COM 3519 #2025 : A communication was received from Shelagh Hadley, regarding Please vote NO.

Summary

Shelagh Hadley, a longtime Cambridge resident and taxpayer, has communicated to the City Council urging them to vote NO on two new proposed up-zoning ordinances, specifically a "massive" one affecting Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street. Hadley expresses concerns that this proposal would permit buildings up to 8, 12, 15, and 18 stories (and potentially higher) without adequate parking, publicly accessible open space, or setbacks. She argues it would displace local businesses, eliminate naturally affordable homes, and hinder affordable housing (AHO) developers by precluding legal appeals and requirements. Furthermore, Hadley states these plans deviate from working group agreements, circumvent public process, and contradict the city's new 2025 design guidelines. She also suggests allowing the current MFH up-zoning to expire so the Council can restart the process with proper studies in January.

Citizen Impact

If approved, the proposed up-zoning could lead to significantly taller buildings on Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, potentially causing increased traffic and parking issues, displacing local businesses, and reducing naturally affordable housing options for residents.

Confidence

high