[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6530050,"mediaKeyId","3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60","parentId",3731117,"title","Council orders legal review after residents say developer withheld objections in curb cut approval","audioSeconds",1065,"startMs",3253000,"endMs",4318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60&start=3253&end=4318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60/thumbnail_3253000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6530050/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-orders-legal-review-after-residents-say-developer-withheld-objections-in-curb-cut-approval","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530050-c7283aff860d813e8e2e7f56d4f9de58/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195128&Signature=F-1-KHhZtJD4joVD-1TkA2aGvES3r4L2Ak6UMdJfmdj2gJtu12ls9QEiE7D5YbPqYHLF5wjaEqc~J06b9rqn7WK7DGJyLNhpAF2G~AI070ltN2K~IwpD1xNxVmO3LGFpVpig2H8AWqRxbD2vIUO3gOUt-v1UEbvwqxIKiA9cu71yTdXlWhCAxz~YMS9SR-X1dQoKE7wWFqV1JGqxEFefwg3BLSrYPL0S~dVnHbgCFDe8v4fgPWXy0vwqZWOWw9jwf~nxKI-~vXzJLf6Fl-rt6yrNCvzolgPVGSU5NYfWefqhUqvgS8nX4tIbsfp3RWlQ5WV-cKvLN~DFjOSLDS0N2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cambridge","date","2025-06-09T16:54:00Z","article","The City Council voted June 9 to ask the city solicitor to determine whether the council can rescind an already‑approved curb cut if the permit application was incomplete or misleading due to applicant conduct.

Public testimony focused on a curb cut at 177 Hancock Street. Regis Shields, speaking for nearby neighbors, said signatures opposing the curb cut were either withheld by the developer or not properly recorded, and urged the council to preserve the integrity of the review process. He said reversal options were needed to deter applicants from circumventing neighborhood review.

Councilor Wilson moved the policy order. The city solicitor told the council the law department had reviewed city records and could not confirm any undisclosed materials in the council file, but said the department would research whether an approval could be revoked based on intentional omission or fraud. Solicitor Barbara Bayer told the council that at minimum any revocation process would require notice and an opportunity for the applicant to be heard.

The council adopted the policy order on a recorded vote: 6 yes, 1 no, 2 present. Voting yes were Azim, Vice Mayor McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sabrina Wheeler and Toner (record indicates six affirmative; roll call in transcript lists who voted yes/no). Council members emphasized the order was a request for legal analysis, not an automatic reversal of any particular permit.

Solicitor Bayer said the law department would return with an analysis of whether the council has authority to revoke approvals where applicant omissions or misrepresentations are alleged, and with recommended procedures if revocation is legally possible.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cambridge - Jun 9, 2025 5:30 PM - City Council - Regular Meeting - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted a policy order directing the city solicitor to investigate whether already‑approved curb cut permits can be revoked when applicant submissions omitted neighborhood opposition; the order follows testimony that petitioners withheld negative postcards from the city file.","taxTitle","Cambridge City, Middlesex County, Massachusetts","taxId",3771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530053,"City places drought status report on file as water department urges continued conservation",1088,4838000,5926000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60&start=4838&end=5926","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60/thumbnail_4838000.jpg","/articles/6530053/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/City-places-drought-status-report-on-file-as-water-department-urges-continued-conservation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530053-5b8faf0303bf0f8cef78b282bb29f43b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195128&Signature=U1nNE8C69oMHdGNgLq9YURTQ8XTvbHDV5GGXISm9WAUWPCFT~C8N-SXMvZmZJDU0jPe8HHoK8PP00V0tiNXj9NUlnn-gyFYFo3LlR5e5IWuYzlAZwlb452i0urpbU3PjAgKH91pWukJ3UrJhQs7f9Vi-YY6eDnd4ca1e~INqxMlmk8-7cydyBE9o0Di29w-3ap2tmr6Ny3GXmd5iOimJkooIdpJEGglZh36pDZvzJB1AbT9IszBlmtzWKO5NKbP4~RIujkK3YrHtNpsrX9B6tHHBY2uYxX5i1uROIvImHOue-ySF5EP1lZPD-gLrQBQtNFJSObvfXXyufjIEedpJKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council on June 9 received and placed on file the city’s drought status report, after hearing from staff about outreach, interdepartmental coordination and contingency planning.

