An update on who is and isn’t running for Town offices. Read the full article → from Election Update
Election Update
Potential race for Select Board, a potentially vacant seat that needs a candidate, and more.
Government
Finn & Neary Principal Finalist visits and Neary Roof Info sessions (Updated – Again)
Next week, the Southborough schools will be holding multiple events of special interest to parents of children who attend Southborough elementary schools, or will attend in future years. Read the full article → from Finn & Neary Principal Finalist visits and Neary Roof Info sessions (Updated – Again)
AG’s office “partially” approves Town’s ADU Bylaw
The decision strikes the bylaw's ban on "mobile homes" based on how those are defined under Southborough bylaws.
The Attorney General’s office issued its finding on the Town’s bylaws allowing, but limiting, the by-right use of Accessory Dwelling Units. The version overwhelmingly passed by Town Meeting voters last fall is only “partially” approved as complying with state laws. Read the full article → from AG’s office “partially” approves Town’s ADU Bylaw
Letter: Al Hamilton on decision to not seek re-election
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 Al Hamilton, a member of the Select Board. Read the full article → from Letter: Al Hamilton on decision to not seek re-election
The week in government (Updated)
Conservation Commission Hearings 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)
AG greenlights zoning bylaw passed for Costco
Today, the state Attorney General’s office issued an opinion approving the zoning Article passed by the October Special Town Meeting. Under the new bylaw, Costco will be able to apply for a permit to build and open a new store in Southborough. Read the full article → from AG greenlights zoning bylaw passed for Costco
Proposed zoning changes for 55+ (or not) Housing
Questions raised about doubled density allowances and lack of cap on special permitted projects
Today, I’m spotlighting another one of the the proposed zoning bylaw revisions headed to Annual Town Meeting in April — the “55+ Housing Bylaw Update. Read the full article → from Proposed zoning changes for 55+ (or not) Housing
Planning working on zoning changes to Industrial Park uses and several other Articles for Annual Town Meeting (Updated)
Hearings on changes to encourage economic development are in addition to ones correcting errors in bylaws, expanding allowed 55+ Housing & Accessory dwellings, and allowing Tricentennial signs/banners
This winter, the Planning Board is holding hearings on multiple, wide-ranging revisions to Southborough’s zoning bylaws. Today, I’m covering a quick look at the full list and a deeper dive on one of them. Read the full article → from Planning working on zoning changes to Industrial Park uses and several other Articles for Annual Town Meeting (Updated)
Town Election season opens Friday (Updated – Again)
If you’re interested in running for a Southborough Town Office, the window opens tomorrow. Read the full article → from Town Election season opens Friday (Updated – Again)
Plans for new live-in special ed & vocational training center
A Southborough developer is launching a new nonprofit facility inside one of his existing buildings on Rte 9
This winter, the Planning Board is holding hearings on a new facility in Southborough focused on specialized education “providing life-skills instruction, vocational training, and residential accommodations for individuals with disabilities”.
No, it’s not an expansion of New England Center for Children. Read the full article → from Plans for new live-in special ed & vocational training center
Town Meeting Details & Registration Reminder (Updated – Again)
Register as a Southborough voter by Feb 20th to vote in March 2nd Special Town Meeting. Plus, more details and my primer on Town Meetings.
All Southborough voters are invited to vote at the March 2nd Special Town Meeting.
The Town Clerk asked me to remind readers — you need to register to vote in Southborough in advance to participate. I’m sharing those details, along with a primer for voters unfamiliar with how our Town Meetings work. Read the full article → from Town Meeting Details & Registration Reminder (Updated – Again)
The week in government
Planning Board hearings on zoning changes, School Committee on 2026-2027 School Calendar & revised FY27 Budget, ZBA hearing on 250 Turnpike Rd 40B, 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
Special Town Meeting Update: Progress on Warrant for Neary Roof & School Building Studies
The Select Board resolved its biggest dispute and officials are mostly unified on what to ask voters on March 2nd. The board may reconsider some of the Warrant language they approved on Tuesday night.
Town officials made a breakthrough this week related to the upcoming March 2nd Special Town Meeting (STM). After a lot of debate about “Article 1”, the thorniest issue among Select Board members was resolved on Tuesday night.
But they might not be as close to the final draft as those who watched this week’s Select Board Meeting would think. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting Update: Progress on Warrant for Neary Roof & School Building Studies
Winter Sow Seed Pickup & Sowing Workshop – Feb 14 (Updated)
The Open Space Preservation Commission is kicking off the next stage of its annual Winter Sow Program. The timing of the first seed pickup event and sowing workshop seems fitting for nature lovers. Read the full article → from Winter Sow Seed Pickup & Sowing Workshop – Feb 14 (Updated)