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a report from Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on May 23, 2018 to discuss an Arts Overlay District ordinance that would achieve the goals of creating and preserving spaces for the arts in the Central Square Cultural District
⚠ This document is a scan; its text was recovered by optical character recognition and may contain errors. The original PDF is authoritative.
Attachment A
Councillor Siddiqui
Hi everyone, thank you for coming and thank you to Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, and
Vice Mayor Devereux, for filing the March 26th Policy Order that got this conversation going.
My hope for today's discussion is that we get some consensus about how the City can support
the arts and artists in Central Square through zoning, and get some clearly articulated next
steps for moving forward. As someone who grew up in Cambridge, Central Square holds a
special place in my heart, and the cultural riches offered by institutions like The Middle East,
Cantab, and the Central Square Theater, are what makes this square so special.
I would like to focus the conversation on a few key things: How can the City create and preserve
live/work and other flexible use spaces for artists? What uses do we want that are not allowed
under current zoning? What incentives and requirements might add work or live/work space to
new developments in Central Square? What are non-zoning options that could get us to our
goals? With that, I look forward to hearing from Councillor Mallon who has spearheaded this
conversation.
Attachment B
Economic Development and University Relations Committee, 2:00 to 4:00pm
Agenda for May 23, 2018 Hearing on an Arts Overlay District for Central Square
Introduction from Councillor Siddiqui (Chair)
Introductions
Remarks from:
• Councillor Mallon
Jason Weeks, Cambridge Arts Council
Michael Monestime, Central Square Business Association
• Geeta Pradhan, Cambridge Community Foundation
• Representative from the Community Arts Center
: Sarah Gallon, Mie
City of Cambridge Community Development Department
Discussion of goals, benefits, possible challenges
Public Comment
Attachment C
OPENING REMARKS BY COUNCILLOR MALLON
Thank you everyone for being here today, and to the chair for holding this meeting. Central Square is in the
middle of it's Cultural District designation (it's one of only 43 in the entire state) but we are losing artists and
arts related spaces at the same time. This conversation is about how to address the displacement, while also
talking about attracting new arts uses in our cultural district. Central Square is changing, and will change even
more in the coming years. Mass and Main will bring hundreds of new, market rate units to Central Square. We
will soon have at least one boutique hotels in Central if not 2. Kendall Square is marching up the street and
bringing their innovation technology with them. On the other side, Harvard Square holds our history, and keeps
the look and feel of Old Cambridge alive, Meanwhile, Central Square is the heart of our City, but we are losing
the cultural assets that give the Square its own, unique identity. When artists are displaced, it comes with all of
the usual negative side effects of people being forced out of their homes and communities. But we as a City
also experience a loss - as we now live in a community of less artists, writers, performers, musicians, and
creators. The recent displacement of artists in Central Square is the loss of a public good, and while it's true
that Cambridge has a broader culture of enjoying art, there is less of a focus on retaining and attracting artists,
and making a real commitment to the arts with public policy and resources. This conversation today is so
Important to be having right now for a number of reasons, but one of them is to implement a concrete action
plan to support our cultural district, and save the heart of our City.
Zoning is a powerful tool to achieve this goal. There are local examples of arts overlays in nearby cities and
towns, such as in Somerville and Lowell. Although these serve as good examples, we need to recognize that
the challenges and opportunities Central Square faces are much greater - Somerville and Loweil simply
needed to convert and repurpose old buildings, but thanks to the Central Square Restoration Petition, we have
all of the FAR we need. In order to make substantive change and have a lasting benefit for the arts community,
we need to reform our zoning in more extensive ways. First, we need to talk about and define artists and the
spaces in which they live and work in an accurate way which respects the diversity of their crafts. Second, we
need to revisit height, subdistricts, and outdated design guidelines. And lastly, we need to specifically outline
design guidelines and requirements for developers so that they build arts spaces that are state of the art and
allow our artists to create. The way to think about this conversation is to frame it within "what do we WANT for
Central Square, and then zone and plan for that." Some of what we are taiking about in terms of this arts
overlay was addressed in the C2 draft zoning language from May 2013, but was never implemented, and we
will talk more about that in the second hour of this meeting when we get to zoning.
But right now, I am excited to get the input of Jason Weeks, the Executive Director of the Arts Council, Michael
Monestime from the Central Square Business Association, and all of the others who have joined us here are
invested in this process. Now is a turning point: we can let the identity of Central Square be claimed by outside
development forces, or we can let the identity of Central Square be created by a thriving local arts community."
