Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why is Lexington suddenly the poster child for faster housing approvals?

Also, don't miss Golden Cypress Gallery on the Lexington Patch calendar

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Hey there, Lexington! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why is Lexington suddenly the poster child for faster housing approvals?
  • Why have Lexington assault arrests jumped 53% in three years?
  • What this $660 million new Lexington High School means for families

Also on today's calendar: Golden Cypress Gallery and 13 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 77 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Thursday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 77, low: 65.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Zoning Reform Not Enough to Allow Small Multifamily, Report Argues (bankerandtradesman.com) — Lexington residents are seeing the town held up as a statewide model for speeding up small multifamily housing, with one 25-unit project approved in just a few months under MBTA Communities zoning. The report credits Lexington's consolidated staff review, strict shot clocks on site plan approval, and added planning staff, and argues other suburbs need similar guardrails and streamlined boards to unlock more 'missing middle' homes.
   

2. A three-year look at Lexington arrests (lexobserver.org) — Assault arrests in Lexington rose 53% from 2023 to 2025, with most tied to domestic violence, according to a Lexington Observer–BU analysis of police and court records. Local and statewide advocates stress that arrest numbers show law enforcement response, not the full scope of abuse, while data also highlight other charges Lexington residents faced in recent years.
   

3. Lexington breaks ground on a new high school building (lexobserver.org) — Lexington has officially broken ground on its new $660 million high school, the largest project in town history and slated to open for the 2029–2030 school year. Town and state leaders, students, and families joined the School Building Committee and School Committee at Tuesday's ceremony, marking a major milestone for local education and future Lexington High students.
   

4. The 5 best public high schools in Boston for 2026 (bostonagentmagazine.com) — Lexington families can take pride that Lexington High School ranks among Greater Boston's top public high schools, with strong MCAS scores and standout science, technology, engineering, and arts participation. The study highlights its large enrollment, solid class sizes, and favorable student-teacher ratio, helping parents compare Lexington's offerings with other elite districts like Dover-Sherborn, Weston, Wayland, and Harvard's Bromfield School.
   

5. Energy Company Opens 125K SF Newton Office: The Boston Deal Sheet (bisnow.com) — Lexington residents should know a 130-unit housing development with small retail space is planned for 7 Hartwell Avenue, backed by a $46 million construction loan. The project will add new apartments with amenities like a gym, resident lounge, and coworking space, while the rest of the article surveys major real estate moves in Newton, Boston, and other nearby communities.
   

📸 Around Lexington

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Temple Isaiah leads Tashlich Services at the Lexington Reservoir —Paula Slotkin Read on Patch
  • I tried to post a black coat for sell and I was asked to provide my credit card !
    Is this a regular procedure or a scam? Please clarify Thank you (Nextdoor Grant St)
  • Kellermeyer Bergensons Services posted a job opening for Floor Technician in Lexington. Apply here.
  • Waltham Public Schools posted a job opening for 617 Lexington Street Door Monitor in Waltham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lexington here.

Ok Lexington! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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