Government Affairs: Archive October 31 2007

The Council met on Monday and received a report on the fiscal impact of development delays at North Point, discussed further changes to the proposed leaf blower amendment to the noise ordinance, and passed amendments to the Refuse and Litter Ordinance. The Manager also reported on a recent conference he spoke at regarding the Cambridge Climate Change initiative. The Council also passed a Policy Order requesting an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding the treatment of solar energy systems.

The State House of Representatives has passed a bill to address Chapter 91 issues raised in a Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruling in February on a lawsuit against the developers of North Point. According to the Boston Globe the legislation will next go the Senate and then to the Governor. It is likely both will approve and the cloud over the North Point development regarding state environmental law will be lifted. The ownership dispute is also expected to be settled before the end of the year.

Cambridge Municipal Election Day is next Tuesday, November 6. Next week’s GAC Update should have preliminary results from both the City Council and School Committee elections.

The 2007 Government Affairs program is sponsored by Genzyme.

Upcoming GAC Events

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 TBA

2008 Leaders Event Coming in January

October 29, 2007 City Council Meeting

North Point Update

The City Manager reported that delays in build-out of the NorthPoint project would have little fiscal impact for the next five-years as the City has used very conservative assumptions regarding short-term revenue from that project. He reports that beginning in year six the City would see greater problems as the City projects tax revenues of more than $1 million per year from that project beginning in year six of the fiscal projections.The Council met on Monday and received a report on the fiscal impact of development delays at North Point and a report from the City Manager on the current status of that project. The Council received additional proposed changes to the proposed leaf blower amendment to the noise ordinance and passed amendments to the Refuse and Litter Ordinance. The Manager also reported on a recent conference he spoke at regarding the Cambridge Climate Change initiative.

The Manager reported that the legislature is near completion of legislation to address the issues raised in the SJC’s February decision and that it is his understanding that the ownership issues, now before a court in Delaware, should be resolved as soon as early December. The City Manager’s report is available at City Manager Agenda Item 5.

Leaf Blowers

The Council discussed the proposed amendment to the Noise Ordinance related to leaf blowers and received additional language to incorporate into a possible amendment. The new language would continue to limit equipment to leaf blowers rated at 65 decibels or less and would limit the times of year, days and times when leaf blowers could be operated. There was some discussion about a proposal that would allow residents but not commercial landscapers from operating leaf blowers in residential areas.

The City Manager reported that it would be several weeks before the new amendment, incorporating language suggested by the Council at this and the previous meeting and language suggested by staff would be available. The order passed at the meeting is available at Policy Order 23.

Litter and Refuse Ordinance Amended

The Council passed amendments to the Litter and Rubbish Ordinance that will increase fines for improper disposal, broadens enforcement, and requires that lids be in place on all trash receptacles. The Manager’s letter transmitting the new requirements is available at City Manager Agenda Item 9 and the amendment language is available at View attached letter.

Solar Energy Systems

The Council passed an order asking for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to protect solar energy systems. The concern is that new development may interfere with solar systems once installed. The order is available at Policy Order 17.

City Manager on Climate Change Panel

The City Manager reported on a recent trip to Germany where he was invited to participate in discussions regarding the City’s Climate Change Program and the Cambridge Energy Alliance. He reported that municipalities in Germany are looking at Cambridge as a model for designing similar programs.