In a surprise move at last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Zoning Board of Appeals member Regina McAuliffe withdrew her application for reappointment to the board. Her withdrawal paved the way for selectmen to appoint Southborough businessman David Eagle as a new permanent member of the ZBA. Read the full article → from McAuliffe steps aside, selectmen appoint Eagle to zoning board
Government
Southborough DPW equipment to be sold at public auction on June 30
A collection of surplus equipment from Southborough’s Department of Public Works will hit the auction block later this week. DPW Superintendent Karen Galligan said the equipment, which includes several vehicles and lawn mowers, is no longer used. Read the full article → from Southborough DPW equipment to be sold at public auction on June 30
Planning Board continues public hearing on zoning changes – TONIGHT
When the Planning Board meets tonight, it will continue its discussion of a proposed overhaul to Southborough’s zoning bylaws. Tonight the focus will be on changes to the bylaws that govern open space requirements in residential subdivisions. They’re changes not everyone agrees with. Read the full article → from Planning Board continues public hearing on zoning changes – TONIGHT
The week in government (6/25/12 – 6/29/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/25/12 – 6/29/12)
MWDN: Health board chief details visit to primate center in Southborough
When news broke earlier this year that another monkey had died at the Harvard-owned New England Primate Research Center on Parmenter Road – the fourth such death at the facility in less than two years – many of you asked how much our town knows about what goes on in the research center and how it’s run. Read the full article → from MWDN: Health board chief details visit to primate center in Southborough
MWDN: Three large septic systems failing in Southborough
A reader contacted me last last week asking if I knew the source of a “horrific smell” emanating from the area of Route 30 on the west end of town. “Smells like someone’s septic exploded,” she wrote. Read the full article → from MWDN: Three large septic systems failing in Southborough
Zoning board chairman responds to criticism over Gulbankians decision
The recent decision by a Worcester court to deny an appeal by the owners of Gulbankian Farms, has prompted quite a few of you to speak out in support of the Gulbankian family here on the blog. The Gulbankians had appealed a decision last year by the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals that required them to make improvements to their Mt. Vickery Road property in order to continue to operate multiple businesses on the lot. Read the full article → from Zoning board chairman responds to criticism over Gulbankians decision
The week in government (6/18/12 – 6/22/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/18/12 – 6/22/12)
MWDN: Southborough ZBA ruling on Gulbankian Farms upheld
More than a year ago, the Zoning Board of Appeals voted to require the Gulbankian family to make improvements to its 40 Mt. Vickery Road property after complaints from neighbors. At the time, many of you voiced strong opinions about the process – which took more than a year – as well as the outcome. The Gulbankian family appealed, but today comes word a Worcester court has upheld the decision. Read the full article → from MWDN: Southborough ZBA ruling on Gulbankian Farms upheld
Volunteers sought for new town manager legislation committee
Selectmen last week voted to create an ad hoc committee charged with bringing legislation to establish the position of town manager – among other changes – before voters once again. Now selectmen are looking for volunteers to join the committee. Read the full article → from Volunteers sought for new town manager legislation committee
Public hearing on proposed zoning code changes – TONIGHT
For several years now a committee of volunteers has been working on revamping Southborough’s zoning code. They’ve considered everything from open space protection to multi-family housing and subdivisions to commercial development along Route 9. The process will culminate in a vote on the changes at a special town meeting this fall. Read the full article → from Public hearing on proposed zoning code changes – TONIGHT
The week in government (6/11/12 – 6/15/12)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (6/11/12 – 6/15/12)
MWDN: Southborough senior housing project on hold
Stonebrook Village is a development that can’t seem to get off the ground. First proposed as a 15-unit 40B affordable housing development off Oregon Road in 2008, the project got approval from the Zoning Board of Appeals in September 2010. But last August, Southborough developer William Depietri scrapped plans for the 40B saying he wanted to build an over-55 community on the property instead. Read the full article → from MWDN: Southborough senior housing project on hold
MWDN: Southborough selectmen revive town manager effort
I wasn’t able to attend last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, but the Metrowest Daily News was there and reports on an interesting development in the ongoing effort to change Southborough’s form of government. Selectmen voted last night to create an ad hoc committee that will be charged with bringing Town Manager legislation before voters once again. Read the full article → from MWDN: Southborough selectmen revive town manager effort