MAPS Project

The Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS), spearheaded by the Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD), is creating a plan for what Massachusetts Avenue between Alewife Brook Parkway and Cambridge Common.  This covers issues such as building height, use, density, and dimensional and design standards.

The MAPS study group presentation from February 26, 2025 shows the vision for Porter Square that the study group is finalizing. This will provide the city council with information to fashion their policy order on Corridor and Avenue up-zoning.

The plan is for intense development in the Porter Square area, with taller and more dense buildings.  At this stage, the plan involves only zoning. No buildings have been planned. It imagines what Porter Square could look like in 15+ years. The number of traffic lanes, for example, is still unclear.

Upcoming activities & timeline

Community Meeting, Thursday, April 10, 2025 5 p.m. - 7p.m. Lunder Arts Center, Lesley University, 1801 Mass Ave.

MAPS shares its final zoning recommendations with the community for its vision of Mass Ave in 2024.

Latest working group timeline.

Recent meetings

March 18, 2025. Zoning Recommendations for MAPS Study Area

CDD's Zoning & Development Division reviewed zoning recommendations for the study area with the MAPS Working Group. Issues such as building height, use, density, and dimensional and design standards were discussed.

March 4, 2025. Planning and Zoning Projects for 2025

A joint meeting of the Housing Committee and Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts Committee discuss Planning and Zoning Project for 2025.  The agenda and presentation, click here. 

February 26, 2025. Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Group  Presents Final Recommendations

The planning team presented final planning and urban design recommendations for the areas of North Mass Ave and Porter Square to the Mass Ave Planning Study Working Group. This session was a participatory discussion between working group members to provide input and feedback for the planning team. At the end of the meeting there was some public comment.  The video and presentation on the MAPS web page (link)

January 30, 2025. Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) Group: The Future of Porter Square

The MAPS group held a virtual Community Meeting on January 30 as part of the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) to review and provide feedback on alternative ideas for the future of Porter Square. Attendees were able to provide feedback on draft ideas, including zoning changes, urban design concepts, and open space improvements. Over 100 people attended and provided a wealth of input for the planning team. video   presentation.  Note: you can fast forward thru the breakout sessions.