BOSTON-The Fan Pier project, slated for development in south Boston, could finally get the okay from the city. One of the city's largest-ever development projects, it has been the subject of intense debates over building height, density and the amount of open space in its design.

BOSTON-The Boston Redevelopment Authority releases a request for proposal for a 150,000-sf parcel here as part of the mayor's new economic development program, which supports local commercial and industrial businesses. Favorable consideration for the RFP will go to the maritime industries.

BOSTON-A bill is before the Legislature here to increase the city's linkage fees and decrease the payout periods in the city's neighborhoods. A representative from NAIOP will testify in support of the legislation, despite the additional fees it places on commercial developers here.

ARLINGTON, MA-The Archdiocese proposes developing a 68-unit residential complex here but the plan is being met with increasing local opposition. The affordable-housing component of the plan would enable the church to bypass local zoning laws.

BURLINGTON, MA-The area's Irish heritage coupled with its reputation as a tech center proves a draw to Donegal, Ireland-based Iontas Ltd. The software development company establishes its US headquarters--and first US presence--here.

LEOMINSTER, MA-The Searstown Mall here on Route 2 and Commercial Road gets a makeover as a new anchor tenant, Filene's, takes over for the now-bankrupt Bradlees. The Bradlees store will be razed and replaced with a parking lot while Filene's will be developed on another former parking lot.

BOSTON-This city will soon welcome one of its largest grocers as Shaw's Supermarkets begins construction on a 60,000-sf store here at the Prudential Center. The full-service supermarket is being termed an "urban grocery store.

BOSTON-A decision by the MBTA to delay modernizing the Maverick Square subway station here until 2008 could impact the development schedule of Clippership Wharf, a 400-unit condominium project, which would be located right near the station.