Downtown Stoneham construction begins as housing plan wins approval
STONEHAM — Downtown construction work got underway this week and the Housing Production Plan cleared a key milestone, while the Stoneham Public Library launched a packed slate of summer author talks and community programs.
TOWN HALL
Downtown Stoneham construction work began Monday, July 6, according to the town's announcement, part of an ongoing infrastructure effort in the town center. Residents can expect continued activity in the area as crews proceed with the project.
The town also announced its Housing Production Plan has been approved, a step that shapes how Stoneham plans for future housing development. Separately, the town noted an update on the High School Wetlands Restoration Project and confirmed Stevens Street Recycling Center hours will remain in effect through November 30, 2026.
Residents with town business should note Town Hall hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Stoneham Public Library has a busy stretch of programming ahead. A Karin Slaughter author talk is set for Tuesday, July 14, from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by a Documentary Wow! discussion and a Reyna Grande author talk on Wednesday, July 15. The library's Mid-Summer Faire is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Additional programming includes Teen Trivia Night: Weird but True on July 13, a Friday Movie Matinee on July 17, and a talk titled "Farm Girl on the Front Lines: Deborah Sampson's Secret" on July 21. Drop-in Tech Support sessions continue on multiple mornings throughout July at the library's Main Street location.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"🌱 Patch AM: Stoneham community mourns the passing of Alan P. Blumsack" — Patch reported that the Stoneham community is grieving the loss of resident Alan P. Blumsack, per Stoneham Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/stoneham).
"🌱 Patch AM: How a Stoneham teen's death is shaping new e-bike rules" — Patch reported that a Stoneham teenager's death has prompted discussion of new e-bike safety regulations in town, according to Stoneham Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/stoneham).
"Sen. Lewis, Rep. Day, and Mass. Legislature Enact Early Literacy Bill to Boost Student Reading Proficiency" — State Senator Jason Lewis announced passage of legislation aimed at strengthening evidence-based reading instruction statewide, per a Patch Neighbor News post from Lewis's office (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/stoneham).
"Senator Lewis and Mass. Senate Act to Lower Energy Costs While Protecting Climate Goals" — Senator Lewis's office said new energy legislation is projected to save ratepayers billions while maintaining climate commitments, according to Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/stoneham).
"🌱 Patch AM: Boston Wine School Wine Festival @ Stone Zoo in Stoneham and 11 more events" — Patch highlighted a wine festival coming to Stone Zoo among a roundup of upcoming local events, per Stoneham Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/stoneham).
COMING UP
The Stoneham Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, and Library Board of Trustees all meet Monday, July 13. The Zoning Bylaw Review Committee, Board of Health, and Select Board meet Tuesday, July 14.
At the library, Drop-in Tech Support runs July 13, 15, 17, and 20; the Karin Slaughter Author Talk is July 14 at 7 p.m.; the Documentary Wow! Discussion and Reyna Grande Author Talk both take place July 15; the Friday Movie Matinee is July 17 at 1 p.m.; and the Mid-Summer Faire runs July 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The "Farm Girl on the Front Lines" talk on Deborah Sampson is set for July 21 at 7 p.m.