BOSTON-Vermont-based developer David Leatherwood is close to a deal to develop a hotel here in the North Station area, sources close to the deal tell GlobeSt.com. The site was approved for an office building but the local business community objected to that proposal.

ANDOVER, MA-Despite local concerns that Smith & Nephew's endoscopy division would move out of state, the company intends to remain here. In addition, the firm plans to build a new headquarters here and expand its manufacturing facilities.

GREATER BOSTON-Despite an executive order banning project labor agreements on federally financed projects, PLAs are increasingly being used in this state to help manage construction.

SOMERVILLE, MA-Two proposals have come in to develop Yard 21, the 9.2-acre city-owned site here at Assembly Square. One of the proposals is from a joint venture that owns two parcels adjacent to the site.

BOSTON-Spaulding & Slye Colliers releases its semiannual report that indicates drops in rent across the board. But while Cambridge and the suburbs saw significant dips, the city's drops were minor and are still not as low as they were less than two years ago.

BELLINGHAM, MA-Ryan Development's quest to build a mall here on 11 acres is thwarted by local opposition but the developer reportedly will attempt to develop a residential complex with affordable housing units instead.

WEYMOUTH, MA-The former Naval Air Station here gets a new plan that involves developing this 1,450-acre parcel into its own village. A previous plan to develop a mega-mall complex and office park met with fierce local opposition.

GRAFTON, MA-IntelCore Technologies lands a surprising $25 million in venture capital as the rest of the fiber-optic industry continues to suffer from the high tech bust. The fiber-optic based start-up will use the funds to build a 40,000-sf plant here.