November 2024 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Davis Square plan is for around 500 apartments atop refreshed retail along Elm and Grove streets
by raryals 30 Nov '24

30 Nov '24

Davis Square plan is for around 500 apartments atop refreshed retail along Elm and Grove streets https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/11/27/davis-square-plan-is-for-around-500…

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Fw: You're Invited to DCR’s Memorial Drive Phase 3 Design Public Information Meeting, Thursday, December 12th 6pm-7:30pm
by raryals 27 Nov '24

27 Nov '24

Fw: You're Invited to DCR’s Memorial Drive Phase 3 Design Public Information Meeting, Thursday, December 12th 6pm-7:30pm To: Ruth Ryals <raryals(a)gmail.com>, Suzanne Blier <suzannepblier(a)gmail.com>, Mary Jane Kornacki <amicusmjk(a)gmail.com>, Ann Tennis <jatennis(a)comcast.net> FYI if you want to share with your lists. ------------------------------ *From:* DCR Updates (DCR) <dcr.updates(a)mass.gov> *Sent:* Tuesday, November 26, 2024 4:44 PM *To:* DCR Updates (DCR) <dcr.updates(a)mass.gov> *Subject:* You're Invited to DCR’s Memorial Drive Phase 3 Design Public Information Meeting, Thursday, December 12th 6pm-7:30pm Dear Friends, Please see attached invitation to DCR’s Memorial Drive Phase 3 Design Public Information Meeting, Thursday, December 12th 6pm-7:30pm. The public can register for this meeting by following this link <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIoc-yoqj4oGt…>. If there are any questions or concern, please email mass.parks(a)mass.gov. Sincerely, DCR Updates

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Fwd: Fw: 1826, 1840 Mass. Ave. acquisition!
by raryals 27 Nov '24

27 Nov '24

Please follow the coming developments on Mass Ave. And can we get ANY parking? Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Paul Toner <paulftoner(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 2:40 PM Subject: Fwd: Fw: 1826, 1840 Mass. Ave. acquisition! _________________________________ FYI - I literally commented to Suzanne and Ruth that these two parking lots might get scooped up by Just a Start - I think Ruth mentioned they already had been. So be prepared for two more tall projects coming to Mass Ave in Porter Square. Paul Toner 617-216-7305 Paulftoner(a)gmail.com ------------------------------ *From:* Carl Nagy-Koechlin <carlnagy-koechlin(a)justastart.org> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 27, 2024 8:19 AM *Subject:* 1826, 1840 Mass. Ave <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1840+Mass.+Ave?entry=gmail&source=g>. acquisition! Hi City Council Partners, I'm excited to let you know that Just A Start closed on the acquisition of *1826 and 1840 Massachusetts Avenue <https://www.google.com/maps/search/1840+Massachusetts+Avenue?entry=gmail&so…>* from Lesley University yesterday afternoon! These two parking lots in Porter Square are a terrific opportunity for us to create new affordable homes in the heart of Cambridge! On the eve of Thanksgiving, we are grateful to the City of Cambridge, specifically our partners at the Community Development Department and on the Affordable Housing Trust, for funding the acquisition and consulting with us throughout the process. We’re also grateful to you all for putting in place the Affordable Housing Overlay, which enabled us to successfully compete for and secure these sites and which gives us clarity as to our development options for the sites. We look forward to working with you all, with neighbors and with all our Cambridge partners to develop something that we can all be proud of and that sets up many families to thrive here in Cambridge. Stay tuned and, again, many thanks! Carl -- *Please note: Just A Start has moved to a new address.* Carl Nagy-Koechlin | Executive Director He/Him/His 430 Rindge Avenue, Suite #301 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/430%0D%0A+Rindge+Avenue,+Suite+%23301+%0…> Cambridge, MA 02140 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/430%0D%0A+Rindge+Avenue,+Suite+%23301+%0…> Main Line: (617) 494-0444 Direct Line: (617) 918-7503 CarlNagy-Koechlin(a)justastart.org www.justastart.org <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.justastart.org__;!!GolgDdAAPFHvrrz0!…> (617) 939-4578 *Connect with Just A Start:* LinkedIn <https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.linkedin.com/company/just-a-start__;…> | Facebook <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://http/*www.facebook.com/JustAStartCorp/_…> | Instagram <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://http/*www.instagram.com/justastartcorp_…>

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Re: Cambridge Day to expand newsroom, operate as nonprofit
by raryals 27 Nov '24

27 Nov '24

And well worth supporting monthly! On Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 2:49 PM THOMAS MEEK <thom3(a)aol.com> wrote: > > Share with the group? > > > https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/11/27/business/cambridge-day-nonprofit-exp… > > Sent from something electronic >

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Somerville is bout to screw up a great place
by raryals 27 Nov '24

27 Nov '24

Somerville is about to screw up a great place with some great food (winter farmers market and cafe), great musical offerings, art, all near us and enjoyed by Cambridge as well s Somerville. https://www.cambridgeday.com/2024/11/26/somerville-releases-an-armory-draft…

