Search ▸ Agenda item attachment
A Zoning Petition Has been received from Cambridge Redevelopment Authority regarding a Zoning Ordinance to reflect the proposed changes to the KSURP
⚠ This document is a scan; its text was recovered by optical character recognition and may contain errors. The original PDF is authoritative.
September 17, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council,
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) Board respectfully submits to the City Council the
attached amendment to the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan (KSURP) and accompanying petition
to amend Article 14 of the City of Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to reflect the proposed changes to the
KSURP.
As you know, early last year, Eversource announced plans for a new electrical substation to be located
at 135 Fulkerson Street. The City Council held multiple hearings to learn more about the substation
proposal, wherein the City learned of the significant community concerns regarding the Fulkerson site
for a substation and its proximity to homes, the Kennedy Longfellow Elementary School and its
accompanying playing fields. The City Manager promptly brought together City and Cambridge
Redevelopment Authority (CRA) staff along with representatives from the local development community
to seek alternative sites for the facility. Shortly after these meetings, Boston Properties (BXP)
approached the CRA with a conceptual idea of placing the substation on the site of the existing “Blue
Garage” within the KSURP area. This alternative electrical substation location would move this
regional infrastructure facility out of the residential neighborhood and into the commercial district of
Kendall Square.
Throughout 2020, the CRA, along with BXP and Eversource, have organized multiple virtual community
meetings and discussions, to outline the substation alternative and the accompanying commercial
development proposal required to finance the project. The CRA Board has discussed the project
monthly at its public board meetings, held remotely since April. In addition to the substation’s
conceptual design, the meetings discussed above have involved extensive review of the proposed
800,000 square feet of additional commercial development required to implement the relocation of the
substation to the Blue Garage property, and the changes to the MXD Zoning and KSURP needed to
allow the project to move forward.
This community engagement process, described in greater detail below, led to the public meeting of the
CRA Board held last night on September 16, 2020. At this meeting, the CRA Board voted to file the
enclosed petition to modify Article 14 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance - Mixed Use Development
District: Kendall Center (MXD Zoning) for consideration by the City Council in order to implement this
alternative substation location. The CRA Board further voted to approve Amendment No. 11 to the
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan, and to forward this Amendment to the City Council.
The purpose of this letter is to provide an overview of the alternative substation proposal, summarize
the proposed revisions to the MXD Zoning contained within the petition, and review the KSURP
Amendment.
Alternative Substation Site Project Description
The alternative substation site is located on Parcel Two of the Cambridge Center Development Area,
positioned between Binney Street, Galileo Galilei Way and Broadway. The technical and site feasibility
challenges of the alternative substation location are complex, and for the past year, Eversource and
BXP have been working to confirm that the structural engineering, electrical line routing, existing asset
relocation, and overall site design of the alternate Parcel Two substation location were feasible. The
designs not only require the relocation of existing structures and uses, but also reconstituting the
current housing program outlined in the existing Infill Development Concept Plan (IDCP) approved by
the Planning Board and the CRA in 2017 (and further amended in 2019), as well as allowing for
additional commercial development to make the development of the substation at the alternative
location economically viable for BXP.
The current site plan under development places the electrical substation in the center of the parcel, at
the location of the current Blue Garage. The parking garage will be demolished and reconstructed
underground in the northern section of Parcel Two, with temporary parking provided in a number of
parking facilities on neighboring properties. To accommodate open space and site connectivity, the
substation will also be submerged. This requires BXP to construct a large, underground vault,
approximately 110 feet deep, to house the future substation. This endeavor further involves engineering
the high voltage transmission lines routed off Broadway into the substation, requiring an underground
cable spreading structure, as well as planning for electric distribution lines to be routed onto Binney
Street.
Essential to this proposal is the requirement that the housing program under the approved IDCP,
consisting of 400,000 square feet of residential gross floor area (GFA) with 25% below market rate
housing, be completed in a single phase. This amendment also requires that the housing program be
constructed prior to, or concurrent with, the construction of any of the new commercial square footage
provided by the amendment.
This new commercial square footage, referred to as Substation Commercial GFA, totals 800,000
square feet to make the relocation of the substation to the Blue Garage site economically feasible. This
GFA will be allocated to two new buildings of roughly 400,000 square feet each. These buildings will be
located on the north side of Parcel Two along Binney Street, and would require the demolition of the
existing 250 Binney Street building, currently a two-story biotechnology, manufacturing facility. Please
see the attached enclosures for conceptual site designs of this proposal.
Finally, the site plan for the substation project provides the ability to create a more accessible and
connected development in relation to the surrounding area and neighborhoods. The removal of the
Blue Garage, which currently divides Parcel Two will facilitate the creation of an open space at the
heart of the parcel, while concurrently improving pedestrian circulation and connectivity to neighboring
areas within Kendall Square. To meet its open space goals, this project will also provide enhancements
to existing onsite and nearby open space. To enable the proposed site layout and central open space
area, the existing open space covenants on the North (Binney) and South (Broadway) Park properties
on either end of the existing Blue Garage structure will need to be lifted by the City Council.
Article 14 - MXD Zoning Petition
The zoning petition along with the KSURP Amendment, is put forth as an implementation step to
tacilitate an alternative location for the substation requested by the community and city officials. Below
is a summary of changes to Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance required to facilitate the relocation of the
planned Eversource substation to the MD District of Kendall Square.
Regional Substation as an Allowed Use: This modification enables a regional substation, of the type
needing to be constructed by Eversource, to be an allowed use in the MD District. Currently the
language focuses on allowing district-serving infrastructure only.
Commercial Gross Floor Area (GFA): In order to provide the necessary economic incentive for BXP
to relocate the substation to the MXD District, the petition increases the aggregate development
GFA allowance within the MD District to 5,073,000 square feet, an increase of 800,000 square
2
feet. This additional GFA, defined as Substation Commercial GFA, will be made available only if the
Eversource substation achieves all regulatory approvals, and is relocated to the MXD District. This
is ensured by requiring the issuance of a building permit for the Substation Project to precede or be
issued concurrently with a building permit for any project using Substation Commercial GFA.
Housing Requirement: The existing Infill Development Concept Plan, amended in 2019, plans for the
delivery of 400,000 square feet of residential multi-family GFA to be constructed in two buildings
built in phases, one on either end of the Blue Garage. This petition adjusts the timing of the
residential requirement such that the full 400,000 square feet of multi-family housing is delivered in
a single phase. To guarantee the delivery of the housing component, a building permit for the
construction of a residential project of at least 400,000 square feet must be issued before or
simultaneously with the issuance of a building permit for any project utilizing Substation Commercial
GFA. Further, to ensure designs for a residential building are underway, the design review process
of a residential project must also precede or proceed concurrently with the design review process
for a project using Substation Commercial GFA.
Infill Development Concept Plan: The Infill Development Concept Plan (IDCP) must include basic
design information about the substation facility, although the substation structure itself is not subject
to special permit review under Article 14. Required substation information includes a plan
describing the utility improvements to be undertaken within the development program, as well as
the general location of the proposed substation structure.
In addition, the IDCP must also include a narrative describing the plan's compatibility, coordination
and consistency with the urban design guidelines established in the final report of the Kendall
Square Central Square (K2C2) Planning Study, as well as the Volpe Working Group's Planning and
Design Principles established on July 20, 2017. The overlapping timing of the development of
Parcel Two and Volpe offers a unique and fortuitous opportunity to plan for and expand pedestrian
and open space connectivity between the two areas.
Innovation Space: In the 2015 MD Zoning amendment, the requirement for an Innovation Space set
aside was put in place consistent with the recommendations of the K2C2 Plan. Innovation Space
was defined as office or biotechnology space made available for small companies or individuals on
short-term leases. At that time, any new project using more than 100,000 square feet of GFA for
office and biotechnology uses had to designate a minimum amount of 10% of the total space as
Innovation Space. In addition, a GFA incentive bonus of up to 20% of the commercial GFA
allowance was provided if 25% of that Innovation Space was designated as below-market. As
outlined in the 2019 IDCP, BXP has met the Innovation Space zoning requirements and fully used
the incentive bonus, through their build out and leasing of 255 Main Street to CIC and The Link.
The proposed MD Zoning Petition maintains BP's existing Innovation Space obligations, but
makes the Innovation Space requirement and density bonus inapplicable to new Substation
Commercial GFA. This change was put forth for three reasons. First, making the Innovation Space
requirements and GFA exemption inapplicable to Substation Commercial GFA eliminates an
additional density bonus which could have allowed additional GFA above 800,000 square feet.
Second, the financial requirements for the substation infrastructure require that broad flexibility for
most of the new commercial uses be maintained, especially with increased uncertainty in the office
market today. Finally, with the growth of numerous co-working companies through 2019, it has
become evident to the CRA that Innovation Space had become a viable market-rate commercial
use that may not need further special protection through zoning. The economic development
objectives of the CRA have become more focused on providing job training and education
opportunities focused on pathways for lower income individuals to enter the innovation economy of
3
Kendall Square, which led to the proposed GFA exemption discussed below for Educational Lab,
Classroom or Training Facility.
GFA Exemptions: Article 14 currently provides a few types of building uses that are exempt from the
GFA limitations in the MD District. In addition to the Innovation Space discussed above, those
exemptions also include middle income housing units, small scale retail spaces, and residential
outdoor balconies. This petition proposes a few modifications to those GFA exemptions:
- Outdoor Area Exemptions: Existing MD Zoning allows for the GFA exemption of outdoor decks
or balconies tor multi-tamily development up to 8% of a building's floor area. The petition seeks
to allow outdoor decks or balconies to be exempt for either multi-family residential or
commercial developments. This is to enable office or lab buildings to take greater advantage of
exterior open spaces, and to activate urban facades.
- Substation GFA Exemption: The Eversource Substation Project's GFA would be considered
exempt square footage, and not count toward the aggregate GFA and other development
limitations in the MXD District.
- Educational Lab, Classroom or Training Facility: Through discussions with local non-profits,
organizations and residents, a need for publicly accessible lab or training space has been
identified. As such, the MD petition allows for the exemption of up to 20,000 square feet of
educational, health or workforce training facility space if it is operated to provide services to the
general public.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR): Article 14 currently utilizes more traditional lot density controls of Floor Area
Ratio (FAR) limitations based on land use category in addition to the overall aggregate
development limitation within the MXD District. Over time, however, these FAR limitations based on
lot size and types of use have not been as relevant as the other development controls that are in
place and in fact can limit the kind of creative thinking that is required in order to redevelop existing
sites as contemplated by the IDCP. The lot configuration for the electrical substation project is very
complex, and the proposed residential lot in particular is very constrained. As such, this petition
makes the FAR restrictions inapplicable to any project that is developed in accordance with an
approved IDCP.
Height Limit: The petition increases the MD height limit in two ways. First, the maximum building
height in the district is changed to 250 feet district wide, resulting in a height increase of 50 feet for
the buildings along Binney Street. This allows for design flexibility in articulating the massing of
those commercial buildings. Second, one residential building within the district is allowed to be up to
400 feet tall, in order to accommodate the full residential program in one project.
Active Ground Floors: Under the current MD Zoning, any new building facing Main Street, Ames
Street and Broadway within the district, is required to be create active ground floor use, such as
retail for at least 75% of its floor frontage. While this requirement will remain in place, the zoning
petition seeks to modify the active ground floor requirement for narrow buildings. Specifically,
buildings with a façade length of 100 feet or less along Main Street, Ames Street or Broadway shall
be required to meet a minimum of 40% active use rather than 75%. This modification seeks to
recognize the competing ground floor uses such as lobbies, loading areas, and other amenities,
especially in the residential building proposed for Broadway.
Letter of Commitment - Home Ownership Units: During the City Council Hearing on December 21,
2015, the City Council and BXP agreed to a Letter of Commitment requiring that home ownership
4
units make up 20% of the Infill GFA used for multi-family residential development. The Letter of
Commitment was in turn referenced in Article 14, and this petition proposes to eliminate that
reference and void the Letter of Commitment.
It is important to note, however, that the petition does not change the amount (400,000 square feet)
of multi-family residential GFA or modify any of the applicable affordable housing requirements
associated with residential development in the MD District. No less than 20% of the residential
GFA is required to be devoted to Affordable Units, with an additional 5% of the GFA for middle-
income units. Additionally, to provide below-market family units, at least 5% of the 400,000 square
feet of residential GFA must be built with at least three bedrooms, all of which will be delivered as
affordable or middle-income units. And because the petition would require the development of the
full 400,000 square feet prior to or concurrently with the Substation Commercial GFA, the delivery
of more housing (both market rate and affordable) would be advanced from the current plan.
In addition, a change from condominium units to rental units would result in an increase in the
overall number of available units due to the fact that rental units tend to be designed with smaller
unit sizes. This would also help achieve the important objective of increasing the overall housing
supply (both market rate and affordable) within the area.
Parking: There are no minimum parking requirements in the MXD apart from those required for multi-
family residential development. This petition seeks to reduce the minimum automobile parking
requirement for residential development from 0.4 parking spaces per dwelling unit to 0.25 parking
spaces per dwelling unit. This ratio represents the current residential unit to parking space demand
seen at the Proto building (88 Ames), and supports the CRA's and City's sustainable transportation
goals. Changes to allow for greater flexibility of the MD's interim parking needs is also provided,
by increasing the distance allowed to an offsite parking area.
Additional modifications have also been added to the bicycle parking provisions. Specifically,
through the IDCP process the Planning Board may approve a bicycle parking plan that utilizes a
campus planning approach. This approach can be met through a combination of any or all of the
following provisions: providing public bicycle sharing stations or storage facilities, through
countercyclical bicycle parking facilities, or complementary valet bicycle parking service.
The intent of this section is to allow high quality, equitable, and thoughtfully planned bicycle parking
and amenities for all users while providing flexibility to adapt to changing transportation landscapes
and help to balance competing uses for space on ground level or near ground level areas of the
high-density development area.
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan - Amendment 11
Along with an amendment to Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance, corresponding changes are also be
required for the KSURP in an Amendment 11. Updates to both Article 14 and the KSURP were
approved by the Cambridge City Council in 2015. While those amendments provided opportunity for
infill development, they also sought to more closely align both documents to have compatible language
and regulations. Thus, the zoning changes described above will largely match required changes for the
KSURP. One additional regulatory modification, however, is to extend the duration of the SURP by
five years to 2035, to accommodate any extending project implementation timeline due to the technical
work related to the construction of the substation and corresponding commercial GFA.
In conjunction with the amendments to the development plan, the CRA is also proposing a revised
name for the historic urban renewal plan: the Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan. The reason
5
for this proposed title change is to recognize that the urban renewal programs of redevelopment
authorities throughout the country had a disproportionate impact on communities of color, and in many
cases implemented overtly racist urban policies. While the redevelopment of Kendall Square involved
mostly industrial and commercial land, approximately ten households were relocated from the project
area through the federally sponsored urban renewal program. Though there is no evidence that those
households in Kendall Square were not willing participants and appropriately compensated, the CRA
wishes to acknowledge the historic and cumulative impact of our nation's urban renewal programs,
particularly on Black communities.
The work of the CRA today in Kendall Square is focused on guiding the ongoing development to fulfill a
broad set of community needs and economic development within and around the project area. Moving
forward, the CRA is also committed to improving our community engagement to amplify the voices of
communities of color, and by implementing projects and programs that provide economic opportunities,
quality of life improvements and other equity focused outcomes, to serve communities of color, both
within Kendall Square and throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. Thus, a new project title that
disassociates the current planning efforts in Kendall from the legacy of urban renewal is proposed.
Additionally, CRA staff and legal counsel are undertaking a research effort to examine the CRA's
eminent domain records to learn more about any disproportional impacts of its historic urban renewal
project implementation upon Black and other economically challenged residents of Cambridge.
Outreach, Process, and Next Steps
Over the last six months, the CRA, Boston Properties, and Eversource have organized numerous
meetings as well as an online website via CoUrbanize, to gather community input on the alternative
substation location, site design, and corresponding changes to the MXD Zoning and KSURP Plan. The
following is a comprehensive list of those meetings:
East Cambridge Planning Team - Eversource
January 10, 2019
April 22, 2019 ...
City Council Hearing - Eversource Discussion
East Cambridge Planning Team - Eversource
April, 24, 2019
Cambridge School Committee Meeting Eversource Resolution
May 7, 2019 ..
Transportation & Public Utilities Committe
May 22, 2019
Transportation & Public Utilities Committe
June 25, 2019
Transportation & Public Utilities Committee
August 21, 2019
Transportation & Public Utilities Committee
October 2, 2019 ...
December 16, 2019
City Council Hearing
Cambridge City Council Ordinance Committee
February 5, 2019
March 2, 2020
City Council Hearing
April 7, 2020 ..
East Cambridge Planning Team & CCTV Public Meeting
April 8, 2020 (ongoing)
CoUrbanize Site (https://www.mxdsub.site/)
CRA Board Meeting
April 15, 2020
May 20, 2020 ..
CRA Board Meeting
CRA Board Meeting
June 17, 2020
June 25, 2020
Virtual Open House
Zoom Open Office Hour
July 1, 2020..
CRA Board Meeting
July 15, 2020
July 22, 2020
East Cambridge Planning Team - Eversource Update
August 4, 2020
East Cambridge Business Association Meeting
August 19, 2020
CRA Board Meeting
August 19, 2020
Linden Park Neighbors Meeting
September 2, 2020
Kendall Square Association Meeting
September 3, 2020
Kendall Residences Alliance Meeting
September 16, 2020.
CRA Board Meeting
6
With the approval of the CRA Board, the MD zoning petition is now before the City Council for your
consideration. Additionally, the KSURP Amendment 11 requires approval by the City Council, before
being forwarded to the Department of Housing and Community Development. The CRA will also need
to conduct a Massachusetts Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA) review to cover the major
KSURP Amendment.
In addition to the CRA and City of Cambridge approval process, the MD Substation Project will need
to gain approval from the Commonwealth's Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). This approval
process will be led by Eversource. Additional City approvals and agreements will also be required to
implement the connection of the transmission and distribution lines to and from the substation site.
Therefore, on behalf of the CRA Board, I am submitting the enclosed materials to the Cambridge City
Council. Thank you for your consideration of the proposed SURP Amendment and MD Petition.
Best regards,
Thomas L. Evans
Executive Director
Enclosures and Exhibits:
1. Amendment No. 11 to the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan (KSURP)
2. MXD Zoning Petition
A. 1977-2020 MD Zoning Gross Floor Area (GFA) Summary
B. Comprehensive Blackline of Article 14 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance
3. Conceptual Site Design Images
7
Enclosure 1
Amendment No. 11 to the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan (KSURP)
KENDALL SQUARE URBAN RENEWAL REDEVELOPMENT AREA
CAMBRIDGE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
URBAN RENEWAL-REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
AMENDMENT 11 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
CAMBRIDGE
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
Urban Renewal Plan / Project No. Mass. R - 107
Kendall Square Urban Renewal Area
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
Cambridge, MA
Submitted to Cambridge City Council
August 9, 1965
Hearing Notice by Cambridge City Council
August 14, 1965
Approved by Cambridge Planning Board
August 7, 1965
Approved by Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
August 24, 1965
Public Hearing by Cambridge City Council
August 30, 1965
Approved by Cambridge City Council
August 30, 1965
Approved by Cambridge City Manager
August 30, 1965
Submitted to Massachusetts Department of Commerce - Division
September 7, 1965
of Urban Renewal
Submitted to Housing and Home Finance Agency
September 21, 1965
Hearing Notice by Division of Urban Renewal
September 23, 1965
Public Hearing by Division of Urban Renewal
September 30, 1965
Approved by Housing and Home Finance Agency
October 1, 1965
Approved by Division of Urban Renewal
October 7, 1965
Amendment No. 1 approved by Cambridge City Council
February 14, 1977
Revised Amendment No. 1 approved by Cambridge City Council
October 31, 1977
• June 22, 1981
Amendment No. 2 approved by Cambridge City Council
September 13, 1993
Amendment No. 3 approved by Cambridge City Council
September 8, 1997
Amendment No. 4 approved by Cambridge City Council
Amendment No. 5 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
July 11, 2001
Authority
Amendment No. 6 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
April 26, 2004
Authority
Revised Amendment No. 8 approved by Cambridge
November 14, 2012
Redevelopment Authority
Amendment No. 9 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
March 19, 2014
Authority
Amendment No. 10 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
December 16, 2015
Authority
Amendment No. 10 approved by City Council
December 21, 2015
Amendment No. 11 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
September 16, 2020
Authority
TBD
Amendment No. 11 approved by City Council
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
Section 101: Boundaries of the Project Area
Section 102: Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan Objectives
Section 103: Execution of the Urban Renewal Plan
Section 104: Proposed Urban Renewal Actions
Section 105: Land Acquisition
Section 106: Relocation
Section 107: Land Clearance
Section 108: Public Improvements and Public Facilities
Section 109: Right-of-Way Adjustments
Section 110: Zoning Adjustments
Section 111: Land Disposition
CHAPTER 2: REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED OR TO BE ACQUIRED
Section 201: Real Property Designated to be Acquired
Section 202: Real Property Designated to be Acquired Under Special Conditions
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE PLAN
Section 301: Right-of-Way Adjustments
Section 302: Street and Utility Adjustments
Section 303: Zoning Adjustments
Section 304: Public or Special Purpose Uses
Section 305: Land Use and Open Space Definitions
Section 306: Other Land Uses
CHAPTER 4: LAND USE PROVISIONS AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Section 401: Permitted Uses on Acquired Land
Section 402: Dimensional Requirements
Section 403: Open Space Requirements
Section 404: Vehicular Access, Parking and Loading Requirements
Section 405: Vehicular Access and Discharge Areas
Section 406: Building Construction
Section 407: Signs and Advertising Devices
Section 408: Storage
Section 409: Exterior Lighting
Section 410: Landscaping
Section 411: Affordable Housing Requirement
Section 412: Innovation Space
Section 413: Interim Uses
Section 414: Permitted Uses on Land Designated to be Acquired Under Special Conditions
Section 415: Special Provisions Applicable Within the Ames Street District
Section 416: Special Provisions Applicable
CHAPTER 5: DESIGN PRINCIPLES, DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND DESIGN
REVIEW, AND REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Section 501: General Design Principles
Section 502: Development Guidelines and Design Review
Section 503: Compliance with Plan and Development Guidelines
Section 504: MXD Concept Plan
Section 50S: Proposed Building and Architectural Plans
Section 506: Inter-Agency Development Review
CHAPTER 6: REDEVELOPER'S OBLIGATIONS
Section 601: Use and Improvement of Project Land
Section 602: Commencement and Completion of Improvements
Section 603: Disposition of Project Land by Redeveloper
Section 604: Non-Discrimination
CHAPTER 7: RELATION OF PLAN TO DEFINITE LOCAL OBJECTIVES
Section 701: Conformity to General Plan
Section 702: Relation to Definite Local Objectives
CHAPTER 8: PROVISION FOR MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION
Section 801: Interpretation
Section 802: Modification
Section 803: Duration and Termination
EXHIBITS
A. Project Boundary Description
B. Map 1: Proposed Land Use Maps
C. Map 2: Property Map
D. Original Relocation Plan Objectives and Methodology
E. Definition of Pedestrian Ways
F. Loading Requirements
FORWARD TO PLAN AMENDMENTS 10 AND 11 REGARDING THE RE-STATED
KENDALL SQUARE URBAN RENEWALREDEVELOPMENT PLAN
In the nearly forty years since the adoption of Amendment 1 to the Kendall Square Urban
renewal Plan (Plan), the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) has adopted man
hanges to the Plan in response to the dynamic development environment in Cambridge. Th
execution of the Plan within the Project Area has been a key catalyst to the overall
transformation of the Kendall Square neighborhood. The emergence of Kendall Square as a
center of innovation, creativity and technology has exceeded the expectation of the planners,
designers, and developers who first drafted the Plan in 1977.
