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A revised Petition Has been received from Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridge Side Galeria Associates trust to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by adding a new Section 13.100 to Article 13.00 of the Zoning Ordinance and to amend the Zoning Map to add a new PUD-8 District overlay that certain area (which includes parcels and portions of ways and streets) labeled as "PUD-8 district"
⚠ This document is a scan; its text was recovered by optical character recognition and may contain errors. The original PDF is authoritative.
Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust
c/o New England Development
75 Park Plaza
Boston, MA 02116
July 25, 2019
VIA HAND DELIVERY
Mayor Marc C. McGovern
Vice Mayor Jan Devereux
Ordinance Committee Co-Chair Dennis J. Carlone
Ordinance Committee Co-Chair Craig A. Kelley
City Councilor Alanna M. Mallon
CAMBRIDGE. MASSACHUSE,
City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLER
2019 JUL 25 PM12: 19
City Councilor E. Denise Simmons
City Councilor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.
City Councilor Quinton Y. Zondervan
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Ave., 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
Re:
Zoning Amendment Petition
Dear Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Ordinance Committee Co-Chairs Carlone and-
Kelley and Councilors Mallon, Siddiqui, Simmons, Toomey and Zondervan:
As you know, we submitted a rezoning petition in February 2019 for a proposed
amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge and the Zoning Map regarding the
adoption of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) 8 District in connection with the proposed
redevelopment of CambridgeSide. We have been working with City departments and officials,
as well as neighborhood and business groups, over the last several months to refine the petition.
Based on feedback we received both during and after the original rezoning petition
process, we have revised the proposed zoning amendment and map to reflect a proposed PUD-8
District that responds more directly to concerns we heard. We have enclosed the current version
of the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, the Zoning Map
(Map 13.100) and the Building Height Map (Map 13.101) here for your consideration.
Throughout the refiling process, we will continue our dialogue with the various City
departments and agencies, neighborhood groups and residents. However, we wanted to highlight
a few topics that guided our amended petition. Specifically, based on the initial comments we
received, the modifications to the petition were focused in two main areas:
- Ensuring that a PUD-8 project meets the overriding planning and design principles for
the East Cambridge neighborhood including, without limitation, the 1978 East
Cambridge Riverfront Plan; and
- Addressing the suggested zoning changes and mitigation commitments that were raised
in the original rezoning petition process, especially with regard to affordable housing and
public/community space.
The following sections discuss each of these areas in more detail.
Overriding Planning Principles
The original development of CambridgeSide in the late 1980s as a retail epicenter to
serve the East Cambridge neighborhood was rooted, and continues in its proposed design, in
bringing the 1978 East Cambridge Riverfront Plan to life. Upon its opening in 1990,
Cambridgeside Galleria realized the goals of the 1978 Plan by completing and activating the
Canal and by further connecting the new Canal Park to the new Charles Park and, ultimately,
Front Park, with a three three-story public atrium. Today, CambridgeSide anchors an attractive,
high quality commercial, residential and retail focused urban area that welcomes residents,
workers and visitors alike. As was demonstrated throughout our presentations to the Planning
Board and City Council in connection with the original rezoning petition process, the need to
redevelop CambridgeSide into a vibrant mixed-use center is undeniable and the timing has
grown critical. The redevelopment of CambridgeSide pursuant to the proposed PUD-8 District
zoning will remain consistent not only with the guiding principles of the 1978 East Cambridge
Riverfront Plan, but also those of the Eastern Cambridge Planning Study dated October 2011, the
Eastern Cambridge Design Guidelines dated October 15, 2011 and the more recently adopted
2011 Cambridge Riverfront Plan. CambridgeSide will continue to retain a core retail use and
access to the Charles River, respect the design of neighboring buildings and help to activate the
Canal and the surrounding East Cambridge neighborhood.
For example, the proposed project is consistent with the following planning and design
principles included in the 1978 East Cambridge Riverfront Plan for District 3, where the project
is located:
- "Create a strong and inviting pedestrian environment around the Canal." The
proposed project will:
• Maximize daylight by limiting building height around the Canal and stepping
height away from the water;
• Engage the public with improved open space, hardscape and programming; and
• Maximize activity by replacing blank walls on Thorndike Way with shops and
restaurants.
- "Create a functionally diverse and active urban focus with the Canal reclamation and
surrounding development." The proposed project will:
• Maximize activity by replacing blank walls and parking access along First Street
with small shops and restaurants;
• Connect the neighborhood to the existing three-story atrium with a new arcade in
the former Sears building;
• Introduce breaks between new buildings that complement the neighborhood
pattern of development; and
• Acknowledge the prevailing heights in the neighboring buildings through material
change and step backs.
- "Require development in the area that provides expanded shopping facilities, general
office space and new housing. Stress commercial uses." The proposed project will:
• Maintain a retail component, and introduce office and residential uses into the
existing retail complex; and
• Bring lobbies to the street to create continuous pedestrian activity to serve the
commercial uses.
- "Encourage development around the Canal that is colorful in details and rich in open
space amenities." The proposed project will:
• Use materials that complement the historic industrial fabric of the neighborhood;
• Improve surrounding pedestrian pathways, hardscape, open space amenities and
programming within the vicinity of the Canal.
- "Preserve old MDC stable and boathouse." The proposed project will (subject to receipt
of necessary permits and approvals):
• Implement a connection from the Project to the Boathouse and improvements to
the existing Boathouse itself, which will include:
• Improving the existing pathway along Canal Park by providing additional
plantings, replacing pavers and installing more lighting;
• Constructing pathways on either side of Canal Park that would extend the
existing pathway to allow pedestrians to cross from Canal Park, under the
Land Boulevard Bridge, and ultimately to access the Boathouse property
and the Charles River; and
Reconstructing the Boathouse, including the provision of a dock for use by
the public, and related landscaping improvements, in order to return the
boathouse to productive use.
We hope that the examples listed above illustrate how we have modified our rezoning petition to
require a project design that continues to align with the various planning studies that the City has
undertaken, just as our original design of the mall aligned with the City's vision in the 1978 East
Cambridge Riverfront Plan.
Changes and Commitments
We have not only tried to be thoughtful about our planning and design, but also to identify
zoning changes and mitigation commitments that are reflective of the feedback we received, as
detailed below.
A. Zoning
To facilitate your review of the revised proposed amendment, we have also enclosed a
summary of the primary changes made to the original rezoning petition filed in February 2019.
