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PSNA Press Releases
The Porter Square Neighbors Association has an active and on-going effort to communicate its activities and accomplishments through a variety of media. In addition to its world-wide web site (PSNA home page) , we regularly send press releases to The Cambridge TAB, The Cambridge Chronicle, and Somerville Journal. Below is a listing of these press releases by year. The text of the individual releases follows and can be accessed by clicking on the title of the individual press release.
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1999 Press Releases
Thanks to MBTA for clearing snow from Somerville Avenue sidewalk (January 24)
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1998 Press Releases
Group To Discuss New Porter Square Roadway Plans (May 8)
Porter Square Group To Discuss Trucks (March 9)
Porter Square Group To Meet With Shopping Center (February 8)
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1997 Press Releases
Group Plans for 1998 (November 12)
Porter Square Group Meets (September 11)
Porter Square Groups Meets With City Official (June 12)
Porter Square Group To Set Guidelines (May 7)
Porter Square Group Meets (April 11)
Group Discusses The Future of Porter Square (March 12)
Porter Square Group Considers Safety (February 8)
Porter Square Group Meets on Roadway Safety (January 8)
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1996 Press Releases
Porter Square Group Sets Priorities, Elects Officers (December 12)
Porter Square Group To Hold Elections, Discuss Future (November 14)
Porter Square Neighbors Vote to Support Project (October 31)
Porter Square Newsletter Hits the Streets (October 8)
Star Market Unveils Expansion Plans (September 12)
Porter Square Group To Discuss Latest Developments (August 8)
Porter Square Group To Hold Candidates' Forum (July 11)
Porter Square Group to Discuss Traffic Issues (June 13)
Latest Shopping Center Renovation Plans To Be Presented (May 8)
Porter Square Group To Discuss Neighbors’ Concerns (April 11)
Porter Square Group To Discuss Stephen James House Plans (March 12)
Porter Square Group To Assess Renovations Plans (February 6)
Porter Square Plans To Be Unveiled January 18 (January 10)
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1995 Press Releases
140 Envision Future of Porter Square At Dec. 2 Event (December 3)
Community Invited to "Envision Porter Square" (November 1)
Porter Square Group Begins Work (October 29)
Porter Square Group Welcomes All, Elects President (October 14)
Porter Square Group Debut Meeting Draws 65 (October 1)
Porter Square Neighborhood Association To Be Launched (September 17)
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January 24, 1999
Thanks to MBTA for clearing snow from Somerville Avenue sidewalk
Editors
Cambridge Chronicle & Somerville Journal
240A Elm St, Suite 20
Somerville, MA 02144
January 24, 1999
Dear Sirs:
The Porter Square Neighbors Association wishes to thank the MBTA for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk between Somerville Avenue and the railroad tracks leading east from Porter Square.
For the last ten winters, this 900-foot sidewalk has often been a sea of snow or ice. Efforts to clear it were stymied by the fact that it lies in four jurisdictions: T Rapid Transit, T Commuter Rail, the City of Cambridge and the City of Somerville. Now we understand that it has been adopted by "Project Clean," the MBTA's campaign to clean the subway stations, repair and restore artwork, and generally focus on customer service and quality-of-life issues.
At least 200 Cambridge and Somerville residents use that Somerville Avenue sidewalk to reach the T. On their behalf, the Porter Square Neighbors Association thanks MBTA General Manager Robert Prince and his staff for taking on the job of sidewalk snow clearance at this long-neglected location.
The cleanup after the Jan. 15 storm was a great start. Keep up the good work!
Respectfully yours,
John H Howard
President, PSNA
cc: Robert Prince, General Manager, MBTA, 10 Park Plaza, Boston 02116
Cambridge Pedestrian Committee, 57 Inman St, Cambridge 02139
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May 8, 1998
Group To Discuss New Porter Square Roadway Plans
The Porter Square Neighbors Association will review the new roadway design for Porter Square at its regular monthly meeting, Thursday May 21, 1998. These surface improvements are part of the larger sewer separation project stretching the length of northern Massachusetts Avenue that is set to begin this July.
