Planning Board approves shared bike parking for Kendall Square redevelopment; reviews plaza design and sets PB 3‑15 deadline

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Cambridge Planning Board on Aug. 19 voted to allow Boston Properties to share long‑term bicycle parking between the Proto residential building at 88 Ames Street and the adjacent 325 Main Street office building, designated the change as a minor amendment to the MXD infill development concept plan (PB 3‑15), reviewed updated design plans for the center plaza and East‑West connector, and granted the applicant an extension to complete work on a separate major amendment to PB 3‑15.

The board granted the parking amendment unanimously, 6‑0, after hearing staff presentations and a proponent briefing. The changes will let the applicant count and use some of the 150 long‑term bicycle spaces located in a three‑level “bike shed” at 88 Ames (part of the Proto residential project) for employees and short‑term users at 325 Main, while keeping 113 Level‑5 spaces reserved for Proto residents. The board also voted that the requested changes to PB 3‑15 qualify as a minor amendment and approved a separate extension of the major amendment review period to Dec. 31, 2025.

Why it matters: The decision reallocates underused residential bike parking to meet rising demand at 325 Main — an outcome proponents called a way to better match supply and demand in Kendall Square without new construction — and advances the planning review for the larger Boston Properties MXD redevelopment, including the public plaza to be built above an electrical substation.

What the board approved and the vote details

- Shared bike parking and short‑term parking allocation (PB 2‑94 / amendment to PB 3‑15): The Planning Board voted to grant the requested special‑permit amendments, adopting conditions recommended in Community Development Department (CDD) memos. Motion to grant moved by Carolyn Zurn, seconded by Dan Anderson. Roll‑call: Mary Liedecker — yes; Ashley Tan — yes; Carolyn Zurn — yes; Dan Anderson — yes; Joy Jackson — yes; H. Theodore (Ted) Cohen — yes. Outcome: approved (6–0).

- Minor‑amendment determination for PB 3‑15 (325 Main Street): The board unanimously…