Charles River Dam removal set for July 16 amid resident pushback
NATICK — The upcoming removal of the Charles River Dam in South Natick, scheduled for July 16, has drawn renewed attention from residents and news outlets this week, with opponents speaking out about the loss of what many call an "iconic landmark," according to MetroWest Daily News.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"'Iconic landmark.' Opponents of Natick MA dam removal speak out" — MetroWest Daily News reports that nostalgic residents have been visiting the Charles River Dam ahead of its expected removal on July 16, with opponents voicing concerns about the change to the South Natick site (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/environment/2026/07/09/opponents-reflect-july-16-removal-charles-river-dam-south-natick-ma/90845789007/).
"Opponents reflect on impending removal of Charles River Dam in Natick" — Wicked Local also covered the dam's removal, noting that water levels in the Charles River are being lowered ahead of the planned demolition (read it at https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/news/environment/2026/07/09/opponents-reflect-july-16-removal-charles-river-dam-south-natick-ma/90845789007/).
"Which Natick MA employees made the most in 2025? Here are the top 25" — MetroWest Daily News reports that a dozen Natick municipal employees earned more than $200,000 in 2025, according to newly released town payroll data (read it at https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/local/2026/07/10/twelve-natick-ma-municipal-employees-earned-more-than-200000-dollars-in-2025/90714795007/).
"Local ventriloquist will perform on Natick MA Common. What to know" — AOL.com reports that musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll will return to Natick Common for a free show at 6:30 p.m. on July 22, marking a repeat community appearance (read it at https://www.aol.com/articles/local-ventriloquist-perform-natick-ma-094547000.html).
"Hughes of New Dover Assocs. brokers $5.875m sale for Legacy Huron, LLC" — New England Real Estate Journal reports that Scott Hughes of New Dover Associates represented the seller in a $5.875 million commercial property sale in Natick (read it at https://nerej.com/hughes-of-new-dover-assocs-brokers-5-875m-sale).
"Natick 11U baseball team having a summer to remember" — Natick Report notes that the Natick 11U Bay State baseball team will put its undefeated summer record on the line this weekend at the Eastern Massachusetts Cal Ripken tournament (read it at https://www.natickreport.com/2026/07/natick-11u-baseball-team-having-a-summer-to-remember/).
COMING UP
The free outdoor concert featuring musical ventriloquist Kevin Driscoll is set for Natick Common at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, per an AOL.com report. Residents interested in the Charles River Dam removal can expect visible changes to water levels in South Natick ahead of the planned July 16 demolition date.