As they head into the new budget season, the Select Board and Advisory Committee are starting to discuss what strategy to take for dealing with the “levy capacity” issue and getting approvals needed from voters. Read the full article → from Officials to discuss potential Prop 2½ Override strategy – August 11
News
Neary Building Update: Delayed roof replacement and project timeline
The roof project expected to overlap the start of school without "significant disruption". And other building fixes/renovations won't be voted on at a Special Town Meeting in 2026.
Since I last posted about Neary School’s roof replacement and the plan for addressing other issues with the elementary school building, both timelines have been delayed.
I’m updating readers on the latest plans. Read the full article → from Neary Building Update: Delayed roof replacement and project timeline
Donate at the Bloodmobile — Thursday
Get a "pool towel" in exchange for giving the "gift of life". Plus, platelet donors will be entered into a special raffle.
The community is asked to sign up for time slots with the travelling blood donation center that serves Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Read the full article → from Donate at the Bloodmobile — Thursday
Job listings
Freelance Southborough History Writer, Part-time Admin for Town Clerk, and School Jobs
I received another posting of jobs available in Southborough. Read the full article → from Job listings
The week in government (Updated)
Advisory on prelim FY28 Budget and proposed operational override; and more
Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government (Updated)
Southborough Turns 300 Years Old in 2027! (Updated)
The Tricentennial Committee presents: A Year of Celebration
[This is the first of a new series of guest posts contributed by the Tricentennial Committee to get the community excited about, and keep them informed of, the preparations for celebrating the Town’s 300th anniversary throughout 2027.]
Southborough was incorporated on July 17, 1727, and that means next year our town will be 300 years old! To celebrate, we’re putting together a year-long birthday party as a tribute to our rich history, vibrant present, and promising future! Read the full article → from Southborough Turns 300 Years Old in 2027! (Updated)
More on MassDems Chair’s Southborough arrest (and reactions)
Yesterday, I shared news posted by the Boston Herald about the arrest of, and plea deal by, the Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party for an OUI in Southborough.
Since then, other news outlets have posted more details about the arrest. And both the arrested driver and the Governor have issued statements. Read the full article → from More on MassDems Chair’s Southborough arrest (and reactions)
Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning
The ZBA is seeking to amend the bylaws for seeking special permits for two-family homes
The Zoning Board of Appeals hopes to bring a zoning revision to Special Town Meeting in October. But before public hearings are opened, they are inviting the community to learn more and provide feedback on their draft proposal at a public forum on August 12th. Read the full article → from Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning
SPD OUI arrest makes headlines for connection with MassDems
The Boston Herald posted a story about a recent plea deal approved for a driver charged with driving drunk in Southborough. The paper was interested in the identity of a man arrested last month — the current Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. Read the full article → from SPD OUI arrest makes headlines for connection with MassDems
SPD’s “Throwback” highlights celebrity visit to Southborough
In 1984, Marvelous Marvin Hagler refereed an exhibition match between police chief and sergeant
Last week, the Southborough Police Dept shared a fun “Throwback Thursday” post on Facebook. It seems that 42 years ago, Southborough hosted a headline making celebrity appearance. Read the full article → from SPD’s “Throwback” highlights celebrity visit to Southborough
Obituary: Nancy J. Ring, 83
Nancy J. Ring, 83, of Westborough, and formerly of Hopkinton and Southborough, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Read the full article → from Obituary: Nancy J. Ring, 83
SPD alleges unlicensed NY driver was involved in distributing counterfeit goods
Southborough Police posted news about a recent arrest made during patrol of Rte 9
The Southborough Police Department issued a press release this afternoon about an arrest made on Sunday. Read the full article → from SPD alleges unlicensed NY driver was involved in distributing counterfeit goods
State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances
According to Town Counsel, the voter-passed ban no longer applies to residential projects. The change is meant to remove roadblocks to increasing the supply of housing across the state.
Ten years ago, a well-attended Town Meeting voted to eliminate “Use Variances”. The vote was prompted by anger over a controversial housing project. Changes in state law passed this month now reinstate use variances for residential uses.
(Coincidentally, the timing of the change is during the month that a legal case stemming from the same 2015-2016 controversy is headed to trial.) Read the full article → from State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances
Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA
ZBA allowed variances from zoned setbacks and height restrictions
On Wednesday night, the Zoning Board of Appeals granted Costco’s request for variances to restricted property setbacks for retaining walls and height restrictions on light poles. The developer is now able to incorporate those into the plans it will “very shortly” submit to the Planning Board when it next seeks Major Site Plan Approval. Read the full article → from Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA