Top Five Stories of Summer 2012 in Braintree

The summer is winding down and with Braintree students heading back to school next week, now is a good time to look back at some of the top stories of this summer in Braintree.

1. Braintree's 4th of July Celebration.

On June 30, 2012, much of Braintree turned out for a giant parade from to , music and festivites at the high school and a late-night fireworks display. Check out some of the stories that came out of the celebration:

2. Security issues at Dave & Buster's.

Earlier this summer, Police Chief Paul Frazier and the Board of License Commissioners decided to reduce the police detail presence at the restaurant and arcade after a six-month review by the chief. This was met by resistance from area residents and the police union. Soon thereafter, a man was stabbed at , an incident that did not prompt a further review of the details. Check out some of the related stories:

3. Supplementary School Budget Decisions

The $32.5 billion state budget signed by Gov. Deval Patrick this summer provided Braintree with $237,000 in additional Chapter 70 education money beyond what the town had budgeted for its schools. The question became, even before the funding was finalized, what the school department should spend it on. Teachers to reduce class sizes at certain schools? A housemaster at Braintree High? An ELL educator and administrative assistant? Check out some of our coverage of this ongoing story:

4. Sunset Lake Concert Series

Another summer at with meant Tuesday after Tuesday of musical fun. And this summer one of the town's "Party in the Parks" combined forces for a fun evening of free food and tunes. Check out some of our coverage:

5. Hyatt Place Development

Starting in late spring with the opening of the across from the the Forbes Road development has been ramping up. Officials announced that Qdoba Mexican Grill, Starbucks and Jared Jewelers will be opening soon, along with other businesses, and protesters criticized the construction company's record. Check out some of our coverage:

Do you have a story you'd like to highlight? Comment below!