Cambridge Planning Board Sends Neutral Report on Citywide Multifamily Zoning Petition

CAMBRIDGE -- May 21, 2024, Cambridge Planning Board sends no-recommendation report to City Council on citizen multifamily zoning petition. The board voted 6-0 at its May 21 meeting to transmit a neutral report on the Ronan et al. petition, which would allow multifamily housing across all residential districts, raise floor area ratios in Residence A and B districts to 1.0, and reduce the minimum lot area per dwelling unit to 1,000 square feet. Petitioner Joseph Ronan told the board the language is "ready now" and would not undercut the Affordable Housing Overlay, while City Councillor Patty Nolan, speaking during public comment, called it "bold, substantive and meaningful." CDD Director of Zoning and Development Jeff Roberts and Assistant City Manager Iram Farooq cautioned that the City Council's Housing Committee is pursuing a broader upzoning proposal on a parallel track, with zoning language expected by the end of 2024. Board members, split between positive, neutral, and skeptical views, coalesced around the no-recommendation path, citing unresolved setback and height questions and the risk of two overlapping processes working at cross purposes.