Atachment D
617349 4380 Kl
CAMBRIDGE ARTS COUNCIL
[phone removed] 11y
ARTS
817349 4669 fax
CAMBRIDGE
344 Broadway. Cambridge, MA 02
cambridgeartscouncil.org
Economic Development and University Relations Committee
To:
From: Cambridge Arts Council Staff
Date: 05/21/2018
A. R. No. 18-85, Amended Policy Order No. 0-4 of 3/26/18 Re:
Re:
Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
Central Square has been designated as a Cultural District by the Massachusetts Cultural Council
("MCC"), which is the state arts agency that formally makes Cultural District designations for the
Commonwealth. The MCC defines a Cultural District as follows:
A cultural district is a specific geographical area in a city or town that has a concentration of cultural
facilities, activities, and assets. It is a walkable, compact area that is easily identifiable to visitors and
residents and serves as a center of cultural, artistic and economic activity.
The MCC and the State-Designated Cultural Districts statute, G.L. c.10, §58A, defines core Cultural
District Goals as follows:
1. Attract artists and cultural enterprises
2. Encourage business and job development
3. Establish the district as a tourist destination
4. Preserve and reuse historic buildings
5. Enhance property values
6. Foster local cultural development
Description of Central Square for the Central Square Cultural District Application submitted for review
and original designation in 2012:
Central Square is the pulse of Cambridge: an eclectic, urban neighborhood where cultures mix, mingle
and creativity thrives on a daily basis. Day or night, Central Square is a vibrant destination for dance,
theater, music, visual arts and global, ethnic and innovative cuisine. The Central Square Cultural District
(CSCD) is a mix of small, independently owned shops, creative start-ups as well as larger, well-established
corporations fueled and supported by existing cultural resources such as public art, resident working
artists, dynamic cultural organizations, ethnic restaurants and leading educational institutions like MIT.
The initial 5-year designation offered the opportunity to tie these diverse interests together through a
unified message and brand emphasizing the unique mix of art, entertainment, technology and food in
Central Square. The Square is also home to unique and engaging cultural events such as the Cambridge
Science Festival, Central FLEA, Cambridge Jazz Festival, Together Festival, Joyce Chen Dumpling Festival
and the annual City Dance Party. Together these events and the access provided by the proximity of the
MBTA Red Line draw an annual audience of more than 500,000 to the square. Communicating a unified
message and experience for these and other visitors outside the Cultural District celebrates and
0 tel
344 8г0a0w31
ARTS
CAMBRIDGE
664 fax
streamlines the experience of Central Square and aids in attracting new and diverse audiences to this
area of the city.
Activities of the Cambridge Arts Council that currently address or fulfill the Cultural District goals and
goals identified in Awaiting Report No. 18-85, Amended Policy Order No. 0-4 of 3/26/18:
Attract artists and cultural enterprises
• Cambridge Arts Grant Program: Availability of financial grants to artists, arts organizations
and creative partnerships that specifically benefit Cambridge residents and audiences (e.g.
support/partnership for Cambridge Science Festival, Dance Complex's "Festival of Us, You,
We and Them", Gallery 263, YWCA, Community Arts Center, Cambridge Jazz Festival and
other organizations and events throughout the City)
• Public Art/Percent-for-Art Program: Commission artists to develop public art and creative
placemaking as part of Municipal Capital development and investment. The program creates
employment opportunities for artists, positive community engagement and results in
artworks that highlight Cambridge's history, unique population and character and make the
City a desirable place to live and work
•
Public Art Conservation & Maintenance Program: Manage New England's largest collection
of contemporary public art and ensure that this cultural resource is well-maintained and
serves as a "destination" opportunity highlighting City history, character and social context
Cambridge Street Performer Program: Permit, organize and advocate for local artists and
performers to enliven City sidewalks, parks, plazas and open space with original, creative
work. Through this program, artists and performers gain additional income and develop new
and engaged audiences for their work
• Cambridge Arts Open Studios: Program to support, celebrate and connect individual, visual
artists working in a wide variety of artistic practice to local and regional audiences through
open studios and Common Venues (group exhibitions) in local retail districts
• Cambridge Arts Creative Marketplace: Provide local artists with professional development,
networking and new opportunities for exhibition and sale of work with Cambridge-based
corporations, businesses and with employees who work but do not live in Cambridge.
