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The Cambridge City Council adopted an amendment to the Incentive Zoning Ordinance on October 17, 2022, which will increase funds for the City’s Affordable Housing Trust. This new amendment adds to the many tools Cambridge has put in place over the past few years to support affordable housing. Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Trust has commitments of more than $100 million to affordable housing developments currently underway to preserve or create more than 500 affordable homes when completed.

Highlights include: the MassDOT I-95 Resurfacing project and the 1265 Main Street (former Polaroid Facility)and the 1265 Main Street (former Polaroid Facility) redevelopment project.

The City of Cambridge and Police Department today announced they have contracted with Washington, D.C.-based Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), who will conduct an independent review of the Cambridge Police’s current training programs, policies, and protocols to make recommendations for the department and help evaluate areas of improvement.

Harvard Book Store and the Cambridge Public Library welcome Harvey C. Mansfield—William R. Kenan, Jr., Research Professor of Government at Harvard University and recipient of the National Humanities Medal—for a discussion of his new book, The Rise and Fall of Rational Control: The History of Modern Political Philosophy. Registration is required.

Building & Park Improvements

The City of Cambridge is taking another step toward reducing noise and air pollution by officially prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and requiring all users to transition to electric or battery-powered leaf blowers. This initiative aligns with the city’s commitment to protecting public health and reducing harmful emissions.

The Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA) has an important role in decisions that help shape the use and appearance of buildings in our community. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or a comprehensive permit from the BZA, a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on all applications and appeals before it and issues decisions. The Board also hears appeals of Zoning Determinations made by the Inspectional Services Department.

Hundreds of Cambridge residents have learned they were infected with COVID-19 or had been exposed to the new coronavirus after getting a call from public health nurses from the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD). Thousands more have received calls from CPHD staff informing them of negative test results.

The Warming Center is a welcoming and safe drop in center where unsheltered adults can come and spend the night and be safe from the environmental hazards of the street during the winter months.