COM 3605 #2025 : A communication was received from Lynne Hall, regarding Let Mass_ Ave_ and Cambridge St_ zoning expire so it can be amended (CM#8 and CM#9).

Summary

Resident Lynne Hall urges the City Council to let the Mass. Ave. and Cambridge St. zoning petitions (CM#8 and CM#9) expire so they can be amended. She expresses serious concerns about proposed increases in allowed residential building heights:

• Mass. Ave.: From 6-7 floors to 12 floors, and 18 floors in Porter Square.
• Cambridge St.: From 6 floors to 8 floors (general), 10 floors in Inman Square, 12 floors in Webster Ave./Windsor St. area, and 15 floors in Lechmere.

Hall argues these proposed heights and the allowance for 'as-of-right' development were not adequately discussed in prior community meetings, which recommended lower heights. She is concerned these changes will drive up land costs, making 100% affordable housing uncompetitive, and requests a plan to give affordable housing a height advantage. Furthermore, she highlights a new lawsuit against the city's inclusionary housing requirement that could jeopardize affordable housing provisions, suggesting the petition should expire until this issue is resolved.

Citizen Impact

These proposed zoning changes could lead to significantly taller buildings in major commercial corridors, potentially altering neighborhood character and increasing density. Residents may feel their input was disregarded in the planning process, and there are concerns about the future availability and affordability of housing if land costs rise and inclusionary housing provisions are weakened.

Confidence

high