Some of the key proposed zoning changes include:
- 30-foot reduction in maximum building height allowed within the PUD-8 District from
185 feet to 155 feet (coupled with commitments to maintain the previously-approved 85-
foot limitation on a substantial portion of the site);
- 50,000 square foot reduction in permitted Net New Gross Floor Area allowed within the
PUD-8 District from 625,000 square feet to 575,000 square feet;
- Addition of mandatory 10-foot building line setbacks for all new buildings on First
Street, and additional 10-foot façade stepbacks at an elevation of approximately 65 feet
and 135 feet (as applicable);
- Increased required residential component from 20% of Net New Gross Floor Area (GFA)
to 30% of Net New GFA;
- Addition of a requirement to develop the residential component before a certain amount
of non-residential development can be completed;
- Increased required affordable housing from 20% of total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area to
50% of total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area (consisting of 25% as inclusionary housing
and 25% as middle-income or workforce housing, and making all Family-Sized Dwelling
Units affordable);
- Addition of requirement to demonstrate adequate utility capacity exists for proposed
development, including electrical service capacity;
- Addition of requirement to conduct a greenhouse gas emissions analysis and implement
suggested energy efficiency mitigation;
- Addition of requirement to evaluate the proposed development's ability to meet the goals
included in the City's Net Zero Action Plan; and
- Formalization of mitigation measures summarized below through incorporation of a letter
of commitment into the zoning text.
B. Mitigation
In addition to the zoning changes summarized above, we also identified a number of
mitigation commitments that we would implement to benefit the surrounding community, which
can be highlighted as follows:
- Contribute $500,000 to the City's Tree Replacement Fund;
- Contribute $1,000,000 to the East Cambridge Scholarship Fund (payable in equal
installments over a 30-year period;
- Contribute $500,000 to Cambridge Arts Initiative;
- Increase the anticipated number of affordable units, consisting of inclusionary and
middle-income units, from approximately 20 units to approximately 80 units;
- Implement a connection from CambridgeSide to the boathouse owned by the Department
of Conservation and Recreation and reconstruct the boathouse, including the provision of
a dock for use by the public, and related landscaping improvements;
Improve the existing pathway along Canal Park, and construct new pathways on either
side of the Park that would extend the existing pathway to allow pedestrians to cross from
Canal Park, under the Land Boulevard Bridge, and ultimately to access the boathouse
property;
- Provide community meeting space (for up to 40 people) within the PUD-8 District at no
charge to local residents, community groups and small businesses;
- Serve as a community gathering space, including hosting community engagement events
on a regular basis and providing space to meet in or within the vicinity of the PUD-8
District (e.g., seasonal farmer's market, winter gardens);
- Establish an advisory committee to provide input on the programming of the open space
and local retail spaces, which committee shall include representatives from the
Community Development Department, the East Cambridge neighborhood and
representatives designated by New England Development, and further our discussions
with the Lemelson-MIT Program to promote and host STEM and the Arts at
CambridgeSide;
- Work with the City of Cambridge Public School Department to develop a curriculum-
based program that includes the opportunity for each third grader to experience the
Charles River;
- Continue to make parking at CambridgeSide available to East Cambridge residents
during snow emergencies;
- Provide defined office space (which may include designated work areas) at reduced rates,
and for shorter durations within the PUD-8 District to serve as an incubator for small
businesses or non-profits in East Cambridge;
- Provide up to 2,500 square feet of space within the PUD-8 District at a reduced rate for a
daycare facility to rent;
- Provide defined retail space within the PUD-8 District at a reduced rate and term to local
retailers; and
- Seek to initiate a pedestrian-only area located on First Street between Cambridgeside
Place and Thorndike Way on Sunday afternoons between Memorial Day and Labor Day
with active programming and activities.
The various mitigation measures described above result in a total commitment in excess of
$60 million in connection with the proposed project.
As detailed above, we have designed the project to align with the various planning
studies that the City has undertaken throughout the decades, just as we originally designed the
mall to bring the City's vision for East Cambridge to life. Timing for the proposed
redevelopment has grown critical as it is necessary for the long-term viability of CambridgeSide
not only as a place to shop, but also as a place where the community can come to meet, dine and
be entertained. As we have been since the mall opened, we will continue to be a neighborhood
partner within the East Cambridge community for the next 30 years to come, as demonstrated
through the zoning changes and mitigation commitments described above.
Thank you for your consideration of this revised PUD-8 District rezoning petition.
Very truly yours,
Higher Ripes.
Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria
Associates Trust (owner of the subject
property)
Enclosures:
Summary of Zoning Changes - Section 13.100
- Petition
PUD-8 District Text (Section 13.100)
PUD-8 District Map (Map 13.100)
- Filing Fee Check
Active Uses
Design Review
Building Spacing
4820-9179-5101.2
Affordable Housing
Building Line Setback
Building Façade Stepback
Maximum Building Height
Family-Sized Dwelling Units
Rooftop Mechanical Stepback
Zoning Concept
Delivery of Residential Component
Required Residential Development
Permitted Net New Gross Floor Area
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No trigger included
625,000 square feet
devoted to Inclusionary Housing
20% of Net New Gross Floor Area
February 2019
At least 20% of total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area
Base height of 85', with a maximum height up to 185'
frequined on the frund floor of buidings inmediately
applicable)
penthouses
than a stepback
and Lechmere Canal
575,000 square feet
30% of Net New Gross Floor Area
Summary of Zoning Changes - Section 13.100
defined in Section 13.104.1(d)(3)(i)
February 2019 Petition vs. Revised July 2019 Petition
Housing and 50% as Middle Income Units)
July 2019
review in its approval of a Final Development Plan
Base height of 85', with a maximum height up to 155'
New buildings on First Street shall provide a 10-foot setback
stepback of the building façade at an elevation of approximately 135' in height (if
more than 325,000 square feet of non-residential Net New Gross Floor Area or (ii)
subject to Inclusionary Housing requirements and 25% as Middle Income Units (as
issuance of a building permit for the second new building within the PUD-& District
the extent legally permissible, all such units shall be affordable (50% as Inclusionary
distinct horizontal articulation at a datum of approximately 65' through means other
Fifty percent (50%) of total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area shall be affordable (i.e., 25%
of the building façade at an elevation of approximately 65' in height and (b) a 10-foot
Required on the ground floor of buildings fronting on First Street, Cambridgeside Place
New or renovated buildings shall provide a 15-foot stepback of the rooftop mechanical
The required residential development shall include Family-Sized Dwelling Units, and to
light, air and central view corridors for the benefit of the East Cambridge neighborhood
