POR 2026-163 · Agenda item attachment · Sep 14 2026

POR 2026-163 FIRST IN COUNCIL September 14, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR SIMMONS COUNCILLOR FLAHERTY WHEREAS: In recent years, residents in the area around Cherry and Harvard Street have raised recurring concerns about illegal fireworks and firecracker activity during the July 4th holiday period, including activity occurring late into the night in and around the Fletcher Maynard Academy schoolyard; and WHEREAS: Residents report that while this activity often stops when police arrive, it resumes shortly after police leave, creating ongoing public safety, fire safety, noise, and quality-of-life concerns for the surrounding neighborhood; and WHEREAS: A more thoughtful, coordinated, and proactive response may be necessary in order to help prevent these recurring disruptions, protect school property, and preserve the peaceful use of the surrounding residential neighborhood; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore temporarily securing the Fletcher Maynard Academy schoolyard during the July 3rd through July 5th holiday period, or during the overnight hours when illegal fireworks activity is most likely to occur; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to consider a sustained visible presence in the area during the evening and late-night hours of the July 4th holiday period, rather than relying solely on repeated calls for service; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the proposed coordinated response plan.

A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department and other relevant departments to develop a coordinated July 4th response plan for the Cherry Street, Harvard Street, and Fletcher Maynard Academy area to ensure that this spot not be utilized for the illegal use of fireworks.