Baker-Polito Administration Orders Use of Mask or Face Covering in Public
The Baker-Polito Administration issued an order requiring the use of masks or face coverings in public places (beginning May 6th) where they cannot socially distance from others. The Administration also announced expanded community health center COVID-19 testing capacity at centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Curbside Food Waste Pickup
In 2009, the City set a goal to reduce residential trash disposal by 30% by 2020, and by 80% by 2050. With that goal in mind, the City expanded curbside food waste pickup to all buildings with 1 to 12 units. 25,000 households (8,100 buildings) are now eligible to participate.
Raymond Park Renovation Project
Raymond Park, located at 106 Raymond Street in Neighborhood Nine, is scheduled for renovations beginning in November 2025. Planned improvements include:
Improved circulation and more accessible pathways
New playground equipment
An expanded basketball court
Drainage improvements and rain gardens
Additional seating and gathering areas
New trees and plantings
Learn more about the community and design process here.
Greene-Rose Heritage Park
Greene-Rose Heritage Park lies along Harvard Street near the intersection with Moore Street. There is also an access point from Broadway near the intersection with Windsor Street. The park was expanded and renovated in 2008 and now includes a children’s playground, water play area, open field, benches, landscaping and trees, and public art installations.
12-14 Laurel Street
12-14 Laurel Street is a 2.5-story duplex in Cambridgeport between Central Square and the Charles River. The property is owned by a non-profit who is donating the 4,573 square foot site to Just A Start (JAS) to create permanently affordable ownership housing. The existing building will be demolished and replaced with a new, expanded building with a similar façade design.
The project will proceed as-of-right under the AHO.
Cambridge Urban Forestry Division Celebrates 2024 Milestones
In 2024, the Urban Forestry Division of Cambridge Public Works planted 1,250 new trees and removed 5,000 square feet of pavement to create better planting conditions, enhancing the city's green infrastructure. The Division maintained a strong tree survival rate, with only 3.5% mortality for spring plantings, and expanded community engagement through the revamped Cambridge Urban Forest Friends newsletter, which saw over 105% subscriber growth. Residents can support the city's urban forest by becoming an Urban Forest Friend or subscribing to the newsletter.
CityView Newsletter - Winter 2025
The past year featured the launch of several strategic initiatives, the unveiling of critical new resources, and the achievement of many critical milestones across the City. In this newsletter, we look back at some of the highlights and milestones that may have gone under-the-radar in 2024. Highlights include the launch of a new alternative 9-11 response team, a new outreach van for individuals who are unhoused, new programming for older adults and expanded offerings for families, the most checked out library books over the past year, and much more. Finally, meet some of the people behind the scenes leading this important work.