Earlier this month, the Cambridge City Council voted to table the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay petition, ending the discussion on this important proposal this council term. CNC is disappointed that the council was unable to pass the overlay, which was aimed at helping affordable housing developers create new affordable units more quickly, more cost effectively, and in areas where there are fewer affordable housing options for residents. Learn more about the overlay here.

​On August 1 the Cambridge City Council ordinance committee continued its review of the 100% affordable housing overlay proposal. CNC maintains its strong support of the overlay, which is aimed at helping affordable housing developers create new affordable units more quickly, more cost effectively, and in areas where there are fewer affordable housing options for residents. CNC joined the call for passing the overlay proposal as a means to create more affordable housing during public comment and submitted this statement. Learn more here.

The Hive is a new STEAM creativity zone being built in the lower level of the Cambridge Public Library at 449 Broadway, that will be the only public and free makerspace in Cambridge. Construction is underway and the Hive will open to the public in early 2020.The Hive will consist of a hands-on workshop (aka “makerspace”) stocked with digital and traditional fabrication tools, multimedia recording studios for creating audio and video content, and an Extended Reality Lab for experiencing and experimenting with virtual and alternate reality.  Cambridge Public Library has asked CNC member Innovators for Purpose Teen Creatives to help develop a strategy that generates “buzz" about the Hive and welcomes everyone, especially underserved populations. The Teens have been hard at work and would like your help refining their strategy.  There are two upcoming design reviews for you to provide input: FRI 8/2 and THURS 8/8.  All reviews are at 2PM at the Main Library in the Learning Lab.

On July 2, 5:30pm, the City Council Ordinance Committee will begin debating the details of the proposed 100% Affordable Housing overlay ordinance. The overlay is designed to help affordable housing developers, using public funds, create new affordable units more quickly, more cost effectively, and in areas where there are fewer affordable housing options for residents. Learn more about the proposal here.

Earlier this year 93-99 Bishop Allen Drive, otherwise known as nonprofit row and home to many nonprofits, went up for sale. Rather than let market forces determine the outcome, the Cambridge Community Foundation stepped in and worked with Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to make an offer that would allow the current nonprofit tenants to stay. As of this week, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has a purchase and sale agreement in place for the building. CNC applauds the Cambridge Community Foundation for its lead role in facilitating the many discussions that helped achieve this outcome, and the CRA for supporting the local nonprofit field in such a critical way. Learn more here.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee is recommending four collaborative applications for Community Benefits planning grants of $30,000 each. Combined, the proposals represent the work of over 15 nonprofits. The lead applicants on these proposals are Cambridge Community Center, Community Art Center, De Novo and Just-A-Start, and the applicants propose a variety of approaches to addressing the three top tier needs previously identified in the Community Needs Assessment: 1) affordable housing and homelessness, 2)  financial security and 3) mental health: behavioral health and substance abuse. The full proposals are now posted on the Cambridge Community Development Department website, under the Request for Proposals (RFP) tab. Congratulations to the grantees! Learn more here.