The Cambridge City Council has approved a new ordinance aimed at addressing vacant storefronts, adopting the measure in a 4–1 vote after discussion about enforcement and implementation.
The ordinance requires owners of certain vacant ground-floor commercial properties to register with the city after a set period of vacancy. Officials said the measure is intended to reduce blight and encourage reinvestment in business districts.
Ward 1 Commissioner Brett Summers, who sponsored the ordinance, said the measure is an important first step in addressing a long-standing issue.
“I think it’s a good start in addressing our vacant storefronts, retail storefronts throughout Cambridge,” Summers said.
Under the ordinance, properties are considered vacant after a defined period and must be registered within a set timeframe. City officials said the process will include notifying property owners and working with them to bring properties into compliance.