The Porter Square Citizens Advisory Committee has been working over the past year with City of Cambridge staff and traffic and urban design consultants to redesign the Porter Square roadway system. The plan’s benefits include additional crosswalks and longer pedestrian crossing times, bike lanes, a left turn from the Porter Square Shopping Center allowing cars to head south on Mass. Avenue, a landscaped plaza, and other aesthetic improvements.
"The committee members came to complete consensus on the features of this plan," noted PSNA President Paul Myers. "While there are still many details yet to be made final, this new scheme promises to achieve all of the neighbors’ objectives for a safer and more appealing Porter Square."
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All residents and business owners are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the group’s web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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March 9, 1998
Porter Square Group To Discuss Trucks
Cambridge-The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will discuss proposals to regulate truck traffic in Cambridge at its regular monthly meeting, Thursday March 19, 1998.
"Cambridge City Hall is currently considering a variety of recommendations to address truck traffic, and they all have implications for Porter Square," commented PSNA president Paul Myers. "Our members want to understand how these recommendations may affect Cambridge and Somerville residents in our area."
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the group's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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February 8, 1998
Porter Square Group To Meet With Shopping Center
Cambridge/Somervile-The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will meet with representatives from the Porter Square Shopping Center to discuss the latest developments and concerns with the renovation now underway at its regular monthly meeting Thursday February 19, 1998.
The group will also review the status of Massachusetts Avenue roadway renovation plans, hear an update about new residential developments affecting the Creighton-Porter-Regent Street neighborhood, and
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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November 12, 1997
Porter Square Group Plans for 1998
Cambridge/Somerville - The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will hold its annual election of officers and discuss priorities for the coming year at its regular monthly meeting Thursday November 20, 1997.
"We are entering our third year of working to improve the quality of life in Porter Square," remarked PSNA President Paul Myers. "It's a good time to review our progress and re-confirm that we are addressing our neighbors' top concerns in the year ahead."
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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September 11, 1997
Porter Square Group To Meet
Cambridge/Somerville--The Porter Square Neighbors Association kicks off its third year at the group's regular monthly meeting Thursday, September 18, 1997. The agenda includes updates on three major developments in Porter Square: the shopping center renovations currently underway; the progress of Massachusetts Avenue roadway improvement planning; and the status of residential developments in the Creighton/Porter/Regent St. neighborhood.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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June 12, 1997
Porter Square Group Meets With Traffic Official
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 19, 1997. Cambridge Traffic & Parking Director Susan Clippinger will respond to the group's recommendations for short-term roadway safety improvements in Porter Square.
Also on the agenda are a second presentation from the proponent of a weekend social club and a request to support a reduction of required parking for an English-language school. Both proposals concern activities at 1972 Massachusetts Ave.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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May 7, 1997
Porter Square Group To Set Guidelines
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 15, 1997. The group will discuss draft guidelines for considering new business and license issues in its neighborhood and will hear a proposal for an alcohol- and smoke-free weekend social club in Porter Square.
"This spring we have had a series of discussions about the factors the PSNA should take into account when dealing with the many license and other business issues that arise in Porter Square," commented PSNA President Paul Myers. "We'd like to offer a clear and consist message to businesses about our neighbors' preferences and expectations."
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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April 11, 1997
Porter Square Group To Meet
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, April 17, 1997. The group will continue its discussion of license issues in its neighborhood and will hear about plans for The Elephant Walk restaurant to locate in Porter Square.
Also on the agenda are a report on the recent highly successful roadway forum sponsored by the PSNA, a proposal for public recycling receptacles in Porter Square, and an update on the long-delayed shopping center renovations.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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March 12, 1997
Group Discusses The Future of Porter Square
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, March 20, 1996. This month's theme is the changing commercial character of Porter Square. Guests include the Cambridge License Commissioner Benjamin Barnes and urban planner (and Porter Square neighbor) Dennis Carlone.
