AHO 2.0 Adopted as Amended
Overlay Expansion as Explained by ABC
We have the same concerns as the Cambridge Citizens Coalition, so we’re going to elaborate on each one.
(Un)Likely Impacts We’re Going to Make a Big Fuss About:
- Removal of historic Cambridge homes: The historic home at 1627 MA Ave - previously owned Lesley University, was assuredly to be torn down by the AHO 1.0. They’re building new affordable housing behind it, so we’re now complaining about the building design instead.
- Loss of mature trees and critical green spaces: Despite the AHO 2.0 leaving intact the previous requirement for 30% open space, we’re sure it will lead to the destruction of trees this time.
- No parking or required drop off areas: You’d think we’d drop this complaint since no housing developments require parking now, but you’d be wrong. Traffic and parking problems will only get worse even though the AHO-2.0 promotes building around transit hubs and corridors (see above map).
- No planning board oversight: Most other as-of-right projects require planning board approval, but we think AHO ones should.
- Sunlight and Shadows: New 12 and 15 story buildings will rise like an arm toward the sky and thick darkness will descend upon the City of Cambridge for three generations.
- Costing the taxpayers: Despite the strict rules on government affordable housing funding (FIND link), the, “little if any financial oversight,” will bankrupt the taxpayers. It will cost “double” that of market rate, for some reason.