The report summarized recent rainfall and reservoir levels, outreach steps taken to reach large water users and the public, and operational planning the Water Department has implemented to avoid switching to wholesale MWRA supply except if necessary. Councilors praised the department’s proactive outreach and asked whether the approach and messaging can be quickly redeployed if drought conditions recur.

City staff told the council that targeted messaging and direct outreach to large users — universities and large property owners — had a measurable effect on reducing production in May compared with the prior year. The city manager and deputy confirmed that staff is prepared to re‑deploy the outreach package and to emphasize conservation if reservoirs fall again.

The council voted to place the drought status report on file; staff said they would continue to monitor conditions and coordinate messages through the city’s communications office and with large water users.","The council placed the Water Department’s drought status report on file after staff outlined outreach steps and told the public that Cambridge reservoirs were slightly below the 15‑year median but not at emergency levels; officials said conservation measures and targeted outreach to large users had reduced demand.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530058,"City adopts updated Zero Waste master plan, sets medium‑term targets and new commercial requirements",1303,6110000,7413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60&start=6110&end=7413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60/thumbnail_6110000.jpg","/articles/6530058/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/City-adopts-updated-Zero-Waste-master-plan-sets-mediumterm-targets-and-new-commercial-requirements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530058-11272a724a0ed6d87002d153d8c81465/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195128&Signature=KL8bos7hEYULJHmkGrcMB9imVtJuVR9xmvWMQ2LH4sP5k5P15utD3Ey-3F9umMhg9bqWUJmpttLZgnsjh1f3vjumlJ0~5zmTttfxOPv-vhjf0McRfzX75xDUEMZwElcAcchhD4sJo4Lhekv1McqnkO1~~g9BJ4BLPIrNbtt9T9sc-EwnEazCeUOFE2ECsquZ0NNQ~MlV-3YeIB4XZci9i-zXehC0wEPqkRPCWjlkNVDPozL2cCWz6sPZKY~QY4Wwz-bQHSc4gMulZE7Bl7exEZFGpw6quL6GJZKqE-siIN-ms~WC8g15KIZfc5F7rXDjjcHQoTZ9qNnxHxecAK0kMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council placed the city’s updated Zero Waste Master Plan on file June 9 after several committee hearings and extensive stakeholder engagement. The plan updates the city’s waste‑reduction strategy, emphasizes commercial waste (which the plan estimates makes up the bulk of citywide tonnage), and sets concrete near‑term goals for program expansion.

Councilor Patty Nolan, who led the council’s review, described the plan as “a big step forward” that balances ambition with a staged approach to implementation. Nolan said the update reflects extensive community and technical input and recommended ordinance changes that will be forwarded for committee review.

Key elements include a short‑term focus (1–3 years) on requiring building‑level zero‑waste plans for larger residential and commercial properties, expanding curbside food‑waste collection citywide, and piloting move‑out waste programs to prevent bulk material from appearing at curbs. The plan also says the city will evaluate pay‑as‑you‑throw models in the medium term, while noting significant implementation considerations and equity risks.

Michael Orr, director of recycling and zero waste programs, told the council the city’s baseline differs from statewide averages because Cambridge already has curbside composting and robust recycling; targets were set to be ambitious yet achievable given that baseline. “Our goals don’t always align with the state’s because we start from a different baseline,” Orr said, explaining why Cambridge’s targets and timelines differ from some state proposals.