The Planning Board may incorporate additional criteria and guidelines for future design
Development of the resential occurrent sal are con ed prior occupancy for
New or renovated buildings that do not exceed 85' in height are encouraged to provide
New or renovated buildings that exceed 85' in height shall provide (a) a 10-foot stepback
13.107.1
13.102.11
13.104.1(d)
13.104.1(b)
(Map 13.101)
New buildings shall be designed to provide for appropriate spacing to preserve adequate 13.107.5(a)(iii)
13.104.1(d) (1)
13.104.1(d)(4)
13.107.5(a)(i)(2)
13.107.5(a)(ii)(3)
13.107.5 (a)(i)(2)
13.107.5(a)(ii)(1) and
Section Reference
13.104.1(d)(2) and 13.104.1(d)(3)
13.104.3 and Building Height Map
Utilities Plan
Net Zero Plan
4820-9179-5101.2
Minimum Parking
Letter of Commitment
Public Access and Atrium Space
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis
Noise and Light Mitigation Measures
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
No requirement
Minimum parking ratios provided
lab buildings
Development Plan
zoning by reference
and Lechmere Canal Park
additional light produced by lab use
reduction suggested in such analysis
that will be implemented to accommodate the building(s)
implement energy efficiency mitigation to achieve the percentage of CO2 emissions
to meet the goals included in the City's Net Zero Action Plan, including the potential
The Letter of Commitment (to be finalized with the City Council) is incorporated into
Specific noise and light mitigation strategies shall be implemented in connection with
An applicant shall submit a narrative describing how the Project will evaluate the ability
laboratory use to reduce the number and size of rooftop mechanical equipment and any
infrastructure capacity or describing appropriate infrastructure capacity improvements
time of development will be adequately served by water, sewer, gas, and electric
The Planning Board may specify a minimum parking requirement in its approval of a Final
incorporation of enhanced commissioning for newly constructed or renovated office and
13.106.3
13.107.6
13.102.3(j)
Criteria to maintain existing ground level pedestrian connections between Charles Park 13.102.4(c)
An applicant shall conduct a greenhouse gas emissions analysis for any development and 131074(a)
An applicant shall submit a narrative describing how each proposed building site at the 13.102.3(0)
13.107.2 and 13.107.3
The owner of land to be affected by this petition hereby petitions the City Council of the City of
Cambridge to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and the Cambridge Zoning Map, both as
most recently amended, as follows:
Add a new Section 13.100 to Article 13.000 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of
Cambridge as set forth in the attached document.
Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge to add a new PUD-8 District
overlaying that certain area (which includes parcels and portions of ways and streets) labeled as
"PUD-8 District" on the attached map entitled "Proposed PUD-8 District".
13.100
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT 8 DISTRICT
13.101
Purpose. The PUD-8 District is intended to provide for the creation of a vibrant mixed-
use district of high quality general and technical office and lab use, active commercial
use, including retail, fitness and restaurant, components of residential use and
enhancement of open space to serve residents of the District and the surrounding
neighborhoods, as well as workers, students and visitors. The PUD-8 District
encourages strong connections between the neighborhoods of eastern Cambridge and
new development in that area, particularly along First Street, the East Cambridge
riverfront (focusing on Lechmere Canal) and the PUD-8 area. It also promotes retail-
and service-oriented ground floors that will activate surrounding public streets and
spaces, such as First Street and Lechmere Canal Park. The expectation is for the District
to continue to be a recognizable center of activity and economic viability for East
Cambridge and the surrounding neighborhoods in light of the changing landscape of
brick and mortar retail. Development in the PUD-8 District is expected to meet
standards for urban design, architectural design, environmental sustainability and open
space design. To the extent reasonably practicable and subject to the provisions of
Section 13.107.5 below, new buildings shall be generally consistent with the policy
objectives set forth in the Eastern Cambridge Planning Study dated October 2001, the
guidance provided in the Eastern Cambridge Design Guidelines dated October 15,
2001, the East Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated May 1978 and the Cambridge
Riverfront Plan dated Spring 2011.
13.102
PUD-8 Special Permit.
13.102.1
Eligible Development Parcel. To further the purpose of this Section 13.100,, an
applicant may submit a Development Proposal and obtain a special permit from the
Planning Board approving a Final Development Plan for the Development Parcel
located within the PUD-8 District which, at the time of application for a PUD-8 Special
Permit, (i) contains at least 100,000 sf of retail and/or restaurant space on the ground-
floor allowed pursuant to a valid special permit under the PUD-4 District, (ii) contains
at least 7.5 acres in area and (iii) is within 600 feet of 3 acres of Public Open Space.
The Development Parcel within the PUD-8 District may contain contiguous or
noncontiguous lots elsewhere in the PUD-8 District or within another PUD District that
are situated within twelve hundred (1200) feet of the boundaries of the PUD-8 District.
13.102.2
PUD-8 Special Permit Approval. The Planning Board may grant a PUD-8 Special
Permit approving a Final Development Plan for the Development Parcel upon finding
that the Final Development Plan is consistent with the criteria set forth below, all other
criteria applicable to approval of any other special permits being sought, and upon
consideration of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles (as hereinafter defined). Any
modification to a Final Development Plan, the need for which arises for any reason,
shall require a major or minor amendment in accordance with Section 12.37 of this
Zoning Ordinance and the provisions of the PUD-8 Special Permit. A PUD-8 Special
Permit approving a Final Development Plan may specify that modifications that the
developer can demonstrate meet the following criteria could be considered changes
which do not alter the concept of the PUD in terms of density, land usage, height,
provision of open space or the physical relationship of elements of the development,
such that each shall be considered a minor amendment subject only to written approval
of the Planning Board: changes to the Development Plan that (i) constitute a
reallocation, reconfiguration or assignment of Gross Floor Area among uses in the Final
Development Plan or otherwise allowed in the PUD-8 District, (ii) do not require a new
type of zoning relief (other than the categories of relief previously granted for the
proposed development, whether by existing PUD special permits or otherwise), and
(ill) maintain the same percentage of Minimum Open Space as approved by the PUD-
8 Special Permit.
13.102.3
PUD-8 Special Permit Requirements. Within the Development Parcel, the locations of
streets and open spaces, the quantities of proposed land uses, and general PUD-8 lots,
building envelopes, locations and heights shall be indicated in sufficient detail that the
Planning Board can reasonably assess the impact of the PUD-8 Special Permit and its
general consistency with the PUD-8 Special Permit Criteria set forth in Section
13.102.4 below. At a minimum, a Development Proposal and subsequent Final
Development Plan must contain the following components:
(a) Site Development Plan — describing how the Development Parcel is divided
into distinct PUD-8 lots, streets, and open spaces and their development characteristics,
including potential uses and Gross Floor Area ("GFA").
