Description
Meeting Agenda
November 19, 2025 at 6:00-7:00 p.m.
@ City Hall Annex
344 Broadway
2nd Floor Conference Room
Cambridge, MA 02139
Or 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 for Zoning and Development within the Cambridge Community Development Department, at 617-349-9794 or mwells@cambridgema.gov.
General Business
- Chair Election Continued from 9/17/25 Meeting
At the first meeting in September the Harvard Square Advisory Committee will elect a Chair who may serve no more than two (2) years as chair within a three (3) year period.
Project Review and Discussion
- BZA Quick-Service Food Establishment Special Permit Application – 1 Brattle Square (Chicha San Chen)
The Applicant is proposing a formula business quick-service food establishment in an approximately 1,225 square foot retail space on the ground floor of 1 Brattle Square in Harvard Square. Chicha San Chen is a beverage store specializing in tea. 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. Chicha San Chen is an international franchise chain 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.
General Business
Hold for members of HSAC to share relevant information about Harvard Square.
Adjourn
PLEASE NOTE: Meetings will be in person with the option of virtual attendance through Zoom webinar. Members of the public can also provide comments in writing or via email before the meeting.
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
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.