Creative Marketplace also develops partnerships with local businesses and corporations to
exhibit the work of local artists in nontraditional settings and encourages participating
businesses and employees of for-profit organizations to purchase artwork in support of local
Encourage business and job development
• Cambridge Arts Creative Marketplace: Provide local artists with new opportunities for artist
commissions, exhibition in non-traditional settings, and increased potential for sale of work
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CAMBRIDGE
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to employees and clients of corporations, businesses and retail settings in Cambridge (e.g.
Mount Auburn Hospital, Workbar, IDEO, Boston Properties/Google Campus)
• Cambridge Arts Grant Program: Availability of financial grants to artists, arts organizations
and creative partnerships that specifically benefit Cambridge residents and audiences.
Funding support through this program frequently leads to employment for artists
• Partnership with Local Business Associations & Central Square Cultural District: Encourage,
develop and provide technical assistance, funding and marketing and communications
support for unique events (e.g. Cambridge Jazz Festival, Central FLEA, Dumpling Festival,
Together Festival, etc.). The Central Square Business Association also serves as co-director
for the Central Square Cultural District and supports initiatives like "Central WALLS" and
mural-making on privately owned buildings and facilities (e.g. ELTONO mural at IDEO
headquarters at 80 Prospect Street)
• Specialized Grantmaking Programs: Encourage, fund and provide technical assistance and
partnership for individuals and organizations (e.g. FLOW Grant Program for the Port
Neighborhood - The Loop Lab, Port Playback Theater, etc.)
• Cambridge STEAM Advisory Committee: Participation on this citywide initiative focused on
workforce development and pathways for Cambridge youth to access local businesses and
corporations focused on science and technology
Establish the district as a tourist destination & foster local cultural development
• Summer in the City: Develop, produce and market local artists and arts organizations for
neighborhood audiences (includes performances and outdoor family movie nights in Central
Square and all local retail districts in the City)
• Cambridge Arts Grant Program: Availability of financial grants to artists, arts organizations
and creative partnerships that specifically benefit Cambridge residents and audiences (e.g.
Cambridge Science Festival, Central WALLS mural making)
• Cambridge Arts River Festival & Large scale produced events: Provide production,
partnership, funding and technical support for events such as Central FLEA, Joyce Chen
Dumpling Festival, Together Festival, Cambridge Jazz Festival & CJF Eric Jackson Salon Series
with Thelonious Monkfish and Abundant Life Church, Festival of Us, You, We & Them
Preserve and reuse historic buildings
Regular support and partnership for organizations like the Dance Complex Odd Fellows
Hall), Multicultural Arts Center (Historic Bullfinch Court Complex), José Mateo Ballet Theater
(Old Cambridge Baptist Church), former Prospect Church as part of Lesley Art and Design
complex, and the Foundry Works Building
[phone removed] tTy
6I7 349 4380 101
CAMBRIDGE ARTS COUNCIL
ARTS
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
CAMBRIDGE
[phone removed] fax
cambridgeartscouncil.org
Additional Enclosures Include:
Central Square Cultural District - Statutory Language from State Legislature
•
Central Square Cultural District - District Map
Attachment E
MIT's Contributions to Central Square
Restaurants
• Veggie Galaxy (at the time, there weren't any vegetarian eating places in the square
and some Councillors suggested that we try to bring one in)
• La Fabrica (Spanish Caribbean menu, co-owned by former City Councillor Dennis
Benzan)
Naco Taco (indoor and outdoor seating - a street animation technique encouraged
by the Council
Mary Chung (long time tenant and local favorite)
•
Mariposa Bakery
Chicago Pizza
• Beantown Taqueria
Retail
MIT Press Bookstore
• Economy Hardware
•
City Express Dry Cleaners
Cambridge Bicycle
Housing
16 units at CCTV block
Innovation
The Engine (MIT leases from another — helping founders to bring scientific
discoveries to market. Provides funding, facilities, services, and partner networks to
build the next generation of tough tech companies)
• NuVu (an innovation school for middle and high school students)
Arts and Culture
Central Square Theater (ten year effort, Catalyst Collaborative @MIT at the interface
of science and the arts)
• CCTV
Art Installations
• Mural at 1 State Street (in partnership with CSBA and the Cambridge Arts Council)
• Mural at 355 Mass Ave planned for 2018 (ditto above)
2 Murals on 301 Mass Ave (Caleb Neelon created both)
