Harvard students’ semester on Harvard Square stretches from 1630 founding to current events
Harvard Square has been a special place for generations of people, and especially generations of Harvard students. A recently introduced class at the school exposes students to the square’s history and encourages them to get more involved in civic life by considering how it might be reenvisioned.
Crime and stress from Central Square’s unhoused draw increased attention from police and officials
Police and city officials are stepping up efforts against crime and homelessness in Central Square since Starbucks delivered a hard-to-miss illustration on the extent of anxieties there – by leaving its space after 25 years.
Apartments overlooking Harvard Square park okayed by Historical Commission with changes
A three-story addition of 38 apartments to the Crimson Galeria next to Harvard Square’s historic Winthrop Park has been approved for the next steps in the process.
Green jobs ordinance begins to take shape, imagining programs that will train workers
Cambridge may soon get a training program that focuses on jobs building out the green economy, from installing solar panels or wind turbines to urban agriculture and transit operations.
Being able to go faster on a Bluebikes e-bike won’t happen quickly, councillors are told
There’s no date for seeing e-bikes in the BlueBikes rental system, considering Cambridge, Somerville and other cities must first agree to it and renegotiate separate contracts.
More detail is asked on how new Middle East fits in Central Square, and saves ‘Crosswinds’ mural
The developer who wants to demolish and replace The Middle East nightclub and restaurant complex was told Thursday by the Cambridge Historical Commission to come back with more detail.
Most property owners will again receive tax relief through a process drawing increased discontent
The majority of Cambridge property taxpayers will again see a decrease or no change in their property tax bills this year, but city councillors are making ultimatums about changing how the relief process works.
Proposal to end parking minimums gets 7-1 vote on way to council, despite Planning Board fears
A proposal to eliminate parking minimums citywide is making its way to the City Council from its Ordinance Committee, where eight of nine councillors were present Sept. 21 and all but one voted in favor.
In a call for all to follow the rules of the road, bicycle advocates see more implied criticism
An innocent-seeming policy order to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, which advises people on the rules of the road, was taken as another volley in the city’s bike wars upon introduction at a Sept. 19 meeting of the City Council.
In quest to build multifamily housing citywide, there’s still debate on the scope of study needed
Opinions diverge on whether the goal of building more multifamily housing is best pursued by looking where it’s not allowed, or at citywide policies slowing construction.
