November 2024 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Fwd: Recent Acquisitions 11/15/2024
by raryals 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

I love this stuff and this shop! Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: WardMaps LLC <info(a)wardmaps.com> Date: Fri, Nov 15, 2024 at 3:36 PM Subject: Recent Acquisitions 11/15/2024 ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [image: WardMaps LLC] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AADYL5xhn9%2…> *RECENT ACQUISITIONS*Scroll down to check out several authentic antique maps and prints we've added to our website. Click/Tap the buttons and links to view info for each map or print and collection. [image: Loose Lips Might Sink Ships World War II Poster circa 1941-43] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACXKfFsRzja…> Loose Lips Might Sink Ships World War II Poster circa 1941-43 <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAB4yYBCKie2…> *Notes: *World War II poster by Seymour R. Goff. This was the first poster to use some variation of the phrase. It was published by the Canadian Seagram Distillers Corporation for posting in bars. (Wikipedia) View Print <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAA122oW5UkO…> [image: Los Angeles (California) Railway Electric Streetcar and Bus Routes 1935 (Side A)] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AADhXUK1ccWD…> Los Angeles (California) Railway Electric Streetcar and Bus Routes 1935 (Side A) <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAAZLt0Ybnms…> View Map <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACR0JF5shT6…> [image: Echizen Province, Japan 1834] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAD6VMZMRaeO…> Echizen Province, Japan 1834 <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACVSolaP1zV…> *View all maps in the Atlas: **Japan 1834* <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACO2EhDo5Q4…> View Map <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACV2JdZBr%2…> [image: Boston & Worcester (Massachusetts) Trolley Air Line 1904] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAAjjuOUyp1x…> Boston & Worcester (Massachusetts) Trolley Air Line 1904 <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAC1TskBIX0z…> View Map <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAATnZECV1nx…> [image: Mountain Heights and River Lengths 1870] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAASI3oLPUtU…> Mountain Heights and River Lengths 1870 <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AADq%2FBzqUu…> View Map <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AACdJI%2FAPD…> [image: Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co. (Pennsylvania) System Map 1932] <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAAmjKlgpJak…> Philadelphia Rapid Transit Co. (Pennsylvania) System Map 1932 <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAByLUqsU68E…> View Map <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AAAX9kNReXZa…> *Visit the WardMaps Retail Store!* Our shop is packed with 19th- and 20th-century antique maps from around the world as well as vintage transit and railroad artifacts. We're located in historic Cambridge, Massachusetts. *1731 Massachusetts Avenue, CambridgeOpen DailyMondays-Fridays, 10-6Saturdays-Sundays, 12-6* Closed: January 1, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, December 25-26. <https://wardmaps.com/_t/c/A1020005-18083EAB83606C4D-452E1A88?l=AABcbHogGsnj…>

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PSNA meeting Thursday, Nov 21, 7-9 pm
by raryals 15 Nov '24

15 Nov '24

Our meetings are hybrid: in person at Lesley University Hall (1815 Mass Ave) and via zoom (link to follow). Please join us for a *discussion of the proposed multifamily zoning ordinance* which proposes to allow 6 story multihousing to be built in all city neighborhoods, as of right. The ordinance begins by prohibiting exclusive single family zoning. It goes on to remove most setback requirements, except for a small front setback. It largely reduces the planning board to an advisory body. Further, it would allow for 100% affordable housing at 13 stories in neighborhoods city-wide. We will seek to understand the proposed zoning changes, its genesis and the deadlines for its passage. *More details on the proposed zoning changes can be found here:* *https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Zoning/multifamilyhousing <https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Zoning/multifamilyhousing>* Finally, we will hold our annual election of officers. We welcome any new members to step forward and serve. Lacking that, our current officers are willing to serve another year. Thank you, Ruth *More details on the proposed zoning changes can be found here:* *https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Zoning/multifamilyhousing <https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/Zoning/multifamilyhousing>* Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Redline closures
by raryals 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

https://www.cambridgema.gov/streetsandtransportation/redlineclosures2024 -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: REMINDER! Community Meeting on Nov 14 for Mass Ave Planning Study
by raryals 14 Nov '24

