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A daily brief of everything local

Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA

Government & development in Harvard Square, Cambridge

Town government, zoning and development, roads, and public safety in Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA. Updated daily from the Harvard Square, Cambridge morning brief.

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ZBA Rejects Neighbors' Appeal of 10-Unit Project at 90 Lexington Ave.

Oct 17 · Cambridge Day →

'Stories of Mt. Auburn' Walking Tour This Morning

Oct 17 · City of Somerville →

'Nature and Mount Auburn' Walk Set for This Afternoon

Oct 17 · Harvard Square Business Association →

Nature Festival and Lantern Parade at Magazine Beach Today

Oct 17 · Mass Audubon →

Memorial Drive Closes Saturday and Sunday for Head of the Charles

Oct 16 · Mass.gov →

Police Close Port Streets After Serious Multi-Vehicle Crash

Oct 16 · Cambridge Day →

Driver Gets Prison Term in Fatal 2024 Memorial Drive Bike Crash

Oct 16 · Cambridge Day →

Kirkland Road Paving Today Limits Driveway Access

Oct 16 · City of Cambridge →

Institute of Politics Hosts "America at 250 and Beyond" Forum Today

Oct 16 · Harvard Gazette →

Person With Knife Detained Near Harvard After Shelter-in-Place Alert

Oct 15 · Boston.com →

Board of Zoning Appeal Meets Virtually Tonight at 6 p.m.

Oct 15 · City of Cambridge →

Pole and Conduit Commission Meets Online This Morning

Oct 15 · City of Cambridge →

Pressley rides EZRide shuttle to back fare-free service

Oct 14 · Cambridge Day →

Cambridge Housing Authority meets by teleconference today

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

Stormwater and CSO committee meets today

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

Election Commission holds online meeting at 3 p.m.

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

Third Street paving today between Spring and Bent

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

City holds affordable-rental information session at noon

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

Commission on the Status of Women meets tonight

Oct 14 · City of Cambridge →

Mass Ave Catenary Pole Removal Resumes Today

Oct 13 · City of Cambridge →

LGBTQ+ Commission Meets Tonight

Oct 13 · City of Cambridge →

Work with Young People this Fall - Attend our Youth-Serving Hiring Fair on October 14!

Oct 12 · City of Cambridge →

Mon. 10/12: Half-Earth Day 10th anniversary at Sanders Theatre

Oct 11 · Museum of Comparative Zoology →

Thu. 10/15: Board of Zoning Appeal public meeting on Zoom

Oct 11 · City of Cambridge →

Half-Earth Day Program at Sanders Theatre Monday

Oct 11 · Museum of Comparative Zoology →

Honor Survivors at the City of Cambridge and Transition House’s Annual Domestic Violence Vigil October 13

Oct 11 · City of Cambridge →

Voting Options for the November 3 State Election

Oct 11 · City of Cambridge →

Cambridge Objects to MWRA Plan to Fence Off Part of Magazine Beach

In a Friday letter, City Manager Yi-An Huang told the MWRA that Cambridge was not informed in advance of a proposal that could permanently fence off 2.3 acres of Magazine Beach for stormwater infrastructure. The city opposes the plan as presented and suggested alternatives that preserve open space.

Oct 10 · Cambridge | Somerville Independent →

Mayor and Acting Police Commissioner Hold Two Sessions After Shootings

After two nonfatal shootings, residents and businesses can drop in Monday, October 12, 6–7:30 p.m., at Fresh Pond Apartments, 362 Rindge Ave., or Tuesday, October 13, 7:30–9 p.m., at St. Paul AME Church, 37 Bishop Allen Drive.

Oct 10 · Cambridge | Somerville Independent →

Keep Cambridge Beautiful Cleanup Starts at Valente Library Today

Volunteers meet today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 826 Cambridge St., then clean streets near King Open School and Donnelly Field. Supplies and refreshments are provided; the rain date is Sunday, October 11.