The CRA adopted Amendment 10 in December 2015, in order to aim to reflect these changes
and to chart a way forward in furtherance of the recommendations from the 2013 K2 Planning
Study. The update of the Plan's objectives reflected not only the important work of bringing
jobs to Kendall Square, but also the larger goal of creating a sustainable, inviting, and inclusive
neighborhood. As in prior adopted amendments, the proposed amendment No. 10 increases
increased the development limits to reflect the continued demand for commercial and laboratory
space, with an emphasis on bringing additional housing and retail to the Project Area. New
provisions will assist the CRA in linking transit investment to development, aiming to ensure
that the Project Area's transit assets grow along with it. Provisions for innovation space and
affordable housing are were included so that Kendall Square remains not only a destination for
the great thinkers of today, but also a laboratory for the great ideas of tomorrow and a great
urban neighborhood for Cambridge.
The Plan under Amendment 10 was re-stated, not remade anew. Consequently, some sections -
such as those discussing land clearance - addressed matters already undertaken, and have been
were modified accordingly to reflect things that happened in the past. This is was by design as
the document is meant not only to guide Kendall Square's development in the future, but also to
tell the story of its past. For this reason, bracketed numbers appearing at the ends of paragraphs
throughout the Plan indicate where language has been changed, and sometimes changed again
and again. The bracketed numbers identify which plan amendment facilitated the revisions.
The CRA is proposing Amendment 11 to the Plan for two reasons. The first is to accommodate
the relocation of a planned electrical substation within the MD District. This site would move
the infrastructure facility out of the residential neighborhoods along Fulkerson Street to the
location of an existing above ground parking garage. There are many complex technical and
financial challenges associated with relocating the substation to this parcel. The proposed MD
site involves not only the design of the substation and high voltage access routes to the location,
but also completing plans for the housing program outlined in the current Infill Development
Concept Plan, fulfilling interim and future parking requirements, and designing locations for
additional development to provide financial support for this alternative location.
The second reason to undertake this Amendment 11 is to rename the Kendall Square Urban
Renewal Plan the Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan (sometimes referred to in this
Amendment as the "Plan."). The reason for this proposed title change is to recognize that the
urban renewal programs of redevelopment authorities throughout the country have had a
disproportionate impact on communities of color, and in many cases implemented overtly racist
urban policies. While the redevelopment of Kendall Square involved mostly industrial and
commercial land, approximately ten households were relocated from the project area through the
federally sponsored urban renewal program. Although there is no evidence of outward racism in
the implementation of the plan, the CRA wishes to acknowledge the historic and cumulative
impact of our nation's urban renewal programs, particularly on Black communities. Moving
forward, the CRA is committed to improving our community engagement to amplify the voices
of communities of color, and by implementing projects and programs that provide economic
opportunities, quality of life improvements and other equity focused outcomes, and that serve
communities of color, both within Kendall Square and throughout the surrounding
neighborhoods.
Amendment 11 follows the same approach toward restating the Plan text as Amendment 10 did
five years ago. The proposed language changes of Amendment 11 are designated with
underlined and strikethrough text. Formatting updates and clarifications of defined terms are not
highlighted or numbered. The term "urban renewal" is replaced throughout the Plan, except
where there is a specific reference to historic activities under the state and federal programs at
the time.
CHAPTER 1: DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
This document, prepared by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), sets forth a
plan for urban renewal action in the so-called Kendall Square Area of Cambridge, in
accordance with the terms of Section 48 and other applicable provisions of Chapter 121B of
the Massachusetts General Laws, and with the provisions of the U.S. Housing Act of 1949
as amended.
Section 101: Boundaries of the Project Area
The project is situated in an area bounded generally by Main Street, the land or right of way now
or formerly of the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad, Binney Street, and
Third Street.
A description of the perimeter boundary of the project area is attached hereto as Exhibit
A of the Urban Renewal Urban Redevelopment Plan and is made a part hereof as if
fully set forth herein. [11]
The perimeter boundary of the project area is shown on Map 1: Proposed Land Use
Plan, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B of the Urban Renewat Urban Redevelopment
Plan and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. [11]
As shown on Map I Proposed Land Use Plan, that portion of the project area which has not
been conveyed to the United States of America (and which is bounded generally by Binney
Street on the North, the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad on the west,
Main Street on the South and discontinued Sixth Street and Broadway on the East) is
hereinafter described as the "MX District" or "MXD District portion" and the remaining
portion of the Project Area is hereinafter described as the "remainder of the project
area."[10]
Section 102: Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan Objectives
The Urban Renewal Urban Redevelopment Plan objectives of the project are as follows: [11]
(a)
To secure the elimination and prevent the recurrence of blighted, deteriorated,
deteriorating, or decadent conditions in the project area;
(b)
To insure the replacement of such conditions by well-planned, well-designed
improvements which provide for the most appropriate reuse of the land in conformity
with the general plan for the City of Cambridge (the "City") as a whole and with definite
local objectives, which objectives are:
1. The provision of land uses which maximize job opportunities at a variety of skill
levels within Kendall Square's knowledge and innovation based economy, including
blue-collar and non-professional white-collar employment, for present and future
Cambridge residents; upgrade Cambridge workers' skills and wages in a manner
9.16.20
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 1
commensurate with the cost of living in Cambridge; and help stabilize the City's
economic base and maximize the provision of local jobs; [10]
2. The improvement of land development and design to facilitate multi-modal
circulation, emphasizing transit, pedestrian, and bicycle travel; [10]
3. The improvement of public transportation facilities, infrastructure and utilities, open
space and other public realm improvements; [10]
4. The improvement of material handling and freight access to and within the project
area; and [10]
5. The provision of a decent, pleasant, and humane environment involving a mixture of
land uses, including multi-family housing, needed to produce balanced development;
(0)
To capitalize on the location of rapid transit facilities to maximize the full socio-
economic potential of the project area with transit-oriented land uses and densities, and
consistent with the other objectives stated herein; [10]
(d)
To promote economic development which strengthens the City's tax base without
unacceptably impacting upon the physical, social, and cultural environment;
(e)
To improve district infrastructure capacity including accommodating regional utility
facilities in a manner that minimizes impacts to adjacent neighborhoods. [11]
(e) (f)
To establish the minimum necessary land use controls which promote development, yet
protect the public interest and the common good; with a flexible set of controls which are
adaptable to both current and future market conditions;
(A(g) To create an urban environment that encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and
creative interaction; [10]
(g)(h) To secure development in the shortest possible time period to be responsive to economic
conditions and housing demand; [10]
(h)(i) To relate to development controls in the surrounding area;
(i) (i)
To provide economic development opportunities for residents of the existing surrounding
neighborhoods, including East Cambridge, the Port, and Wellington Harrington; [10] [11]
()(k) To help alleviate problems of mobility throughout the surrounding neighborhoods for all
modes of travel and goods movement; [10]
(k)L) To achieve harmonious visual and functional relationships with adjacent areas;
()(m) To establish a sense of identity and place for Kendall Square and integrate it into the built
environment including public open space; [10]
(t)(n) To encourage the development of Kendall Square as an activity center in which to live,
work, play, and learn; [10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 2
9.16.20
(77)(O) To promote neighborhood safety, public health, and wellness through universal access
and active environmental design; and
(o)(p) To promote both environmental sustainability and climate change resiliency through
resource efficient development and district level infrastructure planning. [10]
Section 103: Execution of the Urban Renewal-Redevelopment Plan
The CRA will undertake and carry out an urban renewal project within the perimeter boundary
of the project area in accordance with the Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan [11]:
(a)
After approval of the Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan, and a Cooperation Agreement
by and between the City of Cambridge and the CRA, by the Cambridge City Council and
the City Manager [11];
(b)
After approval of the Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan by the Massachusetts
Department of Housing and Community Development [11]; and
(c)
After execution of a Loan and Grant Contract by and between the CRA and the United
States of America.'
Section 104: Proposed Urban Renewal and Redevelopment Actions [11]
Proposed urban renewal actions will be essentially land assembly, and clearance and
redevelopment, and may include as essential, appropriate or necessary for the carrying out of
urban renewal objectives, but not by way of limitation:
(a)
The acquisition, in whole or in part, of land, buildings, structures and other
improvements, appurtenances, rights-of-way, easements, and other rights and interests in
real property within the project area;
(b)
The management of acquired property;
(c)
The relocation of facilities, individuals, and business concerns displaced by the project;
(d)
The demolition and removal of existing structures and improvements, and the
undertaking of site clearance;
(e)
The making of project or site improvements;
(f)
The making of right-of-way, street, and utility adjustments;
(g)
The provision of public improvements and public facilities;
1 On April 10, 1985, the CRA, the City, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development executed a
Closeout Agreement with regards to local loans and grants provided for the implementation of the Kendall Square
Urban Renewal Plan.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 3
9.16.20
(h)
The planning and monitoring of development, construction and building usage;
(i)
The making of zoning adjustments; and
(i)
The disposition of land for reuse and development in accordance with the land use
provisions and building requirements set forth in the Urban Renewal Redevelopment
Section 105: Land Acquisition
The CRA may acquire by donation, purchase, eminent domain, or otherwise, in whole or in part,
land, buildings, structures and other improvements, appurtenances, rights-of-way, easements,
and other rights and interests in real property within the Project Area.
Section 106: Relocation
The CRA assisted families, individuals, and business concerns who occupied property in the
Irban renewal area and who were displaced as a result of the CRA's action in finding standar
Iwelling or business accommodations to meet their rehousing and business relocation needs
within their financial means, in reasonably convenient locations.? The objectives and methods of
the original relocation plan are described in Exhibit D. [10]
Section 107: Land Clearance
The CRA previously implemented the following land clearance activities:3
1) Demolish or cause to be demolished buildings, structures, or other improvements located on
land acquired by it;
2) Fill or cause to be filled the so-called Broad Canal;
3) Back-fill or cause to be back-filled cellar holes; and
4) Rough-grade or cause to be rough-graded cleared or filled land.
Section 108: Public Improvements and Public Facilities
The CRA will provide for or cause to be provided the abandonment, improvement, extension,
reconstruction, construction, and installation of:
(a) Public buildings and facilities;
2 The CRA anticipates no such relocations as a result of Amendment 10.
3 Extensive land clearance activities were performed by the CRA under the original urban renewal plan and the first
amendment to the urban renewal plan. Subsequent plan amendments have revised the dimensional requirements for
the lands both acquired and cleared by the CRA, but have not expanded those land clearance activities. References
to those activities are preserved in the document for historic reference. [11]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 4
9.16.20
(b) Public open spaces, plazas, parks, and landscaping;
(c) Public rights-of-way and other easements;
(d) Public streets, sidewalks, other vehicular and pedestrian and facilities, public transit
infrastructure, and off-street parking facilities, appurtenances, and related improvements;
[10]
(e) Waterways; and
(t) Public utilities such as water, sewer, drainage, police and fire protection and
communications, traffic and parking signs and signals, street lighting systems, and related
improvements; and all lines for such utilities shall be maintained, relocated, or otherwise
placed underground.
The CRA shall be authorized to establish a transit implementation fund to provide support for the
operation of existing transit and rail service and the development of new transit and rail facilities
to meet future transit needs of the Project Area and the surrounding neighborhoods. The CRA
shall be authorized to obligate developers to contribute to this fund in such amounts as may be
mutually agreed (taking into account the total mitigation required in connection with any specific
project). The CRA shall work with the City and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
to administer and disburse these funds to further the redevelopment objectives described in
Section 102. The CRA may also consider the use of programs established or otherwise used by
the Commonwealth and available for the creation, modification, or financing of public
infrastructure. [10]
The CRA shall further be authorized to establish an open space management fund for the
purpose of maintenance and programming of public open space within and around the Project
Area. [10]
The CRA shall further be authorized to create a Project Area Implementation Plan that outlines
the projected public improvements, private development, and other redevelopment programs to
be undertaken by the CRA either directly or in partnership with the City and/or designated
redevelopers. This Implementation Plan will provide a projection of future public benefits
resulting from the execution of the urban renewal plan. [10]
Section 109: Right-of-Way Adjustments
The City, upon request of the CRA, may discontinue and abandon certain existing streets and
Vacate certain existing rights-of-way located within the project area, and may convey any and all
rights, title and interest therein to the CRA or a redeveloper. [10]
Section 110: Zoning Adjustments
The City, upon request of the CRA:
(a) Will amend the existing zoning district within which the project area is located;
(b) Will conduct joint conceptual site planning and development project design review; [10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 5
9.16.20
(c) Will grant certain special permits; and
(d) May authorize, except with respect to permitted uses, certain variances; under the provisions
of City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, Zoning Ordinance, ordained May 28, 1962, as
amended to and including the date of approval by the Cambridge City Council of Revised
Amendments No. 1 to the Urban Renewal Plan (the "Zoning Ordinance") and subsequent
plan amendments and zoning petitions.
Section 111: Land Disposition
The CRA will:
(a)
Dedicate certain land or rights, title, or interests therein, in whole or in part, for public use
including rights-of-way and easements; and
(b)
Sell or lease at its fair market value remaining land or rights, title, or interests therein, in
whole or in part, for public or private reuse and development; [10]
in accordance with the land use plan and the land use provisions and building requirements set
forth in the Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan.
Section 112: Economic Development
The CRA will establish, in coordination with the City, an economic development program to
facilitate opportunities to engage residents and businesses in Cambridge in the broad range of
economic development opportunities within Kendall Square. This program shall include, but is
not limited to:
(a)
Placement of qualified individuals and small businesses within below market Innovation
Space established by Sections 402 and 412 of this document, and
(b)
Implementation of retail entrepreneurship opportunities in Kendall Square consistent with
a Retail Plan as described in Section 507.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 6
9.16.20
CHAPTER 2: REAL PROPERTY ACQUIRED OR TO BE ACQUIRED
Section 201: Real Property Designated to be Acquired
Real property, including land, buildings, structures and other improvements, appurtenances,
rights-ot-way, easements, and other rights and interests, acquired or to be acquired, in whole or
in part, by the CRA shall be as shown on Map 2: Property Map, which is attached hereto as
Exhibit C of the Urban Renewał Redevelopment Plan and made a part thereof as if fully set forth
herein; provided, however, that real property, now or formerly of:
(a) The Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad; 4
(b) The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority; or
(c) Any utility distribution system which is under private ownership or control;
will be acquired subject to such requisite approvals of the Interstate Commerce Commission, the
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, or other public regulatory agencies, as may be
required by law or regulation.
4 The original urban renewal plan also referenced the Cambridge Industrial Track Management Corporation.
5 The original urban renewal plan provided for the acquisition of the real property formerly owned by the
Cambridge Gas Company upon mutual consent and agreement of the CRA and the Cambridge Gas Company. This
property has since then been sold and redeveloped as multi-family residential housing.
page 7
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
CHAPTER 3: LAND USE PLAN
Section 301: Right-of-Way Adjustments
The location of proposed rights-of-way and other easements, and right-of-way adjustments, shall
be, at least tentatively, as shown on Map 1: Proposed Land Use Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit
B of the Urban Renewal Plan.
Section 302: Street and Utility Adjustments
The location and nature of proposed streets and utilities, and street and utility adjustments, shall
be such as to conform to the proposed rights-of-way and other easements shown, at least
tentatively, on Map I: Proposed Land Use Plan. All public and private utility lines within the
project area shall be maintained, re- located, tended, reconstructed, constructed, installed, or
otherwise placed underground.
Section 303: Zoning Adjustments
The zoning district within which the MD District of the project area is located was changed
from "Industry B District" to the "Cambridge Center Mixed Use Development District" (or
"Cambridge Center MXD District") zoning classification for the project area, as shown on Map
1: Proposed Land Use Plan.
These zoning changes were made by amendment upon the "Zoning Map", under the provisions
of "Article I : Administration and Enforcement", set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, prior to the
time land was disposed of by the CRA for reuse and development. Future amendments to the
Plan may require additional changes to the MD District per the provisions of "Article I :
Administration and Enforcement". [10]
Section 304: Public or Special Purpose Uses
The location and nature of proposed public or special purpose uses, shall be as shown on Map 1:
Proposed Land Use Plan, to be developed by:
(a) The Department of Transportation (DOT) for a Transportation Systems Center (TSC) within
a portion of the Project Area, bounded, generally, by or abutting Broadway, Sixth Street, (a
portion of which was discontinued as a public way on December 15, 1969), Binney Street,
and Third Street, except for land now or formerly of Cambridge Gas Company;
(b) The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for improved subway, rapid
transit, bus transportation and terminal, passenger station and interchange, electric power,
and appurtenant facilities and incidental or accessory services, tentatively, in that portion of
the project area adjoining or related to the present subway station and tunnel located under
Main Street.
The City, the CRA, or other public or quasi-public agencies may develop or cause to be
developed, at any location or locations, such other public or special purpose uses, including but
not limited to public parking facilities, pedestrian circulation systems, and open space for parks
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 8
and plazas, as approved by the CRA and as may be required to carry out the Urban Renewat
Redevelopment Plan.
Section 305: Land Use and Open Space Definitions
(a) Gross Floor Area or "GFA" is hereby defined as follows:
The sum, in square feet, of the gross horizontal areas of all of the floors of a building, as
measured from the exterior face of the exterior walls or center lines of walls separating two
buildings, including: (i) enclosed porches and balconies, (ii) elevator shafts and stairwells on
each floor (iii) attic space, whether finished or unfinished, except as herein after excluded, (iv)
interior balconies, mezzanines and penthouses, and (V) basement and cellar areas not devoted
exclusively to uses accessory to the operation of the building;
but excluding: (i) areas used for parking garages, accessory parking, off-street loading purposes,
(ii) basement and cellar areas devoted exclusively to uses accessory to the operation of the
building, (iii) non-enclosed porches and balconies, (iv) courtyards, atriums, and enclosed gardens
that are determined to qualify as public space and/or pedestrian ways and (V) attic space and
other areas for elevator machinery or mechanical equipment accessory to the building.
Except as set forth above, interior courtyards whether or not covered by a roof, which have a
minimum dimension of less than forty feet in any direction shall be included in GFA
calculations, unless twenty-five percent or more of the perimeter of such courtyard at each floor
level measured consecutively is not enclosed and the courtyard is open to the sky.
(b) Floor area ratio or "FAR" is defined as ratio of gross floor area of a structure to the total area
of the lot.
(c) Open space shall mean a portion of a lot or other area of land associated with and adjacent to
a building or group of buildings in relation to which it serves to provide light and air, or scenic,
recreational, or similar purposes. Such space may either be:
(i) Public open space or private open space accessible to the general public,
(ii) Available exclusively for entry and use by the occupants of the building(s) with which it
is associated or
(iii)A limited proportion of space so located and treated as to enhance the amenity of
development by providing landscaping features, for the occupants or neighbors or a
general appearance of openness.
Open space shall include parks, plazas, lawns, landscaped areas, decorative plantings, roof decks
or gardens, non-enclosed balconies, pedestrian ways, active and passive recreational areas,
including playgrounds and swimming pools.
Courtyards, atriums, and enclosed gardens may be determined by the CRA to qualify as open
space if designed, managed, and programmed in a manner that functions similarly to public
parks. Streets, parking lots, driveways, service roads, loading areas, and areas normally
inaccessible to pedestrian circulation beneath pedestrian bridges, decks, or shopping bridges
shall not be counted in determining required open space. [10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 9
9.16.20
Section 306: Other Land Uses
The portion of the Project Area located within the MXD District shall be developed for such
other uses as are permitted under the provisions of Section 401 of the Plan, and Article 14 of the
Zoning Ordinance. [10][11]
The portion of the Project Area located within the Kendall PUD District of the Project Area shall
be developed in accordance with Article 12 and Article 13 of the Zoning Ordinance. [10]
page 10
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
CHAPTER 4: LAND USE PROVISIONS AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
Section 401: Permitted Uses on Acquired Land
Terms used in this Urban Renewat Redevelopment Plan (Plan) and not otherwise defined shall
have the meanings ascribed to them in the Zoning Ordinance, as the same may be amended from
time to time. The uses permitted in the MXD District of the project area on land previously
acquired by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority shall be: [9] [11]
(1) Light Industry
(a)
Manufacturing: fabrication, assembly, finishing work (including packaging and
bottling, but only as an accessory use) without limit as to category or product.
