Metrowest Daily News reports that at last night’s Planning Board meeting, the board voted to drop the OSRD portion of the zoning bylaw revisions. The new bylaws are scheduled to be voted on in a Special Town Meeting in October. The board believed this controversial section would cause the effort to fail. Read the full article → from MWDN: Planning Board drops revised Open Space portion of zoning bylaw overhaul
Government
Participation in government is on the decline. What can we do to turn it around?
When it comes to public participation in town government, recent numbers paint a grim picture. A mere 184 residents attended Town Meeting in April. Town elections featured not a single contested race, and only 5.5% of registered voters went to the polls despite the draw of two historic ballot measures. Currently there are 26 vacancies on town boards and committees, with some unable to meet because they do not have a quorum. Read the full article → from Participation in government is on the decline. What can we do to turn it around?
The week in government (6/17/13 – 6/21/13)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/17/13 – 6/21/13)
Southborough selectmen pass on joining anti-casino coalition
Four nearby towns are gearing up to fight a proposed resort casino off Interstate 495 in Milford that they say would negatively impact their communities. Last week, Southborough selectmen opted not to join the battle. Read the full article → from Southborough selectmen pass on joining anti-casino coalition
Why flags are at half staff this week
Flags in Southborough and across the state are flying at half staff in honor of former Governor Argeo Paul Celucci. Governor Celucci died from ALS on Saturday, June 8. The United States flag will fly at half mast until sunset on Friday, June 14. The Commenwealth flag is also at half mast and will remain so until sunset, Read the full article → from Why flags are at half staff this week
The week in government (6/10/13 – 6/14/13)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/10/13 – 6/14/13)
Planning Board member resigning this month
The Metrowest Daily News reports that Dana Cunningham resigned at the Monday night Planning Board meeting. His resignation will be effective June 30th. Read the full article → from Planning Board member resigning this month
MWDN: Gulbankians to shutter machine shop in Southborough
The Metrowest Daily News reports today the Gulbankian family has decided to close the machine shop it operates on its Mt. Vickery Road property after battling the town over zoning issues for the past three years. Read the full article → from MWDN: Gulbankians to shutter machine shop in Southborough
Selectmen consider getting involved in Gulbankian zoning issue
The Gulbankian family may get some unexpected assistance in their ongoing zoning battle with the town. The Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night agreed to talk with the town’s lawyer to find out if there is any way they can intervene. Read the full article → from Selectmen consider getting involved in Gulbankian zoning issue
Stonebrook Village seeking revised building permits
Stonebrook Village, a development off of Oregon Road, came back to the Planning Board on Monday night. The scrapped 40B project is now being pitched as an improved 55+ multi housing development. In fall 2010, Capital Group Properties received a permit based on plans build a 40B development. (That was less than a month after Read the full article → from Stonebrook Village seeking revised building permits
Selectmen increase sticker fee, but leave Transfer Station hours as they are
There were a number of potential changes on the table last night as selectmen discussed Transfer Station operations – reduced hours, an increased sticker fee, new fees for disposal of bulky items, and a wintertime closure for the Swap Shop. In the end, selectmen voted to increase the cost of a Transfer Station sticker, but rejected most of the other changes. Read the full article → from Selectmen increase sticker fee, but leave Transfer Station hours as they are
Register by Wednesday for special election
The special election for MA senator is only 3 weeks away. If you haven’t registered to vote yet, the deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday June 5. Read the full article → from Register by Wednesday for special election
Selectmen meet on Tuesday to consider changes to Transfer Station and Swap Shop
The last time the Board of Selectmen dealt with the Swap Shop it was huge news. The board ultimately backed off its plan at the time to shutter the leave-and-take area at the Transfer Station after unprecedented public outcry. This week they’ll take another look at the Swap Shop and consider not whether to close it altogether, but whether operations should be scaled back. Read the full article → from Selectmen meet on Tuesday to consider changes to Transfer Station and Swap Shop
The week in government (6/3/13 – 6/7/13)
Here is a selection of the committee and department meetings for the week. Be aware that changes to the meeting schedule are known to happen throughout the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/3/13 – 6/7/13)