POR 2026-35
Asked the City Manager to begin discussions with MIT, CASPAR, the co-chairs of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, all relevant city departments and the shelter residents to develop a plan to renovate and expand 240 Albany Street in order to provide additional low threshold shelter, housing and day time services, while accommodating shelter residents impacted by the construction closure with housing and support, including low threshold options
Voted yes (9), unanimous
Ayah Al-Zubi
Burhan Azeem
Tim Flaherty
Marc McGovern
Patty Nolan
E. Denise Simmons
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
Cathie Zusy
Sumbul Siddiqui
On June 28, 1993, the City of Cambridge and MIT entered into an agreement resulting in the opening of the CASPAR shelter in an MIT owned building located at 240 Albany Street in Cambridge; and
Since its opening, 240 Albany Street has only undergone minor, as needed, maintenance and is in need of major renovations; and
Homelessness and substance use continue to be an ongoing issue in Cambridge, resulting in the need for expanded services to support our vulnerable community members; and
240 Albany Street has the potential to be expanded to meet these growing needs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to begin discussions with MIT, CASPAR, the co-chairs of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, all relevant city departments and the shelter residents to develop a plan to renovate and expand 240 Albany Street in order to provide additional low threshold shelter, housing and day time services, while accommodating shelter residents impacted by the construction closure with housing and support, including low threshold options.
In City Council February 9, 2026. Adopted by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 9; Nays 0; Absent 0. Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk
A true copy; ATTEST:-
Paula M. Crane
Interim City Clerk