ask for adherence to existing zoning. This opens the possibility of asking for more. There is also the question of whether granting three separate one-year extensions is legal. The zoning code states that permits expire except if construction doesn't start for good cause, how is it possible that extensionS are granted? And if granted for longer than the initial two years of any permit, wouldn’t it make sense that multiple extensions are counter to the intent of our special permit ordinance guidelines which require construction to start within two years? PO #23 - Hostile architecture<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> - I charter righted an item seeking to eliminate all “hostile architecture” from city outdoor spaces. The term refers to concerns that much of public space includes some elements that are expressly meant to make it difficult for people to lie down and sleep - which many in the unhoused community see as unwelcoming. I also heard from people that some of the elements such as armrests can be helpful to those with mobility issues and that we should mindful as we address this issue of all residents - and include folks who are senior, disabled, and young families - in the discussions. Since the hour was late, instead of debating the changes on the floor I thought it best to work on more inclusive language to present at the next meeting. The changes I am proposing are simply to include acknowledgment of the needs of all residents. PO #26 - Universal School Meals<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> - One of the wonderful things in our city is that Cambridge several years ago made sure that all students regardless of income could access meals without the stigma of anyone knowing who was on a subsidized plan. And under Mayor Marc McGovern, meals were provided free to folks who were on reduced lunch, as opposed to free lunch status. This order supports similar efforts at the national level. No one, including of course children, should go hungry. PO #27 - Support for Lifting Our Kids Out of Deep Poverty <https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> - So much of the support that we know people need comes from the state and federal government. The state has programs that offer cash grants to low-income families through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and to disabled or elderly residents through Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC). A 10% increase was implemented earlier this year in response to the pandemic, but Governor Baker’s proposed FY2022 budget would eliminate that increase. This is not the time to pull back our support - Cambridge is restricted in our ability to respond to the pandemic by state law, and programs like these are vital to our most vulnerable residents. PO #28 - Redesigning “I Voted” stickers<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> - there are numerous languages spoken in Cambridge, and as we continue our efforts to increase voter turnout, ensuring there are materials in all languages is an important step. Ordinance meeting on Green Roofs:<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> Mothers Out Front has worked steadfastly to develop a petition with a mandate for green roofs wherever possible - both literally green as in vegetation and green as in solar panels - on new developments ad major renovations. As was pointed out in the hearing, Cambridge has had a green roof ordinance for a decade, allowing such structures. And it has been entirely ineffective at getting green roofs built - so if we want more green roofs, we need to do something different. I am fully supportive of this mandate - I do not want us to continue with only voluntary measures. And, the petition stayed in committee - which may be confusing - but it seemed to be the best way to ensure eventual passage. There are some changes that need to be made to make it as effective and useful and legal an ordinance as possible. By keeping the petition in committee, we can review such changes and pass to the full council language that can be adopted without the need for further changes. I know that Ordinance co-chairs Dennis Carlone and Marc McGovern are also fully supportive and will do all they can to ensure timely passage of this exciting petition. [https://mcusercontent.com/d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90/images/02f3c021-7499-43…] Volunteering at The Spot There are a number of open sign-ups to help out at The Spot. Many people have donated clothing, shoes, and other goods to The Spot, and now the space needs some love. The main need is organizing the space and packing bags of clothing for families who have requested certain items. Sign up here<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>! Trivia question: Fresh Pond was used as a commercial ice plant in the early 1800s. Ice was cut up and shipped in sawdust for the purposes of refrigeration. What is the furthest place that ice from Fresh Pond was shipped to? Answer from last week: Charles Sumner (seen below) - who was beaten for his abolitionist views, and was a strong leader in ending slavery AND the statue is in Cambridge only because of explicit sexism in the selection committee…..Read for more on why it’s great here<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>. [https://mcusercontent.com/d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90/images/07a537a3-d162-48…] [Twitter]<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> [Facebook]<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> Our mailing address is: Councilor Patty Nolan 184 Huron Ave Cambridge, MA 02138 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/profile?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90…> or unsubscribe from this list<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>. This email was sent to rryals(a)comcast.net<mailto:rryals@comcast.net> why did I get this?<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/about?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90&i…> unsubscribe from this list<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…> update subscription preferences<https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/profile?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea97d90…> City Councillor Patty Nolan · 184 Huron Ave · Cambridge, MA 02138-1326 · USA [Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp]<http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…>

