Contributing writer

Laurel M. Shugart

Latest Content


Committee Reduces Proposed Height Limit in Contentious Upzoning Proposal

Following months of contentious debate, the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee presented a set of amendments to the proposal to allow multifamily housing citywide — significantly reducing the proposed maximum height and density requirements.


Progressive Cambridge Policing Approach Tested By Homeless Encampment

Despite the removal of an encampment under the Boston University Bridge by police last year, the tents have since returned — testing the Cambridge Police Department’s attempt to balance their lawful responsibility and effort to respect the choice to live outdoors.


Cambridge Is Nearing a Massive Zoning Overhaul. Here’s What That Means.

Cambridge officials are considering a dramatic change to the city’s zoning code in an effort to spur housing development and address what local politicians and advocates have described as a severe and far-reaching housing shortage.


Structural Issues Prompt Evacuation of High-End Cambridge Condo

A little slice of serenity along the Charles River was disrupted last week as the residents of 66 units in the high-end Riverview Apartments were told to evacuate the building for at least a year owing to issues in the building’s concrete and steel structure.


Massachusetts Voters Weighed in on 5 Ballot Questions. Here’s What They Chose.

Voters approved a ballot measure to eliminate the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement but rejected pushes to legalize psychedelics and raise the minimum wage for tipped workers. The election also saw votes in favor of expanding the state auditor’s power to investigate the state legislature and allowing rideshare drivers to unionize.


Cambridge, Allston Voters Send Uncontested State Representatives Back to Beacon Hill

Cambridge and Allston voters sent nine uncontested Democratic incumbents back to Beacon Hill, according to the Associated Press — including State Rep. Marjorie C. Decker, who narrowly won re-election in the 25th Democratic Party against her progressive challenger Evan C. MacKay ’19.