News
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Talk Of New Transportation Dollars? Bring It On, Says Senate Chair
Most power players are skittish about the idea of new taxes or tolls to fund transportation investments, but not the Senate’s point person on the issue, who is not shy about his willingness to turn over every rock. “Obviously, you get criticized for talking about revenues at any point,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton, adding that
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A Push To Build Housing In ‘God’s Backyard’
The most common refrain from officials and experts looking for answers to the state’s infamous housing crunch is that there are no silver bullets. But there may be a divine opportunity. Religious institutions across the state own thousands of acres of land – a massive reservoir of potential housing – and if just half of
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Saugus Receives Grants To Better Accessibility
Through the Municipal Americans with Disabilities Act Improvement Grant Program offered by the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the Town of Saugus is receiving $167,750 across four projects for capital improvements to modify sidewalks and entrances to public spaces. This grant provides reimbursement funding to cities and towns across the Commonwealth to support improving accessibility to
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Home Modernization Navigator Program Comes To Lynn
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is expanding its pilot program to Lynn. The Home Modernization Navigator pilot program is a no-cost service that helps residents improve their homes and lower their energy bills by providing personalized support for energy upgrades, electrification, and efficiency improvements. The program provides one-on-one guidance via phone, video calls, and
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $10 Million to Expand Regional Transit Service Across Massachusetts and New England
The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $10 million in funding to Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) to support 16 projects that increase connections between towns, including to neighboring states. Grants will allow RTAs to pilot new expansions, continue promising pilots, and improve existing connections. “Regional Transit Authorities play a crucial role in reducing congestion and helping residents
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Coastal Climate Resiliency Issues At The Center Of The Massachusetts Metropolitan Beaches Commission Annual Hearing
The Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC) and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosted their annual hearing at the Massachusetts State House on the condition of the 15 metropolitan beaches stewarded by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). DCR’s new Commissioner, Nicole LaChapelle, testified on the agency’s ongoing work to ensure the beaches are welcoming to
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Mass. Lawmakers Pledge New Laws On Scooters, E-Bikes And Similar Devices: ‘It’s Completely Changed’
Massachusetts legislators leading transportation policy are intent on addressing the rapid rise in recent years of “micromobility” devices — such as scooters and electric bikes — and their safety risks to riders and pedestrians. Top state officials have grown increasingly concerned with the speedy, nimble devices and have called for a crackdown after a 13-year-old
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Bill To Protect Transit Workers From Assault Passed
Governor Healey signed the bill “An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker” into law on Dec 3. The legislature expands laws on assault and battery against public employees to include public transit workers, whether they are employed by public transit agencies or private contractors. It also broadens the definition of assault
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United Way Of Massachusetts Bay Award $85,000 To Fight Food Insecurity
As community-based organizations across the region continue to report increased demand for food assistance, United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced the Atrius Health Equity Foundation has donated $1 million to the United Response Fund, a statewide emergency effort to support households impacted by federal policy changes and the recent government shutdown. Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson joined
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New Signage To Guide Lynn Visitors
The Planning Department is moving forward with an initiative to install wayfinding signage near downtown businesses and cultural institutions to help visitors navigate to key attractions. Associate Planning Director Lauren Drago said the project has “been on the back of the Planning Department’s mind” for several years, as “the community felt it would be something