[{"_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",6471008,"mediaKeyId","5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8","parentId",5778630,"title","Council presses manager for stronger response on Harvard Square tunnel feasibility study","audioSeconds",138,"startMs",10355000,"endMs",10493000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8&start=10355&end=10493","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8/thumbnail_10355000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6471008/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-presses-manager-for-stronger-response-on-Harvard-Square-tunnel-feasibility-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471008-a94343f36a59017cf57b171d242c258d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404642&Signature=jQsriG0laH453bjc53CCVMwkEyb1oU0DgcLbjAIex0UE0tnzweHvXE-GfC7FBuQFquwctT8L3u61dvEiFQQVpPvwRlnme~crJcLp3ifs8pkbgDkwDBAtp5Q2~nkXkPfQKuDbEqlfiNHybTWI7-HKUaSVcNa854jM524sIqPH-wv2IfKG2rIJE0TzMO5ubi5o5z86EsrIzbXELXwZxJ0LZpuza336UFLr7PmpMiXVZ11ZDbVa5tEOhm8qbwoR0ZqhUcWxPDVwhc9ndItT91VYiIN3f-9CaCrrDw3p4bwhpWw5J1rpH0yUlywAWM6TLDzYXPqrTpgDNVujcgK7ma7B-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cambridge","date","2025-09-15T17:10:00Z","article","Several councilors on Sept. 15 urged the city manager to take a more active role in advancing a feasibility study to explore repurposing the long-abandoned MBTA tunnel beneath Harvard Square for commercial or cultural use.

John DiGiovanni and local business owners testified in public comment to the economic potential of repurposing the tunnel; business owners said the asset has been vacant for decades and could anchor a revived Harvard Square.

Councilors cited recent meetings between city staff, state transportation officials and MBTA representatives but said the manager'level response did not go far enough. \"I must express my real disappointment,\" Mayor Simmons said, urging the manager to present a stronger plan and to return to the council with next steps and potential funding avenues.

City staff said the MBTA had agreed to collaborate but also flagged practical issues: draft costs for a feasibility RFP were estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars and MBTA property interests and operational constraints would need clarification before a formal RFP. Staff also noted that some stakeholders expect the city itself to be the procuring entity for a formal RFP.

Outcome: The mayor said she would send the manager's report back and asked for a more robust response; councilors requested the manager return with an implementation plan and possible funding sources.

Why it matters: The tunnel is a long-unused asset in a major commercial district. The issue pits advocates for proactive city-led redevelopment studies against caution about cost, MBTA jurisdiction and existing commitments.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cambridge - Sep 15, 2025 5:30 PM - City Council - Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Council members expressed disappointment with the city manager'level response on advancing an RFP to study reuse of the long-abandoned Harvard Square MBTA tunnel and urged a firmer next step; discussion ended with the mayor sending the report back to the manager for further work.","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},6471012,"Inspectional-services report: 46 demolition applications in six months after multifamily zoning; 13 permits issued so far",1079,10897000,11976000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8&start=10897&end=11976","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8/thumbnail_10897000.jpg","/articles/6471012/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Inspectional-services-report-46-demolition-applications-in-six-months-after-multifamily-zoning-13-permits-issued-so-far","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471012-00bbb5d01502ebc03d4377c83cbda243/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404642&Signature=UImj9hjKX37hx~Vb-Taplns2ux~FRgfTGQjTqyJT1377mQTytl6ru6e33seTj1ez2Gr0TvouEqMlm1q2wIF3fGDRUA9ZrWbHqnJBmHOtZEJU8B2MkAE0LNxn9ig4XKt1npel7150t~fQMVOiXr0onAx0T7QnLlTXEptqastL4mKWS6kpwhw7U9fYLURi7JQgXs-VNR0xkhDgr8Iuj~LGTJRN8qb0YOIJBT24ovmVnYkdU4iLRsw4Ewu~8IauCh9HjS-xsLETSOOelm53iXVNQu8~CrVXPFi3eiXTvkG4ZdZMxoqrYCLjW0NvV8c4dgv4M-vnwkjwHpmXLxPbrrRGLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cambridge inspectional-services staff told the City Council on Sept. 15 that 46 demolition permit applications arrived in the six months after the council adopted the multifamily-housing zoning amendment. Staff said 13 demolition permits had been issued to date; on the subset of applications that involved existing residential uses, 31 applications were submitted and seven permits had been issued.

Assistant commissioner Jeff Roberts and inspectional-services staff said the group of applications includes both full and partial demolitions: of the 46 total applications, staff reported 26 full-demolition applications and 20 partial-demolition applications.

Roberts told councilors there are many reasons an application can stall or change after submission, including financing delays, revised plans, misfiled applications and applicants withdrawing or redesigning projects. He said it was too early to draw definitive conclusions about long-term construction activity from the early application data and recommended repeating the report at a later interval.

Councilors asked staff to include additional detail in future updates: how many net housing units projects will produce, distinctions between owner-occupant renovations and speculative redevelopment, and whether projects are locally financed or purchased by outside investors.

