The Zoning Board of Appeals approved the installation of a new Walmart Depot (microfulfillment center) in an existing 20,000 square foot building at 241-247 Riverview, adjacent to the City’s Resource Recovery Center on Rumford Avenue. The facility will be closed to the public and used solely for distribution of high-demand…
Posts published by “Bruce Henderson”
Throughout the day of July 4th, Tony Gentile — Newton’s “Master of Fireworks” — and his crew of four set up the fireworks for Newton’s annual display over Albemarle Field — just as they have done for several decades. Tony works for American Thunder Fireworks, which conducts 120 shows a…
On June 23, State Senator Cynthia Creem and Mayor Marc Laredo’s Chief of Staff, Dana Hanson, spoke before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government in favor of Senate Bill 3092, a Home Rule Petition presented by Sen. Creem that would authorize Newton to issue pension obligation bonds or…
After five decades of owning five prominent commercial properties leasing to over 40 businesses in Newton Centre, the Zussman family has decided to sell them all, preferably to a single buyer. The properties, known collectively as Piccadilly Square, line much of Union Street and extend to Centre Street, Beacon Street,…
Staff, residents, and supporters of the Carroll Center for the Blind were upbeat for the 14th annual Walk for Independence on the Charles River campus of UMass Amherst, despite forceful wind and rain on May 30. There was no rain date, and no need for one. They walked the Walk.…
On May 26, Mayor Marc Laredo responded to five FY27 Budget resolutions submitted by the City Council. The City Council reviewed those responses, submitted a sixth resolution, and ultimately voted to approve the $668,336,666 budget by a vote of 22-2. As explained here, the City Council’s amendment powers are limited,…
On May 20, Northland celebrated the topping-off of the first new residential building in its 23-acre development at the intersection of Needham and Oak streets in Newton Upper Falls — and unveiled the new name of the community to arise there, anchored by the historic Saco Pettee Mill: the Pattern…
On May 21, the City Council began deliberations on the FY2027 budget as a Committee of the Whole, approving most departmental budgets while holding four – Law, Planning, Public Works, and Schools – pending responses to five budget resolutions approved in the meeting for submission to the Mayor. The meeting…
Family ACCESS of Newton announced that it will permanently close on June 25, 2026, due to declining enrollment and rising costs. The nonprofit will continue its Early Learning Center, Early Literacy Services, and Counseling Services through that date, completing 119 years of service to Newton and surrounding communities. The Early…
Leaders of three Newton-based nonprofits – Cradles to Crayons, Spoonfuls, and Family Aid – outlined challenges to their work due to federal funding cuts, tightening eligibility rules, and the state political climate. They said the safety net is breaking and that everyone, not just the poor, will feel the consequences…
On May 8, the Newton North Youth Energizer Team earned second place in the statewide MassEnergize Youth Climate Solutions Challenge, receiving a $2,000 award for its project to motivate at least 100 Newton households to complete Mass Save Home Energy Assessments. The team focused on peer outreach, workshops, and neighborhood…
For the second year in a row, the LigerBots, Newton’s dual-high school FIRST Robotics team, not only qualified for the FRC World Championship but in that competition also won a Division championship, placing the team among the top 24 to 32 teams worldwide. Last year, the LigerBots alliance won the Hopper…