Solar eclipse events in Taunton; city OKs tax break for apartment complex: 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:
Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren roasting Steward CEO and founder Dr. Ralph de la Torre for not showing up to a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing at the Massachusetts State House in Boston on Wednesday. "His refusal to appear at today's hearing is cowardly," Warren said. There was no representative from the company at Wednesday's hearing.
The latest Greater Taunton real estate report, featuring a raised ranch in Berkley that sold for $525,000. The Myricks Street home was built in 1978, and features a cozy fireplaced living room, a spacious eat-in kitchen, and a finished basement with its own bathroom. 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:
Where to watch the solar eclipse 2024: A guide to places and events in Taunton and beyond
On April 8, Massachusetts residents can expect to enjoy a 90% totality of the solar eclipse.
So what eclipse-themed events are happening around Taunton, and where can you find glasses to watch this cosmic event?
Here's a guide to eclipse events in Taunton, and beyond.
Where to watch the solar eclipse 2024: A guide to places and events in Taunton and beyond
Taunton OKs giant tax break for apartment complex and waives affordable unit mandate
The Taunton City Council approved a $2.5 million real estate tax break over 10 years for the developer of a massive rental unit complex.
The developer, Alliance Residential Co., is constructing four buildings containing 275 market rate apartments on a 43-acre site at 1141 County St.
The tax break comes against the backdrop of a payment in the other direction, from the developer to the city. Last year, the developer agreed to pay Taunton $1.6 million into the city's Affordable Housing Trust, as a fee for waiving the requirement that 10% of the units be designated as affordable.
Taunton Gazette Reporter Daniel Schemer has the story.
Real estate: Taunton OKs giant tax break for apartment complex and waives affordable unit mandate. Why?
Mashpee tribe praises Supreme Court action preserving 321 acres in trust
Since 2021, a group of Taunton residents has been seeking to reverse a decision allowing the federal government to take 321 acres into trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
On Monday, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Brian Weeden said tribal members can "rest easy," after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear a petition to overturn a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision.
The petition was filed Jan. 26 by David and Michelle Littlefield of Taunton, according to a court document.
'Rest easy': Mashpee tribe praises Supreme Court action preserving 321 acres in trust
Dighton-Rehoboth cutting 21 jobs — Superintendent sounds alarm over state aid
Figures for state aid to local schools are in. How are they reacting?
"Our district, and many others, are getting crucified by the state's minimum funding formula," Dighton-Rehoboth Superintendent of Schools Bill Runey said.
In his school district, he is cutting 21 positions, he said, many in the teacher category, but also custodians and security services.
Taunton Gazette Correspondent Michael J. DeCicco has the story.
What to know: Dighton-Rehoboth cutting 21 jobs — Superintendent sounds alarm over state aid
Pet of the Week: Lab mix Billie is a sweet dog with lots of love to give
Each week, the Taunton Animal Shelter shares a Pet of the Week with the Taunton Daily Gazette. These pets are available for adoption at the shelter, and in need of a loving home.
This past week, the featured pet was Billie, a handsome male lab mix who is about 2 years old and has lots of love and kisses to give.
Learn more about Billie, here, to see if he could be your new best friend, and visit TauntonGazette.com on Sundays for the latest Pet of the Week.
Pet of the Week: Lab mix Billie is a sweet dog with lots of love to give
Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette 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: Where to watch solar eclipse, find glasses