Why it matters: Councilors and residents have raised concerns about potential demolition and redevelopment following the multifamily zoning change. Staff said applications have increased but cautioned that permit issuance and construction can lag applications for many reasons.

What's next: Staff agreed to provide a more detailed follow-up report at the one-year mark that will attempt to measure projected units, inclusionary-unit impacts and whether the applications translate into built housing.","City staff reported 46 demolition-permit applications in the six months following the Feb. passage of multifamily zoning; 13 permits had been issued at the time of the report and staff said many applications are partial demolitions or remain in process.",{"_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},6471017,"Council approves opioid-settlement transfer; staff outline needle-box expansion and Naloxone outreach",2872,5796000,8668000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8&start=5796&end=8668","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8/thumbnail_5796000.jpg","/articles/6471017/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-opioid-settlement-transfer-staff-outline-needle-box-expansion-and-Naloxone-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471017-287bc9a538bea8d619419fdce8febdc4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404642&Signature=G8buYZX6Ne8JZ11XrjKz8u6I-SjrMooY1zMY09KNPLFopnXVADjniLD78FX3EhjBKgAjfzqM2mMXawklv9FYTns7wdK7sUJ1yMP-f~8BEqA7jMFY6AF9qgqbvcl~J~YaGFHU0iWwGrqvh-XUsdf8AmggWQcJkqXH4ccO7OkfYQRA7sEzhkFWqsAGYafo6lRjg0ogLlYGbYtNopgdqJurftiIQod8PCRf3yp0LdSkuXV2PnWTrLIq7aGQysYvM86MAXWADG7iuJYnn1ds9HEtFd~HcZJvx88U4-7xNuY3xxjQnddgeTV1s52ndAI7-8qUtZQE2b5J3lSI~0u~dd5U6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council approved a $1,703,731.64 transfer from the opioid settlement stabilization fund to the opioid settlements special revenue fund and heard an extended briefing on needle drop boxes, naloxone distribution and a new syringe-redemption pilot.

Health-department staff and councilors discussed the current network of sharps disposal boxes and next steps. Public-health director of community engagement Takiyah Brown said Cambridge currently hosts seven needle drop boxes and staff recommended adding four more to improve geographic coverage across the city. Staff estimated the cost for the additional four boxes at about $20,000 (capital purchase and ongoing pick-up service).

Brown also reported early results from a syringe-redeem program and outreach van: \"The syringe program managed to collect 3,363 needles just in the month of August,\" she said, and staff described plans to connect participants with services, including recovery-coach referrals and primary-care links provided through mobile medical outreach.

Health staff and the deputy city manager said the city is piloting a public-health vending machine (to dispense naloxone and other items) at one site and will evaluate expansion; vending machines raise additional operational needs such as power and security. The council and staff also discussed training: public-health staff said they are offering naloxone training in libraries and business settings and will work to increase trainings for businesses and community groups.

Why it matters: Councilors framed the effort as a harm-reduction and outreach package intended to reduce dangerous needle exposure in public spaces and expand overdose-prevention resources. The syringe-redemption pilot includes a daily cap for cash exchange to limit misuse and is paired with outreach and service referrals.

Vote: The appropriation/transfer from the opioid-settlement stabilization fund was approved on a roll-call vote.","Council approved a $1.70 million transfer from the opioid settlement stabilization fund, while public-health staff described plans to add needle drop boxes, pilot syringe redemption and expand naloxone distribution and training.",{"_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},6471022,"Council backs plan for city'level immigration-response hotline; advocates ask coordination with LUSI",12338,1488000,13826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8&start=1488&end=13826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","/articles/6471022/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-backs-plan-for-citylevel-immigration-response-hotline-advocates-ask-coordination-with-LUSI","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471022-37ce039a4bb59375aaf26ec8f4f750e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404642&Signature=nY4pOzJ3PAHyjxumYE-B-OLjbL8VFZ9D~I4Z5KaFV9AIUI~kJDfxn5QALZdhBppGQ1IYEOG~flsZdgifeqfa3xZGbpRIbspaICO014NG7vfT5PllifrMiVsjUyjv1aDdZfpsm5auMyolrtvf53UBLmfsoBNaYdThqaq2BKFucU6vroZUd1zR9EORFNZTy3egj3YA-1utOw4FSjXif0hd7cIaWJo8R4MNcqfKQkETO0DUPIg~NqhoKmP6RWPyH98vw5GCKNfVns2y66FcRhx0FdxnVXAET04ZqwMy-~4m8WHhB57MG0FIn0OBY3gk-it9i2ZUX4BR6NfEIDBVP3grsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council on Sept. 15 voted to direct city staff to work with the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship, the city solicitor, police and school staff, and community partners to develop a city-level hotline and response protocol to assist residents affected by immigration enforcement actions.

Public speakers urged the council to coordinate any new hotline with existing regional programs. Julia Schlossman, who spoke during public comment, asked the council to ensure the school system is included and warned against duplicating local efforts: \"I hope that the city will communicate clearly and set expectations realistically about what the hotline does and does not do,\" she said.

