Daily brief · Porter Square, Cambridge, MA
City proposes lowering 20% affordable set-aside
October 2, 2026
Top story
Cambridge proposes reducing inclusionary zoning requirement
The city proposes reducing the 20% affordable-housing set-aside for large projects. Developers have challenged the requirement.
Cambridge Day
Police arrest man after sexual assault report at Porter Square gym
Cambridge police arrested a man Thursday, Oct. 1, after a reported sexual assault in the women's locker room at Porter Square Planet Fitness. One victim was taken to a hospital for evaluation; the investigation is ongoing.
WCVB
Harvard Square crosswalk work has Friday rain date
The city scheduled improvements to Harvard Square's two Super Crosswalks for Thursday, Oct. 1, with Friday, Oct. 2, as the rain date. Both crosswalks would close at once, with detours and parking impacts.
City of Cambridge
Carl Barron Plaza reopening celebration is this afternoon
The city will celebrate the renovated plaza with a ribbon-cutting from 2 to 4 p.m. at 632 Massachusetts Avenue. The program includes refreshments, live entertainment and art activities.
City of Cambridge
Community Art Center hosts “What is Sacred?” art-making event
The Community Art Center hosts “What is Sacred?” from 6 to 9 p.m. at Eastern Edge Food Hall in Kendall Square. Participants can make pocket shrines and discuss the people, values and principles they hold dear.
Kendall Square Association
Little Groove brings music and movement to O'Connell Branch
The library hosts this music-and-movement program for children ages 0 to 4 and their caregivers from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at O'Connell Branch, 48 Sixth Street. No registration is required.
City of Cambridge
Cambridge Public Library's Hive offers open maker-space hours
The Hive at the Main Library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for trained and badged users. New makers can drop in for a brief video safety training.
City of Cambridge
Porter Square Books' private after-hours shopping event is sold out
The private shopping event runs from 8 to 9 p.m. at the store, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue. It is sold out and limited to groups of five to 10 people.
Porter Square Books
Applications open for winter heating-bill assistance
The Home Energy Assistance Program opened applications Oct. 1 for income-eligible Cambridge and Somerville residents seeking help with winter heating bills. The program covers bills from Nov. 1 through April 30.
City of Cambridge
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