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Shop Cambridge this holiday season!
by raryals 26 Nov '24

26 Nov '24

https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/News/2024/10/shopatcambridgesmallbusinesses…

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Fwd: Legislature Passes Climate and Economic Development Bills
by raryals 26 Nov '24

26 Nov '24

Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Marjorie Decker <repdecker-gmail.com(a)shared1.ccsend.com> Date: Mon, Nov 25, 2024 at 5:20 PM Subject: Legislature Passes Climate and Economic Development Bills Dear Ruth, Two weeks ago, the Legislature passed two comprehensive pieces of legislation: a clean energy and climate omnibus and an economic development package crafted to support the growth of the Massachusetts economy. While I, like many of you, was frustrated that these Conference Committee bills did not cross the finish line by the end of formal sessions on July 31, the House and Senate were called back into a special session on November 14 to ensure we got them both done. The Governor has since signed both into law. The sweeping climate bill passed by the Legislature — An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers — is the third omnibus bill addressing climate change in five years. I will continue to join you, my constituents, and my colleagues in tackling the climate crisis and ensuring a livable planet for future generations, especially in the face of a new administration that may seek to overturn many of the gains made at the federal level. Congratulations to Mothers Out Front whose grassroots efforts, which included many Cambridge residents, were an important part of this advocacy. This bill contains several critical provisions designed to move us closer to the Commonwealth’s goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2025. Among them are: - Expedited reviews of clean energy siting and permitting, which will speed the pace of planning, constructing, and bringing clean energy infrastructure — like solar, wind, and storage — online - Enhanced community reviews and engagement for clean energy sites and the creation of the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity - Protections against consumers paying more for electricity by incentivizing gas companies to pursue the expansion of climate- and cost-friendly networked heat pump systems and geothermal heating rather than defaulting to natural gas - Inclusion of labor standards in clean energy, including offshore wind, clean energy generation, and storage procurements. This language is based on an amendment to the House climate bill I filed. An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, a comprehensive economic development bill, injects nearly $4 billion into the Commonwealth’s economy while implementing policies to enhance competitiveness as a place to live and work. This legislation includes critical investments and tax credits for small businesses and cultural development and aims to bolster the clean energy and life science workforces. Some of the wide-ranging policies and investments included in this thorough bill are: - $900 million in capital resources and bond authorizations for the climate technology and life science industries to expand employment, research, and development - Allowing candidates for public office to use campaign funds for childcare - Strengthening local and regional public health <https://bu5jwaeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rk6YSnDL_onQn7OK2Vs69p4j0lF-ODV3bo…> by implementing minimum public health standards for communities, allowing boards of health to share public health services, establishing uniform data collection, and creating sustainable funding mechanisms for local boards of health and health departments. This language comes from An Act relative to accelerating improvements to the local and regional public health system to address disparities in the delivery of public health services, also known as SAPHE 2.0. When SAPHE 2.0 was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health, I prioritized it, redrafting and reporting it out favorably. - Establishing an alternative pathway for experienced, internationally trained physicians to earn licensure to practice medicine in Massachusetts. I was pleased that another bill I prioritized and worked on in my committee, An Act improving healthcare delivery for underserved residents of the Commonwealth, was included in this package. - Authorizing public agencies and municipalities to enter into project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works contracts. It was important to see this language that I've been filing for several sessions included in the bill. - Reforms to civil service laws, including allowing the substitution of service in a police or fire department for certification of passing the civil service exams to fill an entry-level vacancy. This session, I filed a home rule petition alongside the Cambridge City Council. That bill was used as a model in this omnibus package, allowing all municipalities to have the option to establish one. I deeply appreciate the advocacy of those who called and emailed my office regarding these pieces of legislation. I am grateful for your involvement in state government and commitment to a greener and more equitable Massachusetts. As always, please reach out with any questions. Sincerely, Marjorie [image: Facebook] <https://bu5jwaeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rk6YSnDL_onQn7OK2Vs69p4j0lF-ODV3bo…> [image: Twitter] <https://bu5jwaeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rk6YSnDL_onQn7OK2Vs69p4j0lF-ODV3bo…> [image: Linkedin] <https://bu5jwaeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rk6YSnDL_onQn7OK2Vs69p4j0lF-ODV3bo…> Friends of Marjorie Decker | PO Box 390431 | Cambridge, MA 02139 US [image: Constant Contact] <https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/vr/home?cc=nge&utm_campaign=nge&rm…>

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Fwd: Community Forum on proposed Multi-Family Zoning Proposal
by raryals 25 Nov '24