14 Nov '24

Discuss Ideas for North Mass Ave! <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> Reminder: MAPS Community Meeting! Ideas for North Mass Ave November 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. We will be hosting an open house for the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> - Ideas for North Mass Ave. Thursday, November 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> This will be the second community meeting looking at North Mass Ave (Porter Square to Alewife Brook Pkwy). The Community Development Department will be sharing a draft vision and some ideas for the North Mass Ave planning area. The meeting will explore ways to: - Make Mass Ave more beautiful. - Provide more housing. - Provide more neighborhood amenities. - Support small businesses. - Improve sidewalks and mobility. Stop by anytime to provide your feedback on ideas for the future of Mass Ave! Can’t make the meeting? Visit our website for more ways to get involved! Location: Second floor atrium of the Lesley University Hall <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…>, 1815 Massachusetts Ave. Snacks and beverages will be served! What's next for the Mass Ave Planning Study? A Spotlight on Porter Square. Starting this winter, we will focus in on Porter Square to discuss how it will change in the future. We will dig into the details of zoning, urban design, open space and housing with the community. This is the commercial center of North Mass Ave and we're excited to hear what folks are thinking! After these discussions, we will begin to draft zoning recommendations for the Mass Ave corridor and present finalized recommendations this winter. Visit our website for more information and learn how to get involved: www.cambridgema.gov/massaveplan <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> Sign up for our email list <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> to stay up-to-date on project announcements and community events. For additional information please contact massaveplan(a)cambridgema.gov. Sign Up for Email Updates <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> Visit Project Website <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> [image: Facebook] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> [image: Twitter] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> [image: Instagram] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> CambridgeMA.gov/CDD <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Xck8bIVBuPoyhO2SuZuuTM3qvSk28j7_HS…> -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: Full Agenda - Nov 12, 2024 (Tue) - Planning Board
by raryals 12 Nov '24

12 Nov '24

There is an important planning board meeting tonight at 6:30. Please tune in and weigh in on the multifamily (up to 6 stories, no set backs, in all neighborhoods, ..) proposed zoning ordinance. Ruth Instructions for joining remotely here as well. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Swaathi Joseph <NoReply(a)iqm2.com> Date: Fri, Nov 8, 2024 at 8:51 AM Subject: Full Agenda - Nov 12, 2024 (Tue) - Planning Board CITY OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS PLANNING BOARD CITY HALL ANNEX, 344 BROADWAY, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139 AGENDA Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 6:30 PM Remote Meeting Cambridge, Massachusetts General Business items may be taken out of the order from the agenda. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. The Planning Board need not solicit public comment on General Business items. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff at cddzoning(a)cambridgema.gov. PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held remotely. Send written comments by 12:00 P.M. the Friday before the meeting to planningboardcomment(a)cambridgema.gov. Register for Zoom Webinar to participate in real time (before or during the meeting): https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4s8FK24VTkK3P5CHPDA6YA Use the link in your e-mail to join. Check spam/junk if you don’t see the e-mail. If you do not have a computer or e-mail address, attend via phone: Dial: 312-626-6799 or 929-436-2866 or 301-715-8592 or 346-248-7799 or 669-900-6833 or 253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 831 1246 9255 Go to www.cambridgema.gov/planningboard for updates and more information. Contact the Community Development Department at cddzoning(a)cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4600 with questions. General Business Update from the Community Development Department Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (8/27/2024, 10/1/2024, 10/8/2024, 10/22/2024) Public Hearing 6:30pm Multifamily Housing Two Zoning Petitions by Cambridge City Council. (Materials) The first Petition (Multifamily Housing Zoning Petition Part One) would amend the Cambridge Zoning Map and Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 3.000, 4.000, 5.000, 6.000, 7.000, 8.000, 10.000, 11.000, 13.000, 14.000, 16.000, 17.000, 20.000, and 21.000 with the intent of: (1) removing zoning districts that are intended to permit single-family or two-family but not multifamily residences; (2) permitting multifamily and townhouse residences as-of-right in all zoning districts except Open Space and removing special requirements applicable to multifamily and townhouse residences; (3) removing dimensional requirements including minimum lot width and area and minimum lot area per dwelling unit, removing floor area ratio (FAR) limitations for residences, reducing minimum yard requirements for residences, and increasing height limitations for residences to permit at least six stories above grade in all districts except Open Space to allow for additional housing units beyond what is permitted under current zoning; (4) removing remaining references to minimum parking requirements; and (5) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency. Agenda Planning Board November 12, 2024 City of Cambridge Page 2 The second petition (Multifamily Housing Zoning Petition Part Two) would amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 5.000, 11.000, 15.000, 17.000, 19.000, and 20.000 with the intent of: (1) revising open space standards to provide greater flexibility by allowing all types of open space to contribute to meeting requirements; (2) revising certain standards of the Affordable Housing Overlay so they are not more restrictive than comparable standards for residences in base zoning; (3) making project review special permit requirements applicable in all zoning districts and applicable to residential development of 75,000 square feet or more; (4) updating advisory development review procedures and introducing a new Planning Board Advisory Consultation for some larger development not subject to a special permit, similar to what is currently required in the Affordable Housing Overlay; and (5) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency. -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: [ACN] Alert: Tues. 11/12- Contact Planning Board on Multifamily Zoning
by raryals 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

