Category Archives: Construction

Real Estate Agents Not Covered by Independent Contractor Statute

Posted on June 18, 2015 by

In 2004, the Massachusetts Legislature passed M.G.L. c. 149, § 148B, known as the independent contractor statute, to prevent the misclassification of employees as independent contractors, which would deny them benefits they would otherwise be entitled to as employees.  When … Continue reading →

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Mirick O’Connell Hosts “Building the Boroughs+” Workshop On Improving Downtowns

Posted on May 27, 2015 by

Attorneys Art Bergeron and yours truly hosted a workshop for community leaders at the firm’s Westborough office on May 7th to share ideas and lessons learned on building and improving the downtowns in the Boroughs+ region.  The program reflected a … Continue reading →

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Bullish on the Boroughs: A Commercial Market Snapshot

Posted on May 22, 2015 by

Guest Post by Arlon Brown of the Parsons Commercial Group, Framingham, Mass. The commercial office market in the Boroughs (Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough and Westborough) is improving with declining vacancies and rising rental rates. This can be attributed to an expanding … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Economic Development, Lease, Market Report, Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Breathing New Life into Worcester’s Former County Courthouse

Posted on April 7, 2015 by

Since 2007, the Worcester County Courthouse at 2 Main Street has been largely vacant.  After the trial courts moved to the new Worcester Regional Judicial Center at 225 Main Street in the fall of 2007, the Worcester Law Library was … Continue reading →

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Superior Court Issues Significant Decision Regarding Construction Managers

Posted on September 26, 2014 by

The Worcester Superior Court recently issued an important decision that could significantly affect the risk assumed by construction managers performing public projects under the M.G.L. c. 149A construction manager – at risk delivery method. In Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc. v. … Continue reading →

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Massachusetts Revises Its Building Code Adding Increased Energy Efficiency Standards

Posted on July 16, 2014 by

Following up on my post dated November 15, 2012, as of July 1, 2014, the International Energy Conservation Code (“IECC”) 2012 went into effect, replacing the former baseline building energy code regulations.  The Commonwealth’s adoption of the updated code is … Continue reading →

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A Lesson From Somerville: Better Zoning Promotes Economic Growth

Posted on June 18, 2014 by

Paul McMorrow wrote an interesting column in yesterday’s Boston Globe that deserves reading, particularly for those interested in crafting workable zoning codes and bylaws in our cities and towns.  The current zoning process in most Massachusetts communities, even for simple … Continue reading →

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Supreme Court Answers: Your Form Selection Clause Is Enforceable

Posted on January 13, 2014 by

Earlier this year, I posted about a case on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the enforceability of a forum selection clause in a construction contract.  The case involved a general contractor from Virginia that entered a subcontract agreement … Continue reading →

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On Solid Ground’s Top Five Stories of 2013

Posted on December 30, 2013 by

With 2013 coming to an end, it’s time to take a look back at the year that was.  Each year brings new developments in real estate, environmental and construction law, and 2013 was certainly no exception.  Here’s our pick for … Continue reading →

Posted in Broker Liability, Construction, Contracts, Environmental, Hazardous Materials, Municipal, Wetlands, Zoning | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Massachusetts Mechanic’s Liens: A Property Owner’s Perspective

Posted on December 11, 2013 by

A mechanic’s lien is an encumbrance on private property to secure payment for a contractor (or subcontractor) or material supplier for labor or materials provided to improve that property.  (Not familiar with mechanic’s liens? Review my earlier post on the … Continue reading →

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Contractors & Property Owners Beware: SJC Decision Highlights Risk of Penalties for Environmental Violations

Posted on November 14, 2013 by

The Supreme Judicial Court’s (SJC) recent decision in Franklin Office Park Realty Corp. v. Comm’r of Dept. of Envt’l Protection, 466 Mass. 454 (2013), is a good news, bad news proposition for Massachusetts property owners and contractors.  At issue in … Continue reading →

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Ambiguous Indemnification Provision Leaves Supplier Footing The Bill

Posted on October 3, 2013 by

Last week, the Massachusetts Appeals Court rendered an important decision in Fraco Products, Ltd. v. Bostonian Masonry Corporation concerning indemnity obligations for construction site injuries.  The case highlights for contractors, subcontractors and suppliers the importance of carefully drafted indemnification provisions … Continue reading →

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