November 2022 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Coffee with a Cop this Friday at Porter Square's Cafe Nerro
by Comcast 29 Nov '22

29 Nov '22

________________________________ Please come to say hi, thanks, or talk about a problem! Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.net ________________________________ From: Warnick,Jeremy <jwarnick(a)CambridgePolice.Org> Sent: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 4:35:54 PM To: RUTH RYALS <rryals(a)comcast.net> Cc: Bongiorno, Anthony <abongiorno(a)CambridgePolice.Org>; Yam, Buckowe <BYam(a)CambridgePolice.Org>; Green, Kessen <kgreen(a)cambridgepolice.org> Subject: Coffee with a Cop this Friday at Porter Square's Cafe Nerro Hi Ruth, I wanted to make you aware that we will be hosting a Coffee with a Cop event at the Café Nerro in Porter Square this Friday. We will be sending out communications to our alert subscribers in the area starting tomorrow. Coffee with a Cop Friday, December 2, 2022 from 8-10 a.m. Café Nerro, 1868 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA Members of the Cambridge Police look forward to meeting with residents at the next Coffee with a Cop on Friday, December 2 from 8-10 a.m. at Caffè Nero in Porter Square (1868 Massachusetts Avenue). https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/cambridgepolice/Calendar/view.aspx?…<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambr…> If you are able to join us that would be wonderful to meet in person. And, if you are able to share the flyer and the above information with any of the PSNA list serves you manage, that would be appreciated too! Jeremy Warnick Pronouns: He, Him, His Director of Communications & Media Relations Cambridge Police Department 125 Sixth Street Cambridge, MA 02142 O: 617-349-3237 C: 617-872-3410 E: jwarnick(a)cambridgepolice.org<mailto:jwarnick@cambridgepolice.org>. Twitter<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.c…> | Facebook<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.faceb…> | Instagram<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.insta…> | YouTube<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fyoutube.co…> | Nextdoor<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnextdoor.…> | Tip411<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapp.citiz…> Download our free MyPD mobile app for iOS<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambri…> or Android<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cambri…> today!

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(no subject)
by raryals 28 Nov '22

28 Nov '22

Begin forwarded message: *From:* Simone liebman <berlin2(a)verizon.net> *Date:* November 18, 2022 at 11:26:48 AM EST *To:* raryals(a)gmail.com *Cc:* Simone liebman <berlin2(a)verizon.net> *Subject:* *Posting* Hi Ruth: Would you be willing to post this on the list serve? These are a dear friend’s young professional adult cousins looking to rent in the area. Thank you! Simone 12 Vincent “ Hi! We are Josh and Naomi, new to Boston and looking to rent a 2 bedroom apartment around Porter square (ideally within easy walking distance). We are married and both engineers, recently arrived from Israel. Looking forward to getting to know the area! Josh: 857-274-6744” Thanks! Sent from my iPhone -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: [ACN] Support municipal broadband Fwd: Upgrade Cambridge action alert
by raryals 27 Nov '22

