The Cambridge City Council moved through a varied agenda at its September 22 meeting, approving a renewed curfew ordinance for minors, advancing zoning text amendments on community gardens and residential care facilities, and throwing support behind a state-funded replacement fishing pier.
Curfew renewed
After public discussion, the Council voted unanimously to re-establish Cambridge’s youth curfew ordinance, a measure that has been in place on and off since the mid-2000s. The ordinance restricts unsupervised minors from being in public during late-night hours.
Council members shared personal experiences to defend the policy. One said he knew a young man whose life trajectory changed after being stopped under the curfew. The contact with policy ultimately connected him to services and gave him “the moment he needed” to reset. Another described the curfew as an essential tool that allows police and youth workers to intervene before situations escalate.
Members also emphasized that enforcement isn’t about punishment. They highlighted Teen Court as a potential partner that could be integrated into the process, offering first-time violators an alternative to traditional court and an opportunity to be introduced to peers interested in careers in law and public service.
The ordinance drew no opposition at the hearing. Still, officials acknowledged that the curfew was controversial when it was first enacted years ago. One member recalled its origins during a period of heightened youth violence and said it has since proven to be a valuable prevention strategy.
Community gardens proposal
Upon first reading, the council considered an ordinance to permit community gardens as a conditional use in multiple zoning districts. The change would give residents the option to create shared gardening space on private or public land. Questions focused on liability for property owners. A public hearing is scheduled at the council’s next meeting on Oct. 6.
Group homes and care facilities
Council also took up a lengthy ordinance clarifying where group homes, recovery residences, halfway houses, assisted living, and nursing care facilities can be located. Planning and Zoning has already recommended approval. The changes would reduce the number of zoning districts where large group homes are allowed, while aligning city code with federal and state standards. A council member requested a legal memo outlining the limits of municipal regulation to be presented at second reading.
Funding for Mace’s Lane
By resolution, the council authorized applying for and accepting an $800,000 Community Development Block Grant for the Mace’s Lane Community Center. Officials said concrete work is set to begin shortly, with title transfer and lease agreements expected in October and construction bids closing in November.
Fishing pier support
The Council unanimously approved sending a letter of support to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, urging funding for a replacement fishing pier at Cambridge Harbor, to be managed by state park rangers. Proposed designs range from 1,000 to 2,300 feet in length.
Aurora Street parking fix
A handicap parking space mistakenly placed in front of a residence on Aurora Street will be moved to the correct spot in front of a doctor’s office. The change was approved contingent on written consent from both property owners. Council members said the city will create a clearer process for requesting accessible spaces.
The Council’s next meeting scheduled for Oct. 6.
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