The Town asked me to alert readers to not fall prey to scammers who target applicants for municipal permits. The warning is based on a scam in which emailers notify that permits are approved and provide fraudulent payment links to proceed. Read the full article → from Town issues warning about municipal permits email scam
Government
The week in government
Planning Board, ZBA Hearing on Costco variances, and more

Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Town gifted handprinted replica of Declaration of Independence (Updated)
In honor of the 250th, I'm also sharing some history on Southborough's original documents and the town's early support of the cause of Independence.

I’m sharing some news, and related history, that I wish I’d had in time to share last week. But for those still in the mood to celebrate the semiquincentennial . . Read the full article → from Town gifted handprinted replica of Declaration of Independence (Updated)
Select Board puts off dealing with Stewardship Committee problem it created (Updated)
The board reneged on its promise to address this week the ability for Freddie Gillespie to continue her work at Breakneck Hill
On Tuesday night, the Stewardship Committee’s chair publicly expressed their frustration that the Select Board reneged on a promise to readdress this week an issue it created three weeks ago.
Apparently, the board plans to now wait until their August 11th meeting to discuss whether to adjust Stewardships charge to allow a longtime member to continue her service. Read the full article → from Select Board puts off dealing with Stewardship Committee problem it created (Updated)
Transfer Station fees going up and rules re-examined (Updated)
Coming changes to rules and regs for the Transfer Station may include significant restrictions for the Swap Shop.

Last night, the Select Board unanimously voted to increase the permit fees for the Transfer Station Stickers for the coming season, which starts on September 15th. The biggest percentage increase was to the still-steeply-discounted stickers for residents ages 65+. Read the full article → from Transfer Station fees going up and rules re-examined (Updated)
SYFS relocating to historic Flagg School building
Southborough Youth & Family Services is again moving from one historic building to another.

Southborough Youth & Family Services (SYFS) is moving from one historic, former school building in town, to another even older historic school building. The move is part of a shuffling use for the Town’s historic buildings. Read the full article → from SYFS relocating to historic Flagg School building
The week in government (Updated)
BOH Hearing on changing regs for Wells and Septic; Select Board Hearing on Transfer Station rules & fees; and more

Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government (Updated)
Costco Update: ZBA Hearing opens this month
The wholesaler is asking the ZBA to approve site variances before heading to the Planning Board

A high-interest retail project is taking important steps and looking for key approvals this summer. That includes decisions by both Town and state officials. Read the full article → from Costco Update: ZBA Hearing opens this month
BOH warns about avoiding West Nile Virus Risks
Testing found positive sample in Southborough mosquitos, but the town (and whole state) are still considered "low risk". Spraying was conducted by truck in section of town on July 1st.

On Monday, the Board of Health announced that a sample of mosquitos from Southborough were tested positive for West Nile Virus. (The mosquitos were apparently collected last Friday, June 26th.)
Our town was the fifth Massachusetts towns to have positive findings this summer. But the entire commonwealth is still designated by health officials as “low risk” for contracting the arbovirus. (At this point, there have been no human, or even animal, cases reported in the state.) Read the full article → from BOH warns about avoiding West Nile Virus Risks
Letter: Commercial Development and Residential Tax Relief: Are They the Same Thing?
[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from Carl Guyer.] Read the full article → from Letter: Commercial Development and Residential Tax Relief: Are They the Same Thing?
Select Board approves police drone purchase (Updated)
The board expedited the $105K purchase rather than bringing to voters this fall. The Town also recently accepted a gifted "undercover" vehicle.

In a 3-2 vote on Monday, the Select Board approved spending $105K to provide the Southborough Police Department with a drone (and bundled technology and support) for 5 years.
The majority of the board prioritized getting the tech into the SPD’s hands quicker. The dissenters had prioritized potential savings ($30K or greater) and following the board’s preferred financial process that allows Town Meeting to weigh in on how taxes should be spent. Read the full article → from Select Board approves police drone purchase (Updated)
The week in government
Select Board on Police Dept funding request for drone, and more

Here is a selection of the committee and board meetings for the week along with my selected highlights from the agendas. Read the full article → from The week in government
Town Meeting Save-the-Dates
Last week, the Select Board voted on dates for the fall Special and spring Annual Town Meetings. Both will take place on Saturdays.
While voters should mark their calendars, they should also stay tuned. It’s very possible that an extra Special Town Meeting (date TBD) will be organized to vote on a Neary School building project. Read the full article → from Town Meeting Save-the-Dates
Update on major road plan & Pine Hill Road reconstruction
Pine Hill Rd prep work already in process, with major work beginning June 29th

This spring, when the DPW asked voters to approve borrowing $22.26M for road maintenance projects over the next five years, the pitched plan included the major rehab of four roads this year. One of them was Pine Hill Road.
Last Thursday, the Town issued a public notice and update on the Pine Hill Rd project. Read the full article → from Update on major road plan & Pine Hill Road reconstruction