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Government

August 12th Hearing on appeal for Southborough History & Arts Center’s Occupancy Permit

The ZBA will hear Southborough Historical Society's appeal of the Building Commissioner's (and Planning Board's) decisions to not extend the temporary permit this spring, or grant a permanent one.

by Beth Melo on

Next week, the Zoning Board of Appeals will open a hearing on an appeal filed by the the Southborough Historical Society (SHS). The society is seeking an Occupancy Permit for its Southborough History & Arts Center (SHAC) in the restored and renovated Fayville Hall. Read the full article → from August 12th Hearing on appeal for Southborough History & Arts Center’s Occupancy Permit

Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning — Next Wednesday

The ZBA is seeking to amend the bylaws for seeking special permits for two-family homes. The public can learn more (and weigh in) on August 12th.

by Beth Melo on

The Zoning Board of Appeals is hoping that interested members of the public will join them for a forum a week from tonight. The focus is a zoning revision that members hope to get approved at the Special Town Meeting in October. Read the full article → from Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning — Next Wednesday

State Primary primer

by Beth Melo on

In less than a month, voters will choose who they want to run for state offices on the November general election ballot.

I’m sharing info on important deadlines, who is on the ballots in our town, plus potential issues that some Southborough voters who selected Vote by Mail may need to straighten out. (Especially college students and residents with multiple/seasonal homes.) Read the full article → from State Primary primer

Officials to discuss potential Prop 2½ Override strategy – August 11 (Updated)

A joint meeting of the Select Board and Advisory will focus on strategies for getting voter approval to raise "levy capacity" by the millions needed

by Beth Melo on

As they head into the new budget season, the Select Board and Advisory Committee are starting to discuss what strategy to take for dealing with the “levy capacity” issue and getting approvals needed from voters. Read the full article → from Officials to discuss potential Prop 2½ Override strategy – August 11 (Updated)

Neary Building Update: Delayed roof replacement and project timeline

The roof project expected to overlap the start of school without "significant disruption". And other building fixes/renovations won't be voted on at a Special Town Meeting in 2026.

by Beth Melo on

Since I last posted about Neary School’s roof replacement and the plan for addressing other issues with the elementary school building, both timelines have been delayed.

I’m updating readers on the latest plans. Read the full article → from Neary Building Update: Delayed roof replacement and project timeline

Southborough Turns 300 Years Old in 2027! (Updated)

The Tricentennial Committee presents: A Year of Celebration

by guest on

[This is the first of a new series of guest posts contributed by the Tricentennial Committee to get the community excited about, and keep them informed of, the preparations for celebrating the Town’s 300th anniversary throughout 2027.]

Southborough was incorporated on July 17, 1727, and that means next year our town will be 300 years old! To celebrate, we’re putting together a year-long birthday party as a tribute to our rich history, vibrant present, and promising future! Read the full article → from Southborough Turns 300 Years Old in 2027! (Updated)

Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning

The ZBA is seeking to amend the bylaws for seeking special permits for two-family homes

by Beth Melo on

The Zoning Board of Appeals hopes to bring a zoning revision to Special Town Meeting in October. But before public hearings are opened, they are inviting the community to learn more and provide feedback on their draft proposal at a public forum on August 12th. Read the full article → from Public Forum on proposed changes for multi-family zoning

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

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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