(b)
Wholesale business, only if affiliated with and accessory to another use or located
on the same lot as other non-wholesale uses. Development on any lot in the MXD
District shall not be devoted exclusively to wholesale uses.
(c)
Printing, binding, or related establishment.
(d)
Storage warehouse, cold storage plant, storage building, as an accessory use only
and not exceeding 20,000 square feet, but not including storage or bailing of junk,
scrap metal, rags, paper or other waste materials and not including outside storage
of products or materials.
(2)
Office Uses and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses [3]
1) Business or professional offices.
1) Bank, trust company or other financial institution.
2) Research and development office.
3) Research, experimental and testing laboratory.
4) Radio or television studio.
5) Manufacturing of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, including:
• (i) Fabrication, assembly, finishing work (including packaging and bottling, but
only as an accessory use).
(ii) Wholesale business, only if affiliated with and accessory to another use or
located on the same lot as other non-wholesale uses.
(iii) Storage warehouse, cold storage building, as an accessory use only.[3]
Retail and Consumer Service Establishments
(3)
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 11
9.16.20
1) Store for retail sale of merchandise, but not a sales place for automobiles or
trucks.
2) Eating and/or drinking establishment, whether or not liquor is sold or consumed,
including restaurant, bar, lunchroom, cafeteria and food commissary.
3) Fast order food establishment only if it (i) is not located in a separate structure,
(ii) it does not exceed 3,000 square feet gross floor area, and (iii) there will be no
more than fifteen (15) such establishments within the MD District (a maximum
of (8) of which shall be located in the Ames Street District and a maximum of
seven (7) of which shall be located in the portions of the District outside the Ames
Street District), and (iv) it is approved through the granting of a Special Permit, as
provided in the Zoning Ordinance. [9]
4) Consumer service establishment, including but not limited to hairdresser, barber
shop, laundry or dry-cleaning pick-up establishment, self-service laundry, shoe
repair or tailoring shop, or photography studio.
5) Rental agency for autos or other products, but not including taxi companies. Such
agencies shall be operated entirely within a building and no major automobile
repairs shall be made on the premises.
6) Automobile service station, provided that it is located within or attached to a
parking garage or other structure as an accessory use, that no major repairs are
made on the premises, and that all lubrication and repairs are carried out within
the building.
(4) Residential Uses
1) Multi-family dwelling.
2) Hotel or motel.
Entertainment and Recreational Uses
(5)
1) Indoor commercial entertainment establishments including but not limited to
cinema, theater, concert hall, cabaret and night club.
2) Recreation tacilities including bowling alley, indoor or outdoor tennis courts,
public recreation building, health club, or skating rink. Such recreation facilities
shall be allowed only if they are located in or attached to structures containing
other principal uses.
3) Halls, auditoriums and similar spaces used for public gatherings.
4) Parks or playgrounds.
Institutional Uses
(6)
1) Religious purposes.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 12
9.16.20
2) Educational purposes exempt by statute.
3) Library or museum.
4) Governmental offices and facilities, including post office, fire station and police
station.
5) Clinic licensed under Sec G.L. c. 111, § 51 but not a hospital licensed under said
Chapter.
(7)
Transportation, Communication and Utility Uses
1) Bus, subway or railroad passenger station.
2) Automobile parking lot or parking garage.
3) Distribution center, parcel delivery center or delivery warehouse as accessory
uses only.
4) Telephone exchange, as an accessory use.
5)
Radio or television transmission station.
6) Transformer station, substation, gas regulator station, or pumping station and
related utility uses designed primarily to serve development within the District.
[11]
The location of these uses will be in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance changed as specified
in Section 303 and with the objectives of the Urban Renewal Plan as specified in Section 102.
[11]
The uses permitted in the remainder of the project area, and the location of such uses, shall be as
set forth in Section 304 hereof.
No activity shall be permitted in the MD District unless it shall be in conformity with the
following standards for environmental protection:
1) All dust, fumes, odors, smoke or vapor shall be effectively confined to the
premises or so disposed of as to avoid air pollution.
2) Any noise, vibration or flashing shall not be normally perceptible without
instruments at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the premises.
3) All development proposals shall comply with Federal and State air pollution and
water pollution control regulations, the City of Cambridge Ordinances, and other
applicable environmental laws.
4) Except during construction activity on the lot all refuse and other waste materials
shall be stored within buildings prior to collection and disposal.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 13
Section 402: Dimensional Requirements
Dimensional requirements pertaining to floor area ratios, dwelling unit densities, and height
limitations in the MXD District of the project area shall be as follows:
1) Aggregate GFA: The Aggregate Gross Floor Area ("GFA") of development in the MXD
District shall not exceed three million, six hundred and seventy three thousand, (3,673,000)
square feet four million, four hundred seventy three thousand (4,473,000) square feet. plus
six hundred thousand (600,000) square feet that shall be limited to multi-family residential,
for a total GFA not to exceed four million, two hundred seventy three thousand (4,273,000)
five million, seventy three thousand (5.073.000) square feet. Aggregate GFA of development
in the MXD District is at any time the sum of the GFA of all buildings (i) which are then
located in the MXD District, (i1) which are being constructed or may be constructed in the
MXD District pursuant to the effective building permits, and (iii) which, pursuant to then
outstanding contracts (including options) with CRA and so stated in certificates from the
CRA to the Superintendent of Buildings, may be constructed in the MXD District in the
2) Any additional Infill GFA (as that term is defined in Section 504 below) for commercial uses
that is not the subject of the existing Concept Plan approved by Special Permit PB #315 on
March 20, 2017 (as amended by Amendment #1 (Major) dated January 31, 2019)
(collectively, the "Existing Concept Plan") may only be utilized in conjunction with the
development by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource (or its successors and assigns)
of a substation within the MXD District ("the Substation Project") and only on property
within the MD District owned by the entity (or an affiliate thereof that provided the land
on which the Substation Project is to be developed. For the purposes of this Plan, the eight
hundred thousand (800,000) square feet of Infill GFA for commercial uses that is not the
subject of the Existing Concept Plan may sometimes be referred to as "Substation
Commercial GFA". The issuance of a building permit for the Substation Project shall precede
or be issued concurrently with the issuance of a building permit for any project utilizing
Substation Commercial GFA. [11]
Additionally, a building permit for construction of a residential project of at least four
hundred thousand (400,000) gross square feet shall be issued prior to or concurrently with the
issuance of a building permit for any project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA. The
design review process for a residential project of at least four hundred thousand (400,000)
gross square feet shall also precede, or proceed concurrently with, the design review process
for any project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA, in accordance with a special permit
approving a Concept Plan as set forth in Section 14.32.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. [11]
3) Two hundred thousand (200,000) square feet of the multi-family residential GFA shall occur
only within the area designated on the Zoning Map as the "Ames Street District" (the "Ames
Street Residential Project")., the construction of which shall precede the occupancy of any
commercial GFA in excess of three million and seventy three thousand (3,073,000) square
6 Previous versions of the Plan included an additional 29,100 GFA provided to Seven Cambridge Center via
Amendment 6 and a subsequent variance from the MD Zoning. The GFA limitations have been revised to match
the zoning ordinance and additional language allowing GFA exemptions for variances is added in Section 402 (4).
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 14
9.16.20
feet, other than the 60,000 square feet of commercial space that may be permitted by special
permit pursuant to Section 416. -[10]
Additionally, the commencement of construction of a second residential project of at least
200,000 square feet shall precede the occupancy of any commercial GFA utilizing Infill GFA
(as defined in Section 504 below) in excess of three hundred and seventy five thousand
(375,000) square feet. [10}
4) Cumulative GFA: In addition to the Aggregate GFA limitation, the Cumulative GFA for each
of the use groups shall not exceed the respective amounts stated below, except as provided
hereinafter. The sum of the Cumulative GFA limitations below exceeds the Aggregate GFA
limitation to provide flexibility between uses in the Project Area. Cumulative GFA for a use
group is at any time the sum of the GFA of all portions, occupied or to be occupied by uses
within such use group, of all buildings (i) which are then located in the MXD District, (ii)
which are being constructed or may be constructed in the MD District pursuant to then
effective building permits, and (ii) which, pursuant to then outstanding contracts (including
options) with the CRA to the Superintendent of Buildings, may be constructed in the MXD
District in the future. [10]
1. Industrial uses permitted by Section 401(1):
Cumulative GFA = 770,000 square feet.
2. Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses permitted by Section 401(2):
Cumulative GFA = 2,265,000 3,065,000 square feet. [3] [8] [10] [11]
3. Retail and consumer service uses permitted by Section 401(3):
Cumulative GFA = 200,000 square feet. [10]
4. Residential uses permitted by Section 401(4):
(i) Multi-family housing:
Cumulative GFA = 800,000 square feet. [5] [10]
(1i) Hotel/Motel:
Cumulative GFA = 440,000 square feet. [4]
5. Entertainment, recreational, institutional, transportation, communication and
utility uses permitted by Sections 401(5), 401(6) and 401(7) and additional
development of industrial, office, retail, consumer service and hotel/motel uses
exceeding the foregoing cumulative GFA limitations:
' Provision allows the GFA provided by the Whitehead Institute zoning petition to be added independent of the
residential obligation.
page 15
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
Cumulative GFA = 973,000 square feet for buildings which are located or
are being constructed or may be constructed at any location within the
MXD District. [2] [6] [10]
Any construction or change of use within the MXD District, which would cause the
foregoing aggregate or cumulative GFA limitations to be exceeded shall not be allowed.
The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and Cambridge Inspectional Services
Department (ISD - also referred to as the Superintendent of Buildings) shall maintain a
record of the Aggregate GFA within the MXD District. The CRA shall also maintain a
record of Cumulative GFA for each use group specified in Section 401. The CRA and
ISD shall further maintain a separate record of any development within the area of the
MXD district designated in Exhibit F as the "Ames Street District." These records shall
be adjusted, as appropriate, from time to time, including upon issuance, revocation, or
expiration of a building permit or certificate of occupancy and upon receipt of a
certificate from the CRA as to an outstanding contract (including an option) for the
construction of a building. Additional building area within the MD District authorized
by variance issued by the Board of Zoning Appeal, shall not be counted by the CRA or
the ISD against the GFA Limitations of this Section 402. [9] [10]
In determining Cumulative GFA for a building containing uses in more than one use
group, spaces to be utilized by users in more than one of the use groups (such as lobbies,
interior courts, elevator shafts and basement storage areas) shall be apportioned to each
use group in proportion to the share of space that use group will occupy within the
building.
5) Floor Area Ratio: In addition to both the Aggregate and Cumulative GFA limitations
established herein, there shall also be a density limitation for each within the MXD District.
The following Floor Area Ratios (hereinafter referred to as "FAR") for each lot shall not be
exceeded, except as provided hereinafter. The area of the lot to be counted in determining
FAR shall include land dedicated by the owner or former owner of the lot as public open
space under Section 403, as well as developed land.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, there shall be no
maximum FAR for any project utilizing Infill GFA (including Substation Commercial GFA).
However, the other Dimensional Requirements in this Section 402 shall continue to apply.
Industrial and Wholesale Uses: FAR 4.0
Office Uses and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses: FAR 8.0 [3]
Retail and Consumer Services Uses: FAR 5.0
Residential uses:
- Multi-family housing: FAR 8.0 [10]
- Hotel/Motel: FAR 6.0
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 16
9.16.20
Other uses: FAR 4.0
If development on a lot is to include activities in more than one of the uses above, the
maximum FAR for the lot shall be the FAR for the use group containing the largest
proportion of space on the lot.
(4)
GFA Exemptions:
The following items shall be excluded from the calculation of Aggregate GFA within the
District for the purposes of determining compliance with the intensity of development
requirements of the Plan and Article 14 of the Zoning Ordinance:
(A)
Variances: Aggregate GFA within the District authorized by a variance issued by
the Board of Zoning Appeal. [9]
(B)
Residential Outdoor Area Exemptions: Private outdoor decks or balconies, up to
five eight percent (58%) of the building floor area for multi-family residential or
commercial development. [10] [11]
(C).
Innovation Space: Innovation Space GFA up to the lesser of either twenty percent
(20%) of the Infill GFA dedicated to Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing
uses, or one hundred five thousand (105,000) square feet. In order for the
Innovation Space to be exempt from the Aggregate GFA limitations, at least
twenty five percent (25%) of the Innovation Space utilization (measured by
square footage or shared space membership) must be set aside as below market
rate space to be offered by the CRA and/or the City to qualifying tenants. [10]
(D)
Retail: The GFA occupied by retail and consumer service uses listed in Article
14.21.3 of the Zoning Ordinance, if the conditions set forth in Section 14.32.6(4)
or 14.72.4, as applicable of the Zoning Ordinance are met. [10]
(E)
Middle Income Residential Housing Units: The GFA committed to the provision
of middle-income housing units per the provisions of Section 411 below.
(F)
Transfer of Development Rights: Any GFA acquired through the transfer of
development rights provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. [10]
(G)
Electrical Substation: The Substation Project shall be exempt from Aggregate
GFA calculation as well as the requirements as to Floor Area Ratio. Further,
substation construction shall not constitute Infill GFA (or Substation Commercial
GFA). [11]
(H)
Educational Lab, Classroom, or Training Facility: Up to twenty thousand (20,000)
square feet of educational, health, or workforce training facilities operated to
provide services to the general public (as opposed to private facilities that are
solely accessible by tenants or occupants of commercial buildings within the
MD District), which such services are either permitted as of right within the
MD District in accordance with the provisions of Article 14 of the Zoning
Ordinance or may otherwise be permitted by special permit. [11]
(5) Building Height Limits
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 17
9.16.20
The maximum building height for commercial buildings in the MXD District shall be 250
feet, except for the area of the District more than 450 feet north of Broadway where the
maximum building height for any portion of a building located in such area shall be 200
feet. Up to two (2) mixed use buildings elsewhere in the District may be permitted to be
built up to 350 feet within the 250 foot building height area of the District provided,
however, that the occupied floors above 250 feet may only contain residential uses and
associated amenity space. No more than two buildings within the MXD District may exceed
250 feet in height. Additionally the average floorplate of the occupied portions of a building
above 250 feet shall not exceed 12,000 square feet. [10]
The maximum building height in the MD District shall be two hundred and fifty (250)
feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, one building within the MD District may reach four
hundred (400) feet provided, however, that the occupied floors above two hundred and fifty
(250) feet may only contain residential and associated amenity space. Additionally, the
floorplate of any portion of a building above two hundred fifty (250) feet shall not exceed
twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) square feet. [11]
These requirements shall not apply to chimneys, water towers, air conditioning equipment,
elevator bulkheads, skylights, ventilators, solar or wind turbine energy systems, and other
necessary features appurtenant to buildings, which are usually carried above roofs and are
not used for human occupancy. These requirements shall also not apply to (i) domes,
towers or spires above buildings if such features are not used for human occupancy and
occupy less than ten percent (10%) of the lot area, (ii) wireless or broadcasting towers and
other like un-enclosed structures which occupy less than ten percent of the lot area or (iii)
rooftop terraces and enclosed structures ancillary thereto (provided that such structures
occupy less than ten percent (10%) of the lot area. [10]
Section 403: Open Space Requirements
To the maximum feasible degree, the CRA will dispose of project land in such a manner as to
achieve the mixture and density of those land uses needed to produce balanced development in
accordance with the objectives set forth in Section 102.
1) Public Open Space Requirement: The CRA will reserve at least 100,000 square feet of land
in the MD District for the development of public open space for parks, gardens and plazas.
Public open space shall be open space reserved for public use and enjoyment as guaranteed
through one or more of the following: [10]
(1)
Retention by the CRA;
(2)
Dedication to and acceptance by the City or other public entity;
(3)
Easements or deed restrictions over such land sufficient to ensure its perpetual
reservation for public open space purposes;
(4)
Dedication, by covenant or comparable legal instrument. to the community use of
the residents, lessees and visitors to the MD District for reasonable amounts of
time on a regular basis; or
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 18
Lease agreements of 99 years or longer from the private developer or owner to the
5)
City or other public entity.
2) Project Open Space Requirement: Each development project shall be required to contribute to
the open space network of the Project Area. Table One lists the minimum amount of open
space (public, private or combined) to be provided by each development within the MXD
District, subject to the reduction provided hereinafter. When development on a lot includes
uses in more than one of the use categories in Table One, the requirement for each use
category shall be calculated and totaled to determine a total requirement for the project. This
open space requirement may be met by any combination of the following:
(a)
Creating open space on the development lot. Some or all of this required open
space may be designated and also serve as public open space, if reserved by one
of the methods specified above.
(b)
Creating new public open space within the MD District (not otherwise reserved
by another project to meet its lot open space requirement), or enhancing existing
open areas to create more publicly accessible open space (e.g., by physical
improvements, access dedication, public programming, etc.). The CRA shall set
conditions on the level of enhancement necessary to utilize space to qualify as an
open space contribution toward the objectives of linking existing open space and
activating previously unused open areas. Additionally, a project may provide, as
qualifying open space, funding toward sustaining, continuous public
programming and maintenance of special features of open space enhancements.
[10]
(c)
Providing land and/or adequate acquisition and development funds for the
creation of new public open space, or adequate funds for the enhancement of
existing or future public open space, elsewhere within one half mile of the MXD
District. This outside of the MXD option may be used to provide up to fifty
percent (50%) of the Project Open Space Requirement. The CRA will set a
funding level necessary for this financial contribution to meet a portion of the
open space requirement, based on the then-prevailing market costs of acquiring,
improving and/or enhancing an equivalent amount of space within a comparable
open space project. [10]
The CRA shall maintain and shall make publicly available a record of Cumulative GFA
by land use for the purpose of determining and tracking open space requirements for
existing and future development. [10]
•
page 19
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
Table One: Project Open Space Requirements
Required Open Space
Use Group
(SF of open space required for each 100 SF of GFA)
Light Industrial and Wholesale Uses
5
allowed by Section 401(1)
Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses
8
allowed by Section 401(2)
Retail and Consumer Service Uses
10
allowed by Section 401(4)
Residential Uses allowed by Section 401(4)
8
Multitamily housing
Hotel or Motel
10
Other Uses
8
allowed by Sections 401(5), 401(6) and 401(7)
[10]
3) Pedestrian Ways: Pedestrian ways listed and defined in Exhibit E may be counted toward the
project open space requirement. For each linear foot of pedestrian way meeting the
requirements within Exhibit E provided by a development project, 20 square feet may be
deducted from the Project Open Space Requirement. [10]
page 20
9.16.20
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
Section 404: Vehicular Access, Parking and Loading Regulations
1) Buildings erected in the MD District need not be located on lots that have frontage on a
street. However, provisions for access to all buildings by emergency and service vehicles in
lieu of public street access shall be made possible by the layout and design of driveways,
interior service roads, or pedestrian and bicycle circulation corridors not normally open to
vehicular traffic to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Fire Department, and the City
Traffic Department.
2) With the exception of multi-family residential development, there are no minimum parking
requirements in the MXD District. Multi-family residential development shall provide a
minimum of 0.4 0.25 parking spaces per dwelling unit._All proposed development shall be
restricted from constructing parking spaces, either on or off the lot within the MXD District.
beyond the maximum allowances of Table Two. The CRA may approve arrangements for
shared parking of such residential parking spaces with commercial spaces or otherwise
adjust the minimum residential parking requirements based on review and analysis of
anticipated parking demand. Otherwise off-street parking allowance for motor vehicle
within the MXD District shall be restricted according to building use, with additional
standards as follows in Table One: [10] [11]
Table Two: Off Street Parking Maximum Allowance
Use Group
Maximum Parking
Allowance
Light Industrial and Wholesale Uses
. 8/1000 sq ft
allowed by Section 401(1)
Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses
.9/1000 sq ft
allowed by Section 401(2)
Retail and Consumer Service Uses
.5 / 1000 sq ft
allowed by Section 401(4)
Residential Uses allowed by Section 401(4)
.75/unit
Multifamily housing
Hotel or Motel
1 / 4 sleeping rooms
Other Uses
.9/1000 sq ft
No permanent surface (i.e. not structured), off-street parking areas shall be allowed in the MXD
District. [10][11]
The parking for requirements specified above may be allocated in total or in part by a lease
agreement between the developer and the City, other public entity, or private consortium for use
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 21
9.16.20
of parking spaces in a public or pooled private parking facility located within the MD District
(or, in the case of the spaces required for residential uses, located outside of the MD District
but within (,1000) two thousand (2,000) feet of the residential building for which the parking is
being provided measured from property edge to property edge). [10][11]
At least ten (10) additional parking spaces reserved for car-sharing services shall be provided by
the first development project utilizing at least 100,000 square feet of Infill GFA. Parking spaces
permanently dedicated to accessible parking, car sharing programs, vanpools, or electronic
vehicle charging stations are not included in the maximum parking space calculations so long as
the aggregate number spaces of the special designated spaced does not exceed 10% of the
maximum allowance per use. In the event that no car sharing organization or site-based car rental
organization is prepared to offer services, the designated car sharing spaces may be rented on a
monthly basis unless and until an organization agrees to provide the services, if there is clear
documentation that such spaces are continuously offered to car sharing organizations. [10]
Parking requirements for bicycles within the MXD District shall be provided as called for in
Section 14.52.6 Article 6 of the Zoning Ordinance. [10][11]
3) Sufficient off-street loading facilities shall be constructed within the MD District to meet
the needs of users located there. Each building of 25,000 square feet or greater shall provide
loading bays per Article 14. 53 of the Zoning Ordinance. [10]
In addition, parking and loading areas must be laid out, constructed, paved, equipped,
landscaped, and effectively screened to provide an attractive visual appearance.