"The perception out there is that Porter Square is a neighborhood on the move," commented PSNA President Paul Myers. "But what steps should we be taking to be sure that these changes improve and not diminish the quality of life for residents?"
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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February 8, 1997
Porter Square Group Considers Safety
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, February 20, 1996. This month's theme is safety. The PSNA will discuss the Cambridge proposal to prohibit bicycles on sidewalks in some areas of the city, including Porter Square. The group will also host officials from Somerville and Cambridge who will discuss various resources to help home owners and landlords deal with lead paint removal.
Also on the agenda are updates on a newly-revised proposal for housing on the former site of the Stephen James House, the Cottonwood Cafe's request for an entertainment license, the first Shopping Center Advisory Board meeting, and a proposed residential development on Regent Street.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/
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January 8, 1997
Porter Square Group Considers Safety
Cambridge--The Porter Square Neighbors Association will hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday, February 20, 1996. This month's theme is safety. The PSNA will discuss the Cambridge proposal to prohibit bicycles on sidewalks in some areas of the city, including Porter Square. The group will also host officials from Somerville and Cambridge who will discuss various resources to help home owners and landlords deal with lead paint removal.
Also on the agenda are updates on a newly-revised proposal for housing on the former site of the Stephen James House, the Cottonwood Cafe's request for an entertainment license, the first Shopping Center Advisory Board meeting, and a proposed residential development on Regent Street.
The meeting will be held from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church (16 Beech Street, Cambridge). All are welcome. For more information about the PSNA, check out the groups's web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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December 12, 1996
Porter Square Group Sets Priorities, Elects Officers
Cambridge -- Traffic safety, litter, and licenses will be among the top concerns of the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) in the year ahead, according to members who participated in a planning session for the group last month. Also high on the group's agenda is monitoring the impact of several planned renovations, including projects at the Porter Square Shopping Center, the Putnam furniture building, and the Kennedy Elementary School on Elm Street.
But traffic-related issues are the group's number one priority during 1997. "Porter Square residents and visitors have long been coping with the traffic and pedestrian safety problems in our neighborhood " said PSNA President Paul Myers. "In the months ahead the PSNA will focus on working with Cambridge and Somerville officials to make our public ways safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists."
The PSNA's newly elected officers for 1996-97 are: Paul Myers, President; Sandra Best, Vice-President; Susan Hunziker, Treasurer; and Karen Klinger, Secretary.
The next meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday December 19 from 7-9 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA's world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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November 14, 1996
Porter Square Group To Hold Elections, Discuss Future
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will hold its annual election of officers, discuss the formation of an executive committee, and begin identifying action items for the coming year.
"By most measures we've had a successful first year," said PSNA President Paul Myers. "Our membership is growing, interest in Porter Square has never been greater, and we can make a positive difference by focusing on our neighbors' priorities in the year ahead."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday November 21 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome, and eligible voting members are especially urged to attend.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA's world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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October 31, 1996
Porter Square Neighbors Vote to Support Project
Cambridge - Last night the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) voted overwhelmingly to support the memorandum of understanding that is intended to minimize and mitigate the potential negative impact of the planned Porter Square Shopping Center shopping center expansion. The legally binding and enforceable agreement, reached between the owner of the Porter Square shopping center, the City of Cambridge, and the PSNA, is the result of a year of discussions and, most recently, six weeks of negotiations to raise and address community concerns regarding the renovation and expansion of the Porter Square shopping center.
Highlights of the owner's commitments include the following:
-Implementing a parking mitigation program. The program will restrict employee parking in then main lot and provide additional off-site parking for employees during peak demand hours. The program's effectiveness will be monitored and enhanced as
necessary.
-Taking steps to encourage alternative transportation for employees and customers, including initiating an employee car-pooling program, subsidized public transit for employees, adding bicycle racks, and providing a Star Market home delivery option for customers.
