Council panels back multifamily zoning changes

Top story

City Council Committees Advance Multifamily Zoning Revisions

Two City Council committees — Housing and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning — voted Wednesday, Sept. 16, to recommend the first revisions to the citywide multifamily housing zoning passed in February 2025. The changes would require larger setbacks between new buildings and property lines and raise mandatory permeable open space from 15% to 20%, responding to concerns about projects using the new zoning to build much larger homes without adding many units. Community Development officials called the ordinance successful and the amendments targeted; the full council takes up the proposal Sept. 28.

Cambridge Day

Bettye LaVette Performs at Arrow Street Arts Tonight

Grammy-nominated soul singer Bettye LaVette performs songs and stories from her career Friday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. at Arrow Street Arts, presented by Club Passim.

Passim

'Fall Into Dance' Season Preview Tonight at The Dance Complex

The Dance Complex in Central Square hosts a free preview of the upcoming dance season Friday, Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., including presentations, a dance lesson and a performance by Anjali Nath.

The Dance Complex

Harvard Art Museums Opens 'On Location: Drawing the Outdoors'

Harvard Art Museums opens 'On Location: Drawing the Outdoors' Friday, Sept. 18, featuring about 140 drawings, watercolors and pastels centered on artistic engagement with nature.

The Boston Calendar

Harvard Grad Fest Fills the Yard Today

Harvard Grad Fest brings student performances, a DJ, lawn games, food and cross-school organizations to Tercentenary Theatre Friday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Harvard International Office

Nicholas Kristof Delivers Harvard Kennedy School's Wiener Lecture Today

'HKS on the Road: Cambridge' features Nicholas Kristof delivering the annual Malcolm H. Wiener Lecture Friday, Sept. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by a reception.

Harvard Kennedy School

Teens Make Felt Crafts for Hispanic Heritage Month Today

Teens ages 12 to 18 can drop in at the Valente Branch Library Friday, Sept. 18 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. to make felt food, flags or other Hispanic Heritage Month projects.

City of Cambridge

Young Authors' Squad Kicks Off Fall Program at O'Neill Library Today

Writers ages 10 to 14 can share work and workshop ideas at the Cambridge Young Authors' Squad's fall kickoff, Friday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the O'Neill Branch Library.

City of Cambridge

Symposium and Concert Explore Ukraine 'Beyond the Battlefield' Today

Ukrainian artists, mental health professionals and human rights advocates gather Friday at First Church in Cambridge for a symposium and concert on life beyond the war.

Cambridge Day

Second Man Charged in Murder of Xavier Bautista

Giovani Arroyo was arraigned on murder and weapons charges in Cambridge District Court in connection with the killing of Xavier Bautista.

Cambridge Day

Cambridge Preschool Lottery Opens as 158 Spring Street's Future Awaits Vote

Family preference forms for the Cambridge preschool choice lottery are due Oct. 1, while a council vote on the future of the vacant 158 Spring Street school building won't happen until Oct. 20.

Cambridge Day