Caitlin Johnson of Cambridge said a statewide emergency network, LUSI, already provides rapid response and urged the city to \"support rather than duplicating or muddling the existing work being done by LUSI in Cambridge.\" Several other speakers, including nonprofit and neighborhood representatives, urged the city to prioritize interpreter services and legal directories.

Councilors framed the order as a coordination and capacity exercise: the motion asks the manager to inventory existing community-led resources, build an escalation protocol, and ensure interpretation and outreach materials are available in languages used across Cambridge public schools and neighborhoods.

Why it matters: Advocates said immediate, clear access to information and interpretation can be critical when enforcement actions occur unpredictably. Councilors stressed the city should not replace or duplicate immigrant-led rapid-response networks but should backfill gaps (for example, interpretation, school coordination or evening access) and make city resources easy to find.

Outcome: The council adopted the policy order on a recorded vote; staff said a response and list of partners will be returned to the council with recommendations and outreach materials.

What stakeholders said (sample): \"The legal resources and the interpretation services that y'all are proposing as part of this hotline would be amazing,\" Caitlin Johnson said. \"We need to work together to tackle this really important, and often tragic issue in our city.\"","After extensive public comment, the council adopted a policy order directing staff to develop a coordinated city hotline and resources for residents affected by immigration enforcement, with an emphasis on interpreter services and partnerships with community organizations.",{"_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},6471025,"Council approves $19.7 million in local Community Preservation Act allocations for FY26",737,3907000,4644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8&start=3907&end=4644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5778630-30627f031289e41a48ea80d06bdf25f8/thumbnail_3907000.jpg","/articles/6471025/Cambridge-City/Middlesex-County/Massachusetts/Council-approves-197-million-in-local-Community-Preservation-Act-allocations-for-FY26","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6471025-1b1e6e1d368e3c8f4ebad4911ed54107/orig.mp4?Expires=1775404642&Signature=gPSd~CuxIyR~zyALtgOpBMrOtNTzSlgGkqEOUeJosF1PDYRIjJidi4sZHB-jpnoevecfQoCK8BKVKJVAY7AWoDPi~EdU45zOIONTgpsesHwIRyIGxTePVvPXVmnQ8E~9qVNyS3kUH~YesznCAF47efL3eiVjrBDN40AEC764JbgoICzggvJfwvkWl-5YaMgAHj0a1L~ipS9waXlv~y1NIfjeZTytg8ONZIr97G37bGKUHR4nkwKt840gKD-yCzK-b-mWe~3aF9Z3Eld~N0xJkXz6GJTaareot--QBtdMSrhU2X1dNC-zRgBjjzMK73KWjnlydjCYssrYZX89TFU2uw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cambridge City Council on Sept. 15 approved fiscal-year 2026 Community Preservation Act (CPA) allocations totaling $19.7 million in local funds and $2.8 million in state matching funds, directing the bulk of local revenue to affordable housing.

The council adopted the administration'recommended split of CPA local revenues: 80% ($15,760,000) to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, 10% ($1,970,000) to historic preservation projects and 10% ($1,970,000) to open-space projects. The council also adopted the distribution of $2,800,000 in state matching funds along the same percentages.

City staff said CPA has been a major financing tool for affordable housing and frequently leverages other public and private funds. Director Jennings summarized the committee'led process used to review project submissions and recommended the allocations to the council.

City Manager Yan Wong highlighted Cambridge'longstanding participation at the 3% local surcharge and described the CPA program as a continuing source of housing resources. \"The commitment to affordable housing at 80% year after year is really notable,\" Wong said during the presentation.

The council approved five related appropriation orders during the meeting. Among the specific historic and open-space appropriations listed in the adopted package were $1,200,000 for Sullivan Chamber improvements, $1,145,000 for Stony Brook Reservoir Barn work, $6,270,000 for Rapidly Park construction, and $740,000 for native species planting at Hell's Half Acre. The council also approved a $15,000 appropriation from CPA fund balance for administrative costs (Community Preservation Coalition membership dues).

Why it matters: CPA funds are restricted by state law to affordable housing, historic preservation and open space; Cambridge has chosen to direct a large majority of CPA revenue to housing for many years and staff and advocates say the money helps fill financing gaps for deeply affordable projects.

What's next: Adopted appropriations will be routed to the named city departments and project sponsors for administration and contracting. Staff said many CPA projects also depend on other grants and philanthropic leverage.

Vote: The suite of CPA appropriations was adopted on roll-call votes; the sizes and recipients are recorded in the council'approved motions.","The Cambridge City Council approved fiscal 2026 allocations from the Community Preservation Act local fund and state match, directing 80% to affordable housing and 10% each to historic preservation and open space.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council presses manager for stronger response on Harvard Square tunnel feasibility study

Inspectional-services report: 46 demolition applications in six months after multifamily zoning; 13 permits issued so far

Council approves opioid-settlement transfer; staff outline needle-box expansion and Naloxone outreach

Council backs plan for city'level immigration-response hotline; advocates ask coordination with LUSI

Council approves $19.7 million in local Community Preservation Act allocations for FY26