At the same time as it seeks relief from the state, the Planning Board is heading back to the drawing board for mapping an MBTA zoning overlay area within a ½ mile of the train station. They will be promoting a new mapping session and looking for impacted residents’ input. Read the full article → from Planning taking new stab at MBTA zoning while asking for some relief
This letter to the editor from the Historical Commission Chair about alleged “disinformation” from proponents of the Downtown Initiative at the November 1st Special Town Meeting. Read the full article → from Letter: Open letter to residents on Monday night’s Special Town Meeting
Last night, 3% of Southborough voters determined the fate of zoning for a district encompassing downtown Main Street. The motion that passed 182 to 65 was a bylaw revised by voters on Town Meeting floor. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting: New zoning created for a Downtown District (Updated)
Last night, Southborough voters quickly passed 9 Articles on the Special Town Meeting Warrant. They then spent hours discussing, debating, and amending the 10th before finally passing a version of the Downtown District zoning bylaw. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting: All Articles passed (though two with amendments)
On Monday night, Southborough will hold a Special Town Meeting. Here are the details. Read the full article → from Monday’s Town Meeting-at-a-glance: “No Mask, No Entry”; What’s on the Warrant
Following up with selectmen’s official documents on the Amended Article and zoning changes. Plus, I’m following up on questions/claims about Wastewater Treatment costs. Read the full article → from Downtown District: Official docs on what voters will approve; Answers to some public questions
I’m trying to make it easier for readers to understand what would and wouldn’t change under zoning Article 10 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Read the full article → from Downtown District Zoning: A look at the specifics
Last night, selectmen voted to approve bringing a revised version of the Downtown District zoning bylaw to Town Meeting voters in less than two weeks. It accepts compromises reached between the Planning Board and the Economic Development Committee. Read the full article → from Downtown District zoning: Compromise reached on the allowed mix in mixed-use
This week, the Economic Development Committee failed to convince the Board of Selectmen to walk back changes to the proposed Downtown District zoning bylaw. Later, an Advisory Committee member predicted that an aspect EDC, BOS and Planning haven’t been discussing will sink the Special Town Meeting Article. Read the full article → from BOS stood by its vote on Downtown zoning; Advisory warns voters wary of multi-family housing
After months of meetings, forums, and hearings, the Planning Board, Board of Selectmen, and vocal downtown residents and abutters came to apparent consensus on a proposed Downtown District Bylaw to present to Town Meeting voters. Unfortunately, that version is one that doesn’t pass muster with the group that initially spearheaded the initiative. Read the full article → from Downtown District zoning: Planning’s changes please opponents but frustrate proponents; Article may be pulled
This week, the Planning Board reopened hearings on proposed changes to the Downtown District Bylaw. Read the full article → from Downtown zoning: Suggestions, map issues, economic questions, transparency, and status
Last night the Board of Selectmen voted to delay the Special Town Meeting that had been scheduled for October 4th. The date is now tentatively reset to November 1st. Read the full article → from Special Town Meeting: Date pushed; Downtown District zoning hearings to reopen (with same map)
A report from the EDC this spring includes some interesting data on Southborough land, businesses, and residents. It also included a now outdated update on some initiatives. So, I’m updating on those. Read the full article → from EDC: “Facts and Figures”and an update on Rte 9 Business Corridor District and other initiatives
This week, selectmen agreed to push off again the Article to revamp zoning for the Downtown District. Rather than tackling it at the Annual Town Meeting, the Board plans to schedule a Special Town Meeting in the fall. Read the full article → from Downtown Zoning Article tabled to Fall Meeting