As Lee suggests, write, sign up to speak, but please cc: PSNA <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> I particularly fear the loss of open space, trees, any setbacks and the historic character of some of our neighborhoods. Not to mention our climate goals. Thanks, Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lee Farris <Lee(a)leefarris.net> Date: Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 5:53 PM Subject: [ACN] Alert: Tues. 11/12- Contact Planning Board on Multifamily zoning. Dear neighbors, The Planning Board will hold a hearing on Tues. 11/12, at 6:30pm to discuss the proposed citywide residential upzoning. PLEASE EMAIL THE PLANNING BOARD: *planningboardcomment(a)cambridgema.gov* <planningboardcomment(a)cambridgema.gov> Please BCC your comments to Be Please use your own words. PLEASE SIGN UP TO SPEAK: Register for Zoom Webinar to participate in real time (before or during the meeting): https://cambridgema.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4s8FK24VTkK3P5CHPDA6YA What has been proposed: Cambridge is considering zoning to allow 6 floors or 75’ of market-rate housing in all parts of the city, as well as greatly decreasing the amount of project review of new buildings; buildings with more than 9 units would have 20% Inclusionary housing. The city estimates that *40% of the projects would not have Inclusionary units.* The Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition has raised concerns that the zoning proposal makes it much easier for developers to build substantially more market-rate housing in Cambridge with no associated inclusionary units. The likely result of this zoning will be more teardowns of naturally occurring affordable housing and its replacement with higher cost market housing. The proposed zoning also doesn’t provide adequate benefits to 100% affordable housing developers to allow them to compete with market rate projects, so the zoning may result in fewer 100% affordable units. The core of Cambridge’s zoning changes and housing policy must address housing affordability and protect those most vulnerable to displacement. The original charge of the Housing Committee included “a goal of having viable housing for everyone, especially lower-income residents.” (Charter Right #2, 3/25/24). Lower-income residents, including many residents of color, are being displaced by high housing costs now and cannot find affordable housing in Cambridge. To meet that goal and develop zoning that helps and does not harm lower-income residents, CHJC asks for the *zoning to be amended so that it only applies to* buildings larger than 10,000 square feet or more than 9 units. This ensures that any new building would be required to have at least 2 Inclusionary units. This amendment would reduce the acceleration of displacement because completely market-rate projects would not get more incentives and opportunities to destroy naturally occurring affordable housing and displace residents. It would assure that the city would gain inclusionary housing in buildings built under the new zoning. This amendment would strongly incentivize developers to focus on projects that contribute Inclusionary Housing units. Please ask Cambridge’s Community Development Dept. (CDD) to provide findings on the zoning's impact on households earning below 50% AMI. Specifically, please ask CDD to respond to CHJC's list of questions <https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M6G6j-Gwt2cyHe137Hytpd9g5QupZ7vp/view?usp=…> about the zoning. Please share this email with friends and neighbors. Thanks for taking action, The Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition cambridgehousingjustice.com

