Issue #1 | Summer 2016 Newspaper A Newspaper Covering the Cambridge Citywide Plan ABOUT ENVISION CAMBRIDGE nvision Cambridge is a Ecommunity-wide process to develop a comprehensive plan for a more livable, sustainable, and equitable Cambridge. With input from those who live, work, study, and play in our city, Envision Cambridge will create a shared vision for the city’s future. The plan will result in recommendations on a broad range of topics such as housing, mobility, economic opportunity, urban form, and climate and the environment. INSIDE FEEDBACK FORUM 2

COMMUNITY SPACE 3 SPOTLIGHT

PLAN UPDATES 4-5

PLACES WE LOVE 6 Envision Cambridge Mobile Engagement Station in action at Cambridge City Hall Annex

ASK A PLANNER 7 Cambridge community members SIDEWALK TALK 8 see the things we see, meet the DID YOU KNOW? Welcome people we meet, and hear some of I AM CAMBRIDGE 9 the feedback we hear. According to the 2010-2012 Bienvenidos American Community Survey, CITY LENS 10-11 Envision Cambridge Newspaper the predominant occupations of features maps, data, history, fun Cambridge residents are: FUN AND GAMES 12 欢迎 facts, portraits of public spaces, Computer Engineering and and interviews with Cambridge elcome to the Envision Science Occupations - 20% residents, community leaders, Cambridge Newspaper, a GUESS WHAT? W and experts. The features will free publication produced by the Education, Training, and highlight lesser-known aspects of 29.7% Envision Cambridge Team. Library - 16% of Cambridge residents are enrolled the city and its neighborhoods. Management Occupations - 11.9% full time or part time in college or Since Envision Cambridge

graduate degree programs. Happy reading! was launched in November, Service Occupations - 9.8% the Team has been busy trying HELP US SPREAD THE to understand what makes Office and Administrative DID YOU KNOW? Cambridge tick. Whether we WORD Support - 8.7% are collecting, analyzing, and Is there a location that is central 140 interpreting housing, transit, or to you, your friends, and your climate change data; interviewing languages are spoken in community that you think would Follow Cambridge. experts about Cambridge’s past, be good for flyering? If so, please present, and future; or talking to send an email to envision@ #EnvisionCambridge Cambridge community members cambridgema.gov. Please include on Twitter and Volunteer to teach English or “flyering location” in the subject about what they love about their Facebook! learn a new language at city and what’s important to them, line. The Cambridge we’re always discovering new Community Learning things about this amazing city. FYI There are Center. We made this newspaper so readers can learn as we learn. 4,566 Learn more at: We want to give you a window private businesses in cambridgema.gov/teachatclc into the planning process and let Cambridge.

Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 1 FEEDBACK FORUM

STAY IN TOUCH

Do you want to receive project DID YOU KNOW? updates via email? If so, visit 42% of Cambridge’s land use is envision.cambridgema.gov residential, with commercial uses concentrated along key corridors and squares. Another substantial portion of the city is open WORD JUMBLE space, although it is not evenly distributed across neighborhoods. UNSCRAMBLE THESE WORDS Colleges and universities comprise 10% of the city’s land, with o n n g i z another 5% allocated toward civic, educational, and healthcare uses n (labeled at right as institutional). A small portion of the city is presently categorized as mixed- v n i e s n o i use, utilities, and industrial.

i Source: City of Cambridge CDD Land Use and Roads GIS n p i l n a g n n CUT ALONG THE DOTTED LINE r i g b c m a d e a y c m u i m o n t u Survey 02: e a e g m n t e g n A Vision for Cambridge Envision Cambridge is a community-wide process to develop a comprehensive plan for a more

g livable, sustainable, and equitable Cambridge. With input from those who live, work, study, and

cambridge, community, engagement community, cambridge, play in our city, Envision Cambridge will create a shared vision for its future. ANSWERS: zoning, envision, planning, planning, envision, zoning, ANSWERS:

Envision Cambridge Survey 01 asked for When you think of how you would like priorities for the plan and what you loved Cambridge to be in the future, what words or most about the city. We heard that housing, phrases come to mind around the following mobility and transportation, and urban topics? (Free associate!) SURVEY 02 form were the topics that matter most to you. Now we would like your help visioning for Mobility and Transportation WHAT DO YOU THINK? Cambridge.

