Southborough Wicked Local covered some stories worth sharing this week. Read the full article → from SWL news roundup: Transfer Station recycling stickers approved (at $50), NECC $10M expansion, and looming state cuts to Kindergarten grants
The fate of 911 field will be up for discussion by a committee of state legislators next week. Supporters are asking for letters and emails urging senators and reps to back the legislation. Read the full article → from 911 Field supporters ask community to send letters/emails ASAP (State oversight committee reviewing town’s request)
The Public Safety Committee presented its initial findings on the Southborough’s police and fire station needs. The committee chair counseled investing in what “may be the most expensive thing we’ve ever done”, before delays cost the town even more. Read the full article → from Committee recommends renovate & expand fire station; build new connecting police station – shovels in ground by 2017 (Updated)
The Town tweeted news about an opening in the Department of Public Works. Read the full article → from DPW hiring Staff Engineer – Apply by July 7th
The Community Preservation Committee is working on it’s new five-year plan. This week, you have an opportunity to weigh in, or just learn more. Read the full article → from Community Preservation invites you to a public information hearing – this Thursday
The agenda for the Regional School Committee meeting does not include discussion of Common Core. But an item on the Combined committee agenda might open a window for discussion. Read the full article → from Common Core not to be addressed at Regional School Committee meeting; but might be at Combined meeting
Last week, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted on conditions for a Park Central Use Variance. During the meeting, Chair Leo Bartolini defended his handling of the conditions outside of the Public Hearing and a charge that he may be usurping power from the Planning Board. Read the full article → from ZBA chair defends handling of Park Central Use Variance as “exactly the way to do it”
A list of board and committee meetings for the week with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from (Updated again) The week in government: Hearing on Chestnut Hill Farm parking, Transfer Station rules, Public Safety building report, and CPC public information hearing
Chair Don Morris told fellow members he found a decision by the ZBA chair “extremely upsetting”. At issue was the closing of a hearing without sharing a letter from the Town Planner.
Later, Morris referred to the ZBA’s vote to approve a Use Variance first and impose conditions later as making it “ripe for appeal”. Read the full article → from Planning Board questions ZBA handling of Park Central Use Variance
Last night, Town Planner, Jennifer Burney raised safety concerns about the train stop (unrelated to the proposed parking lot). Read the full article → from Safety concerns at commuter rail stop; Fitzgerald’s hearing continued
A community meeting will be held in our region on the Boston 2024 Olympic Bid. Plus, the 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: Olympic Bid community meeting in Ashland; Fitzgerald’s lot, School Committtee, and Park Central Use Variance;
Our state legislators answered questions on commuter rail access from selectmen last night. According to Representative Carolyn Dykema, the MBTA doesn’t have an appetite for adding parking or for building a bridge to cross over the rail tracks. But they may be willing to add safe track level crossing. Read the full article → from Legislators seek feedback on foot crossing at rail and support for 911 field extended lease
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: State legislators at this week’s BOS meeting
Residents on Deerfoot Road and Flagg Road were concerned about the safety and traffic impacts of two Use Variance requests in front of the Zoning Board of Appeals last night. Read the full article → from ZBA: Yes to Deerfoot B&B, no to antique shop, Park Central townhouse Use Variance approved