NATICK, MA-REON Broadband establishes a partnership with Franchi Management Company Inc. The internet and broadband service provider will offer high-speed internet and other broadband services to eight of Franchi Management's commercial office buildings throughout the Metro West area.

BURLINGTON, MA-Two Dublin, Ireland- based high tech companies relocate and expand their US operations. Norkom Technologies moved to Rowes Wharf in Boston while Performix Technologies moved to 25 Corporate Drive here.

WATERTOWN, MA-This town has rejected Harvard University's latest offer of payment in lieu of taxes it would owe on the Arsenal on the Charles, a 30-acre commercial office center located here. Locals protested the sale.

BOSTON-The mayor states he is interested in exploring the idea of rebuilding Fenway Park. The mayor's office and city hall have been supportive of the $665 plan to build a new Fenway Park.

SOMERVILLE, MA-The city releases an RFP for Yard 21, a crucial 9.3-acre parcel in the development of Assembly Square. Taurus New England and Gravestar need it to develop Assembly Square Common, but face stiff competition.

CHEMLSFORD, MA- Thoratec Corp. consolidates all of its ventricular assist device manufacturing operations in California. The medical device company, which has facilities here and in Woburn where it employs 175 people, will reduce its workforce in both facilities.

CAMBRIDGE, MA-Polaroid Corp., the struggling instant photography company, will cut another 2,000 jobs from its workforce. This move is the latest in a series of attempts by the locally-based company to reduce its debt.

EASTERN MASSACHUSETTS-While the downturn in the economy has begun to be felt in the office market here, a study conducted by Finard & Co. indicates that retail real estate in the suburban market shows little signs of slowing down.