Area Developments

Lesley University will be hosting the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) conference this August 12-15. Over 400 people from around the world will be walking around the Porter Square area for several days, shopping, eating, and drinking in local establishments.

http://www.ieata.org/conference.html

Location: North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Massachusetts Avenue

AGENDA

CAHC purchase of #78-80 Porter Road

Terry Dumas and Kyle Sullivan from the Cambridge Affordable Housing Corporation will present and answer questions about CAHC's purchase of the 26-unit building at 78-80 Porter Road (this is the building immediately behind the infamous glass building across from Beech Street), with a long term goal to convert it to affordable housing.

Lesley/AIB update

Location: Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street, Somerville 02143

Message from Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston:

I have met with the Mayor regarding this developement and the concerns of the neighborhood.

A community meeting will be held Monday, March 30, at 7 p.m. in the Kennedy School on Elm Street to discuss the proposed hotel at 371 Beacon St. The agenda includes the preparation of a statement for the Zoning Board of Appeals, set to take the property up at a future meeting.

The plan currently includes a 35-unit hotel, 60-seat restaurant, and parking for 26 vehicles.

For more information, call Alderman Maryann Heuston at 617-492-5331.

Location: City Hall

The Ordinance Committee will hold a hearing on Lesley University's petition to create a "Lesley Porter Overlay District" to augment the existing zoning regulations, to allow for the establishment of an art district, enhance the ground floor retail uses and to encourage retention of historic buildings in the Porter Square area.

Location: City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway

The Planning Board will hold a hearing on Lesley University's petition to create a "Lesley Porter Overlay District" to augment the existing zoning regulations, to allow for the establishment of an art district, enhance the ground floor retail uses and to encourage retention of historic buildings in the Porter Square area.

This is an important meeting; interested members are urged to attend. PSNA's letter of support is attached.

Location: Cambridge Senior Center, across the street from City Hall.

Where: Graham and Parks School - 44 Linnaean St.

Presenters

Councillor Henrietta Davis

• Weatherization
• Planting and growing fruits, vegetables and fruit trees in the city

Lilah Glick - Cambridge Energy Alliance

• Energy audits and assistance with energy efficiency measures and installations

Contractor Jonah DeCola

• Designer of renewable energy systems

Cara Seiderman - Community Development

No reason to get off the couch this month.