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March 7, 2007 GAC Update
The Council met this Monday and passed zoning changes, discussed a recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling and received reports about the closing of two restaurants. The Council will not meet as members will be attending the the National League of Cities Congressional Cities Conference in Washington, DC.
Upcoming GAC Events
The 2007 Government Affairs program is sponsored by Genzyme.
City Manager Robert Healy Guest for March GAC
Cambridge City Manager Robert Healy will be our guest at the March 27 GAC luncheon and meeting which will be held at noon at the Chamber Board Room. GAC members mentioned last fall that they would to hear from the City Manager annually so this is your opportunity. Please e-mail tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or phone (617) 876-4213 if you plan to attend.
April GAC TBA
Vice Mayor and State Representative Toomey to Address May GAC
Cambridge Vice Mayor and State Representative Timothy Toomey, Jr. was scheduled to be our guest in January and had to cancel due to legislative responsibilities at the State House. He will now be our guest on Tuesday, May 22 at noon at the Chamber Board Room. Please e-mail tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or phone (617) 876-4213 if you plan to attend.
March 5, 2007 Cambridge City Council Meeting
The Council met this Monday and passed zoning changes to certain Business districts, discussed the recent Supreme Judicial Court ruling affecting NorthPoint, and received reports on requiring development of three bedroom or larger housing units and the closing of the KFC at Walden and Massachusetts Avenue and the Ground Round site at Fresh Pond.
Council Approves Changes to BA, BA-1 and BA-2 Districts
The Council approved changes to the zoning code affecting BA, BA-1 and BA-2 districts. The changes would require a Project Review Special Permit for projects of 20,000 square feet or more, a reduction from the current requirement of review for projects of 50,000 square feet or more, and establish certain setback requirements. The review would not require a detailed traffic study as both City staff and the Planning Board reported to the Council that such a study is not appropriate for projects of less than 50,000 square feet.
The zoning change also increases the rear set-back requirement for properties in BA-2 districts, which includes North Massachusetts Avenue and the intersection of Putnam and River Street, to 20 feet when abutting a residential district. The change does not affect businesses abutting businesses.
The Planning Board’s report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 13 and the Council’s Ordinance Committee report is available at Committee Report 3. The language as ordained is not yet available on-line. If you would like a copy faxed to you please contact Terrence Smith at the Chamber by e-mail at tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or by phone at (617) 876-4213.
Council Weighs-in on NorthPoint Ruling
The Council discussed the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruling affecting NorthPoint. Three weeks ago, the SJC ruled that the State Department of Environmental Protection had improperly exempted developers of the North Point site from certain waterway protection regulations under Chapter 91 of Massachusetts General Laws.
The Council ordered the City Manager to have appropriate staff monitor this issue and report back to the City Council before the next meeting if circumstances require. Councillor Sullivan exercised his right under the City Charter to postpone discussion of a second order calling for the Council to go on record opposing changes to Chapter 91 proposed under House Bill 847. A copy of the order that passed is available at City Council Policy Order 15, a copy of the second order is available at City Council Policy Order 16 and a copy of House Bill 847 is available at HB 847 (in PFD format).
Report on Requiring Three Bedroom and Larger Housing Units
The Council received a report form the Community development Department regarding establishing policies and regulations requiring developers to build housing units with three bedrooms or more to accommodate families. The report suggests several options and notes that the best approach is a development bonus which would allow a developer to build a larger project than allowed under zoning if units with three or more bedrooms are included. A copy of the report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 4.
Restaurant Closing Report
The Council received a report on the closing of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at Walden and Massachusetts Avenue and the future of the Ground Round Restaurant site at Fresh Pond. The report says that declining business led to the closing of the KFC and that a new owner recently purchased the Ground Round site and is offering it for lease. Councillors asked what actions the City can take to ensure these properties do not remain vacant and the Manager reported that as private property the City is limited to ensuring that the properties are secure and meet building, health, and safety code requirements. The Council referred the report to the Economic Development and Workforce Training Committee for a future hearing. A copy of the report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 2.
