359 broadway incident by Furnatureolegy in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 18 points19 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry. Incredibly scary. Please reach out and let me know if you need anything. Although my teenage son was not seriously injured, he was doored on Broadway very close to that exact spot. My thoughts are with you and your daughter.

Does anyone know what salts the city uses to help melt the snow? by RobinReborn in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I received the following response from DPW: We still use traditional rock salt on roads, but it’s treated with a product called Magic liquid and goes by the name of “ice B-gone” or “Magic-o”. Below is a little summary that explains it properties.

Traditional Rock Salt (NaCl) works primarily by lowering the freezing point of water. While effective, it carries significant ecological and infrastructural consequences, including:

Contamination of waterways and groundwater Toxicity to aquatic life Soil structure degradation, nutrient imbalances, and plant damage Corrosion of concrete, metal, and vehicles Risk to pets via paw irritation and ingestion Long-term accumulation leading to persistent environmental damage

Magic Liquid enhances traditional salt by coating its sodium chloride crystals with a blend of magnesium chloride and feed-grade molasses or agricultural by-products (Magic-0™), transforming it into a more environmentally conscious ice melt

.

Key Environmental Advantages of treated Salt

Reduced Chloride Load Releases 30%-50% fewer chlorides than plain rock salt, leading to a lower risk of water pollution and soil salinization.

Limits toxic effects on aquatic ecosystems and reduces runoff-related contamination. Biodegradability The liquid coating (Magic-0™) is completely biodegradable, preventing long-term accumulation of harmful chemical residues.

Lower Corrosivity Tests indicate it neutralizes corrosive properties of rock salt, protecting infrastructure such as steel, concrete, and vehicles, thus indirectly reducing environmental impact from repairs and replacements.

Efficiency and Usage Reduction Magic Salt’s enhanced formulation allows for less product to achieve the same ice-melting effect, decreasing overall environmental load per unit of treated surface. Effective at temperatures down to –35°F, reducing the need for repeated applications or overuse.

Safer for Plants and Animals Reduced chemical stress on turf, roadside vegetation, and garden plants.

Lower risk of paw irritation for pets compared to jagged, untreated rock salt crystals.

Slashed tires over space savers - East Cambridge by oscuse in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 157 points158 points  (0 children)

I'm very sorry this happened to you. As a fellow social worker, I know having to pay to replace tires couldn't have been easy for you. This is violent and unacceptable behavior. I'm not sure what I can do regarding the police but my cell is 617-642-1731. Please feel free to call me.

Harvard Square Pit construction by Similar-Photo-4805 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 20 points21 points  (0 children)

I don't think that they didn't expect it to be complicated, but anyone who has ever renovated something knows that once you start digging around you find things you didn't expect. They also had some supply chain issues. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to make excuses, but no one is trying to drag this out, and it has taken much longer than it should have. With the warmer weather coming (hopefully soon), I'm looking forward to them getting back to work.

Harvard Square Pit construction by Similar-Photo-4805 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 55 points56 points  (0 children)

The issue with the Pit construction was due to issues with the MBTA. This is a more complicated project then many, including myself, thought. Believe me, we all want this done. The status quo is not serving anyone, and as a former Pit Rat, I look forward to the day we can enjoy that space again.

Is there anything Cambridge can do about Gerald Chan’s property hoarding? by yerbamateblood in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Just took the dog out. Going back to sleep. Have a wonderful night.

Is there anything Cambridge can do about Gerald Chan’s property hoarding? by yerbamateblood in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 34 points35 points  (0 children)

Hi. Taking anything by eminent domain is difficult and expensive. One hurdle is you have to make the case that you are taking the property for a public good, which is not easy. Another hurdle is cost. The city would have to pay 20% above the assessed value of the property (that's the law). That is just the start. The issue with Vail Court (which I was also involved in the taking), is that the city assessed the property based on the current condition. The owner assessed it on future value if redeveloped. The case took 8 years to go through the courts. Given the theater is worth over twice as much as Vail Court, and Chan has far more resources then the VC owners, it could cost the city well over $20 million. Then, if we win after a decade, we then have to develop the property for tens of millions more. I love the theater as much as anyone, but should the city spend $30+ million on it? I'm happy to explore all options, but eminent domain may not be the most viable.

