In a groundbreaking move, the Cambridge City Council voted to end exclusionary single-family zoning in the city, allowing for the construction of up to six-story residential buildings in all neighborhoods. This historic rezoning, championed by Councilors Burhan Azeem and Sumbul Siddiqui, is considered one of the most ambitious changes to zoning in decades by Azeem, who is also a board member of Abundant Housing Massachusetts.
The reform, passed with an 8-1 vote, aims to create more than 4,800 new units by 2040, compared to the previous estimate of only 350 units under the old zoning regulations. The updated zoning removes barriers for developers, such as lot size requirements and no parking minimums, making it easier to build housing in Cambridge.
Some concerns were raised about the potential for luxury units and displacement of residents with the new zoning rules. However, proponents like Jesse Kanson-Benanav argue that increasing the housing stock will ultimately lead to greater affordability, addressing the city’s housing crisis where the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,900.
Despite these concerns, supporters believe that the rezoning will inspire other cities to take similar actions to address the national housing crisis. By allowing for more diverse and dense housing options, Cambridge is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