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Fwd: [Porter square] The housing debate here in the Globe
by raryals 11 Nov '24

11 Nov '24

See you there! ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: raryals <raryals(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 4:23 PM Subject: Re: [Porter square] The housing debate here in the Globe To: Kelly Dolan <kelly.dolan.kd(a)gmail.com> CC: James Zall <jzall(a)comcast.net>, Peter Glick <peterglick(a)comcast.net>, PSNA <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> We will address this proposed ordinance at our next PSNA meeting on Thursday, Nov 21, 7 pm. Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com On Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 4:15 PM Kelly Dolan <kelly.dolan.kd(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Furman is way off here > He completely misunderstood the context of the report he linked in his > article. > > He states > *"the Cambridge Community Development Department projects that the city is > on track to build only 120 new housing units by 2030."* > According to every report CDD has done on this zoning proposal we are > forecasted to build 7,000 units by 2030 WITHOUT this zoning change, not 120. > Furman also says > *"Cambridge Community Development Department projects its plan would > result in the construction of 310 new affordable units by 2030 as compared > to only 10 new affordable units if the reforms are blocked"* > But CDD forecasts without the zoning change we will see 1,210 affordable > units built, not 10. > > Here's the link to one of CDD's reports that outlined this comparison. > > http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=4131&Inline=Tr… > > He goes on to say "*If Cambridge were to do its proportional share it > would need to build 1,050 new housing units*" based on Harris's goal of 3 > million new units. > So according to Harvard Professor Jason Furman, Cambridge has already met > its housing goals. By far. > And the studies he links don't exactly support his overly broad assertion " > *When supply increases prices go down*". The authors of these studies > are quite clear about the limitations of their findings. > > > There are two new studies from Seattle and Minneapolis that we should be > discussing as we debate the impacts of this zoning change. > > This study found that after getting rid of single family zoning costs of > existing singles in Minneapolis rose, especially in low cost neighborhoods. > > > https://www.planning.org/blog/9219556/measuring-the-early-impact-of-elimina… > > This study found that allowing upzoning with affordability requirements > depressed the amount of new construction in Seattle. > > > https://furmancenter.org/files/publications/Upzoning_with_Strings_Attached_… > > > Kelly > > > > On Mon, Nov 11, 2024 at 1:39 PM 'James Zall' via Porter Square Neighbors > Association <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> wrote: > >> Most of the results that Suzanne Blier fears will happen as a *result of* >> the proposed zoning reform -- more high-priced housing, rising tax >> assessments and displacement of current renters -- have already been >> happening *because of* our current zoning restrictions. This is well >> documented in the Globe piece by Jason Furman, former chair of the White >> House Council of Economic Advisors, Harvard professor of economics, and >> Cambridge resident, on which Blier is commenting. >> >> In addition to the lessons from other cities that Prof. Furman cited, >> this is also supported by Cambridge's own experience with the Affordable >> Housing Overlay, The AHO reduced some of the same zoning restrictions (in >> limited cases) and is resulting in the growth of affordable housing now in >> progress. Reducing these restrictions more broadly is projected by the City >> to result in significantly more construction of badly needed mid-range >> housing in the next 5 to 15 years. >> >> Tom Meeks' original post did not include the links from the Globe, so >> I've recopied Furman's article (with links) below. Please read them. >> >> >> >> On 11/11/2024 11:59 AM EST Blier, Suzanne <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> wrote: >> >> >> >> Alas this ill-thought through plan (would simply open up the city to more >> investors – Oklahoma Land Grab fashion. We would see enormously expensive >> McMansions, large numbers of teardowns, and multi-million dollar luxury >> condos. >> >> It would greatly increase assessments and taxes and related rents on >> everyone who owns (passed down to renters), since our tax base is based on >> potential development possibilities >> >> In philosophy, strategy and aims, it goes against what every other >> progressive city is doing. >> >> It will force out existing renters (many in the kinds of housing that now >> is ripe for tear downs) and will replace many of our lower and middle >> income residents (and minoriies) with wealthy (largely white) owners from >> elsewhere as well as investors seeking a great place to park their money >> with an assured return. >> >> >> >> *From: *'THOMAS MEEK' via Porter Square Neighbors Association < >> portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> >> *Date: *Monday, November 11, 2024 at 9:41 AM >> *To: *PSNA <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> >> *Subject: *[Porter square] The housing debate here in the Globe >> >> Since this is an oft topic of conversation here, thought to share. Was in >> the Globe today, also Lesley made the front page too bc of austerity >> measures. >> >> >> >> —————————————————— >> >> >> >> How Cambridge can increase its housing supply >> >> The Cambridge City Council is advancing a plan that would reduce, >> simplify, and streamline restrictions. >> >> >> With Donald Trump’s election as president, states and localities can act >> as a counterweight to the expected regressive direction of federal policy, >> helping to build a more progressive, inclusive, and upwardly mobile >> society. They can help achieve one of the most important goals that Vice >> President Kamala Harris set in her campaign, building 3 million more >> housing units >> <https://kamalaharris.