(b) Site Massing Plan — illustrating the height and massing of building volumes for
each proposed building site, and including studies of anticipated shadow and wind
impacts resulting from building mass.
Parking and Loading Plan - identifying the locations of all parking facilities,
bicycle parking facilities and facilities for loading or other vehicular service functions,
and the number of spaces proposed at each location.
(d)
Connectivity Plan — illustrating all pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular circulation
routes within the Development Parcel, their connections to nearby public circulation
routes and destinations outside the Development Parcel, and approximate locations of
access and egress points on each building and parking facility within the Development
Parcel.
(e)
Open Space Plan — illustrating and quantifying the areas of all open space areas
utilized by the development in satisfaction of Section 13.105, including, without
limitation, pedestrian ways providing connectivity to the riverfront.
(f)
Ground Floor and Activation Plan — illustrating the conceptual arrangement of
functions such as retail establishments and other active uses, and residential and office
lobbies at the ground floor of each building in the Development Parcel, as well as the
locations and anticipated sizes of Active Uses that may be required by the specific
provisions of this Section 13.100 and strategies for programming and activating those
spaces.
2
(g) Housing Plan — providing the approximate number and mix of housing unit
types proposed on the residential site, and identifying the anticipated location of
dwelling units that may be required by specific provisions of this Section 13.100.
(h) Phasing Plan — describing the general sequence in which development is
proposed to proceed.
(i)
Sustainability and Resiliency Plan - describing: (1) how the sustainability
requirements set forth in Section 13.107.4 below will be met; (2) how the proposed
development will promote best practices for environmental sustainability and
resiliency; (3) how the proposed development serves nearby East Cambridge
community-wide needs for emergency refuge or shelter during heat or storm
emergencies in coordination with the Cambridge Climate Vulnerability Assessment
dated February 2017.
(i)
Net Zero Plan - describe how the proposed development will evaluate the
feasibility of achieving the goals set forth in the Net Zero Action Plan, including the
potential incorporation of enhanced commissioning for newly constructed or renovated
office and lab buildings.
(k) Transportation Plan - incorporating: (1) a Transportation Impact Study required
by Section 19.20 of this Ordinance; (2) a Shared Parking Study required by Section
13.106.5 below; (3) a study of the impacts of increased demand on public transportation
services in the East Cambridge area; (4) a description of the development's relationship
to future regional rail, bus, pedestrian/bicycle and other transportation system
connections in the area; and (5) a Transportation Demand Management and Mitigation
program describing measures which may be incorporated by the Planning Board into a
condition of a PUD-8 Special Permit to offset or mitigate the development's impacts
on transportation systems, including measures set forth in this Zoning Ordinance and
the City's planning efforts to be linked to milestones, thresholds or performance
standards. Such studies (and the recommendations set forth therein) shall account for
the proposed scale and phasing of development and the limitations on system capacity
to accommodate new vehicle, transit, and other trips.
(1)
Environmental Comfort Plan - describing or showing screening, building
elements, or other site improvements designed to reduce impacts from wind and
shadows, provide adequate lighting for safe use while minimizing excessive light,
mitigating urban heat island effect, and controlling noise generated by mechanical
systems and by truck traffic, particularly on First Street.
(m) Architectural Character Plan - describing general approaches to the design of
buildings, landscaped areas, streets, and pathways, identifying the type of visual
character that the development will aim to achieve, with the expectation that specific
designs of individual buildings and spaces will be reviewed in further detail as they are
developed.
(n) Comprehensive Signage Plan - providing the approximate number, type and
characteristics of signage to be installed within the District, which upon approval of the
PUD-8 Special Permit by the Planning Board, shall control for all purposes.
(0) Utilities Plan - analyzing existing infrastructure and demonstrating that each
proposed building site at the time of development will be adequately served by water,
sewer, gas, and electric infrastructure capacity or describing appropriate infrastructure
capacity improvements that will be implemented to ensure such building site will be
adequately served upon the completion of such improvement.
13.102.4 PUD-8 Special Permit Criteria. In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning
Board shall consider the following objectives with respect to any Net New GFA (as
defined below) or construction of a new building:
(a) Providing a mix of commercial, including research and technology, and
residential uses, with particular emphasis on ground-floor retail along First Street, to
encourage activity throughout the day and evening.
(b) For residential uses, incorporating a diversity of dwelling unit sizes that are
appealing and accessible to a variety of users, including families with children and
households from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
(c) Improving the network of connections that integrate the PUD-8 District with the
surrounding urban fabric of the East Cambridge neighborhood and the activity
surrounding the East Cambridge Riverfront, and maintaining existing ground level
pedestrian connections between Charles Park and Lechmere Canal Park.
(d) Enhancing the existing network of high-quality streets, landscaping and open
spaces, including significant space for public gathering and recreation, that serves the
surrounding communities as well as the development on the site by encouraging and
fostering a sense of community, civic engagement, social interaction, economic
development, and environmental sustainability.
(e) Integrating development with open space physically and functionally by means
of building orientation, active frontages, location of building entrances, pedestrian
linkages between major activity centers, enhanced landscaping and similar techniques.
(f) Providing a strong street edge and active ground floors that animate streets and
open spaces, including through the presence of Active Uses (defined below) on the
first-floor fronting on First Street and Cambridgeside Place.
(g) Enhancing the architectural diversity and aesthetic qualities of the PUD-8
District to harness the spirit of growth and change in East Cambridge and reinforce a
Cambridge sense of place.
(h) To the maximum extent practicable, promoting best practices for environmental
sustainability in establishing design objectives for individual buildings and sites, in
accordance with the City's ongoing planning efforts and current Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection standards.
(i) Demonstrating a commitment to implementing a Transportation Demand
Management and Mitigation Program.
(i) Activating surrounding streets by incorporating Active Uses on the portion of
the ground floors of new buildings immediately fronting on First Street, Cambridgeside
Place and Lechmere Canal Park (excluding those areas of such ground floors utilized
for lobbies, mechanical areas and/or entrances to parking and/or loading areas).
(k) Strengthening pedestrian access from First Street to retail establishments and the
Riverfront.
(1)
Demonstrating a commitment to implement programming for proximate Public
Open Space.
13.102.5
PUD-8 Lot. A lot within the PUD-8 District is a parcel of land that may be in more
than one ownership, provided that the developer thereof has control over the entirety
of the parcel, whether via fee ownership, long-term lease or enforceable easement
rights, which parcel is bounded by other lots or by streets, and which is designated by
the developer thereof to be used, developed or built upon as a unit.
