These are just some of the municipal meetings and civic events for the coming week. More are on the City Calendar and in the city’s Open Meetings Portal.
Eleven stories on Mass. Ave.
City Council, 5:30 p.m. Monday. A policy order amending a North Massachusetts Avenue zoning proposal that would cap residential buildings at 11 stories instead of 12 returns from last week, when discussion was stopped for one regular meeting by councillor Sumbul Siddiqui using her “charter right.” The author of the order, Patty Nolan, says her change will allow for construction of more homes in mixed-rate towers while letting builders of all-affordable towers keep their height advantage – they can go to 13 stories – and respect a community process that suggested shorter heights. A similar change for Inman Square passed last week in a 7-1 vote. The council meets at City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square. Televised, online and watchable by Zoom videoconferencing.
New councillors, maybe a mayor
City Council inaugural meeting, 10 a.m. Jan. 5. Two newcomers elected in November join seven incumbents for a council swearing-in, after which the new body will cast ballots to choose a mayor from within their own ranks. Though in 2010 and 2012 balloting was dragged out to late February by divided councils, these internal elections have been swift since 2014, all resolved at the inaugural meetings so the new mayor and vice mayor can give speeches of gratitude and goal setting. (Details about a School Committee inaugural were not released at press time.) The council meets at City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Central Square. Televised, online and watchable by Zoom videoconferencing.
Community benefits group meets
Community Benefits Advisory Committee, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 5. This group formed in 2017 makes recommendations to the city manager for the approval of grant awards to nonprofit organizations, especially those focusing on low-income families with a single parent or guardian. It meets on the fourth floor of the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge, with an option to join the meeting online via Zoom.
Learn about Broadway changes
Broadway Safety Improvement Project, 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 7. Drop in to see possible changes to Broadway between Quincy and Ellery streets – a stretch of road next to the high school and Main Library. The informal session will teach about and take feedback on the Broadway Safety Improvement Project segment, its schedule and expected effects. Proposed changes include a two-way bike lane along Joan Lorentz Park and intersection safety improvements at Prescott and Felton Streets that will eliminate some parking spots. At the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School main cafeteria, 459 Broadway, Mid-Cambridge.
A stronger
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