Daily brief · Winchester, MA
Forest Ridge bid returns at lower appraisal
September 1, 2026
Top story
Forest Ridge land bid returns with lower appraisal, developer deal
Three months after Town Meeting rejected a $3 million borrowing, Conservation Commission Chair Tracy Olson returned to the Select Board on Aug. 24 with a June appraisal valuing the 13.7 acres at $2.85 million, about $780,000 below the October 2025 figure. Olson said that when the commission contacted the landowner in June, it learned the property was under agreement with developer Bell Point LLC; the Winchester portion could still be taken by eminent domain, which would require a two-thirds Town Meeting vote for both the taking and the borrowing. The Select Board took no action, and the request is moving through the Winchester Committee on Community Preservation, which was set to deliberate on fall applications Aug. 26.
Winchester News
Library to close for construction and Labor Day, Sept. 4-7
Winchester Public Library will close Friday, Sept. 4, for roof and window construction and remain closed through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
Town of Winchester
Winchester schools hold staff professional development days
Superintendent Frank Hackett said staff and administrators met Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 for professional development ahead of the first student day Wednesday, Sept. 2; there is no school Sept. 4 or Sept. 7.
Winchester Public Schools
Beginner country line dancing class begins at Jenks Center
A beginner-friendly country line dancing class taught by Julie Kaufmann runs today, Sept. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Jenks Center.
The Jenks Center
Winchester Recreation opens Fall 2026 program registration
Online registration for the Winchester Recreation Department's Fall 2026 programs opens today, Sept. 1, at 10 a.m., with a new guide of classes and activities.
Winchester Recreation Department
Free electric shuttle launches service to Winchester Hospital
The Link, a free, all-electric regional micro-transit shuttle, launched Monday, Aug. 31, giving Wakefield and Reading residents direct transit connections to Winchester Hospital.
Town of Reading
Toastmasters meets at Winchester Public Library
Winchester Public Library hosts a Toastmasters meeting tonight, Sept. 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Large Meeting Room; no registration required.
Winchester Public Library
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