Week in Review: Residents Hit Harder by Tax Vote, Dog Park Opens in Dedham

Selectmen voted to give small business owners more of a break on their taxes for 2012 than they've had in years past - although they'll still rise by 5.44 percent. Residents will pay a bit more because of the decision in 2012 than they would've if the Board of Selectmen had stuck to tradition.

A murder trial scheduled to start this week saw yet another delay - the fifth time a trial date has been pushed back. Paul Moccia, of Dedham, faces first-degree murder charges stemming from a March 2009 homicide. Either he or his alleged co-conspirator will go to trial in February.

State Rep. Paul McMurtry, of Dedham, said he will seek re-election in 2012. McMurtry won an uncontested election in 2010. He was first elected to the position in 2007.

Dog owners rejoiced Thursday as the temporary dog park opened in Dedham on Common Street after a minor speed bump and seven months of intensive work. The park will operate with a 90-day trial before town officials re-evaluate its use and attempt to build a permanent park.

Santa made his way to Garfield Road in Dedham last Sunday, an annual trip to celebrate the Cushman family's Christmas decoration display.

Other stories covered on Dedham Patch this week:

Each week, we run your favorite features and columns. If you missed any of them, catch up with the links below:

• PatchCast
• Tales of a Tireless Mom
• Mom's Cookbook
• Pet of the Week
• Sold!