Corridor Enhancement
• Novartis (through our partnership, a new headquarters, Saloniki, Oath Pizza, Yoga
Life)
• 300 Mass Ave, 2017 (through our joint venture with Forest City: Takeda, Roxy's
Central/A4cade, University Stationery, Pagu, Whole Heart Provisions)
Non Profit Support
• Salvation Army, YWCA, YMCA, City Sprouts, Food for Free, Hildebrand, Cambridge
Community Foundation
Participation and Leadership
• CSBA (Patrick Rowe: board member and former president, Anya Bear: board
member and Vice president)
• CSBA Central Square Safety Infrastructure Committee (Dennis Jillson)
• C2 Advisory Committee (Patrick, Anya)
• Cambridge Community Foundation board (Sarah Gallop
• CCTV board (Steve Campbell, Ceasar McDowell)
• CCTV Advisory Committee (Sarah Gallop)
YMCA board (Anya Bear)
• Salvation Army board (Paul Parravano)
• City Sprouts board (Maureen McCaffrey)
Public Policy Engagement and Support
• Cleanliness, beautification, visioning, supporting our community's homeless
population, BID initiative, public safety, Cultural District designation
:
Attachment F
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
IRAM FAROOQ
Economic Development and University Relations Committee
To:
Assistant City Manager for
Community Development
From: CDD Staff
SANDRA CLARKE
Date: May 22, 2018
Deputy Director
Chief of Administration
Re: Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
Awaiting Report No. 18-85, Amended Policy Order 4 of March 26, 2018, which will be
discussed at the Economic Development and University Relations Committee meeting
scheduled for May 23, 2018, requests that the City Manager work with CDD, the
Cambridge Arts Council and the Law Department "with a view in mind of drafting an
Arts Overlay District ordinance that would achieve the goats of creating and preserving
spaces for the arts in the Central Square Cultural District." In response, CDD staff has in
consultation with the other above referenced City departments prepared some
background information on what zoning is already in place regarding arts-related uses in
Central Square, what the City is already doing to promote arts-related uses in Central
Square, and potential zoning considerations for Centrai Square, in order to help inform
the Committee's discussion. This information covers the following topics:
Zoning Considerations
Current zoning for arts-related uses in general
• Zoning provisions specific to Central Square
• Examples of arts-related zoning in other communities (Lowell, Somerville)
CDD Programs
Programs for small businesses, including arts-related uses
Economic development initiatives specific to Central Square
Potential Zoning Considerations
• Clarify definitions and standards
• Incentives
• Special permit criteria
The Cambridge Arts Council has provided the attached summary of programs that are
relevant to the topics being discussed.
Staff will be available to answer questions at the Committee meeting.
344 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
Voice: [phone removed]
Fax: [phone removed]
TTY: [phone removed]
www.cambridgema.gov
CDD Staff Memo - Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
Zoning Considerations
Current Zoning Provisions for Arts-Related Uses
The Cambridge Zoning Ordinance (the "Zoning Ordinance") regulates arts-related uses in various ways,
largely because "arts-related" is a broad description that can apply to a wide variety of land uses and
activities.
• Artist Studios. The Zoning Ordinance contains a use classification for "Art/Craft Studio," defined as
"Ia] room or group of rooms used by artists and craftspeople in the creation of their work, including:
painting, photography, sculpture, ceramics and other related arts and crafts." Art/Craft Studios are
categorized under "Retail and Consumer Service Establishments" (Section 4.35 of the Table of Use
Regulations), and are allowed as-of-right in all business and industrial districts and by special permit
in office and multifamily residential districts, which is more permissive than other retail uses. For
Art/Crafts Studios allowed by special permit there are certain requirements that must be satisfied
(detailed in Section 4.28), including that the studio must be within a non-residential building and
there may be no more than three artists per studio.
• Artist Live/Work Spaces. There is no classification for "live/work space" in the Zoning Ordinance.
However, a professional workspace may be allowed as an accessory use within a dweiling unit as a
"customary home occupation" (see Section 4.21, paragraph d.). The relevant requirements for an
accessory use include that there may be no more than three persons employed on the premises at
any time, and the accessory use may not occupy more than 25% of the area of the dwelling unit. As
a customary home occupation, a live/work studio could be allowed in any permitted housing unit.