e want to know what you Survey 02 asks for your hopes and visions for Housing Wwant for your city. Each Cambridge’s future. issue of Envision Cambridge Newspaper will contain a survey If your hopes are realized, in twenty years that we encourage you to fill out. Community Interaction Cambridge will be . . . Cut out the survey and mail it to: Urban Form Melissa Peters Community Development Dept. City Hall Annex 344 Broadway Climate and the Environment Cambridge, MA 02139

Or snap a picture of your Economic Opportunity survey and email it to: [email protected]

FYI What should the three main goals of the plan be? Major languages and language groups other than English 1. recorded by the 2010-2012 American Community Survey 2. include Spanish (5.4%), French, including Haitian Kreyol (4.3%), Chinese (4.8%), Portuguese 3. (2.1%), and African languages City of Cambridge (1.7%).

2 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter COMMUNITY SPACE SPOTLIGHT Spotlight on...Community Learning Center Great cities like Cambridge have spaces for communities to live together, gather, and celebrate. In Cambridge, these spaces are churches, neighborhood restaurants, and informal clubs that become a living room for people with similar interests. For this issue, we look at the Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC).

very weekday morning and 2015 ENROLLMENT BY COUNTRY Eevening, a rush of students floods the halls of the Community Country Number Learning Center’s (CLC) flagship facility at Central Square, which Haiti 208 occupies the former police station Ethiopia 83 building. Close to 1,000 students Bangladesh 44 annually enroll at CLC. Some are Brazil 41 speakers of other languages who USA 41 study English at five different China 35 levels; others are adults learning El Salvador 32 basic literacy, studying for high Dominican R. 24 16 school equivalency, and preparing Eritrea India 14 for college. Japan 14 Morocco 13 Students at CLC come from across Nepal 12 Cambridge and range in age, skill Jamaica 11 levels, and language backgrounds, Cape Verde 9 representing the diversity of Sudan 8 A section of a quilt made by students from the Community Learning Center Cambridge’s cultural heritage. Colombia 7 Students come from more than Puerto Rico 7 70 countries, including Haiti, Algeria 6 Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Brazil, and Honduras 6 China. Many students are long- Peru 6 term residents of Cambridge, while others are recent immigrants to the city. For more information CLC provides bright new on the center or to get classrooms with state-of-the-art involved, visit their technology and computer labs on website at: site. It also has a large, cozy lounge, where students often eat dinner cambridgema.gov/clcinfo or chat between classes. CLC works hard to provide connections or call (617) 349-6363. to jobs and career pathways for its students. It supports its The Cambridge many students who are aspiring Community Learning to healthcare occupations by Center is located at: offering specific classes targeted to medical language and maintaining 5 Western Avenue an active relationship with Mt. Cambridge, MA 02139 Auburn Hospital. It also maintains a relationship with Bunker Hill Community College and often WHERE IS YOUR graduates students to further COMMUNITY SPACE? learning opportunities there. Additionally, CLC has created We want to profile places that are part-time outreach positions that important to you. If you have a are filled by current and former suggestion, email it to envision@ CLC students. cambridgema.gov. Please include “Community Space” in the subject CLC always welcomes new line. students and also welcomes Cambridge residents looking to volunteer as classroom aides or DID YOU KNOW? tutors who work one-on-one with Cambridge is home to over 300 students to boost their language life science and technology- skills. related companies. Students from the Cambridge Community Learning Center Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 3 PLAN UPDATES

PANELS, WORKSHOPS, SURVEYS, AND MORE

It has been a very busy time for the Envision Cambridge team. The past six months have been about gearing up as the consultant team learns more about Cambridge and makes plans for how we will engage with Cambridge residents, workers, and visitors.

Envision Cambridge had its first public event in mid-February, a “What’s the Plan?” panel at the Cambridge Public Library, where he plan needs to chools are the spine members from the consultant “Tfollow what the iking should be “Sof our city; they are team talked about major issues— community envisions, “Bmade more family- anchoring institutions including housing, the economy, rather than the inverse.” friendly.” like hospitals.” mobility, and climate and the - Cambridge resident - Cambridge resident - Cambridge resident environment. A lively discussion followed, with members of the Envision Cambridge public workshop at the Kennedy-Longfellow School public asking questions on topics ranging from urban agriculture to housing affordability to innovative new ways of getting around the city. This was the first of several panel discussions over the three- year planning process.