27 Nov '22

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lee Farris <Lee(a)leefarris.net> Date: Sun, Nov 27, 2022 at 4:19 PM Subject: [ACN] Support municipal broadband Fwd: Upgrade Cambridge action alert To: Cambridge Residents Alliance CORE < cambridge-residents-alliance-core(a)googlegroups.com>, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods < association-of-cambridge-neighborhoods(a)googlegroups.com> Cambridge Residents Alliance has long supported municipal broadband. Please see the email below on how you can contact the city council to support it. Thanks, Lee Lee(a)LeeFarris.net 617-354-6740 (9am-10pm) Begin forwarded message: *From: *Upgrade Cambridge <info(a)upgradecambridge.org> *Subject: **Upgrade Cambridge action alert* *Date: *November 27, 2022 at 10:13:15 AM EST *Reply-To: *Upgrade Cambridge <info(a)upgradecambridge.org> Broadband Roundtable at City Hall This is a reminder that the Cambridge City Council is holding a Roundtable <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> to discuss Municipal Broadband this Monday November 28 at 5:30PM in the Sullivan Chamber (the usual City Council meeting room) at City Hall. Please attend the meeting in person if you can, or join online via Zoom <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…>. Note that there is no public comment but our presence will be felt by the councilors and the city manager and city staff. It is important that the councilors understand that there is a broad base of support for municipal broadband in Cambridge. You can send an email to the entire City Council <council@cambridgema.gov,citymanager@cambridgema.gov,clerk@cambridgema.gov?subject=Municipal%20Broadband%20Roundtable%20May%2028%205%3A30%20PM&body=Honorable%20Councilors%20and%20City%20Manager%20Huang%2C%0A> or to individual councilors <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> and the City Manager <citymanager@cambridgema.gov?subject=Municipal%20Broadband%20Roundtable%20Monday%20November%2028&body=Dear%20City%20Manager%20Huang%2C%0A> this weekend so they will get it before the Monday meeting. Personalize your message with the reasons you are looking forward to Municipal Broadband. Are you eager to switch from your current provider (Comcast) but there isn’t an alternative? Are you unhappy with the terms of service, e.g. lengthy contract, teaser rates, data caps, poor service, etc. Upgrade Cambridge sent this message <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> to the council members and the city manager. <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a58570e1debe993…> Want to change how you receive these emails? This email was sent to Lee(a)LeeFarris.net *why did I get this?* <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/about?u=a58570e1debe99344c8bc…> unsubscribe from this list <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=a58570e1debe993…> update subscription preferences <https://upgradecambridge.us17.list-manage.com/profile?u=a58570e1debe99344c8…> Upgrade Cambridge · 40 Cottage St · Cambridge, MA 02139 · USA [image: Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] <http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm…> -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to association-of-cambridge-neighborhoods+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com . To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/association-of-cambridge-neighborhoods/5F… <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/association-of-cambridge-neighborhoods/5F…> . -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: [CLF] Sharing our 2022 holiday gift guide with your networks
by raryals 26 Nov '22

26 Nov '22

Here you go! ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Cambridge Local First (CLF) <info(a)cambridgelocalfirst.org> Date: Tue, Nov 22, 2022 at 4:20 PM Subject: Our 2022 holiday gift guide is live! Dive into our Local Holiday Gift Guide, your one-stop-shop to find unique gifts curated by your favorite local and independent businesses. View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/d4ac85738707/our-2022-holiday-gift-guide-is-live?e=30e97…> Cambridge Local First's 2022 Local Holiday Gift Guide is live! Dive into our Local Holiday Gift Guide, your one-stop-shop to find unique gifts curated by your favorite local and independent businesses. Browse by category, check out our full list of local businesses, or explore upcoming promotions and events to find memorable gifts for friends and family! *This year’s guide was developed with generous support from the Cambridge Office of Tourism.* Explore the Gift Guide <https://cambridgelocalfirst.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=91ccba3f40b4…> Stay tuned for more information about Shop Local Weekend and updates to the guide, as we continue to populate it with curated staff recommendations, product galleries, and more. If you're a local business interested in being featured in holiday promotions, you can still fill out this form <https://cambridgelocalfirst.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=91ccba3f40b4…>. -- Theodora M. Skeadas Executive Director Cambridge Local First She/her -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Join Postcard Campaign for Georgia Run-off:
by HLA 24 Nov '22