1 0

FW: Clarendon Avenue Playground Reopens Following Completion of Improvements
by Ruth Ryals 04 Feb '21

04 Feb '21

From: <itomeu(a)cambridgema.gov> on behalf of Ini Tomeu <itomeu(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 5:45 PM To: <info(a)portersquare.net> Subject: Clarendon Avenue Playground Reopens Following Completion of Improvements City of Cambridge Contact: Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer itomeu(a)cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release Clarendon Avenue Playground Reopens Following Completion of Improvements Cambridge, MA February 4, 2021 -- The City of Cambridge announced the reopening of the Clarendon Avenue Playground in North Cambridge. Located at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Clarendon Avenue, the park features an improved entry plaza and seating area. The park now includes a greater variety of play opportunities with the addition of swings, a water table to accompany the relocated sand play area, and loose play materials to encourage creative play. Other features include the addition of new furniture, a new rubberized surface and shade structure, and additional site plantings. The $1.26 million renovation to the park was funded through a combination of Community Preservation Act funds and free cash. “We take great pride in providing high-quality parks throughout the city for our residents,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Clarendon Avenue Playground,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development. “We’d like to thank all those who had a part in this project, including the Cambridge City Council and Community Preservation Act Committee, city staff, and community members who contributed their time and energy to being a part of the public process for this project.” The park improvements were guided by the goals of the City’s work as part of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Initiative. The goals of the Healthy Parks and Playgrounds Initiative are to provide a diverse range of play opportunities throughout the city that are fun, physically challenging, creatively stimulating and socially engaging, and that serve children and adults of all different age groups, ability levels, and interests. Before visiting the playground, the public is encouraged to review the services page of the City’s COVID-19 website prior to their visit to learn about any park restrictions. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, please remember the basics to wear a mask or face covering, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when able.   -###- This email was sent to info(a)portersquare.net City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Executive Office, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States Unsubscribe

1 0

2/5 Chelsea Donations via Cohousing
by Ruth Ryals 04 Feb '21

04 Feb '21

Greetings Porter Square area neighbors! This Friday, February 5, Cambridge Cohousing continues the neighborhood food collection to our Chelsea partner at St. Luke’s Church, which distributes food on Saturday mornings. We also continue to collect Children's books, used in good condition or new. We will have a separate box next to the food collection box where you can leave books. Thank you. DROP OFF TIME: Friday, Feb 5, anytime from 9am to 3:00pm. NOTE: any food left off after 3pm we still collect and deliver the following week, so all gets there eventually! WHERE: 175 Richdale Ave entrance to Cohousing. Please leave items just inside the gate either in or, if full, beside boxes marked FOR CHELSEA. Various ones of us will be around to receive your food donations. THANK YOU!! REMEMBER TO DONATE ONLY THE FOOD ITEMS LISTED BELOW and be sure food is in original packaging. nothing can be open, or re-bagged in any way. if it is, we have to dispose of it. Also, there is a need again for DIAPERS, so include those if you can/want. Lastly, our Chelsea partner is happy to accept & distribute GIFT CARDS (Market Basket, Target, TJ MAxx, CVS), and prefer and appreciate the actual food donations. Thank you! * Rice, 2-3 lb bags * beans, dried and canned * tomatoes, canned * dry pasta * tuna * unsweetened cereals * baby food, unsweetened STRONG REMINDER -- PLEASE NO flour, sugar, condiments, and especially NO fresh foods/vegetables or fruits (supplied by generous food producer) -- Please email Anne Tonachel (annert(a)gmail.com) or myself (polly.attwood(a)gmail.com) if you have any questions. Thank you for your continued support, Anne and Polly

1 0

FW: [Porter square] Fwd: [ACN] Today- Housing on Council agenda; Green Roofs Feb. 4
by Ruth Ryals 03 Feb '21

