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March 19, 2008 GAC Update
Remember to register for the GAC Executive Speaker Luncheon with Suzanne M. Bump, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development which will be held next Wednesday March 26, 2008 at the Cambridge Hyatt. Secretary Bump will provide an overview on the Patrick administration’s priorities including plans to invest in the life science industry and workforce development initiatives.
The Council met this week and received reports on how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be administered, passed orders regarding new Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) flood maps, the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and requesting a study of Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to the Arlington line. The Council also voted down an order asking to delay an affordable housing project.
The City Council’s Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the matter of presenting a status report on the Cambridge Energy Alliance on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue.
Prevention Magazine has rated Cambridge the best walking City in the US.
Upcoming GAC Events
The 2008 Government Affairs program is sponsored by Genzyme.
March GAC/Executive Speaker Luncheon
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Note Date Change
Guest: Suzanne M. Bump, Secretary, Labor and Workforce Development of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cambridge Hyatt
Members: $40.00, Non-members: $80.00
More information and registration
April GAC Meeting and Luncheon
Tuesday April 29, 2008
James Scafide, Chief of the Business Technology and Economic Development Division of the Office of Massachusetts Attorney General, will be our guest at the April GAC meeting and luncheon. He will discuss Attorney General Martha Coakley’s initiatives around job creation and economic development and is interested in learning what issues are of importance to the Cambridge business community. If you plan to attend please RSVP to Terrence Smith, Director of Government Affairs at tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or by phone at 617-876-4213. Note that for this month we will be meeting the last Tuesday rather than the fourth Tuesday of the month.
May GAC Meeting and Luncheon
May GAC Meeting and Luncheon
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Guest TBA
June GAC Meeting and Luncheon
June 24, 2008<
Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas will address the June GAC Meeting and Luncheon
Noon, Chamber Board Room
If you plan to attend please RSVP to Terrence Smith, Director of Government Affairs at tsmith@cambridgechamber.org or by phone at 617-876-4213.
March 17, 2008 City Council Meeting
The City Council met this week and received a report from the City Manager on how the Leaf Blower Ordinance will be administered. The Council passed three policy orders regarding new Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) flood maps, and order regarding the Community Preservation Act (CPA) and an order requesting a study of Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to the Arlington line. The Council also voted down an order asking to delay an affordable housing project.
Leaf Blower Ordinance in Effect March 1
City Manager Agenda Item 1 summarizes the work the City is doing to publicize the Leaf Blower Amendments to the Noise Ordinance that went into effect on March 1. The City has developed a brochure and a website to inform the public about this regulation and has sent a letter and brochure to more than 100 local commercial operators. The letter also identified how one would register a complaint when a leaf blower was being used in possible violation of the regulation. The website is www.cambridgema.gov/leafblowers.
New FEMA Flood Maps
Policy Order 6 asks that the City work with resident in the Alewife area to ensure that all necessary information are provided regarding changes in the FEMA flood maps for the area which are expected to increase the number of parcels in the flood plain. Policy Order 9 asks that the City present a seminar in North Cambridge, with representatives of FEMA and State agencies, aimed at the real Estate industry regarding the change in flood maps. Policy Order 10 asks the City to validate the FEMA findings regarding flood areas.
Information on CPA Process Requested
Policy Order 7 asks the City Manager to provide the Council on the status of the CPA funding process for the upcoming year and asks for information on opportunities for public input. The CPA was enacted in 2001 which provides a surcharge on property taxes. Funds for the CPA may be used for affordable housing, open space or historic preservation and no less than 10% can be spent for the three allowable purposes. City funds are matched by State funds. Under State law a Community Preservation Committee is responsible for making recommendations for the use of CPA funds.
Study Requested for Massachusetts Avenue Policy Order 12 is a substitute version of an order asking that the City look at the zoning on Massachusetts Avenue between Harvard Square and the Arlington line. The substitute order asks for a task force to conduct a special study review of this corridor.
Council Opposes Request to Delay Affordable Housing Project
On a 5-3 vote the City Council voted down Policy Order 8 which asked the non-profit developer of an affordable housing project to delay its process to receive necessary permits pending the City Council recommending changes regarding density and the Special Permit process.
View current GCA Update
For a listing of public meetings, visit the Public Meetings link or the Public Meeting Notices area of the City of Cambridge Web site.
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