Marc Levy, Author at Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Cambridge wants to give its small businesses a tax break on the stuff in their offices

by Marc Levy June 24, 2026

Small businesses could benefit from a 50 percent increase in the city’s personal property tax exemption – to $30,000 in assessed value from $20,000.

BITE

Cheese boureka at Tatte

by Marc Levy June 24, 2026

$4.50 Until recently, I hadn’t spent much time at Assembly Row – it’s a little out of the way for me – but found myself camping out while awaiting the launch of a summer farmers market. That let me...

TRANSPORTATION

Cambridge drivers will see parking situation get tougher as needs are balanced, with no relief in school lots

by Marc Levy June 23, 2026

There’s no relief for on-street parking coming from Cambridge’s public school parking lots, even as a city report suggests tougher times ahead for drivers as city officials and staff try to balance the needs of a growing population.

BUSINESS

Pour one out for short-lived changes to drink restrictions, as officials would rather reform what led to them

by Marc Levy June 23, 2026

The License Commission has retreated from universally disliked ideas on limiting how much patrons can drink in bars and restaurant, including an idea to allow only one drink every half-hour.

NEWS

There won’t be a legal fight over the rejection of ShotSpotter in Cambridge

by Marc Levy June 22, 2026

Objections to the shutdown of ShotSpotter gunfire-listening technology faded on the part of two Cambridge city councillors.

COMMUNITY

Take part through Saturday on price-match donation drive for the Union Square Farmers Market

by Marc Levy June 22, 2026

With hunger growing, more than 1,500 families are expected to benefit from a dollar-for-dollar match, just $15 at a time, over the market season.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, June 22-29: Drinking and driving (and parking)

by Marc Levy June 21, 2026

Take part in meetings on drinking, ticketing drivers and parking permits; e-bike and scooter safety; expanding the preschool program; and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, June 22-29: Final budget votes and a Ward 2 pizza party

by Marc Levy June 21, 2026

Take part in meetings on funding the next fiscal year and socializing with the mayor, city staff and city councilors.

NEWS

After three tries at rent caps in recent years, Somerville’s ‘best chance’ is statewide compromise, mayor says

by Marc Levy June 19, 2026

Wilson joins governor Maura Healey and Boston mayor Michelle Wu in saying he is “strongly” in support of compromise legislation on rent stabilization.

BUSINESS

A bike path cafe called Parlor Bird has many excited to come craft to the sound of acoustic music

by Marc Levy June 19, 2026

Parlor Bird, a community cafe and bar, won licensing approval for an under-construction building in Somerville, but the business isn’t likely to open until 2027.