DPW Superintendent Karen Galligan announced yesterday that the Swap Shop at the Transfer Station will close for good on December 1. Her decision garnered unanimous support from the town’s selectmen, but the same cannot be said of its residents. Read the full article → from Resident plans petition over Swap Shop closure – UPDATED
Government
Breaking news: Southborough’s Swap Shop to close for good on December 1
A Southborough institution is closing it’s doors. I’m not talking about the Spa, or the Southborough House of Pizza, or Fitzgerald’s store. I’m talking about the Swap Shop. Read the full article → from Breaking news: Southborough’s Swap Shop to close for good on December 1
New subdivision proposed off Boston Road
Developers behind a proposed subdivision off Boston Road will go before the Planning Board tonight to seek approval to build three single-family homes and one duplex at 244-246 Boston Road. The subdivision would be called Brewer Estates. Read the full article → from New subdivision proposed off Boston Road
The week in government (11/21 – 11/25)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (11/21 – 11/25)
Town boards say their members should be elected, not appointed
As a committee of residents considers legislation that if approved by voters would move Southborough to a town manager form of government, one of the things they will make a recommendation on is which town boards should be elected and which should be appointed. Two boards that are currently elected – the Board of Health and the Library Board of Trustees – have both said they want to remain that way. Read the full article → from Town boards say their members should be elected, not appointed
Deadline extended for online responses to citizen survey
Some of you asked whether the deadline would be extended for the town’s resident survey, what with all the power outages and other disruptions earlier this month. Assistant Town Administrator Vanessa Hale said the deadline has been pushed to tomorrow, but only for those submitting their responses online. Read the full article → from Deadline extended for online responses to citizen survey
The week in government (11/14 – 11/18)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (11/14 – 11/18)
Reminder: The deadline to submit your resident survey is FRIDAY
Would you vote for a Proposition 2-1/2 override? What is your biggest concern when considering options for trash and recycling? Would you attend Town Meeting if it was moved to a different day? Would you recommend living in Southborough to others? Now is your chance to voice your opinions on these questions and more through the town-wide citizen survey sent out late last month. Read the full article → from Reminder: The deadline to submit your resident survey is FRIDAY
School committee sets priorities for upcoming budget debate
Each year the K-8 school committee defines a set of priorities to help guide them as they put together a budget for the upcoming year. At a meeting last night, the school committee said their top priorities for this budget season are to focus on personnel and improve the student-teacher ratio. Read the full article → from School committee sets priorities for upcoming budget debate
Proposed congressional map would mean changes for Southborough
Lawmakers released a sweeping redistricting plan yesterday that reduces the number of congressional districts in Massachusetts from ten down to nine. It’s a plan that would move Southborough to a new district with a new representative to the US Congress. Read the full article → from Proposed congressional map would mean changes for Southborough
The week in government (11/7 – 11/11)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (11/7 – 11/11)
The average property tax bill in Southborough will go up nearly $400 this year
The tax bill for the average Southborough family is going to go up by $392 this year, a 4.9% increase over last year. In approving the tax rate Tuesday night, the Board of Selectmen said the increase reflects the will of Town Meeting. Read the full article → from The average property tax bill in Southborough will go up nearly $400 this year
The week in government (10/31 – 11/4)
A list of department and committee meetings for the week. Read the full article → from The week in government (10/31 – 11/4)
Marlboro Road family convinces selectmen tree should come down
When a Marlboro Road family petition a year ago to remove a tree at the end of their driveway because they said it was a safety hazard – and when the Board of Selectmen voted not to cut down the tree – the story elicited strong response from many of you. Despite the no-vote, the family didn’t give up their effort, and last week they convinced the Board of Selectmen to change its mind. Read the full article → from Marlboro Road family convinces selectmen tree should come down