Boxborough

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Current Edition - 6/09/23
Previous Edition 6/02/23
Previous Edition - 04/07/22

HEADLINES

0623 non profit 2x2
Click HERE to vote for June's featured!

Congratulations to May's winner, Maynard Education Foundation
6478b14234ed6 foundation logo flipcause

NVTHS Craft Fair Seeks Vendors

WESTFORD: The Nashoba Valley Technical High School Foundation's 11th Annual Craft Fair will be held November 18 from 10am-3pm (set up 8am-9:30am) at NVTHS, 100 Littleton Road (Rt. 110). Register now for this well-attended event - only 100 spots available! Vendor fees are $75, which includes an 8' spot and 2 chairs. Bring your own table or display. Click HERE for more information and to complete the online registration/payment. Any questions, email NVTHSFoundation@nashobatech.net.
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Take the ABCC Community Survey

BOXBOROUGH: The Acton Boxborough Cultural Council is asking citizens to respond to a community survey to help the council set grant funding priorities for cultural programming in the two towns. The survey information will help the council determine which projects will receive money during the fall grant application season. The Massachusetts Cultural Council requires the survey which is due on August 20, 2023. Answer the questions in the survey HERE.  For more information about the Council, click HERE.
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Boxborough Celebrates Memorial Day with Annual Parade

BOXBOROUGH: On May 29, Boxborough celebrated Memorial Day with its annual parade. The parade started at Wetherbee Lane and ended at South Cemetery, stopping for ceremonies along the way at North Cemetery and Town Hall. People were sitting outside in front of their homes and gathered at major intersections as well as at the three stops. 

The marchers included active military and veterans, the Boxborough Minutemen Company, the town Select Board, Senator Jamie Eldridge, Representative Dan Sena, the Blanchard and Acton-Boxborough Junior High Marching Bands, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies, Daisies, and the Police and Fire Departments.

At North Cemetery, Larry Wellington from UCC Boxborough spoke and explained how the date for Memorial Day was chosen. It was not the date of the end of any war, but rather a neutral date, so all soldiers would be honored equally. The Blanchard Band played the National Anthem, the Minutemen did a musket salute, and taps were played by Maddy Sojblom and John Qi from the AB Junior High Band. Representative Dan Sena also spoke, and Rick Barrett read out the names of veterans buried there.

At Town Hall, Senator Eldridge spoke about the importance of ensuring that our military families have the services they need. Wreaths were laid at the monuments, and the AB Junior High Band played the National Anthem.

At South Cemetery, the Blanchard Band again played the National Anthem. Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg spoke about how this is a holiday for showing gratitude to our fallen heroes and thanking those who served for our freedoms. Select Board member Wes Fowlks also spoke about how we should never take freedom for granted. Rick Barrett again read the names of veterans buried there, the Minutemen did their musket salute, and taps were played by Eric Huang and Tarik Dole of the Blanchard Band.

The parade was organized by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, which has all new members this year. Chair Jennette Kollmann said, “I grew up in a military family; my dad was in the service for 32 years, so Memorial Day and Veterans Day all really mean a lot to my family… these parades and observances mean a lot to me and stepping up to join the PCCC was an honor, and I'm glad to be asked to be chair and to help with my Boxborough community.”
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Boxborough Conservation Trust To Celebrate 25 Years with June 10th Concert

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Conservation Trust will hold a 25th Anniversary Celebration on the lawn at Sargent Memorial Library on June 10 (rain date June 11) from 2-5pm. The celebration will include a performance by singer-songwriter Oen Kennedy, and True West beer will be available for purchase. After the concert, BCTrust board members will lead a nature-based scavenger hunt with prizes that you can plant in your yard. There will be guided trail walks, plenty of kids’ activities, and an ice cream truck. BYO picnicking is encouraged. The event is free and open to all. 

There will also be a series of exhibits inside the library. The community room will showcase nature-based art and science displays, a timeline of BCTrust’s accomplishments, a display by David Barnett about native plants, and a Thankfulness Tree where visitors can add messages of thanks for the BCTrust and the land they protect in town. The exhibits will remain at the library throughout the month of June. 

