Policy Order O-23

WHEREAS: The proposed renovations to Cambridge Rindge and Latin School are estimated to cost 96.7 million dollars; and

WHEREAS: The impact of this expenditure will be to constrain future capital projects and increase taxes; and

WHEREAS: There are many strong arguments for going forward with a renovation project of this scale, to include a 28 million dollar state reimbursement and many important upgrades to CRLS facilities; and

WHEREAS: The renovation project, to include the possible use of swing space at both the Longfellow and former Graham & Parks schools will have an impact on a variety of Cambridge neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS: The renovation project, projected to last for over two years, will have an impact on CRLS students and their families during the construction period; and

WHEREAS: The initial discussion of this larger renovation public at a School Committee/City Council roundtable was not televised; and

WHEREAS: The more the greater public, to include current and future CRLS students and families, understand about this project the more likely it is to be successful; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Superintendent of the Cambridge Public School system to have at least two public meetings, one of which would be televised, on this subject between now and when the City Council will vote on the relevant loan order; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have at least one meeting at a location convenient to residents in Mid-Cambridge and one meeting in a location convenient to residents of Cambridgeport as those are the areas likely to be the most impacted by this renovation project.