13.102.6
Condominium Property Regime. Nothing in this Section 13.100 shall prevent a
developer from submitting a building(s) subject to a PUD-8 Special Permit to a
condominium property regime. The violation of the conditions of a PUD-8 Special:
Permit by one owner or occupant of a condominium unit within a development shall
not be deemed to be a violation by any other owner or occupant within the development,
but shall be deemed to be a violation by the owner or occupant of the condominium
units)/premises violating the conditions of the PUD-8 Special Permit. Nothing herein
shall limit the rights of a condominium association against a violating owner or
occupant.
13.102.7 Applicability of Requirements to Development Parcel. The requirements of this
Section 13.100 may be satisfied for the entire Development Parcel on any lots) located
within the limits of such Development Parcel or, with respect to Section 13.105 (Open
Space), on other land within 1,000 feet of the PUD-8 District; provided, however, the
requirements of this Section 13.100 shall not be applied to individual PUD-8 lots or
ownership units comprising such Development Parcel, but shall be applied as if such
Development Parcel were a single conforming PUD-8 lot whether or not such
Development Parcel is in single or multiple ownership. A violation, with respect to a
lot or ownership unit or leased premises within the Development Parcel, of any
provision of this Section 13.100 shall not constitute a violation with respect to any other
lot or ownership unit or leased premises within the Development Parcel.
13.102.8
Phasing Plan and Lapse. Any development within the Development Parcel shall
commence and, to the extent built in multiple phases over a period of time, be
constructed in accordance with the time limits set forth in the Final Development
5
Plan. Any changes to the Phasing Plan after issuance of the PUD-8 Special Permit are
subject only to written approval by the Planning Board.
In no event shall any portion of the development approved by a PUD-8 Special
Permit for which a building permit has been issued be deemed to have lapsed due to
the fact that any phase of the approved development has not been commenced or
completed.
13.102.9
Relationship to PUD-4. With respect to the Development Parcel, the rights granted
pursuant to a PUD-8 Special Permit shall be in addition to any rights previously granted
under a PUD-4 special permit and the PUD-8 Special Permit shall govern with respect
to such additional rights. The previously issued PUD-4 special permit shall remain
valid and in full force and effect for, and govern with respect to, any remaining land
outside of the Development Parcel subject thereto, provided that the terms of such
PUD-4 special permit shall be applied to such remaining land without regard to any
rights granted to the Development Parcel pursuant to the PUD-8 Special Permit.
To the extent the Development Parcel is subject to the provisions of one or more PUD
District(s), special permit(s), site plan approval(s) and/or variance(s) issued prior to
the issuance date of a PUD-8 Special Permit granted hereunder and the provisions of
such PUD District(s) or existing approval(s) conflict or are inconsistent with the
PUD-8 Special Permit, the provisions of the PUD-8 Special Permit shall govern.
13.102.10 Pre-Application Conference. In the course of preparing a Development Proposal, the
developer shall be required to participate in at least one PUD Pre-Application
Conference as established in Section 12.33 of this Zoning Ordinance and a similar
conference with the full City Council or Ordinance Committee. The purpose of the
conference will be to discuss the conceptual alternatives for site arrangement, building
massing, circulation systems and public space arrangement, as well as general
approaches to architectural and landscape design, and for the developer to receive
informal feedback from the Planning Board prior to preparing the materials required
by Section 13.102.3 above. As set forth in Section 12.33.2, any statement made by the
Planning Board or the developer at the Pre-Application Conference shall not be legally
binding. Notwithstanding Section 12.33.3, the developer shall present graphic and
written materials as needed to illustrate and describe conceptual development
alternatives
13.102.11 Design Review. In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may
incorporate criteria and additional guidelines for future design review of individual
building sites and open spaces in support of its findings, including with respect to:
streetscape activation, amenities, and dimensions; the provision of canopy street trees;
coordination with the City's plans for vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle movement in
East Cambridge ground floor design; the location of the ground floor façades relative
to the plane of the streetwall above; façade length; modulation of the streetwall
façade; bay widths; the massing and façade expression of towers, mechanical
penthouses and their stepbacks; screening of mechanical systems; architectural
6
details; building materials; incorporation of art; lighting design; sustainability; and
universal access.
13.103
Uses Allowed in a PUD-8 District. The uses listed in this Section 13.103, alone or in
combination with each other, shall be allowed, provided that the amount and extent of
uses may be further regulated and limited as set forth elsewhere in this Section 13.100.
This Section 13.103 shall refer to uses as they are listed in Article 4.000 and otherwise
defined in this Zoning Ordinance as of the effective date of the enactment of this
Section 13.100.
(a) Residential Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.31 a-h, and i.2.
(b). Iransportation, Communication and Utility Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.32,
which are allowed or conditionally allowed in the base zoning district.
(c)
Institutional Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.33, which are allowed or
conditionally allowed in the applicable base zoning district.
(d)
Office and Laboratory Uses. All uses listed in Section 4.34.
(e)
Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments. All uses listed in Section
4.35.
(f)
Open Air or Drive in Retail & Services.
i.
Sales place for flowers, garden supplies, agricultural produce conducted
partly or wholly outdoors; commercial greenhouse or warehouse;
ii.
Open air place of entertainment;
Automobile service station where no major repairs are made provided that
all lubrication and repairs are carried out within the building and further
provided the service station will be located within or attached to a parking
garage or other structure as an accessory use.
(g)
Light Industry, Wholesale Business and Storage. All uses listed in Section 4.37.
Other Uses. Any use not listed in subsections 13.103(a) through 13.103(g)
bove, otherwise allowed in a Business A District, may be allowed by the Plannin‹
Board upon written determination by the Board that such use is consistent with thi
objectives of the PUD-8 District and is consistent with the predominant uses in the
PUD-8 District.
13.104
Dimensional Regulations.
13.104.1
Permitted Gross Floor Area (GFA). The following GFA shall be permitted within the
PUD-8 District:
7
(a)
Existing GFA. The GFA that exists on a lots) to be covered by a PUD-8 Special
Permit on the date of application for such PUD-8 Special Permit, which shall be
calculated in accordance with the definition of Gross Floor Area, excluding exemptions
under Section 5.25.3 pursuant to subsection (g) of such definition, under the Zoning
Ordinance in effect at the time of adoption of this Section 13.100.
(b) Net New GFA. A maximum of 575,000 square feet of Net New GFA shall be
permitted within the Development Parcel. For purposes of this Section 13.100, Net
New GFA shall be calculated as the total Gross Floor Area proposed within the
Development Parcel, less the Existing GFA pursuant to Section 13.104.1 (a) above.
