There’s been an interesting development in the ongoing saga over securing a new facility to house the police department. The Metrowest Daily News reports town officials last week toured the High Speed Video Inc. building at 150 Cordaville Road (map) which recently came on the market. (Fire Chief) Mauro and (Interim Police Chief) Moran also Read the full article → from Cordaville Road building eyed for new police station
Government
Extension granted for Rossi Estates subdivision
Rossi Estates is a long-planned 11-unit subdivision off Mt. Vickery Road, but while a special permit for major residential development was approved back in 2006, don’t expect them to break ground any time soon. The Planning Board on Monday night granted another one-year extension to the project’s developer Bartolini Builders. It’s the third such extension Read the full article → from Extension granted for Rossi Estates subdivision
Police and fire department to fill some vacancies
Two weeks ago selectmen gave the police department the go-ahead to fill two vacancies in its ranks despite the current town hiring freeze. Vacancies in the fire department will also be filled, assuming there’s funding. Interim Chief Jane Moran told selectmen the two vacancies — one for a communications officer and one for a police officer Read the full article → from Police and fire department to fill some vacancies
The week in town government
Here are the department and committee meetings for the week. The big topic for the Board of Selectmen this week is that status of licenses for Capasso Farms, which currently houses the Country Gourmet. Selectmen previously transfered their liquor license allowing the owner of Turnpike Liquors on Route 9 to open a new liquor/convenience store Read the full article → from The week in town government
Police chief job description posted
In case you’re curious, the job posting for our new police chief is now on the town website. Here’s an excerpt: Candidate must value accountability, diversity and high ethical standards. Candidates must have thorough knowledge of police administration; proven communication and management skills; familiarity with collective bargaining, strong leadership qualities, ability to interact positively with Read the full article → from Police chief job description posted
Updated flood zone maps may mean higher insurance for some
If you’re one of about 300 affected property owners in Southborough, the rate you pay for flood insuarnce may be on the rise. FEMA, the agency that determines where various flood zones lie, has been working with local engineering firms to update their Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Town Engineer John Woodsmall recently told selectmen that Read the full article → from Updated flood zone maps may mean higher insurance for some
Follow-up discussion about Southborough’s villages
Back in April, the Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) held a public workshop on the future of Southborough’s village districts — Downtown, Fayville, Cordaville, and Southville. There was a scheduling conflict that night, and some residents were unable to attend, so the ZAC will hold another discussion on Wednesday night. The discussion is part of an Read the full article → from Follow-up discussion about Southborough’s villages
Volunteers sought for PILOT committee
You pay property taxes (pressumably). I pay property taxes. But some of the biggest landowners in town don’t. St. Mark’s, Fay School, The New England Center for Children, and Harvard are all tax-exempt non-profit organizations, which means they’re not required to pay property taxes on land they own. But while they don’t pay taxes, they Read the full article → from Volunteers sought for PILOT committee
Selectmen adopt looser residency requirement for police chief
A few weeks ago, I told you selectmen had made a decision about residency requirements for Southborough’s new police chief. Turns out that wasn’t the case. What I thought was a decision was only a discussion. The actual decision wasn’t made until last week. Selectmen have always said that residency in town is “strongly preferred,” Read the full article → from Selectmen adopt looser residency requirement for police chief
Why flags were at half-staff on Friday
Governor Deval Patrick requested flags be lowered to half-staff across the state on Friday for Master Sergeant Kevin A. Dupont who died on Wednesday, June 17 of wounds suffered earlier this year in Kandau, Afghanistan. Read the full article → from Why flags were at half-staff on Friday
The week in town government
The town meeting schedule is relatively light this week, but of note is the inaugural meeting of the Police Chief Search Committee on Wednesday. Monday, June 29 Planning Board, 7:00 pm @ Hearing Room, Town House (agenda) Tuesday, June 30 No meetings scheduled Wednesday, July 1 Police Chief Search Committee, 7:00 pm @ Hearing Room, Read the full article → from The week in town government
‘Tis the season for … mosquitos
According to an article in the Boston Globe, the near-constant drizzle we’ve had this month will probably not result in a large increase in the local mosquito population. The Metrowest Daily News agrees. While numbers won’t be massive, both sources say it will be an “above-average” mosquito year. I remember the days when the whole Read the full article → from ‘Tis the season for … mosquitos
Southborough selectmen coming to your living room
The days of watching the Southborough selectmen in action from the comfort of your couch are drawing closer. Last week selectmen said they will broadcast their meetings on the town’s public access channels starting with the meeting on July 28. But before the meetings are broadcast to your living room, they want to make sure Read the full article → from Southborough selectmen coming to your living room
Southborough could see $100K shortfall in local aid
A new state budget is on the desk of Governor Deval Patrick, and if he decides to sign it, it will mean a $100K reduction in local aid for Southborough in fiscal year 2010 which starts in July. Town Finance Director Brian Ballantine said Southborough expected to receive about $3.1M in local aid in the Read the full article → from Southborough could see $100K shortfall in local aid