Leadership means setting policy that serves all residents — grounded in facts, guided by long-term vision, and shaped by thoughtful urban design. It does not mean choosing between the lesser of two flawed options and calling it compromise.
Nearly five years ago, the City Council set in motion a process to examine whether single- and two-family zoning should continue in Cambridge. The intent was broad, unbiased discussion rooted in data and public engagement — not a blanket mandate to upzone the entire city. That thoughtful process was never completed and has since been overtaken by rushed policymaking.
The contrast between committee approaches reveals the problem clearly. One committee invited voices calling for sweeping upzoning while another brought in urban planners urging context-sensitive solutions. That is more than a difference in guest lists — it reflects two very different philosophies of governance.
Instead of pausing to assess existing reforms, the Council advanced the Multifamily Zoning Ordinance using faulty analysis. It extended the city’s housing horizon to 2040 without updating Envision Cambridge — its only master plan. The Council stripped away Planning Board review, ignored early results from the Affordable Housing Overlay, and eliminated parking requirements without addressing accessibility or infrastructure, creating new barriers for seniors and disabled residents.
The result is polarization, not progress. Real leadership demands accurate data, honest evaluation of current reforms, and a citywide strategy that balances growth with infrastructure, schools, transit, and climate resilience. Cambridge deserves leadership that plans for everyone — not just those with the loudest megaphone.
Young Kim, Norris Street, Cambridge
A stronger
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For once, wealthy homeowners didn’t get their way, so now they cry “unfair” like spoiled children.
Young, you’ve written about this topic before. Like the last times, all you’re suggesting is more delay without anything actionable. Like last time, it just reads as someone attempting to weaponize process to derail changes that they don’t personally like.
I’m sorry you’re opposed to upzoning Cambridge, but the fact that your preferred policy isn’t the winner isn’t a sign that the process is broken. The zoning reform and the councilors that voted for it are popular.
The process has already been weaponized by special interests and the Council. The MFH ZO isn’t the first time “wealthy homeowners didn’t get their way.” AHO2 already allows 12–18 story 100% affordable projects as of right without binding local review. Even under Massachusetts General Laws c.40B, both the funding agency and BZA must review.
The Council also removed parking requirements with little regard for accessibility. Look at the 12-story 2072 Mass Ave project: busy intersection, bus stop out front, senior/disabled housing next door. How does someone in a wheelchair get from curb to unit through a single crowded corridor?
Meanwhile, corridor upzonings speed ahead while market-rate developers tap public housing funds under questionable pretenses. Cambridge must grow — but growth must be smart, data-driven, and equitable.
Actions:
Release FY25 housing data;
Publish realistic 2030–2040 projections;
Define measurable “critical need”;
Align zoning with infrastructure.
I support taller buildings by right everywhere in Cambridge because I don’t want my son to move away from this city when he graduates. Right now there is no way he could afford to rent anything here, or even a realistic plan for purchasing his own place. More housing stock is needed for all our families.