Assignment of GFA to PUD-8 Lots. A Development Proposal for the PUD-8
Development Parcel including all PUD-8 lots within such PUD-8 Development Parcel
shall describe how all of the permitted GFA will be assigned to PUD-8 lots within such
PUD-8 Development Parcel. However, with the exception of the 100,000 square feet
that comprises the core retail component of the PUD-8 District, all permitted GFA shall
be assignable among PUD-8 lots within such PUD-8 Development Parcel, subject to
approval by the Planning Board.
(d) Required Residential Development. A Development Proposal for the PUD-8
Development Parcel shall be required to provide a plan for the provision of at least
thirty percent (30%) of its Net New GFA as residential development, subject to the
following provisions.
1. Timing. Such residential component may be provided on any portion of
such Development Parcel and may be provided during any phase of a multi-
phase development, provided, however, that development of such
residential component shall have commenced prior to or simultaneous with
the earlier to occur of (i) issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for
more than 325,000 square feet of non-residential Net New Gross Floor Area
or (ii) issuance of a building permit for the second new building within the
PUD-8 District (for the avoidance of doubt, any building permit for any
renovation, addition or modification to an existing building shall not
constitute a building permit for purposes of this Section 13.104.1(d)(1)(ii)).
2.
Inclusionary Housing Requirements. GFA assigned to residential use shall
be subject to the Inclusionary Housing Provisions of Section 11.203 of this
Zoning Ordinance, except that at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area constructed shall be devoted to Affordable
Dwelling Units created through Inclusionary Housing.
3.
Middle Income Housing Requirement. The following requirements for
Middle Income Housing Units shall apply in addition to the Inclusionary
Housing Requirements set forth above:
Twenty-five percent (25%) of the total Dwelling Unit Net Floor
Area constructed shall be devoted to Middle Income Units (as defined
8
below). Such Middle Income Units shall be distributed throughout the
residential development in a manner approved by City staff, in order to
ensure that the Middle Income Units are of an appropriate location, size,
configuration and quality for households intended to occupy such units.
ii.
For the purposes of this Section 13.104.1, Middle Income Units
shall be defined as residential dwelling units for which:
(a) The occupancy is restricted to households whose total income
does not exceed one hundred and twenty percent (120%) of the
Area Median Income (AMI); and
(b) The rent (including utilities) does not exceed thirty percent
(30%) of the income of the renting household or, in the instance
of home ownership units, the monthly mortgage payment
(including insurance, utilities and real estate taxes) does not
exceed thirty percent (30%) of the income of the purchasing
household, or such other equivalent standard as may be
determined by the Board of Trustees of the Affordable Housing
Trust Fund.
Family-Sized Dwelling Units. The required residential development shall
include a range of dwelling unit types and sizes, including Family-Sized
Dwelling Units. To the extent legally permissible under Section 11.200 of
this Zoning Ordinance and other applicable legal requirements, all Family-
Sized Dwelling Units will be Middle Income Units and Affordable
Dwelling Units, allocated in accordance with the following: (i) fifty
percent (50%) shall be Middle Income Units; and (ii) fifty percent (50%)
shall be Affordable Dwelling Units created through Inclusionary Housing.
(e)
Housing Contribution. To the extent that a development proposed within the
PUD-8 District is considered an Incentive Project, it shall comply with the requirements
of Section 11.202 of this Ordinance, provided however, in the PUD-8 District, the
applicable Housing Contribution shall be calculated based on the square feet of Net
New GFA devoted to the uses that qualify the development as an Incentive Project.
13.104.2
Residential Density. There shall be no required minimum Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit
in the PUD-8 District.
13.104.3
Maximum Building Height.
(a)
As shown on the attached Building Height Map for the PUD-8 District, Map
13.101, the maximum height of buildings permitted in the PUD-8 District shall be
eighty-five (85) feet except as hereinafter provided.
The height of buildings or portions thereof may be increased by issuance of a
PUD-8 Special Permit by the Planning Board upon a finding that all of the criteria in
Section 13.102.4 have been satisfied and that the proposed height complies with the
9
following distance parameters and the design guidelines in Section 13.107.5(a)
(including stepbacks and materials):
i.
The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three hundred
(300) feet from the centerline of First Street and more than four hundred
eighty (480) feet from the centerline of Charles Street may be up to ninety-
five (95) feet in a location that is setback from the nearest boundary of the
PUD-8 Development Parcel to the Lechmere Canal by greater than one
hundred eighty (180) feet;
ii.
The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three hundred
(300) feet from the centerline of First Street and between four hundred
eighty (480) feet and three hundred fifteen (315) feet of the centerline of
Charles Street may be up to one hundred forty-five (145) feet; and
ill. The height of buildings or portions thereof that are less than three hundred
fifteen (315) feet of the centerline of Charles Street and either (i) less than
three hundred (300) feet from the centerline of First Street or (ii) more
than four hundred twenty-five (425) feet from the centerline of First Street
may be up to one hundred fifty-five (155) feet.
Other Dimensional Requirements. There shall be no minimum lot area for PUD-8 lots
13.104.4
located within the PUD-8 Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum width for
the PUD-8 Development Parcel and no minimum width for PUD-8 lots located within
such Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum required front, rear and side yard
requirements for the PUD-8 Development Parcel or for PUD-8 lots located within such
Development Parcel. There shall be no minimum required distance between buildings
on the PUD-8 Development Parcel and no minimum required distance between
buildings situated on the same PUD-8 lot within such Development Parcel. The
Planning Board shall approve all such PUD-8 lot sizes and building setbacks.
13.105
Open Space.
13.105.1 Subject to the provisions of 13.105.2 below, at a minimum, twenty percent (20%) of
the land area within the PUD-8 Development Parcel shall be Public Open Space or
Publicly Beneficial Open Space, which may be located in the PUD-8 District and/or
within 1,000 feet of the PUD-8 District, subject to the further standards set forth below
(the "Minimum Open Space").
13.105.2
To the extent that the Minimum Open Space requirement is to be satisfied, in whole or
in part, with Public Open Space or Publicly Beneficial Open Space that is located
outside of the PUD-8 District, the developer shall demonstrate that the developer (or
its affiliates) has historically contributed to, or is committed to contributing to, the
creation of such Open Space (e.g., through a financial contribution to, or development
of, such Open Space).
13.106
Parking and Loading. Development in the PUD-8 District shall conform to the off-
street Parking and Loading Requirements set forth in Article 6.000, and in the Schedule
10
of Parking and Loading Requirements applicable to the Residence C-3, Office 3,
Business B and Industry B districts, except as modified by this Section 13.106 below.
