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2072 Mass Ave
New, 100% affordable rental housing near Porter Square.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/2072massave
Trolley Square Study
In 2001 the City acquired title to a site in Trolley Square previously owned by the MBTA. This future of this site was the focus of the work of the Trolley Square Committee.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/trolleysquarestudy
100 Percent Affordable Housing Overlay
The 100%-Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) is designed to help affordable housing developers create new affordable homes more quickly, more cost effectively, and in areas of the city where there are currently fewer affordable housing opportunities.
/CDD/housing/housingdevelopment/aho
Eastern Cambridge Planning Study Report
Zoning and non-zoning recommendations from the 2001 Eastern Cambridge Planning Study, as well as visions for specific focus areas.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/E/ecaps2001
4 Mellen St / 1627 Mass Ave
Renovation and new construction of affordable housing proposed under the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay
/CDD/Projects/Housing/1627massave
Eastern Cambridge Planning Board Guidelines
Guidelines adopted in October 2001 as part of the effort to help define the character of future development in Eastern Cambridge.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/E/ecapsguidelines2001
Homeownership Resale Pool Application
The Homeownership Resale Pool is open to households earning between 50% and 100% AMI adjusted for household size.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/homeownershipresalepoolapplication
City of Cambridge Operations To Go Green
Thanks to an innovative partnership among multiple local institutions and a new wind power project in North Dakota, all of the electricity used by Cambridge city buildings, schools and operations will be 100% carbon neutral starting in 2026.
/CDD/News/2024/11/cityofcambridgeoperationstogogreen
Trolley Square Study 1995
1995 planning study of Trolley and Sheridan Squares along the northern section of Massachusetts Avenue. Served as background information for the 2001 Trolley Square Study Committee.
/CDD/publications/alphabeticaldocumentfolders/T/trolleysquarestudy1995
CANCELLED: 71 Cherry Street AHO Community Meeting
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is hosting their first AHO community meeting on February 19th, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed development at 71 Cherry Street as 100% affordable housing.
Via Zoom: bit.ly/m/MFNHRevampProject
In Person: CCF Conference Room, 99 Bishop Allen Dr. Cambridge, MA 02139
If you are interested in attending the meeting, please register here.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/02/19/71cherrystreetahocommunitymeeting
12-14 Laurel Street - AHO Community Meeting
Just A Start (JAS) is hosting their first AHO community meeting on September 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed redevelopment at 12-14 Laurel Street as 100% affordable housing.
You may attend this meeting either in-person or online.
In-person: 55 Norfolk Street, Cambridge, MA
Online: via Zoom. Please register here to attend the meeting online.
For more information about the project, please contact Connor Ring at ConnorRing@justastart.org.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/09/11/1214laurelstreetahocommunitymeeting
Corcoran Park AHO Community Meeting
The CHA is hosting their second AHO community meeting on June 18, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed revitalization at Corcoran Park as 100% affordable housing. Click here for the flyer.
Interested participants may attend:
In-person: VFW at 688 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Via Zoom: Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.
For more information about this project, please visit CHA’s website at https://cambridge-housing.org/departments/planning/planning-projects/corcoran-park-modernization/.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/06/18/corcoranparkahocommunitymeeting
28-30 Wendell AHO Community Meeting
Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI) is holding their third AHO community meeting at the Baldwin School Cafeteria (85 Oxford Street) on March 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed development at 28-30 Wendell Street as 100% affordable housing. Click here for more information. If you are interested in attending via Zoom, please register here.
For more information about the project, please contact Eleni Macrakis at emacrakis@homeownersrehab.org or visit the project’s website at https://www.30wendellstreet.com/home.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/03/06/2830wendellahocommunitymeeting
Corcoran Park AHO Community Meeting
The CHA is hosting their second AHO community meeting on October 9, 2025 at 6 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed revitalization at Corcoran Park as 100% affordable housing. Click here for the flyer.
Interested participants may attend:
In-person: VFW at 688 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
Via Zoom: Click here to register for the Zoom meeting.
For more information about this project, please visit CHA’s website at https://cambridge-housing.org/departments/planning/planning-projects/corcoran-park-modernization/.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/10/09/corcoranparkahocommunitymeeting1
240 Broadway (Broadway Park) AHO Community Meeting
Just A Start (JAS) is hosting a second AHO community meeting on November 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed development at 240 Broadway (also known as Broadway Park) as 100% affordable housing.
You may attend this meeting either in-person or online.
In-person: 243 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Online: via Zoom. Please register here to attend the meeting online.