On March 1, the Team launched its Mobile Engagement Station (see the next page to learn more). In late March and early April, the Team conducted public workshops e need more at the Kennedy-Longfellow he best thing about love having small, “WHubway School, the Tobin School, and “TCambridge is the “Ilocal businesses that Stations, especially the Cambridge Senior Center. parks and green spaces.” I can walk to.” outside of the squares.” At these workshops, we asked - The Port resident - Huron Village resident - Mid-Cambridge resident Cambridge community members what Envision Cambridge should Envision Cambridge public workshop at the Tobin School address. We have also been out on the sidewalks conducting the survey found on page two of this newspaper.

At around the same time, we conducted our first series of Focus Groups, in which we worked with Cambridge’s Community Engagement Team to get hard- miss Cambridge’s to-reach communities in on the “Iindustrial past. Back conversation. when the Necco plant was still here, I remember way to get from In April, we reported back our the smell of chocolate in ffice space for “A Inman to Central early findings to you, the City the air while I waited at “Osmall businesses in a bike-friendly way Council, and the Planning Board. Lechmere station.” is really hard to find.” would be great.” In June and July, we had a series - Kendall Square worker - Inman Square resident - Inman Square resident of visioning activities, both for the city as a whole and for Alewife. Envision Cambridge public workshop at the Cambridge Senior Center

1. When you think of Cambridge, what 2. What do you love about Cambridge? words or phrases come to mind? CAMBRIDGE ON accessibility intellectual things cultural everywhere biotech funky place libraries offerings music tech cultural Lively quirky progressive path Easy CAMBRIDGE Hippies people Urban housing parks In our survey, we ask people what Vibrant Great educated businesses places Intellectual safe Livable Nice eventsWalkabilitydifferent words come to mind when they fair Food River fun life hip art Life think of Cambridge and what they Home Culture Central diversity good People education love about Cambridge. Here are the cityexpensive library urban liberal traffic results so far. cool community livediversityschools nice squares lovepublic shopping walkable MIT aroundEverything community Harvard Friendly historic smart Memorial bike Shops young Harvard dense Beautiful sidewalks restaurants friendliness Progressive high awesome services many Education architecturecity UniversityInteresting Freedom placesmallfeeling bike friendly interesting 4 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter PLAN UPDATES

Mobile Engagement Station Comes to Cambridge

On March 1, the Envision Cambridge Team launched its Here’s where we’ve love that Mobile Engagement Station, been so far: “ICambridge is a large interactive model of dense enough to be Mid-Cambridge Cambridge that gives Cambridge 3/1/2016 (City Hall Annex) walkable and bikeable residents and workers the 3/5/2016 Harvard Square but still feels quaint opportunity to identify what 3/6/2016 Cambridge Public and neighborhoody.” they like and don’t like about Library - Huron Village Cambridge and to share their 3/12/2016 Area IV resident hopes for the future. 3/13/2016 Porter Square 3/14/2016 Kendall Square The Station has three layers. 3/19/2016 Cambridgeside The top layer is a 3D model of Galleria Cambridge showing all of the 3/20/2016 Inman Square buildings in the city. The second 3/24/2016 Kennedy-Longfellow layer is a map of Cambridge, color- School coded by land use and showing all 3/26/2016 Huron Village streets and building footprints. 3/30/2016 Tobin School The third layer consists of stools 3/31/2016 Tobin School in the shape of each of Cambridge’s 4/2/2016 Cambridge neighborhoods. Community Center 4/2/2016 Cambridge Senior Center An Envision Cambridge “Street Alewife T Station Team” has been taking the Station 4/6/2016 4/11/2016 Collins Branch to different locations around Library Cambridge. When we take the 4/15/2016 Lafayette Square Station out, we ask residents to 4/16/2016 Cambridge Rindge & draw their daily routes, favorite Latin places, least favorite places, and 4/27/2016 Cambridge Public t’s easy to get ideas for the future. So far, we have Library everywhere without collected 624 routes, 1906 favorite 5/11/2016 MIT “I places, 819 least favorite places, 5/14/2016 158 Spring Street a car... tons of awesome and 574 ideas for the future. 5/15/2016 Harvard Square restaurants and variety... 5/19/2016 Frisoli tons of smart people... When the Station is not in use, it 5/24/2016 Fletcher Maynard great sidewalks and stays at City Hall, where it will School crosswalks... generally be used to visualize some of our 5/27/2016 City Hall bike-friendly.” - The Port findings. 5/31/2016 Cambridge Learning Center (Area IV) resident 6/1/2016 Cambridge Learning Center 6/4/2016 River Festival 6/6/2016 Trader Joe’s Alewife 6/11/2016 Fresh Pond 6/18/2016 Hoops n Health at Hoyt Field 6/19/2016 Mayors Cup at Donelly Field 6/21/2016 Magazine Beach 6/24/2016 Central Square 6/25/2016 Rindge Field Sennott Park 6/26/2016 live in Mid- 7/7/2016 Greene Rose Heritage Park “ICambridge and 7/10/2016 Northpoint Park feel that I’m in the 7/13/2016 Centanni Courtyard heart of the heart. I 7/19/2016 Riverside Press Park can walk to Harvard, 7/20/2016 Newtowne Court MIT, museums, the 7/22/2016 Cambridge Rindge & T, and work.” - Mid- Latin Cambridge resident 7/23/2016 Magazine Beach

