A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board Report regarding the flexible parking zoning petition

CITY OF CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS P L A N N I N G B O A R D CITY HALL ANNEX, 344 BROADWAY, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139 Page 1 of 1 Date: December 10, 2024 Subject: Flexible Parking Zoning Petition Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends ADOPTION. To the Honorable, the City Council, On November 26, 2024, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by the City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000 and 6.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. The Petition is intended to allow existing off street parking facilities and vacant lots, as well as municipally-owned parking facilities, to have less restrictive zoning limitations in order to serve parking needs in areas with limited on-street parking. The Board heard a presentation from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD) and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department (TP+T). Following the presentation, public comment, and discussion among Board members, the Planning Board voted to forward this report to the City Council with a positive recommendation. Board members agreed that the proposal is a rational, simple and straightforward approach to allowing better use of the existing parking inventory. It will be particularly helpful in giving relief to the business community. The Planning Board voted 6-0 in favor of transmitting the above report. One member was absent. Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board, Mary Flynn, Chair.