Oct 10 · Keep Massachusetts Beautiful →

MWRA Stormwater Tank Plan Would Fence Off Part of Magazine Beach

An MWRA proposal presented October 5 would permanently fence off 2.3 acres of Magazine Beach, affecting sports fields, for stormwater infrastructure. Cambridge said it intends to respond formally.

Oct 9 · Cambridge | Somerville Independent →

Police Investigate Late-Night Shooting Near Columbia Terrace

Cambridge police responded to a shooting near Columbia Terrace late Wednesday, October 7. One victim was found injured and taken to an area hospital. Authorities reported no continuing danger to the broader community.

Oct 8 · Cambridge Day →

One Person Hospitalized After Shooting Near Russell Field

Cambridge police received 911 calls about gunshots near Russell Field around 3:20 p.m. Tuesday, October 6. One person was taken to a hospital, and their condition was unknown as police investigated.

Oct 8 · Cambridge Day →

City Council Passes Order Supporting Sex Workers

The City Council approved a policy order asking City Hall to set up crisis helplines, anti-poverty aid and resources for vulnerable LGBTQIA+ youth. It also asks police and county prosecutors to treat adult consensual sex work as one of their lowest enforcement priorities.

Oct 8 · Cambridge Day →

Indigenous Peoples' Day: City Offices and Libraries Closed Monday, Oct. 12

City offices, libraries and senior centers close Monday, October 12, and parking meters are free. Cambridge Public Schools and CPS offices are also closed. Trash, recycling, compost and yard-waste pickup runs one day behind that week, and street cleaning is suspended.

Oct 8 · City of Cambridge →

Historical Commission Holds Online Hearing Tonight on Mid Cambridge Conservation District

The Cambridge Historical Commission meets online at 6 p.m. Thursday, October 8, for a public hearing on the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District decennial report. It will deliberate on recommendations to City Council.

Oct 8 · City of Cambridge →

Climate Committee Meets Tonight at 344 Broadway

The Cambridge Climate Committee meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 8, at 344 Broadway and online. Public comment comes at the start.

Oct 8 · City of Cambridge →

Online Consultation Tonight on 27-Unit Cambridge Street Proposal

A remote public advisory consultation on 723–731 Cambridge Street runs 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8. The proposal would add three stories to the existing building to create 27 residential units.

Oct 8 · City of Cambridge →

Virtual Neighbor Meeting Tonight on 66 Holworthy Street Plans

McGeough Custom Homes hosts a virtual neighbor notification meeting at 6:30 PM Thursday, October 8, to present residential building plans for 66 Holworthy Street. Neighbors can review design documents and ask questions.

Oct 8 · City of Cambridge →

Bicycle Committee meets tonight at City Hall Annex

The Cambridge Bicycle Committee meets Wednesday, Oct. 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m. at 344 Broadway, with remote participation available. Topics include cycling network improvements and traffic safety.

Oct 7 · City of Cambridge →

Election Commission meets virtually at 3 p.m.

The Cambridge Election Commission meets online Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. It will address administrative reports and preparations for upcoming elections.

Oct 7 · City of Cambridge →

LGBTQ+ Commission meets tonight on Zoom

The Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission meets Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. via Zoom to discuss local initiatives and community programs.

Oct 7 · City of Cambridge →

Council sends inclusionary zoning report to Ordinance Committee

On Oct. 6, the City Council voted unanimously to refer a Community Development Department report to the Ordinance Committee. The committee will evaluate possible revisions to the city's 20% affordable housing set-aside requirement.

Oct 7 · Cambridge Day →

Social Housing Task Force meets this afternoon

The Social Housing Joint Task Force meets Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3–5 p.m. at 344 Broadway and online. Public comment is limited to two minutes per speaker.

