Danehy Park Environmental Monitoring and Reporting
Danehy Park is the site of a former landfill (see History section for more details). Since the landfill was capped in 1990, the management of the site is controlled by permitting through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Division of Solid Waste. The goal is to ensure that the site is managed in a safe manner and that landfill gases are properly managed and allowed to vent safely. To that end, the City contracts with CDM Smith to conduct quarterly monitoring, inspect the methane trench (which is the stone-filled trench around the perimeter of the park) annually, and develop an annual environmental monitoring report that is submitted to MassDEP.
158 Spring St and Ahern Field Improvements
The City of Cambridge is moving forward with targeted improvements to the 158 Spring Street building and Ahern Field to strengthen this important East Cambridge campus. The building project focuses on addressing aging infrastructure and improving safety, accessibility, and major systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building envelope components. Limited classroom upgrades and common area improvements will help enhance the learning environment for students, staff, and visitors.
Planned upgrades to the playground and splashpad areas will improve accessibility, safety, and functionality. These multi-use spaces support both school and neighborhood use.
At Ahern Field, proposed improvements include a new synthetic turf field with lighting, renovated basketball and hockey/pickleball courts, better park entrances, new seating and gathering spaces, and enhanced landscaping to create a more welcoming and active space for people of all ages.
Upcoming Flu, COVID-19, and VaxAbilities Clinics
The Cambridge Public Health Department is hosting free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics for the Cambridge community, and partnering with VaxAbilities on two clinics (Oct. 19 and Nov. 16) with extra staff to provide skilled support to people with disabilities and/or sensory support needs.
Snow and Ice Removal Tips After a Storm
Property owners/residents are responsible for removing all snow and ice from sidewalks and accessible ramps next to their property following a storm per City Ordinance. Ice needs to be removed within 6 hours from the time it forms, and snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1 p.m. if it snowed during the night, per City Ordinance. The fine for failing to comply with the City’s sidewalk clearance ordinances is $50/day for each day of non-compliance. Here are some helpful tips to follow.