24 Nov '22

Hi All Cheers, Hayley The coordinator for this project unexpectedly received 20,000 more cards so if you feel so moved to help Directions for Pick Up 11 Huron Ave. Cambridge MA 02138. Gray house with white trim at the very end of Huron Avenue (one house from the corner on the left, if you are coming from the West (crossing Concord Ave and Garden St)). The cross street where Huron Ave ends is Raymond. We are one house from the intersection of Raymond and Huron. You will likely see a white VW parked in our driveway. You can park directly across the street. Walk up the steps and through the white gate. The second 2-door shed (on the left when you enter the gate) will have the materials in it. Envelopes will be provided with the appropriate number of labels Cards: 250 per pack. Note: (Cards are NOT in the envelope with labels). Join Postcard Campaign for Georgia Run-off: Final Push to Preserve Democracy Please come get the them and mail them out as soon as possible to maximize effectiveness-. Hopefully before Thanksgiving and at the VERY latest by the 27. You may want to order your 60 cent stamps for 1 day free delivery on line from Office Max or Office Depot. Add a post card event to your Thanksgiving day celebration to involve family and friends in this evidence-based Post Card Project that is EASY to do (MINIMAL WRITING). This high impact project uses a carefully targeted approach that we used in the 2020 Georgia senate runoff election which proved to be nearly 4 times more effective than many other large post cards/letters campaigns. It is a follow-up to the very similar 120,000 card Georgia campaign we just completed for the Midterm Election. We provide pre-printed address labels and eye-catching cards (in packs of 250) with pre-written message on the back and, requiring only three written words ("Dear Sally " and volunteers first name). No charge for cards or labels. (You pay only for 60 cent stamps.) Rapid turn-around is critical for the Dec 6 Voting date.

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Sponsor a child OPERATION ELF
by HLA 22 Nov '22

22 Nov '22

Hi All Please support this Massachusetts based 501C3 organization that provides New England kids with gifts that the kids requested [sad to say we have noticed in recent years kids are asking for clothes, so we also add an age appropriate fun gift as well] My daughter and I have participated for many years and I hope you will join us. Email me if you want to participate but aren't able to shop and we will deliver them to one of the ELF dropoff houses. https://www.operationelf.org/ Best, Hayley > > 2022 ELF campaign > [http://www.operationelf.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Op_Elf_Logo1.png] https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… > > Sponsors A Child's Wish > > You can make a real impact and be part of generating the 'ELF magic' and brighten a child's or teen's entire holiday, by anonymously gifting them exactly what they've wished for this year. > > Sign Up to Sponsor https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… > > How it works: > Create your ELF profile HERE https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… to access the sponsorship request form > On the sponsorship form, please choose your preferred dropoff location, or let us know if you would prefer to ship directly to that location > You will be matched with a child’s specific wishes as soon as we receive them from their referring agency > Clear instructions will be included in your confirmation email and you take it from there! > > The children and teens we serve are in at-risk situations across Massachusetts and greater New England. We partner with many local community agencies that review each child’s situation prior to including them in our program. The gifts you provide are the only gifts this child will receive this holiday season. We typically suggest budgeting $40-$60 for each child's/ teen's wish sponsored. > > Become an ELF Sponsor of a child’s wish... > And you will be part of something truly meaningful and magical this coming holiday season! > Add ELF as your https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… > Amazon Smile > Sponsor NOW! https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… > > OperationELF | 978-267-7ELF (7353) | 1 Meadowbrook Dr, Andover, MA 01018 | https://www.operationelf.org/ > [Facebook] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… [Twitter] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… [LinkedIn] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001D0IYe5bo9RV7Qj5oEBsOeSt1s4exem55ukcHuw13bZi… > > Operation ELF | 1 Meadowbrook Drive, Andover, MA 01810 > Unsubscribe hla(a)comcast.net https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001aXVmJ_WhaSPSFozbshUi9g%3D&… > Update Profile https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001aXVmJ_WhaSPSFozbshUi9g%3D&… | Constant Contact Data Notice https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice > Sent by kwgcoach(a)gmail.com mailto:kwgcoach@gmail.com powered by > [Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=ROVING&nav=… > Try email marketing for free today! http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=ROVING&nav=… >

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Fwd: [Porter square] Fw: AHO Amendment Petition - Please Reject
by raryals 21 Nov '22

