In Cambridge’s City Council procedure, tabling a motion requires passing it first?
Basic parliamentary procedure appeared to defeat the City Council once again Monday, when an attempt to amend a policy order and table it required four separate votes, one of which seemed to pass the order, although that appeared to be no one’s intent.
Mazen blasted by mayor after questioning Election Commission at budget hearings
Mayor E. Denise Simmons berated city councillor Nadeem Mazen publicly for questions made at an earlier budget hearing, accusing him of misogyny and calling his conduct “outrageous.” A later angry encounter was broadcast live on television and the Internet.
Toomey disputes attendance allegations, says he’s missed one meeting in 28 years
A criticism of lax meeting attendance has drawn objections from city councillor Tim Toomey. “You should check your facts,” said the longtime councillor.
‘Extricating’ self from race for council seat, Mazen has analysis, ideas on better system
Nadeem Mazen – Muslim-American, 33 years old, two-term councillor – will not seek a third term on the City Council, and now that he’s freed from campaigning, he has critiques of how the council operates and how local campaigns operate.
&pizza wins over Harvard Square advisers, tests zoning board with tardy submissions
A decision on whether &pizza will be allowed to fill two spaces in Harvard Square should come Thursday when the Board of Zoning Appeals is scheduled to hear the chain’s request for a fast food special permit – a hearing that’s been continued twice already.
Surveillance policy, MIT lab proposal combine to alarm officials, residents
City surveillance policy debate and an MIT lab proposal raised questions Monday: How should Cambridge control digital surveillance technologies by city government? Should the City Council leave deployment of technologies to the city manager?
Council’s order on Harvard Square cinema draws month-late action from city manager (update)
The City Council unanimously adopted an order asking the city manager to give developer Gerald Chan 30 days to provide “long-term plans” for the empty Harvard Square cinemas he’s owned for two years. But there’s been no action from the City Manager’s Office.
Crimson Corner: Newsstand without news after its relocation within Harvard Square
Crimson Corner moved Monday, two blocks and two corners up Brattle Street, having lost its lease in favor of up-and-coming &pizza – but it left some things behind.
City adopts 20% inclusionary housing law, first increase to required units since 1998
The City Council unanimously passed Monday an increase in the required affordable housing contribution from large developers. The increase was years in the making, with the council first starting down the path in 2013.
Elks file suit to halt Mass+Main’s high-rise, asking court to look at impact on neighbors
The Massasoit Elks Lodge near Central Square has filed a lawsuit to block the 195-foot Mass+Main tower planned to go up next to Jill Brown-Rhone Park.
