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Cambridge council asks CDD to draft zoning language to end exclusionary zoning and allow six‑story multifamily
Summary
After hours of public comment for and against allowing up to six stories of multifamily housing citywide, the council requested zoning language and asked staff to hold public meetings; the proposal’s backers said it would dramatically increase inclusionary units, opponents warned of displacement and loss of neighborhood character.
The Cambridge City Council asked the Community Development Department (CDD) to prepare zoning language to implement a proposal that would end exclusionary single‑family zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in residential districts. Councilor Zine, the lead sponsor, framed the item as a request for draft code language to begin public deliberation.
"The median rent for a one‑bedroom in Cambridge is now $3,300," Councilor Zine told colleagues as she urged CDD to supply concrete text so the council and the public could assess tradeoffs. Public comment consumed much of the meeting: supporters argued the change would produce thousands of new units and a large increase in inclusionary (affordable) housing, while opponents raised concerns about tree canopy, flooding impacts, infrastructure strain, removal of design review and displacement risks. "We need design controls," architect John Lafreniere said, urging careful planning to preserve neighborhood character.
CDD staff and multiple councilors emphasized that tonight’s votes were procedural: the council approved a motion asking the city manager and CDD to draft language and to hold additional public meetings before any ordinance hearings. The council also suspended rules earlier in the meeting to take other time‑sensitive business; council leaders said they expect multiple committee hearings and detailed zoning text to be produced before formal votes. The request to draft language does not itself change zoning; any final ordinance would require the usual committee process, public notice and council votes.