03 Feb '21

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lee Farris <Lee(a)leefarris.net> Date: Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 1:56 PM Subject: [ACN] Today- Housing on Council agenda; Green Roofs Feb. 4 To: Cambridge Residents Alliance CORE <cambridge-residents-alliance-core(a)googlegroups.com>, Cambridge Neighborhood Association Google Group <association-of-cambridge-neighborhoods(a)googlegroups.com> Cc: Fresh Pond Residents Alliance <fresh-pond-residents-alliance(a)googlegroups.com> Dear neighbor, As you likely know, the City Council meeting was moved to today at 5:30pm due to the snow storm on Monday. There are some housing items you may want to comment on. Let the Council know your thoughts— in your own words— by sending your comments to council(a)cambridgema.gov, and copy clerk(a)cambridgema.gov . Please BCC Lee(a)LeeFarris.net so we can know how many emails were sent. You can sign up to speak and watch via zoom here . Individual rooms for homeless residents: This policy order (POR 2021 #13), which was charter righted by Councillor Simmons at a previous meeting, asks the City to move forward with contracting individual rooms for homeless residents during the pandemic from the New England School of English on Green Street. The site was contracted by the state government for homeless residents a few months ago, but the state funding will run out in the next few weeks. There is now additional support for the City to move forward with this since the Biden administration announced that FEMA will be reimbursing cities 100% of the costs for non-congregate spaces for homeless residents during the pandemic. The Cambridge Residents Alliance strongly supports this proposal. Citizens Petition - “Missing Middle” Housing APP 2021 #3 A citizens petition was introduced to change zoning citywide to allow the development of 40’ tall market-rate multi-family buildings in every residential area and change many elements of existing zoning, including no longer requiring off-street parking. The petition is supported by A Better Cambridge. There will be a joint Housing and NLTP committee meeting to discuss ending one- and two-family zoning on February 17 at 2 pm. There are potential consequences of this change, such as upzoning windfalls, impact on affordable housing, racial justice, climate resiliency - all of which need to be understood. The Cambridge Residents Alliance has some concerns about the petition, and wants to learn more at the 2/17 meeting. === Thurs. Feb. 4, 5:30pm, The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Green Roofs zoning petition. It calls for rooftop uses to be “vegetated or biosolar” on new construction or significant rehabilitations of buildings 20,000 square feet and larger. The Cambridge Residents Alliance supports this petition. You can email your comments to council(a)cambridgema.gov, and copy clerk(a)cambridgema.gov . Please BCC Lee(a)LeeFarris.net so we can know how many emails were sent. You can sign up to speak and watch via zoom here . More info: https://www.cambridgeday.com/2020/12/02/we-cant-afford-green-roofs-law-to-s… Please feel to forward this email. Thanks, Lee Farris, Cambridge Residents Alliance -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com -- View this message at https://groups.google.com/d/msg/portersquare/topic-id/message-id -- To post to this group, send email to portersquare(a)googlegroups.com Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/portersquare To unsubscribe from this group, send email to portersquare+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Porter Square Neighbors Association" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to portersquare+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/portersquare/CANCjpgRY1jnXr_7FwGamPCTzdDr….

1 0

Executive Director Search Begins!
by Ruth Ryals 02 Feb '21

02 Feb '21

View this email in your browser Search for Executive Director Begins Yes, you heard it right—we're looking for our first Executive Director! We want to hear from individuals who are not just experienced, but are excited about the mission of the Foundry and the opportunity to be a part of the exciting future that awaits the East Cambridge/Kendall Square neighborhood. For more information about the Foundry and the job description, visit the Foundry web site by clicking here. Please note: ALL inquiries about the position should be directed to http://annlsilverman.com/foundry-ed/. Learn more about the Foundry at CambridgeFoundry.org. This email was sent to rryals(a)comcast.net why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Foundry Consortium · c/o Lemelson-MIT Program · 222 Third Street, Suite 0300 · Cambridge, MA 02142 · USA

