Letter from Mayor Simmons transmitting a Report on the Recent Senior Citizens Town Hall

Executive Summary of Senior Town Hall Meeting - September 25, 2024 On September 25, 2024, the Mayor's Office, in partnership with the City Manager's Office and the Council on Aging, hosted a Senior Town Hall Meeting at the Cambridge Senior Center. The event, moderated by Mayor E. Denise Simmons, provided a platform for seniors to directly engage with City officials on various issues affecting their quality of life. Below is an Overview of Key Issues Raised: 1. Crime and Safety in Central Square: Residents expressed concern about increased drug-related activities. Police Commissioner Christine Elow outlined current efforts, including "park and walk" operations, and the upcoming installation of surveillance cameras. 2. Cycling and Pedestrian Safety: Attendees voiced concerns about shared roadways, including the sense of cyclists disregarding traffic laws, endangering pedestrians. Officials acknowledged the issue and committed to increased enforcement of existing rules. The suggestion of mandating bicycle license plates was raised as an issue to be explored at the state level. 3. Transportation Services: Issues were raised regarding unreliable transportation services. Officials promised to address these concerns through better communication with the appropriate departments and community partners. 4. Bus Shelter Safety: Poorly lit bus shelters were identified as a safety concern. The MBTA committed to exploring solutions in collaboration with the City. 5. Rat Infestation: Residents reported ongoing rat problems despite following City recommendations. Officials stressed the need for community-wide action and proper waste management on the part of individuals. 6. Traffic Congestion: North Cambridge residents highlighted severe congestion due to recent infrastructure changes. Officials acknowledged the issue as part of a broader initiative to reduce car usage and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. 7. Sidewalk Maintenance: Concerns were raised about broken, uneven sidewalks near senior housing. The City's five-year maintenance plan was explained, with a commitment to address urgent safety hazards in specific neighborhoods as they are reported. 8. Accessibility for Hearing Impaired Residents: A lack of assistive listening devices in City facilities was highlighted. Mayor Simmons committed to exploring improvements in this area. 9. Inclusion of Immigrant Communities: The need for multilingual outreach for future meetings was raised and acknowledged to ensure broader community representation. 10. Affordable Housing and Resident Displacement: Ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing through inclusionary zoning were discussed, along with potential community space developments. 11. Confusing Recertification Process For Affordable Housing: CHA officials explained the reasons behind increased paperwork due to tax credit compliance requirements following recent renovations. 12. Environmental and Public Space Concerns: Suggestions were made to improve signage for pedestrian safety in parks and public spaces.

Next Steps: • Mayor Simmons committed to documenting all issues raised and sharing them with the City Council. • A follow-up Senior Town Hall shall be planned for the first quarter of 2025 in order to provide updates on progress on issues that were raised. • Future meetings will strive to include a hybrid option to accommodate seniors with mobility limitations and those with hearing impediments. • Residents are encouraged to stay engaged through City Council meetings, focus groups, and the Mayor's open-door policy in her office. The meeting highlighted the complex challenges facing Cambridge's senior population and demonstrated the City's commitment to addressing these issues through collaborative efforts and ongoing dialogue with residents.

Full Report Summarizing The Senior Town Hall Meeting Sept 25, 2024 On September 25, 2024, the Mayor’s Office, in partnership with the City Manager’s Office and the Council on Aging, hosted a Senior Town Hall Meeting, moderated by Mayor E. Denise Simmons, at the Cambridge Senior Center. This meeting was part of the City’s ongoing commitment to engaging with its senior residents, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed in a transparent and inclusive manner. The event provided a platform for seniors to raise issues directly with City officials, fostering a productive dialogue on critical topics such as public safety, infrastructure, elder services, housing, and accessibility. The meeting was attended by a broad cross-section of the Cambridge community, and it included representatives from various City departments, the Cambridge Police Department, the MBTA, and other key agencies. Over the course of the meeting, participants expressed concerns and suggestions for improving the quality of life for seniors and other vulnerable populations in the city. The depth and breadth of the discussions reflected the complex challenges faced by Cambridge’s diverse and growing population. The purpose of this report is to provide the City Council with a detailed account of the key issues raised during the Senior Town Hall, along with the responses and commitments made by City officials. This report is intended to guide future policy discussions and to inform the Council’s ongoing efforts to address the needs of seniors and other residents throughout Cambridge. The report also outlines the next steps that the Mayor’s Office and City departments will take to ensure that the concerns raised are thoroughly addressed and incorporated into future planning efforts. The concerns highlighted in this report should be seen as both a reflection of the lived experiences of Cambridge residents and as an opportunity for the City to take actionable steps toward creating a more inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all. Speakers and Participants From the City and City Partner Organizations: • Mayor E. Denise Simmons • City Manager Yi-An Huang • Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan • Susan Pacheco, Executive Director, Council on Aging • Christine Elow, Cambridge Police Commissioner • Michael Medeiros, Cambridge Police Department Deputy Superintendent • Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for the Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP) • John Nardone, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works • Karrie Canavan, Cambridge Housing Authority • Alison Morneault, Cambridge Housing Authority • Ashley Armand, Deputy Director of Community Engagement, MBTA • Eliza Adams, Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services • Meghan Ostrander, Director of Nutrition and Community Programs, Somerville- Cambridge Elder Services

