Development Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

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.

DEVELOPMENT

Project replacing Winter Hill Star Market survived decades of development, and its 319 homes are due next year

by Marc Levy July 16, 2026

A project in Somerville survived a series of challenges over the years that included federal policy shifts that threatened financing, tariffs and rising construction costs.

DEVELOPMENT

‘Back off’ on zoning that accelerates Cambridge homebuilding? Board members say let the laws work

by Marc Levy July 15, 2026

Amendments to Cambridge’s Affordable Housing Overlay zoning were presented as corrections that can’t wait. Planning Board members say they'll have to.

DEVELOPMENT

Despite misgivings, Somerville decides to start a development process at 90 Washington St. site

by Marc Levy July 13, 2026

A development process for homes, retail and other uses can move ahead at 90 Washington St. in Somerville’s Inner Belt, the 4-acre parcel that was once the Cobble Hill mall.

DEVELOPMENT

Building at 40 Thorndike and its tower of empty office space sells for $1 and assumption of $232M debt

by Marc Levy July 11, 2026

The building opened its doors Oct. 8, 2024, and filled the 48 affordable residential units at its base – but never the 420,000 square feet of office and retail space.

DEVELOPMENT

Tearing down a three-home triple-decker for three bigger homes is rejected on Roberts Road

by Marc Levy July 6, 2026

The commission is supposed to take into account the goals expressed by the City Council in zoning changes. “Notably,” staff has said, “the need for more housing.”

DEVELOPMENT

Amid opposition to a project with 100 affordable homes for families, even a new park draws fire

by Marc Levy July 1, 2026

Along with 100 affordable homes in a pair of buildings, there could be a new park, community room and retail center to replace two underused parking lots.