-Establishing a truck management plan that stipulates times and manner of deliveries and requires that Star Market employ an on-site truck dock manager.
-Creating a Shopping Center Advisory Committee. This committee, made up of  9 representations-- 3 from the shopping center, three appointed by the PSNA, and 2 from the City of Cambridge and 1 from the City of Somerville will meet regularly to address neighborhood concerns as they arise.
-Preparing a maintenance plan, including snow and litter removal, lighting, and upkeep of landscaping and providing an on-site property manager during construction and for an additional year afterward.
To read the memorandum of understanding and find additional information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA's world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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October 8, 1996
Porter Square Newsletter Hits the Streets
Cambridge -- The second issue of the Porter Square Neighbors Association newsletter was distributed to 2000 Cambridge and Somerville households last weekend. Copies are also available at several restaurants and businesses in the Square. Included in the newsletter is an update on the shopping center renovation plans, including a description of Star Market's expansion plans.
"The PSNA wants our neighbors to be informed about what is happening in Porter Square, especially regarding major developments like the shopping center" commented PSNA president Paul Myers. "We're an all-volunteer group, and we've worked hard to put out an objective newsletter on issues which affect the quality of life in our neighborhood."
The next meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday October 17 starting at 7 PM at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA's world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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September 12, 1996
Star Market Unveils Expansion Plans
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will host senior executives from Star Market who will present plans for the expansion of their Porter Square store.
"The neighbors have know from the start of the planning process that Star Market was driving the expansion plans at the shopping center,” according to PSNA President Paul Myers. “Now that the developer is getting ready to seek our support for the necessary permits and variances, we are pleased that Star has finally agreed to share its specific plans with our group."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday September 19 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
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August 8, 1996
Porter Square Group To Discuss Latest Developments
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will discuss late-breaking news concerning the planned renovation and expansion of the Porter Square Shopping Center. Expected are updates on Star Market's expansion plans and the developer’s commitment to enter into a memorandum of understanding which will spell out how it will address the neighbors' concerns.
"The sentiment of recent PSNA meetings clearly indicates that the neighborhood is in favor of plans to renovate the center’s existing buildings, parking lot, and sidewalks," commented PSNA President Paul Myers. "However, we do not see as yet much support for expanding the Center; in fact, significant opposition is growing to that aspect of the project because of the proposal’s impact on traffic and parking in the area."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday August 15 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA’s world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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July 11, 1996
Porter Square Group To Hold Candidates' Forum
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will host a forum featuring the three challengers seeking to fill Rep. Charles Flaherty's seat: Michael Cavallo, Anthony Galluccio, and Alice Wolf. Incumbant State Rep Pat Jehlen (Somerville) will also join the panel.
"While our members have decided that the PSNA will not be endorsing any candidates, we see this forum as a valuable opportunity for information exchange and dialogue between the candidates and the neighbors," said PSNA President Paul Myers. "Our group has developed a reputation as constructive and positive in its approach to neighborhood affairs, and we organized this candidates' night in that same spirit."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday July 18 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA's world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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June 13, 1996
Porter Square Group To Discuss Traffic Issues
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will discuss traffic and parking issues in Porter Square, including truck traffic in and around the Square. Included will be an updated report on the traffic impact study conducted as part of the Porter Square Shopping Center renovation planning.
"Residents of Cambridge and Somerville have expressed concern about the impact of an expanded shopping center on the amount of traffic and the demand for parking in our neighborhood," said PSNA president Paul Myers. "We need to identify al the issues and begin to identify possible solutions before this project gets underway."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday June 20 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, check out the PSNA’s world-wide web site at http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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May 8, 1996
Latest Shopping Center Renovation Plans To Be Presented
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will host a presentation on the planned renovations to the Porter Square Shopping Center.
