Cambridge needs more affordable, equitable and diverse housing stock. However, it is critical that it be created thoughtfully and responsibly without compromising trees, open space, parking and current tenant housing. Instead, zoning is now a "one-size fits all" approach that allows 6-story buildings with minimal setbacks on any 5,000 square foot lot in the city.

Ground zero is the two block area on Ellery Street between Cambridge Street and Broadway and on Broadway between Ellery Street and Ellsworth Avenue. There are currently four 6-story buildings in development with possibly three more.

WE ASK FOR A PAUSE IN NEW CONSTRUCTION UNTIL THE FOLLOWING ISSUES ARE ADDRESSED:

• Traffic and Parking: Conduct Needs Analysis of the Two-Block Area Described Above

In an are where parking demand and traffic congestion exceed capacity, the addition of 200+ new units will increase demand for both parking and deliveries at a time when 60% of spaces along Broadway are being eliminated. Ellery Street, the only through street in mid-Cambridge connecting Cambridge Street and Mass Ave, and the location of the overcrowded CRLS staff garage, already experiences frequent backups.

• Eviction: Create a Proposition for Mitigation:

Upzoning has caused the evictions of many residents with more to come. We ask the city to devise strategies to prevent evictions whenever possible and provide relocation support, as needed.

• Tree and Open Space Preservation: Follow Existing Recommendations:

The Cambridge Municipal Tree Ordinance of 2021 was an extensively researched study highlighting the importance of protecting existing trees, particularly those growing on private property where most of the city's canopy cover exists. We ask the city to reoncile zoning with the findings and recommendations of the pre-existing Tree Ordinance.