Woods Hole Project Illustrates Coastal Permitting Challenges
The deepwater port on Cape Cod has hosted research vessels for nearly 100 years. But replacing its main dock took years of permitting and consensus-building.
SJC Limits Landlords’ Use of Security Deposits
When one of its tenants vacated her apartment without using professional cleaning services, a landlord deducted $115 from her security deposit. It could face a class-action lawsuit.
Invasive Weed Trips Up Builder in Pepperell
Young parents buying new homes have many concerns. Whether their builder may have knowingly spread an invasive weed and glass on their property should not be among them.
With Ordinance, Boston Targets Climate Change
For a planet with over 8 billion people, BERDO cannot provide meaningful climate change mitigation by itself, but one has to start somewhere.
BU Synthetic Turf Field Project Trips Up Architect
A new SJC ruling says the time limits for when architects’ clients can sue over design defects can be contractually negotiated.
North Attleborough Landlord Liable Under ‘Unfair Practices’ Statute
Now and then, a commercial landlord engages in conduct so peculiar, that others can only shake their heads in bewilderment. Such was the case involving several properties in North Attleborough’s “Auto Road” area.
Earth Removal Dispute Can’t Bury Concord Development
Massachusetts courts seldom label local zoning boards’ denials of permits as arbitrary and capricious, but that’s exactly what happened recently in a recent state Land Court decision, Symmes Development & Permitting LLC v. Smith.
The Pros and Cons of Hotel Franchise Agreements
There are good reasons for hotel owners to affiliate with national brands such as Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton. But these deals come with costs.
A Gateway to Clean Energy on Cape Cod
Although the resort town of Barnstable fits the demographic requirements of a gateway municipality, it lacked the typical industrial history and immigrant cultures – until offshore wind projects started taking root offshore.
‘Affordable Housing’ Has a Special Meaning in Mass.
Before joining the chorus of promoters of “affordable housing,” one might want to consider the meaning of that term, and its consequences.
The Legal Changes CRE Executives Need to Know in 2025
The Greek philosopher Heraclitus stated centuries ago that change is the only constant in life. A few things expected to bring change to the Massachusetts real estate industry in 2025.
Historic Tax Credits Sweeten the Pot for Developers
Massachusetts recently doubled its annual historic tax credit limit, but while they’re attractive for those committed to preserving historic buildings, they must be used with caution.
Serving Up a Smorgasbord of Housing Incentives
How much new and rehabilitated housing can $5.16 billion and a number of Zoning Act changes buy? We will find out over the next five years.
Restaurant Claims Harvard Project Led to Demise
Classic Restaurant Concepts LLC had high hopes when it started building out what was intended to be a destination restaurant in Harvard Square in early 2016.
SJC Rules Against Tenant in Eviction Case
In a case involving the Massachusetts appeal bond statute in a summary process eviction case, the Supreme Judicial Court recently ruled against a family that had been occupying a foreclosed property for 11 years without making mortgage or rent payments.
Right of First Offer Derails a Friendship
A Land Court judge in early April ruled on a dispute over a peculiar real estate side agreement between Provincetown neighbors involving a poorly-drafted side agreement.
Potential Marina Investors Need to Navigate Hazards
Massachusetts is blessed with abundant navigable harbors ideal for marinas. These properties are in high demand, but they present special due diligence issues.
Ruling Could Threaten Linkage Fees in Massachusetts
This month’s unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of a California homeowner may have implications for inclusionary development and linkage regulations here in Massachusetts. California’s El Dorado County is nestled between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Much of...
AG Gets Serious About Enforcing MBTA Communities Law
The attorney general’s lawsuit suggests that she will not wait to find out whether the loss of access to specific state funding programs will eventually persuade Milton to adopt compliant zoning.
Court Upholds Defective Foreclosure Deed
The vast majority of mortgage loans are repaid without incident, but when they go into default, peculiar twists and turns can ensue. A federal district court decision issued in January, involving a home in Framingham, offers an example.