13.106.1
With regard to uses contained within new commercial buildings, provided that the
requirements of Section 6.23 of the Ordinance are met, the parking requirements of this
Section 13.106 may be satisfied (a) anywhere in the PUD-8 District or, if located
outside of the PUD-8 District, within 2,000 feet of the use being served,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article 6.000; and (b) in total or
in part by a lease agreement, occupancy agreement, license or other comparable legal
instrument between the developer and the City, other public entity or private owner or
consortium for use of parking spaces in the public or pooled private parking facilities
within said area.
13.106.2
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article 6.000, this Ordinance shall not
restrict the management and assignment of parking spaces in a way that will most
efficiently utilize the existing and proposed parking spaces to serve all approved uses.
13.106.3
Minimum Parking. There shall be no minimum parking requirements within the PUD-
8 District; provided, however,
in approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning
Board may specify a minimum parking requirement based on review and analysis of
Transportation Impact Studies and other relevant information on parking demand
provided in application documents, including the Shared Parking Study as required
below, and with the guidance of City agencies.
13.106.4
Maximum Parking. Maximum allowed parking for a PUD-8 shall be limited by
applying the rates set forth below to each use within the PUD-8 and taking the
summation of the result for all uses. For any use not listed below, the maximum parking
states set forah!
ratio set forth in Article 6.000 shall apply.
(a)
Maximum of 5.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet of retail, consumer service and
restaurant use.
(b)
Maximum of 0.9 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for office use.
(c) Maximum of 0.8 spaces per 1,000 square feet of GFA for laboratory use
(d) Maximum of 1.0 space per residential dwelling unit.
In approving a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may waive any maximum
parking requirements applicable in the PUD-8 District and the underlying Zoning
13.106.5
Shared Parking Study. A Development Proposal for development in the PUD-8 District
shall include an analysis of anticipated parking demand for all uses in the development
throughout the course of a typical day and week. This analysis may identify
opportunities for reducing the total amount of parking required to serve all uses through
the sharing of parking spaces by multiple uses. Based on this analysis, the Planning
Board may approve a reduced minimum or maximum parking requirement upon
finding that the approved amount of parking will be sufficient to serve all permitted
uses.
13.106.6 Loading. The Planning Board, in its approval of a Final Development Plan, may waive
any requirements for the amount, location and design of loading facilities within the
PUD-8 Development Parcel, and may permit loading facilities to be shared across
various uses and PUD-8 lots within the PUD-8 District or adjacent PUD-4 Districts.
13.106.7 Bicycle Parking. Bicycle parking shall be provided in accordance with Section 6.100
of this Zoning Ordinance.
13.107
Special Requirements, Conditions and Standards Applicable to Certain Development
Authorized by the Planning Board in East Cambridge.
13.107.1
Active Uses. Final Development Plans shall enhance the public pedestrian usage of the
sidewalks and create a sense of neighborhood continuity by providing an interesting,
lively and active presence at street level. Accordingly, the portion of ground floors of
new buildings in the PUD-8 District immediately fronting on First Street,
Cambridgeside Place and Lechmere Canal Park (excluding those areas of such ground
floors utilized for lobbies, mechanical areas and/or entrances to parking and/or loading
areas) shall be planned, designed, and constructed to contain Active Uses as required
below.
(a) Definition of Active Uses. For purposes of this Section 13.100, "Active Uses"
means:
1. Any use listed in Sections 4.35 and 4.36; and
2.
Any other use which the Planning Board determines meets the goals of this
Section 13.107.1(a).
13.107.2 Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Noise Mitigation. Sound emanating from rooftop
mechanical equipment on all new or substantially altered structures in an approved
Final Development Plan shall be minimized by the adoption of best available and
feasible practices regarding the location and sizing of equipment, the selection of
equipment and sound attenuation measures. At a minimum, any noise or vibration
emanating from new commercial or substantially altered commercial buildings shall
not be normally perceptible without instruments at a distance of one hundred (100)
feet from the source lot line and shall comply with the provisions of the City of
Cambridge Noise Ordinance applicable to Commercial Areas (as such term is defined
in the Noise Ordinance).
In order to enforce these requirements, the developer shall provide, in addition to a
Noise Mitigation narrative required as part of Article 19.000 review, acoustical
reports prepared by a professional acoustical engineer as described below:
(a) Prior to and as a condition of the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy
for a new or substantially altered commercial building, an acoustical report, including
12
field measurements, demonstrating compliance of such building with all applicable
noise requirements; and
(b) Prior to obtaining any building permit to add any new equipment having a
capacity greater than five (5) horsepower to the rooftop, a narrative report
demonstrating that there will be continued compliance with all applicable noise
requirements after such addition, and upon completion of such addition and as a
condition thereof, an acoustical report, including field measurements, demonstrating
such compliance.
With respect to any new commercial or substantially altered commercial building that
will contain laboratory use, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
design shall adopt Best Available Noise Control Technology (BANCT) in the sizing
and selection of equipment, its placement on the roof, and the use of effective sound
attenuation design elements, including through the following measures: (i) fans shall
be provided with variable speed drives to conserve energy when airflow is not needed
to condition the space, and sound attenuators will be installed in the ductwork; (ii)
cooling towers shall be provided with large diameter, slow speed whisper quiet fans
and variable speed drives for capacity control and energy conservation, and such
towers will be located within a sound absorbent screen wall; (iii) air cooled chillers
shall use variable-speed compressors, variable-speed fans and integrated compressor
mufflers; and (iv) air handling units shall be in a sound-insulated penthouse that is
ventilated through acoustical louvers. Any PUD-8 Special Permit may contain
conditions with respect to noise mitigation consistent with this Section 107.2 for any
building containing laboratory use.
Additionally, appropriate screening for any rooftop mechanical equipment shall be
provided to the fullest extent permitted by law.
13.107.3
Light Mitigation. Any new commercial or substantially altered commercial building
that will contain laboratory use shall install a Building Automation System (BAS) that
is programmed to dim or turn lights off and to lower shades after 9:30 pm to reduce
light pollution to the surrounding neighborhoods. Any PUD-8 Special Permit may
contain conditions with respect to light mitigation consistent with this Section 107.3
for any building containing laboratory use.
13.107.4
Sustainability. New buildings constructed within the PUD-8 District shall comply with
the provisions of Section 22.20 of the Zoning Ordinance. For the core and shell of
newly constructed office and lab buildings, compliance with LEED standards at the
Gold level or better is required to the maximum extent practicable.
New buildings in the PUD-8 District must incorporate an integrated design approach
and incorporate the best practices for meeting sustainability in the following seven (7)
areas:
(a)
Energy and Emissions. Each new building must conserve building energy and,
to the extent practicable, reduce carbon/GHG emissions. The developer, with each new
13
building within the PUD-8 District, will evaluate the potential for on-site energy
generation within the PUD-8 District in the context of ownership, economic viability
and phasing constraints. The Developer will conduct a greenhouse gas emissions
analysis for each new building and will implement energy efficiency mitigation for
such building to achieve the percentage of CO2 emissions reduction suggested in such
analysis.
