Cambridge officials remembered Lou Bacci in remembrances and resolutions after the longtime Planning Board member died Jan. 17 at 65.
Bacci, a lifelong resident of Wellington-Harrington, had served on the board since 2014. “The board has a lot of architects and planners, but typically tends not to have a lot of people who have real experience in getting the projects we talk about built. So wouldn’t it be great to find someone who actually had that experience?” assistant city manager Iram Farooq recalled of Bacci’s appointment, speaking at the Feb. 1 board meeting.
The city found that representation in Bacci, who as a construction estimator (and long-standing labor leader) had worked on some of the biggest projects in the region.
During his time on the board, Bacci worked on large rezonings from Central Square to Kendall Square to North Cambridge, as well as the implementation of environmental policy, and showed as much care about smaller-scale issues such as cannabis zoning and beekeeping.
His perspective proved valuable. “He was never afraid to provide a view that was different from the other board members or different from what staff was presenting. He really challenged us from time to time on policy considerations,” Farooq said.
“It was so clear that he loved being on the Planning Board and that he was so proud to serve on it and to represent the people of Cambridge,” said Mary Flynn, chair of the Planning Board – and another first-time appointee in 2014. “He really did consider it part of his role to fight for the best interests of the neighborhoods and the residents.”
She read remarks by fellow board member Ted Cohen, who could not be present, saying “He brought to the board his enormous knowledge and helpful perspective on site issues, building design and construction, utilities and transportation … he was committed to his family, and he was an important union leader and advocate, and someone who cared deeply for all workers in their jobs. On top of all the other things he was, Lou was a hell of a nice guy.”
City councillors passed a resolution Jan. 22 honoring Bacci and his memory, with councillor Joan Pickett calling Bacci “a valued colleague and someone who really dedicated himself to making Cambridge a better place.” Members of the public took the opportunity to praise him too. Resident Marilee Boyd Meyer said the city was “losing a well informed, pragmatic champion of trade and neighborhoods.”
“I’ll miss Lou sneaking a cigar outside before a hearing,” Planning Board vice chair Tom Sieniewicz said.
Sieniewicz hoped the board would honor Bacci’s memory by remembering that “although we’re tempted to focus on the whole world’s problems by media and politicians from time to time, there’s actually real and meaningful labor needed in our own city.”
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