LYNN, MA-Arbor Commercial Mortgage LLC funds second mortgages and loans to finance the acquisitions of properties here and in Cambridge and Everett. The New York-based company, which has a Boston office, services over $1.5 billion in loans.

WATERTOWN, MA-The battle between the town and Harvard University regarding the purchase of a 30-acre commercial property site here spurs legislation to be introduced that would prevent nonprofits from being exempt from property tax.

SOUTHBOROUGH, MA-NSI Software makes its first foray into the Boston area by opening an office here. The company has relationships with a number of local companies and hopes to recruit local technical talent.

MARLBORO, MA-REON Broadband Corp. signs an agreement with New Boston Fund to provide broadband services to ten of its properties in the New England region. There's no fee for wiring the building but tenants who sign up pay an access fee.

BOSTON-The Nipmuc Indian's plan to develop a 300-acre parcel of land on the Massachusetts/Connecticut border is receiving support from some lawmakers here. The plan still faces formidable opposition from some politicians.

CAMBRIDGE, MA-Biotech companies here are reaping the benefits of the dot-com fallout as they grab the space the failing high-tech companies put on the market at a fraction of the price.

MALDEN, MA-The city council here approves the zoning changes needed by New Jersey-based Roseland Property Co. to develop the 100-acre Rowe's Quarry, which straddles this town and Revere. The project still needs zoning changes approved by the Revere City Council.

BOSTON-The basic strength of Downtown is demonstrated by lease increases on the part of two local law firms. The leases, at World Trade Center West, ensure that this Downtown building is now 68% pre-leased.