This week, David Parry publicly presented his plan to bring the removal of utility poles from historic Main Street to Town Meeting voters. Read the full article → from Another look at removing utility poles from “historic” Main St area; potential Special Town Meeting (Updated)
It appears that the Town Moderator led Main Street opponents to believe that they would be allowed to ask voters to present their case at Town Meeting before a vote on Article 4. Read the full article → from Moderator had indicated to Main St opponents he would accept motion to combine articles
Last night, Southborough held the Special Town Meeting I’ve been warning you about forever. Judging by the tone and actions of voters, the main attraction was the Use Variance bylaw.
Close to 10% of Southborough’s registered voters turned up at Trottier Middle School to make their voices heard. But there is controversy over whether that happened or some voices were unfairly muted. Read the full article → from Voters turnout to approve Main St, reject Use Variance, and gate Flagg Rd; Controversy over Moderator’s calls
I have more updates related to the Special Town Meeting. Read the full article → from Town Meeting news: Seeking babysitters, plus more on Main St and Flagg Road
This is a post I publish every year before Town Meeting. If you’re on the fence about whether to attend Southborough’s Annual Town Meeting on Monday evening, here are seven reasons why you should. Read the full article → from Are you heading to Town Meeting on Tuesday? (Babysitting provided)
Last night, Town officials walked residents through the Main Street Reconstruction project and answered questions. They explained why the road requires deep repairs to its sub base. They defined the alternatives. And they tried to debunk the idea that there may be lower cost alternatives not acknowledged.
Most commenters spoke on behalf of the project and the need to rally support. But one provided another preview of challenges that supporters face on Tuesday night. Read the full article → from Main Street debate continues; Vote on Tuesday night requires 2/3 to pass
One week from today, Town Meeting voters will be asked to decide on the future of Main Street. Article 4 asks residents to approve easements for the Town’s project under a state-funded TIP plan. Article 5 asks residents to urge selectmen to drop the TIP plan and instead construct the road to Town’s basic standards.
Last week, the Town finally defined what that choice would be. Read the full article → from Town defines Main St alternative (estimated $4.7M project) – Public forums this week, vote next week
Next week, the Town is holding two forums to again pitch the Main Street Reconstruction project to residents. It’s a chance for residents to learn about the project and ask questions. Read the full article → from Main Street forums next week – get questions answered before Special Town Meeting (and register for cheap babysitting)
Last week, the Board of Selectmen reviewed the Citizen’s Petition on Main Street Reconstruction. The petition asks Town Meeting voters to push for a locally funded Main Street repair project.
In discussion, both a petitioner and selectmen agreed that understanding the price of a local project was critical. But they couldn’t seem to agree about whose job it is define what an alternative project would look like. Without that, no real cost estimate can be determined. Read the full article → from Who’s responsible for defining a Main Street alternative?
Selectmen will review three citizen petitions tomorrow and hold a safety forum next week. Read the full article → from Selectmen to review Citizen Petition articles and hold Flagg Road Safety Forum
A list of board and committee meetings for the week with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government: Park Central tonight & Wednesday; Planning to discuss Main St
This fall, voters will decide whether to continue the “Main Street Reconstruction” project or simply repair and repave the road.
The Public Safety Building project is again on hold. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting to focus on Main Street (not Public Safety Building) – October 4th
A vote on pushing the Main Street TIP list project from FY17 to FY18 is now expected to happen on June 2nd. Read the full article → from Main Street reconstruction “TIP” vote on June 2nd
The Board of Selectmen meeting was a busy one on Tuesday night. Selectmen cast two significant votes. Read the full article → from BOS revives Main St project and denies Planning Board request for independent counsel