Development Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Cambridge grapples with two lawsuits about zoning requiring affordable homes from private developers

by Marc Levy September 21, 2026

Two lawsuits challenging inclusionary zoning are set to be discussed in a closed-door City Council session, but staff expects to keep rates as they are.

DEVELOPMENT

Gentle changes can fix Cambridge’s multifamily zoning and keep the construction coming, staff says

by Marc Levy September 17, 2026

Changes to multifamily zoning don’t need to stop the flow of homes being built or take away its status as the most permissive in the state, staff told city councillors.

DEVELOPMENT

Massive Healthpeak plan and its bridge get the green light, with an MBTA ‘urban rail’ stop decision three years away

by Marc Levy September 16, 2026

A full commitment by the MBTA for a long-wanted pedestrian and bike bridge was only part of the excitement over a new 42-acre neighborhood in the Cambridge Highlands.

BUSINESS

Condominium project designed with AI stays stalled at commission

by Marc Levy September 11, 2026

Not enough changed in the plans for condos near Davis Square to allow demolition of the current empty building, a turreted structure built in 1892.

DEVELOPMENT

Davis Square tower plan is dead, developer says

by Marc Levy August 31, 2026

Developer Copper Mill blamed a lack of “reciprocity” from Somerville leadership for the end of its apartments and retail. The mayor called that “laughable.”

DEVELOPMENT

After five years, developer says permitting for Assembly Row building will help lease as labs

by Marc Levy August 21, 2026

Developers are eager to put up a 19-story lab building at Assembly Row, but they are hearing concerns about adding unusable space to a glutted market.

DEVELOPMENT

Buildings approved for demolition are everyday structures, historic but left to decay and too far gone for reuse

by Catalina Mena August 7, 2026

Vines strangle the walls and roofs are buckling at properties that nurtured industries, survived gang takeovers and housed waves of Irish, Italian and Brazilian immigrants.

DEVELOPMENT

Cars drive debate at a meeting about 350 Rindge Ave. affordable housing and its future Ferro’s grocery store

by Marc Levy August 5, 2026

Ferro’s Foodtown and its fast food will shut for two years while housing is built, but the store's new liquor license request, parking and traffic were the topics instead.

DEVELOPMENT

Birch Street project is coming back for design issues, but not about traffic and parking concerns

by Marc Levy July 22, 2026

A six-story building with 85 apartments got generally positive reviews from Planning Board members, while residents were focused on cars, parking and traffic.

DEVELOPMENT

Petition takes a second hit because it would affect projects of all affordable homes

by Marc Levy July 21, 2026

Most councillors agreed action is needed to tame some reactions to recent zoning changes, which is leading to a rash of demolitions by eager developers.