EAST LONGMEADOW — Tiny homes, in-law apartments and other sub-separate living structures, known as accessory dwelling units, will be allowed by right in Massachusetts as of Feb. 2. The Affordable Homes Act, passed in the summer of 2024, prohibits municipalities from outlawing the living arrangements. However, towns can implement reasonable restrictions, which has left them scrambling to put bylaws on the books by the deadline.
SOUTHWICK — The principals of Pioneer Valley Trading Co., the recreational cannabis store working through the permitting process to open in town, made their first appearance in front of the Planning Board on Jan. 7 and they were “excited to get it going.”
SPRNGFIELD — The city’s Office of Planning and Economic Development announced on Jan. 7 that Mason Square was approved for the Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program.
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield School Committee unanimously approved a 45-day extension of a much-debated contract that lets police patch into school cameras in live time during an emergency.
TOLLAND — The Tolland Police Department was recently awarded a grant to purchase body-worn cameras for its three-member force.
NORTHAMPTON — In anticipation of the new year, 15 students from the Northampton Youth Commission met with Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler at the State House office of state Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) last month.