Cambridge Housing Committee Votes to Draft Citywide Six-Story Multifamily Zoning Proposal

CAMBRIDGE — August 21, 2024 — Cambridge's Housing Committee voted 4-0 to advance a proposal that would allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in every residential district in the city. The committee, co-chaired by Councilors Sumbul Siddiqui and Zack Azeem, approved two policy orders at its August 21 meeting: one directing the Community Development Department and Law Department to produce draft zoning language by September 15, 2024, and a second requiring CDD to hold public meetings before any formal Ordinance Committee or Planning Board hearings begin this fall. Councilor Sabrina Wheeler was absent for both votes after leaving for a medical appointment. CDD neighborhood planner Lev McCarthy presented projections showing the proposed zoning could generate approximately 5,570 total housing units in residential districts by 2040 — including just under 1,000 affordable units — compared to roughly 1,440 total units and 30 affordable units under current zoning. Azeem estimated the affordable production represents approximately $900 million in housing value at no direct cost to the city. Councilor Wilson's amendment, accepted without objection, added a requirement that CDD include any available analysis of displacement impacts alongside the draft zoning language.