For more information about the project, please contact Yolanda Gilibert at YolandaGilibert@justastart.org or visit the project’s website at https://justastart.org/240-broadway/.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/11/06/240broadway,-h-,40;broadwaypark,-h-,41;ahocommunitymeeting
2072 Massachusetts Avenue AHO Community Meeting
Capstone Communities, Hope Real Estate Enterprises, and MPZ Development (Capstone/Hope/MPZ) are hosting their second AHO community meeting on May 29th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss plans for the proposed development at 2072 Massachusetts Avenue as 100% affordable housing. Click here for the flyer.
Interested participants may attend this meeting either in-person or online.
In-person: University Hall, 2nd floor (2-150), 1815 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140
Online: via Zoom. Please register here to attend the meeting online.
For more information about the project, please contact Capstone Communities at info@capstonecommunities.com or visit the project’s website at https://www.aptsat2072massave.com/home.
/CDD/Calendar/2025/05/29/2072massachusettsavenueahocommunitymeeting1
Roseland Portfolio
In December 2024, the development team behind Frost Terrace Apartments, a 40-unit 100% affordable development completed in 2021, purchased six contiguous sites (20 Roseland Street, 22 Roseland Street, 28 Roseland Street, 1 Frost Street, 3 Frost Street, and 5 Frost Street) where they intend to create another affordable development. The approximately one-acre parcel is adjacent to Frost Terrace and will be called Frost Terrace II.
Located in the heart of Porter Square, surrounded by many amenities including restaurants, retail stores, and the Porter Square MBTA station, the combined parcels total 127,668 square feet and currently contain five multi-family buildings and one single family house.
The team plans to create this affordable housing under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
/CDD/Projects/Housing/roselandportfolio
Zoning Centennial
Did you know that 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the Zoning Ordinance? Learn about how the Zoning & Development Division at CDD is reflecting on a century of zoning and how it has guided the development of the city.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/zoningcentennial
Rindge Commons North
Just a Start (JAS) will be building two new buildings at 430-432 Rindge Avenue in North Cambridge. This two-phased project, called Rindge Commons, will create 101 affordable apartments. All units will be affordable to households earning under 80% AMI, with some being more deeply affordable. Additionally, JAS's development will provide community-wide benefits by addressing climate change mitigation and sustainability goals and enhancing the experience of pedestrians and cyclists along Alewife Brook Parkway and Rindge Avenue.
The first phase, Rindge Commons North, will include 24 affordable one- and two-bedroom rental units, as well several floors of non-residential where JAS will be consolidating its training and education programs into a centralized location. The City will also be leasing space to create three Pre-Kindergarten classrooms for children between ages three and five years old, providing much needed affordable early education for Cambridge’s working families. Rindge Commons North is located just steps away from the Alewife T-Station, and shares a site with JAS’s Rindge Tower Apartments.
The second phase of Rindge Commons will begin once Rindge Commons North is complete and will contain 77 affordable family-sized units.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/rindgecommonsnorth
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q3
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2023/11/developmentlogavailable2023q3
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q4
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/3/newdevelopmentlogavailable2023fourthquarter
Growth Management Advisory Committe
The Citywide Growth Management Advisory Committee (CGMAC) addressed concerns expressed by the community about future density and traffic growth, the need for more housing, including affordable units, and opportunities for public review of large projects. The Committee recoemmeded a series of significant zoning changes.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/gmac
Town Gown Archive
Copies of older Town Gown reports.
/CDD/planud/institutionalplanning/towngownarchive
Planning Studies
The Community Development Departments collaborates with other City departments to conduct planning studies of varying scales, often with goals to rezone, solve a particular problem, or create documentation of a topic.
/CDD/planud/planningstudies
Foundry Building
This the project page for the City-owned Foundry Building.
/CDD/Projects/EconDev/foundrybuilding
Finch Cambridge
The project, managed by Homeowner's Rehab, Inc., is a 98-unit affordable housing development.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/concordhighlands
Bike Parking Gallery
Bicycle parking throughout Cambridge.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/Parking/bikeparkinggallery
Workforce Data Sets
Downloaded ES-202 unemployment insurance workforce data sets for Cambridge.
/CDD/factsandmaps/economicdata/workforcedatasets
Trolley Square
Trolley Square is a mixed-use, mixed-income development for low- and moderate-income families.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/trolleysquare
Switching your energy supply
It is possible to choose a competitive electricity supplier to deliver your electricity, but the terms and conditions of cancellation depend on the contract you sign with the competitive supplier.
/CDD/climateandenergy/energyefficiencyandrenewableenergy/switchingtocompetitivesupplyandgr...