Key Themes and Concerns: Crime and Safety in Central Square • Issue Raised: A major concern cited by several attendees focused on the perceived increase in crime, particularly drug-related activities in Central Square. One resident specifically mentioned the open use of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine on Green Street, labeling the area “Heroin, Cocaine, and Fentanyl Central.” • Response: Mayor Simmons and Police Commissioner Christine Elow responded with an outline of the City’s current efforts. Commissioner Elow explained that the Cambridge Police are conducting "park and walk" operations, ensuring police officers spend time on the streets interacting with the community. The strategy combines both enforcement (targeting those bringing drugs into the area) and outreach (working with local services like CARE to help those struggling with addiction). Commissioner Elow emphasized the importance of the forthcoming surveillance cameras that are being installed and surmised that they would play a major role in deterring crime. Residents were encouraged to continue reporting concerns, as this helps shape the City’s crime-prevention strategies. • Resident Feedback: Virtually all attendees in the audience raised their hands when asked if they were concerned about crime in Central Square, confirming that this was seen as a widespread issue. Cycling and Pedestrian Safety • Issue Raised: Numerous attendees expressed concerns about the safety risks posed by cyclists who fail to adhere to traffic laws, particularly when sharing the road with pedestrians. A visually impaired resident described the dangers of crossing streets due to cyclists running red lights or not stopping for pedestrians. Additionally, several residents proposed that bicycles be mandated to have license plates, similar to motor vehicles, in order to hold cyclists accountable for traffic violations and to identify repeat offenders. • Response: Mayor Simmons and City officials acknowledged the widespread frustration with those cyclists who disregard traffic laws and the increasing dangers this poses to pedestrians, especially in high-traffic areas like Central and Inman Squares. While the suggestion of requiring bicycle license plates was met with interest, officials explained that this is a statewide policy issue, beyond the immediate control of the Cambridge City Council. The Mayor agreed to bring the issue before the City Council, with the possibility of the Council petitioning the state legislature to enact such a measure. • Challenges: City officials noted that even if the City were to pursue local legislation, enforcing a bicycle registration program could prove difficult, as many cyclists in Cambridge are not residents and may not comply with local rules. Additionally, there is a strong contingent of cyclists and advocacy groups that would likely oppose such measures, which could make it politically challenging to implement. • Current Actions: In the meantime, the City is focusing on increased enforcement of existing traffic rules for cyclists. The Cambridge Police Department has already issued 1,000 citations to cyclists for traffic violations, and there are plans to further step up enforcement in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. The City is also reviewing pedestrian signal timing at key intersections to ensure that seniors and other vulnerable pedestrians have sufficient time to cross safely.