4) The parking and loading of vehicles within the remainder of the project area on land
designated to be acquired shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of "Article 6
Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements", as set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, as it
may be amended from time to time.
Section 405: Vehicular Access and Discharge Areas
All buildings within the Project Area on land designated to be acquired, shall be suitably
provided with automobile, bicycle and truck access and service and delivery areas in such a way
as not to impede general vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow in public streets and rights-of-way.
[10]
Section 406: Building Construction
All buildings within the project area shall be constructed as Type I or Type II, in full conformity
with the provisions of and as defined in the Massachusetts Building Code, as amended from time
to time.
Section 407: Signs and Advertising Devices
Signs within the project area, except for official, uniform traffic and parking signals and devices,
shall be provided in accordance with development guidelines established pursuant to Section 502
of the Plan.
Section 408: Storage
page 22
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
The open air storage of materials, equipment, or merchandise, other than the temporary parking
of automobiles, shall not be permitted within the project area on any land designated to be
acquired.
Section 409: Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting within the project area shall be provided in accordance with development
guidelines established pursuant to Section 502 of the Plan.
Section 410: Landscaping
All open areas within the project area on land disposed of by the CRA must be suitably
landscaped so as to provide a visually attractive environment in accordance with development
guidelines established pursuant to Section 502 of the Plan.
Section 411: Housing
1) Affordable Housing Requirements
Multi-tamily housing development shall provide that at least a final net twenty percent
(20%) of the Infill GFA of new housing development is made permanently available to
households qualifying for affordable housing under the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance,
or the minimum percentage required by the Zoning Ordinance, whichever is greater. The
CRA will utilize this square footage measurement rather than unit counts for meeting this
requirement to provide opportunities for larger affordable units with two and three
bedrooms to be constructed. [10]
2) Middle Income Housing
Middle Income Units (as defined in Article 14.35(c) of the Zoning Ordinance.) shall
occupy at least five percent (5%) of the total residential GFA of each residential building
utilizing Infill GFA. Such Middle Income Units shall be distributed throughout each
residential building and be comparable in size, configuration and quality to the market
rate units. The floor area of Middle Income Units provided per this Section 411 shall not
be counted against the Aggregate or Cumulative GFA limitations in the District. [10]
3) Dwelling Type Mixture
New housing development utilizing Infill GFA shall include a range of dwelling unit
types and sizes. At a minimum, five percent (5%) of the residential GFA utilizing Infill
GFA shall be devoted to dwelling units with three (3) bedrooms or more, which shall be
designed to accommodate families with children.
To the extent legally permissible under Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance and other
applicable legal requirements, these three-bedroom units will all be Middle Income Units
and Affordable Units; provided, however, that if three-bedroom units comprise more than
five percent (5%) of the total floor area devoted to multi-family residential units, any
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 23
such units in excess of five percent (5%) of the total floor area may be market-rate units.
[10]
Section 412: Innovation Space
Any proposal for new commercial development utilizing Infill GFA (as defined in Section
14.32.2 of the Zoning Ordinance) and containing more than 100,000 square feet for Office and
Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses shall include a plan for Innovation Space meeting the
requirements below. Innovation Space within the MXD District must occupy FA equal to, or in
excess of, ten percent (10%) of newly constructed Infill GFA used for Office and Biotechnology
Manufacturing Uses. Existing GFA within the MD District may be converted to meet this
requirement. The Innovation Commercial Space requirement shall be met through the provision
of office spaces of at least 10,000 square feet within a single building (or ten percent (10%) of
newly constructed Infill GFA used for Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses, if less),
and may be satisfied by means of a lease to a single user who will operate and manage a facility
meeting the requirements hereof.
(a) Combined Spaces. Developers of properties within the MXD District may
collaborate with other developers in adjacent zoning districts in the Kendall Square
area (defined as zoning districts reviewed as part of the K2 Planning Study) to create
a Joint Innovation Space Plan. In such a case, the total square footage of joint
Innovation Space must be large enough to satisfy the sum of the requirements, if any,
for such participating developers and zoning districts.
(b) Characteristics. For the purposes of this Section 412, Innovation Space shall have
the characteristics specified in Article 14.32.5 (c) of the Zoning Ordinance.
(c) Variations. In reviewing development proposals, variations in the specific
characteristics set forth above, may be allowed if the proposed Innovation Space is
found to be consistent with the purposes of these characteristics. [10]
(d) Inapplicability to Substation Commercial GFA. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this Section 412, there shall be no innovation space requirement for any
project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA (nor shall any such project utilizing
Substation Commercial GFA be entitled to utilize Innovation Space in order to obtain
a GFA Exemption under Section 402(4) above). [11]
Section 413: Interim Uses
The CRA may devote real property designated to be acquired, or acquired under special
conditions, prior to the time such properties are needed for disposition for reuse and development
in accordance with the provisions of the Urban Renewal Redevelopment Plan to temporary,
interim uses for signs for project identification, relocation, parking, traffic circulation and public
transportation, project or site improvements or building construction, storage, recreation, or
landscaping in accordance with such provisions, requirements, standards, controls, and
regulations as the CRA may deem essential, necessary, or appropriate to the carrying out of the
objectives of the Urban Renewal-Redevelopment Plan.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 24
9.16.20
Section 414: Permitted Uses on Land Designated to be Acquired
Under Special Conditions
In the event that the real property described in Section 202 above is acquired by the CRA the
land use provisions and building requirements, which shall pertain thereto shall be those set forth
in Chapter 4 of the Urban Renewat Plan. [11]
Section 415: Special Provisions Applicable Within the Ames Street District
1) Applicability. The provisions set forth in this Section 415 shall apply solely within the
Ames Street District. Where this Section 415 specifies some standard or makes some other
requirement contrary to the standards or requirements set forth elsewhere in Chapter Four of
this Plan, the provisions of this Section 415 shall control. [9]
2) FAR. Notwithstanding the Lot Density Limitations in Section 402, there shall be no
maximum FAR for Multi-family dwelling uses. However, the District Development
Limitations in Section 402 shall continue to apply. [9]
3) Lot Minimum Open Space Requirement. So long as the District Public Open Space
Requirement in Section 403 is met and there exists within the Ames Street District a
minimum of fifty-three thousand (53,000) square feet of public open space (as defined in
Section 403), the Lot Minimum Open Space Requirements in Section 403 shall be
inapplicable within the Ames Street District. [9]
4) Parking. The minimum number of spaces for multifamily residential use shall be 0.50 per
dwelling unit. [9]
5) Loading Requirements. Where there are contractual arrangements for sharing loading and
service facilities with other users in the Ames Street District for a period of ten (10) years or
more, a sixty percent (60%) reduction in the loading bay requirements shall be allowed.
Such contractual agreement shall be guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of
Buildings by covenant, deed restriction, easement or comparable legal instrument. [9]
6) Atfordable Housing: So long as the requirements of the Cambridge Inclusionary Housing
Ordinance are met, the Affordable Housing Requirements of Section 411 shall not apply to
the initial 200,000 square feet of GFA of multi-family residential development within the
Ames Street District. [10]
page 25
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
Section 416: Special Provisions Applicable Outside the Ames Street District
1) Applicability. The provisions set forth in this Section 416 shall apply solely within the
portion of the MIXD District consisting of lots fronting on Main Street that are not within
the Ames Street District as such District is constituted as of October 1, 2014. Where this
Section 416 specifies some standards or makes some other requirement contrary to the
standards or requirements set forth elsewhere in Chapter Four of this Plan, the provisions
of this Section 416 shall control.
2) Special Permit. Where improvements are proposed to be constructed on any lot within
the portion of the MD District fronting on Main Street that is not within the Ames
Street District as such District is constituted as of October 1, 2014, and release of an open
space covenant by the City will be necessary to accommodate such improvements,
improvements containing incremental square footage of not more than 60,000 square feet
of GFA within the limits of Section 402 in excess of the square footage of improvements
located on such lot as of October 1, 2014 shall be allowed, subject to the issuance of a
special permit by the Cambridge Planning Board under Article 14.72 of the Zoning
Ordinance.
3) Parking and Loading. The improvements authorized subject to special permit under this
Section 416 shall not require vehicle parking or loading facilities by reason of the
incremental development authorized, and no additional parking spaces shall be provided
by reason of improvements located on such lot beyond the number of parking spaces
provided as of October 1, 2014.
4) Project Review. Development authorized subject to special permit under this Section 416
shall be subject to project review by the Planning Board under the provisions of Article
19.20 of the Zoning Ordinance or as may otherwise be required by the Zoning Ordinance,
and shall be subject to the review and comment, but not the approval, of the CRA in
accordance with Section 505. [10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 26
9.16.20
CHAPTER 5: DESIGN PRINCIPLES, DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES AND DESIGN
REVIEW, AND REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS
Section 501: General Design Principles
Proposals by redevelopers shall be designed to:
(1)
Create an environment which will be lively and attractive and provide daily
amenities and services for the use and enjoyment of the working population and
City residents.
(2)
Establish an active urban character for the area by the intensive utilization of
transand by the mixing of compatible land uses, especially near the Kendall rapid
(3)
Achieve a proper integration of buildings and spaces within and outside the
project area by carefully relating the scale and materials in new development
both among project components and with respect to the scale and materials of
surrounding development.
(4)
Establish a focus through building form and open space which will serve to
create development identity of sufficient positive impact.
(5)
Preserve and enhance long and short-range views, visual privacy, and sun
orientation by the careful positioning of buildings and open space.
(6)
Obtain a relationship between buildings, open space and public ways, which
provides increased protection to the pedestrian during unfavorable weather
conditions.
(7)
Link all project components with continuous and safe pedestrian and bicycle
circulation systems. [10]
(8)
Establish an orderly sequence and hierarchy of open spaces and pedestrian routes
throughout the site.
(9)
Provide maximum opportunity for safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle
access to surrounding areas. [10]
Section 502: Development Guidelines
The CRA shall from time to time establish land disposition policies and procedures, design
standards, and other development guidelines and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of
development proposals with reference to the Plan objectives, land use provisions, building
requirements, design principles and other controls as set forth in this Plan, in the disposition
documents, and development guidelines. The CRA shall also utilize urban design guidelines
established by the City, including the "K2 Design Guidelines."[10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 27
9.16.20
The design review process will be conducted by the CRA in coordination with the City and the
Planning Board, as described in Section 506. [10]
Section 503: Compliance with Plan and Development Guidelines
redevelopment in the project area shall conform to the Plan objectives, land use provisions
building requirements, design principles, and other controls as set forth in the Urban Renewa
Redevelopment Plan and to development guidelines established by the CRA.
Section 504: Infill Development Concept Plan
The CRA will cause an Infill Development Concept Plan (Concept Plan) to be prepared
roviding for the distribution of any GFA associated with new development within the MXI
District above and beyond 3,333,000 square feet ("Infill GFA") to supplement the origina
Redevelopment Concept Plan. This Concept Plan shall contain the required elements described
in Article 14.32.2.1 of the Zoning Ordinance. All new development utilizing Infill GFA shall be
consistent with the Concept Plan (as the same may be modified in accordance with Section 506
below.)
An individual building proposal utilizing Infill GFA may be submitted concurrently with the
preparation and approval of the Concept Plan. Notwithstanding anything contained in this
Section 14.32.2 to the contrary, (i) the GFA utilized for the Ames Street Residential Project and
(ii) a maximum of 60,000 square feet of GFA associated with any project proceeding under
Section 416 above, shall not be deemed to be Infill GFA for the purposes of the Plan. [10]
Section 505: Proposed Building and Architectural Plans
All development proposals and architectural plans will be subject to design review, comment,
and approval by the CRA prior to land disposition (if applicable) and prior to the commencement
of construction. All construction work will be subject to review by the CRA in order to assure
the evaluation of development projects utilizing Infill GFA. [10]
A schematic development proposal shall consist of text, maps and drawings that describe to the
CRA how the parcels will be developed. The form, content and time schedule for each
development proposal will be specified in development guidelines established by the CRA
pursuant to Section 502 of the Plan, and the Concept Plan pursuant to Section 504. [10]
Proposed building and architectural plans and related materials including diagrams, scale
models, perspective sketches, and photographs illustrating building design and arrangement, to a
suitable scale; and based upon the land development specifications set forth above, shall show,
among other things:
1) Detailed elevations and floor plans for all buildings, and dwelling unit types;
2) The specific use of all non-residential floor space;
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 28
9.16.20
3) The location and layout of all signs; and
4) Outline specifications for building types, including construction and finish, together with
actual samples of proposed exterior and interior building materials.
Section 506: Inter-Agency Design Review
For any development requiring the approval of both the CRA and the Planning Board in
accordance with the Zoning Ordinance, the CRA shall conduct its design review in close
coordination with the City and the Planning Board. In connection therewith, the CRA may make
such modifications to the Concept Plan as may be necessary to reflect development proposals.
Review and approval of the Concept Plan, detailed in Article 14.32.2 of the Zoning Ordinance,
as well as subsequent building design review, shall be performed jointly by the CRA and the
Planning Board.
The review of subsequent building designs will be guided by the Objectives outlined in Section
102, the Design Principles and Development Guidelines outlined in Sections 501 and 502, as
well as by applicable design guidelines in the Zoning Ordinance. The CRA Board and the
Planning Board shall hold joint meetings to consider the Concept Plan and as necessary to
review subsequent building designs. [10]
Section 507: Retail Plan
In order to effectuate the goals of promoting a vibrant retail environment and street-level
activation, the CRA shall require that the Concept Plan shall include a Retail Plan to demonstrate
how the project will improve and diversify the existing retail environment, create active street-
level uses, and attract and support the provision of local and independent businesses. Among
other things, the Retail Plan shall:
1) Set forth target uses and users (and shall particularly target local and/or independent
retailers and grocery store / pharmacy operators),
2) Designate an individual responsible for implementing the plan who shall serve as a point
of contact with the CRA,
3) Describe the types of economic incentives which may be offered to tenants such as rental
and fit-up allowances,
4) Include a street activation plan for Main Street, Broadway, and Ames Street, and
5) Identify opportunities for "start-up" retail uses at an entrepreneurial or developmental
stage of business, which opportunities may, for example, be located in indoor or outdoor
temporary space (such as kiosks, markets, food trucks and the like) or in leased space, or
in some combination thereof.
The Concept Plan must include an annual reporting process to the CRA for the duration of the
KSURP regarding the ongoing efforts on the part of the development to comply with the Retail
Plan. [10]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 29
CHAPTER 6: REDEVELOPER'S OBLIGATIONS
Notwithstanding lesser requirements in the provisions of any zoning or building ordinance or
regulation or hereafter in effect, the CRA by use of the following controls in the form of
restrictive covenants or conditions running with the land, or by other appropriate means, shall
obligate and bind all developers, purchasers, and lessees of project land, and their successors in
interest, lessees, sub-lessees, or assigns. Such obligations, together with suitable provisions for
reasonable action in the event of default or non-compliance, shall be inserted in and made an
effective part of all agreements, conveyances, and other instruments for the disposition of any
rights, title, or interests, in whole or in part, in any land acquired or to be acquired within the
project area by the CRA.
Section 601: Use and Improvement of Project Land
The use, development, and maintenance of any part or parcel of land within the project area
together with improvements thereon shall be undertaken and carried out only for the purposes
and in the manner set forth in the general conditions, land use provisions, and building
requirements of the Urban Renewat Plan and in full contormity with the provisions of any
applicable development proposal and the terms and conditions under which such a development
proposal may have been approved and consented to in writing by the CRA. [11]
Section 602: Commencement and Completion of Improvements
The construction of improvements on any part or parcel of land within the project area shall be
commenced, carried out, and completed within such periods of time as the CRA may establish as
reasonable and which it may have approved and consented to in writing as a part of any
applicable development proposal.
Section 603: Disposition of Project Land by Redeveloper
No disposition of any rights, title, or interests in any part of land within the project area by the
developer thereof shall be made prior to the full completion of each and all of the improvements
thereon as required by and in full conformity with the terms and conditions of the Urban
Renewal Plan, the approved development proposal, and the land disposition agreement which are
applicable thereto, unless and until the CRA shall have consented in writing to such disposition.
Section 604: Non-Discrimination
At no time shall the acquisition, development, construction, installation, reconstruction, disposal
or conveyance by sale or lease, management, or maintenance of any part or parcel of land within
the project area or of improvements thereon, to or by any person, be denied, restricted, or
abridged, nor his employment thereon, or his use, occupancy, or possession thereof preferred,
discriminated against, segregated, or refused because of race, color, sex, age, religious creed,
religious creed, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity,
marital status, family status, military status or source of income. [10][|1]
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 30
9.16.20
All transactions affecting or respecting such activities shall be subject to the applicable
provisions of Chapter 151-B of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended, and to all other
applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances, and regulations guaranteeing civil rights,
providing for equal opportunities in housing, employment, and education, and prohibiting
discrimination or segregation because of race, color, sex, age, religious creed, disability, national
origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or
source of income. [10]
No covenant, agreement, contract, lease, conveyance, or other instrument shall be effected or
executed by the CRA, or its contractors, or by developers, purchasers, or lessees of any part or
parcel of land within the project area, or their successors in interest, contractors, lessees, sub-
lessees, or assigns, whereby the disposition of any rights, title, or interests, in whole or in part in
such land shall be restricted because of race, color, sex, age, religious creed, disability, national
origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or
source of income. [10]
Every covenant, agreement, contract, lease, conveyance, or other instrument by which any part
or parcel of land within the project area is disposed of or by which its improvement is provided
for shall include an affirmative covenant which shall obligate and bind each developer,
contractor, purchaser, lessee, grantee, or other party to such instrument, or any successors in
interest, so that there shall be no discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, religious creed,
disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status,
military status or source of income in the sale, lease, or rental, or in the employment on, or in the
use, occupancy, or possession of such land or of any improvements constructed or to be
constructed thereon. [10]
For the purposes of Section 604 of the Plan, the definition of the word "age" shall be in
accordance with the provisions of Chapter 151B of the Massachusetts General Laws as amended.
The CRA shall take all steps necessary and appropriate to enforce such provisions and
covenants, and shall not itself so discriminate.
page 31
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
CHAPTER 7: RELATION OF PLAN TO DEFINITE LOCAL OBJECTIVES
Section 701: Conformity to General Plan
The Urban Renewat Redevelopment Plan is based upon a local survey, and is in conformity with
a comprehensive plan for the City as a whole. Proposed urban renewal actions and the renewal
and redevelopment of the project area for predominantly nonresidential uses are necessary for
the proper development of the community. [11]
Section 702: Relation to Definite Local Objectives
The Urban Renewat Plan for the project area, proposed urban renewat redevelopment
actions, and the renewal and redevelopment revitalization of the project area for
predominantly commercial and nonresidential uses are related to definite local objectives
as set forth in Section 102 by:[11]
(a) Providing tor such mixture and density of land uses as will produce a balanced
development consistent with the Plan objectives, land use provisions, building
requirements, design principles, and other controls, as set forth in the Urban Renewal
Plan; [11]
(b) Providing for the development of those light industrial job generating uses which are
consistent with the socio-economic and other objectives of the Plan;[11]
(c) Providing for the discontinuance of local, short and narrow streets and private ways,
and for the establishment of a rational and efficient street network which reduces
congestion, improves traffic flow, including truck access to and through the project area,
and otherwise conforms to the objectives, design principles, and other controls of the
Plan;
(d) Providing for the redevelopment of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
(MBTA) facilities in such a way as to make them more convenient, attractive and
efficient;
(e) Providing for the adjustment of utility service lines, making them more efficient and
capable of providing better and more uninterrupted service; and
(t) Requiring new building development to contain appropriate allowances for open
space, landscaping and vehicular parking and loading arrangements.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 32
9.16.20
CHAPTER 8: PROVISION FOR MODIFICATION AND TERMINATION
Section 801: Interpretation
Interpretation of the objectives, general conditions, land use and building requirements, and other
provisions of the Urban-Renewal Redevelopment Plan by the CRA shall be final and binding.
Section 802: Modification
The Urban Renewat Plan may be modified at any time by the CRA; provided, however, that if
the general conditions, land use provisions, and building requirements, applicable to any part or
parcel of land within the project area are modified after the disposition of any land within the
roject area affected thereby, the modification shall be consented to in writing by the purchase
or lessee, or by his successors or assigns, of the land affected by the proposed modification.
