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
Government
St. Mark’s shares golf course deed
St. Mark’s provided backup to the Town’s assertion that the 60 acre golf course could be developed if voters don’t agree to purchase it. Read the full article → from St. Mark’s shares golf course deed
Town releases plans for land deal with St. Mark’s; Golf course original gift may not prevent development
This week, the Board of Selectmen shared more details on a proposed deal to swap land for a future Public Safety Building. And, according to an earlier press release*, rumors of the St. Mark’s Golf Restriction may be incorrect or exaggerated. Read the full article → from Town releases plans for land deal with St. Mark’s; Golf course original gift may not prevent development
Use Variance removal and plans to codify dependable bylaws for good development (Updated)
As I posted earlier, Town Meeting voters stripped the Zoning Board of Appeals of its ability to grant Use Variances. Read the full article → from Use Variance removal and plans to codify dependable bylaws for good development (Updated)
Voters turnout to approve Main St, reject Use Variance, and gate Flagg Rd; Controversy over Moderator’s calls
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
Bring the kids to Town Meeting tonight – but please register first
Southborough Recreation informs me that they successfully recruited more babysitters. That means they have re-opened registration for babysitting at tonight’s Special Town Meeting. Read the full article → from Bring the kids to Town Meeting tonight – but please register first
Selectmen appoint non-developer ZBA members (Updated)
Last night, the Board of Selectmen appointed a new member and alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals. In selecting from the six candidates, most selectmen prioritized adding diversity to the board by focusing on members outside “the business”. Read the full article → from Selectmen appoint non-developer ZBA members (Updated)
Election news: Tomorrow is deadline to register; Early voting begins Monday
Town Clerk Jim Hegarty asked me to alert voters that you can avoid long lines on November 8th by voting early this year. It’s also a good time to remind you that tomorrow (October 19th) is the deadline to register to vote in the Presidential Election. Read the full article → from Election news: Tomorrow is deadline to register; Early voting begins Monday
The week in government: ZBA appointments, Town Meeting, Appeals on Park Central and much more (Updated)
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: ZBA appointments, Town Meeting, Appeals on Park Central and much more (Updated)
Town Meeting news: Seeking babysitters, plus more on Main St and Flagg Road
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
Are you heading to Town Meeting on Tuesday? (Babysitting provided)
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)
Building and Zoning moved to Cordaville Hall
The Town has announced that starting this Monday the Building Department will no longer be at Town Hall. Read the full article → from Building and Zoning moved to Cordaville Hall
Main Street debate continues; Vote on Tuesday night requires 2/3 to pass
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
SWL: Park Central developer seeking to dismiss Planning Board appeal (and sanction costs)
Park Central’s developer is asking the court to dismiss an appeal by the Planning Board. Some of the details in the appeal are worth noting. Read the full article → from SWL: Park Central developer seeking to dismiss Planning Board appeal (and sanction costs)