Written Comments

We pulled about 7,800 comments from the Council Record Website spanning from early 2016 through October 2023. Comments made by council candidates are below.

more details

This is not a complete record of all public comment given in that time period, as that website does not capture in-person comments, and there are about 150 instances where individuals were either not identified or were grouped together as "sundry comments".

Although the data we have is a subset of all comments, there are some general patterns that would likely hold for in-person and "sundry" comments as well:

  • Most people do not send in comments. Even if all of the ~7,800 comments were from different individuals, over 115,000 people live in Cambridge - and more certainly moved in and out over the time period.
  • It's common to only comment once: about 1/3 of the comments we pulled had unique senders.
  • The majority of comments come from repeat commenters.
  • There are a number of "super commenters" who've commented dozens or even over a hundred times. Sometimes these people are commenting for a group they are a part of, sometimes they are commenting on their own.
    • Young Kim, 140+
    • Robert J. La Tremouille, feral goose activist, 115+
    • Members of the CResA board:
      • Hasson Rashid, 130+
      • Lee Farris, 70+
      • Kathy Watkins, 30+
    • Members of the CCC board or advisors:
      • Carol O'Hare, 75+
      • Suzanne Blier, 50+ (also associated with Harvard Square Business Association)
      • Marilee Meyer, 45+
    • And 2023 council candidate Joan Pickett, 40+!
NameDateTitleCommunication URL
Doug Brown2023-02-06 CMA 2023 #19. (note: with Ann Stewart, Anne and Ian Nowland)http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18047
Cathie Zusy2019-10-21 support at Magazine Beach.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=10619
Cathie Zusy2020-12-07 support for the Green Roofs ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13159
Cathie Zusy2021-03-15 NO to upzoning the CCF proposal @ the Quad.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13680
Cathie Zusy2018-01-29 in support of Policy Order # 7 and the response by Henrietta Davis to the DEIR about the I-90 Allston/Brighton Interchange Project.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6233
Cathie Zusy2018-02-26 in opposition to the petition for a liquor license at 816 Memorial Drive and 271 Brookline Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6475
Cathie Zusy2018-05-21 in support of the appropriation for a canoe/kayak launch at Magazine Beach Parkhttp://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=7109
Cathie Zusy2019-02-25 in support of City Manager’s Agenda #5 for the Phase 2-1 at Magazine Beach.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8721
Cathie Zusy2020-11-23 please withdraw the Policy Order re: Neighborhood groups.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13070
Cathie Zusy2020-12-14 turning Jerry's Pond into an Urban Wild.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13185
Cathie Zusy2022-02-28 2.28.22 CZ re Crowe Petition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15826
Cathie Zusy2022-12-05 the Citywide Zoning Petition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17606
Cathie Zusy2023-02-06 summary of Valentine Art House opportunity.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18044
Cathie Zusy2023-02-27 support for the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Amendment.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18316
Cathie Zusy2023-05-01 CMA 2023 #103 and POR 2023 #72: Jerry's Pond and BB&N Playing Fields.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19142
Cathie Zusy2023-05-01 Follow up to preserving NCDs/Stop last minute amendments!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19175
Cathie Zusy2023-05-08 Pitched Roof Petition, AHO Amendments, and 10% City Budget Increase.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19318
Cathie Zusy2023-05-15 Send the AHO petition back to Housing for further study!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19480
Cathie Zusy2023-06-26 No to proposed AHO Amendments.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19871
Cathie Zusy2023-09-11 Vote NO on Proposed Amendments to the Neighborhood Conservation District Landmarks Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20347
Cathie Zusy2023-09-18 Vote NO to AHO 2.0.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20607
Cathie Zusy2023-10-16 Don't redesign Linear Park. Just fix it up!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20868
Dan Totten2023-09-18 agenda thoughts.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20616
Dan Totten2023-09-18 surely we can do better!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20617
Dan Totten2023-10-02 It got back to me.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20737
Doug Brown2016-05-02 in support of Huron Avenue sidewalks. (note: with others)http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=2510
Doug Brown2016-06-13 transmitting comments on the new Friends of MAPOCO Petition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=2790
Doug Brown2016-06-27 transmitting support for Watertown-Cambridge Greenway Acquisition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=2914
Doug Brown2016-11-21 in support of improved cycling infrastructure, specifically the installation of separated bike lanes on major city thoroughfares.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=3680
Doug Brown2016-12-12 placing all outstanding Policy Orders on file.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=3748
