Boston.com - Your Town blog - Newton

Cheesecake Factory opening at Mall at Chestnut Hill at the end of the year

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:02:18 GMT

The Mall at Chestnut Hill announced Monday that it will welcome The Cheesecake Factory to join its mix of stores and restaurants at the end of the year, according to a press release.

Newton School Committee makes cuts to student fees

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:46:07 GMT

The Newton School Committee voted unanimously Monday night to eliminate or reduce a slew of student activity fees, saying the steep cost of admission can sometimes prove the difference between a child trying something new and taking a pass.

MBTA to make its 15 busiest bus routes faster, more reliable; work includes moving, eliminating stops

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:17:39 GMT

The MBTA says it will make its 15 busiest bus routes faster, more reliable, and more accessible through a series of changes this summer, which include relocating some stops and eliminating others.

More shakeups in the Newton Police Department: Two top officers leave

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:54:09 GMT

Two top lieutenants in the Newton Police Department, who were part of the controversial investigation into a former chiefs secretary, cleaned out their offices and unexpectedly left this week. The departures of the Lieutenant Edward Aucoin, the head of the departments internal affairs office, and Lieutenant Hugh Downing, the chief executive officer, are among the latest shakeups in the Newton Police Department.

Buses to replace trains on part of Framingham-Worcester rail line Saturday

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:50:02 GMT

Buses will replace commuter rail service on part of the Framingham-Worcester this Saturday evening while officials test the lines signaling system, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company announced.

Friends who ride together, stay together: Meet PMC's oldest riders

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:29:53 GMT

Alvin Krakow, currently the oldest one-day rider, is a veteran of 15 one-day PMC rides. Sheldon Rothman will ride the two-day for the 12th consecutive time this year, the oldest rider to do so, a distinction he cherishes and fights to maintain.

Specialty craft beer shop to open in Newton Centre

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:04:26 GMT

Craft Beer Cellar has signed a lease to open a store next to Panera Bread in Newton Centre, according to a press release.

Rox Cafe opening soon in long vacant Newton Highlands space

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:32:23 GMT

Rox Café, the latest restaurant project from the owners of Rox Diner, is scheduled to open at the end of June, taking over a long-empty, prime space in the Newton Highlands.

MBTA staff to be honored at appreciation day in Newton

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 18:01:10 GMT

MBTA employees will receive refreshments, discounts to local businesses and other tokens of thanks for the first-ever Streetcar Motorperson Appreciation Day in at a trolley station in Newton on Friday, officials said.

National Grid to replace buried piping, install new gas regulator in Cleveland Circle

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:02:40 GMT

National Grid is starting a $900,000 project this week to install a new gas regulator station and replace nearly 300 feet of buried piping around Cleveland Circle.

Capuano, Warren knock cut in state grants

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 21:49:24 GMT

Faced with yet another cut to federal money that cities and towns can direct toward food banks, beautification and other priorities, mayors and congressmen on Monday called for a restoration of funds to the Community Development Block Grant program.

What's the best independent coffee shop in Greater Boston?

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 15:47:33 GMT

We're obsessed with coffee over at Boston.com, so wanted to put together Coffee Week to celebrate all things java! New interactives, maps, and galleries for the caffeine-obsessed will be unveiled each day this week. On Sunday, we wrote and mapped...

Streak runners share their favorite routes

Thu, 30 May 2013 19:57:53 GMT

"Streak runners" don't ever take a day off, but they do vary their daily running routines. Here are a few favorite routes shared by runners west of Boston who belong to the US Running Streak Association.

Heat to cause delays on Framingham-Worcester commuter rail line

Thu, 30 May 2013 18:06:57 GMT

Commuter rail trains on the Framingham-Worcester line have been ordered to slow down a bit because of the hot weather, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company announced.

Watertown police discuss terror shootout with residents at forum

Thu, 30 May 2013 03:30:33 GMT

More than a month after two suspected terrorists drove into Watertown, sparked a gunfight with police that killed one of the suspects and a massive manhunt that eventually led to the others capture, residents in the community are still looking for answers about the choices law enforcement agencies made and how events unfolded on April 19.

MetroWest 'Ambassador' workshops kick off Thursday in Marlborough, Framingham

Wed, 29 May 2013 16:26:22 GMT

The MetroWest Visitors Bureau is looking to help train a few good ambassadors to help guide visitors to the MetroWest region.

Natick and Waltham veterinarians seek contributions and a home for injured cat

Tue, 28 May 2013 20:44:45 GMT

Not every cat lands on its feet. Some take a tumble and need to be rescued. That's what happened to a sweet but stray cat that veterinarians believe was struck by a vehicle in Natick.

State to hold meeting on proposal to lease Daly Field in Brighton to private entity

Tue, 28 May 2013 19:34:33 GMT

The state's Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold a meeting this week to discuss a proposal to have a private, nonprofit lease the state-owned, 8.6-acre Daly Field in Brighton and then renovate the run-down green space.

Lasell College first in the state to offer a degree in resort and casino management

Tue, 28 May 2013 18:34:28 GMT

Lasell College will offer a bachelors degree in resort and casino management this fall, making it the first Massachusetts school to teach its students in-depth about how to operate a casino, according to Lasell officials.

Newton board approved next fiscal year budget

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:52:19 GMT

The Newton Board of Alderman passed Mayor Setti Warrens last budget proposal of his first term in office by a vote of 22-0 earlier this week. The $382 million budget includes money more than 50 new teachers and eight new city workers, road improvements and new buildings. The budget was boosted by the voters approval earlier this year of an annual $11.4 million tax increase.

Truck hits pole, causes detour on California St. in Newton

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:32:09 GMT

A tractor trailer traveling on California Street struck and shifted a utility pole, which caused wires to come down, according to an alert from Newton police.

Fired Newton police chief's former secretary acquitted of larceny

Tue, 21 May 2013 20:09:35 GMT

A jury acquitted Newton police secretary Jeanne Sweeney Mooney of larceny Tuesday, despite testimony against her by the former police chief and the agencys internal affairs officer, her attorney said.

City to host public meeting tonight on plan for hotel, apartments, retail, restaurant, offices in Cleveland Circle

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:32:51 GMT

Boston officials plan to host a community meeting tonight to again discuss a developers proposal to build a hotel, upscale apartments, offices, and space for retail, restaurant and parking in a five-story building in Cleveland Circle.

More than a few newcomers to the baseball top 20

Sun, 19 May 2013 22:40:13 GMT

It took No. 8 North Reading 17 games to suffer its first loss, a 2-1 decision to Masconomet on Saturday. The loss dropped Frank Careys crew one spot from last week, giving Danvers the No. 7 spot after a...

Same-sex marriage supporters celebrate 9th anniversary in Boston Public Garden

Sun, 19 May 2013 01:56:43 GMT

About three dozen supporters of same-sex marriage gathered in the Boston Public Garden recently to mark the ninth anniversary of its legalization in Massachusetts.