Whenever proposed modifications of the Urban Renewal Plan will substantially or materially
alter or change the Urban Renewal Plan, the proposed modifications shall be approved by the
Cambridge City Council and the City Manager, and by the Massachusetts Department of
Housing and Community Development. [1O][11]
Section 803: Duration and Termination
The Urban Renewat Redevelopment Plan shall be maintained and in effect for a period of sixty-
five seventy (6570) years from the date of the original approval of the Urban Renewal Plan by the
Cambridge City Council and the City Manager, and by the Massachusetts Department of
Housing and Community Development; provided, however, that the provisions of Section 604
shall remain in effect for a period of one hundred (100) years from the date of the original
approval of the original urban renewal plan Urban Renewal Plan in 1965. [3] [8] [10] [11]
page 33
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
Exhibit A: Project Area Description
The project area is described as follows:
That certain tract of land, referred to as the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Area, situated in the
City of Cambridge, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and bounded
generally as follows:
Beginning at a point, near the southwesterly corner of the tract herein described which point is
the intersection of the northerly sideline of Main Street with the westerly sideline of land or
right-of-way now or formerly of the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad;
Thence, running northerly by various courses and distances along the westerly sideline of land or
right-of-way now or formerly of the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad to a
point which is the intersection of said line with the northerly sideline of Binney Street;
Thence, turning an angle and running easterly by various courses and distances along the
northerly sideline of Binney Street to a point which is the intersection of said line with the
easterly sideline of Third Street;
Thence, turning an angle and running southerly by various courses and distances along the
easterly sideline of Third Street to a point which is the intersection of said line with the northerly
sideline of the so-called Broad Canal;
Thence, continuing southerly across the alignment of the former Broad Canal to a point which is
the intersection of the southerly sideline of the former Broad Canal with the easterly sideline of
Third Street Thence, continuing southerly by various courses and distances along the easterly
sideline of Third Street to a point of curvature at Broadway:
Thence, running southeasterly on a curved line twenty-three (23) feet more or less along the
northeasterly sideline of roadway to a point of tangency located on the northeasterly sideline of
Broadway fifteen (15) feet more or less from a point which is the intersection of the prolongation
of the northeasterly sideline of Broadway with the prolongation of the easterly line of Third
Street;
Thence, running southeasterly by various courses and distances along the northeasterly sideline
of Broadway to a point which is the intersection of said line with the northerly sideline of Main
Street;
Thence, turning an angle and running easterly by various courses and distances along the
northerly sideline of Main Street to a point which is the intersection of said line with the westerly
property line of land now or formerly of Cambridge Gas Company;
Thence, turning an angle and running southerly across Main Street along a line which is the
prolongation of the westerly property line of land now or formerly of Cambridge Gas Company
to a point which is the intersection of said line with the southerly sideline of Main Street;
Thence, turning an angle and running westerly by various courses and distances along the
southerly sideline of Main Street to a point which is the intersection of said line with the westerly
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 34
9.16.20
sideline of land or right-of-way now or formerly of the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction)
Branch Railroad;
Thence, turning an angle and running northerly across Main Street to a point which is the
intersection of the northerly sideline of Main Street with the westerly sideline of land now or
formerly of the Boston and Albany (Grand Junction) Branch Railroad, which point is the place of
beginning.
page 35
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
Exhibit B: Map 1 Proposed Land Uses
* PROPOSED RIGHTS OF WAY
& PROPOSED PUBLIC USE
Y PROPOSED EASEMENTS
100 300
SCALE
THIRD STREET
CAMBRIDGE
(TENTATIVE)
GAS
COMPANY
KENDALL
SQUARE
FIFTH STREET
(TENTATIVE)
(TENTATIVE)
- (TENTATIVEI.
BINNEY STREET
DOT
MUNROE STREET
I CANAL
BROAD
BROADWAY
MAIN STREET
(TENTATIVE)
- (TENTATIVE)
.......
(TENTATIVEI
(TENTATIVE).
MBTA
(TENTATIVE)
(TENTATIVE)
BOSTON AND ALBANY (GRAND JUNCTION) BRANCH RAILROAD
* see section 401 of Urban Renewal Plan
for description of permitted land uses.
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 36
9.16.20
Exhibit C: Map 2 Property Map
PROPERTY TO BE ACQUIRED
PROPERTY NOT TO BE ACQUIRED
EXCEPT UNDER SPECIAL CONDITIONS
THIRD STREET
=
CAMBRIDGE
GAST
COMPANY
KENDALL
SQUARE
FIFTH STREET
8000082535
BINNEY STREET
CANAL
MUNROE STREET
POTTER STREET
BROAD:
BROADWAY
MAIN STREET
• CANAL
SIXTH STREET
BROAD:
FULKERSON STREET
JORDAN PLACE
HARVARD STREET
BOSTON AND ALBANY (GRAND JUNCTION) BRANCH RAILROAD -
200
300-
100
500
SCALE
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 37
9.16.20
Exhibit D: Historic Relocation Assistance Program
A relocation assistance program was established by the CRA for this purpose of finding standard
dwelling or business accommodations to meet the rehousing and business relocation needs of
displaced residents and business, within their financial means, in reasonably convenient locations
at the earliest practicable time. The basic objectives of the relocation assistance program were:
1) To provide such measures, facilities, and services as were necessary to determine the needs
of displaced site occupants for relocation assistance; and
2)
To make information and assistance available to them in such a way as to minimize the
hardships of displacement.
Assistance included the making of such relocation payments as were provided for under the
provisions of Federal, State, or local laws and regulations.
The CRA administered the relocation assistance program. It was the only agency responsible for
the relocation of site occupants displaced from the Project Area as a result of its land acquisition.
There were some 10 families and individuals who occupied property, all of whom were relocated
when the Project Area was originally cleared. [10]
The method for the relocation of persons previously living in the Project Area, and the
availability of and the means by which there were provided dwelling units for such persons
substantially equal in number to the number of dwelling units cleared from the Project Area were
as follows:
1) Method for Relocation:
Each dwelling unit vacancy found by or referred to the CRA will be inspected for the
CRA by a trained housing inspector in order to determine (I) that it is decent, safe, and
sanitary; (2) that it complies with the provisions of the Cambridge Housing Code; (3) that
it contains adequate heating, lighting, cooking, and sanitary facilities; and (4) that it is
structurally sound.
Only standard dwelling units reasonably accessible to the places of employment of
displaced site occupants, and in areas not less desirable in regard to public utilities and
commercial facilities than the project area, will be referred to families and individuals to
be displaced from the Project Area.
The cost of any dwelling unit referred to a family or individual for rehousing purposes
will, generally, not exceed (I) one-quarter of monthly income, in the case of dwelling
units for rent, or (2) twice annual income, in the case of dwelling units for sale.
In order to make such referrals, the CRA will secure and maintain listings of all standard
dwelling units for sale or rent in Cambridge and the Cambridge housing market area.
Preference will be accorded by the Cambridge Housing Authority to persons who appear
to be eligible for (I) state-aided veterans' housing and housing for the elderly; and (2)
federally-aided low-rent housing and housing for the elderly. Persons eligible to be
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
9.16.20
page 38
accorded preference will be admitted to public housing projects under "continued
occupancy" income limits by the Cambridge Housing Authority.
(b)
Availability of Dwelling Units:
Availability of private rental housing: As of the date of the original adoption of the Plan,
records maintained by the CRA indicated that 1131, 1083, 1105 and 1126 private
dwelling units were available for rent in the City alone for each year during a recent four-
year period. [10]
Availability of private sales housing: As of the date of the original adoption of the Plan,
records maintained by the CRA indicated that 107, and 122 private dwelling units were
available for sale in the City alone for each year during a recent two-year period. [10]
Availability of public housing: As of the date of the original adoption of the Plan, records
maintained by the Cambridge Housing Authority, as reported in December of 1964,
indicated that 220 dwelling units in public housing developments become available on
the average for occupancy each year.
Clearly, dwelling units for the relocation of persons living in the Project Area at that time
substantially equal in number to the number of units to be cleared are available, as are the means
by which they can be provided through suitable methods, for the relocation of persons now living
in the project area. [10]
9.16.20
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 39
Exhibit E: Definition of Pedestrian Ways:
Pedestrian ways shall be designed to provide for public access and shall have the
following meanings:
(i)
An open pedestrian bridge is a continuous open bridge having a minimum width
of 6 feet and spanning a street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open
space within a lot or between two adjacent lots.
(ii)
A raised pedestrian deck is a continuous, open plattorm at least 20 feet in width
which is at least 9 feet above the mean elevation of the lot and which extends over
a street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open space within a lot or
between two adjacent lots. It shall have direct pedestrian access from abutting
buildings, shall provide seating facilities and shall be landscaped including one
tree, of at least 3-1/2 inch caliper, per 500 square feet of pedestrian deck.
(iii)
An enclosed pedestrian bridge is a continuous, enclosed space having a
minimum width of 8 feet which spans a street, pedestrian way, access or service
road or open space, making connections within a lot or between two adjacent lots.
At least 50% of the surface area along its facades shall consist of transparent
materials.
(iv)
An elevated shopping bridge is a continuous, enclosed space which spans a
street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open space, making connection
within a lot or between two adjacent lots. Such a shopping bridge shall have a
minimum width of 36 feet and a maximum width of 48 feet, with retail uses as
allowed in Section 401(3) along one or both sides of a pedestrian circulation route
with a minimum width of 12 feet. Such shopping bridge shall connect, at a
minimum, at both ends to other internal or external pedestrian ways.
(V)
A shopping arcade is a continuous, covered, but not necessarily enclosed, space
which extends along the front facade of a building facing a street or a pedestrian
way within the MD District and having retail uses as permitted in Section
401(3) accessible from it. It shall have a minimum continuous width,
unobstructed, except for building columns, of at least 12 feet, and also have a
minimum continuous height of 12 feet. Such shopping arcade shall have access
from the abutting street or pedestrian way, having its floor at the same level and
continuous with the sidewalk or other abutting pedestrian way. It shall be open to
the public at all hours.
(vi)
An elevated shopping way is a continuous, enclosed space which extends along
the front facade of a building facing a street or a pedestrian way and which has a
minimum width of 12 feet. It shall be located on the second level of the building
and have a minimum continuous height of 12 feet. It shall be open to the public
for a minimum of 12 hours daily, on weekdays, and shall have fronting retail uses
as permitted in Section 401(3).
(vii)
A through-block arcade is a covered space which provides a connection through
a bullding and connects streets, open spaces, pedestrian ways, or any combination
of the above, and is directly accessible to the public. A through-block arcade shall
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 40
9.16.20
have a minimum area of at least 2,000 square feet and a minimum width at any
point of 20 feet. A through-block arcade shall have openings at the face of the
building for entrances at least 12 feet in width and 10 feet high. At least 50% of
its aggregate interior trontage shall be retail use. Vertical circulation elements,
columns, pedestrian bridges and balconies are permitted obstructions provided
they do not cover in the aggregate more than 15% of the floor area of the arcade.
The minimum height of any pedestrian way above the surface of a public way over which
it is constructed shall be 14'-0".
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
page 41
9.16.20
Exhibit F:
Table Three: Loading Requirements
Use Group
Incremental Area for Additional Bay
Requirement
Light Industrial and Wholesale Uses
100,000
allowed by Section 401(1)
Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses
200,000
allowed by Section 401(2)
Retail and Consumer Service Uses
50,000
allowed by Section 401(4)
Residential Uses allowed by Section 401(4)
Multifamily housing
200,000
Hotel or Motel
100,000
Other Uses
100,000
allowed by Sections 401(5), 401(6) and 401(7)
9.16.20
page 42
Kendall Square Urban Redevelopment Plan
Enclosure 2
MD Zoning Petition
P [phone removed] | F [phone removed]
CAMBRIDGE
255 Main Street | 8th Floor | Cambridge, MA 02142
REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY
cambridgeredevelopment.org
Petition Language: To amend Article 14 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: KENDALL CENTER
KEY
Language additions are underlined
Language deletions are shown with strikethrough text.
Introduction:
When Eversource announced its plans for a new electrical substation on Fulkerson Street, the City Manager
asked City and CRA staff, as well as representatives from the local development community, to explore an
alternative site for the facility. After the numerous hearings held by City Council regarding the substation proposal,
Boston Properties (BXP) approached the City and CRA about the idea of placing the substation on the site of the
existing "Blue Garage" within the MD District of the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Project Area. Although this
alternate site is highly preferred to the Fulkerson Street location, there are nonetheless many complex technical
challenges associated with relocating the substation to this parcel. It involves not only the design of the substation
and high voltage access routes to the location, but also completing plans for the housing program currently
outlined in the Infill Development Concept Plan, fulfilling interim and future parking requirements, and designing
locations for additional development to provide financial support for this alternative location.
The CRA hereby submits this zoning petition to amend the Article 14 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance: MD
Development District: Kendall Center in order to accommodate the relocation of the Eversource substation to the
BXP site. Corresponding changes will also be required to the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan. These
changes would affirm the regional utility infrastructure land use in the district, as well as provide for additional
development rights and make adjustments to some dimensional restrictions to facilitate the alternative site.
1. Replace the current Subsection 14.21.7(6) with the following text:
14.21.7(6) Transformer station, substation, gas regulator station, or pumping station and related utility uses
designed primarily to serve development within the Distriet.
2. Replace first three paragraphs of current Subsection 14.32.1 with the text below:
14.32.1 The Aggregate gross floor area (GFA) of development in the District shall not exceed the sum of (i)
three million, six hundred seventy three thousand (3,673,000) four million, four hundred seventy three
thousand (4,473,000) square teet, plus ii) six hundred thousand (600,000) square feet that shall be
limited to multi-family residential uses as permitted in Section 14.21.4(1), for a total Aggregate GFA not
to exceed four million, two hundred seventy three thousand (4,273,000) five million, seventy three
thousand (5.073.000) square feet. Up to sixty thousand (60,000) square feet of such Aggregate GFA
of three million, six hundred seventy three thousand (3,673,000) four million, four hundred seventy
three thousand (4,473,000) in clause (i) of the preceding sentence, shall be allowable only by special
permit pursuant to Section 14.72.
At least two hundred thousand (200,000) square feet of the GFA restricted to housing uses shall occur
only within the area designated on the Zoning Map as the "Ames Street District" and has been
approved by special permit dated March 27,2015 (the "Ames Street Residential Project"). The
commencement of construction for the Ames Street Residential Project, approved by special permit in
2015, shall precede the occupancy of any commercial GFA in excess of three million and seventy-
three thousand (3,073,000) square feet, other than the 60,000 square feet of commercial space that
may be permitted by special permit pursuant to Section 14.72.3.
Additionally, the commencement of construction of a second residential project of at least 200,000
square feet shall precede the occupancy of any commercial GFA utilizing Infill GFA (as defined in
Section 14.32.2 below, in excess of three hundred and seventy five thousand (375,000) square feet.
Additionally, a building permit for construction of a residential project of at least four hundred thousand
(400,000) square feet shall be issued prior to or concurrently with the issuance of a building permit for
any project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA (as defined in Section 14.32.2 below). The design
review process for a residential project of at least four hundred thousand (400.000) square feet shall
also precede, or proceed concurrently with, the design review process for any project utilizing
Substation Commercial GFA, in accordance with a special permit approving a Concept Plan as set
forth in Section 14.32.2 below.
3. Add the following paragraph to the end of Subsection 14.32.2:
Any additional Infill GFA for commercial uses that is not the subject of the existing Concept Plan
approved by Special Permit PB #315 on March 20, 2017 (as amended by Amendment #1 (Major)
dated January 31, 2019) (collectively, the "Existing Concept Plan") may only be utilized in conjunction
with the development by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource (or its successors and assigns)
of a substation within the District ("the Substation Project") and only on property within the District
owned by the entity (or an affiliate thereof) that provided the land on which the Substation Project is to
be developed. For the purposes of this Article, the eight hundred thousand (800,000) square feet of
Infill GFA for commercial uses that is not the subject of the Existing Concept Plan may sometimes be
referred to as "Substation Commercial GFA". The issuance of a building permit for the Substation
Project shall precede or be issued concurrently with the issuance of a building permit for any project
utilizing Substation Commercial GFA.
4. Replace current Subsection 14.32.2.1(8) and 14.32.2.1(9) with the following text:
14.32.2.1 Infill Development Concept Plan Requirements:
8) A plan describing street, public infrastructure, and utility improvements to be undertaken in
coordination with the development program, including all proposed water, stormwater and sewage
facilities, and (in conjunction with the Substation Project) the general location of the proposed
substation, which shall also be submitted to the Department of Public Works for review.
9) A plan illustrating proposed building scale, height and massing, including a model and a study
demonstrating the anticipated shadow and wind impacts of all proposed buildings taller than 100 feet,
and a general description of proposed mitigation measures that will be employed. Additionally a set of
urban design guidelines to be utilized in the design review process shall be included the plan will
include a narrative describing the plan's compatibility, coordination and consistency with the urban
design guidelines set forth in the Kendall Square Final Report of the K2C2 Planning Study ("K2
Guidelines") and the Volpe Working Group's Planning & Design Principles dated July 20, 2017 (the
"Volpe Guidelines").
5. Replace current Subsection 14.32.2.2 with the following text:
14.32.2.2 Findings and Approval. The Planning Board shall grant a special permit approving a Concept Plan
upon finding that the new development identified within the plan meets the criteria for approval of a
Planned Unit Development set forth in Section 12.35.3(3) of the Zoning Ordinance and the criteria for
approval of a Project Review Special Permit set forth in Section 19.25 of the Zoning Ordinance. In
making its findings, the Board shall consider the objectives set forth in the Kendall Square Final Report
of the K2G2 Planning Study ("K2 Plan") K2 Guidelines and the Volpe Guidelines and the Kendalt
Square Design Guidelines. The approval of a Concept Plan shall serve to meet any applicable project
review requirements of Article 19.000, and no additional Project Review Special Permit shall be
required for new development that is identified within an approved Concept Plan. In addition, while the
location of the Substation Project is to be shown on a Concept Plan, the actual development of the
Substation Project shall not be included within the scope of a special permit approving a Concept Plan
(but shall remain subject to all applicable regulations governing the construction of such projects).
6. Add the following new Subsection 14.32.5(d) at the end of Subsection 14.32.5:
d) Inapplicability to Substation Commercial GFA. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
Section 14.32.5. there shall be no Innovation Space requirement for any project utilizing Substation
Commercial GFA (nor shall any such project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA be entitled to utilize
Innovation Space in order to obtain a GFA Exemption under Section 14.32.6(3) below).
1. Replace current Subsection 14.32.6(2) and 14.32.6(3) with the following text:
2) Residential Outdoor Area Exemptions: Private outdoor decks or balconies for multi-family residential
or commercial development, up to eight percent (8%) of the building floor area.
3) Innovation Space: Innovation Space GFA up to the lesser of either twenty percent (20%) of the Infill
GFA dedicated to Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses or one hundred five thousand
(105,000) square feet. In order for the Innovation Space GFA to be exempt from the Aggregate GFA
limitations, at least twenty five percent (25%) of the Innovation Space utilization (measured by square
footage or shared space membership) must be set aside as below market rate space to be offered by
the CRA or the City to qualifying tenants for short-term leases consistent with Section 14.32.5(b).
8. Add the following new Subsections 14.32.6(7) and 14.32.6(8) at the end of Subsection 14.32.6:
Electrical Substation: The Substation Project shall be exempt from Aggregate GFA calculation as well
as the requirements as to Floor Area Ratio. Further, substation construction shall not constitute Infill
GFA (or Substation Commercial GFA):
8)
Educational Lab, Classroom or Training Facility: Up to twenty thousand (20,000) square feet of
educational. health or workforce training facilities operated to provide services to the general public (as
opposed to private facilities that are solely accessible by tenants or occupants of commercial buildings
within the District), which such services are either permitted as of right within the District in accordance
with the provisions of this Article 14 or may otherwise be permitted by special permit.
9. Add the following new paragraph at the end of Section 14.33:
Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, there shall be no maximum
Iloor area ratio for any project utilizing Infill GFA (including Substation Commercial GFA). However,
the District Development Limitations in Section 14.32 shall continue to apply.
10. Replace first paragraph of Section 14.34 with the following text:
14.34
Building Height Limitation.
The maximum building height in the District shall be two hundred and fifty (250) feet, except for the
area of the District more than four hundred and fifty (450) feet north of the centerline of Broadway,
where the maximum building height for any portion of a building in such area shall be two hundred
(200) feet. Up to two (2) mixed-use buildings may reach three hundred and fifty (350) feet provided,
however, that the occupied floors above two hundred and fifty (250) feet may only contain residential
and associated amenity space. Additionally, the floorplate of any portion of a building above two
hundred and fifty (250) feet shall not exceed twelve thousand (12,000) square feet.
The maximum building height in the District shall be two hundred and fifty (250) feet. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, one building within the District may reach four hundred (400) feet provided, however.
that the occupied floors above two hundred and fifty feet (250) feet may only contain residential and
associated amenity space. Additionally, the floorplate of any portion of a building above two hundred
fifty (250) feet shall not exceed twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) square feet.
11. Replace current Section 14.38 with the following text:
14.38
Active Ground Floors. The ground floor of newly constructed buildings utilizing fifty thousand (50,000)
square feet or more of Infill GFA, where that ground floor fronts onto Main Street, Broadway or Ames
Street, must be occupied by (i) Retail and Consumer Service uses, as listed in Section 14.21.3, or (ii)
active public gathering space (whether enclosed or open), along a minimum length of seventy-five
percent (75%) of the building façade along this frontage: provided, however, that the requirement shall
be forty percent (40% for any building with a façade length of one hundred (100) feet or less along
such frontage onto Main Street, Broadway or Ames Street. Dimensional variations and alternate uses
may be approved by the Planning Board upon determining that the specific uses and designs
proposed are consistent with the purpose and intent of this Section 14.38. Alternatively, if a Concept
Plan provides for the redevelopment of existing buildings to include new Retail and Consumer Service
uses along the ground floor of any of the identified street frontages, then the Planning Board may
permit a reduction in the required length of active street frontage for new buildings for up to fifty
percent (50%) of the length of new active street frontage provided in existing buildings and only if the
Board finds that it results in a better outcome for the District as a whole. Banks and financial
institutions shall not be considered active ground floor uses for the purposes of meeting this
requirement.
12. Replace current Section 14.39 with the following text:
Letter of Commitment.
14.39
Ihe Letter of Gommitment dated December 21, 2015 by Boston Properties Limited Partnership is
incorporated herein by reference and shall be binding upon Boston Properties Limited Partnership and its
successor and assigns.
It is acknowledged and agreed that the Letter of Commitment dated December 21, 2015 by Boston
Properties Limited Partnership is hereby declared null and void and of no further force or effect, and shall
no longer be binding upon Boston Properties Limited Partnership or its successors and assigns.
13. Replace the first paragraph of Subsection 14.52.2 with the following text:
14.52.2 With the exception of multi-family residential development, there are no minimum parking requirements
for new development in the District. Residential development shall provide at a minimum 0.4 0.25
automobile parking spaces per dwelling unit. All proposed development shall be restricted from
constructing parking spaces, either on or off the lot within the District, beyond the maximum allowances of
Table 1. If a development includes more than one category of use, then the number of spaces allowed for
the development shall be the sum of the allowance for each category of use. Where the computation of
required spaces results in a fractional number, only a fraction of one half or more shall be counted as
one. The Planning Board may approve arrangements for shared parking of such residential parking
spaces with commercial spaces or otherwise adjust the minimum parking requirements based on review
and analysis of anticipated parking demand within the Transportation Impact Study.
