Daily brief · Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
Historical review requests up fivefold after zoning
July 28, 2026
Top story
Historical Commission reviews surge after zoning changes
Since the Multifamily Housing Ordinance passed in February 2025, the Cambridge Historical Commission has fielded more than 340 queries, a fivefold jump in requests for architectural review, according to executive director Charles Sullivan. The ordinance lets developers build up to four stories by-right, or six with affordable units, in most of the city, fueling recent West Cambridge disputes over Lexington Avenue and Wyman Road properties. Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, who voted for the measure, called the surge in historical-review requests 'not surprising.'
Cambridge Day
Belmont teacher arraigned in Cambridge court on CSAM charges
Belmont Middle School teacher Leon Dyer pleaded not guilty July 27 in Cambridge District Court to two counts of possessing child sexual abuse material and was released on $7,500 bail with orders to stay away from schools and minors.
The Belmont Voice
Club Passim hosts weekly Tuesday acoustic open mic
Club Passim in Harvard Square hosts its weekly acoustic open mic tonight, July 28, at 7 p.m., giving local and regional musicians a chance to perform.
Club Passim
MIT Fab Lab marks 25 years with Cambridge conference
MIT's Fab Lab is marking 25 years of digital fabrication with a conference in Cambridge this week.
Cambridge Day
Earth Explorers program continues near Harvard Square
Harvard Museums of Science and Culture's Earth Explorers program continues Tuesday, July 28, as part of a July 27-31 week for children in grades 1-3, exploring geology and paleontology through specimens and models.
Harvard Square Business Association
Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor speaks at Harvard Book Store
Harvard Book Store hosts Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor tonight, July 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. for a discussion of her memoir 'Something We Said,' in conversation with Kellie Carter Jackson.
Harvard Square Business Association
Lovestruck Books hosts 'Die For Me' release bash
Lovestruck Books hosts a release bash for 'Die For Me' with author Shirlene Obuobi tonight, July 28, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Harvard Square Business Association
Junk journaling pops up at Vellucci Plaza
Cambridge Plays: Junk Journaling July with Albertine Press takes place tonight, July 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Vellucci Plaza, with a rain date of Wednesday, July 29.
City of Cambridge
Lizzie Buehler discusses debut novel at Harvard Book Store
Award-winning translator Lizzie Buehler discusses her debut coming-of-age novel, "The Obsessed," in conversation with author Joanna Rakoff at Harvard Book Store on Thursday, July 30, at 7 p.m.
Harvard Book Store
Singer-DJ Brooklynn performs free rooftop concert in Kendall Square
As part of the Berklee Summer in the City 2026 series, singer-songwriter and DJ Brooklynn performs indie/neo-soul music at the Urban Park Roof Garden tonight, July 28, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Cambridge Day
Sarepta Therapeutics names Michael Severino as new CEO
Cambridge-based genetic medicine company Sarepta Therapeutics announced Michael Severino, M.D., becomes CEO today, July 28, succeeding retiring CEO Doug Ingram, who will stay on as an advisor through year-end.
Business Wire
Community Garden coordinators to meet Tuesday via Zoom
The monthly Cambridge Community Garden Program coordinator meeting takes place online tonight, July 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss program initiatives and neighborhood garden updates.
City of Cambridge
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