THE MOBILE ENGAGEMENT STATION AND YOU Where can you find The Mobile Engagement Station DID YOU KNOW? us next? already has a very busy schedule, but we want to make sure it makes it to 32.0% The mobile engagement your community! Is there a location that is central to you, your friends, and station schedule can be your community where you would like of Cambridge residents age 5 found on the city website: us to bring the Mobile Engagement or older speak a language other Station? If so, send an email to than English at home. [email protected]. Please envision.cambridgema.gov Drawing of the Mobile Engagement include “Mobile Engagement Station” in the subject line. Station Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 5 PLACES WE LOVE

Why do people love Lafayette Square? SO MANY GREAT PUBLIC SPACES, BUT WHAT MAKES THEM WORK?

e looked at Lafayette caters well to all of these types of Ricardo WSquare at the intersection users simultaneously, providing of Massachusetts Avenue and many options for each group Sidney Street, where a gas station to interact with the plaza and, once stood. On any typical day (if potentially, with each other. the weather is cooperating), you 1) I was trying to get some tickets will find many people outdoors The original intent of Lafayette to a rock concert over at the enjoying the plaza, sitting Square was to improve pedestrian Middle East that was sold out. along the planters or at one of safety at the busy Massachusetts So, I gave up and now I’m just the outdoor tables provided for and Main intersection by closing spending my time waiting for the the public. Many are having off part of Main Street to vehicular concert to start. conversations with friends and traffic. However, what sets it apart family as they enjoy ice cream or from other projects of this type 2) Yeah, it’s a good place. A lot of food from one of the restaurants is the design of the plaza itself. It people walking, and it looks safe. flanking the square or while does not attempt to differentiate waiting patiently for a table inside. itself from its surroundings in any Others take in a moment alone: major way, as some new urban studying for class, reading a book, plazas do, or make a bold design or checking email on their phones. statement. It successfully blends Those walking by the square into the urban context that already enjoy a brief opportunity to people exists while subtly making its own watch, well aware that they are contribution. likely being watched in return. 1) I’m working for a Our team went out on a nice, sunny company that picks up Indeed, one of the reasons day to ask the people hanging out food and delivers it. So, Lafayette Square is such a at Lafayette Square the following I’m just here waiting on an successful urban space is that it questions: order from Café Luna and then I’ve gotta run. 1) What brought you here 2) Yeah, it’s a nice place to sit. It’s a great place to just kind of hang out and have today? a coffee. Vincent

2) What do you think of this Doug & Kevin square?

WHICH SPACE IS YOUR PLACE? 1) We went to the MIT 1) We just had brunch here at Where do you hang out? What’s your Museum and we were just favorite public space in Cambridge? Desi Dhaba. It was beautiful looking for somewhere outside so we sat here to enjoy If there is a public space that you are particularly passionate about, we outdoors to enjoy a little bit of the sun. would love to hear about it; maybe we fresh air. will even feature it in a future edition 2) I personally like the space of Envision Cambridge Newspaper! 2) If you look around, you’ve and frequent this area a lot, Send your feedback to [email protected]. Please got the old and the new even though I don’t live here. include “Public Space is the Place” in architecture here. The seating I just think it’s a nice space— the subject line. was very nice. the centrality of it and just the way it’s laid out. It’s like the heart of Cambridge right here. I don’t think there’s too many places that look like Nkatha & James 1) We went to the MIT this around here. There’s an Museum, had lunch, and just openness to the architecture. got some ice cream. It’s a nice The buildings are just your day—nice and sunny out— ordinary, mom-and-pop small and this looked like a nice buildings so you don’t feel place to sit. overwhelmed—you’re just like this important person 2) It worked for us! It’s enjoying the sun. It’s the kind certainly welcoming and of place where people just convenient for everybody congregate and have a good here. And it’s pretty nice, time. especially Toscanini’s. Ted & Maxine 6 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter ASK A PLANNER

so successful in housing those workers.

