Cambridge public comment session centers on multifamily zoning; residents sharply split over 4+2 compromise

About 150 people had signed up to speak at a Cambridge City Council public-comment hearing on a proposed multifamily zoning ordinance, during which dozens of residents, housing advocates, architects and senior advocates urged opposing views and a range of amendments.

Supporters of the 4+2 compromise — which would allow four stories by right in many residential areas with an additional two stories subject to inclusionary requirements in some locations — said the change is a necessary step to increase housing supply and keep people who work in Cambridge from being priced out. "I would like to see multifamily zoning. I would like to see taller buildings," said Itamar Turner, a resident of 139 Oxford Street. Brennan Waters of Remington Street told the council: "I'm asking the council to pass the multifamily zoning ordinance." Several speakers urged the council not to add further discretionary reviews or special-permit requirements that they said would delay projects and raise costs.

Opponents warned the ordinance as drafted would incentivize demolitions of older three-deckers and modest homes, producing…