The council voted to place the plan on file and directed staff to proceed with ordinance changes and implementation steps outlined in the document. Staff said they will return with ordinance language and implementation timelines, and that the city will monitor progress and publish another master‑plan update in 2030 to set the next decade’s goals.","The council placed the revised Zero Waste Master Plan on file after months of consultation; plan sets a 2030 target and shifts focus to commercial waste through new reporting and building‑level plans.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530063,"Council approves adding Wesley Avenue access to Linear Park after heated public debate",11271,2701000,13972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60&start=2701&end=13972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60/thumbnail_2701000.jpg","/articles/6530063/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-adding-Wesley-Avenue-access-to-Linear-Park-after-heated-public-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530063-4ce0e16869902ec52b3118a9839144cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195128&Signature=frHbx5zF6cC1VaZ0dr7yQlVJYX~zI3UT7ynvTVxU~91YBTEvMXciLDd-i8xwVWLkg63NX51C7Zg3ZqkCH6biHrM~XXvBc3V6pMJeW23~tGrpLSqyfoawetcYOaznAbaCbsKTBqpYX97q-FkkTVbHA-KTsReSUzm6FG~xwwO0mqiCSGsXDDO5C~cqGRr4K57iioJnBXFQhJmKuzsoscuOXMYir3AZN4UJPtYnHp2ckZ~IzqhsRZr0YoE-7smm1yJkjvS-bED5NSc2IbmaGqFO~YOu3j-xL6K-X-ayD2jh8s9yteUy1bITvcDj5RPZmXqM3u6oQRENcJGphiO8kHWfiw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council narrowly voted June 9 to direct the city manager to ensure an additional public access from Wesley Avenue into Linear Park, reversing a long‑standing closure and prompting weeks of debate among neighbors.

Supporters said the new entrance will increase neighborhood connectivity and provide a safer route for walkers and young cyclists traveling to nearby schools. Opponents — principally residents of the six‑house cul‑de‑sac Wesley Avenue — argued the opening would bring vandalism, litter and late‑night disturbances to a narrow residential street.

Public comment filled much of the meeting. Ten‑year‑old Clara Rura told the council, “Please don’t open up the end of my street,” recounting past incidents in which police were called. Her mother, Nicole Rura, said the proposed entrance would be “about 10 feet from our front door” and described instances in which she had been alarmed by behavior on the adjacent bike path. Several neighbors described past theft, vandalism and drug use when an earlier, unofficial opening had existed.

Speakers in favor cited urban‑design and safety reasons. Mark Boswell, a North Cambridge resident, invoked Jane Jacobs in urging “accessible neighborhood parks” and argued more entrances create “eyes on the street” and make parks safer. Other supporters said the nearest legal entrance at Cedar Street and Mass. Ave. is more distant and hazardous for children.

Council debate focused on competing values: neighborhood privacy and safety vs. citywide connectivity and access. Councilors proposed and adopted an amendment — requested by Councilor Siddiqui and drafted by the vice mayor — directing the city manager and relevant departments to work with Wesley Avenue residents on “ways to improve neighborhood safety including but not limited to possibly adding improved lighting and a gate that can be locked by the city at night and unlocked in the morning.” The amendment also asked staff to report back on design and mitigation options.

On the final roll call the motion as amended carried 5–4. Councilors who voted in favor were Azim, Vice Mayor McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui and Councilor Sabrina Wheeler. Councilors Toner, Wilson, Zuzi and Mayor Simmons voted no.

