By Debra Messick

CAMBRIDGE - As indications of possible breakthroughs continued this week, Cambridge Waterfront Development, Inc. advertised bids for the Promenade Project, a key component of the group’s proposed Phase I Cambridge Harbor development.

“We’re excited to move this important project from design to construction,” said CWDI Board President Angie Hengst. “This illustrates CWDI’s community-first approach to developing Cambridge Harbor by securing permanent, public access along the waterfront.”

The bid advertisement was announced two days after CWDI and the City disclosed an agreement to submit to mediation by a retired judge to resolve differences over developing the Cambridge Harbor site, in lieu of pending litigation.

The Notice to Contractors description describes the work to be done.

“The proposed project includes demolition, construction, rehabilitation, and installation of approximately +/- 968 LF of new 20’ wide promenade, +/- 5,737 SF of landscaping, pavement and curb removal and installation, 10 bio-planter concrete stormwater management facilities, concrete landscape planters, storm drains, irrigation system, electrical conduit, stone revetment removal and installation, and various landscaping and lighting site features as shown on the Project Drawings.”

Partial funding comes from a United States Economic Development Administration grant of $2.4 million, a grant completed in partnership with Chesapeake Conservancy in 2022, with the remaining $300,000 from a FY ’23 state grant, according to Matt Leonard, CWDI executive director.

“Our application to the EDA described the various community and economic development projects and benefits related to the Cambridge Harbor promenade,” Leonard said.

An accompanying page titled Information to Bidders, Cambridge Harbor Phase 1A Promenade Extension Improvements announced a contractually mandated “Pre-Bidding Conference” at 2 p.m. June 3, 2024 at CWDI Offices, 306 High Street,  with a site visit at 15 Franklin Street.

The information page also includes mention of a Non-Discrimination Clause, stating: The contractor agrees not to discriminate in any manner against any employee or applicant because of race, creed, color, or national origin; and is obligated to include a similar requirement in all subcontracts, except subcontracts for standard commercial supplies of raw materials.”

The issue of workforce diversity was a point raised in an interview by former City Manager Tom Carroll following his resignation over objections to CWDI’s handling of the project.

Another previous point of contention with CWDI on the part of the city included the continued presence of founding Board member Richard Zeidman, one of the city’s original appointees. On Thursday, CWDI announced that it had accepted Zeidman’s resignation following its May 22 Board meeting.