Town Meeting Members and a screen in Battin Hall.
Though Fall Town Meeting was held virtually, members had the option to participate virtually from Battin Hall, the traditional in-person location of Town Meeting. On Tuesday, three TMMs in Battin Hall brought knitting needles. (Sophie Culpepper / LexObserver)

Hello, Lexington!

Good morning and welcome to LexObserver’s Friday news roundup.

Before getting to today’s stories: As you’ve probably seen, NewsMatch has launched, meaning that donations you’re able to make between now and Dec. 31 are doubled. We’re really excited about participating in NewsMatch because it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to grow (the dream: more money –>more reporters –> more local news..!), so whatever you’re able and willing to give is a massive help.

Thank you so much for all of your previous donations, and for spreading the word about us; that is all a big part of the reason we were able to even qualify for NewsMatch this year!

Now, this week’s news.

In this issue:

At Fall Town Meeting, members overwhelmingly vote to approve housing trust, LexHAB reorganization as a nonprofit.

Through years of advocacy, former Lexington state representative Jay Kaufman helped get the “millionaires tax” on the Massachusetts ballot.

After years in limbo, Hosmer House move finally began this week.

Autumn, ‘You fill up my senses’: A Nature Column.

Community Submissions.


At Fall Town Meeting, members overwhelmingly vote to approve housing trust, LexHAB reorganization as a nonprofit

A few Town Meeting Members asked questions about plans to ensure inclusivity, diversity in Lex250 celebrations during discussion of funding for the commission’s forthcoming website

Town Meeting Members approved the establishment of a new affordable housing trust, the reorganization of LexHAB as a nonprofit and funding for a website to promote events celebrating the semiquincentennial anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, among other highlights.

Keep reading

Through years of advocacy, former Lexington state representative Jay Kaufman helped get the ‘millionaires tax’ on the Massachusetts ballot

Question 1, one of four ballot questions before voters in Tuesday’s midterm election, would amend the state constitution by adding an additional 4% tax on income over $1 million to generate additional funding for education, transportation

All four ballot questions are statewide measures – but one of them is on the ballot in large part because of the yearslong groundwork of a Lexingtonian. 

Keep reading

After years in limbo, Hosmer House move finally began this week

Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved relocation in separate public hearings last month; Hosmer House move to Blossomcrest Rd. preserves historic building and clears 1575 Mass Ave. site for new police station construction

The Hosmer House, a 150+-year-old building in Lexington Center that has been vacant for more than a decade, has stood on Mass. Ave since its construction.

Keep reading

Community Submissions

To submit a community announcement, please contact community@lexobserver.org. Thank you!

(And if you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, learn how to do that here!)


That’s a wrap for today. Was this roundup useful to you? What do you want to see in this email next week? Let us know, and please ask your friends to sign up and DONATE too! Reach out to sophie@lexobserver.org with tips and questions anytime. As always, you can also check out and share our websiteTwitterInstagram and Facebook pages. Thanks so much for reading and have a great weekend!


Nicco Mele, Sophie Culpepper, Erin Sandler-Rathe and the LexObserver Team

Edited by Nicco Mele

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