A blog for locals, by a local

Park beauty (and maintenance) is in the eye of the beholder

Resident complaints and DPW defense on the upkeep of Cordaville Park

by Beth Melo on

Above: A look at the upkeep of Cordaville Park and a resident’s desire for the Town to reinvest in it. (images cropped from top DPW video, bottom photos by John Kendall)

Over a year ago, I shared reader John Kendall’s photos and critiques of the southside’s Cordaville Park. (I also included related “perspectives” and questions about Town governance, plus my own photos.) 

Early this month, Kendall followed up to provide his update on the situation (with photos). That includes his ongoing concerns and his desire for the Town to reinvest more in park maintenance. I followed up with the head of the Dept. of Public Works to get their side of the story. Read the full article →

Sign kids up for hands-on learning about plants

A "plantmobile" will visit the library next week for an educational program for PreK-Grade 5

by Beth Melo on

Next week, the Mass Horticultural Society will visit the Southborough Library. They’ll be bringing along their “Plantmobile”.

The society will be running a free educational program for kids entering PreK through 5th grade. Read the full article → from Sign kids up for hands-on learning about plants

State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances

According to Town Counsel, the voter-passed ban no longer applies to residential projects. The change is meant to remove roadblocks to increasing the supply of housing across the state.

by Beth Melo on

Ten years ago, a well-attended Town Meeting voted to eliminate “Use Variances”. The vote was prompted by anger over a controversial housing project. Changes in state law passed this month now reinstate use variances for residential uses.

(Coincidentally, the timing of the change is during the month that a legal case stemming from the same 2015-2016 controversy is headed to trial.) Read the full article → from State guts Town’s ban on Use Variances

Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA

ZBA allowed variances from zoned setbacks and height restrictions

by Beth Melo on

On Wednesday night, the Zoning Board of Appeals granted Costco’s request for variances to restricted property setbacks for retaining walls and height restrictions on light poles. The developer is now able to incorporate those into the plans it will “very shortly” submit to the Planning Board when it next seeks Major Site Plan Approval. Read the full article → from Costco gets zoning relief from ZBA

Final Summer Block Party on Thursday

A repeat Green Monster visit is one of the highlights planned for the family-fun party with music and games

by Beth Melo on

If you missed the free fun Southborough Recreation put on last week, make sure your calendar’s marked for next week’s Block Party! (Plus, don’t forget about tonight’s outdoor concert.) Read the full article → from Final Summer Block Party on Thursday

CA: “Should local nonprofits do more for municipal budgets?”

The Community Advocate looks at the status of PILOT payments by Southborough private schools and the continuing push and resistance on increasing contributions.

by Beth Melo on

An article in the Community Advocate yesterday focused on how much (or little) Southborough private schools contribute towards the Town’s budget. Read the full article → from CA: “Should local nonprofits do more for municipal budgets?”

A look at Southborough’s Handwritten Declaration of Independence (Updated)

by Beth Melo on

I’m correcting and updating on a recent post about the Town’s Declaration of Independence. I learned that at some point, the Town located the handwritten copy from 1776. The historic document is also part of the Town’s historical records that have been digitized and uploaded for the public to access.

I’m also sharing some more interesting history from the period that was captured in the records. Read the full article → from A look at Southborough’s Handwritten Declaration of Independence (Updated)

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