21 Nov '22

FFYI ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: 'Peter Kroon' via Porter Square Neighbors Association < portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Date: Mon, Nov 21, 2022 at 4:00 PM Subject: [Porter square] Fw: AHO Amendment Petition - Please Reject To: North Commons <northcommons(a)groups.io>, Porter Square Neighbors Association <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Dear neighbors. Please be aware that a zoning petition has been submitted that would allow 15 story buildings along Mass Av and 25 story buildings in Harvard Sq and Porter Sq. If you have thoughts on this topic that you want to share with the City Council, now's a good time to speak up. ----- Forwarded Message ----- *From:* Peter Kroon <pbkroon(a)yahoo.com> *To:* Cambridge City Council <council(a)cambridgema.gov>; Cambridge City Clerk <clerk(a)cambridgema.gov>; Iram Farooq <ifarooq(a)cambridgema.gov> *Cc:* Craig Kelley <craigarthurkelley(a)gmail.com>; Jan Devereux < jan.devereux(a)gmail.com> *Sent:* Monday, November 21, 2022 at 03:51:27 PM EST *Subject:* AHO Amendment Petition - Please Reject Dear City Councillors and City Staff The AHO passed in 2020 after re-submittal and with hard fought compromises for privacy, height, open space, parking, oversight and other important abuttor considerations. Residents who opposed a city-wide zoning overlay as overkill were ASSURED that (a) the AHO would meet the desired goals of around 100 new affordable units a year and (b) that the development would be done by parties that all had impeccable track records of building tasteful projects that have blended in to their neighborhoods. Now, in what appears to be a political stunt, since the timing will result in noisy hearings during an election year, several councilors are proposing via petition a drastic (double and triple) up-zoning of the AHO to allow 15 story and 25 story buildings in parts of the city where such buildings will literally tower over their surroundings. And with the real possibility of zero setbacks, zero green space and zero parking, which will unfairly impact surrounding abuttors. I have not seen any argument that the AHO is not fulfilling its goals, in fact as far as we civilians know it *is* meeting and even exceeding its goals. I urge you to REJECT this petition and to consider instead zoning adjustments that will stimulate additional dwelling units in the form of accessory apartments and two to eight unit infill projects that will blend contextually and appropriately into existing neighborhoods. Cordially, Peter Kroon 16 Linnaean St Cambridge ********************* raryals <raryals(a)gmail.com> 4:09 PM (4 minutes ago) to CityCouncil, citymanager, bazeem, mmcgovern, dsimmons, qzondervan, Sumbul , amallon, dcarlone, Patricia, Paul, bcc: Ruth, bcc: me To all of my City Councillors, I am not against density, even height, but dropping a 25 story building in an area where 6 stories is not even usual is alarming. To try to push it through quickly is even more alarming. First, I absolutely do not believe we do anyone a service, when we do not allow them, and the climate, some respite, some room to breathe. Elsewhere, the trend is to integrate low/mid-income housing, not segregate the low and medium income in tall buildings. Elsewhere such buildings are being torn down because they were a bad idea. Where is this amendment coming from? Why is it not being vetted with all of us, the residents and business owners in these targeted locations? Why is it not going through normal zoning steps? Are you even interested in whether we want Porter Square to look like Kendall Square? (Personally, I am OK with taller buildings around the major transit hubs, but not even half that tall.) Why are you proposing putting lower and middle income individuals/families in boxes, all the way to the lot edges, segregated from all other buildings in the neighborhood and singled out by their address alone? Isn't the world going the other way, integrating different economic residents into existing neighborhoods? No side clearances, no setbacks in the front or back of the property? No open space? Why this disconnect with our climate emergency? With our need for open space and trees? Please STOP till you talk to us, ALL of us! Please send this recommended amendment through regular channels (Zoning Ordinance Article 5.28.2, amendment), and don't spring it on a population not paying enough attention, with no warning or discussion! We do not need a Council willing to build density at any cost, and one which is listening to only one or two groups in our city. Ruth Ryals (32 yr resident) 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA -- 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/1441999027.2650745.166906442… <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/portersquare/1441999027.2650745.166906442…> . -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: A map, a photo and some more concerns - Re: [Porter square] There is tall, and there is REALLY tall
by raryals 21 Nov '22