Officials from Gravestar, Inc, which owns the shopping center, will discuss the results of their traffic and parking impact analysis and unveil a proposed site plan which is expected to include a new building at the corner of White Street and Somerville Ave, modified entrances and exits from the parking lot, and improved pedestrian access.
"The PSNA has been working with Gravestar since the fall to represent the community’s concerns and objectives regarding these planned renovations," commented PSNA president Paul Myers. "We’ll all soon find out whether the proposed changes will result in a shopping center which fits better with the neighborhood and gives Porter Square a sense of place."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday, May 16 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
More information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association can be found at the group’s web site: http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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April 11, 1996
Porter Square Group To Discuss Neighbors’ Concerns
Cambridge --At its upcoming regular monthly meeting the Porter Square Neighbors Association will discuss a number of concerns about current conditions in Porter Square. Among these are the progress of the Porter Square Shopping Center renovation plans; license and zoning concerns regarding automotive uses on Regent Street and Massachusetts Ave.; billboards in Porter Square; and the status of the former Stephen James house site.
The group will also be considering changes to its by-laws, and all voting members of the group are urged to attend.
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday, April 18 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
More information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association can be found at its new, enhanced site on the world-wide web: http://www.channel1.com/users/psna.
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March 12, 1996
Porter Square Group Discuss Stephen James House Plans
Cambridge -- At its regular monthly meeting the Porter Square Neighbors Association will discuss a proposed development on the site of the former Stephen James House on Davenport Street. Controversial Cambridge-based developer Robert Bray will present his proposal to build town houses on the now vacant lot.
Also on the agenda is an update about the planned renovations of the Porter Square Shopping Center, including a report on a recent meeting between neighbors and executives from Star Market concerning Star’s expansion plans.
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday March 21 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
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February 6, 1996
Porter Square Group To Assess Renovations Plans
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will assess the planned renovations to the Porter Square Shopping Center.
"The community has had several weeks to consider the initial design concepts proposed by Gravestar," said PSNA president Paul Myers. It's time to give the developer a report card on how well that proposal meets the neighbors' objectives and priorities. We need to take a critical look at what they want to do and to identify the potential impact--good and bad--on the neighborhood."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday February 15 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge. All are welcome.
For more information about the Porter Square Neighbors Association, call the group’s automated information line at 617-576-3542 or check out the PSNA’s world-wide web site at http://civic.net/cambridge_civic_network/psna.html
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January 10, 1996
Porter Square Plans To Be Unveiled January 18
Cambridge -- At its upcoming regular monthly meeting, The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) will host representatives from Gravestar, Inc who will unveil the preliminary design concepts for renovations to the Porter Square Shopping Center.
Over the past six weeks, the PSNA has solicited community input by means of a survey--distributed to approximately 2000 Porter Square households--and a morning-long brainstorming session ("Envision Porter Square”) held on Saturday, December 2, 1995. All ideas and suggestions have been analyzed by the PSNA to identify community goals and objectives against which the eventual plans can be assessed. The results have been given to the shopping center’s redesign team, and Gravestar is expected to incorporate those ideas into its plans.
"This meeting is another opportunity for the community to be involved in the planning process for the shopping center renovations," said PSNA president Paul Myers. "It’s too soon to expect a full-blown, detailed plan from Gravestar, but we will get a good sense of where they’re headed in terms of the scope of their proposed renovations."
This important meeting of the Porter Square Neighbors Association will be held Thursday January 18 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge.
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December 3, 1995
140 Envision Future of Porter Square At Dec. 2 Event
Cambridge -- 140 residents and business owners from Cambridge and Somerville gathered on December 2 for a community brainstorming event to envision a better Porter Square.
The Envision Porter Square” event -- held at the Cambridge Masonic Temple -- was organized by the Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) to gain community input into the imminent redesign and renovation of the Porter Square Shopping Center.
Representatives of the shopping center’s owners approached the PSNA earlier this fall indicating their desire to hear from the surrounding community before drawing up plans for renovations, which could begin as early as next spring.