14. Replace current Subsection 14.52.3 with the following text:
14.52.3
The parking allowances specified in Table 1 may be satisfied by a lease agreement between the
developer and the City, other public entity, or private consortium for use of parking spaces in a public
or pooled private parking facility located within the District (or, in the case of the spaces required for
residential uses, located outside of the District but within one thousand (1,000) two thousand (2,000)
feet of the residential building for which the parking is being provided, measured from property edge to
property edge). The total number of parking spaces leased and constructed within the district for
development on a lot shall not exceed the maximum allowances provided for in Table 2.
15. Replace current Subsection 14.52.6 with the following text:
14.52.6
Bicycle Parking: Bike parking shall be provided as set forth in Section 6.100 of this Zoning Ordinance;
provided that in issuing a special permit approving a Concept Plan, the Planning Board may determine
that the bicycle parking requirements for individual buildings shown on the Concept Plan may be met
utilizing a campus planning approach toward bicycle parking.
14.52.6.1 Intent. To allow flexibility within the high-density environment of the MD District while providing high
quality, equitable, and thoughtfully planned bicycle parking and sustainable transportation amenities
for all users, consistent with Section 6.108.2. Given the complexity of infrastructure requirements of
the substation project, the bicycle parking provisions set forth in Section 6.100 is infeasible, and a
comprehensive bicycle parking plan will be needed to help to balance space constraints and
competing uses on or near the ground level.
14.52.6.2 Bike Parking Plan: The bicycle parking plan may utilize a combination of the following strategies, or
other design provisions that meet the principles of Section 6.108.3:
a) Public Bicycle Sharing Facilities: Where a new, standard-size Public Bicycle Sharing
Station or larger is provided (i) on the lot, or (i) on a site within five hundred (500) feet of
the lot, with written approval of the City if located on a public street or other City Property.
or otherwise by legally enforceable mutual agreement with the owner of the land on which
the station is to be located. If Public Bicycle Sharing Station(s) are provided, each bicycle
dock within that station may count for up to two (2) required bicycle parking spaces.
Should it be deemed beneficial to the operation of a Public Bicycle Sharing system by the
Community Development Department and the Public Bicycle Sharing system operator, a
developer may meet additional bicycle parking requirements by providing a secure,
accessible and geographically central location for the storage and/or maintenance of the
publicly shared bicycles. If a Public Bicycle Sharing storage and/or maintenance facility is
provided, each designated bicycle storage space shall count for up to one-half (0.5) of a
required bicycle parking space
b)
Countercyclical Bicycle Parking Facility: As the District will contain residential and
commercial uses having different peak parking demand times, multiple buildings may share
parking facilities within three hundred (300) feet from each other. A shared bicycle parking
space may count as a required bicycle parking space for both a residential use and a
commercial use within separate buildings within a campus plan.
C)
Complementary Valet Bicycle Parking: Bicycle parking may be provided through a valet
bicycle parking program that is offered free of charge to users. In order to utilize valet
bicycle parking, a developer must submit for the Planning Board's approval a plan
describing:
1.
The design of the valet bicycle parking facilities (which shall not be required to
conform with the dimensional regulations of Section 6.100).
il.
The proposed number of attendants, number of bicycle parking spaces provided,
hours of valet service operations, and other pertinent information.
When an approved valet bicycle parking program that was utilized to meet the
requirements of Section 6.100 is discontinued, the property owner must either bring the
bicycle parking spaces into full conformance with the bicycle parking requirements of
Section 6.100 or seek approval from the Planning Board for an alternative approach.
The combination of the strategies above, or other provisions accepted by the Planning Board, shall
allow a project to adjust the minimum required number of bicycle parking spaces, as supported
through analysis made available to the Planning Board.
MD Zoning Petition - Exhibit A
1977-2020 MXD Zoning & KSURP Gross Floor Area (GFA) Summary
GFA
GFA Amount
Cumulative
Status
Requirements/Stipulations
GFA
Classification
1977 Original
2,773,000 SF
Article 14.000 standards (770,000
Original plan
2,773,000 SF
sf Industrial uses; 830,000 sf Office
Plan GFA
uses; 150,000 sf Retail and
consumer service uses; 300,000 sf
Residential uses; 250,000 st
Hotel/Motel uses; 473,000 sf
Entertainment, Recreation,
Institutional
(475,000 SF) | 2,773,000 SF
Allowed biotech and pharmaceutical
1993 Biogen
Twelve Cambridge
GFA Reallocation | use reallocation
use, 475,000 SF for Office/Biotech
Center, Fifteen
classification allowed north of
only
Cambridge Center, and
Broadway (Parcel 2).
Twelve Cambridge
Center Expansion
1997 Marriott
(190,000 SF)
Residence Inn
190,000 SF for Hotel/Motel
2,773,000 SF
GFA Reallocation
use reallocation
classification, up from 250,000 SF.
only
2001 Residential
88 Ames Street,
200,000 SF for multifamily
2,973,000 SF
200,000 SF
GFA
residential use only; subject to
completed in 2018
Planning Board review (Section
19.20)
2010 Ames
300,000 SF
3,273,000 SF
Subject to 19.20 - Special Permit
75 Ames Street,
Street GFA
completed in 2014
60,000 SF
2015 Whitehead
Subject to 19.20 - Special Permit
3,333,000 SF
No special permit
Institute GFA
application thus far
2015 Infill GFA
Min. 400,000 SF residential (20%
940,000 SF
4,273,000 SF
145 Broadway
(commercial) completed
affordable, 5% middle-income);
innovation space; active ground
2019; 325 Main Street
floors; IDCP Plan review/approval
(commercial) in
by Planning Board
construction; 135
Broadway (residential)
pending design review
additional residential
phase pending
800,000 SF
2020 Substation
Completion of substation;
5,073,000 SF
Zoning petition pending
completion of Infill residential GFA
Commercial GFA
(above) in one phase; Continued
(per current
IDCP plan review/approval by
proposal)
Planning Board
* Over the past 35 years, the MXD District has been modified in close coordination with amendments to the KSURP.
The most significant of these changes provided for the inclusion of biotechnology uses, increases to the Aggregate
GFA allowance, and corresponding revisions to the GFA caps for office and biotechnology, hotel and residential use
limits. The recent amendments to the MXD District required that large scale projects within the District receive a
Special Permit per Article 19 of the Zoning Ordinance, where previously development review and approval was
conducted exclusively by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.
** In 2004, a variance provided an increase of 29,100 square feet of GFA.
MXD Zoning Petition - Exhibit B
Comprehensive Blackline of the Proposed MD Zoning Petition
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT: KENDALL CENTER
ARTICLE 14.000
14.10 SCOPE AND INTENT
14.11
Scope. This Article regulates development within the Kendall Center Mixed Use
Development (MXD) District, located within the Kendall Square Urban Renewal
Project Area, as shown on the Zoning Map, as amended.
14.12
Intent. The purpose of the District is to allow a diversity of land uses in close
proximity, within a limited area; to promote a balance of land uses; to facilitate
development proposals responsive to current and future market conditions; to
tacilitate integrated physical design; and to encourage interaction among activities
located within the District.
14.13 Approach. This Article is designed to fulfill the above purposes of the Kendall
Center MXD District by establishing controls which will facilitate development while
protecting the public interest; by setting regulations which limit the aggregate
amount of development within the District and set other district wide requirements
while permitting flexible development scale and configuration on individual lots
within the District; by allowing a broad set of land uses within the District; and by
encouraging development of appropriate density for each class of land use.
14.20 USE REGULATIONS
14.21 Permitted Uses. The following uses, except as explicitly prohibited are
permitted in the Kendall Center MD District. All uses not listed within one of the
use groups in this section shall be prohibited. All uses within the District shall
comply with the environmental protection standards of Section 14.23.
14.21.1 Light Industry
(1) Manufacturing: fabrication, assembly, finishing work (including packaging and
bottling, but only as an accessory use) without limit as to category or product.
(2) Wholesale business, only if affiliated with and accessory to another use or
located on the same lot as other non-wholesale uses. Development on any lot
in the district shall not be devoted exclusively to wholesale uses.
(3) Printing, binding, or related establishment.
(4) Storage warehouse, cold storage building, as an accessory use only and not
exceeding twenty thousand (20,000) square feet, but not including storage or
bailing of junk scrap metal, rags, paper or other waste materials and not
including outside storage of products or materials.
1
14.21.2 Office Uses and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses
(1) Business or professional offices.
(2) Bank, trust company, or other financial institution
(3) Research and development office.
(4) Research, experimental and testing laboratory.
(5) Radio or television studio.
(6) Manufacturing of biotechnology and pharmaceutical products, including
(a)
Fabrication, assembly, finishing work (including packaging and
bottling, but only as an accessory use).
(b)
Wholesale business, only if affiliated with and accessory to another
use or located on the same lot as other non-wholesale uses.
(c)
Storage warehouse, cold storage building, as an accessory use
only.
14.21.3
Retail and Consumer Service Establishments
(1) Store for retail sale of merchandise, including grocery store, pharmacy, and
market but not a sales place for automobiles or trucks.
(2) Eating and/or drinking establishment, whether or not liquor is sold or consumed,
including restaurant, bar, lunchroom, cafeteria and food commissary.
(3) Fast order food establishment only if (i) it is not located in a separate structure,
(ii) it does not exceed three thousand (3,000) square feet of gross floor area, (iii)
there will be no more than fifteen (15) such establishments within the District (a
maximum of eight (8) of which shall be located in the Ames Street District and a
maximum of seven (7) of which shall be located in the portions of the District
outside of the Ames Street District) and (iv) it is granted a Special Permit, as
provided in Section 10.40 and 11.30.
(4) Consumer service establishment, including but not limited to hairdresser, barber
shop, laundry or dry cleaning pick up establishment, self-service laundry, shoe
repair or tailoring shop, or photography studio.
(5) Rental agency for autos or other products, but not including taxi companies.
Such agencies shall be operated entirely within a building and no major
automobile repairs shall be made on the premises.
2
(6) Automobile service station, provided that it is located within or attached to a
parking garage or other structure as an accessory use, that no major repairs
are made on the premises, and that all lubrication and repairs are carried out
within the building.
Residential Uses
14.21.4
(1) Multifamily dwelling
(2) Hotel or Motel
Entertainment and Recreational Uses
14.21.5
(1) Indoor commercial entertainment establishments including but not limited to
cinema, theater, concert hall, cabaret and night club.
(2) Recreation facilities including bowling alley, indoor or outdoor tennis courts,
public recreation bullding, health club, or skating rink. Such recreation facilities
shall be allowed only if they are located in or attached to structures containing
other principal uses.
(3) Hall, auditoriums and similar spaces used for public gatherings.
(4) Park or playground
14.21.6 Institutional Uses
(1) Religious purposes
(2) Educational purposes exempt by statute
(3) Library or museum as an accessory use only.
(4) Governmental offices and facilities, including post office, fire station and police
station.
(5) Clinic licensed under Section 51, Ch. 111, General Laws but not a hospital
licensed under said Chapter.
14.21.7 Transportation, Communication and Utility Uses.
(1) Bus, subway or railroad passenger station.
(2) Automobile parking lot or parking garage.
3
(3) Distribution center, parcel delivery center or delivery warehouse as accessory
uses oniy.
(4) Telephone exchange, as an accessory use.
(5) Radio or television transmission station.
(6) Transformer station, substation, gas regulator station, or pumping station and
related utility uses designed primarily to serve Development within the District.
14.21.8 Other Uses. Any use not listed in subsections 14.21.1 through 14.21.7 may
be allowed by the Planning Board in its approval of an Infill Development Concept
Plan or subsequent Amendment, upon written determination by the Board that such
use is consistent with the objectives of the District and with adopted City policies
and guidelines applicable to Kendall Square.
14.22
Multiple Uses in the Same Structure. Within the District there shall be no
restriction on combining different categories of use within the same building other
than those imposed by the State Building Code or other federal, state or local
regulations other than the Zoning Ordinance.
14.23 Environmental Protection Standards. No activity shall be permitted in the
District unless it shall be in conformity with the following standards for
environmental protection.
14.23.1 All dust, fumes, odors, smoke or vapor shall be effectively confined to the
premises or so disposed of as to avoid air pollution.
14.23.2
Any noise, vibration or flashing shall not be normally perceptible without
instruments at a distance of one hundred (100) feet from the premises.
14.23.3 All development proposals shall comply with Federal and State air pollution
and water pollution control regulations, the City of Cambridge Ordinances, and
other applicable environmental laws.
14.23.4 Except during construction activity on the lot all refuse and other waste
materials shall be stored within buildings prior to collection and disposal.
14.30 INTENSITY OF DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
14.31 Applicability. The amount and density of development within the Kendall Center
MXD District shall be governed by the provisions of this Section 14.30.
14.32 District Development Limitations. There shall be limitations on the overall
amount of development within the District as specified below.
4
14.32.1 The Aggregate gross floor area (GFA) of development in the District shall not
exceed the sum of (i) three million, six hundred seventy three thousand (3,673,000)
four million, four hundred seventy three thousand (4,473,000) square feet, plus (ii)
six hundred thousand (600,000) square feet that shall be limited to multi-family
residential uses as permitted in Section 14.21.4(1), for a total Aggregate GFA not to
exceed four million, two hundred seventy three thousand (4,273,000) five million,
seventy three thousand (5,073,000) square feet. Up to sixty thousand (60,000)
square feet of such Aggregate GFA of three million, six hundred seventy three
thousand (3,673,000) four million, four hundred seventy three thousand (4,473,000)
in clause (i) of the preceding sentence, shall be allowable only by special permit
pursuant to Section 14.72.
At least two hundred thousand (200,000) square feet of the GFA restricted to
housing uses shall occur only within the area designated on the Zoning Map as the
"Ames Street District" and has been approved by special permit dated March 27,
2015 (the "Ames Street Residential Project"). The commencement of construction
for the Ames Street Residential Project, approved by special permit in 2015, shall
precede the occupancy of any commercial GFA in excess of three million and
seventy three thousand (3,073,000) square feet, other than the sixty thousand
(60,000) of commercial space that may be permitted by special permit pursuant to
Section 14.72.3.
Additionally, the commencement of construction of a second residential project of at
feast two hundred thousand (200,000) square feet shall precede the occupancy of
any commercial GFA utilizing Infill GFA (as defined in Section 14.32.2 below) in
excess of three hundred and seventy five thousand (375,000) square feet.
Additionally, a building permit for construction of a residential project of at least four
hundred thousand (400,000) square feet shall be issued prior to or concurrently with
the issuance of a building permit for any project utilizing Substation Commercial
GFA (as defined in Section 14.32.2 below). The design review process for a
residential project of at least four hundred thousand (400,000) square feet shall also
precede, or proceed concurrently with, the design review process for any project
utilizing Substation Commercial GFA, in accordance with a special permit approving
a Concept Plan as set forth in Section 14.32.2 below.
Aggregate GFA of development in the District is at any time the sum of the GFA (as
defined in Article 2.000 of this Ordinance) of all buildings (i) which are then located
in the District, (i) which are being constructed or may be constructed in the District
pursuant to then effective building permits, and (iii) which, pursuant to then
outstanding contracts (including options) with Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
and so stated in certificates from the Authority to the Superintendent of Buildings,
may be constructed in the District in the future. Notwithstanding the definition in
Article 2.000 for Gross Floor Area and the provisions of Section 5.25, parking
garages and accessory parking facilities shall be exempt from the requirements as
5
to Floor Area Ratio and shall not be included in the calculation for Gross Floor Area
on a lot.
14.32.2 The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) shall cause an Infill
Development Concept Plan ("Concept Plan") to be prepared providing for the
distribution of additional GFA for new development within the District above and
beyond 3,333,000 square feet ("Infill GFA") and meeting the requirements of
Section 14.32.2.1. The Concept Plan shall be approved by CRA and by a special
permit granted by the Planning Board in order to authorize the development of Infill
GFA. The purpose of the Concept Plan is to provide a context and a conceptual
governance structure for existing and potential future development that allows
development to proceed in a flexible manner without requiring additional special
permits for each building. The Concept Plan is expected to evolve over time, and
with each subsequent development proposal updates to the Concept Plan shall be
submitted. Amendments to the special permit may be granted as set forth below,
but revisions to a Concept Plan shall not necessarily require amending the special
permit so long as the revisions remain in conformance with the conditions of the
special permit.
Any additional Infill GFA for commercial uses that is not the subject of the existing
Concept Plan approved by Special Permit PB #315 on March 20, 2017 (as
amended by Amendment #1 (Major) dated January 31, 2019) (collectively, the
"Existing Concept Plan") may only be utilized in conjunction with the development
by NSTAR Electric Company d/b/a Eversource (or its successors and assigns) of a
substation within the District ("the Substation Project") and only on property within
the District owned by the entity (or an affiliate thereof) that provided the land on
which the Substation Project is to be developed. For the purposes of this Article, the
eight hundred thousand (800,000) square feet of Infill GFA for commercial uses that
is not the subject of the Existing Concept Plan may sometimes be referred to as
"Substation Commercial GFA". The issuance of a building permit for the Substation
Project shall precede or be issued concurrently with the issuance of a building
permit for any project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA.
14.32.2.1
Infill Development Concept Plan Requirements.
1) A current development program illustrating the size, location, and uses of
existing buildings at the time of submission.
2) A site plan for all proposed new development within the District including
locations of Innovation Space as described in Section 14.32.5 and Active
Ground Floor Uses described in Section 14.36.
3) A table summarizing the current and proposed future uses on building sites in
the District and indicating the potential size and use (or alternate uses) of future
development.
6
4) A Phasing Plan describing the anticipated timing of commercial and housing
development.
5) A Transportation Impact Study certified by the Traffic, Parking and
Transportation Department in accordance with the requirements of Section
19.24, Paragraph (2) of this Zoning Ordinance, which shall also include a
parking demand analysis and a projection of proposed reliance on transit and
plans to address non-automobile use.
6) A housing program describing the distribution of new housing units, including
affordable housing units, middle income housing units, and larger family units
containing two (2), three (3) or more bedrooms. The housing program shall also
describe the anticipated housing tenancy (rental/home ownership) and a
description of efforts to provide a mixture of tenancy types.
7) An open space plan depicting the size, layout and configuration of all open
space within the District. This open space plan shall illustrate the open space
existing in the District and open space to be developed or modified within the
District and / or outside of the District in accordance with Section 14.40. The
plan shall provide a narrative discussion of public programming concepts for
new and existing open space. The open space plan should also describe
connections between the District and the neighboring PUD-KS District.
8) A plan describing street and public infrastructure, and utility improvements to be
undertaken in coordination with the development program, including all
proposed water, stormwater and sewage facilities, and (in conjunction with the
Substation Project) the general location of the proposed substation, which shall
also be submitted to the Department of Public Works for review.
9) A plan illustrating proposed building scale, height and massing, including a
model and a study demonstrating the anticipated shadow and wind impacts of
all proposed buildings taller than 100 feet, and a general description of
proposed mitigation measures that will be employed. Additionally a set of urban
design guidelines to be utilized in the design review process shall be included
the plan will include a narrative describing the plan's compatibility, coordination
and consistency with the urban design guidelines set forth in the Kendall
Square Final Report of the K2C2 Planning Study ("K2 Guidelines") and the
Volpe Working Group's Planning & Design Principles dated July 20, 2017 (the
"Volpe Guidelines").
10) Proposed modifications, if any, to the development plans then approved
pursuant to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and an
update on implementation of required mitigations from MEPA.
11) A sustainability plan describing concepts for how additional development will
meet the requirements set forth in Section 14.74 below, including but not limited
7
to district-wide approaches to energy, water and wastewater management,
climate resiliency and waste management.
12) In order to effectuate the goals of promoting a vibrant retail environment and
street-level activation, the Concept Plan shall include a Retail Plan to
demonstrate how the project will improve and diversify the existing retail
environment, create active street-level uses and attract and support the
provision of local and independent businesses. Among other things, the Retail
Plan shall:
a)
Set forth target uses and users (and shall particularly target
local/independent retailers and grocery store/pharmacy operators),
Designate an individual responsible for implementing the plan who
shall serve as a point of contact with the CRA,
c)
Describe the types of economic incentives which may be offered to
tenants such as rental and fit-up allowances,
Provide a street activation plan for Main Street, Broadway and
Ames Street, and
e)
Identify opportunities for "start-up" retail uses at an entrepreneurial
or developmental stage of business, which opportunities may, for
example, be located in indoor or outdoor temporary space (such as
kiosks, markets, food trucks and the like) or in leased space, or in
some combination thereof.
The Concept Plan must include an annual reporting process to the CRA for the
duration of the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan regarding the ongoing
efforts on the part of the development to comply with the Retail Plan.
14.32.2.2 Findings and Approval. The Planning Board shall grant a special permit
approving a Concept Plan upon finding that the new development identified within
the plan meets the criteria for approval of a Planned Unit Development set forth in
Section 12.35.3(3) of the Zoning Ordinance and the criteria for approval of a Project
Review Special Permit set forth in Section 19.25 of the Zoning Ordinance. In
making its findings, the Board shall consider the objectives set forth in the Kendall
Square Final Report of the K2G2 Planning Study ("K2 Plan") K2 Guidelines and the
Volpe Guidelines and the Kendall Square Design Guidelines. The approval of a
Concept Plan shall serve to meet any applicable project review requirements of
Article 19.000, and no additional Project Review Special Permit shall be required for
new development that is identified within an approved Concept Plan. In addition,
while the location of the Substation Project is to be shown on a Concept Plan, the
actual development of the Substation Project shall not be included within the scope
8
of a special permit approving a Concept Plan (but shall remain subject to all
applicable regulations governing the construction of such projects).