Affordability is, however, a problem that is difficult to deal BIG PLANS FOR with one project or policy at a time. Comprehensive planning can identify the scale of the problem for current and potential residents, CAMBRIDGE highlight issues of equity, and identify opportunities—from What is a citywide plan? How have comprehensive specific vacant parcels to plans shaped Cambridge in the past? How are better transportation links to planning decisions made, and who makes them? surrounding communities. Here we ask three prominent local planners a simple Alex Krieger Professor in Practice of urban design at question: What should a Cambridge comprehensive Harvard Graduate School of Design plan do? Do you need to prepare for college? Philip Clay Charles River as a significant Professor and former chancellor of the element and include green Massachusetts Institute of Technology infrastructure to enhance the THE BRIDGE environment as a potential recreational asset and to mitigate PROGRAM climate change risks. Similar can help open the door to your future! The Community Learning Center attention should be extended to offers free classes to help you get Fresh Pond. ready: College prep; reading, writing, math; The plan should identify ways computer skills; and study skills. Info to use digital technologies to on college and financial aid and help with applications. support community engagement Class meets Monday, Wednesday & with agencies and to support In Cambridge, where debating Thursday evenings, 6:15pm–9:15pm community life. development futures is practically 5 Western Avenue a contact sport, a comprehensive Central Square, Cambridge Ann Forsyth plan should have the goal of Director of the urban planning program at Harvard Graduate School of Design calming passions; a diminution in the angst and concern that the DID YOU KNOW? The city should focus on vision next round of change will, as if it and strategy and not a traditional were inevitable, irrevocably harm 28.1% comprehensive plan that has local quality of life, preventing unhelpful rigidity and can become Cambridge from remaining outdated. of Cambridge residents are Cambridge. How interesting might foreign-born. it be if skepticism about change Cambridge has long served as The plan should call for attractive is channelled to a consideration and active places, especially not a port of entry for immigrants that more of some things—whether from around the world. just at T stops in neighborhood housing choice, density, diversity commercial areas. These of citizens and institutions, or environments support walking, greater overlap of activities—might accommodate the elderly and just lead to a better Cambridge one those with special needs, and day? feature green space. A comprehensive plan focuses on This is NOT a call for acquiescence The plan should acknowledge a big scale in terms of space, time, to any development projects the diversity of the Cambridge and people. It allows a community as they come along. Hardly. to understand the connections community and encourage Many comprehensive plans, between places and consider what appropriate inclusion of features upon publication, become inert, Want to learn about is fair to all. Three examples show to support community-generated somewhat tedious compilations of Affordable Housing activity. how this helps. broad land use and development- Opportunities in related goals. Not a particularly First, the planning process can Cambridge? The plan should encourage helpful tool when an ambitious look out at alternative plausible and facilitate the production of development project comes Visit: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/ futures that the city and its affordable housing. forward for public scrutiny. housing residents might face and create a plan that is robust enough to have The plan should specify and But if a comprehensive plan’s goals good outcomes under a variety of highlight urban design features and recommendations enable scenarios. Second, governments that apply to all significant calmer discussions to unfold— WHAT DO YOU WANT make a lot of plans, strategies, projects (greater than 50,000 feet discussions recognizing that and policies about different topics TO ASK A PLANNER? or located in critical areas) and any great human setting is ever over time. A comprehensive give preference or incentives when evolving; discussions mindful For our next issue, we are planning process can identify desirable features are included. of the impacts of change, with of soliciting questions about inconsistencies and contradictions course determination to avoid housing. Send your questions to that matter and then foster an The plan should specify the harmful change, but discussions [email protected]. informed public debate about ways planners, developers, and dedicating equal effort to Please include “Ask a Planner” how to resolve them. Third, one investors can engage communities pondering the potential benefits of in the subject line. We will important contradiction is the and the ways the community can change—then the comprehensive select the best questions we jobs-housing balance. Cambridge engage with local agencies. plan process will have achieved its receive and ask an expert has succeeded in attracting and purpose. planner to answer them. The plan should include the retaining jobs; it has not been

Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 7 SIDEWALK TALK

ENVISION CAMBRIDGELET’S TEAM TALK! INTERVIEWS LOCAL RESIDENTS The Envision Cambridge team spends lots of time on Cambridge’s sidewalks, talking to residents about their hopes, dreams, and concerns for Cambridge. Next time you are out and about, watch for our interview team: the next issue could feature you!

