Stow Keeps Level 3 Drought Alert Active Amid Sidewalk Work

Stow's Level 3 Critical Drought alert remains its top posted warning as sidewalk and road construction continue around town. The Crescent Street Sidewalk Project, which began July 2, remains active, alongside a road closure notice for Barton Road, according to the town website. The town…

Somerville breaks ground on 319-unit affordable housing project in Winter Hill

Somerville broke ground on a 319-unit affordable housing project at the former Star Market site in Winter Hill this week, even as the city opened applications for four rent-restricted apartments in Union Square. The city also marked three years without a traffic fatality, a streak tied …

High Street Reopens After Days-Long Roadwork Closure

High Street's roadwork closure lifts as state budget delivers a Council on Aging van boost. The town's High Street closure ran July 14-17 for roadwork, while Town Manager Jayne Wellman detailed upcoming trash and recycling changes on the "Reading Between the Lines" podcast. The Fiscal Y…

Police Announce Friday Detour On Route 62/Elm Street

North Reading police flagged a one-day eastbound detour on Route 62/Elm Street for Friday, July 17, the lone concrete town action in an otherwise slow news stretch. The town's website continues to promote updated trash and recycling guidelines effective since July 1, and a truck-mounted…

Newton Board Approves Walmart Fulfillment Center Under New Variance Law

Newton's board approved a Walmart fulfillment center and named a new planning department leader this week. The city cleared a variance for a 20,000-square-foot facility to store and process online orders, according to Patch, while officials also announced a new director of Planning and …

Dam drawdown complete as in-water construction begins on Charles River project

Wildfire smoke triggers an air quality alert as Charles River Dam crews begin in-water construction work. The town confirmed on July 16 that the impoundment drawdown behind the South Natick dam is complete, with contractors now installing a temporary access road as in-water work proceed…

Melrose Rolls Out New Public Records Search Tool

Melrose rolled out a new online tool this week meant to make city records easier for residents to find. The move, reported by Patch, is designed to help residents search and access thousands of public documents through the city's website. Separately, Patch also reported that one of Melr…

City Launches Student Supply And Haircut Drive For New School Year

Medford Square lost a longtime dining spot as the city geared up to help students prepare for fall classes. Real Italian Gusto, a fixture at 24 High St. in Medford Square for more than a decade, has closed, according to a report titled "Italian Restaurant Suddenly Shutters In Medford" f…

City confirms West Nile virus in Marlborough mosquitoes, announces new ambulance provider

Marlborough health officials confirmed West Nile virus in local mosquitoes as Mayor J. Christian Dumais announced Coastal Medical Transportation Systems as the city's new emergency ambulance provider. The city's Board of Health issued a public notice following the state health departmen…

Shattuck Street Work to Begin Monday, Delays Expected

Shattuck Street traffic delays begin Monday as Littleton advances grant-funded accessibility and transit initiatives. The town announced work starting July 20 on the Shattuck Street traffic island, alongside a new "Advancing Accessibility in Littleton" grant award and a $96,690 grant to…