Come learn about the Zoning Recommendations at the Open House!
October 29, 2026
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We're excited to share the Central Square Zoning Recommendations with the community! You've participated in online surveys, walking tours, community meetings, pop-ups, listening sessions, and focus groups. Thank you! With your feedback, we identified the community goals that have guided the process. Now, come join City Staff at an in-person event to learn about the resulting zoning recommendations before they are sent to the City Council. These strategies are designed to help create new growth, produce meaningful community benefits, and reinforce Central Square's unique identity as Cambridge's civic, cultural, and commercial heart. We hope to see you there!
When: Thursday, October 29th, from 5-8pm
Where: Street Theory Collective, 541 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge MA 02139
Format: In-person Open House. Drop by any time between 5-8pm, food will be provided.
All information presented at the Open house will also be made available on this project website for review and public comment.
The Central Square Rezoning Online Survey is now closed
October 9, 2026
We received almost 800 responses to the online community survey- thank you! What we've learned from the survey and how it's informed the zoning recommendations will be shared at the Community Open House (see above for details) and on this project website after October 29th.
Central Square Cultural Roundtable
October 1, 2026
Central Square is Cambridge's Cultural District, acknowledging the amazing diversity and density of arts and culture found there. To ensure the zoning recommendations support the community's goal to preserve, enhance, and expand arts, culture, and nightlife uses in Central, the City Council's Housing Committee and City Staff held a roundtable discussion with some of the key cultural institutions in the Square. The purpose of the discussion was to:
- Learn from their lived experiences and first-hand knowledge
- Understand the challenges and opportunities facing cultural spaces in Central Square
- Share the potential zoning strategies for arts and culture that the City is exploring
- Receive feedback on these strategies to ensure they are aligned with their needs and goals
A recording of the meeting and the slides that were presented can be found at the links below:
Access the Presentation Slides Here
Access a Recording of the Meeting Here
Housing Committee Hearing
March 24th, 2026
At this hearing, City staff presented the Housing Committee with an overview and update on the status of the Central Square Rezoning Project. Members of the public and the Housing Committee provided comments and feedback on the prior recommendations, which were the result of community engagement that occurred during the summer and fall of 2024. The meeting was ultimately continued to a future date.
A recording of the meeting and the slides that were presented can be found at the links below:
Access the Presentation Slides Here
Access a Recording of the Meeting Here