14.32.2.3
Conditions. The special permit shall include a summary of approved Infill
GFA in the aggregate, a description of the sites on which the development of Infill
GFA is permitted, and the allowed range of development and uses on each site.
Alternatives and variations may be allowed as set forth in the conditions of the
special permit. The special permit shall also include conditions for project mitigation
applicable to each Infill GFA development site. Development on a particular site
identified in the Concept Plan shall be authorized if the conditions applicable to that
site are met.
14.32.2.4
• Ongoing Review. The conditions of the special permit shall set forth a
process for future review and approval of the design of buildings, landscaping and
other significant components of an approved Concept Plan. Such process shall
include representation by the CRA, Planning Board and City staff, in compliance
with the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan. The special permit may specify that
such further review not be required for any building design that is determined to
have been sufficiently advanced at the time of granting of the special permit as to
meet the standards for project review as set forth in Section 14.73.
14.32.2.5 Amendments. Major or Minor Amendments to the Concept Plan may be
approved as set forth in Section 12.37 of the Zoning Ordinance after review and
approval by the CRA, with Major Amendments requiring the granting of a special
permit by the Planning Board and Minor Amendments requiring a written
determination by the Planning Board. The conditions of the special permit may
specify what types of modifications would constitute Major or Minor Amendments.
14.32.2.6 Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 14.32.2 to the contrary,
(i) the GFA utilized for the Ames Street Residential Project and (ii) a maximum of
60,000 square feet of Aggregate GFA associated with a project seeking a special
permit under Section 14.72.3, shall not be deemed to be Infill GFA for the purposes
of this Article 14.
14.32.3 Any construction or change of use within the District, which would cause
Aggregate GFA limitation of Section 14.32.1 to be exceeded, shall not be allowed.
(1) Compliance with this Section 14.32.3 shall be determined by the
Superintendent of Buildings at all times including at the time of issuance of a
building permit and at the time of issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy under
Section 9.20 of this Ordinance.
(2) The CRA shall maintain a record of the Aggregate GFA within the District and
shall provide an Aggregate GFA record to the Superintendent of Buildings and
the Community Development Department (CDD) with any building permit or
certificate of occupancy application utilizing Infill GFA. Such record shall
9
separately account for development within the Ames Street District. These
records shall be adjusted as appropriate, from time to time, including upon
issuance, revocation or expiration of a building permit or certificate of
occupancy and upon receipt of a certificate from the CRA as to an outstanding
contract (including option) for the construction of a building. The CRA shall also
maintain a record of cumulative GFA by land use for the purpose of determining
and tracking open space requirements for existing and future development.
(3) Each applicant for a Special Permit, building permit or a certificate of occupancy
shall submit to the Superintendent of Buildings information, including the
following, as appropriate to the application, in order to determine compliance
with this Section 14.32 and to demonstrate that the proposed construction
and/or occupancy will not violate or be inconsistent with any outstanding
contract or deed:
(a) measurement of total gross floor area of the building or building additions;
(b) measurement of future development commitments or limitations on the lot
specified in deed restrictions, covenants or comparable legal instruments.
14.32.4 Applicability of Section 19.20. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
19.22 (1), a structure, any portion of which contains residential uses as set forth in
Section 14.21.4 (1) above, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 19.20 -
Project Review Special Permit. In addition, notwithstanding the provisions of
Section 19.22(1), any development within the area designated on the Zoning Map
as the "Ames Street District" utilizing the 2010 Additional GFA under Section
14.32.3(2) above shall be subject to the provisions of Section 19.20-Project Review
Special Permit, with the exception of Section 19.21.1. It is understood and agreed
that the provisions of this Section 14.32.4 shall apply only to development proposals
that are not included within the Infill Development Concept Plan process described
in Section 14.32.2 above.
14.32.5 Innovation Space: A Concept Plan proposing more than 100,000 square feet
of GFA for Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses shall include a plan for
Innovation Space meeting the requirements below. Innovation Space within the
District must occupy GFA equal to, or in excess of, ten percent (10%) of the Infill
GFA used for Office and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses. Existing GFA within
the District may be converted to meet this requirement. The Innovation Space
requirement shall be met through the provision of office spaces of at least 10,000
square feet (or ten percent (10%) of the newly-constructed GFA for Office and
Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses, if less) within a single building and may be
satisfied by means of a lease to a single user who will operate and manage a facility
meeting the requirements hereof:
a) Combined Spaces. Developers of properties within the District may collaborate
with other developers in adjacent zoning districts in the Kendall Square area
(defined as zoning districts reviewed as part of the K2 Planning Study) to
10
develop a Joint Innovation Space Plan. In such a case, the total square footage
of joint Innovation Space must be large enough to satisfy the sum of the
requirements, if any, for such participating developers and zoning districts.
b) Characteristics. For the purposes of this Section 14.32.5, Innovation Space
shall have the following characteristics:
i. Durations of lease agreements (or other similar occupancy agreements)
with individual office tenants shall be for periods of approximately one (1)
month.
il. No single business entity may occupy more than 2,000 square feet or 10%
of the entire Innovation Space provided in the District, whichever is greater.
ili. The average size of separately contracted private office suites may not
exceed 200 square feet of GFA.
iv. Innovation Space shall include shared resources (i.e., co-working areas,
conference space, classroom space, office equipment, showroom, shop or
lab equipment, storage, circulation, supplies and kitchens) available to all
tenants and must occupy at least 50% of the Innovation Space.
v. Individual entities occupying Innovation Space may include small business
incubators, small research laboratories, office space for investors and
entrepreneurs, facilities for teaching and for theoretical, basic and applied
research, product development and testing and prototype fabrication or
production of experimental products.
c) Variations. In approving a Concept Plan, Major or Minor Amendments to the
Concept Plan, or through subsequent design review of individual building
design per Section 14.32.2.4, the Planning Board may approve variations in the
specific characteristics set forth above if the proposed Innovation Space is
found to be consistent with the purposes of these characteristics.
d) Inapplicability to Substation Commercial GFA. Notwithstanding the foregoing
provisions of this Section 14.32.5. there shall be no Innovation Space
requirement for any project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA (nor shall any
such project utilizing Substation Commercial GFA be entitled to utilize
Innovation space in order to obtain a GrA Exemption under Section 14.32.6(3)
below).
14.32.6 GFA Exemptions.
The following items shall be excluded from the calculation of Aggregate GFA within
the District for the purposes of determining compliance with the intensity of
development requirements of Article 14:
11
1) Variances: Any GFA within the District authorized by a variance issued by the
Board of Zoning Appeal.
2) Residentiat Outdoor Area Exemptions: Private outdoor decks or balconies for
multi-family residential or commercial development, up to eight percent (8%) of
the building floor area.
3) Innovation Space: Innovation Space GFA up to the lesser of either twenty
percent (20%) of the Infill GFA dedicated to Office and Biotechnology
Manufacturing Uses or one hundred five thousand (105,000) square feet. In
order for the Innovation Space GFA to be exempt from the Aggregate GFA
limitations, at least twenty five percent (25%) of the Innovation Space utilization
(measured by square footage or shared space membership) must be set aside
as below market rate space to be offered by the CRA or the City to qualifying
tenants for short-term leases consistent with Section 14.32.5(b).
4) Retail: The GFA occupied by retail and consumer service uses listed in Section
14.21.3, if the following conditions are met:
a) the excluded GFA is not located above the ground level of a building
(provided, however, that the Planning Board may waive this limitation in
specific instances where it finds that the proposed use would be uniquely
beneficial to area residents, such as a grocery store or pharmacy);
b) the excluded GFA has frontage and direct pedestrian entrances onto Main
Street, Binney Street, Broadway, Ames Street, Galileo Way, Pioneer Way,
internal service drives or onto open space that is directly accessible and not
more than one hundred (100) feet distant from at least one of the
aforementioned streets or services drives;
c) the excluded GFA is occupied by separate retail establishments, each
occupying no more than five thousand (5,000) square feet of floor area
(provided, however, that the Planning Board may waive this limitation in
specific instances where it finds that the proposed use would be uniquely
beneficial to area residents, such as a grocery store, pharmacy, or an
innovative retail format where multiple small vendors occupy a larger
market space);
d) the ground level façade is designed with entrances and glazing materials
such that at least 60% of the façade area is transparent providing visibility
between the retail use and the public sidewalk or open space; and
e) A minimum of 25% of the retail space, exclusive of retail space used for
grocery stores and/or pharmacies, consists of Independent and Local
Retailers. "Independent and Local Retailers" shall include any retail
operator, which does not own or operate more than ten (10) retail locations
12
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the same name and retail
concept.
5) Middle Income Housing Units: The square footage of any middle income
housing units as defined in Section 14.35 (c).
6) Transfer of Development Rights: Any GFA acquired through the transfer of
development rights provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.
7) Electrical Substation: The Substation Project shall be exempt from Aggregate
GFA calculation as well as the requirements as to Floor Area Ratio. Further,
substation construction shall not constitute Infill GFA (or Substation Commercial
GFA).
8) Educational Lab, Classroom or Training Facility: Up to twenty thousand
(20,000) square feet of educational, health or workforce training facilities
operated to provide services to the general public (as opposed to private
Tacilities that are solely accessible by tenants or occupants of commercial
buildings within the District), which such services are either permitted as of right
within the District in accordance with the provisions of this Article 14 or may
otherwise be permitted by special permit.
14.33
Lot Density Limitation. In addition to the Aggregate GFA limitation established
in Section 14.32, there shall also be a density limitation for each lot within the
District. The following floor area ratios (as defined in Article 2.000) for each lot shall
not be exceeded, except as provided in Sections 14.32.6 and 14.33.6. The area of
the lot to be counted in determining FAR shall include land dedicated by the owner
or former owner of the lot as public open space under Section 14.42.
Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, there shall
be no maximum floor area ratio for any project utilizing Infill GFA (including
Substation Commercial GA). However, the District Development Limitations in
Section 14.32 shall continue to apply.
Industrial and Wholesale uses: FAR 4.0
14.33.1
14.33.2
Office Uses and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses: FAR 8.0
Retail and Consumer Services uses: FAR 5.0
14.33.3
Residential uses:
14.33.4
(1) Multifamily housing: FAR 8.0
(2) Hotel/Motel: FAR 6.0
13
Other uses: FAR 4.0
14.33.5
14.33.6 If development on a lot is to include activities in more than one of the use
groups above, the maximum FAR for the lot shall be the FAR for the use group
containing the largest proportion of space on the lot.
14.34
Building Height Limitation. The maximum building height in the District shall be
two hundred and fifty (250) feet, except for the area of the District more than four
hundred and tifty (450) feet north of the centerline of Broadway, where the
maximum building height for any portion of a building in such area shall be two
hundred (200) feet. Up to two (2) mixed use buildings may reach three hundred and
fifty (350) feet provided, however, that the occupied floors above two hundred and
fifty (250) feet may only contain residential and associated amenity space.
Additionally, the floorplate of any portion of a building above two hundred and fifty
(250) feet shall not exceed twelve thousand (12,000) square feet.
The maximum building height in the District shall be two hundred and fifty (250)
feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, one building within the District may reach four
hundred (400) feet provided, however, that the occupied floors above two hundred
and fifty (250) feet may only contain residential and associated amenity space.
Additionally, the floorplate of any portion of a building above two hundred fifty (250)
feet shall not exceed twelve thousand five hundred (12.500) square feet.
This requirement shall not apply to chimneys, water towers, air conditioning
equipment, elevator bulkheads, skylights, ventilators, solar or wind energy systems,
and other necessary features appurtenant to buildings, which are usually carried
above roofs and are not used for human occupancy. These requirements shall also
not apply to (i) domes, towers or spires above buildings if such features are not
used for human occupancy and occupy less than ten percent (10%) of the lot area,
(i) wireless or broadcasting towers and other like unenclosed structures which
occupy less than ten percent (10%) to the lot area or (iii) rooftop terraces and
enclosed structures ancillary thereto (provided that such structures occupy less than
ten percent (10%) of the lot area.
14.35
Middle Income Housing Requirement. For any project utilizing Infill GFA for
multi-family residential use, the following requirements for Middle Income Housing
Units shall apply in addition to the Inclusionary Housing requirements set forth
below:
1) Middle Income Units (as defined below) shall occupy floor area equal to at least
five percent (5%) of the total floor area devoted to multi-family residential use.
Such Middle Income Units shall be distributed throughout the residential
building in a manner approved by the Planning Board, in consultation with City
and CRA 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. The floor area of Middle Income Units provided per this
14
Section 14.35 shall not be counted against the Aggregate GFA limitation in the
District.
2) For the purposes of this Section 14.35, Middle Income Units shall be defined
as residential dwelling units for which:
i.
the occupancy is restricted to households whose total income does not
exceed 120% of the median income of households in the Boston Standard
Metropolitan Statistical Area adjusted for family size, or such other
equivalent income standard as may be determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund;
ii. 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;
and
ili. the Middle-Income Units are not also designated as Affordable Units for the
purpose of meeting the Inclusionary Housing requirements in Section
11.200.
14.36 Affordable Housing Requirement. For any project utilizing the Infill GFA for
multi-tamily residential uses, the following requirements shall apply in place of the
Inclusionary Housing requirements set forth in Section 11.200 of this Zoning
Ordinance, including but not limited to the requirements regarding the number of
Affordable Units:
a. No less than twenty percent (20%) of the total floor area devoted to multi-family
residential use shall be devoted to Affordable Units in accordance with the
definitions and procedures set forth in Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance.
No increase in GFA beyond the limitations set forth in Section 14.32.1 shall be
provided for a project or the District subject to the requirements of this Section
14.36.
b. The Planning Board may approve a Special Permit providing Affordable Units
that are, on average, larger in area than the other dwelling units in the building.
Where such units are larger in size and provide a greater number of bedrooms,
they may be accordingly, fewer in number within the project, provided that the
requirements set forth in 14.36(a) are satisfied.
c. If the Inclusionary Housing requirements of Section 11.200 are amended
subsequent to September 1, 2015 such that more than twenty percent (20%) of
the total number of dwelling units must be devoted to Affordable Units, then the
15
twenty percent (20%) total floor area requirement set forth in this Section 14.35
shall be increased to the same percentage to which the requirements have
been increased under said Section 11.200.
14.37 Dwelling Units. New multi-family residential development utilizing Infill GFA
shall include a range of dwelling unit types and sizes. At a minimum, five percent
(5%) of the residential GFA utilizing Infill GFA shall be devoted to dwelling units with
three (3) bedrooms or more, which shall be designed to accommodate families with
children.
To the extent legally permissible under Section 11.200 of the Zoning Ordinance and
other applicable legal requirements, these three-bedroom units will all be Middle
Income Units and Affordable Units; provided, however, that if three-bedroom units
comprise more than five percent (5%) of the total floor area devoted to multi-family
residential units, any such units in excess of five percent (5%) of the total floor area
may be market-rate units.
14.38 Active Ground Floors:
The ground floor of newly constructed buildings utilizing 50,000 square feet or more
of Infill GFA, where that ground floor fronts onto Main Street, Broadway or Ames
Street, must be occupied by (i) Retail and Consumer Service uses, as listed in
Section 14.21.3, or (il) active public gathering space (whether enclosed or open),
along a minimum length of seventy-five percent (75%) of the building façade along
this frontage; provided, however, that the requirement shall be forty percent (40%)
for any building with a facade length of one hundred (100) feet or less along such
frontage onto Main Street, Broadway or Ames Street. Dimensional variations and
alternate uses may be approved by the Planning Board upon determining that the
specific uses and designs proposed are consistent with the purpose and intent of
this Section 14.3638. Alternatively, if a Concept Plan provides for the
redevelopment of existing buildings to include new Retail and Consumer Service
uses along the ground floor of any of the identified street frontages, then the
Planning Board may permit a reduction in the required length of active street
frontage for new buildings for up to fifty percent (50%) of the length of new active
street frontage provided in existing buildings and only if the Board finds that it
results in a better outcome for the District as a whole. Banks and financial
institutions shall not be considered active ground floor uses for the purposes of
meeting this requirement.
14.39 Letter of Commitment. The Letter of Gommitment dated December 21, 2015
by Boston Properties Limited Partnership is incorporated herein by reference and
shall be binding on Boston Properties Limited Partnership and its successers and
assigns.
It is acknowledged and agreed that the Letter of Commitment dated December 21,
2015 by Boston Properties Limited Partnership is hereby declared null and void and
16
of no further force and effect, and shall no longer be binding upon Boston Properties
Limited Partnership or its successors and assigns.
14.40 OPEN SPACE REQUIREMENTS
14.41 Definition of Open Space. For purposes of this Section 14.40, open space shall
mean a portion of a lot or other area of land associated with and adjacent to a
building or group of buildings in relation to which it serves to provide light and air, or
scenic, recreational or similar purposes. Such space shall, in general, be available
for entry and use by the occupants of the building(s) with which it is associated, and
at times to the general public, but may include a limited proportion of space so
located and treated as to enhance the amenity of development by providing
landscaping features, screening or buffering for the occupants or neighbors or a
general appearance of openness. Open space shall include parks, plazas, lawns,
landscaped areas, decorative plantings, roof decks, balconies, pedestrian ways
listed in Section 14.45, active and passive recreational areas, including playgrounds
and swimming pools. Streets, parking lots, driveways, service roads, loading areas,
and areas normally inaccessible to pedestrian circulation beneath pedestrian
bridges, decks or shopping bridges shall not be counted in determining required
open space.
14.42 District Public Open Space Requirement. A minimum of one hundred thousand
(100,000) square feet within the District shall be reserved or designated as public
open space. No development shall be allowed which would reduce public open
space in the District below one hundred thousand (100,000) square feet.
14.2142.1 Public Open Space shall be open space reserved for public use and
enjoyment as guaranteed through one or more of the following:
a) Retention by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority;
b) Dedication to and acceptance by the City of Cambridge or other public entity;
c) Easements or deed restrictions over such land sufficient to ensure its perpetual
reservation for public open space purposes.
d) Dedication, by covenant or comparable legal instrument, to the community use
of the residents, lessees and visitors to the District for reasonable amounts of
time on a regular basis;
e) Lease agreements of ninety-nine (99) years or longer from the private
developer or owner to the City or other public entity.
14.42.2 In addition to the Public Open Space provisions above, development in the
District shall provide that a combination of public open spaces and private but
publicly accessible spaces such that the total open space areas in the District are
17
equivalent to at least fifteen percent (15%) of the land area (excluding road rights-
of-way) within the District. The open spaces within the District shall contribute to an
interconnected network of public spaces in the broader Kendall Square
neighborhood, accommodating a variety of activities for employees, residents and
visitors, consistent with the place-making goals of the 2013 K2 Final Report.
14.43
Project Based Minimum Open Space Requirement. Each development project
shall be required to contribute to the open space network of the District and/or the
surrounding neighborhood, consistent, in the case of Infill GFA, with an open space
plan approved through the Special Permit application as described in
Section14.32.2 and consistent with the Open Space Requirements of Section 403
of the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan.
14.44 [Intentionally Omitted]
14.45
Pedestrian Ways.
14.45.1 Pedestrian ways listed and defined below may be counted toward the open
space requirement determined in Section 14.43.
14.45.2
Pedestrian ways shall be designed to provide for public access and shall
have the following meanings:
(1) An open pedestrian bridge is a continuous open bridge having a minimum width
of six (6) feet and spanning a street, pedestrian way, access or service road or
open space within a lot or between two adjacent lots.
(2) A raised pedestrian deck is a continuous, open platform at least twenty (20) feet
in width which is at least eight (8) feet above the mean elevation of the lot and
which extends over a street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open
space within a lot or between two adjacent lots. It shall have direct pedestrian
access from abutting buildings, shall provide seating facilities and shall be
landscaped including one tree, of at least three and a half (3 1/2) inch caliper,
per five hundred (500) square feet of pedestrian deck.
(3) An enclosed pedestrian bridge is a continuous, enclosed space having a
minimum width of eight (8) feet which spans a street, pedestrian way, access or
service road or open space, making connections within a lot or between two
adjacent lots. At least fifty (50%) percent of the surface area along its facades
shall consist of transparent materials.
(4) An elevated shopping bridge is a continuous, enclosed space which spans a
street, pedestrian way, access or service road or open space, making
connection within a lot or between two adjacent lots. Such a shopping bridge
shall have a minimum width of thirty-six (36) feet and a maximum width of forty-
eight (48) feet, with retail uses as allowed in Section 14.21.3 along one or both
18
sides of a pedestrian circulation route with a minimum width of twelve (12) feet.
Such shopping bridge shall connect, at a minimum, at both ends to other
internal or external pedestrian ways.
(5) A shopping arcade is a continuous, covered, but not necessarily enclosed,
space which extends along the front facade of a building facing a street or
pedestrian way within the District, and having retail uses as permitted in Section
14.21.3 accessible from it. It shall have a minimum continuous width,
unobstructed, except for building columns, of at least twelve (12) feet, and also
have a minimum continuous height of twelve (12) feet. Such shopping arcades
shall have access from the abutting street or pedestrian way, having its floor at
the same level and continuous with the sidewalk or other abutting pedestrian
way. It shall be open to the public at all hours.
(6) An elevated shopping way is a continuous, enclosed space which extends
along the front facade of a building facing a street or a pedestrian way and
which has a minimum width of twelve (12) feet. It shall be located on the second
level of the building and have a minimum continuous height of twelve (12) feet.
It shall be open to the public for a minimum of twelve (12) hours daily, on
weekdays, and shall have fronting retail uses as permitted in Section 14.21.3.
(7) A through block arcade is a covered space which provides a connection
through a building and connects streets, open spaces, pedestrian ways, or any
combination of the above, and is directly accessible to the public. A through
block arcade shall have a minimum area of at least two thousand (2,000)
square feet and a minimum width at any point of twenty (20) feet. A through
block arcade shall have openings at the face of the building for entrance at least
twelve (12) feet in width and ten (10) feet high. At least fifty (50%) percent of its
aggregate interior frontage shall be retail use as permitted in Section 14.21.3.
