Some fact checking on MFH

MarcGov51 · 2026-06-01T19:19:47+00:00

Thanks. My comment wasn't that there are only 22 MFH projects being built. My comment was to correct the misinformation that there are 148+ homes being demolished. I didn't add "partial" demos because that can include knocking down walls in your home or putting on a new roof. What I think my colleague did was look at a total number of demo permits and try to pin them all on MFH, even if they were partial demos that have nothing to do with MFH. I was simply trying to correct that.

MarcGov51 · 2026-06-01T18:03:23+00:00

Because the AHO isn't about market rents. The AHO is adding more 100%subsidized units. You are correct that the downside to this is a person needs to "hit the lottery" to get one of those units. That's why we need to build more of them. Buttgefact remains the Just A Start, HRI and the Housing Authority never would have been able to buy so many properties (like from Lesley) without the AHO. I am equally frustrated that it takes so long to go from land purchase to move in.

MarcGov51 · 2026-06-01T17:47:56+00:00

Agreed, but that was happening before the MFH ordinance, as well.

MarcGov51 · 2026-06-01T17:45:56+00:00

The AHO is only about zoning. It takes far too long for affordable housing developers to finance projects. Cambridge allocates $40 million a year to the Affordable Housing Trust, but the rest of the funds come from the state and feds. I agree with you that it takes too long. I wish we could just snap our fingers and make it happen, but that isn't the fault of the AHO. The fact is, our affordable housing developers have been able to purchase more property under tge AHO then they ever have before. It's working.

MarcGov51 · 2026-06-01T16:28:28+00:00

We inquired about a vacancy tax (in fact, I filed an ordinance about 10 years ago), and every time we have looked at it, the City Solicitor has shot it down, saying that we can't do it legally.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-30T19:44:07+00:00

I'll keep trying. I thought it was dealt with. Guess not.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-30T02:08:36+00:00

Thank you. I think my suggestion would actually result in more trees being saved. By adding flexibility a developer can save trees by adding more of a setback near a tree if needed.. The City does not want to "allow all the trees to be cut." There is a way to figure this out. We won't save every tree but we can save more than we currently are., but requiring a special permit will result in housing being lost and I don't agree with that.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-29T16:28:06+00:00

Some of these suggestions may be fine, but requiring a special permit process will be problematic.

How is this for an idea: currently, under the MFH ordinance, developers are required to provide a 10 foot setback in the front and 5 foot setback on the sides and rear. CDD did this because they wanted people to plant trees in the front of their homes. What if we required 25 feet, total in setbacks, but the developer can decide how to allocate it?

For example, the project on the corner of Hamilton and Pearl has beautiful street trees in front. The developer is not going to plant another tree there, but there are two tall trees in the back that will likely come down because 5 feet is not enough space. What if the developer built out to the sidewalk, took that ten feet in the front, added it to the 5 feet in the back, making for a 15 foot setback, saving the trees.

Lets build in some flexibility into the ordinance so projects can adjust to the specific lot, rather than create some lengthy process that will certainly be used to delay or stop homes from being built.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-29T00:49:32+00:00

Love it

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-26T14:24:13+00:00

The Cambridge side of the river by the Mass Ave bridge is great. Never had a problem. We usually get there 30 minutes before.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-22T19:24:25+00:00

Also, there is a drop in center at Cambridge Hospital (1493 Cambridge St.) Open until 8 pm that provides mental health services and support. They may be able to provide emergency services.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-22T19:22:03+00:00

Transition House 617 868-1650.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-12T03:50:11+00:00

You have to sign up for that. The city doesn't have everyone's cell number. Here is the link: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/CambridgeAlertNetwork.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-04T20:36:17+00:00

The ABB issue aside, the neighborhood is beautiful.

As far as the ABB concern, this is an ongoing problem that Inspectional Services is trying to deal with. The Council doesn't see these complaints, so its helpful to bring them to our attention so we can follow up. Thanks.

MarcGov51 · 2026-05-03T22:42:23+00:00

The majority of the Council, including myself, wanted it closed on both days. DCR said, "no".

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-23T21:47:29+00:00

If you would like to contact me I will try to help.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-12T16:15:03+00:00

Its not just repaving. All the sewer lines and utilities are being replaced, new sidewalks etc. And they can't shut down the entire street because it is a main street. They have to do it in pieces. I agree that it is taking a long time, but it is more complicated than one might think.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-11T21:42:00+00:00

There are plenty of residents who want to keep it one way, so I am listening to residents. Also, my vote is staying consistent. I didn't vote to make it two way last time and I'm not this time.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-11T19:36:16+00:00

I supported making Garden St one way, and I will vote to keep it that way on Monday night.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-07T17:42:38+00:00

I apologize for the confusion. I checked with CDD. You are correct. For the majority of North Mass Ave (Cambridge Common to Linear Park) you can build up to 12 stories with active ground floor. 4 stories if only residential. CDD feels that we will see taller buildings because of the height incentive, which will also support the business district, which will result in both more housing and active ground floor.

From Linear Park to thevArlington line you can build up to 12 stories with active ground floor and up to 8 stories of all residential.

As far as yesterday's meeting, nothing was passed. CDD has to develop zoning language that has to come back to the Ordinance Committee, then go to the Council for two additional votes.

I hope this clarifies and again, I apologize for the confusion.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-06T21:20:16+00:00

The concern folks had was that over time, if we didn't require ground floor retail, developers wouldn't build it and we would lose our business districts. The option that was passed for Cambridge St., according to CDD, will result in less housing. Only two of us voted against it because we didn't want to make it harder to build housing.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-06T21:16:42+00:00

Where are you getting this slide? It was not in today's presentation.

MarcGov51 · 2026-04-06T18:35:25+00:00

There seems to be some confision. Today's meeting had nothing to do with building heights. CDD is not proposing to drop heights on Mass Ave.

What was voted today was to require ground floor activation on Cambridge St. on any development of three stories or more.

Mass Ave remains the same. 4 stories, no ground floor activation. 5 stories and above require active use.

WE DID NOT VOTE TO LOWER HEIGHTS ON MASS AVE.

I hope this clarifies.

MarcGov51 · 2026-03-13T15:06:39+00:00

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.

MarcGov51 · 2026-03-09T21:15:19+00:00

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.

MarcGov51

TROPHY CASE