The Swellesley Report

Since 2005: More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.

Nearby in Natick: Swastikas on rail trail; What Natick may spend CPA funds on; Bridge being removed

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The latest Natick MA news:

Swastika graffiti found on Natick stretch of Cochituate Rail Trail
Police are investigating and the Select Board has issued a statement.

What Natick may spend some of its millions in Community Preservation Act funding on
Affordable housing project developer seeks $750,000, Historical Society seeks $10,000 to preserve Battle of Bunker Hill muster roll from 1775

Natick’s Loker Street bridge already being disassembled
State finds bridge safety issues; unclear whether or when bridge will be replaced

shows the original wooden planking that was concealed by blacktop when it was converted into a pedestrian bridge some years ago.Original wooden planking that was concealed by blacktop when Loker Street Bridge
was converted into pedestrian path some years ago (photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)

     

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black & blue, Wellesley
Olive Tree Medical, Wellesley
Haskins Automotive, Wellesley
MIT Museum, Cambridge

Nearby in Natick: MBTA station re-opens, with accessibiity; Beach closes early; Bridge to be demolished

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The latest Natick MA news:

– MassDOT closes Natick’s Loker Street bridge to pedestrians — MassDOT has deemed the wooden-supported bridge over the Cochituate Rail Trail unsafe, prompting its closure to pedestrians and cyclists while barriers are put in place.
– Natick closes Memorial Beach early for the season — Due to elevated bacteria levels, Memorial Beach at Dug Pond has shut down ahead of its scheduled August 17 closing date.
– Officials rededicate Natick Center T station, pedestrian bridge — A sunny August re-dedication ceremony marked the official opening of the refurbished Natick Center station and its pedestrian bridge.

Flanked by local and state officials, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll cutthe ribbon to officially open the Natick Center MBTA station
Flanked by local and state officials, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll cut
the ribbon to officially open the Natick Center MBTA station. (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)
Page Waterman, Natick
London Harness, Wellesley
Longfellow, Wellesley

Nearby in Natick: Man uncovers sword in yard; The amazing Baker Estate; Single vs. split tax rates

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The latest from our Natick Report:

Natick man shocked to unearth mid-19th century sword in front yard

The Natick Historical Society invited members of the public to visit the history museum at 58 Eliot St. for a June meet and greet, and to bring along any 18th century artifacts they might have at home for appraisal at a pop-up Antique Road Show. How about bringing in a mid-19th century sword instead? Sure, that would be in the spirit of the event, especially given the story behind its discovery.

sword
Photo courtesy of Jeff Aronis

 
Ridge Hill Farms: The Beautiful and Bizarre World of William Emerson Baker (from Natick Historical Society)

Natick Select Board digging in on split vs. single tax rates

In the wake of the town’s $7M override and ever rising residential property taxes, the Natick Select Board is following up on a pledge to give even more thought to whether the town should stick with a single tax rate that applies equally to residential and commercial property owners or possibly shift more of the burden onto one or the other.

Nearby in Natick: An update on The Block; Legislative briefing; Natick Nights on the Common

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The latest from our Natick Report:

The Block in Natick Center: Getting closer, but 2026 should be the big year

The Block building at 1 South Main St. in the heart of Natick Center is making real progress. The developer broke ground in 2023 in the wake of a 2019 fire that destroyed the previous structure at that site, and the new brick and multi-colored building is now 80% to 90% complete. Signs bearing the name of The Block have been installed, a barber shop pole is now up outside one small unit, and tenants are actively being recruited for other spaces…

the block natick

Natick Select Board receives sobering update from Rep. Linsky and Sen. Spilka

This past Wednesday, the Natick Select Board hosted Senate President Karen Spilka and State Rep. David Linsky, who delivered a combination of caution and optimism from Beacon Hill as the state grapples with federal cuts…

Natick Nights are back on the Common, and the next one is July 10

Natick Center was packed on a recent Thursday night for the first of three Natick Nights summer celebrations slated for the summer. Nope, not everyone’s away on vacation…

International Women’s Day speakers to include Anna Neiman, fashion entrepreneur and owner of Wellesley Square boutique

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Metrowest Commission on the Status of WomenThe MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women will hold its International Women’s Day event on Saturday, March 8, 3pm-5pm, at the Common Street Spiritual Center, 13 Common Street in Natick. This event promises to be an empowering celebration of women’s achievements and a platform for advocacy and unity within the community.

International Women’s Day is a globally recognized occasion that commemorates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also calling for gender equality.

The event will feature a series of speeches, artistic performances and vendor displays.

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women is partnering with We Are Fihri, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing period poverty, to provide period poverty kits to those in need.

Special guests

  • Keynote: Jin In—Author of “Girl Power”
  • Kristen Pope—Natick Select Board Member & Media Professional
  • Anna Neiman—Fashion Entrepreneur and owner of Anna Neiman Couture in Wellesley
  • Fredie Kay Esq.—Women’s History Pioneer

Tickets for the event are free. Space is limited.

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Keep up on Natick with our Natick Report

This page was updated March 2026.

In addition to The Swellesley Report, we run a similar site about neighboring Wellesley town Natick called Natick Report. No, not Snatick Report… that’s not a thing.

As with Swellesley, Natick Report covers the latest government, school, sports, environmental, and other news. We started the site on April 1, 2020, just after the pandemic started.

While we know you spend 99.9% of your time in Wellesley, Natick can provide a nice getaway with attractions including its downtown arts scene, the Rte. 9 shopping options, and more.

Subscribe to Natick Report‘s weekday email newsletter.

natick center sign