Harvard Square Advisory Committee Meeting

6:00 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2024

Neighborhood:
Baldwin
Mid-Cambridge
Neighborhood Nine
North Cambridge
Riverside

Contact:
Mason Wells, mwells@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-9794

Harvard Square Advisory Committee

Meeting Agenda

May 15, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Via Zoom Webinar

https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87628198789

 

Application materials and general information about the Harvard Square Advisory Committee can be found on the following webpage: https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/harvardadvcomm.

For more information, please contact Mason Wells, Associate Zoning Planner with the Cambridge Community Development Department, at 617-349-9794 or mwells@cambridgema.gov.

Project Review and Discussion

  • BZA Formula Business Special Permit Application – 1 Brattle Square (Chip City)

    The Applicant is proposing a formula business quick service food establishment in an approximately 715 square foot retail space on the ground floor of the 1 Brattle Square building in Harvard Square. The business is expected to sell baked goods, as well as ice cream and beverages. Fast Order/Quick-Service Food Establishments in the Harvard Square Overlay District require a special permit from the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) if they are considered a Formula Business. Chip City is a nationwide chain with approximately 38 locations that qualifies as a Formula Business. In considering applications for Special Permits for Fast Order or Quick-Service Food Establishments, the BZA shall find that in addition to other criteria specified in Zoning Section 10.40, that the requirements of Section 11.31(a)-(g) are also met. HSAC will review the application and prepare a recommendation to be submitted to the BZA.

     

  • BZA Variance and Special Permit Application – 9, 11A, and 11B Mount Auburn Street

The Applicant proposes to renovate the existing buildings, constructing a third-floor rear addition to 9-11A Mt. Auburn Street and constructing two third-floor dormers to 11B Mt. Auburn Street, and removing a connecting structure and mechanical lift between the structures, as well as other exterior renovations to the structures. Renovations will preserve the Mt. Auburn Street facing facades. Use of the property (currently offices) will be reestablished as residential.

 

The Applicant is expected to submit to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) for both variances and special permits. BZA variances and special permits within the Harvard Square Overlay District require review by HSAC. HSAC will prepare a recommendation to be submitted to the BZA.

 

General Business

  • Committee Member Updates

Hold for members of HSAC to share relevant information about Harvard Square.

 

Adjourn

 

PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023 adopted by the Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor. Members of the public can attend the meeting virtually through Zoom Webinar. Members of the public can also provide comments in writing or via email before the meeting. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats as soon as possible by contacting the staff listed above.

 

To join the Zoom webinar, click the following link: https: https://cambridgema.zoom.us/j/87628198789. Check your e-mail (including spam/junk folder) for confirmation. If you do not have a computer or e-mail address, you may attend via phone by dialing +1 646 931 3860

The webinar ID is: 876 2819 8789