1 0

Tomorrow Night--Planning Board & Town Gown Reports!
by Ruth Ryals 01 Feb '21

01 Feb '21

Hope all is well and that you are snug and safe! Just a reminder to folks that tomorrow night is "Town Gown" night at the Planning Board (6:30 via Zoom), where Harvard, Lesley, MIT, and Hult University (part of EF education) will provide campus planning/community benefit updates to the Board and answer questions from the public. The pandemic has really put a spotlight on what is lost when the public realm is lost. Many of us live in small spaces and can't travel, and many of us take for granted the amenities provided by local institutions--from green space and meeting space, to educational and cultural activities. Many of us have built our lives here assuming easy access to these things, and now we know what life is like when they are gone in the physical sense. The Town Gown Planning Board meeting is a good opportunity for people to show up (online) and state how important it is, that we NOT LOSE GROUND, and that we work reasonably and collaboratively toward a time when we can have safe access to these things once again. It would be too easy for schools to whisk things away and prohibit public access, using safety and protection of students as the excuse. I really hope some of you will testify on the importance of this access. Further, the interaction with the public is a benefit to students as well--they cannot grow if they are unrealistically sheltered from other human beings. See you all online soon.

1 0

FW: COVID-19 Vaccine Updates 2/1/21
by Ruth Ryals 01 Feb '21

01 Feb '21

This is the latest in COVID vaccination info, and background. Ruth From: Marjorie Decker <repdecker(a)gmail.com> Reply-To: <repdecker(a)gmail.com> Date: Monday, February 1, 2021 at 3:33 PM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: COVID-19 Vaccine Updates 2/1/21 Hi, just a reminder that you're receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Friends of Marjorie Decker. Don't forget to add repdecker(a)gmail.com to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. Dear Cambridge residents, Last week, I sent you information regarding the rollout of the state vaccination signup. I want to be clear that I am giving you information sent to us from Governor Baker, who is managing the vaccination rollout. At this time the City of Cambridge has no control over opening vaccination sites. I am communicating my concerns to Governor Baker, by way of email, conversations with Secretary Sudders, Speaker Mariano and on Twitter. While I might not like the answers the Governor has, or may even disagree with his choices, he owes the public more clarity and transparency. Ideally, he should be holding a press conference every day to answer our questions. Otherwise, he risks an erosion of public confidence, which no one can afford to lose in a public health crisis. What considerations were taken into account when deciding what groups would be eligible for the vaccine and when? These are the state's Vaccine Advisory Group's priorities. I am trying to hold them to these standards, particularly the last: Preserve the healthcare system Limit severe morbidity and mortality Promote equity What are the different types of vaccination sites? >From what we understand, public vaccination sites other than mass vaccination sites or pharmacies working with the federal partnership program were identified by the state and then asked if they could provide vaccines to the general public or only to local residents. You will see a color code for these different types of sites on the vaccination location map. Red star: Mass vaccination sites (high volume, large venue sites) Green star: General vaccination sites (healthcare locations) Blue star: General vaccination sites (pharmacy/grocery locations) Yellow star: Local vaccination sites (Note: Check the "Serves" field in the pin details. These sites are only open to residents of select cities and towns.) Why doesn't Cambridge have a vaccination site? We all want a vaccination site to open in Cambridge - every city should have easy access. As soon as the CHA and DPH have the supply and the green light they will move ahead. The City does not have control but there is a plan ready to launch once we get that green light. Unfortunately, we are not there yet, and Governor Baker needs to do a better job every day of explaining why not. How many vaccines are we receiving and administering? Massachusetts is receiving 86,000 first doses of the vaccine weekly. By mid-February, we will have staffed capacity to administer around 305,000 doses per week, and a supply of roughly 100,000 weekly first doses and 100,000 weekly second doses. Those doses will be administered at a rate of about: 76,000 doses per week at 6 mass vaccination sites 38,000 doses per week at public vaccination sites like CVS and Walgreens 19,000 vaccinations per week at restricted vaccination sites. 