Recently, East End House, a single nonprofit, negotiated a $20 million “community benefits” package with developer BioMed Realty through a little-known process called contract zoning. This deal was made with minimal public input and benefits only one organization, while overlooking the broader needs of our community.
The Port neighborhood, home to long-standing residents and vital institutions like Community Art Center, has seen decades of disinvestment, despite being at the center of massive development and sprawl. Community Art Center has served generations of families and employed countless neighborhood youth, yet it still operates without a purpose-built space or building ownership, even after nearly 90 years.
We believe community benefits should be equitably distributed, not quietly awarded behind closed doors. Just as East Cambridge residents organized around underinvestment, We, residents of The Port, know the same is true here.
Gentrification has changed the face of the neighborhood, but we are still here. We need investments in the resources that strengthen our community: child care, housing, community centers, arts & culture, youth programs, and accessible public spaces. By signing this petition, you support equitable investment in The Port, specifically in the Community Art Center, and demand a fairer, more transparent process for allocating community benefits.
*Disclaimer: We will not share personal information and/or emails of any signers to this petition*
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
June 26, 2025
60 Comments
This center has been in my life for about 16 yrs. Community Arts Center is not just a center, I consider them FAMILY. They’ve been there for my family through a lot. Please help the center thrive for more children and support them as well!!
Of course investment in the city's various neighborhoods should be equitable. There's no question about that! And The Port has had to stand in line and wait more often than could be possibly beseen as fair or just. Split the money up!
On Monday, 6/30, the Cambridge City Council will vote on the distribution of over $20 million in developer funds. I have faith in the council ensuring community benefits truly serve the needs of the Port, with transparency in allocation.
Community benefits should be distributed in an equitable way. I don't understand how a single non government organization can negotiate what should be negotiated by the city.
Community Art Center is a treasure. We're Cambridge residents and our kids have learned so much there over the years, and built community. Any Community Benefits Agreements for development in the neighborhood need to have significant public input and be equitably distributed.
Egalite
I stand with CAC, CCC, and the other nonprofits that are getting the short end of the stick by this backroom deal. The money should be distributed evenly.
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Recently, East End House, a single nonprofit, negotiated a $20 million “community benefits” package with developer BioMed Realty through a little-known process called contract zoning. This deal was made with minimal public input and benefits only one organization, while overlooking the broader needs of our community.
The Port neighborhood, home to long-standing residents and vital institutions like Community Art Center, has seen decades of disinvestment, despite being at the center of massive development and sprawl. Community Art Center has served generations of families and employed countless neighborhood youth, yet it still operates without a purpose-built space or building ownership, even after nearly 90 years.
We believe community benefits should be equitably distributed, not quietly awarded behind closed doors. Just as East Cambridge residents organized around underinvestment, We, residents of The Port, know the same is true here.
Gentrification has changed the face of the neighborhood, but we are still here. We need investments in the resources that strengthen our community: child care, housing, community centers, arts & culture, youth programs, and accessible public spaces. By signing this petition, you support equitable investment in The Port, specifically in the Community Art Center, and demand a fairer, more transparent process for allocating community benefits.
*Disclaimer: We will not share personal information and/or emails of any signers to this petition*
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
June 26, 2025
60 Comments
Absolutely agree. Every neighborhood deserves a fair shot at investment—especially communities like The Port, which have given so much for so long. A $20 million deal benefiting just one nonprofit, without meaningful public input, undermines the spirit of equity and shared progress. Community benefits should reflect community voices.
This center has been in my life for about 16 yrs. Community Arts Center is not just a center, I consider them FAMILY. They’ve been there for my family through a lot. Please help the center thrive for more children and support them as well!!
Of course investment in the city's various neighborhoods should be equitable. There's no question about that! And The Port has had to stand in line and wait more often than could be possibly beseen as fair or just. Split the money up!
On Monday, 6/30, the Cambridge City Council will vote on the distribution of over $20 million in developer funds. I have faith in the council ensuring community benefits truly serve the needs of the Port, with transparency in allocation.
Community benefits should be distributed in an equitable way. I don't understand how a single non government organization can negotiate what should be negotiated by the city.
Community Art Center is a treasure. We're Cambridge residents and our kids have learned so much there over the years, and built community. Any Community Benefits Agreements for development in the neighborhood need to have significant public input and be equitably distributed.
Egalite
I stand with CAC, CCC, and the other nonprofits that are getting the short end of the stick by this backroom deal. The money should be distributed evenly.
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Absolutely agree. Every neighborhood deserves a fair shot at investment—especially communities like The Port, which have given so much for so long. A $20 million deal benefiting just one nonprofit, without meaningful public input, undermines the spirit of equity and shared progress. Community benefits should reflect community voices.