Mass Ave Planning Study Community Meeting
The planning team will share recommendations developed with the community that will help to Make Mass Ave more beautiful, produce more housing , provide more neighborhood amenities, support small businesses, and improve sidewalks and walkability
/CDD/News/2025/4/massaveplanningstudycommunitymeetingplanrecommendations
2018 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2018.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2018pb
Comcast Rise Grant
Starting Thursday, May 1 through Saturday, May 31, eligible small businesses in the Boston area (including Cambridge) can apply for the Comcast RISE Program
/CDD/News/2025/5/comcastrisegrant
Windsor Street Condominiums
Just A Start Corporation, in partnership with the City, redeveloped the former church and rectory at 424-430 Windsor Street into 14 units of affordable ownership housing.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/424430windsorstreet
Credit 101 Workshop
Workshop on understanding and improving credit
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/workshoponmanagingfinances
Squirrelwood
Squirrelwood encompasses both the rehabilitation of the 45 existing units at Linwood Court and the 20 units at Squirrel Brand, as well as the new construction of 23 units at Linwood Court.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/Squirrelwood
87-101 Blanchard Road
B'nai B'rith Housing, a Greater Boston nonprofit housing developer, is proposing to expand the existing site at 89 Blanchard Road and create new affordable senior housing. They plan to create this new housing under provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
/CDD/Projects/Housing/87101blanchardroad
History of Comprehensive Planning
From 2016 to 2019, the city undertook a process, Envision Cambridge, which resulted in a series of recommendations guiding the City to a more sustainable and equitable future by the year 2030.
/CDD/planud/masterplan/growthpolicy
Kendall Square
Information about the Kendall Square Commercial District
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/aboutcambridge/kendallsq
Start It Up Small Business Bootcamp
Attention all Cambridge small business owners! The City of Cambridge and The Capital Network invite you to attend an in-person event designed to provide entrepreneurship education, resources, and in-person networking opportunities to connect with industry experts, investors, mentors, and fellow business owners. This is a free event and part of the City’s National Small Business Month activities.
/CDD/News/2023/4/startitupsmallbusinessbootcamp
Jefferson Park - Federal
Jefferson Park Federal site consists of 175 formerly federally funded public housing apartments located near the Alewife MTBA station in North Cambridge.
/CDD/Projects/Housing/jeffersonparkfederal
Cambridge Common/Flaggstaff Park Project
This project will renovated the Cambridge Common and build a multi-use path alongside Flagstaff Park on Mass. Avenue.
/CDD/Transportation/projects/completedprojects/cambridgecommon
Open Space Map Gallery
Includes maps showing the location of public parks, waterplay areas, off-leash areas for dogs and community gardens.
/CDD/factsandmaps/mapgalleries/openspace
2011 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2011
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2011pb
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Buildings in Cambridge are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than transportation and waste combined, or over 80% of the city’s total emissions.
/CDD/climateandenergy/energyefficiencyandrenewableenergy
52 New Street
52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, will begin accepting applications for a resident lottery on July 1
/CDD/News/2025/5/52newstreet
Funding for the Trust
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust receives significant financial support through the Community Preservation Act. The Affordable Housing Trust also benefits from funds generated by the City’s Incentive Zoning Ordinance. harvard also provided low-interest loan funds for affordable housing.
/CDD/housing/housingtrust/trustfunding
52 New Street - New Info Sessions
52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, will begin accepting applications for a resident lottery on July 1
/CDD/News/2025/6/52newstreet
For Homebuyers
The City of Cambridge has many programs to assist potential homebuyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers
Development Log
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks larger-scale residential and commercial development projects.
/CDD/developmentlog
Map Collections
The Community Development Department produces a wide variety of maps for its own use and as a source of information for the public.
/CDD/factsandmaps/mapgalleries
2024 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2024.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2024pb
New Development Log Available - 2022 Q4
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2023/3/newdevelopmentlogavailable2022q4
New Development Log Available - 2023 Q2
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2023/7/developmentlogavailable2023q2
New Development Log Available - 2022 Q3
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2022/11/newdevelopmentlogavailable2022q3
New Development Log Available - 2024 Q1
The Development Log, published quarterly, tracks large-scale residential, commercial and institutional development projects currently in the permitting or construction phases in the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/5/newdevelopmentlogavailable2024q1
Affordable Mortgage Products
Information about affordable mortgage products available qualified buyers.
/CDD/housing/forhomebuyers/mortgageproducts
Ames Street Land Disposition
The Cambridge City Council has approved the disposition of City-owned land on the eastern edge of Ames Street between Main Street and Broadway.
/CDD/Projects/Planning/amesstreetlanddisposition
Other Housing Providers
Contact information for other housing providers in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/resourcesandadditionalinformation/otherproviders
Design Guidelines and Area Plans
The Zoning Ordinance refers to urban design plans and guidelines that apply to certain parts of the city or to certain categories of development.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/designguidelines
52 New Street - Application Live!
The application for 52 New Street, a new, affordable, rental apartment building, is live until Thursday, August 29, 2025 at 3 p.m.
/CDD/News/2025/7/52newstreetapplicationlive!
35 Cherry Street Begins Construction
Construction begins at 35 Cherry Street, the first homeownership project developed under the Affordable Housing Overlay.
