35 Cherry Street Lot

Map of Cherry Street Lot

The City of Cambridge is leading a public process to decide the future use of 35 Cherry Street. 35 Cherry Street will be acquired by the City as part of a real estate development agreement with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This transfer includes the stipulation that the parcel be used in perpetuity in a way that directly benefit residents in The Port (formerly Area Four) Neighborhood and surrounding communities. The city council identified the site for affordable housing.

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July 2023

 

The City and the Affordable Housing Trust have prepared a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of affordable homeownership housing at 35 Cherry St. The RFP is available on the City's Purchasing Department's website. 

The Project Guidelines in the RFP include the goals of neighborhood residents, the City Council, and the Trust. The primary goal is to create new housing at 35 Cherry Street that will meet the needs of new homeowners and have a positive impact on the neighborhood. 

The RFP is a result of a multi-year public process. Since 2021, the City has hosted a series of community meetings and focus groups. In March 2022 City Council approved transferring the land to the Trust. The Trust worked with City staff to complete the RFP.   

 

See the "Schedule" tab for a complete list of past meetings and related materials.

March 7, 2023 | City Council Approval  

The Community Development Department requested, and the City Council approved, the disposition of 35 Cherry Street to the Affordable Housing Trust to facilitate the development of affordable housing following the community’s goals and recommendations.  

  • Click here to view CDD’s report as submitted to City Council  
  • Click here to view the Final Actions from the City Council Meeting  

November 4, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

November 3, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team Focus Group Meeting

November 1, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting 

September 23, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting 

September 20, 2021 | Haitian Creole Focus Group Meeting

September 13, 2021 | Spanish Speaking Focus Group Meeting

August 25, 2021 | American-Born Black Outreach Team focus Group Meeting

June 3, 2021 | Virtual Community Meeting

  • Click here to view a video recording of the June 3, 2021 community meeting. Passcode: &g7sJdpz 
  • Click here to view slides presented during the meeting.
  • Click here to view meeting notes.

Past Meetings

July 15, 2014 | Community Meeting

December 5, 2013 | Community Meeting

The 10,953 square foot lot at 35 Cherry Street will be acquired by the City as part of a real estate development agreement with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) involving a number of parcels near by along the Main Street corridor. The City’s acquisition of 35 Cherry Street includes the stipulation that the parcel be used in perpetuity in a manner that directly benefit residents in the Port (formerly Area Four) Neighborhood and surrounding communities. The lot is currently vacant. The City has begun a process to determine future use of the site.

  • View of vacant Cherry Street lot

    View of existing parking lot and fence