In the above composite of photographic image, we see not only both historic and contemporary images of tall towers dedicated to wealth and achievement, but also societal implications. The 12th-13th century Bologna Italy tall towers were key monuments to the status and safety of the wealthy. Originally there were many more tall towers here, but most have been taken down. In NYC and elsewhere we have increasing numbers of tall high-status linked towers, for offices and wealthy residences, that have done nothing to bring down housing prices, instead have led to even higher prices. In NYC, as in Cambridge there is a push to supersede current zoning laws and preservation efforts, despite the fact that studies have shown in both cities that preservation districts have less high increases in property value and housing costs. On the near right is a photograph from the Farm Security Administration by Arthur Rothstein of life for the recently unemployed and unhoused in the Great Depression (framed by some to the realities of “last hired, first fired” and on the right one of our city’s increasing numbers of unhoused (photo by Geo Desplagnes). Today Cambridge residents are experiencing the new reality that all local nonessential water use is banned due to an ongoing drought. City staff have admitted is that some areas of the city likely will face a lack of water on occasions. Like local global warming impacts, the recent presidential, Senate and House election results will have serious impacts too. It is important that the city begin to do serious planning for best possible out-comes in the turmoil ahead. The city should convene an emergency task force, bringing together core decision makers and experts. There likely will be significant health, employment, financial, environment, and societal impacts that Cambridge and the area will face. These are just some of the areas where serious impacts loom. And, as part of any decision-making on the proposed radical citywide up-zoning is made, key outcome scenarios must be addressed. A recent study (9.17.2024) of Cambridge and Massachusetts out-migration (HERE) notes that “Massachusetts had a lower outmigration rate (2.4 percent) for households with incomes above $200,000 than 38 other states did, including all but two (Texas and South Dakota) of the seven states that have no income tax….Looking only at high-income households (those with incomes above $200,000), the replacement rate is 78 percent. In other words, for every five high-income households that depart, four other high-income households find reasons to move to Massachusetts." The November 2004 elections will have a major impact on the local economy, on residents, and on our core housing needs. Below are some of the possible consequences that we should reflect on before Council votes on a citywide up-zoning that likely will result in the demolition of our existing more affordable housing, the forcing of current lower- and middle-income residents from our city, and the replacement of these residents with far wealthier residents and more investment properties. Here is a summary of possible election and other outcomes: Health/Tech Industries and Employment: Both Trump and his close ally, Robert F. Kennedy Jr ran on an anti-vaccine agenda and a push to end ACA/Obamacare with no alternative in place, and a greatly diminished FDA (through which many of our drugs are tested and brought to the market). A key part of our local Cambridge and area economy is based on biotech and medical-linked industries: the creation of new drugs (biotech, pharma), and large teaching hospitals that draw clients and staff from across the region.
Internationally Focused Impacts (military, visitors, tariffs, investments). The nation’s new inward-focused turn, away from international engagement and related military and financial endeavors carries considerable potential implications for Cambridge and the Boston area. Cambridge benefits significantly from national and international tourism. Changes to the economy more broadly and our relationships with other nation states will likely be impacted.
Area University Impacts
Other Impacts: Financial, Environmental, and Social
In summary, the city and area likely will be facing sizable turbulence in the years ahead as a result of changing political dynamics nationally. While some may benefit, many of the forces that have led to the current Cambridge vitality (including our universities and tech industries) will likely be greatly compromised. Not only will many current residents (and city workers) likely move elsewhere with employment opportunities (reducing critical housing need), but Cambridge will be facing sizable increased financial difficulty alongside a local population in greater financial need – for public financed housing and other resources. As other city studies have noted, up-zoning tends to result in the removal of minority residents and their replacement by wealthier white residents. The proposed up-zoning will only exacerbate that problem. It is very likely that the proposed up-zoning will not only increase disparities between wealthy and poor, but also force out more of our minority groups. Outside investors and developers rarely place social need and accountability above financial gain, so there will be few if any who will seek to create housing with 10+ units. Most will build at most 9 units (and more likely fewer at shorter heights) which will enable them to benefit financially far more. This will add far more expensive luxury housing to to our local housing corpus, including in the few places of the city that are large enough for them, tall Trump tower structures, as a badge of the very wealthy and their investor interests.
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