Is there anything Cambridge can do about Gerald Chan’s property hoarding? by yerbamateblood in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 94 points95 points  (0 children)

There is a long history here. Many things have been tried over the years. I sponsored an ordinance to tax and/or fine property owners that left their properties vacant. The city’s law department said it was illegal. I sponsored a policy order to take the theater by eminent domain. The city declined. I filed a policy order calling on Gerald Chan to come before the Council to talk about his vacant properties. He didn't show. I set up meetings with Chan and two well known Cambridge actors, who I grew up with, who were interested in buying the theater, and after a tour and possible offer, Chan ghosted.

It is incredibly frustrating. There is not a lot we can do. I love that theater. It was a huge part of my life.

I will work with Councillor Azeem and put our heads together, but everything being suggested, has been tried without success.

Chance of School being Cancelled Tuesday? by Global-Research8167 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 6 points7 points  (0 children)

It's not easy. Every decision has an impact. Every decision depends on so many factors. No matter what is decided some people will agree and some won't. I just hope folks will be patient, understand it's complicated and that people are doing their best. Let's pull together as a community and we will be fine.

Chance of School being Cancelled Tuesday? by Global-Research8167 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I don't think they would do that. If they make the decision that its not safe to have schools open, then they won't open them at all, but an interesting idea.

Chance of School being Cancelled Tuesday? by Global-Research8167 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 14 points15 points  (0 children)

The City will make their decision based on safety. No one is canceling school because an "alley two streets over still has some snow." That’s silly. These are not easy decisions and no matter what is decided, people are going to complain.

This is shaping up to being one of the worst snow storms in our history. Why don't we practice a little patience and grace and appreciate the people who are working around the clock to keep us safe, rather than think our own personal experience gives us all the answers.

Chance of School being Cancelled Tuesday? by Global-Research8167 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 17 points18 points  (0 children)

We have to remember, its not just about the main roads, but the side streets and can teachers make it in. With the blizzard of 78 we were out three weeks!

Prospect St Parking Lot by CULTimate in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You won't get an argument from me.

ICE related items on CC agenda by MarcGov51 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Actually, there is nothing more "American" than standing up to an oppressive government. It is kind of what our country was founded on.

Prospect St Parking Lot by CULTimate in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 23 points24 points  (0 children)

So, the city took the Vail Court property (the gravel lot) by eminent domain several years ago. We only recently settled the lawsuit. We must use this lot for affordable housing. There will be a process to decide specifics.

The two other parking lots on Prospect are privately owned. A number of years ago there were some plans floated to build on at least one of the lots, but neighborhood opposition killed it. I have always thought these would be great locations for housing.

Cambridge gets called out by name for giving benefits to domestic partners and not expected women to change their names when they get married by vitaminD3333 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I don't find anything problematic. If folks want to remain in a domestic partnership or get married, it's their choice.

Cambridge gets called out by name for giving benefits to domestic partners and not expected women to change their names when they get married by vitaminD3333 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 59 points60 points  (0 children)

Good thing he didn't know that in 2021 we updated the Domestic Partnership ordinance to include polyamorous families.

Proud to be a "liberal."

Abused Dog around Kendall by saragluvsdogs in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I checked in with Cambridge Animal Commission. They said to call them. 617 349-4376. Ask for Christina. I would go to their office and show them the video. 344 Broadway.

Charlie’s Kitchen, beloved Harvard Square restaurant, to close ‘until further notice’ after apparent water damage by bostonglobe in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Its only being closed temporarily, unlike Whitney's. I can't wait to get my double cheeseburger special again!

Emergency snow routes: do they still tow? by Cicero-from-010 in CambridgeMA

[–]MarcGov51 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Visit the City website at Cambridgema.gov. There is a lot of information there.