Tomorrow afternoon, senior residents are invited to have coffee and chat with Select Board Chair Kathy Cook. Since Cook also serves on the Neary Building Committee (and its Finance Subcommittee), seniors may also be interested in speaking to her about that. Read the full article → from Coffee for seniors to ask questions of the Select Board Chair — Tuesday
Government
2 East Main St developer announces change to multi-family only building project
Downtown landowner finds mixed-use zoning includes "obstacles" too restrictive to move forward with retail uses
One of the Planning Board agenda items tonight that should draw public interest is a big change to the proposed mixed-residential and commercial/retail project at 2 East Main Street. According to the property owner, definitions under the Downtown District zoning bylaws “severely restrict project size to the point of economic failure”. Read the full article → from 2 East Main St developer announces change to multi-family only building project
The week in government
Planning Board hearings, Southborough Schoool Committee, 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
Planning Board may vote on site plan for Valvoline Instant Oil Change on Flagg Road
On Monday, the Planning Board will continue its discussion on the Minor Site Plan for a new business on the vacant parcel at the corner of Route 9 and Flagg Road.
If the board votes to approve the plan as proposed, egress would exclusively on Flagg Road. The egress raised some concerns from board members. Meanwhile, the board’s landscaping requirements raised concerns with the owner of the abutting property leased by Nan’s Kitchen. Read the full article → from Planning Board may vote on site plan for Valvoline Instant Oil Change on Flagg Road
Library didn’t get grant for building project
Trustees discuss next steps and negative impact of Southborough's overall wealth on its ability to attract grants.
Recently, Town officials learned that the state grant to co-fund a Library building project didn’t come through. Here is my recap of what happened and the next steps. Read the full article → from Library didn’t get grant for building project
Town looking at Rte 9 Wastewater Treatment options
The Select Board is driving an effort to find a cost-effective way to provide wastewater treatment to increase commercial uses on Route 9. Read the full article → from Town looking at Rte 9 Wastewater Treatment options
The week in government
Select Board Meeting, FY26 Budget Summit, 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
Potential vote on Water Rate changes — Tuesday
The Town is giving residents a heads up on an item the Select Board may vote on Tuesday night, and why they might care about it. Read the full article → from Potential vote on Water Rate changes — Tuesday
Update on Public Works Planning Board/Advisory Committee status (Updated – Again)
This month, the Select Board followed up on changes the state approved to the legislation that created Southborough’s Department of Public Works. But the board has apparently side stepped the other piece of the multi-step process presented to Town Meeting voters last spring. Read the full article → from Update on Public Works Planning Board/Advisory Committee status (Updated – Again)
Update on Town Budget Summit and Schools’ Budgets & Buses
Last week, I updated that the Budget Summit planned for this past Saturday was being postponed. The meeting has been rescheduled to February 8th. I’m sharing those details along with an update on the situation that prompted the change. Read the full article → from Update on Town Budget Summit and Schools’ Budgets & Buses
Harvard ups the ante in PILOT payments and perks to Town
Select Board Chair Kathy Cook announced that Harvard University stepped up its PILOT contributions in a big way. An over 90% increase in annual payments is accompanied by a significant in-kind benefit. Read the full article → from Harvard ups the ante in PILOT payments and perks to Town
SYFS seeking volunteers for “Community Needs” focus groups
Southborough Youth & Family Services is trying to better assess the needs of our community that the Town should be supporting. To do that, they are asking volunteers to “make a difference” by giving an hour of their time. Read the full article → from SYFS seeking volunteers for “Community Needs” focus groups
Neary Building Committee announces more “Office Hours”
Do you have questions about the big school building project headed to a Special Town Meeting this spring? Or do you have an issue you’d like to raise or discuss with members of the committee overseeing the proposal? Read the full article → from Neary Building Committee announces more “Office Hours”
The week in government
Planning Board zoning hearings; Recreation Commission; RECC meetings 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