That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion on the City Council’s ability to levy a tax or fine on store fronts and commercial properties that remain vacant for more than two years, including any applicable definitions of “vacancy” and relevant legal precedents, and provide such opinion no later than the February 17th City Council meeting

O-1 FIRST IN COUNCIL December 23, 2024 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR TONER MAYOR SIMMONS COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI WHEREAS: The City Council, residents, and business associations have repeatedly expressed concern regarding the number of vacant storefronts and commercial properties throughout the City of Cambridge; and WHEREAS: Many commercial properties have remained empty for extended periods, suggesting that property owners may be “land banking” properties, a practice in which owners hold onto vacant properties as long-term investments, often waiting for market conditions to improve, instead of actively seeing tenants or developing space for immediate productive use; and WHEREAS: This practice has negative consequences for surrounding neighborhoods and commercial districts including reduced economic activity, diminished neighborhood vibrancy, and a lack of available commercial spaces for small businesses; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion on the City Council’s ability to levy a tax or fine on storefronts and commercial properties that remain vacant for more than two years, including any applicable definitions of “vacancy” and relevant legal precedents, and provide such opinion no later than the February17th City Council meeting.