The Alewife

Police reach out to neighborhood because of crime concerns

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent this over:

Folks:

There was a spat of violence around the Alewife end of Rindge Avenue towards the end of Spring, so Councilor Decker put in a Council Order asking for an explanation of what sort of outreach the Police were doing in response to that violence.

Because the Council did not ask for a "report back," the answer came back in a letter to the Council (as opposed to a formal response by the City Manager, which would have been part of his Agenda at a Council meeting).

I thought you might be interested in the response, so I'm forwarding it as an attachment.

Thanks a lot.

Craig

Click here to view/download the city manager's letter:

Download no_camb_jp.pdf

North Cambridge Night Out Against Crime Tuesday

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this notice:

Folks:

National Night Out, celebrated Tuesday evening behind the Peabody School and
organized by the North Cambridge Crime Task Force, can be a lot of fun,
especially for families with young kids who would enjoy the rides and games
and so forth. There are other activities throughout the day, so check out
the attached agenda if you're interested.

If you have specific questions, you may email the NCCTF coordinator, Shirley
Santos, who is on the 'to' line here.

Thanks a lot.

Craig

Morning Out
9:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
School and summer camp children primarily attend this event. A fun filled afternoon with an exotic reptile and amphibian presentation, amusement and pony rides and field games.

Seniors Out
12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The Cambridge Police department and the North Cambridge Crime Task Force treat seniors to a cookout and live entertainment.

NNO welcomes Nike - 2nd Annual Basketball Competition
3v3 Tournament and Foul Shooting Contest
4pm - 11-12 years old
5pm - 13-14 years old
6pm - 15-16 years old
Participation is limited and granted in order of pre-registration - Walk-in welcome (space permitting)

National Night Out
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
National Night Out is our annual going away party to crime and drugs. National Night Out brings together Cambridge citizens from diverse ages and ethnic backgrounds. Participants enjoy a community cookout, amusement rides, crime and drug prevention information tables, raffles, and a youth basketball competition. The Cambridge Police, Fire and Middlesex County Sheriff’s departments host demonstrations and displays.

Kaya hotel plan moves forward

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent us an update on the new hotel slated for Porter Square:

Folks:

Here is the Committee Report on the proposed rezoning of much of Porter Square that would allow the Kaya Hotel project to go forward.  The Council won't vote on this until the first meeting in September, but it would be a fairly large change for Porter Square so I thought I would pass on this report.
 
Note the changed meeting location if you plan to come speak.
 
Enjoy the weekend.

Craig
 
If you would like to speak on this issue at City Council, you may call 617-349-4280 on Monday between 9 and 3 to sign up, or you may show up at Council chambers between 5:30 and 6 PM.  Council public comment usually starts a little after 5:30 PM and lasts until everyone who wishes has spoken.  You have three minutes to speak and have to speak on some Council Order, Committee Report, Resolution or Manager's Agenda item.

 
You may email the entire Council on any item by using Council@Cambridgema.gov and the City Manager at Rhealy@Cambridgema.gov .  To get something in the Council's packet, it needs to be at the Clerk's office by 5 PM the Thursday before a meeting:  email MDrury@cambridgema.gov to get something in the packet.
 
You may also see archived and ongoing Council meetings over the internet by visiting http://www.cambridgema.gov/webcast-splash.cfmg .
 

More crime in the neighborhood: Victim speaks out

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this scary story about a real crime:

Folks:

I got this email a few days ago from a North Cambridge resident who asked me to forward it. While many of you don't live in North or West Cambridge (I'm never quite sure where Danehy Park fits into Cambridge's neighborhood system), you all have an interest in addressing criminal behavior. As I haven't seen anything in the police alerts system, I figured I'd pass on this note for your information. It's important that incidents like this,
while horrific to the victims, not be construed to paint too broad a picture of crime in our City, but it is also important for all of us to have as complete a picture as possible about what sort of crime is happening where so that we can make our own judgments on how to keep ourselves, and others, safe.

Feel free to pass it on, if you wish.

Thanks a lot.

