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Janaury 25, 2006 GAC Update
The City Council met on Monday and approved funds to send the Economic Development Director to a major biotechnology conference, received a report on a working group established to develop a community technology plan, sent an order to the City manager regarding the City’s possible purchase of land put up for sale by the MBTA, and voted to schedule a round table meeting on the Cambridge Excitement Laboratory proposal that came out of the Council’s Economic Development committee last term.
Last night’s Leaders 2006 Event was a huge success. More than 200 local leaders from government and business met informally. Thanks again to our sponsors Adams & Rafferty Attorneys at Law, Cambridge Savings Bank and Comcast Cable Communications, LLC for their support and to all who attended for making this a great evening.
January 23, 2006 City Council Meeting
Economic Development Director to attend Bio2006 Conference
The Council approved funds for the Director of Economic Development to attend the Bio2006 in April in Chicago. This is one of the major biotechnology events held annually. During discussion on this item Mayor Reeves noted that this conference will be held in Boston next year and that Cambridge should be preparing for that event.
Working Group on Telecommunications and Community Technology Plan
In response to a Council request from the last term the City Manager reported that a Wireless Technology Committee, made-up of City staff, City Councillors, and representatives from the non-profit, educational, and business communities, has been established and has held two formal meetings. A copy of the City Managers report is available at http://www.cambridgema.gov/cityclerk/cmLetter.cfm?item_id=5711.
City Purchase MBTA Land?
The Council sent and order to the City Manager requesting that he look into the feasibility of purchasing the MBTA land, building, and air rights at Mt. Auburn and Bennett Streets for city economic development use. A January 13 Boston Globe article identified this site, which is above the bus turnaround and houses a former conductors’ building, as one the MBTA is planning to put on the market. A copy of the Globe article is available at http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=1593&topicId=21355&docId=l:344716039.
Roundtable Meeting on Cambridge Excitement Laboratory
The Council passed an order that the City Council and City Manager have a roundtable meeting to on the Excitement Laboratory proposal that came out of the Economic Development committee last term. The Excitement Laboratory would serve as an economic development tool to ensure that there are events in Cambridge of interest to local residents and visitors as well as tourists from outside the region.