21 Nov '22

I urge everyone to write all of our councillors, now , as this comes up tonight. My points would be: Where is this coming from? Why is it not being vetted with all of us, the residents and business owners in these targeted locations? Who wants Porter Square to look like Kendal? (Personally, I am OK with taller buildings around the major transit hubs, but not even half that tall.) Why are they proposing putting lower and middle income individuals/families in boxes, segregated from all other buildings in the neighborhood and singled out by their address alone? Isn't the world going the other way, integrating different economic residents in neighborhoods? With no side clearances, no setbacks in the front or back of the property? With no open space? Where is the disconnect with our climate emergency? With our need for open space and trees? Tell them to STOP till they talk to all of this, Tell them to send this through regular channels, not spring it on a population not paying enough attention, with adequate warning, discussion! Please write to the City Council (NOW) giving them a concrete example of a proper zoning amendment process through the Conversion of Non-Residential Structures to Residential Use (Zoning Ordinance Article 5.28.2) amendment. Please sign up to speak tonight. We do not need Council to hear only from pro development and pro affordable housing *at any cost *proponents. https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/citycouncil Ruth ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Elisabeth Werby <eawerby(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Nov 21, 2022 at 11:13 AM Subject: Re: A map, a photo and some more concerns - Re: [Porter square] There is tall, and there is REALLY tall The WHEREAS in the proposed amendment that "The active affordable housing developers in Cambridge are in agreement that these changes will make a big difference" suggests that the proposal was written and vetted by the developers. Since when have these developers been concerned with impacts on environment, traffic and parking, infrastructure issues that affect all Cambridge residents? Blier, Suzanne Sun, Nov 20, 8:28 AM (1 day ago) to Young, RUTH, Porter, SUSAN In addition to massive structures on many of our avenues (see map below), 25 story buildings will be allowed in Porter Square (and near Somerville), Harvard Square and Central Square as well as any other place where a developer can co-join properties to create an “AHO Square.” On this map from Robert Winters’ Cambridge Civic site all the black lines could be of 10-15 story heights. The picture below shows 25 story heights the Smith Center in Harvard Square is “only” 10 stories. Note that last year the city approved 6 AHO properties– 1000 units, so the AHO system is working. Since we have c.7,000 Cambridge-specific residents on our housing list, AHO units turn over relatively quickly we are addressing these concerns thoughtfully already. Moreover, like other AHO, this radical plan does nothing to help our lower income residents build equity through home ownership. And, the city itself owns 15 parking garages (or lots) and owns ten “vacant or underutilized” properties that should be used for housing before a radical plan like this is even discussed. When we build on city owned land we can guarantee that all inhabitants are indeed Cambridge residents if we use city funds for this entirely. The environmental impacts will be massive, to say nothing about problems with infrastructure and transportation, and the fact that this runs counter to multiple elements of our multi-million $$ Envision plan, to say nothing of ongoing processes on rezoning Cambridge Street northern Mass Ave. since we have very little transparency or oversight on these units, Jefferson Park cost over $110 million apiece. $110 million per unit is far higher than even market rate housing costs. Alas, unlike in 40B affordable housing projects which most state communities build, that must follow state rules that limit developer profits, our AHO housing has no such developer profit limits. To John’s question AHO residents are allowed to earn up to c.125% of area median income; the target amount is c.75% area median income. So most residents have to work and often need cars to get where they are going if they work off hours or in areas where public transit is not available. Here is the petition itself: https://www.cccoalition.org/uploads/1/2/5/9/125984883/aho_amendment.pdf [image: Diagram Description automatically generated] On Mon, Nov 21, 2022 at 10:21 AM John Hanratty <jhanratty(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Suzanne, > > Thanks for your answers. I’m on the AHO site but not finding answers. > So, some final questions (I think) 😊 > > > > How does proposed amendments to the zoning change the process for > constructing large buildings in our neighborhood. Do developers get a > rubber stamp to build without neighborhood input? Is the council just > by-passing the zoning laws that protect neighborhood character and > infrastructure? The petition specifically omits any parking and maybe > traffic considerations, which is problematic. Do water, sewage, > electricity, cable, and other infrastructure just automagically com up with > extra local capacity? Are the changes going to unleash a ‘wild west’ > scenario? > > > > I guess I should start asking the council these and more questions. > > > > John > > > > *From: *Walter Wedlock <wcwftgt(a)yahoo.com> > *Date: *Monday, November 21, 2022 at 9:56 AM > *To: *Blier, Suzanne <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> > *Cc: *John Hanratty <jhanratty(a)gmail.com>, John Grady < > grady_john(a)wheatoncollege.edu>, Young Kim <ycknorris(a)gmail.com>, RUTH > RYALS <rryals(a)comcast.net>, Porter Square Neighbors Association < > portersquare(a)googlegroups.com>, SUSAN E FRANKLE <susanfrankle(a)comcast.net> > *Subject: *Re: A map, a photo and some more concerns - Re: [Porter > square] There is tall, and there is REALLY tall > > If there going to build anything it should be a parking garage in Porter > Sq. > > We have lost all the parking on Mass Ave so if anyone needs to got to that > part of town to shop it’s a hassle. > > Thanks, > > Walter C. Wedlock > > 617-838-7563 > > > > *"Faith is not about everything turning * > > *out alright.