Massachusetts proposed wetland rules face an August 20 public-comment deadline
Massachusetts is considering rules to streamline permitting for some wetland restoration projects. Written comments on the proposal are due August 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Massachusetts
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MBTA Orange Line closure starts August 20: What riders need to know
Orange Line service between Oak Grove and Back Bay will be suspended for 11 consecutive days, August 20-30. Riders should plan for free shuttles, alternate downtown routes and longer trips.
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Easthampton advances eminent-domain work for Ferry Street HousingWorks project
Easthampton is moving toward preliminary eminent-domain work tied to the Ferry Street HousingWorks infrastructure project around Ferry, Pleasant and Lovefield streets.
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Newtonville Station Rebuild Remains in Design and Procurement
The MBTA’s Newtonville Station accessibility project is advancing through Construction Manager-at-Risk procurement, with work targeted to begin by the end of 2026.
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Wellesley man held without bail after alleged fatal stabbing of father at Phillips Park
James Floyd Bennett III pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder after prosecutors accused him of fatally stabbing his father at Phillips Park in Wellesley. A judge ordered him held without bail.
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Massachusetts selects development teams for 53 new homes on surplus properties in Bridgewater and Bedford
Development teams have been selected through Massachusetts’ State Land for Homes initiative to build 53 homes on surplus state-owned properties in Bridgewater and Bedford.
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Fall River Starts FY2027 Without an Approved City Budget
Fall River began fiscal 2027 without an approved municipal budget after the City Council rejected Mayor Paul Coogan’s third proposal in June.
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Foxborough files counterclaim in Kraft Group lawsuit over Gillette Stadium license costs
Foxborough says its conditions for renewing Gillette Stadium’s 2026 entertainment license are lawful and tied to public-safety and municipal-service costs.
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Sharon’s 2026 Town-Meeting ADU Zoning Outcome Remains Undocumented
Sharon’s Planning Board proposed changes to the town’s accessory-dwelling-unit bylaw for the May 4, 2026, Annual Town Meeting, but posted town records do not show the final action.
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Lynn, Swampscott Continue King’s Beach Bacteria Testing
Lynn and Swampscott are testing culverts, sediment, drainage flows and wet-weather conditions to guide future cleanup at King’s Beach.
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Millis voters approve middle-high school project as planning moves toward 2027 construction
Millis voters approved the Middle-High School Building Project in a Dec. 8 special election, advancing plans for a middle-school addition expected to open in August 2028.
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Raynham seeks contractors for new public-safety building
Raynham opened a prequalification solicitation for contractors tied to a proposed new Public Safety Building, with the bid opening scheduled for July 23, 2026, at noon.
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Gloucester Releases Draft Housing Compass Plan for Public Review
Gloucester has released a draft Housing Compass Plan that will guide public discussion about housing, affordability, zoning and community development before any final adoption.
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Boston lists $3.5 million for Dorchester Field House in FY2026 capital review
Boston’s FY2026 capital review lists $3.5 million for planning, design and construction of the Dorchester Field House. A separate Devon Street property has an August 17 proposal deadline.
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Hingham targets Oct. 28 Special Town Meeting as school-building deadline nears
Hingham is preparing for an Oct. 28, 2026, Special Town Meeting while its School Building Committee works toward an Aug. 27 deadline for schematic designs tied to potential state school-infrastructure assistance.
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Lowell Keeps 360-Day Data-Center Moratorium in Place
Lowell’s temporary data-center moratorium remains a major citywide dispute as officials study effects on water, roads, schools and emergency services.
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Cambridge Council Temporarily Restores ShotSpotter After July Shooting
Cambridge councilors temporarily restored ShotSpotter after a fatal July 4 shooting, reversing a May vote to end the gunfire-detection system.
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Worcester Council Delays Decision on Police Oversight Board
Worcester City Council postponed a decision on a civilian police review board after 80 minutes of testimony and a recommendation against creating one.
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Franklin municipal electricity program sets $0.15-per-kilowatt-hour standard rate
Eligible Franklin basic-service electricity customers who receive the town’s notice will be automatically enrolled unless they opt out by Aug. 19, 2026.
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Amherst moves Wildwood School back to town control as DPW and zoning plans advance
Amherst’s School Committee voted to return Wildwood Elementary School to town control on Sept. 1, 2026, while officials advance plans for a new public-works facility and continue the Hampshire Campus Zoning Study.
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Mendon town meeting approves $1.1 million contingent school-budget override request
Mendon’s May 12 town meeting approved a contingent $1.1 million appropriation for the Mendon-Upton Regional School District’s fiscal 2027 budget. The funding depends on voter approval of a Proposition 2½ override.
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Leverett voters approve $100,000 access trail to conservation land
Annual Town Meeting approved a $100,000 Community Preservation Act appropriation for a 600-foot drivable trail from Woodard’s Corner to the Blueberry Patch conservation property.