Craig

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Friday, July 04, 2008 5:38 AM
To: craig@craigkelley.org
Subject: assault and robbery in Daheny Park, Cambridge

My name is XX and I live in the Rindge St. area with my mom.Last night-July 3- about 8:30 pm, as I was returning home through Daheny Park after shopping at Whole Foods, two dark-skinned black males, somewhere between 15 and 23, jumped up from the bench where they were sitting and accosted me. One of them came from behind and hooked his arm around my throat trying to choke me while his acccomplice demanded, "Gimme your cell phone". I was unable to answer because of the arm squeezing my neck and anyway, I don't even own a cell phone. While I was being held, the accomplice went through my pockets
and took my keys and my wallet which contained $40, my debit card, my Sears credit card, my Selective Service card, My Mass Health card, my library card and two student id's- one from Mass Art and one from UMass Boston. I called Sears and cancelled the card to protect myself.

After the man went through my pockets, I was able to grab my assailant's arm and fling it off my neck, falling down on the ground after doing so. I didn't move and they walked away with my wallet in one of their hands. I came home very shaken and in shock; it took me a few hours to be calm enough to be able to describe the crime which I did to Officer Gallagher, a Cambridge police officer who came to my house to take a report.

Please send out a message to your email list and let them know about this so people can be on the lookout for these creeps and also to see if anyone has any information. People who do this nasty things tend to brag about it to their friends and acquaintances, so someone in the neighborhood has, no doubt, already heard about it. If I can be of any help in apprehending or identifying these thugs, please let me know. My phone number is XXX.


Sincerely,

XX

Rindge Ave. update from DPW

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent us this note from DPW:

Dear Rindge Ave Neighbors:
 
We have gotten word that overnight paving tentatively scheduled for Friday, July 11th has been postponed.  We will update you when the new date has been set.
 
One day next week the contractor will be doing what is called a leveling course of asphalt, which is used to bring up grades in certain sections (mainly along the gutter line).  This work will be done during the day, starting at 9 am.  Local residents will have access to their properties.  There may be a period when traffic attempting to access Rindge Ave from Alewife Brook Parkway will be detoured to use Route 16 to Mass Ave; however, traffic from the Mass Ave direction is not expected to be detoured.
 
Sincerely,
Rebecca
 
Rebecca Fuentes
Community Relations Manager
Department of Public Works
City of Cambridge

Police warns of robber packs

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this note from the city police:

"Since mid-May there has been five unarmed street robberies. All five incidents have involved a lone male victim walking in the area. The best time frames for these occurrences are during the evening hours of 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

The suspects in each of these incidents are described as three black males age 16-20 years of age wearing dark clothing."

Developing...

Kelley gives Walden Street Bridge update

Kelley: Out-of-date Web bulletins, poor communications, preservation of historic cow crossing and design re-designs all combined to thwart quick and easy replacement of critical bridge. State will not compensate businesses. Look for construction to begin in fall.

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent along his notes from a meeting he attended with City Counciloor Sam Seidel and other officials regarding the progress of the Walden Street Bridge.

Folks: here are my notes from the recent Walden Street Bridge meeting. I tried to capture the main points and I edited my notes a bit to make them read easier while still trying to capture the flow of the meeting. I’m sure I made mistakes or missed some points, but hopefully they’re relatively minor.

--Craig.

Officials at the meeting included:
Sam Seidel, Cambridge City Council

Owen O’Riordan from Cambridge DPW

Bill Deignan from Cambridge Community Development Department

Sean Magmus from MassHighway

Richard DeSantis from MassHighway and Sean Magnus (client for this project)

The Contractor is JF White and MassHighway is the client. For this project, the City is really just a very interested party. While we don’t hold the purse strings here or enter into any of the bridge-related contracts, we do have some say over work hours and we are trying to tie this project into a great Walden Street reconstruction project. And, of course, when all is said and done, functionally it's our bridge to plow, drive over, walk over, live next to, etc.

The Bridge replacement has been extended six months to the spring (March) of ‘09 rather than the fall of ‘08 due to unforeseen circumstances. The main reason for the delay is because there is an old granite wall on the tracks side of the cowarch that had no footing and that made a turn underground towards the tracks, both of which impacted the placement of the piers that will hold the bridge up in the middle of the passage. The cowarch is historic (the cows from which the Porterhouse steak came were driven through this arch to the many slaughterhouses in the area) and an earlier part of the project restored the arch, but the contractor was concerned that if they put the piers where they had originally thought, the cowarch’s granite retaining wall would be damaged or even collapse. The moving of the piers, away from Mass Ave , required a redesign of the pre-stressed beams that cross over the tracks and the cowarch.

