utilities Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

MWRA staff shocked residents with a proposal to take away Magazine Beach sports fields over a stormwater tank (updated)

by Marc Levy October 8, 2026

Representatives from the region’s water authority proposed permanently fencing off 2.3 acres of parkland at Magazine Beach, saying it was needed for CSO infrastructure.

OPINION

How you renters helped pay for a homeowner’s heat pump in Greenfield but will still freeze this winter

by Nicholas Marchuk October 4, 2026

Renters pay enormous sums for energy, money that is redistributed to homeowners in the suburbs – like we found a way to have socialism, but only for those who have capital.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: The nor’easter caused spills into the Mystic River

by Marc Levy September 28, 2026

It was still raining Monday from the weekend’s windy nor’easter. Just the estimated 2 inches it brought resulted in at least three combined sewer overflows.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Wednesday and Thursday into the Mystic and Alewife Brook

by Marc Levy July 30, 2026

Just the estimated 1.5 inches of rain that landed Wednesday and lasted overnight resulted in four waste spills, and more rain is in the forecast.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Wednesday into the Mystic and Charles rivers

by Marc Levy July 23, 2026

Wednesday saw the second day in a row of combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Tuesday into the Mystic River and Alewife Brook

by Marc Levy July 22, 2026

Rainfall on Tuesday caused a combined sewer overflow, the term for releasing waste into public waterways when sewer and water systems get overwhelmed.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 13-20: Potential upset for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning

by Marc Levy July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings and gatherings on progress in Carl Barron Plaza, possible changes for Affordable Housing Overlay zoning and more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, July 13-20: After nearly two decades, a big step at the Star Market site

by Marc Levy July 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on the development of the 90 Washington site, apartments in Porter Square and breaking ground at the old Star Market.

NEWS

Keeping up with the CSOs: Waste flowed Tuesday into the Mystic River, Charles and Alewife Brook

by Marc Levy July 8, 2026

Sustained rainfall Tuesday caused waste to flow into public waterways again. Members of a team behind the $1.3 billion fix will take questions Monday.

NEWS

Cambridge meetings, July 6-13: On guard against multifamily zoning mischief

by Marc Levy July 5, 2026

Take part in meetings on shuttle buses replacing the red line for 10 days, landmarking Lexington Avenue, ground-floor businesses and more.