Doug Brown2017-02-06 bike safety update.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4111
Doug Brown2017-03-06 Vacant & Abandoned Properties.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4281
Doug Brown2017-04-24 the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway Path lighting.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4683
Doug Brown2017-09-18 Cambridge Lighting Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=5518
Doug Brown2018-02-05 support for Jerry's Pond Policy Order.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6264
Doug Brown2018-02-26 in support of Policy Order # 7 to enhance the connectivity at Alewife.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6471
Doug Brown2018-04-23 the Zoning Petition filed entitled “Zoning Amendments for a Flood and Heat Resilient Cambridge.”http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6875
Doug Brown2018-12-03 expressing his concerns for the Grand Junction Pathway in support to further update the Accessory Dwelling Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8197
Doug Brown2019-05-06 in support of Policy Order # 7 regarding “play streets”.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=9281
Doug Brown2020-10-19 Cambridge Highlands and Quadrangle Northwest Zoning petition .http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12826
Doug Brown2021-03-15 CCF Rezoning.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13686
Doug Brown2021-06-07 comments on Ordinance Application #2021-12 a petition that proposes changes to Neighborhood Conservation Districts.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=14235
Doug Brown2023-05-01 City Manager's Agenda Item #103: Relative to Jerry's Pond Funding.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19123
Doug Brown2023-10-16 Cambridge Continues to misinform the public - When will it stop!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20851
Federico Muchnik2022-02-28 I do not approve of the proposed plan to remove the parking on Mass Ave.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15729
Gregg Moree2019-06-24 several issues he needs the Cambridge Police Department's help rectifying.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=9619
Gregg Moree2019-10-07 State Senator Sal DiDomenico clear evidence of him going to Florida without permission.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=10503
Gregg Moree2019-10-28 watch out for Vote #1 and Vote #2.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=10710
Gregg Moree2020-02-24 investing actions of Sal DiDomenico and the Carpenter's Union regarding the Everett Casino.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=11399
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2018-12-10 relocation assistance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8264
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2018-12-17 in opposition to Calendar Item # 2 on the Baker Housing bill.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8320
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-01-28 in support of public financing for municipal elections.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8542
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-02-04 in support of the Policy Order relating to bed bug infestation.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8596
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-02-25 in support of the Tree Protection Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8734
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-03-18 in support of the Policy Order #15 on the National Medicare Act for All and the Cycling Safety Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8854
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-03-25 in support of Policy Order #12 relating to the funding for affordable housing.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8909
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-04-08 in support of the Cycling Safety Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=9037
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2023-05-08 Support for Policy Order #1 - AHO improvements.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19247
Joan Pickett2018-02-12 the evaluation of the installation of the protected bike lanes on Cambridge Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6372
Joan Pickett2020-07-20 the City manager's contracthttp://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12216
Joan Pickett2021-11-08 Please Support Policy Order and Resolution #5.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=14994
Joan Pickett2021-12-06 North Mass Ave.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15185
Joan Pickett2021-12-06 approve Policy Order #1 and #3.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15197
Joan Pickett2022-01-24 Policy orders 276 and 277.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15450
Joan Pickett2022-01-31 Porter Square Mass Ave Safety Improvement Projecthttp://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15520
Joan Pickett2022-02-28 It was just after 300pm today...http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15713
Joan Pickett2022-03-07 Please support CMA #12.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15880
Joan Pickett2022-04-11 Lessons Learned.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=16093
Joan Pickett2022-08-01 Brattle Street Certificate of Appropriateness.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=16714
Joan Pickett2022-10-03 Ebike action needed.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=16966
