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.
News
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
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
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
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.
Cambridge Vice Mayor Burnham Azeem pitches record of results in crowded 2nd Middlesex Senate race
Cambridge Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem says Massachusetts remains a great place to live — but one that too many residents can no longer afford. In an interview, the 29-year-old city councilor returned repeatedly to that tension. It is, he said, the central motivation behind his campaign for the open
Sen. Jason Lewis announces virtual office hours for March
The following was submitted by the Office of Senator Jason Lewis: State Sen. Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Monday, March 16, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Any constituent of Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any
Winchester Select Board has full slate for April 27 Town Meeting
With Winchester’s Spring Town Meeting scheduled for April 27, the Select Board has spent weeks hashing out a slate of warrant articles that would commit the town to its most ambitious solar energy program yet, address long-standing drainage and dam infrastructure needs, bolster financial reserves and launch a
Somerville councilor Matthew McLaughlin runs for 2nd Middlesex Senate seat, citing affordability crisis
Matthew McLaughlin grew up in a Somerville that people called “Slummerville” — a low-income, working-class city that outsiders looked down on and that insiders survived. His father, a custodian like his mother, died when McLaughlin was 12, making him, by his own account, something like the head of a
Winchester’s sidewalks aren’t always clear, nor whose job it is to clean them
Fernanda Stern and her 6-year-old daughter struggled to use the town’s sidewalks two days after last month’s blizzard to get to school from their home on Highland Avenue. Large mountains of snow had forced them to either walk on the street or in snow banks for
Winchester School Committee candidates bring contrasting backgrounds to Thursday forum
Two candidates for Winchester’s School Committee will face voters at a forum as the district navigates a new literacy curriculum, budget pressures and questions about student mental health. Heather von Mering and John Bellaire are competing for an open seat on the School Committee, which oversees a budget von
Rep. Michael Day helps House colleagues pass sweeping energy affordability bill
The following was submitted by the Office of Rep. Michael S. Day: Rep. Michael S. Day and his colleagues in the House of Representatives recently passed energy affordability legislation that would result in over $9 billion in savings for utility ratepayers over the next 10 years. The bill maintains critical
Winchester gun owners face new training rules starting April 2
Public safety data How Winchester compares on firearms licenses in comparable Massachusetts communities Active licenses as of Jan. 25, 2025 — Source: Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board License to carry firearms Firearms identification card Winchester and Marblehead are the focus communities. Peers selected based on comparable population size, demographics and suburban