I just wanted to thank everyone who wrote to City Council about the parking removal on Mass Ave. Public outcry is helping, and we’ve heard rumors of wobble by City Council members.

Meanwhile, a resident’s group consisting of residents and businesses are in the process of doing a survey of ALREADY affected businesses in the city.   I’ve been reading the survey comments and many are heart breaking. Businesses are down 20-60% in sales since parking was removed.  All types of businesses from 100 year old businesses to franchises to immigrant owned businesses are suffering, and hanging on by their finger nails. Many immigrant owners don’t know what they will do, as they are not in the position to simply go out and get a full time day job, although the owners of one restaurant I know recently did.   Most businesses don’t have 20% profit margins, so even a 20% downturn can be lethal. Everyone supports safety, but not quick build implementation as it has been done. US Census data shows only 6.9% of Cambridge  residents commute by bike. A tiny minority.

Here is my recent Op Ed on the topic. https://www.cambridgeday.com/2022/03/02/special-interest-politics-how-single-issue-lobbying-undermines-community/

Thanks for all of your support. IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.