BOSTON-The National Association of Realtors forecasts that Boston is going to be one of the hottest markets overall in the country in 2001. A strong local economy and decreased supply here contribute to the city's positive indicators.

CAMBRIDGE, MA-As part of its consulting business, IBM opens a high-tech center for e-business collaboration here. The center is part of the company's network of 20 e-business centers worldwide.

BOSTON-The proposed Convention and Exhibition Center here is in serious danger of not meeting its scheduled opening, but damages to the hotel adjacent to it resulting from such a delay are capped at $3 million.

CANTON, MA-Local developer Terry Conroy develops three buildings here and in neighboring Stoughton demonstrating the commercial potential of this area, south of the city. Conroy is developing these buildings on speculation.

SALEM, MA-Easy access to the city, rising rents in Boston and Cambridge and growth in high-tech employment spurs a luxury apartment development boom here, north of the city.

BILLERICA, MA-Developer David Veo's proposal to build a 300-unit low-income apartment complex here is meeting with fierce opposition from local residents. Veo had originally wanted to build an office park on this 10-acre parcel.

BOSTON-Plans for the Surface Artery will not be ready this spring, as scheduled. The 30-acre parcel, which opens up when the Central Artery goes underground, includes some of the most valuable land in the heart of the city.

BOSTON-Mayor Thomas M. Menino's administration is prepared to help the business community here fight to establish a Business Improvement District in Downtown Crossing. But it is unclear whether businesses here are willing to push for a BID project again.