Written Comments

We pulled about 16,400 comments from the Council Record Website spanning from early 2016 through October 2025. Comments made by council candidates are below.

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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 the thousands of 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, 210+
    • Robert J. La Tremouille, feral goose activist, 115+
    • Members of the CResA board:
      • Hasson Rashid, 120+
      • Lee Farris, 110+
      • Kathy Watkins, 40+
    • Members of the CCC board or CCC advisors:
      • Carol O'Hare, 75+
      • Suzanne Blier, 70+ (also associated with Harvard Square Business Association)
      • Marilee Meyer, 85+
NameDateTitleCommunication URL
Jane Hirschi2018-11-05of the Community Benefits process that Cambridge is committed to.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=7988
Jane Hirschi2020-09-14585 Third Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12445
Jane Hirschi2022-01-10Public comment on bike safety.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15402
Jane Hirschi2025-04-07of Option #1 No change on Garden.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28780
Ayah Al-Zubi2025-03-31Paul Toner.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28155
Caitlin Dube2024-12-09Since the change to making Garden Street one-way, I have noticed more traffic in our neighborhood.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26315
Cathie Zusy2018-01-29of 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 Zusy2018-02-26a liquor license at 816 Memorial Drive and 271 Brookline Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6475
Cathie Zusy2018-05-21a canoe/kayak launch at Magazine Beach Park.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=7109
Cathie Zusy2020-12-14turning Jerry's Pond into an Urban Wild.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13185
Cathie Zusy2022-02-28Crowe Petition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15826
Cathie Zusy2022-12-05the Citywide Zoning Petition.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17606
Cathie Zusy2023-02-27the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Amendment.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18316
Cathie Zusy2023-05-15further study!.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19480
Cathie Zusy2023-06-26No to proposed AHO Amendments.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19871
Cathie Zusy2023-06-26No to proposed AHO Amendments.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19871
Cathie Zusy2023-09-11Vote NO on Proposed Amendments to the Neighborhood Conservation District Landmarks Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20347
Cathie Zusy2023-09-18Vote NO to AHO 2.0.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20607
Cathie Zusy2023-10-16Don't redesign Linear Park. Just fix it up!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20868
Cathie Zusy2023-12-04CMA 2023 #278 - East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=21218
Cathie Zusy2021-03-15NO to upzoning the CCF proposal @ the Quad.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=13680
Cathie Zusy2023-02-06summary of Valentine Art House opportunity.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18044
Cathie Zusy2023-05-01CMA 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 Zusy2023-05-01Follow up to preserving NCDs/Stop last minute amendments!http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19175
Cathie Zusy2023-05-08Pitched Roof Petition, AHO Amendments, and 10% City Budget Increase.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19318
Cathie Zusy2024-06-03No to allowing 6-story buildings citywide!.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=24338
Cathie Zusy2019-10-21at Magazine Beach.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=10619
Dana Bullister2019-03-25all and Section 8 housing vouchers.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8862
Dana Bullister2019-09-16the Sullivan Courthouse and the First Street Garage project.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=10339
Dana Bullister2020-06-15policy on public safety in Cambridge.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12044
Eugenia Schraa Huh2023-05-08AHO policy order.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19321
Eugenia Schraa Huh2020-11-09POR 2020 #246 build affordable housing at 35 Cherry Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12980
Eugenia Schraa Huh2023-04-10Barrett Petition/ORD 2022 #21.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18997
Jane Hirschi2018-11-05of the Community Benefits process that Cambridge is committed to.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=7988
Jane Hirschi2020-09-14585 Third Street.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=12445
Jane Hirschi2022-01-10Public comment on bike safety.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=15402
Jane Hirschi2025-04-07of Option #1 No change on Garden.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28780
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2018-12-10relocation assistance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8264
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2018-12-17to Calendar Item # 2 on the Baker Housing bill.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8320
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-01-28municipal elections.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8542
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-02-04to bed bug infestation.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8596
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-02-25of the Tree Protection Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8734
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-03-18All and the Cycling Safety Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8854
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-03-25affordable housing.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=8909