City staff said the next steps will include design coordination, tree‑impact review and safety planning with police and transportation staff; the council asked that abutters be included in follow‑up meetings and that staff report back with implementation details and options for a gate or timed access.","After more than an hour of public comment and council discussion, the City Council voted 5–4 to direct city staff to move forward with adding a Wesley Avenue connection to the south side of Linear Park, with an amendment asking staff to work with abutters on safety measures.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6530068,"Residents, students press City Council and MBTA to address Alewife sewage in redevelopment",2544,4076000,6620000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60&start=4076&end=6620","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3731117-ce573707a221d22961f122b1df8b7c60/thumbnail_4076000.jpg","/articles/6530068/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Residents-students-press-City-Council-and-MBTA-to-address-Alewife-sewage-in-redevelopment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530068-a5d655c32812e06917be6a9753915f74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195128&Signature=ctIDYKOnf-j4wD7iOh2XXs1CD4EppEiD~Pv4zOllb80oWUt3ULynwl5PzBsM9D6MJtq3H-hntNbE6vi9rNA-W7mQLSBLbiJzo16tnYDu-~LYS0eFf6lGjEqe-8SBkV0SUAvn96~gzBIo6w6UiCekmvWuF3kdgcRyy-8noms-pfXISWq3JuDW4HTnVDVkBCBAPxJF4Tssr0jpzngG~O8169aJXP7gBV~yNOuAd3SqeArnh9jjJqqc3L2L-PwzbNNTJsFbw7wsROtSKPQcb~dhTsfWV8q3NX9zO6fhfwHa3bAKwr9ZCFFIvX6QgUNzsf7Jd0XgKe80P5nAbg54QWkTZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hundreds of residents, students and environmental advocates told the Cambridge City Council on June 9 that redevelopment of the MBTA’s Alewife Station site presents a once-in-a-generation chance to fix chronic sewage discharges into Alewife Brook.

Speakers at public comment urged the City to press the MBTA, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) and the governor to require concrete CSO mitigation in the MBTA redevelopment request for proposals (RFP). Many recommended a mix of “green” solutions — constructed wetlands and rain gardens — and “gray” solutions such as underground storage tanks to hold stormwater and combined flows until they can be routed to treatment.

Eric Grunenbaum, a North Cambridge resident who has tracked overflows, told the council the site is “a unique opportunity” to pair new wetland creation with storage and to reconnect fragmented green space. “Who has authority over the authorities?” he asked, appealing for state and regional agencies to coordinate with the city. Students from the Ringe Avenue Upper School and younger schoolchildren described smelling sewage and losing recreational access to the brook; 7‑year‑old Ellie Sailor said she could not “walk [or] play near a beautiful brook without a stinky stench.”

Councilors pressed staff and invited agency officials to explain the timeline and options. Kathy Watkins, the city official leading Cambridge’s work on the CSO control plan, told the council the city is already in a formal, multi‑party process with the MWRA and neighboring Somerville to develop long‑term CSO controls. “The draft plan is due at the end of this year, with the final plan due in January 2027,” Watkins said, urging that feasibility and sequencing be worked through in that process rather than prescribing a single piece of infrastructure without the larger context.

Speakers and advocacy groups asked that the MBTA RFP be amended to treat on‑site storage and wetland construction as priorities rather than optional elements. Supporters said state land at the MBTA garage is a logical place for storage and wetlands because it sits adjacent to known overflow points and to the Alewife Wetland already maintained by the city.

Councilors gave the matter extended attention during the policy‑order agenda, with several members stressing the urgency of the CSO control plan deadline and the need to coordinate multiple agencies. Staff briefed the council on prior projects (including the earlier Alewife wetland) and warned that implementation requires technical analysis, land‑use tradeoffs and funding decisions across several authorities.

The issue drew residents from Cambridge and neighboring towns and repeated calls for the city to use its voice with the governor and MBTA. Councilors did not adopt a single prescriptive engineering approach in the meeting; rather, the hearing produced an apparent consensus that the Alewife redevelopment be shaped to address sewage overflows and that the city press the MBTA and state partners to incorporate CSO mitigation into the site plan and RFP process.

The council and city staff said they would continue to press for coordination with the MBTA and MWRA, to review RFP language as it is finalized, and to advance the technical CSO control planning required by state regulators.","Large public turnout urged the City Council and state agencies to require Alewife redevelopment plans to prioritize eliminating combined sewer overflows (CSOs), endorsing wetlands and underground storage as tools while staff said a formal CSO control planning process is already under way.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council orders legal review after residents say developer withheld objections in curb cut approval

City places drought status report on file as water department urges continued conservation

City adopts updated Zero Waste master plan, sets medium‑term targets and new commercial requirements

Council approves adding Wesley Avenue access to Linear Park after heated public debate

Residents, students press City Council and MBTA to address Alewife sewage in redevelopment