Organize Now and have a voice!

Did you know that the city has 13 neighborhoods and we are one of the few without a neighborhood association?

We need to unite and participate in the city political system to fight for our fair share of rights! We need a voice in city politics. The only way is to organize, build our neighborhood plan and fight for it. We are the densest part of the city. This also means we have many votes. If we band together and vote, we have the power to make a positive change in our community.

Why is it critical? The city’s housing policy #30 states: “Concentrate rehabilitation efforts in the city’s predominantly low and moderate income neighborhoods”; the underlying operational meaning is “increase density where it is cheap to buy and where people don’t complain.” That is our Wellington-Harrington neighborhood! The more dense they make it the less livable, less attractive and consequently cheaper it becomes, evolving it into the preferred out-of-control development target.

Need proof? Of Just-A-Start's (JAS) 20 low income rental projects 17 our in our Wellington-Harrington neighborhood! Of Just-A-Start's 17 low income ownership projects 12 our in our Wellington-Harrington neighborhood! And the beat goes on... In addition to the 16 units at the Lithuanian Church, JAS has plans for 13 unit Ownership on Columbia Street; 40 unit rental building on Webster Avenue; 20+ units at the corner of Elm and Cambridge Street over a small commercial storefront, in addition to an untold number of units (hundreds) toward Union Square. Quality of life? Ignored. Has crime ever gone down increasing density? Ignored. This is injustice and discrimination, and it needs to stop! Do we have your support?

We urgently need to refer to another city housing policy; #26 states: “Maintain and preserve existing residential neighborhoods at their current density, scale, and character. Consider exceptions to this policy when residents have strong reservation about existing character, are supportive of change, and have evaluated potential changes in neighborhood character through a planning process.” As explained in city housing documents, policy #26 reiterates the general objective of the City’s land use policies to avoid disruptive housing developments, as indicated by the current residents. The residents of the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood strongly oppose the 16 condos housing development at the former church, as having a disruptive and negative effect on the community.

Click here for more details on JAS projects... Rental Projects

Click here for more details on JAS homeonership projects... Homeownership projects

Thank you Mr. Toomey for supporting our cause...
"While increasing affordable units, we must also consider the effects of overcrowding on those neighborhoods that have welcomed affordable housing.Therefore I support zoning and other policy initiatives that would result in a balanced distribution of affordable housing in all of our neighborhoods. Simultaneously, we must take every opportunity to increase open space, particularly in those neighborhoods that have welcomed affordable housing, examining creative solutions such as land swaps and partnering with owners.In addition, we must continue to improve and maintain our existing parks and playgrounds." Source

Make sure you are registered to vote: the deadline to register is October 17. Call as soon as possible (617) 349 4361 to verify your voting status. A strong voting community gets attention.

- City - Density City Of Cambridge Population (2000) (2000): 101,354



highlights: Among U.S. communities of at least 100,000 people, Cambridge ranked Fifth most crowded city in the U.S., with 15,836 people per square mile.