Alewife Commercial District Assessment Released
The 2025 Alewife Commercial District Assessment Report is now available. The purpose of the report is to highlight a commercial district in Cambridge and to identify key issues and opportunities in the area.
Meals Program
The City of Cambridge announced that it is extending its successful program for feeding homeless residents with meals provided by local food establishments through October 3, 2021. In March 2020, the City launched an innovative project to contract with local restaurants to provide food to the City’s homeless community during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Russell Field Renovation Project
The City is developing plans to renovate Russell Field and the adjacent practice field area. Plans include the resurfacing of both playing fields and site amenities to improve the functionality of the facility.
139 Bishop Allen Drive (1-15 Vail Court)
139 Bishop Allen Drive, familiarly known as Vail Court, is a 28,201 square foot lot located in Mid-Cambridge that was acquired by the City of Cambridge through eminent domain in 2016. In June 2017, the City Council voted to transfer the property to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) for redevelopment as affordable housing. In July 2017, the City and CAHT held an initial community meeting to discuss the site and next steps, but the process was paused due to the onset of litigation. That litigation has now been resolved and the CAHT is restarting the process of planning for an affordable housing development for the site.
The CAHT plans to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to seek and select a development team to create new affordable housing at the 139 Bishop Allen site. It is expected that the site will be developed under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). Once an affordable housing developer has been selected, a community process will be conducted to review redevelopment plans for the site.
Get Help Lowering Your Energy Bills
The City of Cambridge offers free, one-on-one help to residents looking to lower their energy bills. Through the Cambridge Energy Helpline (617-430-6230), callers get connected to a trained adviser who can explain cost-saving programs, from fuel assistance and discount utility rates to solar credits and no-cost energy assessments. Support is available to renters, homeowners, and landlords alike—regardless of building type.