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A petition was received from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to amend the KENDALL SQUARE URBAN RENEWAL AREA
KENDALL SQUARE URBAN RENEWAL REDEVELOPMENT AREA
CAMBRIDGE REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
URBAN RENEWAL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
AMENDMENT 11 – JANUARY 28, 2020
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
of Urban Renewal
September 7, 1965
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
Amendment No. 2 approved by Cambridge City Council
June 22, 1981
Amendment No. 3 approved by Cambridge City Council
September 13, 1993
Amendment No. 4 approved by Cambridge City Council
September 8, 1997
Amendment No. 5 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
Authority
July 11, 2001
Amendment No. 6 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
Authority
April 26, 2004
Revised Amendment No. 8 approved by Cambridge
Redevelopment Authority
November 14, 2012
Amendment No. 9 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
Authority
March 19, 2014
Amendment No. 10 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
Authority
December 16, 2015
Amendment No. 10 approved by City Council
December 21, 2015
Amendment No. 11 approved by Cambridge Redevelopment
Authority
September 16, 2020
Amendment No. 11 approved by City Council
TBD
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 505: 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 many
changes to the Plan in response to the dynamic development environment in Cambridge. The
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 a 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 MXD 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 MXD
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.
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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 Renewal Urban Redevelopment
Plan and made a part hereof as if fully set forth herein. [11]
As shown on Map l 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 “MXD 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
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1.28.21
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;
(c)
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;
(f)(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)(j)
To provide economic development opportunities for residents of the existing surrounding
neighborhoods, including East Cambridge, the Port, and Wellington Harrington; [10] [11]
(j)(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;
(l)(m) To establish a sense of identity and place for Kendall Square and integrate it into the built
environment including public open space; [10]
(m)(n) To encourage the development of Kendall Square as an activity center in which to live,
work, play, and learn; [10]
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(n)(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.1
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.
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1.28.21
(h)
The planning and monitoring of development, construction and building usage;
(i)
The making of zoning adjustments; and
(j)
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
Plan.
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
urban renewal area and who were displaced as a result of the CRA’s action in finding standard
dwelling or business accommodations to meet their rehousing and business relocation needs,
within their financial means, in reasonably convenient locations.2 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]
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(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
(f) 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]
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1.28.21
(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.
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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-of-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 Renewal 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.5
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.
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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 Renewa1 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 l: 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 MXD 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 MXD 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
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and plazas, as approved by the CRA and as may be required to carry out the Urban Renewal
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]
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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]
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CHAPTER 4: LAND USE PROVISIONS AND BUILDING REQUIREMENTS
________________________________________________________________
Section 401: Permitted Uses on Acquired Land
Terms used in this Urban Renewal 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]
(3)
Retail and Consumer Service Establishments
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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 MXD 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.
(5)
Entertainment and Recreational Uses
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 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.
(6)
Institutional Uses
1) Religious purposes.
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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 MXD 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.
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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, (ii) 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
future.6 [5] [6] [8] [9] [10] [11]
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 MXD 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 “Utility Project 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 Utility Project
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 Utility Project 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 Utility Project 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 MXD 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).
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1.28.21
feet, other than the 60,000 square feet of commercial space that may be permitted by special
permit pursuant to Section 416.1 [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 MXD District pursuant to then
effective building permits, and (iii) 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]
(ii) 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:
1 Provision allows the GFA provided by the Whitehead Institute zoning petition to be added independent of the
residential obligation.
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1.28.21
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 MXD 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 Utility Project GFA).
However, the other Dimensional Requirements in this Section 402 shall continue to apply.
[11]
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
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1.28.21
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]
[11]
(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 Utility Project 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
MXD District), which such services are either permitted as of right within the
MXD District in accordance with the provisions of Article 14 of the Zoning
Ordinance or may otherwise be permitted by special permit. [11]
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1.28.21
(5) Building Height Limits
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 MXD District shall be two hundred and fifty (250)
feet. Notwithstanding the foregoing, one building within the MXD 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 MXD 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]
(l)
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 MXD District for reasonable amounts of
time on a regular basis; or
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1.28.21
(5)
Lease agreements of 99 years or longer from the private developer or owner to the
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 MXD 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]
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1.28.21
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)
Multifamily housing
8
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]
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1.28.21
Section 404: Vehicular Access, Parking and Loading Regulations
1) Buildings erected in the MXD 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 vehicles
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)
Multifamily housing
.75/unit
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
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1.28.21
of parking spaces in a public or pooled private parking facility located within the MXD District
(or, in the case of the spaces required for residential uses, located outside of the MXD District
but within one thousand (1,000) feet of the residential building for which the parking is being
provided measured from property edge to property edge, provided that on a temporary basis,
spaces required for residential uses may be within two thousand (2,000) feet of the residential
building while permanent residential parking is being constructed.) [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 MXD 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.
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1.28.21
Section 408: Storage
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-family 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
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1.28.21
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.
[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 GFA 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 MXD 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 Utility Project GFA. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this Section 412, there shall be no innovation space requirement for any project
utilizing Utility Project GFA (nor shall any such project utilizing Utility Project 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.
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1.28.21
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 Renewal 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) Affordable 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]
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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 MXD 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 MXD 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]
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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
land and by the mixing of compatible land uses, especially near the Kendall rapid
transit station.
(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]
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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 Renewal
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
providing for the distribution of any GFA associated with new development within the MXD
District above and beyond 3,333,000 square feet (“Infill GFA”) to supplement the original
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
compliance of development proposals and architectural plans, with any previously approved
plans. The CRA shall develop Urban Design Guidelines, to be reviewed by the City, specific for
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;
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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]
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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 Renewal Plan and in full conformity 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.
[11]
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][11]
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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.
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CHAPTER 7: RELATION OF PLAN TO DEFINITE LOCAL OBJECTIVES
________________________________________________________________
Section 701: Conformity to General Plan
The Urban Renewal 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 Renewal Plan for the project area, proposed urban renewal 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 for 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
(f) Requiring new building development to contain appropriate allowances for open
space, landscaping and vehicular parking and loading arrangements.
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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.
[11]
Section 802: Modification
The Urban Renewal 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
project area affected thereby, the modification shall be consented to in writing by the purchaser
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. [10] [11]
Section 803: Duration and Termination
The Urban Renewal 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]
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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
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1.28.21
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.
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Exhibit B: Map 1 Proposed Land Uses
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Exhibit C: Map 2 Property Map
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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 (l) 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 (l) 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 (l) 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
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1.28.21
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]
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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 platform 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 MXD 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 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
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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 frontage 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".
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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)
In City Council February 3, 2020.
Adopted as Amended by a yea and nay vote:-
Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0.
Attest:- Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk
A true copy;
ATTEST:-
Anthony I. Wilson
City Clerk