T Says Weekend Ridership Nearly Back to 2019 Levels
The MBTA is experiencing “a monumental comeback story” in the eyes of its leadership, as safety and ridership statistics continue to improve despite delays in new train deliveries.
Orange Line Extension to Roslindale Attracting Attention
The Massachusetts House last week gave initial approval to studying extending the MBTA’s Orange Line south to Roslindale Village, which would bring core train service to areas seeing new housing investments.
Transit Leaders Look for New Money for MBTA, RTAs
Sustaining the MBTA’s progress, according to several current and former state transit leaders, is going to require new sources of revenue, particularly with future federal funding uncertain.
Senate Dems Crafting Their Own Boston Property Tax Bill
Facing criticism for not addressing steep tax hikes in Boston and a legislative stalemate on Beacon Hill, the Senate plans to sidestep the House and possibly advance its own proposal that could deliver limited relief in any Massachusetts city or town.
Wu Critic: Boston Needs ‘Different Approach’ to Budget Woes
The solutions are viewed as either a Band-Aid or desperately needed residential relief, but it’s clear that property taxes in the city of Boston are again a focus of City Hall and State House debate.
Sublime Systems Pauses Holyoke Factory, Cuts Workforce
One of the most-hyped green building companies in Massachusetts is calling a halt to its plans for its first commercial-scale plant after losing a key grant.
Landlord Sues Cambridge Over Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance
The suit, filed by the Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, challenges a city law requiring any project of 10 units or more to permanently set aside 20 percent of it as affordable housing.
Poll Shows Initial Voter Support for Rent Control
House Speaker Ron Mariano on Monday pointed to voter disapproval of rent control in 1994, but poll results released Tuesday morning highlight support for the proposal in 2025.
Rent Control Backers Report Huge Signature Haul
The campaign behind a proposed 2026 ballot measure to establish rent control across the state says it has cleared the highest signature-gathering hurdle in the initiative petition process well ahead of deadline.
Healey Defends Plans for West Roxbury Homeless Shelter
Facing community resistance to a planned homeless shelter in West Roxbury, Gov. Maura Healey on Monday underscored that the families set to move in are “Boston families.”
Healey Urges Lawmakers to Put ‘Stake in the ground’ with $400M Biotech Investment
While $400 million won’t be enough to fill gaps left by federal cuts to higher ed and biotech, Gov. Maura Healey and business leaders argue it will keep Massachusetts from falling behind in the sectors it touts the most.
Rent Control Foes Get Early Start on Lobbying
It isn’t even on the ballot yet, but real estate interests have started urging mayors and regional chambers of commerce to oppose an effort to revive rent control across Massachusetts.
Trump Administration Threatens to Cancel Cape Bridge Funds
Rattled by news delivered in the form of a White House tweet, high-ranking elected officials in Massachusetts said megaprojects to replace two federally owned Cape Cod bridges are still “moving forward.”
New Mass. Law Nixes Homebuyer Tactic: Waiving Inspections
Starting today, Massachusetts home sellers aren’t be allowed to require buyers waive their right to an inspection. Lawmakers hope it levels the playing field.
State Recommends Fossil Fuel-Free Pilot Continue
Early data shows a pilot project that allows 10 towns to require new buildings be fossil fuel-free is creating more energy-efficient development.
Healey: Next Steps on Highway Plazas Remain Under review
As the dust settles from Applegreen’s decision to walk away from a controversial service plaza redevelopment contract, Gov. Maura Healey said the state is still trying to figure out where and when it will go from here.
Driscoll Cites Mass. as ‘Model’ at National Transit Conference
Before a national audience of transit leaders on Monday, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll offered an optimistic rebranding of Massachusetts’ troubled public transit systems.
Efforts to Protect Harbor from Floods Lifted by $10M Donation
With several “king tides” in the offing, a foundation is donating $10 million over the next five years to help a local lab expand its work devising defenses.
Real Estate Transfer Tax Pitched as Missing Link for Housing
The battle for a local-option real estate transfer tax has risen from the dead, with municipal leaders asking Beacon Hill to help them raise money for affordable housing.
Mass. Lags in Housing Production Despite Units Touted by Healey
New data shows just how few new homes the state is permitting, despite Gov. Maura Healey’s boasts of 90,000 units completed in her tenure.
