News Archives - Page 113 of 922

Police launching Body Cams

Monday will be the first day of a test period for officers wearing a/v recording devices. Here are the details on the launch and policies about when and how officers will use them.

by Beth Melo on March 31, 2023

The Southborough Police Department’s Body Worn Cameras (BWCs) are in, staff trained, and officers will begin donning the devices on Monday. For the first 30 days, the program will be in a test period to allow the department to work through any glitches.

For some members of the public, this may be welcome news. But since some readers might be concerned about privacy issues and rights, I’m sharing the SPD’s official policy on how cameras and footage will be used. Read the full article → from Police launching Body Cams

Obituary: Robert William Donaldson, 68

by Beth Melo on March 31, 2023

Robert William Donaldson, 68, of Southborough, Massachusetts and Wantagh, New York, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Marlborough Hospital in Marlborough. Read the full article → from Obituary: Robert William Donaldson, 68

New Building Commissioner hired

by Beth Melo on March 31, 2023

This morning, the Select Board voted to approve hiring a Building Commissioner to fill the position vacant since March 3rd. Casey Burlingame is expected to start work on April 24th. Read the full article → from New Building Commissioner hired

Volunteer opportunities on Town Committee

Several Town committees/boards have vacant seats.

by Beth Melo on March 30, 2023

Two discussions at Annual Town Meeting raised awareness of Town Committees that have vacancies (the Advisory Committee and the Southborough Public Accessibility Committee). So, I took a look at the current status and discovered over two dozen other vacancies. Read the full article → from Volunteer opportunities on Town Committee

Town Meeting’s vote to lower the voting age is just the first step (Updated)

A Citizen's Petition was supported by Town Meeting, but efforts by other towns haven't made it through the state legislature. Here's my recap of the TM discussion and the road ahead.

by Beth Melo on March 30, 2023

I’m writing up some highlights from the Annual Town Meeting discussion and potential implications of the Citizen’s Petition to lower the voting age in Town elections to 17 years old. I also followed up our Town’s representatives in the state legislature about their positions. Read the full article → from Town Meeting’s vote to lower the voting age is just the first step (Updated)

2023 Marathon: Fighting Cancer with Dana Farber

by Beth Melo on March 29, 2023

Between now and Patriots Day, I’m featuring stories of residents donning Boston Marathon bibs for a cause.

In this story, Nancy Gould, Susan Mahoney, and Dan Frank are all running to support the Dana Farber’s cancer research. Read the full article → from 2023 Marathon: Fighting Cancer with Dana Farber

ATM Voters disfavor Regionalization of Public Safety Dispatch

by Beth Melo on March 28, 2023

On Saturday, voters who stuck around long enough to hear the last few Citizen Petition Articles informed Select Board members that they weren’t happy with plans for regionalizing emergency communications. Read the full article → from ATM Voters disfavor Regionalization of Public Safety Dispatch

ARHS Swatting Hoax

by Beth Melo on March 28, 2023

Today, Algonquin Regional High School was among those that were targeted by a “swatting hoax”. A message from the Superintendent assures that students are safe. Read the full article → from ARHS Swatting Hoax

Candidate’s Letter: Johanna Sheyner for School Committee

by guest on March 28, 2023

[This spring, Southborough voters will be able to choose among three candidates for two seats on the Southborough School Committee. To help you make that decision, each candidate is invited to submit one letter to readers promoting their campaign.] Read the full article → from Candidate’s Letter: Johanna Sheyner for School Committee

Other Town Meeting Highlights

by Beth Melo on March 27, 2023

I’m recapping highlights from the Town sponsored articles during the lesser attended evening session of Annual Town Meeting. (Stay tuned for coverage of the Citizen Petition Articles.) Read the full article → from Other Town Meeting Highlights

The week in sports

by Beth Melo on March 27, 2023

Highlights from last week’s competitions and what’s on tap this week in high school sports. Read the full article → from The week in sports

Packed hall overwhelmingly approves GonkPlex project

by Beth Melo on March 27, 2023

On Saturday, proponents of athletic facilities improvements at Algonquin got over the first of the two big hurdles for funding the close to $8M project. Southborough Town Meeting voters approved authorizing the school to incur the necessary debt. Read the full article → from Packed hall overwhelmingly approves GonkPlex project

ATM debates and approves completing St. Mark’s Street and Park

by Beth Melo on March 27, 2023

Highlights and local coverage of the discussions about the St. Mark’s Street Read the full article → from ATM debates and approves completing St. Mark’s Street and Park

The week in government

Conservation Hearings and more

by Beth Melo on March 27, 2023

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

Carl Guyer on Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone: “Correction : It is a tax policy used for 78% of the commercial and industrial property in the state, not…” Sep 17, 16:38

Beth Melo on Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone: “I’m wondering what you meant by “a board that exists for our town officials to enforce policy collectively.” However some…” Sep 17, 15:47

Jon Green on Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone: “I attended the PB meeting and I’m glad we now have an elected board that is taking control of the…” Sep 17, 14:47

Carl Guyer on Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone: “Southborough’s financial situation is now being described as “desperate.” Yet our residential tax rate is already higher than that paid…” Sep 17, 09:35

Beth Melo on Fall Town Meeting: Developer’s Article proposes new use for entire Industrial Park zone: “You forgot that in addition to site plan review, there is a Special Permit required. My understanding is that means…” Sep 17, 09:07