Cambridge Planning Board Unanimously Approves Special Permits for 56-Unit Mass. Ave. Condos

CAMBRIDGE — July 2, 2024 — Cambridge Planning Board unanimously approved three special permits for a 56-unit mixed-use condominium project at 2400 Massachusetts Ave. in North Cambridge. The board voted 6-0 to approve the application by 2400 Massachusetts Avenue LLC, represented by attorney Patrick Barrett and architect Elizabeth Whittaker of Merge Architects, for two six-story buildings with ground-floor retail, a pedestrian corridor connecting Alberta Terrace and Harvey Street, and 67 below-grade parking spaces. The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority's executive director, Tom Evans, told the board the CRA has negotiated an equity investment that will make three or four units affordable to middle-income households, pushing total below-market housing above 24 percent. Board Chair Mary Flynn called it among the most collaborative community engagement processes she had witnessed, with neighbors from Alberta Terrace and Cedar Street appearing in support. In a separate 5-0 vote, the board concluded an advisory design review for Winn Development Company LP's proposal to add 95 affordable rental units at 21 Walden Square Road, directing staff to prepare a final report citing unresolved pedestrian and bicycle circulation concerns, including questions about building air rights over a private roadway subject to public easements held by the city.