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Welcome to the River Street Construction Webpage! This is the place to find current information and updates related to construction of the River Street Infrastructure and Streetscape Project. The project includes utility and surface reconstruction of the following streets and public spaces: • River Street from Memorial Drive to Massachusetts Avenue • Carl Barron Plaza (the major public space at the intersection of River Street/Western Ave/Mass Ave in Central Square) • The MBTA bus stops and busway at Magazine/Green/River Street adjacent to Carl Barron Plaza • Pleasant Street and Tubman Square between Pleasant Place and River Street • Green Street between Magazine and Pearl Street • Magazine Street between Franklin and Green Street • Blackstone Street In addition, the project includes the following nearby neighborhood streets which are due for reconstruction under the City's Five Year Sidewalk and Street Reconstruction Plan • Fairmont Avenue / Fairmont Street / Rockwell Street / Laurel Street / Kelly Road

The Transition Wellness Center (TWC), a temporary homeless shelter at the Spaulding Hospital, opened on December 16 following the closure of the temporary emergency shelter at the War Memorial Recreation Center. The shelter is intended to help address the urgent needs of Cambridge residents who are experiencing homelessness or unable to safely quarantine in their residence due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Cambridge Police Department (CPD) would like to alert the community of a phone scam that involves someone calling the public impersonating Cambridge Police. The caller claims they are a Cambridge Police Captain, which is not a rank at CPD, and advises the person on the phone they missed jury duty and could go to jail if they don’t pay a large sum of money.

The City of Cambridge hosted two events this month to showcase the positive impact of federal grants such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) to our community. Community development activities build stronger and more resilient communities. CDBG funds can be directed toward affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and public services that primarily serve low and moderate income residents.

Homeowner's Rehab, Inc. (HRI), a local non-profit affordable housing provider, purchased 30 Wendell Street, a current tennis court, from Lesley University in November 2023. Located in the Baldwin neighborhood, the site is in close proximity to the amenities of the Massachusetts Avenue corridor, including shops, restaurants, and public transportation. HRI is planning to create new affordable rental housing on the property under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome J. Courtney Sullivan—New York Times best-selling author of the novels Commencement, Maine, The Engagements, Saints for All Occasions, and Friends and Strangers—to celebrate the paperback release of her new novel The Cliffs, a Reese's Book Club Pick, named a "Best Book of the Month" by The New York Times, Real Simple, and Kirkus. Registration is required.

Mass Audubon will lead an exploration around the library in search of plants and animals, while using scientific tools like binoculars and magnifying lenses to get a closer look. We'll record what we find in our nature journals and play nature games. All materials will be provided. No registration required. This program is recommended for children 4-8 and their caregivers. Hosted by Mass Audubon and the Cambridge Public Library.

Please join the Central Square Rezoning Project team for our final community meeting regarding potential updates to the zoning for Central Square. This meeting will begin with a presentation by City staff focusing on what we've heard thus far and how that has informed the preliminary zoning recommendations. It will be followed by a robust public discussion where community members can share their feedback and input.

We will be hosting our first working group meeting for the Mass Ave Planning Study on Wednesday, February 7 at 6 PM. The meeting will serve as an introduction to the project; an opportunity for working group members to learn more about the process; and a chance for any members of the public to ask initial questions for the planning team. This meeting will be held via Zoom.

Join us as award-winning storyteller Motoko tells delightful folktales and leads hands-on origami activities. Motoko’s step-by-step instructions make the ancient Japanese art fun and accessible. No registration required. This event is intended for school-aged children and is open to drop-in attendees while space and supplies last. Funding for Vacation Week Programming: Live at the Library has been generously provided by the Cambridge Public Library Foundation.