Today’s Questions:

Rose Terry Andrew & Marianna Ryu

1. What comes to mind when Collegiate and eclectic Educated, liberal, Privileged, safe, good Universities, an old city you think of Cambridge? environmental, for children international

2. What do you want Change: More cafes, Change: The cost of Change: Population Change: Make changed? What should stay more small businesses housing homogeneity, price of Cambridge cleaner the same? Keep: Small size, Keep: Local businesses housing Keep: Everything else diversity of businesses, (rather than chain Keep: Cultural is great! small, residential feel stores), pedestrian programs, parks accessibility, mix of places

3. What place in Cambridge Harvard Square and Inman Square because Inman Square because Harvard-MIT area: do you love the most? Why? Central Square because of the diversity of it is more lively and Great universities and of the mix of residential businesses and the easy more diverse good opportunities for and businesses access to Harvard research

4. What topics should the The Cambridge water; Focus on mobility for Diversity, access to Playgrounds and parks: Cambridge Citywide Plan it’s too minerally, very bikers to feel safe in the housing, making the More space for kids and address? heavy city, climate change, public programs more kid-friendly events and the rising sea level accessible, managing sidewalks in winter

5. If I had my way, in twenty An ideal city to live in The greenest city in the Super diverse— More child-friendly years Cambridge would be... northeast culturally and with more amenities for ethnically, accessible children’s education because of affordable housing

LET’S PLAY! Take a break from reading and find your way to the finish line! FINISH

8 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter I AM CAMBRIDGE

Tagesech’s responses to questions on the previous page: From Ethiopia 1. Safe, diverse, liberal

2. Change: Too many parking tickets! Free or affordable preschools and tutoring to Cambridge Keep: Children’s playgrounds Cambridge is a diverse city, home to many 3. North Cambridge: It’s a quiet nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures. In this issue and good residential area. we talk to North Cambridge resident Tagesech

Wabeto about everyday life in Cambridge. 4. Transportation: Buses don’t follow the schedule. agesech Wabeto has been a There is also much room to Tresident of North Cambridge improve public transit. Tagesech for the past 9 years. She moved to uses public transit frequently and 5. A convenient area to live, the United States from Ethiopia, would like it to be more reliable to accessible, and more resources first landing in Boston with her reduce her commute time. and activities for children husband and two-year-old son. They found a shared apartment Tagesech attended English classes Tagesech Wabeto in Dorcester before moving to at Community Learning Center Cambridge. When she came to (CLC) and graduated from CLC’s the United States, she had to stay Bridge Program. She then attended elementary and middle schools, city that is full of opportunity and with her son at home until they Bunker Hill College and graduated public housing in Alewife, and the is also safe and accessible. Once moved to Cambridge. Initially she with an associate degree in early main Cambridge Public Library a newcomer to the city, she now faced a lot of difficulties finding childhood education. Now she is for training. makes sure immigrants are not decent housing at a price they attending Lesley University for her lost, helping them get in touch with could afford. Only after finding an bachelor’s degree. Tagesech is now a mother of the resources they need. apartment in North Cambridge three. The son with whom she were they able to move into a place Tagesech assists the City moved to the United States is As she raises her kids in a city she to their liking. of Cambridge in her role as now 13 years old, and she has two has made her own, she hopes the an outreach worker on the daughters ages seven and eight. city can become more affordable They wanted their son to learn Community Engagement Team. During weekends, Tagesech loves for future generations. English and to interact with other She connects the Ethiopian spending time with her kids at the kids. Even though they had a community to the resources in the parks in her neighborhood and at scholarship, it was still expensive. city. Part of her job is to post flyers the Alewife pool in the summer. GUESS WHAT? “We work and we pay. There is no in different parts of the city where Church is very important to her savings!” they live, mainly around North and the Ethiopian community. The Ethiopian population in Cambridge, and to attend meetings Every Sunday she goes with her Greater Boston is estimated at But she believes the city can do and training in the CLC every family to the Ethiopian Christian 9,000-12,000. One quarter of a lot more to make childcare Thursday morning. She also helps Fellowship Church in Central the Ethiopians in the Greater and preschool programs more with the English teaching program Square Cambridge. Boston area are children, while affordable so one member of the at CLC. The outreach part of her the majority are young to middle family isn’t forced to stay at home. work occasionally takes her to For Tagesech, Cambridge is a great aged adults (aged 18-50).

