Voters fill Town Meeting seats across Winchester; four incumbents unseated
The biggest shakeup came in Precinct 7, where two officeholders lost in an 11-person contest, matching Precinct 4 for the busiest race.
News
Winchester’s $11.5M override falls short; Prior returns to Select Board, Bellaire joins School Committee and Beliveau unseats Rossettos
The pattern broke. For seven straight votes stretching back to 2017, Winchester voters had said yes to every Proposition 2½ question put before them — school buildings, operating budgets, capital needs. The Lynch Elementary School project passed in 2023 with 82.4% support, the highest for any school ballot question in
State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven joins crowded bid to succeed retiring Sen. Jehlen
A Somerville progressive launched a campaign for the Second Middlesex seat.
Winchester Town Meeting to take up major $6.2M solar expansion plan
The expansion would mark a significant leap for a town that has built its solar portfolio incrementally.
Winchester Select Board signals support for 7% water and sewer rate increase
The Winchester Select Board signaled support March 16 for a 7% increase in water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2027, with a formal vote expected at a public hearing scheduled for March 30. Consultant Mark Abrahams of the Abrahams Group presented three rate options to the board during a
For years, Winchester voters rejected nearly every tax override. Then the pattern flipped.
Editor’s note: An interactive visualization of all 33 Proposition 2½ ballot questions in Winchester from 1988 through 2023, including results by decade, override type and individual vote, is available here. From November 1988 through January 2023, Winchester voters went to the polls 25 times to decide 33 Proposition 2½
Rep. Michael Day nominates Winchester’s Dr. Karen Abdool for Black Excellence on the Hill Award
The following was submitted by the Office of Rep. Michael Day: Rep. Michael S. Day recently nominated Winchester’s Dr. Karen Abdool M.D, PhD for recognition at the Massachusetts State House, where the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus honored her with the Black Excellence on the Hill Award.
Construction funding secured for Horn Pond fish passage
The following was submitted by the Mystic River Watershed Association: The Horn Pond Fish Passage project received final funding needed for construction with an anticipated construction start in summer/fall 2026, aiming to be complete before the river herring migration begins in spring 2027. Funding for this new fish passage
Process, pace set Prior and Brady apart in Winchester Select Board race
The contest highlights competing governing styles, one emphasizing consensus and process, the other urging faster action and visible dissent.
Winchester Planning Board discussing future of short-term, vacation rentals
Whether to legalize short-term rentals or Air Bed and Breakfast (AirBnBs) or Vacation Rentals by Owners (VRBOs) was the subject of conversation during a recent Planning Board meeting. Some exist in Winchester, although how many is vague. Legalization would involve possible changes to the bylaws and zoning bylaws to address
Yes for Winchester campaign works to build grassroots momentum ahead of March 21 vote
A volunteer campaign called Yes for Winchester is working to build community support for an $11.5 million override on the town’s March 21 election ballot, relying primarily on house parties, lawn signs and neighbor-to-neighbor outreach rather than traditional political infrastructure. The campaign began preliminary planning before the Select
Ryan O’Malley announces run for 5th Middlesex District Senate seat
The following was submitted by Ryan O’Malley: To the residents of Malden, Melrose, Wakefield, Stoneham, Reading, and Winchester: Over the last few weeks, I have met with many residents across our district to learn about the issues that are important to you. Based on those conversations, I am excited
Winchester plans for Davidson Park revised
The river restoration plan for the Aberjona River in Davidson Park has been revised using nature based techniques that can be installed with minimal disturbance to wetland resources. It will include rock weirs to create step-like increases in the water level during typical flow conditions to counteract cascades resulting from
Select Board candidates align on override, diverge on how to grow Winchester’s bottom line
Ahead of the March 21 election, incumbent Michelle Prior and challenger Shamus Brady offered contrasting styles, but frequent agreement at a candidate forum for the Select Board, with both backing the pending override vote while differing on how to generate revenue, speed housing development and attract businesses. The two are
Winchester ZBA could soon make decision on Washington/Swanton development
The Winchester Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) seems to have all the information it needs to make a decision on a proposed Chapter 40B apartment proposal at the intersection of Washington and Swanton streets. “It’ll be sort of wrapping things up tonight and moving forward on deliberations,” ZBA Chair
School Committee candidates call for teacher reviews, clearer goals at Winchester forum
John Bellaire and Heather von Mering outlined competing visions for the town’s public schools at a candidate forum, clashing over technology in classrooms, special education access and teacher accountability ahead of the March 21 election. The two are vying for one three-year seat on the Winchester School Committee. The