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Policy_Book_Economic-Op…> in >> the next four years. >> >> If Cambridge were to do its proportional share it would need to build >> 1,050 new housing units. Unfortunately the Cambridge Community Development >> Department projects that the city is on track to build >> <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen…> only >> 120 new housing units by 2030. But it also estimates that if Cambridge >> follows through on ambitious housing reforms it is considering, it could >> build 1,630 new units, enabling the city to do its part in meeting or >> exceeding this still important goal. >> >> Concern over the cost of housing has grown dramatically in recent years >> as housing prices and rents have soared. The rise in costs has priced >> people out of neighborhoods with great amenities, access to higher paid >> jobs, and greater opportunities for upward mobility for their children. Any >> sustainable solution to this problem requires increased supply, enabling >> more people to live at lower cost in more dense and mixed-income >> neighborhoods. >> >> In 2020 Massachusetts passed the MBTA Communities law that required more >> multifamily housing near public transit. Cities like Needham and Newton >> have been acting. Cambridge is now in the middle of an important effort to >> increase housing availability >> <https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/15/business/housing-cambridge-six-story…>. >> Currently 120,000 people live in 60,000 housing units >> <https://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/factsandmaps/demographicfaq> in >> Cambridge. The majority of these would not be able to be built today >> because they violate one of the myriad rules covering where you can build >> housing, how many families can live in a house, how tall you can build it, >> and how much land you need to set aside for something other than housing. >> The city’s existing housing stock exists only because it predated these >> restrictive regulations. >> >> The Cambridge City Council is advancing a plan that would reduce, >> simplify, and streamline these restrictions. It would allow multifamily >> residential housing to be built anywhere. Housing could be built up to at >> least six stories, minimum lot size requirements would be eliminated, and >> setback requirements would be reduced or eliminated. The plan represents a >> compromise between Cambridge’s 19th-century character and 21st-century >> housing needs. In addition, it would require multifamily buildings >> containing 10 or more units to designate one-fifth of them as affordable >> housing. >> >> Research suggests >> <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4629628> that the >> result of these efforts would make Cambridge more affordable, increasing >> opportunities for moderate- and middle-income households to avoid being >> priced out of the city and reducing the type of gentrifying displacement >> that would otherwise happen if the city continued to limit new construction. >> >> The Cambridge Community Development Department projects its plan would >> result in the construction of 310 new affordable units by 2030 as compared >> to only 10 new affordable units if the reforms are blocked. Perhaps even >> more important are the additional projected 1,500 market-rate units. In >> many cases that benefit will be direct. Eliminating the ban on the >> construction of triple-deckers that can accommodate multiple households in >> neighborhoods like North Cambridge and parts of Cambridgeport will be a >> boon to moderate-income renters who would want to live in these newly built >> homes. >> >> Even building more expensive units can have benefits for affordability >> that spread throughout the city and beyond. People in booming local >> industries like finance, tech, and pharma will still want to move to >> Cambridge. If the city doesn’t increase the number of housing units, >> would-be residents will outbid moderate-income locals for existing >> properties and upgrade them, increasing costs in the neighboring areas and >> leading to more gentrifying displacement. >> >> New construction would relieve some of this pressure and cause a daisy >> chain of moves. In San Francisco, >> <https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3867764> the risk >> of displacement of local residents fell 17 percent near new construction >> with the benefits stretching as much as 1 kilometer away. A study of 12 >> major cities >> <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0094119021000656#:~:….> >> found positive mobility benefits: “Constructing a new market-rate >> building that houses 100 people ultimately leads 45 to 70 people to move >> out of below-median income neighborhoods.” >> >> >> The changes in Cambridge would benefit surrounding areas and the national >> economy as well. Research has found that when one area loosens >> restrictions on building the expanded supply makes housing affordable in >> neighboring communities, just what you would expect given the combination >> of increased supply and mobility of people within commuting zones. More >> profoundly, enabling people to move to areas where they will have higher >> productivity has been shown to increase productivity and economic growth >> <https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/mac.20170388> — helping the >> country as a whole. >> >> To be sure, supply is necessary but not sufficient for the lowest-income >> householders. Massachusetts was the first state to provide rental vouchers >> to some low-income residents and remains a national leader in this program. >> But more funding — state and federal — is needed for all the families who >> qualify but are on extended waitlists. Increased supply will complement >> rental support by helping to ensure these vouchers go even further. >> >> The economics are clear: When supply increases prices go down. The >> greatest risk of displacing moderate-income families in Cambridge would be >> if the status quo is maintained and a growing population with rising >> incomes drives up the prices of the limited housing stock and pushes more >> and more middle-class families out of Cambridge. The 88 percent of >> Cambridge voters who supported Harris’s inclusive economic vision can still >> help move it forward in their own backyard, setting an example for the >> region and the country. >> >> >> >> *Jason Furman is the Aetna professor of the practice of economic policy >> jointly at Harvard University and former chair of the White House Council >> of Economic Advisers.* >> >> >> > > -- > Kelly Dolan > >

