Brookline Seeks Housing, as Cambridge Mulls Rollback
Political gains by Brookline’s YIMBY forces are prompting officials to study the most aggressive strategies in recent history to encourage housing production.
Why Hometown Financial Broke from Mutual Bank Path
One of Massachusetts’ largest mutual bank holding companies is switching to a stock institution, highlighting a philosophical divide among industry leaders about the best way to grow and succeed.
What It Takes to Build with Faith
Nonprofit developer Bill Grogan is an expert in working with faith groups to build housing on their land, something the state could legalize this summer with “YIGBY” legislation.
Hot Property: The Amp at Suffolk Downs
A new 600-seat amphitheater has begun hosting a series of concerts through September at Suffolk Downs, but it has a secret: It doubles as flood protection.
Somerville Mayor Encourages Copper Mill to ‘Show Your Work’
First-term Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson welcomed the sight of a construction crane in Winter Hill, signaling progress on one of the city’s most prominent and formerly dormant building sites: the former Star Market property. Wilson was less committed to supporting construction of a 24-story apartment tower across town in Davis Square, however.
The Gossip Report: July 17, 2026
Two homes in this week’s roundup of Massachusetts’ most expensive residential sales are both on Nantucket, and are both the same size, but one sold for almost triple the price of the other.
Senate Hopes to Legalize Duplexes Statewide in Toned-Down Reform Push
Senate leaders folded major housing policies into an economic development bill, but signaled there would be no standalone housing bill this year.
What Social Media is Saying About Massachusetts’ Housing Debate
Researchers found some surprising trends after analyzing more than 800,000 recent social media posts: sentiment generally supported more housing production.
Grace Lee Returns to M&T Bank
The former head of M&T Bank’s Massachusetts operations is back at the bank after a brief stint as CEO of a Framingham credit union.
Senate Eyes Vote on Economic Development Bill, Housing Components Unknown
Senate leaders are working to finalize their economic development package, seen as the last chance to pass meaningful housing reforms this legislative session.
Boston-Area Still Short 147K Homes, Even as Deficit Shrinks
Boston actually saw its housing deficit decline, according to a new estimate from the listings portal Zillow. But the gap between demand and supply is still huge.
Developer Expands Somerville Proposal to 418 Apartments
The lone developer still seeking to redevelop a city-owned property boosted the size of the project to 418 apartments while eliminating a controversial parking configuration.
Downtown Worcester Housing Conversion, Five Others Land HDIP Money
The Menkiti Group’s anticipated 48-unit residential conversion in downtown Worcester landed $3.16 million in state tax credits last week.
JV Acquires Shrewsbury Industrial Portfolio for $75.1M
A 300,075-square-foot industrial portfolio developed by Wakefield-based NorthBridge Partners in 2023 was acquired by a joint venture for $75.1 million following a successful leasing campaign.
248K SF Office-to-Housing Project Proposed in Watertown
Underutilized commercial space near Watertown Square would be replaced with 285 housing units under a Newton developer’s proposal.
BayCoast Bank Opens New Branch in Newport, Rhode Island
BayCoast Bank has opened its newest branch, located at 137 Broadway in Newport, Rhode Island.
Workbar Adding New Location at Union Square Tower
Coworking space provider Workbar is restoring its presence in Somerville’s Union Square with a new location scheduled to open in late fall next to the neighborhood’s MBTA Green Line station.
Rejected Developers Challenge Springfield Courthouse Award
Two losing bidders sued the state and the winning developer Thursday to block Springfield’s new regional courthouse project, claiming conflict of interest.
Mayor Vetoes BXP Rezoning, Citing ‘No TOD Benefit’
BXP got the OK to add multifamily housing to two of its office parks, but Mayor Jeannette McCarthy vetoed a third.
Momentum Fund Adds 192 Units to Boston-Area Pipeline
The state is assigning $15 million more from its Momentum Fund to three mixed-income housing developments that will create 192 new apartments.
This Week’s Newspaper
