Opinion
Ruling Could Threaten Linkage Fees in Massachusetts
This month’s unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of a California homeowner may have implications for inclusionary development and linkage regulations here in Massachusetts. California’s El Dorado County is nestled between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe. Much of...
Why Developers Should Think About Retail Early
The economic implications of a thriving ground floor experience extend well beyond the first lease year. Here’s how to create neighborhood magnets with major gravitational pull.
Looming Homelessness Crisis Demands Supportive Housing Ramp-Up
There’s a proven solution to end chronic homelessness. It’s cost effective, good for business and it’s the humane thing to do. It’s called supportive housing.
More Tolls Are in Our Future – and That’s a Good Thing
Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt found herself in an unfortunate political firestorm last week thanks to her willingness to say the truth: We should give a hard look at adding tolls to other highways in Massachusetts.
Our Sustainable Investment Model Brings Municipalities Back to Life
Mill Town Capital’s place-based, multifaceted approach focusing on what’s best for the city in need of revitalization and aims for long-term financial returns.
Insurance Is the Wild Card for Some Buyers
When it comes to buying a house, the elephant in the room is not the price. It’s not the mortgage rates. It’s not even the property tax. It’s the insurance.
Housing Slump Deserves a Deeper Look
With all due respect a bunch of academics, however distinguished, need to hear from developers in the trenches to get to the bottom of why Boston’s suffering a plunge in housing starts.
Downtown BID’s Recipe for Retail Renewal
A remarkable transformation is underway that’s redefining Downtown Boston from a 9-to-5, office-driven landscape, via a vibrant retail and cultural revival.
MAR to Push for Transfer Tax Alternatives on Beacon Hill
In less than two months, hundreds of Realtors from across the commonwealth will gather under the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House. Here’s what we’ll be calling for.
Boston’s Luxury Condo Market Still Cold
Red hot for years, has the Boston luxury condo market finally lost its sizzle? It looks like it – and developers’ ability to offer cash back at closing could be keeping prices from coming down.
How to Get a One-of-a-Kind Home, The Easy Way
Even though I live in a custom-designed house, I don’t recommend designing your own place from scratch. It’s not for everyone.
Looking Forward Will Maximize MBTA Communities Law’s Impact
With nearly every community complying, there’s still work to be done to make sure new zoning translates to new homes.
Does ‘Virtue Signaling’ Pay Off for Entrepreneurs?
Our research suggests consumers view a little bit of virtue language as reasonable and trustworthy. Higher levels of virtue signaling, however, can come across as dishonest.
Municipalities Will Not Lead on Housing
As passions around the MBTA Communities law rise, it’s time to take a fact-based look at the law, put it in context with what other states are doing and plan accordingly.
Worried About Your Commission? Learn to Show Your Value
Buyer’s agent compensation offers seem set to disappear from your local multiple listings service by this summer. And the effects will be wide-ranging.
Competitive Workplaces Don’t Work for Gender Equality
Firms where employees battle against each other for rank, bonuses and promotions are common in law and finance. But while, on its face, they are gender-neutral, they actually worsen gender inequality.
Downtown Boston Needs More than New Zoning to Bounce Back
Can downtown Boston escape the so-called urban doom loop? Probably. But it’s going to take a lot more than new “skyline” zoning for taller towers to bring it back.
Door Opens to Flip a House for Yourself, Not Profit
High mortgage rates, soaring house prices and rising construction costs have driven many flippers out of the market. And with their exit comes a great opportunity for people eager to buy a fixer-upper of their own.
What Has Zoning Reform Accomplished in Cambridge?
The city sought to remove barriers to affordable housing construction by cutting permitting times and costs. And while funding shortfalls will hurt its full potential, it already appears to be working.
Pursuing a Balance of Perspectives in Boston Development
Rather than viewing development as a zero-sum game, in which every win represents someone else’s loss, the conversation needs to shift to collaboration.
This Week’s Newspaper
