Mixed Market: Newly renovated homes for sale on Hendry Street. Photo by Chris LovettCrosscurrents in Dorchester’s real estate market are pulling in different directions—extending the fall-off in prices of the past two years, but also showing signs of new vitality.

“If someone’s telling you there’s no business, they’re not in our neighborhood,” says the Dorchester office manager for Jack Conway & Co., Julie Simmons.

“There is a lot of activity now,” she says. “That $8,000 tax credit is really bringing people in.”

But even agents who vouch for people willing to buy and sell say their customers still meet obstacles.  Read more

Dorchester projects on the capital side of the city budget will remain largely untouched, with $200,000 for the Murphy Community Center, $400,000 for the Martin tot lot and $947,000 for renovations to the Adams St. Library, according to city officials.

Dorchester Ave. is still expected to receive $15 million for an accelerated construction pace to rework traffic flow at several sections and increase pedestrian safety, thanks in part to federal stimulus funds. Money is also included for the Great Hall in Codman Square.  Read more

UMass SoccerUMass-Boston will host an afternoon of international soccer next Thursday, July 9. The event, set from 12-3 p.m. will start with a noontime tournament featuring Tall Ships crew members and naval cadets from Uruguay, Brazil, Romania and Portugal. The event also includes a soccer clinic for kids run by the Boston Breakers. The free clinic runs from 1:30- 3 p.m. It's all happening at the campus's soccer fields. Check online on Thursday to make sure all is still a go.  Read more