• Arts Education. Educational uses of all types are categorized as "Institutional Uses," which are
subject to a special set of zoning regulations in the Zoning Ordinance (Section 4.50). Institutional Use
regulations are complex and are dependent on various factors, including whether the use is owned
by a public, religious, or not-for-profit entity. However, educational uses are generally allowed in
non-residential districts (office, business, industry) and higher-intensity residential districts.
• Art Galleries. Non-commercial galleries or museums are categorized as an institutional use (Section
4.33, item h-2.), while commercial art galleries are generally considered retail uses. In either case,
the uses are generally allowed in business or industry districts, while non-commercial galleries or
museums might also be allowed in office or residential districts, with limitations.
Other Arts Uses. Due to the creative and innovative nature of the arts, arts-related uses often do
not conform to conventional definitions. For example, arts uses might combine retail and
educational functions, or might involve design services or fabrication of products that might be
considered business or industrial activities. Performing arts uses, which are not separately defined in
the Zoning Ordinance, could be categorized as arts or entertainment, depending on their specific
characteristics. CDD is engaged in an effort to modernize the way that retail uses are classified in the
zoning ordinance, but zoning cannot anticipate every future manifestation of the creative arts.
Page 2 of 5
May 22, 2018
CDD Staff Memo - Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
Current Zoning Provisions in Central Square
Cambridge has a "Centrai Square Overlay District" (Section 20.300 of the Zoning Ordinance), which
generally includes the Massachusetts Avenue corridor from around Windsor Street to just before City
Hall, and some adjacent side streets (see attached map). The core of the overlay district has a "Business
B" base zoning designation, which is the most permissive business zoning designation in the City. The
edges of the district contain a mix of other business, office, and residential districts.
The overlay district modifies the requirements of the base zoning in specific ways. One of the important
provisions of the overlay district is to decrease the as-of-right height limits for new buildings throughout
the district, and to allow heights to be increased only by special permit from the Planning Board if the
project is in general conformance with established criteria and guidelines. The zoning also establishes a
Central Square Advisory Committee to conduct non-binding review on development proposals.
• Use Regulations. The arts-related uses described on the previous page are allowed as-of-right in the
Business B district, and might be allowed in other base districts, in some cases subject to a special
permit and/or other requirements depending on the exact site and the exact nature of the use.
However, if a use is categorized as industrial (e.g., in the case of craft production) it would not be
allowed. Open-air retail is another type of use that is not allowed in most parts of Central Square.
Incentivized Uses. The Central Square Overlay District was amended in 2017 to exempt retail
establishments (which include art/craft studios) of 1,500 square feet or less from FAR limitations
where the base zoning is Business B, meaning that such establishments would not count against the
maximum gross floor area (GFA) allowed on a lot. The 2017 zoning amendment also incentivized
residential uses by increasing the allowed FAR to 4.0, which is the highest allowed base residential
density in the City. Live/work units, if they conform to the "customary home occupation" standard
described on the previous page, would count as a residential use.
Examples of Arts-Related Zoning in Other Communities
• Lowell. In 1998, the City of Lowell established an Artist Overlay District in its zoning code. Within
that overlay district, an "Artist Live/Work Space" is allowed by special permit from the Zoning Board
of Appeals, existing non-residential buildings may be converted to artist live/work space or other
residential uses (converting non-residential buildings to residential uses is also allowed citywide in
Cambridge, sometimes subject to a special permit from the Planning Board), and the FAR limitations
may be increased to provide penthouse units for artist live/work space or other residential uses. The
Lowell zoning code includes definitions for "Artist," "Artist Live/Work Space," "Art Use," and
"Art/Craft Studio," which is defined as an art use that is separate from a residential use and
occupied by no more than three individuals at a time. Several former commercial buildings in Lowell
have been converted to residential use, including some that partly or entirely contain artist
live/work spaces.
• Somerville. The City of Somerville recently adopted new zoning requirements for the Union Square
area, where a major mixed-use redevelopment of 2 million square feet or more is anticipated. This
zoning establishes an "Arts & Creative Enterprise" use category, which includes "artisan
Page 3 of 5
May 22, 2018
CDD Staff Memo - Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
production," "arts exhibition," "arts sales & services," "arts instruction," "artist live/work space,"
"co-working space," "design services," and "shared workspaces & arts education." At full build-out,
the redevelopment is required to include at least 5% arts & creative enterprise uses, and ground
floor frontage must be devoted to a set of uses that includes retail, civic, and arts & creative
enterprise.