This redesign required review by state authorities and a change of design for the manufacturer. That all happened quicker than expected, so they’re hoping that the project will only be delayed 3.5 months rather than the anticipated 6 months, but they can’t be sure about that yet. They hope that the beams will be in place, over the cowarch, by the end of September, which would allow them to start putting up decking and opening it, eventually, to cars and then they could move on to the aesthetic stuff like the boulder-ish wall on the bridge. Also, getting the beams in place would allow NSTAR gas and electric to change the utilities from the temporary pedestrian bridge to a permanent spot on the new bridge.

Healy: Security cameras at Russell Field not worth the effort

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent this along this letter from City Manager Robert W. Healy, a response to requests that the city police setup video camera to monitor Russell Field:

Folks,

If you would like to speak on this issue at City Council, you may call 617-349-4280 on Monday between 9 and 3 to sign up, or you may show up at Council chambers between 5:30 and 6 PM. Council public comment usually starts a little after 5:30 PM and lasts until everyone who wishes has spoken. You have three minutes to speak and have to speak on some Council Order, Committee Report, Resolution or Manager's Agenda item.

You may email the entire Council on any item by using Council@Cambridgema.gov and the City Manager at Rhealy@Cambridgema.gov. To get something in the Council's packet, it needs to be at the Clerk's office by 5 PM the Thursday before a meeting: email MDrury@cambridgema.gov to get something in the packet.

You may also see archived and ongoing Council meetings over the internet by visiting http://www.cambridgema.gov/webcast-splash.cfmg.

--Craig

Here is the letter:

June 9, 2008

To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 08-54, regarding a report on the feasibility of installing security cameras at the Russell Field Althletic Complex, Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas reports the following:

In assessing the feasibility of having security cameras installed at the Russell Field Athletic Complex, the police department took a number of factors into consideration. First and foremost, we attempted to assess the deterrent value of these cameras both in terms of protecting people walking along the pathway, as well as, the protection of the property itself. We also attempted to discern the preventative value and the investigative value for such an investment. In essence, would the installation of security cameras provide for a safer environment, and does that investment offset the intrusion some people would feel if they know they are being monitored. From a more technical aspect we also considered the limitations with respect to the actual monitoring of the cameras and the storage capacity to save images.

As part of the initial part of this assessment, Sgt. Kathy Murphy met with the MBTA officials to ascertain what portion of the pathway leading to and from the Alewife T Station is currently be monitored by MBTA’s camera system. She learned that one camera at the entrance of the Alewife T Station was monitoring the entrance of the station. Since the MBTA already has an elaborate surveillance camera network, Sgt. Murphy inquired as to the feasibility and willingness to tie any additional security cameras into its current network. She also inquired as to feasibility of that system to store images captured by any additional cameras we may want to add to that network. At this stage of the inquiry, the T officials seemed to think it would not be a problem to incorporate any additional security cameras into the existing network, provided that these cameras were compatible to the existing NICE network. Sgt. Murphy noticed that the one camera monitoring the entrance was pointing down to the immediate area in front of the doorway to the station. She inquired if the MBTA would mind pointing this camera down the pathway leading up to the station to capture more of the pathway back to the athletic field house. In response to that request, MBTA has already adjusted the one camera down the pathway from the entrance of the Alewife T Station toward the field house. The camera captures the entire pathway with some degree of clarity.

In terms of having the ability to monitor the network of pathways around the athletic field, it would appear there would need to be a minimum of six cameras needed. Two cameras on either side of the peaks of the field house (four cameras in total) itself to cover the pathways from Rindge Avenue and to cover the pathway running out to Dudley Street. Another set of two cameras perched on top of the field spot lights that are located behind the stadium seating, and at the bend of the pathway leading to Linear Park. To provide coverage of the field itself, the pool and the parking areas to include the field house would require additional cameras.

In order to maximize on the deterrent values provided by these cameras, it would be imperative that signs be posted alerting pedestrians enter from any of the four access points that the pathways are under police surveillance for protective purposes. The camera system should provide at least three distinct capabilities: 1) clear enough images to discern the identity of people in the event they are needed for investigative purposes; 2) the ability to bring up images at the ECC should the need arise; and 3) the ability to control the cameras in terms of panning and zoom capabilities.

