City of Cambridge Releases Cemetery Master Plan
The City of Cambridge is proud to announce the release of the Cemetery Master Plan, a comprehensive vision designed to extend the active operations of the Cambridge Cemetery while transforming it into a landscape and cultural resource with broad community appeal. Developed collaboratively by the Cambridge Cemetery and Department of Public Works staff, along with the Cambridge Cemetery Advisory Board, this plan represents the collective input of Cambridge residents, including former City officials, pastors, funeral home directors, and other community representatives. The Cemetery Master Plan outlines a series of strategic recommendations organized under three key goals and guiding principles.
Free COVID-19 Testing to be Offered on Thursdays Only Beginning July 1
Beginning Thursday, July 1, the City of Cambridge will offer free COVID-19 testing one day per week on Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. inside the CambridgeSide Mall. No appointment is needed. Thursday testing at the CambridgeSide Mall will no longer be drive-through testing by motor vehicle but will become a walk-in testing site without appointments inside the CambridgeSide Mall on the 2nd Floor above the Food Court. The current drive-through testing in the garage will shut down.
American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding
The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery.
1826 and 1840 Massachusetts Avenue
Just A Start Corporation (JAS), a local non-profit affordable housing provider, purchased 1826 and 1840 Massachusetts Avenue, two surface parking lots, from Lesley University in late November 2024. Located in the Neighborhood Nine neighborhood, the site is in close proximity to the many amenities of Porter Square including restaurants, retail and the MBTA station.
JAS is planning to create new affordable housing at the sites under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO).
City of Cambridge Amends Temporary Emergency Restrictions on Public Meetings and Events
The City of Cambridge announced that all City-sponsored community events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings will be cancelled through October 26, 2020, or postponed to a later date. All prior approvals for events or gatherings are revoked. The City Manager’s Office is collaborating with the City’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel, the Commissioner of Public Health, and the Cambridge Public Health Department to evaluate and determine what Halloween activities will be allowed in the City. Further guidance on Halloween activities in the City to be announced the week of October 12.
Cambridge Arts
Active since 1974, Cambridge Arts is one of the most dynamic local arts agencies in the country. The Cambridge Arts Council exists to ensure that the arts remain vital for people living, working and visiting Cambridge, MA.