"I'm not so sure it's easier to solve twenty tough problem areas together at one time," Duehay said yesterday. He said he wants to stop Cambridge from becoming a "mini-Manhattan" or a "Bloomingdale's on the Charles."

Duehay said that given the Council's ``ideological and philosophical" differences on development, he thought zoning in smaller parcels was a more effective way to deal with the problem.

"Sometimes these issues are better fought out with particular petitions," he said. "It makes things clearer." He also said he was wary of the red tape a comprehensive citywide zoning project could create.

"I'm all for the idea," said John Pitkin of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, but he stipulated, "It can't be a substitute for rezonings in particular areas."

"I'm not interested in putting everything on hold because the developments are happening too fast," he added.

"It's unlikely that any comprehensive rezoning effort would be successful," said Russell. He said rezoning projects either seek to change the boundaries of existing districts, the rules within the districts, or both. "There's not a lot of need for boundary changing--every neighborhood has looked at this issue."

"Zoning is an interesting subject because it does affect money very directly," said Russell.