(b) Urban Site and Landscaping; Water Management. The Developer, for each new
building, must explore opportunities for potable water use reductions and the ability to
enhance indigenous plantings in and around the development site.
(c) Cool Roofs. All new buildings approved in the PUD-8 District must employ
Functional Green Roofs (as such term is defined in Article 22.000 of this Zoning
Ordinance), high-albedo "white" roofs, or a functionally equivalent roofing system.
(d)
Monitoring. All new buildings in the PUD-8 District shall be required to
conform to the requirements of the Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure
Ordinance, Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code.
(e) Healthy Living and Working. All new buildings in the PUD-8 District shall
provide people with access to daylight and enhance the visual and thermal comfort of
people living within the PUD-8 District.
(f) Transportation. Final Development Plans within the PUD-8 District shall
encourage multimodal transportation, provide facilities for cyclists and provide an
infrastructure to support alternative energy vehicles.
13.107.5 PUD-8 Design Guidelines and Principles.
(a)
To the extent reasonably practicable, new buildings constructed within the PUD-
8 District shall be generally consistent with: (i) the policy objectives set forth in the
Eastern Cambridge Planning Study dated October 2001; (ii) the guidance provided in
the Eastern Cambridge Design Guidelines dated October 15, 2001; (ili) the East
Cambridge Riverfront Plan dated May 1978; and (iv) the Cambridge Riverfront Plan
dated Spring 2011 (collectively, the "PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles"); provided
however that new buildings constructed within the PUD-8 District shall be generally
consistent with the following provisions in lieu of the provisions pertaining to height,
setback, stepbacks and materials in the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles:
i.
Height: A diversity of height and massing as permitted in Section 13.104.3
is encouraged to be located in buildings immediately fronting on First
Street, Cambridgeside Place and Land Boulevard and designed to create a
rich and varied skyline along streets abutting the Development Parcel.
1. Buildings fronting on First Street are encouraged to establish a
recognizable base, activated by commercial, residential, retail, dining
and entertainment uses, of a scale and proportion to support an active,
pedestrian-oriented public realm.
14
2. New buildings fronting on First Street will enhance the public realm
by providing an approximately 10-foot setback in order to benefit the
use, enjoyment and safety of the area.
3. Buildings along First Street are encouraged, when possible, to create
separation between buildings and to adopt massing strategies within
the building facades to create visual interest on the street.
4. Mechanical penthouses, attic stories and other architectural treatments
may be utilized to create tops to the buildings that will contribute to a
varied skyline and unique reading of each building.
11.
Stepbacks.
1. New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District that exceed 85
feet in height shall provide (a) a 10-foot stepback of the building
façade at an elevation of approximately 65 feet in height and (b) a 10-
foot stepback of the building façade at an elevation of approximately
135 feet in height (if applicable), provided in each case that bays,
balconies, tapers, cornices and other architectural elements may
project 5 feet into this stepback zone to establish scale compatible
with the neighboring structures, and to modulate the massing of the
buildings so that they are read as distinct and individual buildings.
2. New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District that do not
exceed 85 feet in height are encouraged to provide a distinct
horizontal articulation at a datum height of approximately 65 feet.
through means other than a stepback (significant change in material,
projecting cornice/fin/shade, etc.).
3.
New or renovated buildings within the PUD-8 District shall provide a
15-foot stepback of the rooftop mechanical penthouses.
ili.
Building Spacing: New buildings shall be designed to provide for
appropriate spacing to preserve adequate light, air and view corridors for
the benefit of the East Cambridge neighborhood.
iv.
Materials: A diversity of materials is encouraged to further contribute to
the reading of individual buildings along First Street, Cambridgeside Place
and Land Boulevard
1. Exterior finishes may include high quality and durable materials such
as, but not limited to, brick, terra cotta, natural and cast stone, high
performance concrete panels and cast shapes, flat and patterned metals,
and curtain wall.
15
(b)
In its approval of a Final Development Plan, the Planning Board may (i) make a
determination that one or more provisions of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles are
inapplicable to new buildings to be constructed within the PUD-8 District, or (ii) waive
or modify any provisions of the PUD-8 Guidelines and Principles set forth above upon
making a determination that such waiver or modification maintains an architectural
character consistent with the planning and design goals of this Section 13.107.5.
13.107.6 Letter of Commitment. The Letter of Commitment dated
by
is incorporated herein by reference and made part of the Cambridge
and its successors and
Zoning Ordinance and shall be binding upon
assigns. To the extent the provisions of the Letter of Commitment are inconsistent
with the provisions of this Section 13.100, the more stringent provisions shall govern.
LEGEND:
EXISTING PARCELS
PUD-8 DISTRICT
UP TO A HEIGHT OF 95 FEET
UP TO A HEIGHT OF 145 FEET
UP TO A HEIGHT OF 155 FEET
- --.
CAMBRIDGE PARKWAY
EDWIN H. LAND BOULEVARD
======
LECHMERE
CANAL
CAMBRIDGESIDE PLACE
FIRST STREET
BENT STREET
OTIS STREET
SPRING STREET
HURLEY STREET
CHARLES STREET
THORNDIKE STREET
--.
400'
100'
200'
0
SCALE: 1"= [phone removed]-18001
Project No.:
Date:
July 17, 2019
TETRA TECH
T.A.B.
Building Height Map for the
Designed By:
www.tetratech.com
PUD-8 District
100 Nickerson Road
Map 13.101
Marlborough, MA 0175:
hone: [phone removed] Fax: (508) 786-220
Bar Measures 1 inch
LEGEND:
EXISTING PARCELS
PUD-8 DISTRICT
-L
--.
----
CAMBRIDGE PARKWAY
HIGHWAY
==-=
EDWIN H. LAND BOULEVARD
---
--.
MONSIGNOR O'BRIEN
LECHMERE
CANAL
FIRST STREET
--.
BENT STREET
SPRING STREET
HURLEY STREET
CHARLES STREET
THORNDIKE STREET
!
100'
400'
200'
SCALE: 1"= 200'
143-3659-18001
Project No.:
Date:
January 23, 2019
TETRA TECH
T.A.B.
Proposed PUD-8 Zoning District
Designed By:
www.tetratech.com
Marlorough, MA 01052
Map 13.100
Phone: [phone removed] Fax: [phone removed]
Bar Measures 1 inch