Cambridge is full of change. Some of the biggest changes have come from management firms that are buying and redeveloping whole sections of our neighborhoods. Some of these changes have been positive and some negative. It is important that change comes to us in an open, honest, and respectable manner. It is the city who is in charge of overseeing that process. It is the residents who must oversee our city officials. Does anyone want to share a story of the change process? Were you aware it was coming? Did you take part in the process? What was the result? I for one am happy to see some of the gorgeous buildings dotting the landscape of Kendall Square. One of the downsides has been a serious increase in noise, traffic, and pollution. What can the city do to make the process more transparent? How about larger, more descriptive signs that tip us off for zoning/variance hearings? What can the city do to redirect the new traffic from residential streets? What can residents do to ensure we are protected from continued overdevelopment? How can residents work more directly with management firms that respect the needs of our community? read more...

The Greenline is coming, the Greenline is coming.
Meetings for anyone concerned about the future of 02141, and really the city as a whole. Check out http://www.greenlineextension.org

A Walking Tour

Alan Greene has done a great job in organizing a walking event. Take part in the walk to see potential T-stop locations in Union Square. I am sure this will create some lively discussion and neighborly fun. You might want to bring a camera and/or notepad for record keeping.

When: Saturday, March 15th. 9:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at the flagpoles in front of the Museum of Science.

Traffic in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood just off Concord Avenue, should settle down now that peak hour restriction signs have been put in place.

Between speeding, traffic congestion, non-resident parking, and drivers short-cutting the traffic light, the neighborhood behind Sancta Maria Hospital has had its share of traffic woes.

“Drivers wanting to turn right onto Blanchard from Concord Ave use our neighborhood as a shortcut to avoid the traffic light there, “says Eric Welin of the Cambridge Highlands Neighborhood Association.

“We requested a speed trap be setup last fall but unfortunately no tickets were issued because the fastest people hit that intersection was at 37MPH and the speed limit on these roads is 30. If you’ve seen the intersection it’s hard to believe people were going that fast down these streets!” read more...

No, it’s not vandalism…that spray paint at the intersection of Griswold Street and Sunset Road was initially intended to mark new curb extensions to improve this dangerous intersection in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood.

“It’s a huge intersection -- a complete free-for-all,” says Eric Welin of the Cambridge Highlands Neighborhood Association. “There are no stop signs, and the sidewalks in that area are a complete mess.”

Extending curbs is part of Cambridge’s Traffic Calming Program, which has both supporters and detractors. The goal of these traffic calming projects is to improve pedestrian safety and allow cars to coexist peacefully with other modes of transportation.”

Traffic calming involves the creation of physical and visual cues, such as speed tables, sidewalk neck downs, and roadway markings which slow the speed of traffic and increase safety. Probably the two most common elements of traffic calming projects in Cambridge are raised crosswalks and curb extensions. Not everyone is happy about these “improvements.” read more...

On Tuesday, December 4th, the planning board will have a meeting to discuss application #231 by Bent Street Land Company, LLC. (See prior blog posts) Please send the planning board a letter with concerns such as traffic, open space, lack of setbacks, and noise. You can fax the letter to 617-349-4669.