Thousands of older people who live in Cambridge become eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations in two weeks, yet it’s not clear who will give the shots and how. The same is true for essential workers, second on the state list for coronavirus shots.

Public meetings this week look at why the city can’t grant direct Covid-19 aid, affordable housing work citywide under Covid-19, public schools’ approach to remote learning and in-person classes, development at large hazardous waste site and much more.

The developers of a proposed building of affordable housing at 2072 Massachusetts Ave., North Cambridge, say they plan to ask for a continuation of their case as it comes before the Board of Zoning Appeal at its Thursday meeting.

Russell Apartments residents know the value of affordable housing; it is a lifesaver for our community members who could not otherwise afford to live in Cambridge. But the residential building proposed for next door would sacrifice our affordable housing community for its own.

It’s time for compromise on the proposed affordable housing at 2072 Massachusetts Ave. – approve the height (nine stories) along Massachusetts Avenue and reduce the height by one story (to five) at the step-down along Walden.

Public meetings this week look at a roadblock to socially distanced exercise; how Kendall Square evolves under the CRA’s watch; a new way to decide in-person vs. remote learning; a dog park for the Cambridge Crossing neighborhood; and the police department’s inventory list.

If the obvious worst thing about this year was the coronavirus, the best thing is just as apparent: Our response to the pandemic as a city and as individuals.

Escaping from the current affordable housing cycle of unplanned development, out-of-context building and regulatory corner-cutting requires strong political leadership and a determined, systematic approach.

Discussions regarding the proposed building at 2072 Massachusetts Ave. have been strikingly heated. I want there to be respect. It is a value we espouse, all of us.

We said it nearly three years ago: The City Council needs its own legal representation. Really, not much has changed since then. Maybe just that on Monday the council saw as much as $68 million for affordable housing slip away.