Cambridge authorities requested to endorse MIT's zoning plan, proposed by the institution's president, senior staff, and deans.
News Article: Kendall Square Initiative: A Comprehensive Plan for Innovation, Equity, and Sustainability
The Kendall Square Initiative, a planning and redevelopment effort led by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), is set to transform Kendall Square into a global hub for innovation while growing as a mixed-use community. The initiative aims to balance economic growth with social equity, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability, creating a more inclusive, livable, and resilient neighborhood.
Deans from various schools at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have voiced their support for the Kendall Square Initiative. Deborah Fitzgerald, dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, noted that several of her school's departments would benefit from the new infusion of activity and vibrancy that would result from the proposal. Ian Waitz, dean of the School of Engineering, wrote that MIT's proposal would convert Kendall Square into a gateway between MIT and the surrounding community. Adèle Naudé Santos, dean of the School of Architecture and Planning, described the work that faculty members within her school had contributed to MIT's proposal.
Marc Kastner, dean of the School of Science, wrote about the importance of maintaining the strength of Kendall Square in the face of cuts to federal funding for basic research. Robert Langer urged the City Council to approve MIT's petition, and he spoke at the meeting, describing Kendall Square's transformation from a place with little life to one with vibrancy and safety. David Schmittlein, dean of the MIT Sloan School of Management, wrote directly about the benefits of the proposal for Kendall Square's citizens.
Phillip Sharp, a distinguished MIT professor and co-founder of Biogen, also voiced his support for the initiative. Sharp established Biogen's labs in Kendall Square, where it has prospered and provided employment for thousands of people. Sharp spoke in favor of the petition and recalled his interactions with the Council in the 1970s regarding recombinant DNA guidelines.
The Kendall Square Initiative includes specific proposed changes and goals for the area. Thoughtful, managed development will support Kendall Square as an innovation center while promoting mixed uses that integrate residential, commercial, and community spaces. Affordable housing expansion will provide homes accessible to a range of incomes, helping residents thrive in the community. The initiative also aims to create affordable retail opportunities and support economic inclusion, facilitating a diverse local business ecosystem and workplaces for all residents.
Ensuring environmental sustainability is another key focus of the initiative. This is achieved through reduced carbon emissions and resilience in future development. Community access to spaces that support science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education is also a priority. The Foundry, a center fostering collaboration and opportunities for all residents, including underrepresented groups, is a prime example of this focus. The Foundry Advisory Committee advises on its redevelopment and ongoing community mission.
The Graduate Student Housing Working Group, formed in response to concerns and questions raised by the City Council, the MIT Faculty Task Force, and members of the graduate student and broader communities, will work to identify strengths and weaknesses in MIT's current approach to graduate housing and recommend ways to address future needs. The Working Group will have a city-appointed liaison to ensure smooth information flow between the city and MIT.
In summary, the Kendall Square Initiative seeks to manage and guide the area's growth thoughtfully to maintain its innovation leadership while becoming more inclusive, equitable, and environmentally sustainable through targeted housing, economic, cultural, and environmental strategies. The initiative's comprehensive approach to planning and redevelopment is expected to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community in Kendall Square.
- The Kendall Square Initiative will support Kendall Square as a global hub for innovation, balancing economic growth with social equity and environmental sustainability.
- Deans from various schools at MIT have voiced their support for the Kendall Square Initiative, noting the potential benefits for their schools' departments.
- Marc Kastner, dean of the School of Science, emphasized the importance of maintaining the strength of Kendall Square in the face of cuts to federal funding for basic research.
- Robert Langer, a professor at MIT, spoke at the meeting in favor of the initiative, recalling Kendall Square's transformation from a place with little life to one with vibrancy and safety.
- The Kendall Square Initiative aims to create affordable retail opportunities and support economic inclusion, fostering a diverse local business ecosystem and workplaces for all residents.
- Ensuring environmental sustainability is another key focus of the initiative, achieved through reduced carbon emissions and resilience in future development.
- The Foundry, a center fostering collaboration and opportunities for all residents, including underrepresented groups, is a prime example of this focus.
- Phillip Sharp, a distinguished MIT professor and co-founder of Biogen, supports the initiative and recalls his interactions with the City Council in the 1970s regarding recombinant DNA guidelines.
- Thoughtful, managed development will support Kendall Square as an innovation center while promoting mixed uses that integrate residential, commercial, and community spaces.
- Affordable housing expansion will provide homes accessible to a range of incomes, helping residents thrive in the community.
- The initiative also seeks to create clean energy solutions and promote biotech and engineering entrepreneurship, attracting finance and investing in real-estate development.
- The Graduate Student Housing Working Group will work to identify strengths and weaknesses in MIT's current approach to graduate housing and recommend ways to address future needs, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable campus community.
