Cambridge Planning Board Unanimously Approves Daycare Conversion at 40 Norris Street

CAMBRIDGE — August 6, 2024 — Cambridge Planning Board clears daycare conversion in North Cambridge and extends Harvard Square housing permit. The board voted 7-0 at its August 6 meeting to grant an amended special permit allowing Cedar Child Care, co-owned by Ahmed Farah and Khadija Bara, to convert two basement commercial spaces at 40 Norris Street from office use to a licensed daycare serving 10 to 15 children, operating Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Two public commenters raised parking concerns about the narrow street, but city traffic and transportation staff reported no objections after reviewing the application, noting the parking layout would be unchanged from the previously approved commercial use. Bara told the board roughly 85 percent of their current Cedar Child Care families walk or bike, and that staff would park off-site. In a separate unanimous vote, the board extended the building-permit deadline for a 38-unit residential addition to the Crimson Galleria at 57 JFK Street in Harvard Square to October 25, 2026.