The Southborough Cultural Arts Council (SCAC) is seeking volunteers to help them prepare for the next round of grants to support arts and culture in/for our community.
While I’m sharing their news, I’m also updating on the other vacancies on Town committees that need to be filled. Read the full article → from SCAC’s call for new members. Plus other committees with vacancies
It appears that I misunderstood (and therefore misreported) the ZBA’s decision on approved permit uses for the lot at the corner of Main and Newton. Read the full article → from Clarification on ZBA’s 2018 decision on 2 E Main St
According to SWL, the ZBA member resigned last night after selectmen refused to reimburse him for legal costs related to his fight to stay on the board in 2016. Read the full article → from SWL: Bartolini resigns after Selectmen refuse reimbursement of legal fees
In 2016, a group of residents sought to have Leo Bartolini removed from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Some also supported a filing with the State Ethics Commission accusing the official of wrongdoing. Now, the still-standing ZBA member is asking for the Town to reimburse him for over $12K in related legal fees. Read the full article → from ZBA’s Bartolini seeking reimbursement of Legal defense fees; BOS discuss/vote on Tues (Updated)
This week, the Zoning Board of Appeals ruled on appeals by the Park Central developer. The board rejected the developer’s claim that the project was “constructively approved”. But they also ruled against the Planning Board by reversing its decision. Read the full article → from ZBA on Park Central appeal: Approval denied, Planning ruling reversed, Site Plan Review goes back to Planning
Board of Selectmen members ruled that Leo Bartolini will keep his seat on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The vote was contingent on Bartolini recusing himself from any Park Central proceedings until conflict of interest issues are resolved. Read the full article → from Selectmen rule: Bartolini to remain on ZBA if recused from Park Central (until conflicts resolved)
In February, an attorney representing a group of Southborough residents filed a supplement to his previous complaint to the state’s Ethics Commission. The letter added to information from a December complaint filed against Zoning Board of Appeals member Leo Bartolini. Read the full article → from Complaint against Bartolini expanded on; ZBA member refutes allegations
Selectmen are scheduled to make a sure-to-be-controversial vote in 10 days. The decision on ousting a polarizing town official has been on hold since mid-December. Read the full article → from Selectmen to make decision on Bartolini removal hearing – April 3
Last night, the Board of Selectmen discussed their decision to potentially remove Leo Bartolini from the Zoning Board of Appeals. But the only vote they made was to indefinitely put off the decision. Read the full article → from Selectmen vote to postpone ZBA removal decision
Yesterday, the Town of Southborough received official notice on a complaint filed with the State Ethics Commission against a Zoning Board of Appeals member. Read the full article → from Complaint against Bartolini filed with Ethics board; Selectmen to discuss decision about removal from ZBA on Monday
Last night, the Board of Selectmen held a hearing to consider removal of Leo Bartolini from the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board will now take time to review the “evidence” submitted and testimony given by both sides. Read the full article → from Hearing on ZBA Removal: Selectmen reviewing and considering evidence
The hearing is rescheduled for Wednesday, December 14. The related hearing at the Planning Board is also postponed.
In the meantime – Some opponents are questioning the ethics of the project proponent’s offer to help fund Town organizations through the billboard. The proponent reached out to me to defend his integrity. And the attorney for one opponent is questioning whether the application even fits the definition of Use Variance. Read the full article → from Digital Billboard Use Variance: Controversy over offered funding; Opposition speaking out; ZBA Hearing postponed to Dec 14
Selectmen have officially scheduled a hearing to potentially remove Leo Bartolini from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Read the full article → from Hearing to rule on removal of ZBA member scheduled for December 6
Last week, the Board of Selectmen allowed petitioners to make their case against Zoning Board of Appeals’ Leo Bartolini. Residents accused the former Chair of disrespectful behavior that has eroded public confidence in the ZBA.
Their arguments held enough weight with selectmen that they agreed to pursue to the next stage in the legal process. Selectmen agreed to submit written charges to Bartolini and schedule a public hearing to decide whether or not to remove him “for cause” from his post. Read the full article → from Selectmen to hold “unprecedented” hearing on removing Bartolini from ZBA