25 Nov '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Paul Toner <paulftoner(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Nov 25, 2024 at 3:44 PM Subject: Fwd: Community Forum on proposed Multi-Family Zoning Proposal Please share below info with your networks Paul Toner Paulftoner(a)gmail.com Begin forwarded message: *From:* Paul Toner <tonerforcambridge(a)gmail.com> *Date:* November 25, 2024 at 3:12:36 PM EST *To:* undisclosed-recipients:; *Subject:* *Community Forum on proposed Multi-Family Zoning Proposal* ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ *Can't see this message? View in a browser <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=qroAHHKrQ_DD89Ng_IgNzVv3b78S…>* <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=9HFxVR3XbEqYqCoPbwYLa57hHRpT…> Dear Cambridge Residents: I hope you know by now that the Cambridge City Council is deliberating over a proposed Multi-Family Housing ordinance that will significantly change allowable heights and density across the city's residential neighborhoods. The Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) has held some community meetings and we have had several Council meetings on the subject. I am providing the links to two meetings that we recently held and I encourage you to watch them to be better informed about the proposal. November 19th Ordinance Committee Video <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=or_VR_yfL245dhI1YTpiUPqjTckR…> and Agenda Packet <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=cB7TFMCIMs2HJRxVCsi593j_nX_f…> October 31st Economic Development Committee Video <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=4QmDJ5Ku6C5Y1mp4QTzkficWw3mV…> and Agenda Packet <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=QAJ-od86mVgYrOX2wkMJLV77CWb6…> I will be hosting a live community meeting on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at Saint John' Church at 2254 Massachusetts Ave, North Cambridge, in the parish basement. The meeting will include a 20-30 minute presentation by CDD providing an overview of the current proposal. It will be followed by a period of Question and Answers led by me. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the public of the proposal and have your questions answered. It will not be a forum for debating the merits of the proposal. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=1EAm9eyz-BsgTJ5kSYs3QQne-qEp…>. After the meeting on December 3rd I encourage all who attend to write their thoughts, ideas and concerns to the full City Council by emailing CityCouncil(a)cambridgema.gov and copying the City Clerk at CityClerk(a)cambridgema.gov. The Ordinance Committee, co-chaired by myself and Vice- Mayor McGovern, will be holding meetings on December 4th from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., December 19th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., January 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m and January 16 from 3-5 p.m. These meetings will include public comment and discussion among Council members. You will be able to sign up to speak at public comment at both meetings by going to PublicCommentSignUpForm <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=ofy1tWkLOy_A_kP-4IXviDUFhpXJ…> the day before the meetings. If you would like to get daily updates from the city about meetings and events you can sign up for daily updates here. <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=qg3oWnohUiUW2WtCbgfhstnYvaOr…> Please feel free to reach out anytime at ptoner(a)cambridge.gov <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=Mk2wG3yeLq4OHgveuG6uFqI-W_mL…> and have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Sincerely, Paul *Committee to Elect Paul Toner, 24 Newman Street, Cambridge, MA* <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=ok0DOWaLp6GB9ivSpOdvmLSoFzci…> Join us on our members app to stay updated and keep in touch. *Download & Join* <https://tonerforcambridge.com/so/4cPDaTImt/c?w=DsKbzVJfuW71fWxczqAy9ZPjes5T…> This email was created with Wix.‌ *Discover More* <https://www.wix.com?utm_campaign=vir_promote_em_footer_wixads&referralInfo=…> *If you no longer wish to receive this email, change your email preferences here <https://support.wix.com/en/article/about-the-unsubscribe-link-in-emails>.* -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Slides from the PSNA meeting 11/21
by raryals 25 Nov '24

25 Nov '24

In case you could not make it, here are the slides Suzanne Blier of Harvard University shared with us:

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Please write to oppose the planning board (and CC city council)
by raryals 25 Nov '24

25 Nov '24

Please write to the Planning Board by noon on Monday and CC the city council and clerk (see below). All of us support the building of multifamily housing throughout our city. But that does not mean we should have NO zoning and take away any binding review of these properties (effectively emasculating the planning board). Worse yet, we are handing over zoning and design to developers. The proposed citywide upzoning will allow 6 story (75ft) buildings, 13 stories for AHO buildings) In every neighborhood, extending to the property line on the sides and in the back, without any design oversight (it is “as of right”. This will mean vast amount of mature tree loss on our private properties, as well as green space to grow more trees.it will put many gardens and solar panels on near permanent shade. *It takes some 60 years for a sapling to grow large enough to provide the same environmental capacities as a mature tree, and most newly planted saplings do not survive.* Six (and 13) stories is too high for most of our neighborhoods. Alternative proposals are being floated which would provide more market rate housing and affordable housing, as of right, but with more plan review, at 4 stories. Larger buidings should go on our major corridors and in our squares, where the renters/homeowners have access to mass transportation, Even there, we need more access to parking, since all of this proposed “new” housing does not call for any parking.. The current proposal goes against Envision (which sought to add green spaces to denser neighborhoods) and has environmental justice ramifactions by adding to heat island impacts and related harm particularly in our denser neighborhoods. It will almost surely result in tear-downs of currently affordable housing (many of them our neighborhoods’ doubles and triple deckers) and the displacement of hundreds or thousands of current Cambridge renters. Please write to oppose the current upzoning proposal, as it is written, on environmental and equity grounds. Ask that we continue to require oversight and advice for these larger buildings. Thank you, Ruth Planning Board is planningboardcomment(a)cambridgema.gov Council is: council(a)cambridgema.gov Clerk is cityclerk(a)cambridgema.gov

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