Remembering Donald Cleary; Wampanoag Tribe has plan for Taunton casino land: Top stories

Before we begin the new week in earnest, we're taking a look back at the week that was, and the stories that led the news with Taunton Daily Gazette readers.

Top stories this past week included:

A look at the season ahead for the Dighton-Rehoboth football team. They might not have high numbers, but what they do have is a close-knit group of 38 players, many now with varsity experience, dedicated to the team's success and united by a love for the game of football.

The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring an investment property in Taunton that sold for $560,000. The multi-family home on Bay Street was built in 1900 and features three units with two first-floor units in need of a little TLC. Check out this property, as well as other recent top-sellers.

These were the Top 5 stories of the past week, according to Gazette readers.

'Larger than life': Death of Taunton's Donald Cleary 'a great loss'

School Committee member Christine Fagan said the death of former Taunton Public Schools superintendent and city councilor Donald Cleary “is a great loss for us and his family.”

“This was a man who loved his family, his country and his God,” she said on Tuesday. “He was a devout Catholic. He was happy to be here and serve people. I have very fond memories of him. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He served in the military and was in it while working with the school department.”

Cleary died on Aug. 27 at Morton Hospital "in the caring hands of hospice nurses at Morton Hospital with his loving family by his side," his obituary said.

Cleary, a lifelong Tauntonian, was in the U.S. Army, involved with numerous local organizations, served as superintendent, as a City Councilor, and even for a short time as Mayor of Taunton.

'Larger than life': Death of Taunton's Donald Cleary 'a great loss'

Wampanoag Tribe has a new plan for Taunton casino land. What we know

Where does the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe stand regarding building a casino in Taunton?

This question may soon be answered.

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Gaming Authority has asked to meet with the Taunton City Council to discuss a new development proposal in connection with the proposed $1 billion First Light Resort & Casino.

Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story.

Taunton casino: Wampanoag Tribe has a new plan for Taunton casino land. What we know

Giant apartment complex coming near Taunton train station

According to the MBTA, construction of the East Taunton station and South Coast Railroad transit railroad is expected to be completed in late 2023.

But there is something else planned for the area as well.

The Zoning Board of Appeals has approved Alliance Residential Company's site plan for a 255-unit apartment complex near the station.

ZBA Chairman Dennis Ackerman said Alliance plans to start construction within a year.

Apartments near South Coast Rail: Giant apartment complex coming near Taunton train station. When and how much is the rent?

Massive 40B 'village' proposed for Route 44 in Raynham

A developer is proposing to build a 250-rental unit village-style affordable housing 40B apartment development along Route 44 in Raynham.

Under the state's 40B law at least 25% percent of the units would have to be rented below market rate to low to moderate income tenants.

The property is located on the Raynham-Taunton line near the Leonard Commons subdivision and with the Raynham Riverwalk development across from it on the other side of Route 44.

Here's a look at the proposal, how residents would qualify for a unit, and what the town is saying so far.

Apartment development in Raynham: Massive 40B 'village' proposed for Route 44 in Raynham? Can town say no?

Taunton preliminary canceled. Here's why and what to know about election 2023

Election season is happening in Taunton.

With one of three mayoral candidates dropping out of the race, there won't be a preliminary election in September.

So how is the general election shaping up for Nov. 7? Let's take a look at what's on the ballot this year.

Taunton election: Taunton preliminary canceled. Here's why and what to know about election 2023

Taunton Daily Gazette/Herald News copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Taunton Gazette Top 5: Death of Donald Cleary 'great loss' to city