Author Archives: Tom Puglisi
Cambridge Waterfront Survey Results – Wed, Mar 26, 6 pm
Cambridge Waterfront Public Input Survey results will be presented to and discussed by City Council at a work session to be held online on next Wednesday, March 24 at 6pm. BCT, the company that conducted the survey on behalf of CWDI, will do the presentation. 350 people responded to the survey and made over 1500 comments. Some of the comments are shared in the presentation. Please note that all suggestions made in the survey responses are under consideration, and the fact that a suggestion is not included in the sample comments does not mean that any suggestions are off the table for the CWDI.
Cambridge Matters – March 11, 2021
CAMBRIDGE MATTERS – 2021-01
Judge Stephen Rideout (Ret.)
swrideout@aol.com
March 11, 2021
Dear Readers:
Attached is a report from Senator Cardin’s office about the legislation that was finalized today in the House and is going to the President for signature. It provides lots of information about the entire state about what is anticipated from the legislation. I would suspect that some things are not completely solid.
I thought that you would be interested in what potential impact the legislation will have on the County and Cambridge, as well as other local jurisdictions.
Also, for your information, I am interviewing representatives of the Dorchester County Department of Social Services for Mid Shore Mid Day on WHCP. I have learned a great deal about what they are doing and have been doing for the county and city during these difficult times. Take a listen. They are doing a great deal for this community that appears to be little known.
All the best.
Steve
Planning & Zoning Commission Notes – March 2, 2021
Cornish Park Cleanup – Feb 27, 2021, 9:00 am
City Council Recap – Feb 22, 2021
Unofficial Council Meeting Recap (Feb 22, 2021):
Provided by Commissioner Malkus – shared via FB
– The Mayor and Council gave a special citation to U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman in honor of her distinguished service to our nation. Pittman was born and raised on Pine Street and graduated CSD in 1991 with Commissioner Roche. Her words of thanks and her love for our City inspired all of the Council.
– We approved the consent calendar which included a letter of support for Avenues Recovery, appointed Commission President Cephas to the County Heritage Board, appointed Ms. Bronte Lake as an alternate to the HPC, and a letter of support for an honorary dedication of a section of Washington Street for the late Janelle Henry Buck.
– We approved Resolution 21-05 which authorizes a recruitment bonus to our police officers. If a member of the CPD finds a new recruit and that recruit successfully completes training, then that CPD officer will receive a $750 one time bonus. If they recruit an already trained officer from another jurisdiction, they receive a $1000 bonus. Recruitment and retention are a huge concern for our city police dept. and it is our hope that this may incentivize our officers to find excellent new recruits.
– We approved the purchase of a property on Washington Street by the city as part of our grant funded revitalization project. This property will be demolished and it will possibly be used as a pocket park/green space due to its proximity to other city owned properties and Cornish Park.
– We denied the purchase of 4 vacant lot properties on Pine Street as the pricing was not acceptable. We provided guidance to the City Planner on priorities for property purchase through this grant program and their subsequent redevelopment. This includes the purchase of blighted properties for demolition. Commission President Cephas, with the support of the entire council, asked the City attorney to explore the creation of a Land Banking System.
– We approved Resolution 21-06 establishing the last week of February as the “Cambridge Movement Remembrance Week”
– We approved a letter of support to Senator Eckardt regarding a bond bill, for Alpha Genesis’ efforts to improve the parking lot and area around the “Take My Hand” Harriet Tubman mural. If awarded, Alpha Genesis will work with the City and community partners on the design and all potential improvements.
All votes were unanimous.
Unified Council = Strong Town
Cambridge Matters by Steve Rideout – Feb 20, 2021
CAMBRIDGE MATTERS – 2021-01
Judge Stephen Rideout (Ret.)
swrideout@aol.com
February 20, 2021
Dear Readers:
I hope everyone is well and making it though our not so pleasant weather. I am attaching my first thoughts about how our county is operating and hope that you find it both interesting and possibly contains an issue that you would like to undertake with me and, hopefully, others. Be safe, stay warm, and think positively about the coming Spring.
All the best
Steve