Massachusetts Communities Turn Off License Plate Reader Cameras Over Privacy Concerns

DATELINE — NEWTON

Massachusetts cities and towns are reconsidering automated license plate reader contracts after data storage and privacy concerns pushed several communities to cut ties with vendors including Flock, Patch reported today. In Newton, an income-restricted housing project drew renewed attention as its developer said a "forgotten middle" pricing model has attracted a 300-person waitlist.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"License Plate Tracking Debate Rages Across MA As Cities, Towns Turn Off Cameras": Data storage and system abuse concerns have led several Massachusetts communities to end contracts with Flock and other license-plate-reader vendors in recent weeks, according to Patch staff writer Scott Souza. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/newton)

"🌱 Patch AM: Why Opus Newton's "forgotten middle" model already has a 300-person waitlist": The complex, which Patch reported this week had filled every unit, says demand for its "forgotten middle" income-tier pricing has produced a 300-person waitlist, according to Patch's Newton AM newsletter, a story the town's apartment lease-up news also touched on earlier this week. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/newton)

"Newton MA - 7,135 SF New Construction – 95% Complete!": A commercial building project in Newton has reached 95 percent completion at 7,135 square feet, according to the New England Real Estate Journal. (read it at https://nerej.com/hpa/newton-ma-7135-sf-new-construction-95-complete)

COMING UP

The Cat Connection Calendar Raffle, a fundraiser benefiting the cat rescue group, is set for Aug. 31, per Newton Patch's community calendar. (details at https://patch.com/massachusetts/newton)

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.