• Next Steps: While the immediate focus will be on improving enforcement and infrastructure, Mayor Simmons committed to raising the issue of bicycle license plates with the City Council and exploring the possibility of advocating for statewide legislation. Additionally, City staff will continue to work on longer-term solutions, including expanded signage and public education campaigns to encourage safer cycling behavior. General Elder Services (Transportation and Vegetarian Meals) • Issue Raised: A resident who is visually impaired voiced frustration about the unreliability of elder transportation services, as well as the lack of appropriate vegetarian meal options provided through the elder services program. She mentioned struggling to get in touch with her case manager for transportation and not receiving adequate protein in the provided meals. • Response: City officials promised to address both issues. For transportation, they highlighted the importance of following up with supervisors if case managers are unavailable. Regarding vegetarian meal options, officials noted that a registered dietitian works with SCES to ensure that meals meet dietary guidelines, including protein requirements, and suggested that the resident schedule a consultation to resolve her concerns. • Mayor Simmons' Takeaway: The Mayor acknowledged these ongoing issues and assured attendees that the City will continue to focus on improving elder services, including better communication and meal planning. Public Transportation and Bus Shelter Safety • Issue Raised: A major concern was raised about poorly lit bus shelters, particularly at Green Street, where residents feel unsafe waiting for buses. This lack of lighting creates opportunities for undesirable activities, making people reluctant to use the shelters. • Response: Representatives from the MBTA and City officials responded. The MBTA’s Deputy Director of Community Engagement, Ashley Armand, noted the issue and committed to exploring solutions. While bus shelters are under the control of the MBTA, not the City, collaboration between the MBTA and the City’s electrical department could help address lighting issues in the short term. Additionally, lighting improvements in public areas are being addressed as part of larger city projects, such as the River Street renovation. Rat Infestation • Issue Raised: Rats in Central Square were cited as a major concern, with one resident saying she had done everything recommended by the City to control the rat problem on her property, but the rats kept coming back. • Response: City officials, including the Public Works Department, explained the measures taken to combat the rat issue, such as installing Big Belly solar trash compactors and using spot boxes, which electrocute rats. However, they stressed that rat control is a community responsibility, with all property owners needing to properly dispose of trash to reduce food sources for the rats. While Public Works conducts inspections, officials emphasized that it’s also up to residents to ensure they comply with trash regulations, and composting was suggested as an effective way to control food waste that attracts rats.

• Follow-Up: While the City is working hard on its end, City representatives acknowledged that the rat problem can only be controlled through collective action by the community, Public Works, and Inspectional Services. Traffic Congestion and Road Safety in North Cambridge • Issue Raised: A resident from North Cambridge raised the issue of severe traffic congestion at the intersection near Arlington, where bus lanes, bike lanes, and heavy car traffic create confusion and long delays. • Response: City officials, including Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan, admitted that traffic has been a chronic issue in North Cambridge. They attributed much of the congestion to the increase in bus and bike lanes, noting that it’s part of the City’s broader cycle safety orders initiative. The goal of these efforts is to reduce car usage and make the streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. However, this long- term shift in traffic management has resulted in short-term congestion problems, which the City is actively working to manage through further infrastructure projects. Sidewalk Maintenance for Seniors • Issue Raised: Several residents, particularly those living near senior housing complexes, raised concerns about broken, uneven sidewalks that make it difficult for elderly residents and those with mobility impediment to walk safely. • Response: The City’s sidewalk maintenance operates on a five-year plan, where streets and sidewalks are regularly assessed and prioritized based on need. Mr. Nardone from the DPW promised to check on the status of sidewalk repairs on Franklin Street (one of the areas raised) and noted that if urgent safety hazards were identified, the repair schedule could be adjusted. Mayor Simmons reiterated the importance of residents reporting issues directly to the City, as some urgent problems might require immediate attention, even if the area is not yet due for repair. Accessibility for Hearing Impaired Residents • Issue Raised: A resident with severe hearing loss highlighted the challenges faced by those with hearing impairments in accessing City services and participating in public meetings. She expressed frustration over the lack of assistive listening devices at City facilities, particularly at public meetings like the Senior Town Hall. The resident pointed out that hearing loss is a common affliction among seniors, and yet, Cambridge has not provided the same level of accessibility as neighboring cities like Watertown and Lexington, which offer looped meeting rooms and other assistive technologies. She further noted that the Cambridge Public Library, despite being a relatively new building, lacks these basic accommodations for the hearing impaired. • Specific Request: The resident called for the City to install hearing loop systems or provide assistive listening devices in all public meeting spaces. These systems allow sound to be transmitted directly to hearing aids or headphones, greatly enhancing comprehension for those with hearing loss. She also offered to serve as a free consultant to help the City better understand and address the needs of the hearing-impaired community. • Response: Mayor Simmons expressed gratitude for raising this critical issue and acknowledged that hearing impairments are a common, yet often overlooked, disability, particularly among the senior

