Cambridge Council Ordains Scaled-Back Cambridge Street Zoning 6-3
City Council · Meeting of January 26, 2026
Cambridge council narrowly approves scaled-back Cambridge Street rezoning, kills Democracy Center landmarking. After roughly two hours of public comment with dozens of residents split on the plan, councillors voted 6-3 to ordain an amended Cambridge Street petition brought by Councillor Patty Nolan and Mayor Siddiqui, capping most new buildings at six stories while allowing 10 to 12 stories near Webster Street and the former Lechmere parcel. Councillors El Zubi, Flaherty and Zussi opposed, with El Zubi warning the city was "giving away" leverage without a guarantee its 20 percent inclusionary housing requirement survives a pending nexus study due in June.
In a separate 2-7 vote, the council rejected landmark status for the Nathaniel Stickney House at 45 Mount Auburn Street, former home of the Democracy Center, despite testimony from Historical Commission director Charles Sullivan. Councillors also voted unanimously to endorse the Plant-Based Treaty and to lower city flags for victims of federal immigration enforcement.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 1,019 words
Source: the City Council meeting of January 26, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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