John Civilinski -- who represents the shopping center’s owners as director of real estate planning and investment for Gravestar, Inc. -- acknowledged to the audience on Dec. 2 that the shopping center looks tired and has lots of problems” and needs investment now.” He assured Porter Square residents that while the shopping center’s owners intend to upgrade the site, they want it to remain a community center; i.e. they do not want to convert it into a regional mall
After a background presentation by Civilinski on the shopping center, as well as presentations by Cambridge and Somerville officials on the surrounding area’s zoning and demographics, attendees split up into 11 work groups to brainstorm about what they want in a redesigned shopping center and -- more broadly -- in an improved Porter Square. PSNA president Paul Myers framed the overriding question as, How can we make the Porter Square Shopping Center fit into the neighborhood?” He emphasized that the event was meant to generate as many ideas as possible without yet judging their quality, feasibility, or popularity.
Each group was provided a large-scale map of the shopping center on which to draw ideas. Groups were also assigned facilitators to moderate the discussion, collect all ideas, and then share those ideas with the full group at the end of the event.
The brainstorming session provided dozens of proposals for making the shopping center more attractive, more effecient for cars, and more friendly for pedestrians. Many attendees expressed interest in new stores and services the shopping center might provide. A lot of energy was also focused on ways to improve the intersection of Massachusetts Ave. and Somerville Ave., and to make crossing those streets easier and safer for pedestrians.
All ideas generated at the event -- as well as provided by a survey distributed to 2000 households in the Porter Square area -- are now being analyzed by the PSNA to gain an understanding of what the surrounding community wants. The results will then be given to the shopping center’s redesign team, which has promised to provide at least preliminary design concepts -- based on the community input -- at the January meeting of the PSNA. The public will be kept informed as renovation plans move forward.
The Porter Square Neighbors Association meets on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for December 21 from 7-9 pm at the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge.
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November 1, 1995
Community Invited to "Envision Porter Square"
Large Public Event Set For December 2.
Cambridge -- The Porter Square Neighbors Association (PSNA) is encourging Cambridge and Somerville residents to participate in a community brainstorming session to develop ideas for improving the Porter Square Shopping Center. The shopping center -- which has not been significantly altered since its construction in the 1950's -- is slated for renovation as soon as next spring, though no firm timetable has been set.
"Representatives of the shopping center approached us and asked for community guidance as they draw up renovation plans," said PSNA President Paul Myers. "This event will launch what we hope will be a constructive process in which the shopping center’s neighbors and customers can have real input into the renovation design."
The "Envision Porter Square" event will be held on Saturday, December 2, at the Cambridge Masonic Temple, 1950 Massachusetts Avenue. The meeting will begin at 9:00 am sharp with background presentations providing facts about the shopping center and Porter Square. Participants will then be divided into small work groups to identify opportunities for improvement at the shopping center and to devise creative solutions. The event will end at 12:30.
All ideas will be collected by the PSNA to guide its work with the shopping center over the subsequent months. The public will be kept informed as renovation plans move forward.
The Porter Square Neighbors Association -- a new organization of residents and business owners in Cambridge and Somerville -- meets on the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for November 16 from 7-9 pm at the North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue.
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October 29, 1995
Porter Square Group Begins Work
Cambridge -- The Porter Square Neighbors Association -- a new organization of Cambridge and Somerville residents and business owners -- has formed committees which aim to enhance the quality of life in Porter Square.
At a meeting on October 26, members of the PSNA created working groups to address: renovation of the Porter Square Shopping Center; litter, trash, and general aesthetics of the square; transportation and public safety; new businesses and licenses; and plans for the old Stephen James House site. These committees will now begin identifying goals and mapping out strategies.
Another committee has taken on the task of communications for the group, including the maintenance of regular contact with adjacent neighborhood organizations.
The PSNA has also elected two new officers, who will help President Paul Myers lead the group. Susan Hunziker was elected Treasurer and Karen Klinger was chosen as Secretary. Hunziker and Klinger -- both Cambridge residents -- were elected unanimously.
