Open discussion thread: Ask questions, share opinions

It’s past time for a new open thread. So, here we go.

What’s on your mind this week, Southborough?

For those of you new to the blog, the open discussion thread is your place to ask questions, sound off on town issues, or share information with other readers. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

  • Ask questions about programs in town or the town itself
  • Post a note about things that you’re selling or giving away, or things that you want
  • Share notices about upcoming events (Southborough or otherwise)
  • Register your thoughts on town issues or news stories
  • Point out interesting or helpful resources

You can add comments to the thread throughout the week. Check back often to see new comments. (If you read the blog via email or RSS, you might want to check the site from time to time for new comments.)

To view past open discussion threads, click here.

(Photo posted to Flickr by stevemeltzer)

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Frank
6 years ago

Anyone know anything about the new dump stickers being replaced with different stickers.

Southborough Town Clerk
6 years ago
Reply to  Frank

Frank,

Replacement 2018 transfer station stickers have been ordered and they will be the exactly the same size as in previous years but with a different layout so the DPW workers can better see the license plate number.

When we receive the new stickers in about 2 weeks, we will mail the new smaller stickers to everyone who has already purchased a 2018 sticker. Residents can then choose to use either the large or smaller stickers because both will be valid for access to the Transfer Station in 2018.

The new stickers will have the same sticker number, have the same license plate written on it, and the border will be the same color as the large sticker.

Anyone purchasing a sticker today will have their current 2017 sticker automatically extended until 10/15/17 so they can continue to use the Transfer Station until the new stickers arrive.

Although the Town House closes at noon on Friday, the Clerk’s office will stay open until 5pm on Friday in case anyone needs to buy a sticker before the price increases to $250 after September 15.

Jim Hegarty
Southborough Town Clerk
(508) 485-0710 x 3005

Frank
6 years ago

I thought I heard they are doing away with the new big stickers and we are going back to the smaller ones.

Patricia Fiore
6 years ago

When I went to the Clerk’s office today to buy a transfer station sticker I was told I would not get my pass today but would receive it by mail in 2 to 3 weeks. I was told that all the passes were being re-ordered (because they were too big) and current passes would be valid until October 15.

S.B.
6 years ago

Does anyone know anything about the lines that appeared on Flagg Road in the middle of the night last night? Are these legit or were they painted by a rogue concerned citizen? :-)

D. McGee
6 years ago
Reply to  S.B.

Sure makes you realize just how narrow Flagg Road is (I felt like I couldn’t even fit within the line in my large SUV), and how dangerous it will be to add a significant amount of traffic from Park Central.

D. McGee
6 years ago
Reply to  Beth Melo

Probably would have helped more if they actually painted it down the middle of the road! The first few times I drove the road, it seemed the side heading toward Route 9 was noticeably smaller in a large section of the road. So I actually took out the tape measure and it is. How do you mess this up?

GrewUpHere
6 years ago
Reply to  S.B.

The first time I saw the yellow line I thought it was a joke. But then thought what does a single yellow line mean? It turns out that it does not have any meaning per the Massachusetts Drivers Manual.

Please see page 88: https://www.massrmv.com/Portals/30/docs/dmanual/Drivers_Manual.pdf

Matthew Brownell
6 years ago
Reply to  GrewUpHere

Exactly.

A single, solid yellow line painted down the center of Flagg Rd. has absolutely no meaning at all, no legal significance, and no inclusion within the Massachusetts Drivers Manual.

The solid yellow line is yet another lame token and homage paid to safety . . . under the completely false assumption that it is “traffic calming”.

The solid yellow line actually makes conditions LESS safe by squeezing vehicles farther to the sides of the already VERY narrow Flagg Rd., and directly into the path of pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, the elderly, and children who use Flagg Rd. daily to walk to the Trottier or Neary schools. Remember, Flagg Rd. has multiple curves, no sidewalks, no streetlights, dozens of large specimen trees hugging the roadside, and dozens of residential driveways with blind access/limited driver visibility.

Candidly, I believe it’s only a matter of time before someone is seriously
Injured or killed on Flagg, or other similar, feeder roads. To me, It seems like Board of Selectmen and Zoning Board of Appeals are awkwardly trying to cover their ass, and desperately trying to rationalize jamming this ludicrous Park Central development into an area where it clearly doesn’t belong.

Chris
6 years ago

I cannot possibly fathom the Brain Trust that went into putting a yellow line down the center of Flagg Road. This will only increase the speeds traveled on that road. What Flagg Road needs is traffic calming measures. Why weren’t the abutters informed of this maniacal decision? This road retained it’s Country Road atmosphere until now. Are we now going to put a center line on Sears Road?

Louise Barron
6 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Chris This is like the government and midnight meetings that are held precisely then under darkness of night. Stripes on Deerfoot same deal. When was this ‘Suggested traffic calming” approved. Residents were not notified.

Louise Barron
6 years ago

Beth Please report on this. Lights that can’t work on Choate Field without the proper transformer. Another brilliant move by non professionals. We pay for consultants for everything, wouldn’t you think this project required analysis from those who understand voltage and electricity needs. Now there will be a bill for a transformer. Another Sobo blunder.

Louise Barron
6 years ago

Sorry, I missed the thread. Can you capsulize

Souse Bro
6 years ago

Not surprised by the Choate lights. Come down to Colonial Gardens and marvel at our new gazebo. It arrived in a flimsy crate with clear markings to store inside or cover completely, neither was done. The crate warped and opened with the summer rain and following heat, I’m assuming the contents did also. Needing a foundation footprint for a building permit to erect the structure, I’m sure the “professionals” have this covered, that’s why it’s been sitting and warping all these months. I hope the budget covers construction workers, 2coats of stain and roofing shingles because that was not included in the price. In the interest of fair play, Google the model # and blueprints for the base and instructions

Tom R
6 years ago

I was dead set on giving to the funds to build the new playground at Fay Memorial Field. I watch the progression of the project and can’t help but realize that there is a massive misuse of town funds, let alone private dollars during the construction of the park. It’s been 2 months now of town workers on this project performing tasks they traditionally do not do. Hard to blame these hard working folks. I seriously question what duties are not being attended to while they are focused on this side project. An outsourced crew that specializes in this work should complete a project of this nature in a fraction of the time. (I’ll leave out all of the long-term issues from poor construction for another day) I feel bad for the recreation department who has all of the right intentions and for the kids who will use the park. It’s too bad. The town public works department has been under poor management for too long….perhaps people will start to notice for once as this mess continues. Sorry for all the kids and parents who miss 2 years of this park. It will be open someday…

Matthew Brownell
6 years ago

Beth,

Do you know, or can you investigate who specifically issued the directive to paint the solid yellow line down Flagg Rd?

Thx –

John Kendall
6 years ago

I went to the transfer station today to get rid of my trash and recycling. There are signs on posts and arrows painted on the asphalt to direct you through the complex. All of this is to ensure smooth traffic flow, as well as to prevent accidents. That being said, to the fellow in the gray Ford Explorer who passed me going the wrong way in the recycling area, and who also ignored Bridget, the rules apply to everyone. You are not exempt!

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