IMPORTANT PLACES: We took a look at important places in Tagesch Wabeto’s daily life in Cambridge. Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 9 CITY LENS

FIVE VIEWS ON CENTRAL SQUARE A walk around the same block with five different people can feel like a walk around five different blocks. What is unremarkable or even invisible to one person might be of great importance to another. What is beautiful to one person might be another person’s eyesore. For this issue, we walk around Central Square with five Central Square regulars to see the neighborhood through different eyes.

Pauline Paris auline has lived in the Central Square area her whole life. Resident of Central PShe now lives in the Housing for the Elderly on Essex and regularly visits the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center (which Square area since 1932 she loves!), where we met to talk about how the neighborhood has changed. She reminisced about her favorite stores: Emilie Member of Cambridge Roses, Jo-Ann, Bill’s Fish Shop, and Harvard Donuts. “There are Senior Center for the past no places to shop for clothes anymore. And no department stores 19 years like Woolworth’s,” she remarked. Even so, she finds Central to be a “happy place” today, with many places to visit, restaurants to eat in, and events to attend.

Geeta Pradhan eeta is president of the Cambridge Community Foundation, President of Cambridge Gwhose building is in the heart of Central Square. For Geeta, Central Square represents everything that makes a great city, Community Foundation including ethnic and economic diversity, a vibrant cultural since 2015 scene, and an active street life. Yet she is most concerned about the future of this diversity in the face of new development. Some Organization located at of the most cherished cultural spaces—like the Dance Company 99 Bishop Allen Drive, and Out of the Blue—are very vulnerable to gentrification. She founded in 1916 hopes to preserve the “soul of Cambridge” while celebrating Central as a historic and cultural district.

Louis ouis has been coming to Central Square from Boston one Artist and street vendor, Lday a week for the past 30 years. He carries two suitcases and sells color reproductions of his paintings. He thinks that selling his paintings in “Central Square is a nice place with nice people. I tell them Central Square for 30 years about my paintings, but not everyone can understand what they see.” Louis wishes there were more public restrooms around Lives in a homeless shelter and swears that “there’s nothing better than a coffee and a in Boston donut at Dunkin’ Donuts here.” He used to play the drums in pubs around the neighborhood and know all of the managers and jazz players.

Carla Ferrer Llorca arla is a 25-year-old student at the Harvard Graduate School Has lived on Western Cof Design. She moved into the Central Square area shortly after she arrived from Alicante, Spain. Sometimes she feels Avenue since October 2015 uncomfortable going through Central at night when she gets home from school and wishes there were more light. Coming from a Student at the Harvard busy seaside city, she misses the urban intensity, although she Graduate School of Design, appreciates the lively street life in the neighborhood and says that originally from Spain “there are always interesting things happening here.” Carla enjoys the dance clubs and studios in the Square and regularly attends them for salsa classes and parties.

Zane ane is eight years old and has grown up around Central Eight-year-old resident of ZSquare, rolling down the grassy hill in front of the City Hall and playing over the stairs of the post office. However, he declares Central Square he is now too mature to run around stairs. He still indulges in climbing up the benches on the sidewalk of Mass Ave. He also Aspiring geologist and bikes along the sidewalk in summer and longs for safer bike lanes advocate for cleaner when he is old enough to bike on the streets. He is fond of the sidewalks, new buildings, Lafayette Square area and wishes there were more places with flower beds, parks, and playgrounds. He loves Central because he and playgrounds loves to hear many people talking.

10 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter CITY LENS

I sell my art in front of City Hall when there Cambridge are street parties. Citywide Senior Center I love rolling down the grass in front of City Hall.

I used to play the drums I love summer, when I WESTERNin theAVE Cantab Lounge. can lay on the grass in front of Cambridge City Hall.

BISHOP ALLEN DRIVE ALLEN BISHOP My first job was in this building. It’s not here anymore. There were shops with This used to be a burger businesses on top. place called White Prospect Street Tower. The building has is interesting: been here for 100 years! there is always I miss MAGAZINE ST something going department on here. stores on Central like the Why don’t we celebrate AVE MASSACHUSETTS PROSPECT ST Woolworth. the Central Square T stop with a better plaza like Harvard? It’s a Cambridge matter of equity. Community Foundation

ESSEX ST I like the colorful PEARL ST glass here! My wife goes to the Parking lots are less Cambridge Public dangerous when the Library. Then I have market is here. Cheapo Records some rest! has been selling NORFOLK ST Salsa Y Control is a vinyls since the great place for dancing. 50s. I wonder how long it can The Dance Room has stay here. so much going on at every BROOKLINE ST level. Kids come here to connect to their heritage. I usually eat my breakfast My sister goes here in McDonald’s and use for ballet classes. their restroom.

