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