licensing Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

Cambridge meetings, Sept. 28-Oct. 5: Property taxes, bike lanes to Belmont and Barron Plaza reopens

by Marc Levy September 27, 2026

Take part in meetings on property taxes, a water crisis and transportation issues, Central Square arts and culture and its Barron Plaza and Lamplighter’s ownership change.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, Sept. 14-21: A half-million dollars to make up for federal cuts to food aid (corrected)

by Marc Levy September 13, 2026

Take part in meetings on handling growing hunger, the Healthpeak neighborhood project and changes to the city's multifamily zoning ordinance.

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.

BUSINESS

Until construction in 2028, Just A Start plans to run a commercial parking lot in Porter Square

by Marc Levy July 14, 2026

A builder of all-affordable homes says running a parking lot can help cover costs as it prepares to bring 100 apartments to the neighborhood.

OPINION

A missive from the Church of the Cambridge Licensing Commission, ca. 1851

by Nicholas Marchuk July 5, 2026

“The sin of this son of Cambridge was in willful disobedience of the command of God to not imbibe more than one alcoholic drink every 30 minutes.”

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, June 29-July 6: Apartments instead of parking lots near Porter

by Marc Levy June 28, 2026

Take part in meetings on expanding a preschool program, a serene new tea shop and other licensing issues, affordable homes near Porter and more.

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.