* > > *It's about being all right, * > > *no matter how things * > > *turn out"* > > > > On Nov 21, 2022, at 9:22 AM, Blier, Suzanne <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> wrote: > > > > Hi John, > > First, because we are taking federal and state money for this program we > are not exclusively housing Cambridge residents – but others from around > the area, state, and country. We could be funding it on our own and build > on city owned property (leasing it to affordable housing providers) which > not only would make this less expensive but also would guarantee > Cambridge-specific residents – and we could then prioritize for teachers, > etc. There are differences with Section 8 housing (very low income) and AHO > housing in terms of income levels. My understanding is that we do go to > 125% area median income, but target 75% area median income. Note that > affordable housing built using state 40B applications have limits on the > percentage of developers’ profits, but AHO projects do not. This may be > one reason why one unit at Jefferson Park cost more than $900,000 to build > (double the price of what on developer told me he could construct such a > unit for). Alas there is no transparency here on this. And, the Affordable > Housing Trust itself is made up largely of developers of affordable housing > properties who tend to support each other’s projects with very little > oversight or regard to costs. > > Suzanne > > > > *From: *<portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> on behalf of John Hanratty < > jhanratty(a)gmail.com> > *Date: *Monday, November 21, 2022 at 9:08 AM > *To: *John Grady <grady_john(a)wheatoncollege.edu>, "Blier, Suzanne" < > blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> > *Cc: *Young Kim <ycknorris(a)gmail.com>, Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net>, > Porter Square Neighbors Association <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com>, > Susan Frankle <susanfrankle(a)comcast.net> > *Subject: *Re: A map, a photo and some more concerns - Re: [Porter > square] There is tall, and there is REALLY tall > > > > More questions: > > > > I’m trying to understand the target resident for AH in Cambridge. I get a > different answer for everyone I talk to. I’m hearing from affordable > housing experts (manage, finance and monitor compliance for affordable > properties nation-wide & Larry’s post) that most AH properties are need > federal support for viability. These programs requires that residents > have incomes 60% or below the median ($75,700 for 3-persons according to > novoco.com (link) > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__ric.novoco.com_tenant_…> > because we’re in Middlesex county. According to the census the median > income in Cambridge is $107,490 (link) > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.census.gov_quickfa…> > so residents in AH would probably fall 40% below the local median. So, > this program is not for affordable starter homes for young families or > skilled workforce (e.g. firefighters, teachers, nurses, city employees). > Is this right? > > > > Again, this is an honest question to understand what problem we’re > proposing to fix with the zoning changes. > > > > Thanks, > > John > > > > > > > On Nov 20, 2022, at 8:28 AM, Blier, Suzanne <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> wrote: > > > > In addition to massive structures on many of our avenues (see map below), > 25 story buildings will be allowed in Porter Square (and near > Somerville), Harvard Square and Central Square as well as any other place > where a developer can co-join properties to create an “AHO Square.” On this > map from Robert Winters’ Cambridge Civic site all the black lines could be > of 10-15 story heights. The picture below shows 25 story heights the Smith > Center in Harvard Square is “only” 10 stories. > > > > Note that last year the city approved 6 AHO properties– 1000 units, so > the AHO system is working. Since we have c.7,000 Cambridge-specific > residents on our housing list, AHO units turn over relatively quickly we > are addressing these concerns thoughtfully already. > > > > Moreover, like other AHO, this radical plan does nothing to help our lower > income residents build equity through home ownership. And, the city itself > owns 15 parking garages (or lots) and owns ten “vacant or > underutilized” properties that should be used for housing before a radical > plan like this is even discussed. When we build on city owned land we can > guarantee that all inhabitants are indeed Cambridge residents if we use > city funds for this entirely. The environmental impacts will be massive, to > say nothing about problems with infrastructure and transportation, and the > fact that this runs counter to multiple elements of our multi-million $$ > Envision plan, to say nothing of ongoing processes on rezoning Cambridge > Street northern Mass