Government

Town Offices Closed or Reduced Hours Today

Town Hall, the Senior Center, and the Recreation Office are closed all day in observance of Good Friday. DPW administrative and inspectional services are open 8–11 a.m. only; the Police Records Room and Fire Administrative Office are open 8 a.m.–noon. Robbins and Fox branch libraries remain open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Trash and recycling pickup runs on its normal Friday schedule. arlingtonma.gov

$14.8M Override — By the Numbers

Arlington voters approved a $14.8 million Proposition 2½ operating override on March 28, with 9,666 in favor and 3,775 against — roughly 72% support at about 41% turnout. Officials say it is the largest operating override ever passed in Massachusetts history. The levy increase takes effect in FY2027 and is estimated to add about $1,030 per year to the tax bill on an average $1.2 million single-family home. It heads off an estimated 70 teacher and staff layoffs, police and fire cuts, potential closure of Fox Library, and reinstatement of fees for school athletics and music. The Select Board has committed to not seeking another override before FY2030. arlingtonma.gov

Other March 28 Election Results

Voters also approved two additional all-alcoholic beverages licenses (9,336–3,775). On the Select Board, incumbent Diane M. Mahon and newcomer Joseph A. Solomon won the two open seats. School Committee incumbents Elizabeth R. Exton, Laura B. Gitelson, and Paul Schlichtman were re-elected to three-year terms; Crystal S. Haynes Copithorne won a contested one-year seat. On the Housing Authority, incumbent Nicholas C. Mitropoulos held off challenger Jacob Henry Deck. arlingtonma.gov

Street Sweeping Starts Monday

DPW's spring townwide sweep begins Monday, April 6, running weekdays 7 a.m.–3 p.m. for six to eight weeks. Overnight sweeping of Mass Ave, Pleasant St, and Summer St already began Thursday night. Residents should park off-street during their scheduled sweeping week to allow curb-to-curb cleaning. arlingtonma.gov

AmpUp! Comment Deadline: April 12

The town's AmpUp! Comprehensive Plan is in its final public comment phase. Residents have until April 12 to weigh in at arlingtonma.gov/CompPlan. The plan is expected to be adopted at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting, which opens April 27 at 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. arlingtonma.gov

Phishing Scam Alert

The town issued a warning March 26 about fraudulent emails impersonating Arlington officials and requesting payment for municipal permits. The town will never ask for wire transfers or sensitive information via unsolicited email. If you think you've been targeted, call Arlington Police at 781-643-1212. arlingtonma.gov

Community

New Poet Laureate — National Poetry Month

Teresa Cader became Arlington's fifth Poet Laureate on April 1, coinciding with the start of National Poetry Month. Her appointment was confirmed by the Select Board on March 30. She is the author of four award-winning collections, including At Risk (2024). A public welcome event for Cader — and farewell to outgoing laureate Jean Flanagan — is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 7–8 p.m. at the Robbins Library Community Room. arlingtonma.gov

Hazard Mitigation Plan Underway

The town announced March 31 that it has hired the Horsley Witten Group to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan, funded by a $60,000 federal BRIC grant. The plan will address risks from flooding, extreme heat, and winter storms. arlingtonma.gov

Events

Spring Egg Hunt — Today at Berlin Farms

The Spring Spectacular 2026 Egg Hunt is running throughout the day today at Berlin Farms, with egg hunts, obstacle courses, and a visit from Peter Cottontail. patch.com

Car Seat Inspections — Tomorrow, April 4

Arlington Police are offering free car seat inspections Saturday, April 4, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at headquarters, 112 Mystic Street. Install the seat in your vehicle before arriving. Arlington residents only. arlingtonma.gov