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2019-04-08of the Cycling Safety Ordinance.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=9037
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler2023-05-08Policy Order #1 - AHO improvements.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19247
John Hanratty2022-12-05AHO Proposed Amendment Should Not Pass without Community Participation.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=17644
John Hanratty2023-04-10Garden Street Policy Order.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=18933
John Hanratty2023-06-05CSO funding without further study.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19629
John Hanratty2023-06-26NO on POR 2023 #117.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19957
John Hanratty2023-08-07VOTE NO PO109 - Increasing the scope of impact study does not work.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20120
John Hanratty2023-09-11Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration (Ordinance 2023-3).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=20371
John Hanratty2024-02-26Small Business Impact Study is Completely Worthless.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22186
John Hanratty2024-03-18EDUR Meeting - Small Business Impact Study is Misleading and Provides No Relevant Results.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22331
John Hanratty2024-04-012022 City of Cambridge Parking Study.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22530
John Hanratty2024-04-30 10:00:00Vote Yes on Policy Orders 49, 50, 51http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22726
John Hanratty2024-04-30 10:00:00Policy Order 2024#50 Use real data to increase safety and not hurt people.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=23373
John Hanratty2024-04-30 10:00:00Vote Yes on Policy Orders 49, 50, 51http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22726
John Hanratty2024-04-30 10:00:00Policy Order 2024#50 Use real data to increase safety and not hurt people.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=23373
John Hanratty2024-06-24all.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=24714
John Hanratty2024-08-05Transportation Committee_ Enforce no vehicles on sidewalks and enact micro mobility speed limits.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=24798
John Hanratty2024-08-05Support the neighborhood to increase units and reduce the tunnel at Walden Square Road.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=24927
John Hanratty2024-12-02Proposed Up-zoning Ordinance will not work and will hurt renters _ owners.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26246
John Hanratty2024-12-16VOTE YES ON POLICY ORDER #1 - RESTORE 2-WAY TRAFFIC ON GARDEN STREET.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26488
John Hanratty2025-01-06STOP - PETITION AMENDMENTS DO NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUES VOICED BY THE COMMUNITY.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26847
John Hanratty2025-03-31Paul Toner deservers a fair and civil process.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28098
John Hanratty2025-04-07Restore Garden Street - Vote YES on Option #4 and order a fix to the parking_loading issue.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28670
John Hanratty2025-05-12PO#6 Vote No (1).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=29394
John Hanratty2025-06-16OPPOSE another Linear Park entrance at Westley.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=30205
John Hanratty2025-06-23VOTE YES POR 2025 #89 _ YES POR 2025 #88 (Broadway).http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=30486
Lilly Havstad2024-09-16In Support of Bold Action on Housing.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=25332
Louise Venden2025-02-03Public Comment January 27_ 2025 City Council.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=27241
Louise Venden2025-10-06Policy order #2 from 9_29_25 meeting.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=31049
Marc McGovern2018-03-19the transmission of the 2017 Annual Report of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=6623
Ned Melanson2024-04-01of promoting multi-family housing.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=22515
Ned Melanson2024-05-20End exclusionary zoning.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=24238
Ned Melanson2024-10-07What happens when we delay in the face of crisis.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=25814
Ned Melanson2024-11-04Please do not delay bicycle and pedestrian safety.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26019
Ned Melanson2024-11-18of the Job Training Trust.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=26108
Ned Melanson2025-03-31Do not renew Half Crown Marsh NCD as-is.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28231
Patty Nolan2017-04-03of Inclusionary Zoning and Policy Order # 2.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4537
Patty Nolan2023-06-26Re Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=19977
Paul Toner2020-05-11Policy Order #4.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=11858
Paul Toner2025-03-31councilor.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=28124
Richard Harding2018-06-18about a previous commitment made by Police Commissioner Haas to have dedicated walking officers in The Port area from April through the end of September.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=7303
Richard Harding2019-04-29the Cambridge Social Equity Program Proposal.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=9226
Stanislav Rivkin2025-05-05Budget Priorities.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=29320
Sumbul Siddiqui2016-12-19building 100% affordable housing on the city parking lots on Bishop Allen Drive.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=3865
Sumbul Siddiqui2017-03-27tenant protections.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=4435
Tim Flaherty2023-11-20Cambridge Day mentions Fresh Pond May be on docket this Monday - FYI.http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=21191