State zoning overhaul changes variance rules

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State zoning overhaul reshapes local board operations

Massachusetts' updated Zoning Act, Chapter 40A, was enacted Monday as part of the state budget, marking one of the most significant changes to the law in decades. The reforms change how local zoning boards evaluate variance requests and are expected to affect housing and development across the Commonwealth. Land use attorneys Joshua Lee Smith and Joseph Duquette, who called the legislation "completely game-changing," say it may encourage bolder variance applications and more creative project proposals.

Bowditch & Dewey

Copley Square Farmers Market open today at McKim Plaza

The Copley Square Farmers Market, Boston's largest, runs its regular Tuesday session today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. outside the Boston Public Library's Central Branch, with more than three dozen Massachusetts vendors.

Mass Farmers Markets

Fatal Hyde Park shooting leaves one dead, four hurt

Boston Police are investigating a shooting early Monday in Hyde Park that left one person dead and four injured; District 18 officers responded around 12:38 a.m.

Boston Police Department

StorrowRankings.com lets Bostonians judge bridge crashes

A new interactive site, StorrowRankings.com, launched Monday, letting Bostonians rate the infamous truck 'storrowings' on Storrow Drive near Back Bay.

Universal Hub

Boston releases August back-to-school resource guide

The City of Boston's Human Resources department released a back-to-school guide Monday covering mental health, self-care, and community resources for families, students, and educators.

City of Boston

Folk dancing returns to Copley Square fountain plaza

The Folk Arts Center of New England hosts its free weekly 'Folk Dancing by the Fountain' tonight, 7-9 p.m. at Copley Square Plaza, with live music by The Casco Bay Tummlers.

The Boston Calendar

OAK Long Bar launches weekly market-to-table experience

Starting today at 11:30 a.m., OAK Long Bar + Kitchen begins its 'Market to Table' series, guiding guests through the neighboring Copley Square Farmers Market before a mixology workshop and lunch.

The Boston Calendar

Red Sox open series vs. White Sox at Fenway Park

The Red Sox open a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox tonight at 7:10 p.m. at Fenway Park, with Patrick Sandoval scheduled to start.

RotoWire

Federal government offers historic Boston Light at no cost

The U.S. General Services Administration announced Monday that eligible nonprofit and community groups can acquire the 310-year-old Light Station Boston on Little Brewster Island at no cost for preservation.

U.S. General Services Administration

Mary Baker Eddy legacy exhibit open in Back Bay

The MA250-listed exhibit on Mary Baker Eddy's legacy is open today, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 210 Massachusetts Avenue.

Massachusetts 250