/CDD/News/2025/12/35cherrystreetbeginsconstruction
Steps to Start A Business Workshop Series
This is a comprehensive four-week workshop for new and existing business owners who want to improve how their business operates.
/CDD/News/2025/4/stepstostartabusinessworkshopseries
2013 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2013.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2013pb
Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned (BIPOC) Business Advisory Committee
The goal of this Committee is to work with City staff to develop recommendations on how the City can better assist BIPOC-owned businesses.
The Committee will be a sounding board for ideas on strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, business programs and policies, and overall relationship with local BIPOC-owned businesses.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/bipocbusinessadvisorycommit...
Cambridge Climate Committee
The City Manager appoints a standing Climate Committee as an advisory committee to assist in the implementation of the Climate Protection Plan and Net Zero Action Plan.
/CDD/climateandenergy/climatechangeplanning/climateprotectionactioncommittee
Community Solar Helps Cambridge Residents Save Money and Supports City’s Climate Goals
The City of Cambridge and Community Development Department today announced the addition of community solar to its long-standing Sunny Cambridge program. Now all Cambridge residents, regardless of whether they rent or own, can leverage online tools and resources from Sunny Cambridge to shop and compare community solar projects or rooftop solar installations.
/CDD/News/2023/10/communitysolarhelpscambridgeresidentssavemoneyandsupportscity’sclimatego...
For Renters
Affordable rental units are found throughout the City in properties owned by the Cambridge Housing Authority, non-profit housing providers, and private owners of affordable and mixed-income rental housing.
/CDD/housing/forrenters
2016 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2016.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2016pb
Shop Locally in Cambridge this Holiday Season
Small Business Saturday is November 29, 2025, and it's the perfect time to explore the incredible shops, restaurants, and services across Cambridge in our squares, neighborhoods, and beyond.
/CDD/News/2025/10/shoplocallyincambridgethisholidayseason
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Vacancies
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) is an independent public body focused on publicly beneficial real estate projects and infrastructure investment within the City of Cambridge.
/CDD/News/2024/7/cambridgeredevelopmentauthorityadditionalvacancies
Affordable Housing Trust
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust was established by the City Council with the mission of expanding and protecting affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge.
/CDD/housing/housingtrust
Business Development Workshops
This page describes the variety of business development workshops that the City of Cambridge offers.
/CDD/economicopportunityanddevelopment/smallbusinessassistance/Workshops
Bicycle Lanes
Many people in Cambridge choose to use a bicycle to get around. Some do it for convenience, others for exercise, and yet others because it is economical.
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/bicycling/bicyclelanes
344 Broadway City Hall Annex Building Profile
Green building information about the renovation of the historic Cambridge City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway, the first LEED-Gold municipal building in Massachusetts.
/CDD/climateandenergy/municipalsustainability/344broadway
Cambridge Celebrates National Black Business Month
This August, the City of Cambridge is proud to celebrate National Black Business Month by hosting a variety of events aimed at supporting and promoting Black business owners.
/CDD/News/2024/7/cambridgecelebratesnationalblackbusinessmonth
2015 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2015.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2015pb
CPAC Older Agendas and Minutes
Climate Protection Action Committee pre-2012 agendas and minutes
/CDD/climateandenergy/climatechangeplanning/climateprotectionactioncommittee/olderagendasa...
Older Agendas and Minutes
Agendas and minutes of the bicycle committee prior to current year.
/CDD/Transportation/forthepublic/bicyclecomm/bikeolderagendasandminutes
Older Agendas and Minutes
Agendas and minutes of the Pedestrian Committee prior to current year.
/CDD/Transportation/forthepublic/pedestriancomm/pedolderagendasandminutes
Central Square Advisory Committee
The Central Square Advisory Committee is appointed by the City Manager to undertake all large project reviews, receive all applications for variances and special permits for activities within the Central Square Overlay District, and monitor the progress of the Central Square non-zoning recommendations of the K2C2 Study.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/centraladvcomm
2020 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2020.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2020pb
Planning Board Meetings
Meeting Agendas, Hearing Notices and Transcripts for the Cambridge Planning Board.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings
Bus Priority
bus priority projects
/CDD/Transportation/regionalplanning/masstransit/buspriority
Urban Design
What is urban design? This term means different things to different people.
/CDD/planud/urbandesignprimer
Harvard Square Advisory Committee
The Harvard Square Advisory Committee reviews applications for variances and special permits within the Harvard Square Overlay District.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/harvardadvcomm
2022 Planning Board
Planning Board Agendas, Transcripts and Hearing Notices from 2022.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings/2022pb
Ebikes
Information on ebikes
/CDD/Transportation/gettingaroundcambridge/bikesincambridge/ebikes
Adopted Zoning Amendments
Listing of adopted amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/Zoning/Amendments/adoptedzoningamendments