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Fwd: Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission
by raryals 06 Nov '24

06 Nov '24

Know anyone? Ruth Ryals raryals@ <raryals(a)gmail.com>gmail.com The Commission helps guide the City's Public Art Program ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ [image: City of Cambridge Banner] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *Contact:* Ini Tomeu Public Information Officer City of Cambridge PIO(a)cambridgema.gov <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> *Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission* *Cambridge, MA, November 6, 2024 -- *The Cambridge Public Art Commission (PAC) helps guide the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and advises on the overall direction of the City of Cambridge’s Public Art Program. The Commission brings its collective expertise to bear on discussions regarding the various program areas of the public art program, such as acquisition and deaccession, project planning, maintenance, conservation, educational programming, and the exhibitions in Gallery 344. The Commission reviews every percent-for-art project from artists’ proposals to final design. PAC approval is required before a project can go into fabrication. The PAC's responsibilities include: - Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects; - Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists); - Reviewing public art proposals; - Recommending potential sources for additional funding; - Advising on outreach and education; - Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues; - Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values; - Attending monthly meetings. Public Art Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager to work with Cambridge Arts Council staff in accomplishing the goals of the Cambridge Public Art Program. The Public Art Commission is composed of nine members who each serve a three-year term, renewable once. The PAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room, or when permitted, virtually on Zoom. Members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments, and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government. The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design experience (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators). The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applications to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. <http://click.agilitypr.delivery/ls/click?upn=u001.LzIyrLsQApaeRF8VJ5SeDlRfA…> A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024. For more information about Public Art in Cambridge, visit Cambridgema.gov/publicart <http://click.agilitypr.delivery/ls/click?upn=u001.LzIyrLsQApaeRF8VJ5SeDuFlb…> . *-###-* Communications Office City of Cambridge 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA, 02139 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/795+Massachusetts+Ave.,+Cambridge,+MA,+0…> United States <https://www.google.com/maps/search/795+Massachusetts+Ave.,+Cambridge,+MA,+0…> For all inquiries, please contact us at: pio(a)cambridgema.gov