population. She committed to working with the Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP), the Council on Aging, Councilor Zusy, and other relevant departments to explore ways to improve accessibility for hearing-impaired residents. The Mayor also emphasized the need for cross- departmental collaboration to ensure that all City meetings, especially those involving senior citizens, are more inclusive. Inclusion of Immigrant Communities • Issue Raised: A resident expressed disappointment at the lack of representation from immigrant communities at the meeting, particularly pointing out that the notice was only distributed in English. He noted that Cambridge has large Ethiopian, Somali, and Indian communities who might have been excluded due to language barriers. • Response: Mayor Simmons acknowledged the oversight and promised that future community meetings would include multilingual outreach. The City’s Human Rights Commission has been working on developing strategies to ensure language diversity in all public notices, and more coordination with community organizations that work closely with immigrant populations will be pursued. Affordable Housing and Resident Displacement • Issue Raised: Concerns were raised about the displacement of long-term residents due to continually rising rents and the lack of affordable housing in the City. Residents also discussed the potential rezoning of areas for development, including the needed redevelopment of 105 Windsor Street. • Response: Mayor Simmons responded that the City is actively working on expanding its affordable housing stock through the inclusionary zoning program, which requires developers to set aside a percentage of units for affordable housing. However, the Mayor also noted the limitations, as these units are provided by private developers, and the City does not directly manage these buildings. A specific question was raised about the fate of 105 Windsor Street, to which Mayor Simmons responded that discussions are underway to potentially convert the building into a museum or community space, although nothing has been finalized yet. Concerns Regarding Cambridge Housing Authority Recertification Process • Issue Raised: A resident from Burns Apartments voiced concerns regarding the annual recertification process that tenants must undergo. Before the recent renovations, the resident said that tenants were required to recertify every two years. However, following the renovations, they are now being asked to engage in this process every single year. The resident expressed frustration about the invasive nature of the paperwork, which includes questions about personal matters such as life insurance policies. The resident was also concerned that the tenants might be the victims of a potential scam, given the frequency of requests to fill out forms, and the type of information being requested of them. • Response: Karrie Canavan from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) addressed these concerns by explaining the reasons behind the changes. She acknowledged that the process may feel more burdensome, but reassured the tenant that this is not a scam. Ms. Canavan clarified that the CHA had to borrow a significant amount of money to finance the extensive renovations of the Burns Apartments and similar buildings. To fund these projects, CHA utilized tax credit programs, which require compliance with certain regulatory and financial reporting standards.

• Explanation of the Process: Ms. Canavan detailed that this financial agreement means tenants are now subject to a dual paperwork process: 1. Recertification Forms (Even Years): Every other year, tenants must complete recertification forms, similar to the ones they had previously submitted, which verify their eligibility to continue residing in the building. 2. Tax Credit Compliance Forms (Odd Years): In addition, on the alternate years, tenants must fill out paperwork specifically related to the tax credit program. This process is designed to ensure the building’s continued compliance with the tax credit financial program, which was essential to secure the funding for the renovation. • Duration of the Process: Ms. Canavan explained that this annual documentation requirement is expected to continue for approximately 15 more years—the period it will take for the CHA to fully repay the loans and own the building outright. Until that time, the CHA must comply with the tax credit program, which mandates strict oversight and verification of tenant eligibility. • Reassurance: Ms. Canavan emphasized that while the paperwork may feel intrusive, it is a necessary part of ensuring the building’s financial stability and long-term affordability. She reassured the resident and others at the meeting that as long as these requests for information are coming directly from the building management office, they are legitimate and part of the required process for compliance. Karrie encouraged any tenants with concerns or questions about the paperwork to reach out to the Cambridge Housing Authority directly for clarification or assistance. The CHA is available to help tenants navigate the paperwork and to ensure that everyone understands why this information is being collected. • Key Takeaways for Tenants: o The increased frequency of paperwork is directly tied to the financial structure used to fund the building renovations. o The information being requested is legitimate and necessary to comply with tax credit regulations. o Tenants should be vigilant about ensuring that any requests for information are coming from the official building management office and not external sources. If they suspect any irregularities, they are encouraged to contact the CHA. o The CHA is committed to assisting tenants with any concerns related to this process and to ensuring that they remain informed and supported throughout this 15-year period. Environmental and Public Space Concerns • Issue Raised: A resident pointed out the importance of pedestrian safety in parks and public spaces, noting that signs at Fresh Pond explicitly state that cyclists must yield to pedestrians, children, and dogs. He suggested that similar signage be implemented citywide. • Response: Mayor Simmons and the Public Works Department agreed that this was a reasonable suggestion and promised to explore the possibility of expanding such signage to other parks and sidewalks throughout the City.