In terms of practical limitations, it is virtually impossible to have anyone constantly monitoring the cameras. Also, based on the storage capacity of the MBTA’s system there would probably be a limited capacity to store images for any lengthy period of time. Finally, it becomes a policy issue as to whether the security and protection these cameras would offer (to include the signage) would be sufficient to trade-off any privacy issues that might be raised.

Very truly yours,

Robert W. Healy
City Manager
RWH/mec

Shootings prompt Decker to propose youth outreach tonight

City Councillor sent this over about City Councillor Marjorie Decker's item on tonight's City Council agenda to address North Cambridge shootings.

Folks:

I thought you might be interested in this agenda item, Policy Order #21 from Ms. Decker, on the Council's Agenda tonight. Directions on how to speak are below.

Thanks.

Craig

Policy Order Resolution

COUNCILLOR DECKER

WHEREAS: In recent months, there has been a string of shootings in the North Cambridge/Jefferson Park area; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments on what kind of outreach is being done in North Cambridge/Jefferson Park to comfort neighbors in the vicinity, how are neighborhood schools and youth centers responding to the violence, and whether the City is looking into any new options of outreach to neighborhoods impacted by repetitive acts of violence.

If you would like to speak on this issue at City Council, you may call 617-349-4280 on Monday between 9 and 3 to sign up, or you may show up at Council chambers between 5:30 and 6 PM. Council public comment usually starts a little after 5:30 PM and lasts until everyone who wishes has spoken. You have three minutes to speak and have to speak on some Council Order, Committee Report, Resolution or Manager's Agenda item.

You may email the entire Council on any item by using Council@Cambridgema.gov and the City Manager at Rhealy@Cambridgema.gov. To get something in the Council's packet, it needs to be at the Clerk's office by 5 PM the Thursday before a meeting: email MDrury@cambridgema.gov to get something in the packet.

You may also see archived and ongoing Council meetings over the internet by visiting http://www.cambridgema.gov/webcast-splash.cfmg.

Kaya hearings coming up

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this update on the plan to build a hotel on top of Porter Square's Kaya restaurant:

Folks:

Most of you know about the 5-story hotel proposed for the Kaya Restaurant site. This project, to include a ground floor restaurant, underground parking and a park in the back, was denied its variance request a few months ago because the BZA felt the requested relief from the zoning was just too great. The proponent has submitted a fairly narrowly crafted zoning change, one that covers much of the Porter Square area but is really aimed just at motel and hotel uses, that would allow the hotel to be built with a Special Permit from the Planning Board.

There are two hearings currently scheduled for this project if you want your opinion to be known.

The first is a Ordinance Committee hearing on Tuesday, 10 June at 4:30 PM at the City Council chambers in City Hall. You may get comments entered into the record by emailing the City Clerk at MDrury@Cambridgema.gov. You may also show up and speak, for up to five minutes, if you like.

The second hearing is a Planning Board hearing scheduled for 7:30 PM on Tuesday, 17 June at the City Hall Annex at 344 Broadway. For more information on this hearing you may call the Community Development Department's Liza Paden at 617-349-4647 or email LPaden@Cambridgema.gov. Public comment will also be taken at this meeting.

You may also email the Council your thoughts at Council@Cambridgema.gov. After all of the hearings, the Council will vote on this proposal and it will require at least six affirmative votes to pass.

Thanks.

Craig

Avon Hill home robbers make $100k haul

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this important notice:
View Larger Map

This may not be directly relevant to your home, but break-ins do occur and people can lose a lot of valuable and sentimental items. CPD offers home security assessments and I'd be glad to help you find out which CPD person you shoud contact to arrange one, if you wish.

Thanks a lot.

Craig

FROM THE AVON HILL NEIGHBORHOOD LISTSERV:

Subject: Robbery at 18 Hillside Ave.

The house at 18 Hillside Ave. was robbed either yesterday (Saturday, May 10) or early today (Sunday, May 11). The family was away for the weekend until 2 pm Sunday. The thieves broke into the house via the back door and took jewelry, heirlooms, computers, etc. with an estimate of a $100,000 loss - very distressing.