Ave. since we have very little transparency or > oversight on these units, Jefferson Park cost over $110 million apiece. > > > > $110 million per unit is far higher than even market rate housing costs. > Alas, unlike in 40B affordable housing projects which most state > communities build, that must follow state rules that limit developer > profits, our AHO housing has no such developer profit limits. > > > > To John’s question AHO residents are allowed to earn up to c.125% of area > median income; the target amount is c.75% area median income. So most > residents have to work and often need cars to get where they are going if > they work off hours or in areas where public transit is not available. > > > > Here is the petition itself: > https://www.cccoalition.org/uploads/1/2/5/9/125984883/aho_amendment.pdf > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.cccoalition.org_up…> > > <image001.jpg> > > > > <image002.png> > > > > > > > > *From: *<portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> on behalf of Young Kim < > ycknorris(a)gmail.com> > *Date: *Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 6:53 AM > *To: *Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net>, "Blier, Suzanne" < > blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> > *Cc: *Porter Square Neighbors Association <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com>, > Susan Frankle <susanfrankle(a)comcast.net> > *Subject: *Re: [Porter square] There is tall, and there is REALLY tall > > > > Thank you for ringing the alarm bells. > > To put this in perspective, just imagine *thirteen (13) Stories* Above > Grade with a height of *one hundred and fifty (150) feet* with no front, > side or rear setbacks at 2072 Mass Ave (I haven't quite deciphered the > effect of the green space requirements yet). This will totally dwarf > Russell Apt and create total gridlock at Mass Ave & Walden Street. > > If you thought the withdrawn Chapter 40B "49 affordable units at 2072 Mass > Ave" would have a negative impact on the neighborhood, the impact of the > proposed amended AHO project with only *ADVISORY* review by the Planning > Board coupled with recently ordained *Accessory Parking Amendment* will > be orders of magnitude worse😡. > > > > I am writing to the City Council giving them a concrete example of a > proper zoning amendment process through the Conversion of Non-Residential > Structures to Residential Use (Zoning Ordinance Article 5.28.2) amendment. > > > > I signed up to speak yesterday and I was surprised to find I was #3 > speaker. We need more people to sign up to speak against it as I am sure > there will be a strong presence of pro development and pro affordable > housing *at any cost *proponents. > > > > My apologies for starting your Sunday with this alaming email, > > > > Young > > > > On Sun, Nov 20, 2022 at 2:50 AM RUTH RYALS <rryals(a)comcast.net> wrote: > > I find this alarming. Please read the attached proposed amendment to the > AHO carefully. > > ---------- Original Message ---------- > > From: "Blier, Suzanne" <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> > > On Thursday, four city councillors submitted a notably radical city-wide > up-zoning petition for new AHO structures. > > Highlight of these citywide zoning petitions: > > 1. *25 Story AHO buildings will be allowed in all our major Squares > (Central, Harvard, Inman, and Porter) as well as multi-lot properties that > meet certain criteria. These structures may be without parking, property > setbacks, or buffer zones to residential areas. There will be no limits to > resident numbers (density, FAR). By way of comparison, Rindge Towers are 22 > stories tall and the tall Harvard Smith Center in Harvard Square is 10 > stories high.* > 2. *13-15 Story AHO structures will be allowed on major corridors and > key other avenues: Not only Massachusetts Avenue but also Albany Street, > Alewife Brook Parkway, Bishop Allen Drive, Broadway, Cambridge Street, > Concord Avenue, First Street, Fresh Pond Parkway, Memorial Drive, Mount > Auburn Street, Prospect Street, and Sidney Street. These structures may > be without parking, property setbacks, or buffer zones > to residential areas. There will be no limits to resident numbers > (density, FAR).* > 3. *Any project that retains at least 5% of its green space, or adds > green space (even a minuscule 15' SF areas will have no height limitations > as currently written, although in this case heights might be retained at > current limitations.* > > > > I have attached the actual petition here. Because this will potentially > impact every property in the city, it is important that we come together to > discuss possible impacts. > > This seems to be fast tracked, but may go to the Housing Committee and/or > Neighborhood and Planning Committee. > > Best, Suzanne > > > > > > -- > View this message at > https://groups.google.com/d/msg/portersquare/topic-id/message-id > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__groups.google.com_d_ms…> > > -- > To post to this group, send email to portersquare(a)googlegroups.com > Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/portersquare > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__groups.google.com_d_fo…> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > portersquare+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com > For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__groups.google.com_d_op…> > --- > 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/1201710014.1143025.166893060… > <https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__groups.google.com_d_ms…> > . > > >

