Plenty has been going on in development this spring, including an environmentally focused building planned for North Point’s Parcel U, a slew of MIT moves and more on BioMed Realty’s push into Somerville.

The immediate issue facing the City Council concerns creating a new first response to some calls for help that go to the 911 dispatch system. We hope the city will move forward to do so. But the first response is just that. We must build up the resources and systems available after that first response.

There are far safer and better ways of providing affordable housing than Cambridge’s current zoning approaches.

It was as if nothing had changed in six months: On Thursday the Board of Zoning Appeal declined to approve a comprehensive permit for a 2072 Massachusetts Ave. affordable development five blocks north of Porter Square, citing its height.

More than two-thirds of Russell Apartments residents have signed a letter opposing the building proposed for next door. Those who haven’t signed are either afraid to speak out, or unable to communicate due to language barriers.

Letter from Tom Burke: Neighbors deserve a chance to speak about the building at 2072 Massachusetts Ave., but should our voices be so much louder than those whose lives are most directly affected by the zoning board’s decision?

The “missing middle” zoning intended to bring more multifamily housing to the city got a negative recommendation Tuesday from the Planning Board. Members voted 5-3, delivering a blow to the proposal, though it will continue on with a City Council committee hearing at a date yet to be set. 

Affordable housing is important, and I applaud the efforts to expand opportunities for working families. But it’s important to also consider the community where buildings are being built.

Public meetings this week look at closing Massachusetts Avenue to cars on weekends through September, quick-build bike lanes, millions in infrastructure borrowing, departmental budgeting, “missing middle” zoning, and a tiki bar in Harvard Square, patisserie, Mexican food and more.

Changes in the all-affordable building proposed for 2072 Massachusetts Ave. didn’t change how the Planning Board felt about it, and members voted to affirm its endorsement of the North Cambridge project to the Board of Zoning Appeal, where it goes next.