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Fwd: Heartwarming News from Harvard Square on this Election Day!
by raryals 05 Nov '24

05 Nov '24

This is great! Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Denise Jillson <djillson(a)harvardsquare.com> Date: Tue, Nov 5, 2024 at 11:32 AM Subject: Heartwarming News from Harvard Square on this Election Day! Media Alert Denise Jillson Harvard Square Business Association Office (617) 491-3434 Mobile (617) 945-6061 November 5th, 2024 Cambridge, MA Little Tykes from Cambridge-Ellis School Doing Really Good Work in Harvard Square! <https://nhnv6y4ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMxUrU3qgse_STmP7K1Hc-H2LHoKos-mE7…> As we anxiously await the outcome of this election day, The Harvard Square Business Association is pleased to share heartwarming news. Andy Griswold, Business Manager at Cambridge-Ellis School <https://nhnv6y4ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMxUrU3qgse_STmP7K1Hc-H2LHoKos-mE7…> and a valued member of the Harvard Square Business Association, recently reached out to the HSBA to ask about a project that young students in their Amber Room, ages 3-4 years old, could do within their skillset and truly make a difference. HSBA executive director, Denise Jillson, suggested that the children compile “To-go lunch bags” consisting of fruit, crackers, pre-packed cheese, juice drinks and cookies and place them at the “Fridge in the Square” <https://nhnv6y4ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMxUrU3qgse_STmP7K1Hc-H2LHoKos-mE7…>. She said, “This is an easy task…even for small children, that will help the unhoused and food insecure who depend on the fridge and pantry for daily sustenance.” Cambridge-Ellis School Amber Room Co-Head Teacher Maura Walsh said, "We have continued to think and talk about what we can do to support the unhoused community. While we don't know how to build houses, we do know how to assist in alleviating hunger with delicious food. The children were excited to pack lunches so unhoused people and people who need food can have a healthy meal." According to one of the teachers, “A passerby who saw them was so inspired, he contributed two bottles of iced tea from his own bag.” Griswold said, “We’re expanding the food drive to the whole school this weekend with a note of encouragement from the Amber Room to the other classrooms.” “Fridge in the Square” is hosted by First Parish <https://nhnv6y4ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMxUrU3qgse_STmP7K1Hc-H2LHoKos-mE7…> and sponsored by the Harvard Square Business Association <https://nhnv6y4ab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xMxUrU3qgse_STmP7K1Hc-H2LHoKos-mE7…> and local volunteers. Jillson said, “It is gratifying to see little children helping out in this way. Cambridge-Ellis is teaching them to be the leaders of tomorrow; their actions bode well for the future of our community and our country.” Harvard Square Business Association | Two Brattle Square, Mezzanine | Cambridge, MA 02138 US [image: Constant Contact] <https://www.constantcontact.com/landing1/vr/home?cc=nge&utm_campaign=nge&rm…>

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Fwd: [Porter square] Welcome Phinista Cafe / Corner of Upland and Mass Ave
by raryals 03 Nov '24

03 Nov '24

Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Jodi at Walden <jsed21(a)gmail.com> Date: Sun, Nov 3, 2024 at 5:04 PM Subject: [Porter square] Welcome Phinista Cafe / Corner of Upland and Mass Ave Thought it worth flagging that Phinista Cafe opened this weekend, and I recommend a visit. I found them and their yummy Vietnamese coffee while visiting their first cafe near Fenway, opened during the 2020 pandemic year (what a year to open a cafe!). If you want to hear a bit more context of this small business owner and the ups and down running their business, check out this article in the Huntington News out of Northeastern titled "Phinista Café’s resilience carries them through the pandemic." https://huntnewsnu.com/67939/city/phinista-cafe/ Jodi -- 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

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