The week of July 16, LP Solutions transferred its equity stake in the Close Building to Just-A-Start (JAS), a local nonprofit, allowing it to expand its property share in the Cambridge affordable housing market. With this transfer, affordable housing will continue to grow at the Close Building, a former chocolate confectionary factory. LP Solutions is…
Teachers out in force to protest Betsy DeVos at Harvard
When Education Secretary Betsy Devos came to the Kennedy School of Government last week, she faced protesters outside the school as well as inside. The crowd outside included members of the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance, a coalition of teachers, parents, students, and civil rights groups. They were out front with signs and amplifiers making it…
Community Development Corporation Secures 61 Affordable Using Units for Cambridge
The week of July 16, LP Solutions transferred its equity stake in the Close Building to Just-A-Start (JAS), a local nonprofit, allowing it to expand its property share in the Cambridge affordable housing market. With this transfer, affordable housing will continue to grow at the Close Building, a former chocolate confectionary factory. LP Solutions…
Jetpac: The New Face of Diversity and Inclusion
Although Jetpac is an acronym that stands for Justice, Education, Technology, Policy and Advocacy Center, it’s much more than that for Muslim Americans. Shaun Kennedy, Jetpac’s executive director, and Nadeem Mazen, its president, founded the nonprofit in December 2015 in order to increase civic engagement and community service in Muslim communities. Kennedy, who’s from Norfolk…
City of Cambridge moving inclusionary zoning amendment into law
Cambridge has created 100 units of affordable housing over the past year, a trend it is looking to continue and build upon in 2017. The Cambridge city council hopes to increase the percentage of affordable housing to 20 percent of the city’s total residential housing units by June of this year. Cambridge implemented inclusionary zoning,…
Vice Mayor Marc McGovern talks to SCN about the city’s efforts to help the victims of last weeks 10-alarm fire in Cambridge
(Photo: Brett Boston) Days after the devastating fire that destroyed several houses along Berkshire Street in Cambridge and displaced almost 150 people, the city’s vice mayor Marc McGovern talked to Spare Change News about what he and his colleagues were doing to help those in need. Q: How are you guys helping people who lost…
Is time running out for the Curious George store?
The iconic Curious George store at the corner of Brattle Street and John F. Kennedy Street in Cambridge may move out of the neighborhood sometime in 2018. Adam Hirsch, owner of “The World’s Only Curious George Store,” a 20-year-old staple in Harvard Square, said he knew the move was coming but hasn’t thought much about…
Solidarity and reflection in Cambridge after Pulse shooting
Amid pride month festivities in Boston, a crowd gathered at Cambridge City Hall for a somber reflection on the shooting at a queer nightclub in Orlando, Florida. Members of Cambridge’s school board, interfaith communities and local government were present as Mayor E. Denise Simmons remarked on the tragedy. The shooter entered Pulse nightclub in Orlando,…
Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of the Homeless
I had the wonderful opportunity to see a screening of the documentary “Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness” at Cambridge City Hall. The evening was made possible by Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, who brought together an audience of local social services providers who work day-in and day-out on issues touching the homeless of Cambridge.…
Cambridge Mayor Denise Simmons Talks to Spare Chance News about housing, homelessness, and linkage fees
SCN: You served your first term as mayor from 2008–2009. What did you learn in your first term and how will this term be different? DS: You really don’t know until you know. It’s a lot of work: the office of the mayor. For two reasons, one you come with a sense of what you…
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