86,000 doses per week each at 1) other providers such as congregate care settings and correctional facilities and 2) health systems, PCPs and health care centers. The bottleneck in vaccination is due to a limited supply, not a shortage of staff to administer vaccinations. That being said, if you are a health professional who would like to volunteer to help with the state's COVID-19 response, you can sign up here. How can I make an appointment? If you have a primary care provider, it's a good idea to check with them. Some residents have had much more success scheduling appointments through their doctor's office than through the state's website. If you have access to a computer and are able to navigate the sites, you can access the state's website at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. There you will see two options: a link to follow if you are over 75 and a set of questions to answer to determine your eligibility otherwise. Once you confirm your eligibility, you can search for a nearby site on the vaccination location map or by zip code. You can also try to find an appointment directly through CVS,Walgreens , or CICHealth (for Gillette or Fenway). The City of Cambridge has updates about the vaccine at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/vaccine. We need a more streamlined approach that is both technologically user friendly and meets the following criteria: One-stop Multilingual Accessible by website and phone. We need a system that is more inclusive and efficient one that can meet the needs of Seniors and many others who will need to be engaged through known relationships. What is going on with the registration system? At this time, it is clear that Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito have developed a delivery system that centers seniors who are able to access the State's website and have hours to hit a refresh button in search of finding an available appointment. If you live in Cambridge, or the many other communities that do not have a vaccination site, you also need to have safe transportation. Even if you are a senior who meets these criteria, we know that many of this subgroup of seniors has struggled to get appointments. Governor Baker has announced that a phone number for booking appointments will launch this week but that will not solve many of these challenges. What about the barriers to access? This then leads us to the reality that many seniors were not centered in this rollout. The delivery system is failing seniors who can't access and/or navigate the website, do not speak English, do not have transportation, or are unaware or unable to participate and engage in the vaccination process. I have also asked for further clarity in what seems to be a change in prioritizing seniors in public housing. At one point this category was included in the priority groups for Phase Two but it seems to have disappeared last week. This needs to be clear and transparent in communications from Governor Baker. I'm worried about constituents, residents across the state, and my own family members who would have been vaccinated by now if they lived in other states. I'm seeing your social media posts, reading your emails, sharing your frustration, and - most importantly - engaging with the governor's office for more transparency and access. We need better answers or the public's trust will continue to erode. I believe that over the month of February this will become more streamlined, but that is no this is of no consolation to those who may contract the virus between now and getting a vaccination, or to their families. Until this process improves, I share the angst of the roller coaster of this moment. I'm not passive and I'm doing everything I can. I'm also trying to appreciate the obstacles that are before us right now for a variety of reasons, good and bad. Is there any good news? I was relieved to see that 100% of skilled nursing facilities and rest home clinics have been scheduled, as have 95% of assisted living residence clinics and 92% of continuing care retirement community clinics. In addition, 100% of skilled nursing facility first dose clinics have been completed, as have 74% of assisted living residence first dose clinics and 77% of continuing care retirement community first dose clinics. I am also glad that today, after its soft launch, Fenway is open as a mass vaccination site. It will offer 500 doses a day with an eventual goal of 1,250 a day. In preparation for the upcoming snow storm, it opened an hour early this morning and officials encouraged people with afternoon appointments to come before 1:00 PM today instead. I am a Senior, how can I get help with transportation? Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is offering free transportation, via one of its transportation providers, for local older adults to nearby COVID-19 vaccination sites. To register for a ride, call 617-628-2601 or email info(a)eldercare.org. Read more here. Governor Baker has asked for your patience and persistence as they are adding new appointments on a rolling basis. While this is not an acceptable solution or a response to the crisis, I also believe that he and his team will continue to make improvements. If you are a constituent and you are having difficulty making an appointment, please email my office at Marjorie.Decker(a)mahouse.gov and we will do the best that we can to assist you. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker(a)MAHouse.gov. Sincerely, Marjorie Friends of Marjorie Decker P.O.Box 390431 Cambridge, MA 02139 See what's happening on our social sites Friends of Marjorie Decker, PO Box 390431, Cambridge, MA 02139 SafeUnsubscribe™ rryals(a)comcast.net Forward this email | Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by repdecker(a)gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

1 0