Joan Pickett2022-10-03 support for PO #171.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=16967
Joan Pickett2022-10-17 the status of the citizens' petition signed by 97 registered voters living on or near Brattle Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17147
Joan Pickett2022-10-24 the Inman Square Project.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17161
Joan Pickett2022-10-31 Hampshire Street Safety Improvement Project.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17243
Joan Pickett2022-10-31 City Manager Agenda Item #4 (CC meeting 10/24).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17249
Joan Pickett2022-11-07 Garden Street conversion to one-way.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17297
Joan Pickett2022-11-14 support for Policy Order #282.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17422
Joan Pickett2022-11-14 Garden Street conversion.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17465
Joan Pickett2022-11-14 TPT has failed to do its job.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17466
Joan Pickett2022-12-05 Proposed AHO amendments are not right for Cambridge.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17643
Joan Pickett2023-01-09 CMA Item #12 - Garden Street Report.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17806
Joan Pickett2023-01-23 implementation of the City's Urban Forestry Master Plan.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17880
Joan Pickett2023-02-06 Zoom call protocol.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18062
Joan Pickett2023-02-27 re-posting Traffic Director job description.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18417
Joan Pickett2023-02-27 re re-posting the Traffic Director job description.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18419
Joan Pickett2023-04-03 support for the Garden Street Policy Order #3.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18738
Joan Pickett2023-04-10 support of Charter Right Agenda #1 (Garden Street Policy Order).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18911
Joan Pickett2023-04-24 Material for Monday City Council Meeting.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19102
Joan Pickett2023-05-08 Vote NO on Policy Order #75.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19219
Joan Pickett2023-05-15 NO on AHO petition; Needs more study by CDD.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19428
Joan Pickett2023-05-22 Mass Ave 4 Project.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19528
Joan Pickett2023-06-05 CDD must improve bicycle count approach.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19591
Joan Pickett2023-06-05 CMA #6 CSO Progress report is insufficient.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19594
Joan Pickett2023-06-12 Support PO 2023 #109.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19724
Joan Pickett2023-06-26 AHO amendments are bad for the city and affordable housing.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19952
Joan Pickett2023-08-07 PO#5 NO MORE DELAY in Economic Impact assessment.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20117
Joan Pickett2023-08-07 Support BEUDO Amendment.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20118
Joan Pickett2023-09-11 No to Fossil Fuel Demonstration Project and No to Nolan Amendment.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20369
Joan Pickett2023-09-11 For PO 13 and 17 and against CMA #4.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20454
Joan Pickett2023-09-11 AHO 2.0.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20455
Joan Pickett2023-09-18 Support PO #8 and oppose NCD amendmentshttp://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20688
John Hanratty2022-12-05 AHO Proposed Amendment Should Not Pass without Community Participation.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17644
John Hanratty2023-04-10 support for Garden Street Policy Order.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18933
John Hanratty2023-06-05 $2000++ per household for CSO - Irresponsible to approve CSO funding without further study.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19629
John Hanratty2023-06-26 NO on POR 2023 #117http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19957
John Hanratty2023-08-07 VOTE NO PO109 - Increasing the scope of impact study does not work.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20120
John Hanratty2023-09-11 Support POR 2023 #127 POR 2023 #147 (with reservations) Do not support Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration (Ordinance 2023-3).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20371
Marc McGovern2018-03-19 the transmission of the 2017 Annual Report of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6623
Patty Nolan2017-04-03 in support of Inclusionary Zoning and Policy Order # 2.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4537
Patty Nolan2023-06-26 Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19977
Paul Toner2020-05-11 Policy Order #4.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=11858
Sumbul Siddiqui2016-12-19 transmitting support for building 100% affordable housing on the city parking lots on Bishop Allen Drive.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=3865
Sumbul Siddiqui2017-03-27 Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, keep out the PUD wording and support tenant protections.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4435
Carrie Pasquarello2022-03-21 Opposition to proposed Mass. Ave Upland Road Traffic Changes. (Note: with Tom, Christina, Tommy and Quentin Pasquarello)http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15947