Potential Zoning Considerations for Central Square
• Clarify definitions and standards. If there is a desire to have more targeted zoning provisions for
arts-related uses, it would be helpful to describe and clarify what types of uses are desired. For
instance, there could be standards to describe how "live/work space" would be physically distinct
from other types of housing units and what range of activities would be allowed. It may also be
helpful to clarify how zoning applies to some types of establishments associated with the creative
economy, such as craft design and fabrication facilities, hybrid retail/education activities, and
performing arts studios. An important caveat is that creating or amending definitions in the Zoning
Ordinance can often have unintended consequences.
•
incentives. Currently, art/craft studios (along with other retail uses) of up to 1,500 square feet are
incentivized by being exempt from FAR limitations in the Business B portion of the Central Square
Overlay District. This type of incentive could be broadened by increasing the size limitation for arts-
related uses, by exempting other types of arts-related uses, or by expanding the districts where the
exemption is allowed. Other possible incentives might include relief from requirements such as
parking or signage limitations, or greater densities or heights for mixed-use projects in exchange for
including arts-related uses.
• Special permit criteria. Because the Central Square Overlay District zoning allows a certain scale of
development as-of-right and a greater scale by special permit, the special permit approval criteria
could be amended to require consideration of the project's role in supporting arts and culture.
These criteria could include specific standards or could provide different options for meeting the
intent, possibly depending on the type and scale of the project, subject to review and approval by
the Planning Board. The approach could be similar to the Union Square zoning, which sets a specific
target of 5% for arts-related uses; however, this type of standard tends to have the greatest impact
in the case of large-scale redevelopment and might not be appropriate for smaller projects.
CDD Programs
Small Business Programs
CDD offers various programs that can serve arts-related businesses in fields such as dance, theater,
music, visual arts, specialty retail, and global cuisine. The goals of these programs include supporting
local economic development as well as enhancing the vibrancy of retail and cultural districts like Central
Square. Programs include:
• Small Business Enhancement Program: A grant program that provides funds for equipment,
marketing, and other interior improvements.
Page 4 of 5
May 22, 2018
CDD Staff Memo - Arts-Related Uses in Central Square
• Storefront Improvement Program: A grant program that provides funds for exterior signage,
lighting, façade, and ADA upgrades to the exterior of a business.
• Interior Retail Accessibility Program: A grant program that provides funds to make the interior of a
business more accessible. Examples include: ADA-compliant bathrooms, hearing aid loops, and
braille/large-print menus.
• Small Business Coaching: The City provides free one-on-one consulting in the areas of marketing,
restaurant operations, interior design, and bookkeeping.
• Business Development Workshops: The City provides in-person and online workshops around a
variety of topics, including e-commerce, social media, health care, and customer service best
practices. All workshops are free to Cambridge residents, artists, and business owners.
In FY2018, 13 Centrai Square businesses received a grant from CDD through these programs.
Programs Specific to Central Square
• Support for the Central Square Business Association (CSBA). CDD staff have participated with the
CSBA in activities that play a role in promoting the arts and culture in Central Square, including the
following:
• Assisting and advising on general commercial district initiatives and special events.
• Conducting in-person small business outreach in fall 2017 with the Executive Director of
CSBA.
• Encouraging the association to apply for the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Forward
Fund, which garnered the CSBA partial funding for the 2018 Mural Project.
• Providing guidance around the Business Improvement District (BID) effort.
CDD also initiated the Small Business Challenge, which provided one-time grant funding for well-
designed projects that bring together neighborhood and business interests around shared goals of
improved design, promotion, and business resiliency in a commercial area. The CSBA received grant
funds through this program to replace the former Blockbuster Video sign (541-565 Massachusetts
Ave) with a new face that says "Central."
• Central Square District Assessment. CDD staff Interviewed over 500 customers and business owners
of Central Square to better understand the needs and concerns of the business district, and
provided demographic, transportation, and retail data for the Square. Results are available online at:
http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/econdev/aboutcambridge/centralsq
• Food Truck Pilot Program. As part of CDD's pilot initiative to support local food vendors and help
enliven business areas with pop-up activities, Central Square (in front of City Hall) is a location for
two food trucks, bringing new activity to that area of the square during Friday and Saturday nights.
Page 5 of 5
May 22, 2018
Central Square Overlay District
and Base Zoning Districts
City of Cambridge CDD
Central Square
Zoning Overlay District
C-1
Front'st
SD-15
400
800
Feet
inzonine. mxa
Map prepared by Brendan Monroe.cn November 8, 2016