Could you kindly pass the word around?
Many thanks, Sue Leland

Rindge Aveune construction update

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley brought this from the city's DPW Web site to our attention:

[an excerpt]

Project updates

05/07/2008- The City's contractor, Aggregate Industries, has completed all sidewalk excavation, curb installation, and rough grading on Rindge Avenue. They are currently working with various utility companies to adjust the height of metal structures in the sidewalk, with the expectation that they will be in a position to fine grade, place forms, and place concrete once the structures have been adjusted. Concrete work could begin as early as next week, and will include a number of driveway aprons; impacted properties will be contacted directed to coordinate when driveways will be out of service to allow the placement and curing of concrete.

The City has been working to plant trees on both the public sidewalk and the private back of sidewalk (described in the 4/3 update posted below). Click here to view a map of locations that have been identified to date for tree planting [note that this map only shows Cambridge street trees, not park trees or trees on property owned by others].

Kelley: Neighborhood flood insurance meeting Tuesday

City Councillor Craig A. Kelley sent over this notice:

Folks:

If you live in and around the Alewife Brook area of North Cambridge (see the attached map), you may may have already received the notice from the Cambridge Dept. of Public Works about Tuesday's meeting to discuss changes to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps proposed by FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Even if you don't live in impacted areas, you may still be interested in how our flood plain is changing, as none of us are really that much higher than anyone else.

This email from DPW staff with additional information, links and email addresses should you want to investigate further on your own:

The DPW announcement noted that in the latest draft of the Flood Insurance Rate Maps, about 160 buildings will be added to the flood plain limits compared to the maps currently in effect. If you're one of those 160 buildings, you really want to pay attention to this. Additionally, there are a few other key points I think everyone might be interested in:

Many of the affected buildings will be required to have flood insurance if the property has a mortgage and will be in a high risk area (mostly in the area near the Arlington border).

Flood insurance is not part of standard homeowners insurance.

The estimated insurance for a single family home in the high risk areas is $2462 per year for $250,000 building coverage with standard contents coverage and deductible. (see floodsmart.gov for other estimates)

Renters may be affected because the landlord could offset the additional insurance cost by increasing the rent.

If flood insurance is purchased before the new maps are approved, the existing rates can be used for as long as the coverage is maintained, and the rate can be transferred to future owners. In the previous example, the rate outside the high risk area is estimated to be $1251, a savings of over $100 per month.

The property elevations (heights) used in the maps were taken by airplane. One neighbor had a certified survey showing different elevations than the proposed maps.

FEMA has a Community Rating System that gives insurance discounts of 5% to 45% depending on activities performed by the community. Cambridge does not currently participate, but is checking the requirements.

Representatives from FEMA, the state, and the city will attend the meeting to answer questions.

The meeting will be:

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

7pm - 9pm

Peabody (formerly Fitzgerald) School Auditorium

70 Rindge Avenue

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

If you live or own property in Cambridge , especially in North Cambridge, Cambridge Highlands , Strawberry Hill, West Cambridge or Neighborhood 9 you should be aware of the proposed revisions to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps proposed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Your property may be in the proposed new flood plain limits and you may be required to purchase flood insurance. FEMA is in the process of updating the flood maps for Cambridge and surrounding communities. This process will revise the limits of the flood plain, which in Cambridge is principally located in the Alewife area. Approximately 160 additional buildings are proposed to be included in the revised flood plain limits in Alewife.

Residents, businesses, and property owners are invited to a community meeting:

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
7pm – 9pm
Peabody School Auditorium
70 Rindge Avenue

The Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) is sponsoring this meeting to help residents and property owners understand the proposed changes to the flood plain limits, the schedule and process for the flood map changes, how this may affect your property, and the insurance options available to you. Representatives from FEMA and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Flood Hazard Management Program will also be in attendance to answer your questions.

The City urges anyone who thinks they may be affected by the new flood maps or would like more information to attend this meeting.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Catherine Daly Woodbury, Cambridge DPW: 617-349-4818/ cwoodbury@cambridgema.gov,

David Mendelsohn, FEMA Region 1: 617-832-4713/ david.mendelsohn@dhs.gov , or

Richard Zingarelli, DCR: 617-626-1406/ richard.zingarelli@state.ma.us.

More information is also available online at http://www.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/stormwater/fema.html.