Council spends 3 hours on downtown plan

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Town Council Holds Marathon Debate on Envision Wakefield Downtown Plan

The Town Council's Sept. 14 meeting focused almost exclusively on Envision Wakefield, the downtown revitalization effort launched in 2017 to leverage state and federal money from the Massachusetts Transportation Improvement Program for road and pedestrian safety work and economic development. Under the TIP, the state funds construction if the town pays for the full design. The Upper Main Street piece, running from Richardson Avenue north to Church Street and the Common, has a 25% design plan approved by MassDOT for the Fiscal Year 2031 TIP, with a design public hearing set for March 2027; design work is estimated at about $1.5 million and is expected to bring roughly $25 million in state funding.

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Council Approves Three-Year DPW Labor Contract

On Sept. 14, the Town Council approved a three-year contract with the DPW Laborers Union featuring annual 2.5% cost-of-living raises.

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The Card Shop Wins Second-Hand Dealer License

The Town Council approved a second-hand dealer license on Sept. 14 for The Card Shop, a new Main Street business.

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School Committee Subcommittees Meet Tonight on Contracts, Policy

The Labor and Personnel Subcommittee meets at 5 p.m. today, Sept. 16, followed by a virtual Policy and Communications Subcommittee session at 7 p.m.

Town of Wakefield

Warrior Football Opens Season With 28-20 Road Win

Wakefield's varsity football team beat Greater Lawrence Tech 28-20 in its 2026 season opener, according to reports published Sept. 15.

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Books by the Lake Discusses Two Novels Tonight

Beebe Library's Books by the Lake group meets tonight, Sept. 16, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Living Room to discuss 'The Song of Achilles' and 'The Silence of the Girls.'

Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

Free Retinal Screenings at Senior Center Today

The McCarthy Senior Center offers free retinal photography screenings today, Sept. 16, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; an appointment is required.

Town of Wakefield

Finance Panel Interviews Committee Vacancy Candidates

The Finance Committee Screening Subcommittee interviewed prospective candidates for Finance Committee vacancies during a hybrid meeting Sept. 15 at Town Hall.

Town of Wakefield

Veterans Board Plans Sept. 19 Social, Town Day Support

The Veterans Advisory Board met Sept. 15 to review its June report and plan the Sept. 19 veterans social, Sept. 26 Town Day participation, and Nov. 11 Veterans Day ceremony.

Town of Wakefield

Wakefield Chamber Joins Multi-Town Networking Event Tonight

The Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce joins Medford and Malden chambers for a networking event tonight, Sept. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Establishment in Medford.

Wakefield Area Chamber of Commerce