More high-rise development coming to Cambridge

It was more appetizing the second time around.

Cambridge city council is moving ahead with two high-rise buildings on the corner of Kerr and Shade Street, mere blocks away from downtown Galt.

But the approval didn't come without detractors, even after the 18-storey buildings ultimately approved was a reduction in size from an original proposal put forth in 2019.

That proposal had two buildings at heights of 24 and 30-storeys.

A three-hour discussion featured a few delegates, including resident Michelle Goodridge, who alluded to a petition that garnered over a thousand signatures in opposition.

“It will not be benefiting citizens.  It will not be benefiting our environmental impacts.  It will not be affording more affordable housing or housing to those who need it most,” she said.

“This is not a suitable development for this particular area of our core.”

There were others showcasing opposition on the size.

Councillor Nick Ermeta put forth a motion to have the developer come back with an option looking at 12-storey buildings.

“I do believe that a similar density can be accommodated on the site with a lower height,” he said.  “A lot of the site plan is parking anyway.  I believe that in certain areas, you could even have the building overhang the service parking.”

However, others like Councillor Pam Wolf, argued the compromise made with 18-storey buildings was adequate.

“I know many residents think that's too high, I think the end result will be a much better building than if we try to force a 12-storey massive building on that site,” she said.

There was some appetite for the 12-storey amendment, but it was voted down.

The original motion for the 18-storey towers, which will have 445 residential units and some space for retail, was passed 7-2.

Councillors Ermeta and Jan Liggett voted against it.