Public Works Announces 2026 Commissioner's Award Winners
As part of a national celebration of Public Works Week, the Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner John Nardone and other City officials recently honored the recipients of the 2026 Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Performance. Congratulations to David Chaisson, Derek Doucette, Mark Gaffey, Ronnie Sun and Teddy Valcourt.
City of Cambridge Holiday Gift and Toy Drives
Several City departments are hosting holiday drives to collect gifts and toys for those less fortunate this season. There is a toy drive for families organized by Cambridge Public Schools and the Mayor's Office, a Toys for Tots by Cambridge Fire Department, Winter Gift Card Drive and Cambridge Police Department Collection for Seniors.
35 Harvey Street
Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI) renovated 35 Harvey Street, an existing affordable housing development located just off of Massachusetts Avenue near Alewife Linear Park and the Minuteman multi-use path.
The work involved converting 16 single-room-occupancy (SRO) units with shared facilities into 12 enhanced SRO housing units with private baths and kitchens. Ten out of the twelve units are deeply affordable by serving households under 30% AMI while the remaining two serve households under 50% AMI. All units have project-based vouchers.
Other work includes improvements to the exterior, the addition of a site manager’s office, common area upgrades, and an updated resident meeting space. The project was being designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification.
New Resident Guide - Bengali
The Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC) created a New Resident Guide to serve as a resource for new arrivals in Cambridge. This overview provides information on key, Cambridge-specific providers in the service areas most commonly needed by new immigrants.
Four Charged in Connection with Drug Distribution in Cambridge and Somerville
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Cambridge Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells and Somerville Chief of Police Shumeane Benford have announced that four individuals have been charged in connection with their alleged participation in an operation to deal illicit narcotics in the Greater Boston area including in the communities of Cambridge and Somerville.
Park Sounds: riah (Main)
riah is a Cape Verdean-American artist from Boston with a musical style that blends alt/pop, R&B, and neo-soul. After amassing over two million combined streams with her first widely successful hit “Too Fast,” riah released her first EP “Head/Space” in 2024. Her debut album "Garden" deals with themes of self-love amidst anxiety and uncertainty, and is streaming everywhere.
PARK SOUNDS 2026 brings free outdoor musical performances featuring local artists to the front lawn of the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch. These events are all-ages. Bring a chair, food, and loved ones to celebrate the summer! Funding is provided by the CPL Foundation in memory of Janet Axelrod.
729-755 Concord Avenue
Homeowners Rehab, Inc. (HRI) has completed the purchase of 729-755 Concord Avenue, several contiguous parcels that together form a 48,463 square foot site along Concord Avenue in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood. The acquisition was supported with funding from the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.
The site is located a block from HRI’s existing 98-unit Finch Cambridge affordable development at 675 Concord Avenue, completed in 2020, and is in close proximity to all the amenities of the Alewife shopping area and the Alewife T station.It is across the street from the Fresh Pond Reservation with ample open space and walking paths.
The site is expected to be redeveloped as affordable housing under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay.