Dakota Antelman
@dakotaantelman.bsky.social
Municipal Reporter at The Concord Bridge | Formerly at 7News/WHDH, Patch, and The Community Advocate
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
A much-delayed audit warns Concord risked misstating its financial position after multiple safeguards broke down in the 2024 fiscal year. Critics say these issues could hurt the town’s bond rating and muddy the waters of ongoing budget debates.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Financial audit reveals ‘material weaknesses’
A much-delayed audit warns Concord risked misstating its financial position after multiple safeguards broke down in FY 2024.
concordbridge.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:53 PM
A much-delayed audit warns Concord risked misstating its financial position after multiple safeguards broke down in the 2024 fiscal year. Critics say these issues could hurt the town’s bond rating and muddy the waters of ongoing budget debates.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
The updated version of our breaking story on the million-dollar lawsuit Concord's former CFO filed against the town:
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Alleging retaliation, ex-CFO sues town over ouster
Town Manager Kerry Lafleur says Anthony Ansaldi's allegations of illegal and unethical financial practices are “without merit.”
concordbridge.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The updated version of our breaking story on the million-dollar lawsuit Concord's former CFO filed against the town:
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
BREAKING: The man accused of hitting and killing Concordian Tamar Vishlitzky with his car in 2024 pleaded guilty Thursday during an emotional hearing at Concord District Court.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Breaking: Suspended sentence for driver who killed Concordian Tamar Vishlitzky
Joshua Quimby formally changed his plea on a charge of motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation.
concordbridge.org
January 8, 2026 at 5:06 PM
BREAKING: The man accused of hitting and killing Concordian Tamar Vishlitzky with his car in 2024 pleaded guilty Thursday during an emotional hearing at Concord District Court.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
They're all good dogs, Concord.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Who’s top dog? As 2026 licensing opens, creative names abound
Bob Barker, Oliver Pickles Park, and Romeo Appelbaum are among Concord's newest canine citizens.
concordbridge.org
December 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
They're all good dogs, Concord.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
State Sen. Michael Barrett told The Concord Bridge that Beacon Hill will open its checkbook during the MCI-Concord redevelopment — if the town gets creative...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
‘Remarkable’ plans needed for a boost in state funding for MCI-Concord
State Sen. Michael Barrett, whose district includes Concord, said Beacon Hill will open its checkbook — if the town gets creative.
concordbridge.org
December 29, 2025 at 7:10 PM
State Sen. Michael Barrett told The Concord Bridge that Beacon Hill will open its checkbook during the MCI-Concord redevelopment — if the town gets creative...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
“Massachusetts has a track record of flubbing the development of new neighborhoods. Concord has a chance to show real leadership.”
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Jailhouse reno: MCI makeover could lift ideas from nearby towns
“Massachusetts has a track record of flubbing the development of new neighborhoods. Concord has a chance to show real leadership.”
concordbridge.org
December 29, 2025 at 3:08 PM
“Massachusetts has a track record of flubbing the development of new neighborhoods. Concord has a chance to show real leadership.”
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Although the Carlisle CPC still has to review its portion of the cost, and both towns would need to approve the grants at Town Meeting, Concord officials are feeling optimistic that the project will finally come to fruition without any extra tax increases or debt.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
After fits and starts, amenities building wins Concord approvals
Officials have started to close the book on the much-discussed CCHS bathroom building after the Public Works Commission gave its blessing.
concordbridge.org
December 26, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Although the Carlisle CPC still has to review its portion of the cost, and both towns would need to approve the grants at Town Meeting, Concord officials are feeling optimistic that the project will finally come to fruition without any extra tax increases or debt.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
As debate simmers over pickleball and tennis in West Concord, a similar resurfacing project at Emerson Field might get delayed.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Emerson courts resurfacing might be delayed as town weighs capital plan
The resurfacing was the single most expensive item on a list that includes new sand spreader and snow removal trucks.
concordbridge.org
December 23, 2025 at 6:10 PM
As debate simmers over pickleball and tennis in West Concord, a similar resurfacing project at Emerson Field might get delayed.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
As similar hunts proceed elsewhere, experts agree there are still too many deer in Concord. Farmers say the problem is getting worse.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Concord adding bowhunting to its quiver for culling Barrett’s Mill deer
Experts agree there are too many deer in Concord. Farmers say the problem is getting worse.
concordbridge.org
December 19, 2025 at 7:37 PM
As similar hunts proceed elsewhere, experts agree there are still too many deer in Concord. Farmers say the problem is getting worse.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
The civil complaint follows a whistleblower notice filed this summer and reiterates allegations of “illegal, unethical, and improper financial practices” in town government.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Updated: Ex-CFO Anthony Ansaldi sues Concord, town manager after ouster
Anthony Ansaldi is suing the town and Town Manager Kerry Lafleur for more than $1.3 million in connection with his firing.
concordbridge.org
December 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The civil complaint follows a whistleblower notice filed this summer and reiterates allegations of “illegal, unethical, and improper financial practices” in town government.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Concord’s newest public building could someday host one of its oldest traditions.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Town Meeting at CMS? Officials considering pros and cons
Leaders aren’t making a decision yet, but some wonder whether a change could juice participation.
concordbridge.org
December 16, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Concord’s newest public building could someday host one of its oldest traditions.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Organizers will continue with the event this year as the community simultaneously grieves lives lost in this weekend’s deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
‘Light will bring us together’: Organizers readying joyful town Hanukkah celebration
Concordians will gather at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center for this year’s “Latkes & Laughter” event.
concordbridge.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Organizers will continue with the event this year as the community simultaneously grieves lives lost in this weekend’s deadly shooting at a Hanukkah event in Sydney, Australia.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Ashok Patel, an executive at Jamsan Hotel Management, said Jamsan tried to reopen the former Best Western under a new name after the site spent more than two years as a state emergency shelter.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
The Inn is out: Former shelter closes after reopening as hotel
The building was the subject of public health complaints during its shelter days due to a cockroach infestation and other issues.
concordbridge.org
December 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
Ashok Patel, an executive at Jamsan Hotel Management, said Jamsan tried to reopen the former Best Western under a new name after the site spent more than two years as a state emergency shelter.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
A former Best Western, turned state emergency shelter on Route 2 has quietly shut its doors after a short stint as an independent hotel.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
The Inn is out: Former shelter closes after reopening as hotel
The building was the subject of public health complaints during its shelter days due to a cockroach infestation and other issues.
concordbridge.org
December 15, 2025 at 2:58 PM
A former Best Western, turned state emergency shelter on Route 2 has quietly shut its doors after a short stint as an independent hotel.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
“Nothing’s going to happen in this town for five years in affordable housing, except this,” Municipal Affordable Housing Trust member Frank “Rich” Feeley said.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
At 91B Main, officials see path to more affordable housing
“Nothing’s going to happen in this town for five years in affordable housing, except this.”
concordbridge.org
December 12, 2025 at 4:17 PM
“Nothing’s going to happen in this town for five years in affordable housing, except this,” Municipal Affordable Housing Trust member Frank “Rich” Feeley said.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
No one has yet formally announced plans to seek next year’s lone open Select Board seat, but Howell said he’s confident that a good leader will emerge.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Mark Howell won’t seek second Select Board term
“It’s an honor to serve a community that does the kinds of things that Concord does every day.”
concordbridge.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
No one has yet formally announced plans to seek next year’s lone open Select Board seat, but Howell said he’s confident that a good leader will emerge.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Superintendent Laurie Hunter cited falling enrollment as a reason for the incentive, which the districts last offered in 2020.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
As layoffs loom, schools to offer early retirement
Superintendent Laurie Hunter cited falling enrollment as a reason for the incentive, which the districts last offered in 2020.
concordbridge.org
December 12, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Superintendent Laurie Hunter cited falling enrollment as a reason for the incentive, which the districts last offered in 2020.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Officials weren’t sure who was behind the assault, but they said it was a denial of service attack in which someone intentionally overloaded Concord’s systems with traffic.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Concord Broadband adds security after cyberattack
The October 21 incident was a larger-than-usual effort to attack a single customer on the Concord network.
concordbridge.org
December 11, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Officials weren’t sure who was behind the assault, but they said it was a denial of service attack in which someone intentionally overloaded Concord’s systems with traffic.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Months after his Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention outside Concord police headquarters, a man’s drunken driving criminal case appears stuck in legal limbo...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Concord OUI case stalls as ICE stays mum on detainee
Court officials have tried four times to arraign Eduardo Calderon Navarro and asked jailers to bring him back to Concord.
concordbridge.org
December 9, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Months after his Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention outside Concord police headquarters, a man’s drunken driving criminal case appears stuck in legal limbo...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Buckle up for delays in West Concord...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Baker Avenue culvert repairs to create more traffic delays
A town contractor will be working on Baker just north of Main Street; officials hope to wrap up construction on December 23.
concordbridge.org
December 8, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Buckle up for delays in West Concord...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
After nearly 100 written comments, an open meeting law complaint, and a few tense moments, town leaders are leaning toward compromise on #pickleball and #tennis at Rideout Park.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Rideout panel votes to retain tennis, pickleball
Three tennis courts would share space with six pickleball courts once crews finish resurfacing the facility.
concordbridge.org
December 8, 2025 at 6:57 PM
After nearly 100 written comments, an open meeting law complaint, and a few tense moments, town leaders are leaning toward compromise on #pickleball and #tennis at Rideout Park.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Scam alert... heads up, Concord:
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Town issues ‘fraud alert’ after scammers demand fake application fees
Residents should be on the lookout after scammers sent emails and texts claiming people owed extra fees for applications.
concordbridge.org
December 5, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Scam alert... heads up, Concord:
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Whether and how words cross the line from politicking to threatening is being tested in Concord.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Free speech, or viable threat: Views vary in ‘scarecrow’ case
Legal experts contacted by The Concord Bridge offered varied opinions on a possible First Amendment defense.
concordbridge.org
December 5, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Whether and how words cross the line from politicking to threatening is being tested in Concord.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
It's budget season, and while some items are on the chopping block, leaders are trying to add positions elsewhere. Not everyone’s on board — and some are examining fiscal ’26 recommendations that never came to pass...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
December 1, 2025 at 6:29 PM
It's budget season, and while some items are on the chopping block, leaders are trying to add positions elsewhere. Not everyone’s on board — and some are examining fiscal ’26 recommendations that never came to pass...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
Reposted by Dakota Antelman
Former Select Board member Terri Ackerman says Immigration and Customs Enforcement flights raise key questions for #Hanscom Field administrators. She hopes authorities embrace a possible legal answer.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
A push for detainees’ safety, rights in Hanscom ICE flights
“Don’t they want to protect against human trafficking? Don’t they want to have safety protocols so nobody dies on the plane?”
concordbridge.org
December 1, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Former Select Board member Terri Ackerman says Immigration and Customs Enforcement flights raise key questions for #Hanscom Field administrators. She hopes authorities embrace a possible legal answer.
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...
concordbridge.org/index.php/20...