Developing stories
I’m back from vacation in Alaska, which was great, though even in the U.S.’s least-developed state housing is a headache (in Juneau, debate is centered on Telephone Hill). Thanks to Ruth Tam and Nathan Metcalf for tending the newsletter while I was out.
I got back to the office just in time for some local development developments: On Monday, City Council voted to tie building heights along the Cambridge Street and Mass Ave corridors to street-level “active spaces.” On Wednesday, a joint meeting of the Housing and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning committees debated zoning modifications proposed by the Community Development Department to the Multifamily Housing Ordinance passed in 2025. That meeting featured both protest and some voting drama.
In addition, MIT’s graduate students marched on City Hall, Anthropic made waves by leasing a big chunk of space in Kendall Square, Cambridge Rindge and Latin fall sports kicked off, and we wrote about an app that keeps up with the turkeys who are our neighbors.
Top stories
Zoning update may see major changes
Eighteen months after the multifamily housing zoning ordinance was passed, two city council committees proposed increased setbacks and other modifications.
City Council ties Mass Ave, Cambridge Street building heights to ground floor uses
For maximum heights in the two corridors, developers will have to include retail, restaurants or other ‘active spaces.’
Anthropic to expand in Cambridge amid AI controversy
While some state and local officials welcomed the development, concerns range from AI agent hacking to job loss.
Council votes for MIT graduate student union
Members of the union took their contract fight with the university to Sullivan Chamber.
‘Turkeys’ app invites us to consider our gobbly neighbors
A postdoc researcher created “Turkeys in Public Space,” a web app and print zine, to share his curiosity about our local birds.
CRLS Sports: Girls’ soccer starts strong
Meanwhile, in American football, the Falcons shut out Saugus as Kymani Delice ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns.
Feeling fluffy
Wondering What the Fluff? Saturday is your day, as the annual event returns to Union Square. Also Saturday, some local breweries are celebrating Oktoberfest a little early. Our events highlights have these and plenty more things to do. For more events or to submit your own, check out our interactive calendar.
If you go to something, submit a photo to Community View.
And have a great Cambridge week!
Michael F. Fitzgerald
mfitzgerald@cambridgeday.com
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