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Fwd: There is tall, and there is REALLY tall
by RUTH RYALS 20 Nov '22

20 Nov '22

> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: RUTH RYALS <rryals(a)comcast.net> > To: "psna(a)lists.portersquare.net" <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> > Date: 11/20/2022 2:50 AM > Subject: There is tall, and there is REALLY tall > > > I find this alarming. Please read the attached proposed amendment to the AHO carefully. > > > > ---------- Original Message ---------- > > From: "Blier, Suzanne" <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> > > > > On Thursday, four city councillors submitted a notably radical city-wide up-zoning petition for new AHO structures. > > > > Highlight of these citywide zoning petitions: > > > > * 25 Story AHO buildings will be allowed in all our major Squares (Central, Harvard, Inman, and Porter) as well as multi-lot properties that meet certain criteria. These structures may be without parking, property setbacks, or buffer zones to residential areas. There will be no limits to resident numbers (density, FAR). By way of comparison, Rindge Towers are 22 stories tall and the tall Harvard Smith Center in Harvard Square is 10 stories high. > > * 13-15 Story AHO structures will be allowed on major corridors and key other avenues: Not only Massachusetts Avenue but also Albany Street, Alewife Brook Parkway, Bishop Allen Drive, Broadway, Cambridge Street, Concord Avenue, First Street, Fresh Pond Parkway, Memorial Drive, Mount Auburn Street, Prospect Street, and Sidney Street. These structures may be without parking, property setbacks, or buffer zones to residential areas. There will be no limits to resident numbers (density, FAR). > > * Any project that retains at least 5% of its green space, or adds green space (even a minuscule 15' SF areas will have no height limitations as currently written, although in this case heights might be retained at current limitations. > > > > > > > > I have attached the actual petition here. Because this will potentially impact every property in the city, it is important that we come together to discuss possible impacts. > > > > This seems to be fast tracked, but may go to the Housing Committee and/or Neighborhood and Planning Committee. > > > > > > > Best, Suzanne > > > > >

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PSNA Nov 17th Meeting !
by raryals 17 Nov '22

17 Nov '22

Nov 17, 2022 7-9 pm Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave 2nd Floor, Look for signs to the room Join the Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88554302013?pwd=RkFoenRQeUYyL2o3VHpzTkxEMERJQT09 Meeting ID: 885 5430 2013 Passcode: 907774 One tap mobile +13126266799,,88554302013#,,,,*907774# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,88554302013#,,,,*907774# US (New York) We will welcome Jeremy of Spindler Confections to talk with him as he considers moving into the old abodeon space on Mass Ave, enlarging his North Cambridge operations. He is asking for our support and is interested in hearing our questions. He will bring some samples, and they are not to be missed! We will try to conduct this meeting as a hybrid in-person/zoom meeting. Please bear with us as this is a first for all of us. If we do not have a quorum (n person + on zoom) we will have to delay our vote on officers and the bylaws. See you tomorrow in-person, with chocolate, we hope! -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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