It’s time for another open thread. 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 by Susan Fitzgerald)
Beth…have you heard anything as to when the BOS will issue its decision on the petition to remove Leo Bartolini from the ZBA?
Thanks!
No. But I can tell you that based on the agenda posted yesterday, they still have no plans to make a ruling, or even discuss it, at their next meeting on February 7th.
Does anyone know of a good small business local plumber? We are looking to replace our electric water heater with a tankless on demand model, and need to get at least 2 estimates. Thanks in advance.
Chris Lombardo Plumbing has always done great work for us. 508-881-4159
Thanks Mark. Appreciate the information!
Belli plumbing out of Marlborough has great service. I have a friend who used them for a tankless system and they were very happy with the work done and the price. I’ve had them out to fix minor problems and they are timely and reasonable in price. Hope that helps! 😊
Thanks Julie T!
Why hasn’t anything been done to repair or clean up the park on Central Street? Hasn’t it been over a year? No one has even cleared the debris. Extremely dangerous for a public space.
Very good question. I noticed that and was shocked that nothing has been done to even clean it up. Everything is just sitting there in a mangled pile.
I’m on Overloook Drive and the coyotes have been very vocal lately. Keep your small (and even your large) dogs inside at night.
Saw two the other day around noon in the backyard.
Hi Beth Who owns the land at corner of Newton and Main Sts. Wish it could be made into a small park. Blight to say the least. Also, the two Picardi homes on Deerfoot, are used for storage. Any info about why they haven’t been finished and sold. An eyesore for the neighbors, and the town could use the tax money
Well, the corner property in the center of town looks a lot better than it did when it had an ugly chain link fence around it.
An eyesore? I drive by them often. The landscape is very well kept as well as the houses. Its takes an eye for detail, or a nosey neighbor to realize they’re not occupied. As far on what these buildings are being used for? It’s no ones business what they are being used for, only the owners. I’m pretty sure the owner is paying taxes on them too. These are not the only “houses” in town used as storage either. I know of two more, both well kept, both generate tax revenue.
Some real eyesores in town are properties that the town owns. Fayville Hall and the DPW annex just to name a couple. These properties don’t generate a penny of revenue either.
Don’t forget the Police Station.
Louise, If I remember correctly, the gas station there previously had an underground tank which leaked, thereby causing a toxic waste problem for any future owner. Not sure if it was ever cleaned up. Limited what can be done with the property. Someone correct me or update please if you know more.
That was my recollection – that I had read that in the past. But I was trying to find any stories or documentation related to that. I wasn’t able to find one yet, only reference to the planning board asking the owner to clean up the lot back in 2010.
I think the environmental problem was taken care of. I also think the new owners had to take care of some leftover tax issues. As I understand it – the owner can’t build on the property because it’s too small to put in a septic system. So I think the owner is just holding on to it because there is nothing else they can do for the time being. I’m sure there are insurance/liability issues that come into play if they just put a few benches on the property….you know how things are nowadays.
Corner of Main and Newton Streets could have a bench, a few trees. Anything but the eyesore it is now. This is outrageous that the powers that be ignore it. It’s plain to see when you drive into downtown. Also the Picardi buildings on Deerfoor. Any info. Thanks Louise
Corner of Newton and Main:
2 East Main Street is owned by Southborough Crossings LLC, managed by Peter Bemis.
As I mentioned before, I had recalled a toxic issue there, but couldn’t find anything to back that up other than a commenter with similar memory. Here’s what I did find:
Meant to type Picardi buildings on Deerfoot.