Conclusion and Next Steps • Mayor Simmons thanked the participants for raising their concerns and committed to documenting all the issues discussed. The Mayor’s Office will ensure these concerns are shared with the City Council and the City Manager, and follow-up actions will be communicated. She proposed holding another Senior Town Hall in the new year to provide updates on progress and continue the dialogue. The meeting ended with the distribution of grab-and-go lunches to attendees. The Senior Town Hall Meeting demonstrated both the commitment of the Cambridge community to improving the city and the readiness of City officials to engage in meaningful dialogue. The wide range of issues discussed, from crime and safety to public transportation and elder services, highlighted the complexities of managing a dynamic urban environment, particularly for the city’s senior population. Mayor Simmons and the City and State officials present, as well as those from our community-based organizations, provided thoughtful responses to the concerns raised. They acknowledged the challenges presented by long-standing issues like crime and quality of life issues in Central Square, infrastructure deficiencies, and the accessibility needs of residents. Throughout the meeting, there was a strong emphasis on collaboration—between residents, City departments, and external entities like the MBTA and private developers—to address these challenges effectively. Mayor Simmons concluded by stressing the importance of continued engagement and promised that the concerns raised at the meeting would be officially documented and included in a report to the City Council. This report will serve as both a communication tool and an action plan to drive improvements across the city. Future Engagement • Based on the feedback from this meeting, Mayor Simmons committed to convening another Senior Town Hall in the first quarter of 2025. This follow-up meeting will provide an update on the progress made in addressing the issues discussed today and will give residents an opportunity to continue the conversation. • Based on the feedback from those who reached out to the Mayor’s Office following this event, and from the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee who vetted this report, there have been a number of requests that the City take pains to hold future Senior Town Hall meetings in a hybrid fashion, which would allow seniors who are unable to make it to the venue to still view and participate in the meeting. Several residents noted that due to the lack of adequate parking near the Cambridge Senior Center, and due to their own mobility limitations, venturing out to this venue was not an option and they would very much wish for an online component to future meetings of this nature. • In the interim, Mayor Simmons encouraged residents to stay engaged by attending upcoming City Council meetings, participating in smaller focus groups, and using the open-door policy at the Mayor’s office. Constituents can also attend "drop-in" sessions held every second and fourth Friday at the Mayor’s Office, where residents can raise concerns without an appointment. The meeting ended with a clear consensus: the concerns of Cambridge’s senior population are vital to the City’s future planning, and City officials remain committed to ensuring that these concerns are addressed thoughtfully and efficiently.

Senior Citizens Town Hall Agenda 2024 "Empowering Our Seniors" Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 | Time: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Location: Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass Ave All times below are approximate 12:00 pm: Welcome and Overview by Mayor Simmons • Ground Rules: Keep remarks brief and respectful. • Purpose of the meeting: To listen and gather information to address the needs and concerns of our senior citizens. • Acknowledgment of the unique challenges faced by seniors in Cambridge. • Introduction of resources available to seniors in the community. 12:05 pm: Welcome Remarks from City Manager Yi-An Huang 12:08 pm: Susan Pacheco from Council on Aging • Services and Programs Available to Seniors in Cambridge • How to Stay Connected and Involved in the Community • Role of the Council on Aging in Supporting Senior Well-being 12:15 pm: Eliza Adams from Somerville Cambridge Elder Services • Understanding Your Rights & Responsibilities as Seniors • Resources for Senior Care and Assistance • Accessing Benefits and Support Services 12:25 pm: Karrie Canavan and Alison Morneault from Cambridge Housing Authority • Overview of Housing Situation • Importance of Future Planning/Applying/Being on a Lease • Navigating Local Housing Options 12:35 pm: Open Discussion, Q & A • Opportunity for seniors to share concerns, ask questions, and discuss priorities. • Summary of key points and next steps. 2:00 pm: Lunch Served • A light lunch will be served, providing an opportunity for informal conversations and networking. 3:00 pm: Event Conclusion