Oct 7 · City of Cambridge →

Pop-up recycling drop-off on Garden Street, 4–7:30 p.m. today

Residents can bring batteries, books, electronics, fluorescent bulbs, scrap metal and curbside recyclables to the Public Works drop-off at 161 Garden St., next to St. Peter's Softball field, on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

Oct 7 · City of Cambridge →

MBTA runs weekend schedules for Indigenous Peoples' Day

On Monday, Oct. 12, MBTA subway service runs on a Saturday schedule, while buses and The RIDE follow a Saturday holiday schedule. Cambridge municipal offices will be closed.

Oct 7 · WBUR →

Council votes 6-3 to keep Huron Avenue bike-lane project moving

On Monday, the City Council voted 6-3 on a substitute policy order to continue separated bike-lane construction on upper Huron Avenue rather than delay it. The city will look for parking alternatives before spaces are removed next spring.

Oct 6 · Cambridge Day →

Man pleads not guilty in Porter Square fitness club sexual assault

On Monday, 40-year-old Laquan Holland pleaded not guilty to charges including assault with intent to commit rape in a Porter Square locker room. He was ordered held ahead of an October 16 dangerousness hearing.

Oct 6 · Cambridge Day →

Storm sends 1.5M gallons of untreated wastewater into Mystic River

A recent intense storm caused roughly 1.5 million gallons of untreated wastewater to discharge into the Mystic River, water authorities confirmed. The report also covers a proposed regional sewer overhaul and possible long-term household cost increases.

Oct 6 · Cambridge Day →

Public Planting outreach subcommittee meets online this morning

The Committee on Public Planting's outreach subcommittee meets online from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. The city calendar provides a public link to join.

Oct 6 · City of Cambridge →

Today's Ordinance Committee hearing on Tech Square petition canceled

The 3 p.m. hearing has been canceled. It was to consider a zoning change involving a transfer of 250,000 square feet and conversion of 161 First Street into affordable housing.

Oct 6 · City of Cambridge →

CRA seeks public input on 2400 Mass Ave. plans tonight

From 6 to 7 p.m. at Peabody Elementary School, 70 Rindge Ave., the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority presents early plans and invites feedback. The concept includes mixed-income homeownership and ground-floor retail.

Oct 6 · Cambridge Redevelopment Authority →

Planning Board meets remotely tonight at 6:30 p.m.

The Planning Board meets remotely at 6:30 p.m. The city calendar links to the agenda and remote attendance information.

Oct 6 · City of Cambridge →

City draws 40 members for first Civic Assembly tonight

The City holds a lottery at City Hall tonight to select 40 members for its first Civic Assembly, with an introduction at 5 p.m. and the draw around 5:15 p.m. The assembly will develop recommendations on public safety and surveillance technology.

Oct 5 · City of Cambridge →

Council receives report on inclusionary zoning changes

Tonight the City Council receives the Community Development Department's assessment and recommendations on possible adjustments to the city's 20 percent inclusionary housing requirement for new multifamily developments.

Oct 5 · Cambridge Civic Journal →

Community Benefits Advisory Committee meets today

The committee meets from 3 to 6 p.m. at City Hall Annex, with an online option. The draft agenda includes reviewing small-grant recommendations and possible funding votes.

Oct 5 · City of Cambridge →

Mid Cambridge conservation district commission meets at 6 p.m.

The Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission meets tonight at 6 p.m. The City has posted the agenda and virtual attendance information.

Oct 5 · City of Cambridge →

Online session covers affordable homeownership programs

The City Housing Department hosts an online information session tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. on Cambridge's affordable homeownership programs. It is open to all.

Oct 5 · City of Cambridge →

Harvard Square plaza work continues; crosswalks may close

Crews continue work on the plaza foundation, seating and planter walls, waterproofing and concrete-slab preparation. Both Harvard Square Super Crosswalks may close at the same time, with signed detours and impacts from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct 5 · City of Cambridge →

Mon, Oct. 5: Civic Assembly lottery at City Hall

The City of Cambridge holds a public lottery Monday, October 5, at 5 p.m. in City Hall's Sullivan Chamber to select the 40 residents who will serve on the Civic Assembly.

Oct 4 · City of Cambridge →

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