Out of the Blue is a great space for artists, but it I like The Salvation is vulnerable to a Army building. It slight increase in has always been here. rent.

African Baptist Why aren’t there more & Methodist public bathrooms? Churches: How can the African American community find I stop by here to Lafayette Square has expression on Central look for four- a lot of potential. Square? leafed clovers.

Envision Cambridge Newsletter | 11 FUN AND GAMES

THE ZONING ZONE

ONE (OR MORE) OF THESE THINGS ISN’T ALLOWED

What makes Harvard Square look indoors).

and feel like Harvard Square? (both Archive Film Harvard or Theatre tle - Brat the Try here. permitted not are theaters

to watch a movie in Harvard Square. Drive-in Drive-in Square. Harvard in movie a watch to

You’ll have to get out of your car if you want want you if car your of out get to have You’ll Zoning is a key tool used to define Theater Drive-in 5.

the physical properties of places. they are allowed by zoning. by allowed are they

Though much of Harvard Square but Square, Harvard in structures such many

didn’t belong. But think again! There aren’t aren’t There again! think But belong. didn’t

was built before Cambridge’s house single-family this thought you Probably

Zoning Ordinance was enacted, Dwelling Single-Family 4.

zoning definitely continues to country.

restricted by many zoning codes across the the across codes zoning many by restricted

shape Harvard Square today. are noise excess generate that Activities

are strictly prohibited throughout Cambridge. Cambridge. throughout prohibited strictly are

You are entering the no spin zone! Helipads Helipads zone! spin no the entering are You

In this drawing, you can find Helipad 3.

some iconic Harvard Square country. the across codes

architecture alongside some zoning many in found are establishments

where it is sold.” Bans on certain kinds of retail retail of kinds certain on Bans sold.” is it where

things that aren’t allowed, at least premises the outside eaten readily be can it

“packaged or presented in such a manner that that manner a such in presented or “packaged

not according to Cambridge’s is and time,” waiting short a upon “available

current zoning. is consumption,” immediate for intended ily - “primar is that food selling establishment

be no higher than 20 feet above the ground. the above feet 20 than higher no be any as defines zoning Cambridge’s which ment,

wouldn’t be allowed today. Currently, signs can can signs Currently, today. allowed be wouldn’t - establish food fast-order a as counts also

it was allowed at the time it was built, but but built, was it time the at allowed was it which shop, coffee the circled you if points

that is “legally non-conforming,” because because non-conforming,” “legally is that Extra permit. special a with allowed only

This iconic sign is an example of something something of example an is sign iconic This are establishments food fast-order because

7. Cambridge Savings Bank Sign Bank Savings Cambridge 7.

Can’t find a fix for your Big Mac attack? That’s That’s attack? Mac Big your for fix a find Can’t Este periódico también está disponible 2. Fast-Order Food Establishment Establishment Food Fast-Order 2. course make Harvard Square even more lively). more even Square Harvard make course en español en nuestro sitio web.

Envision Cambridge Newspaper uses such as farmers markets (which could of of could (which markets farmers as such uses

ing height is regulated by most zoning codes. zoning most by regulated is height ing http://envision.cambridgema.gov/

air retail are prohibited, which also impacts impacts also which prohibited, are retail air -

60 feet, or 80 feet with a special permit. Build permit. special a with feet 80 or feet, 60 periodico/ was produced by the Envision stones” are prohibited! Many types of open open of types Many prohibited! are stones” is Square Harvard of core the in building any of

- grave of sale or lettering “exhibition, for places Keep it down out there! The maximum height height maximum The there! out down it Keep Cambridge Team, composed of

Maybe one reason has to do with the fact that that fact the with do to has reason one Maybe 1. Eight-Story Office Building Office Eight-Story 1. 中文报纸在网站提供

city staff and consultants.

Ever wonder why Harvard Square is so lively? lively? so is Square Harvard why wonder Ever http://envision.cambridgema.gov/bao-

6. Open Air Retail Air Open 6. ANSWERS: zhi/

12 | Envision Cambridge Newsletter