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Council backs study for Harvard Square MBTA tunnel and earmark option for $72,000 RFP
Summary
The council approved a motion asking the city manager to pursue an engineering RFP for the abandoned MBTA tunnel beneath Harvard Square and to consider using $72,000 of an existing $300,000 pedestrian-study allocation to fund the RFP, after public testimony from business and neighborhood groups.
The Cambridge City Council voted to ask the city manager to develop an engineering request for proposals to study the abandoned MBTA tunnel beneath Harvard Square and to consider whether up to $72,000 of the city's previously budgeted $300,000 pedestrian study funds could be used to develop an RFP.
Members of the Harvard Square Business Association and local businesses urged the council to support the study during public comment. Denise Jillson, executive director of the Harvard Square Business Association, asked the council to "scale back" an existing pedestrian study so that an engineering RFP could be funded now. Jessica Scully, board chair of the Harvard Square Business Association, described the appropriation as "modest and essential," saying the tunnel study could help knit the square together and create a weatherproof public space.
Developers, property owners and business owners also testified in favor. John De Giovanni of Trinity Properties described a decade of study and noted prior permitted uses of the tunnel for parking, arguing the RFP is a necessary first step to determine access and capacity. Several business leaders and property representatives stressed that a professional engineering analysis is needed to answer basic questions about public access, structural viability and possible reuse.
Councilors amended the policy order to explicitly name the MBTA as a necessary stakeholder and to direct the city manager to "consider the possibility" of using up to $72,000 of the $300,000 already budgeted for a Harvard Square pedestrian study to fund the RFP. The amended wording also asks staff to consult with MBTA and to return with recommendations.
The motion passed on an affirmative vote recorded as eight members in favor, one absent. Councilors noted that the project would likely require coordination with the MBTA and that an RFP would take time to write, issue and evaluate.
City staff did not adopt a final funding commitment at the meeting; the order asked the city manager to explore options and come back with details on cost, scope and procurement strategy.