Vertical circulation elements, columns, pedestrian bridges and balconies are
permitted obstructions provided they do not cover in the aggregate more than
fifteen (15%) percent of the floor area of the arcade.
14.45.3 The minimum height of any pedestrian way above the surface of a public way
over which it is constructed shall be fourteen feet (14'-0").
14.50 VEHICULAR ACCESS, PARKING AND LOADING
14.51 Access. Buildings erected in the Kendall Center MD District need not be
located on lots which have frontage on a street. However, provisions for access to
all buildings by emergency and service vehicles in lieu of public street access shall
be made possible by the layout and design of driveways, interior service roads, or
pedestrian and bicycle circulation corridors not normally open to vehicular traffic to
the reasonable satisfaction of the City of Cambridge Fire Department, and the
Cambridge Traffic Department.
19
14.52 Parking Requirements. Off-street parking regulations for the Kendall Center
MXD District shall be as follows:
14.52.1 No on-grade, open parking areas shall be allowed in the District except as
provided for in Section 14.52.4.
14.52.2 With the exception of multi-family residential development, there are no
minimum parking requirements for new development in the District. Residential
development shall provide at a minimum 0.4 0.25 automobile parking spaces per
dwelling unit. All proposed development shall be restricted from constructing
parking spaces, either on or off the lot within the District, beyond the maximum
allowances of Table 1. If a development includes more than one category of use,
then the number of spaces allowed for the development shall be the sum of the
allowance for each category of use. Where the computation of required spaces
results in a fractional number, only a fraction of one half or more shall be counted as
one. The Planning Board may approve arrangements for shared parking of such
residential parking spaces with commercial spaces or otherwise adjust the minimum
parking requirements based on review and analysis of anticipated parking demand
within the Transportation Impact Study.
At least ten (10) additional parking spaces reserved for car-sharing vehicles shall be
provided by the first development project utilizing at least 100,000 square feet of
Infill GFA. These spaces are not counted toward maximum parking space ratios. In
the event that no car sharing or site-based car rental organization is prepared to
offer services, the designated car share spaces may be rented on a monthly basis
unless and until an organization agrees to provide the services, if there is clear
documentation that such parking spaces are continuously offered to car sharing
organizations.
Table 1 MD District Parking Requirements
| Maximum number of
Use
spaces
Light Industrial uses allowed by Section 14.21.1
.8/1000 sq. ft. '
Office uses and Biotechnology Manufacturing Uses allowed by
.9/1000 sq. ft.
Section 14.21.2
Retail and consumer establishment allowed by Section 14.21.3
.5/1000 sq. ft.
Residential uses allowed by Section 14.21.4
Multifamily residences
.75 dwelling unit
Hotels or Motels
1/4 sleeping rooms
1/15 seats
Public assembly uses allowed by Sections 14.21.3(2),
20
14.21.3(3), and Section 14.21.5
Other uses allowed by Section 14.21.6 and 14.21.7
.9/1000 sq. ft. 2
'All space measurements are in terms of square feet of gross floor area.
2 For assembly spaces having no fixed seating.
14.52.3 The parking allowances specified in Table 1 may be satisfied in total or in part
by a lease agreement between the developer and the City, other public entity, or
thousand (2,000) teet of the residential building for which the parking is being
provided, measured from property edge to property edge). The total number of
parking spaces leased and constructed within the district for development on a lot
shall not exceed the maximum allowances provided for in Table 2.
14.52.4 Off-street, on-grade parking lots, not enclosed in a structure, may be
constructed in the District only on an interim basis in anticipation of later
construction of structured parking provided that there is compliance with each of the
following:
(a) the future parking structure will be constructed within the District but it may be
located either on or off the lot;
(b) construction of the future parking structure will commence within three years of
the date of permit application for development on the lot;
(c) such future parking structure may be constructed and/or operated by the
applicant or by a public or private entity;
(d) the future parking structure will contain sufficient spaces reserved for users of
the lot to meet the parking requirements of the lot specified in Table 3; and
(e) binding commitments shall exist to guarantee, to the reasonable satisfaction of
the Superintendent of Buildings, that requirements (a) through (d) above shall
be satisfied. Such commitments shall be made by negotiated lease agreement,
deed restriction, covenant, performance bond, or comparable legal instrument.
14.52.5 Regulations governing the layout and design of parking facilities in Article
6.000 of this Ordinance shall not be applicable in the MD District. This Article
14.000 sets no such regulations for the MD District.
14.52.6 Bicycle Parking: Bicycle parking shall be provided as set forth in Section
6.100 of this Zoning Ordinance; provided that in issuing a special permit approving
a Concept Plan, the Planning Board may determine that the bicycle parking
21
requirements for individual buildings shown on the Concept Plan may be met
utilizing a campus planning approach toward bicycle parking.
14.52.6.1 Intent: To allow flexibility within the high-density environment of the MXD
District while providing high quality, equitable, and thoughtfully planned bicycle
parking and sustainable transportation amenities for all users, consistent with
Section 6.108.2. Given the complexity of infrastructure requirements of the
substation project, the bicycle parking provisions set forth in Section 6.100 is
infeasible, and a comprehensive bicycle parking plan will be needed to help to
balance space constraints and competing uses on or near the ground level.
14.52.6.2 Bike Parking Plan: The bicycle parking plan may utilize a combination of the
following strategies, or other design provisions that meet the principles of Section
6.108.3:
(a) Public Bicycle Sharing Facilities: Where a new, standard-size Public Bicycle
Sharing Station or larger is provided (i) on the lot, or (ii) on a site within five
hundred (500) feet of the lot, with written approval of the City if located on a
public street or other City Property, or otherwise by legally enforceable mutual
agreement with the owner of the land on which the station is to be located. If
Public Bicycle Sharing Station(s) are provided, each bicycle dock within that
station may count for up to two (2) required bicycle parking spaces.
Should it be deemed beneficial to the operation of a Public Bicycle Sharing
system by the Community Development Department and the Public Bicycle
Sharing system operator, a developer may meet additional bicycle parking
requirements by providing a secure, accessible and geographically central
location for the storage and/or maintenance of the publicly shared bicycles. If
a Public Bicycle Sharing storage and/or maintenance facility is provided, each
designated bicycle storage space shall count for up to one-half (0.5) of a
required bicycle parking space
(b) Countercyclical Bicycle Parking Facility: As the District will contain residential
and commercial uses having different peak parking demand times, multiple
buildings may share parking facilities within three hundred (300) feet from
each other. A shared bicycle parking space may count as a required bicycle
parking space for both a residential use and a commercial use within
separate buildings within a campus plan.
(c)
Complementary Valet Bicycle Parking: Bicycle parking may be provided
through a valet bicycle parking program that is offered free of charge to users.
In order to utilize valet bicycle parking, a developer must submit for the
Planning Board's approval a plan describing:
i. The design of the valet bicycle parking facilities (which shall not be
required to conform with the dimensional regulations of Section 6.100).
22°
ii. The proposed number of attendants, number of bicycle parking spaces
provided, hours of valet service operations, and other pertinent
information.
When an approved valet bicycle parking program that was utilized to meet the
requirements of Section 6.100 is discontinued, the property owner must either
bring the bicycle parking spaces into full conformance with the bicycle parking
requirements of Section 6.100 or seek approval from the Planning Board for
an alternative approach.
The combination of the strategies above, or other provisions accepted by the
Planning Board, shall allow a project to adjust the minimum required number of
bicycle parking spaces, as supported through analysis made available to the
Planning Board.
14.53
Loading Requirements. It is the intent of this Section that sufficient off-street
loading facilities be constructed within the District to meet the needs of users
located there. The requirements of Article 6.000 shall not apply in the MD District.
14.53.1 All buildings in the MD District shall provide the number of bays required in
Table 3 unless they qualify for one or more of the exemptions below:
(1) In buildings with uses in more than one use group under Section 14.21, the
loading bay requirements for that use consuming the most gross floor area shall
be first computed and required. Only fifty (50%) percent of the floor area of the
other uses shall be counted in determining the additional loading requirements.
(2) Where there are contractual arrangements for sharing loading and service
facilities with other users in the District for a period of ten (10) years of more, a
fifty (50%) percent reduction in the loading bay requirements computed in
Subsection 14.53.1 or 14.53.1(1) shall be allowed. Such contractual agreement
shall be guaranteed to the satisfaction of the Superintendent of Buildings by
covenant, deed restriction, or comparable legal instrument.
Table 2 MD Off-Street Loading Requirements
(Number of bays required by gross floor area or use)
GROSS FLOOR AREA BY USE
Over
1(1)
Up to
200,000
40,001-
100,001-
25,001-
25,000
sq. ft.
40,000 sq.
100,000 sq. 200,00 sq.
Use
for each
ft.
sq. ft.
additional
23
150,000
sq. ft.
Light Industrial Uses
1
1
3
allowed by
2
Section 14.21.1
Office Uses and
Biotechnology
1
0
1
1
2
Manufacturing Uses
allowed by
Section 14.21.2
Retail and consumer
service
1
1
establishments allowed
4
1
2
by
Section 14.21.3
Residential uses allowed
by Section 14.21.4
1
1
1
2
Multifamily residences
1
1
1
1
Hotels and motels
2
Public assembly uses
allowed by
Sections 14.21.3(2),
1
2
1
1
0
14.21.3(3), 14.21.5
(restaurants,
entertainment and
recreational facilities)
Other uses allowed by
1
2
0
1
Section 14.21.6 and
14.21.7
14.53.2 Regulations governing the location, layout and design of loading facilities,
specified in Section 6.90 of this Ordinance shall not be applicable in the MXD
District. This Article 14.000 establishes no such regulations for the MD District.
14.60 SIGNS
During the life of the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan as amended, the sign
regulations of Section 7.10 shall not be applicable in the MXD District.
14.70 SPECIAL PROVISIONS
14./1.7 Special Provisions Applicable within the Ames Street District
14./1.1 Applicability. The provisions set forth in this Section 14.71 shall apply solely
within the Ames Street District. Where this Section 14.71 specifies some standards
or makes some other requirement contrary to the standards or requirements set
forth elsewhere in this Article 14.00 or in the Ordinance, the provisions of this
Section 14.71 shall control.
14.71.2 Lot Density Limitation. Notwithstanding the Lot Density Limitations in Section
14.33, there shall be no maximum floor area ratio for Multifamily dwelling uses.
However, the District Development Limitations in Section 14.32 shall continue to
apply.
14.71.3 Lot Minimum Open Space Requirement. So long as the District Public Open
Space Requirement in Section 14.42 is met, and there exists within the Ames Street
District a minimum of fifty-three thousand (53,000) square feet of public open space
(as defined in Section 14.42), there shall be no open space requirement for any
individual lots within the Ames Street District.
14.71.4 Parking. The minimum number of spaces for multifamily residential uses shall
be 0.50 per dwelling unit.
14.71.5
Loading Requirements. Where there are contractual arrangements for
sharing loading and service facilities with other users in the Ames Street District for
a period of ten (10) years or more, a sixty percent (60%) reduction in the loading
bay requirements computed in Subsection 14.53.1 or 14.53.1(1) shall be allowed.
Such contractual agreement shall be guaranteed to the satisfaction of the
Superintendent of Buildings by covenant, deed restriction, easement or comparable
legal instrument.
14.72 Special Provisions Applicable Outside the Ames Street District
14.72.1 Applicability. The provisions set forth in this Section 14.72 shall apply solely
within the portion of the MD District consisting of lots fronting on Main Street that
are not within the Ames Street District as such District is constituted as of October
1, 2014. Where this Section 14.72 specifies some standards or makes some other
requirement contrary to the standards or requirements set forth elsewhere in this
Article 14.00 or in the Ordinance, the provisions of this Section 14.72 shall control.
14.72.2 Purpose and Intent. In furtherance of the intent provided in Section 14.72,
and in response to the Kendall Square planning process, the purpose and intent of
this Section 14.72 is to provide an incentive for improvements that will remedy a
gap in the urban street edge, propose retail and other ground floor activity to
increase public engagement, reduce parking utilization levels and enhance
sustainability, and upgrade design to current standards, in keeping with Kendall
Square's identity as a world-renowned research center and a vibrant neighborhood.
25
14.72.3 Special Permit. Where improvements are proposed to be constructed on any
lot within the portion of the MD District fronting on Main Street that is not within the
Ames Street District as such District is constituted as of October 1, 2014, and
release of an open space covenant by the City will be necessary to accommodate
such improvements, the Planning Board may grant a special permit allowing
improvements containing incremental square footage of not more than 60,000
square feet of GFA within the limits of Section 14.32 in excess of the square footage
of improvements located on such lot as of October 1, 2014. In granting such special
permit, the Planning Board shall find the following:
(1) The lot upon which such improvements are proposed contained, as of October
1, 2014, no portion of a building located so as to create a street edge along any
part of the Main Street frontage of such lot; and the proposed improvements will
remedy that condition by including the establishment of a street edge in keeping
with the urban nature of the area, on at least a portion of the Main Street
building façade.
(2) The ground level of the proposed improvements fronting on Main Street will be
designed to enhance public access and interaction.
14.72.4 Retail and Consumer Services Uses. If retail or consumer services uses are a
part of any improvements authorized by special permit under this Section 14.72, the
Gross Floor Area of any first floor or areas situated no more than one (1) floor below
grade of such improvements devoted to such retail or consumer service uses shall
be excluded from calculations of Gross Floor Area and FAR for all purposes of this
Article 14.00 and the Ordinance, provided that the portion of any individual retail or
consumer service use exceeding 5,000 square feet (or 10,000 square feet for a
grocery, market or pharmacy retail use) shall be counted as Gross Floor Area for
the purposes of calculating allowable FAR.
14.72.5 Parking and Loading. The improvements authorized by special permit under
this Section 14.72 shall not require vehicle parking or loading facilities by reason of
the incremental development authorized, and no additional parking spaces shall be
provided by reason of improvements located on such lot beyond the number of
parking spaces provided as of October 1, 2014.
14.72.6 Bicycle Parking. Additional bicycle parking shall be provided as required in
Section 6.100 to the extent of the incremental development authorized by special
permit under this Section 14.72, provided that any such spaces may be located
anywhere on the lot or in such other location as the Planning Board may in its
discretion approve.
14.72.7 Open Space. The Lot Open Space Requirements in Section 14.43 shall be
inapplicable on any lot on which improvements are authorized by special permit
under this Section 14.72, and the Planning Board may in its discretion waive any
26
other open space requirement applicable to such lot under this Ordinance. Any
ground floor publicly accessible feature, if so determined by the Planning Board,
shall be excluded from calculations of Gross Floor Area and FAR for the purposes
of this Article 14.00 and the Ordinance. The Planning Board may grant a special
permit for improvements to be located within the area of the open space covenant
that would need to be released by the City notwithstanding that such open space
covenant may not have been released prior to issuance of such special permit.
14.72.8 Sustainable Design and Development. The incremental development
authorized by special permit under this Section 14.72 shall comply with the green
building requirements of Section 22.20, provided that the Planning Board may in its
discretion vary or waive any such requirements.
14.72.9 Project Review. Incremental development authorized by special permit under
this Section 14.72 shall be subject to project review by the Planning Board under
the provisions of Section 19.20.
14.72.10 Incentive for Housing Development. The incremental development
authorized by special permit under this Section 14.72 shall be considered an
Incentive Project pursuant to Section 11.200.
14.72.11 Contribution to Community Fund. Upon issuance of a Final Certificate of
Occupancy for the incremental development authorized by special permit under this
Section 14.72, the permittee shall contribute to a Community Fund, established by
the City Manager, an amount equal to $10.00 multiplied by the number of square
feet of new gross floor area for office and biotechnology manufacturing uses
identified in Section 14.21.2 contained in such incremental development.
14.72.12
Public Benefits. The public benefits to be provided by a development for
which a special permit may be granted under this Section 14.72, including those
provided in Sections 14.72.10 and 14.72.11, shall be deemed to satisfy any future
requirements for public benefits that may be adopted with respect to the MD
District or any portion thereof that may include any lot eligible for such special
permit, including without limitation any other funding requirement or exaction, any
requirements to provide innovation or other space or services, or any limitations
relating to the progress or sequence of development of residential or other space,
none of which shall apply thereto.
14.72.13 Letter of Commitment. The Letter dated March 26, 2015, by Richard
McKinnon on behalf of the Whitehead Institute and received by the City Council as
Communication #5 of March 30, 2015, and attached "Design Narrative/Zoning
Guidelines" Memorandum prepared by Andy Pecora of Tsoi / Kobus & Associates,
shall be binding upon the Whitehead Institute and its successors and assigns. The
issuance of any building permit or certificate of occupancy authorized by a special
permit issued pursuant to this Section 14.72 shall be conditioned upon certification
by the Community Development Department and all other relevant City departments
27
to the Inspectional Services Department that all portions of the aforementioned
Letter are continuing to be met.
14.73 INTER-AGENCY DESIGN REVIEW
Review and approval of the Infill Development Concept Plan, as described in
Section 14.32.2, and subsequent building design review under Section 14.32.2.4
shall be conducted jointly by the Planning Board and the CRA, as described in
Section 506 of the Kendall Square Urban Renewal Plan, "Inter-Agency Design
Review." The Planning Board and CRA, shall hold at least one joint public meeting
to consider the Infill Development Concept Plan. In order to insure high quality
architectural design and thoughtful adherence to the Concept Plan, evaluation of
subsequent building proposes shall include the review of:
a) A site plan illustrating the new building proposal in context with existing and
proposed new development within the District.
b) A proposed development program illustrating the size and location of uses
within the building.
c) Building plans, sections, elevations, and rendering sufficient to describe the
urban design setting and architectural character of the proposed building(s).
A materials board shall be provided along with annotated building
elevations.
d) A digital or physical model of the building within the context of neighboring
buildings.
e) A project specific open space plan depicting the design of open space
provided on site by the project and any Public Open Space contributions to
the area to be executed by the Project. Additionally streetscape designs for
building frontages.
f) A sustainability narrative describing how the development proposal will
meet the requirements set forth in Section 14.74 below.
g) A plan and description of how the development proposal's automobile and
bicycle parking is to be accommodated.
As set forth in Section 14.32.2.4, the procedures for ongoing design review
of subsequent building proposals shall be further defined per the Concept
Plan Special Permit.
14.74 Sustainability. New buildings constructed within the District shall comply with
the provisions of Section 22.20 of the Ordinance. For those construction projects
utilizing Infill GFA subject to Section 22.23, LEED certification at the Gold level or
28
better is required and must enlist a Commissioning Authority to perform Enhanced
Commissioning of the building's performance. In connection with the submission
requirements of Section 22.24.2.a., the Developer of such buildings shall submit a
Statement of Energy Design Intent produced through the EnergyStar Target Finder
tool, or comparable method. New buildings in the District utilizing Infill GFA must
incorporate an integrated design approach and incorporate best practices for
meeting sustainability in the following five (5) areas:
a) Energy and Emissions. Each new building must conserve building energy and,
to the extent applicable, reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project
proponent must evaluate the potential for on-site energy generation or the
construction or expansion of co-generation or district energy facilities within the
District. All new construction shall be developed to be Solar-Ready, allowing for
the immediate installation of solar voltaic units or provisions of building systems
to allow future solar installation. Building proposals shall include a study
considering the feasibility of connecting to the existing district steam system or
other energy co-generation facility in the area.
b) Water Management. The Developer, for each new building, must explore
opportunities for:
i. potable water use reductions,
il. storm water management using open spaces,
Ili. the incorporation of indigenous vegetation and,
iv. storm water for irrigation purposes.
c) Cool Roofs. All new buildings approved in the District must employ Functional
Green Roots (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 approved in the 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) Rooftop Mechanical Equipment Noise Mitigation. Sound emanating from rooftop
rechanical equipment on all new or substantially altered structures shall be
ninimized by the adoption of best available and feasible practices regardina th
location and sizing of equipment, the selection of equipment and sound
attenuation measures.
14.80 INAPPLICABILITY OF CERTAIN OTHER REGULATIONS
29
Where this Article 14.000 specifies some standard or makes some other
requirement contrary to a requirements elsewhere in this Ordinance, the provisions
of this Article 14.000 shall control.
30
Enclosure 3
Conceptual Site Design Images
CHARLES RIVER
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Neighborhood Influences
Main Street
MITIMCO NoMa
Third Street
NEIGHBORHOOD
EAST CAMBRIDGE
Broadway
- Binney Street
VOLPE
MITIMCO SoMa
DEVELOPMENT
INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
19 August 2020 BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
MASSACHUSETTS
NORTH PARCEL
Broadway
Vassar Street
PICKARD CHILTON
Main Street
bxpis
THE PORT
WELLINGTON
HARRINGTON
NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD
70272
CHARLES RIVER
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Neighborhood Influences
Main Street
Binney Street
BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
19 August 2020%
Ames Street
Balileo Galilei Way.
Street
PICKARD CHILTON
Main Street
701725
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Binney Street
Planning & Massing Concepts
BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
LOW GRADE
TO BEL
SHUT TO BET
19 August 2020
Broadway
Ames Street
PICKARD CHILTON
Galileo Galilei Way
Main Street
bxp Properties
3rd Street
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Planning & Massing Concepts
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
EAST PARCEL
sil Stet Conctor
COMMERCIAL BUILDING
WEST PARCEL
19 August 2020, BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING
Ames Street
PICKARD CHILTON
Galileo Galilei Way™
bxp Properties
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Massing Possibilities
BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
19 August 2020
PICKARD CHILTON
CAMGRIDGSCT
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Massing Possibilities
BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
19 August 2020
PICKARD CHILTON
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Massing Possibilities
19 August 2020 BLUE GARAGE - MASTER PLAN VISION
PICKARD CHILTON
Bester
Properties
bxp