The group has decided to hold regular meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Everyone interested in improving the Porter Square neighborhood is invited to attend.
The PSNA's next meeting is scheduled from 7-9 pm on November 16 at the North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue.
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October 14, 1995
Porter Square Group Welcomes All, Elects President
Cambridge -- The Porter Square Neighbors Association, in adopting formal by-laws, is welcoming the participation of residents, business owners, and "all others who have an interest in improving the quality of life in Porter Square."
About forty founding members of the PSNA met October 12 to discuss the proper scope and organization of the nascent neighborhood group. After a long and lively discussion, those assembled voted to make the organization open to anyone who wants to join. The group will treat residents and business owners equally, and it will not restrict membership to those living in any defined geographic area. All members will be allowed to vote after attending two meetings in a six month period. Annual dues have been set at $10.
At the same meeting, the PSNA unanimously elected its first president: Cambridge resident Paul Myers.
The organization is now forming committees to focus on the issues of greatest concern: planned renovations to the Porter Square Shopping Center, pedestrian and traffic problems on Massachusetts Ave., and the physical and aesthetic appearance of the square.
Specific plans for addressing these issues will be discussed at the organization’s next meeting, to be held on Thursday, October 26, at 7:00 pm, at a place to be announced.
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October 1, 1995
Porter Square Group Debut Meeting Draws 65
Cambridge -- Sixty-five residents and business owners in the Porter Square area of Cambridge and Somerville gathered September 28 to launch a new neighborhood association to help improve the quality of life in their community. The organization has been named the Porter Square Neighbors Association.
Those in attendance at the debut meeting expressed many concerns they hope the new group will address, including: pedestrian and traffic safety along Massachusetts Avenue, litter in the square, the issuance of liquor and late-closing licenses to food establishments, and the difficulty of getting Cambridge and Somerville to cooperate on issues along their boundary.
In attendance at the meeting were representatives of community groups with an interest in Porter Square, specifically the North Cambridge Stabilization Committee and the Neighborhood 9 Association. City councillors Frank Duehay, Kathy Born, and Sheila Russell also attended.
The group's formation comes at an important time for Porter Square. Stuart Dash of the Cambridge Community Development Department told the gathering that Massachusetts Avenue from Porter Square to Route 16 is slated for major renovations in fiscal year 1997, and the city will be asking the neighborhood for input on planning the project. John Civilinski, director of real estate planning and investment for Gravestar, Inc. -- which represents the owner of the Porter Square Shopping Center -- added that renovations are being planned for the shopping area; he, too, will be seeking community help as designs are developed.
The new group will begin draftng by-laws and identifying priorities at its next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 12, at 7:00 pm, in the basement of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street, Cambridge.
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September 17, 1995
Porter Square Neighborhood Association To Be Launched
Cambridge -- A group of Cambridge residents centered around Porter Square is launching a new neighborhood association to help guide development in their community. The organization's first public event and first meeting will be held on Thursday, September 28, beginning at 7:00 pm, in the basement of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, 16 Beech Street.
The neighborhood association has its origins at the Orchard Street block party last month. Many residents expressed similar concerns about traffic and pedestrian problems along Massachusetts Avenue, the presence of litter and the lack of trees around the shopping center, and the future of the site of the old Stephen James House, which was demolished last year.
After an informal meeting, these residents decided a formal neighborhood association should be formed to help influence future developments in Porter Square.
"Porter Square falls at the intersection of several neighborhoods with their own associations -- Agassiz, Neighborhood 9, and North Cambridge," said Paul Myers of Davenport Street, one of the fledgling group's leaders. "But Porter Square has its own unique issues that we felt required the focused attention of a new organization."
"We want to include businesses, and we want to include people who live in the Somerville area around Porter Square," added Susan Hunziker of Orchard Street. "We want our organization to be forward-looking and positive."
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