“We are excited to celebrate 25 years of land conservation with the entire community,” says BCTrust board member and community outreach coordinator Rebecca Harris. “And a huge thanks to Peishan Bartley and the library staff for opening their doors and grounds to us!” 

The Boxborough Conservation Trust was founded in 1997 to “preserve and protect Boxborough’s rural character and natural resources.”
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Volunteer Work Morning At Steele Farm

BOXBOROUGH: On June 3 from 9am-12pm, the Steele Farm Advisory Committee is sponsoring a volunteer work morning at Steele Farm. The major task will be to care for the 50 new Christmas tree saplings that were just planted and to remove the stumps of previously cut Christmas trees. Other tasks will include clearing the many trails on Steele Farm and cutting down bittersweet and other invasives. 

Please wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and bring gloves. Tools like loppers, hand saws, and hedge clippers will be provided. As an added attraction, volunteers will be able to see several pairs of Bob-O-Link birds that are nesting in the Steele Farm hay field. 

Come one, come all! No experience needed!
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Boxborough Minutemen Prepare for Fifer’s Day 2023

BOXBOROUGH: It’s June, and that means Fifer’s Day is just around the corner. Fifer’s Day 2023 will take place on June 17, at Flerra Meadows on Stow Road. The festivities start at 9:30am with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race, followed by a parade from the Blanchard School to Flerra Meadows at 11am and the presentation of the Golden Fife Award. 

Hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, soft drinks, beer and wine will be available for purchase starting at noon, and a volleyball tournament will start at 1pm. Throughout the afternoon, there will be live music by The Rocky Woods Express and Final Mile, plenty of activities for kids, and more than 50 different booths and exhibits. The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. 

The Fifer’s Day tradition goes back to 1967, when the newly-formed Boxborough Minutemen Company celebrated the first “Fifer’s Festival” to commemorate local contributions to the American Revolution. While the town of Boxborough did not exist during the American Revolution, namesake fifer Luther Blanchard lived in the portion of Littleton that later became Boxborough. Fifer’s Day has grown considerably since the 1960s, but it remains true to its roots: a parade, a cookout, activities for the kids… a quintessential small-town party.

Boxborough News spoke with Minuteman Captain Tony Newton about how the Minutemen prepare for Fifer’s Day. 

When do the Minutemen start planning? 
Newton: Planning starts in earnest in February with a kick -off planning meeting. The Fifer’s Day leader (also Boxborough Minuteman Lieutenant) organizes the meetings, assigns/gets volunteer leads for each of the major functions. The lead for 2023 is Lt. Bob Lucas.

How many volunteers are involved? 
Newton: Most of the [Minutemen] Company are involved in some way so at any time there are often 25-30 involved. Many more are engaged in the days ahead of and on the day of Fifer’s Day.

What’s the biggest planning task?
Newton: Major tasks are the kid activities, organizing booths, coordination with town and getting permits, beverage and food, finance, booking music, operations (rentals), promotion, designing the program, getting sponsorships, organizing the t-shirts, organizing the road race, organizing the volleyball tournament. Each has [its] own complexities and timeline. Each of these has a lead or sub-team working on [it].

What is the most fun part of planning?
Newton: Interacting with the local community, including other organizations, sponsors, advertisers, town committees, and many volunteers from outside the Minutemen Company. Fifer’s Day is a great way to meet and work with many different people and really enjoy being part of a small town.

Are you planning anything new this year? 
Newton: Not really new but lots of kid activities at the booths this year. Face painting, balloon animals, a treasure hunt, and others in planning.

And finally, you know we have to ask it… what color are the t-shirts?
Newton: I couldn’t possibly tell you. That is a closely guarded secret until Fifer’s Day!
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Future Softball Field in Boxborough

BOXBOROUGH: A year ago, Ruth Landry donated about 7.5 acres of land to Boxborough for recreational use, as stipulated at the May 2022 annual town meeting (Article 26).

The land at 144 Summer Road is across from Landry’s house. At the May 2023 annual town meeting, the Recreation Commission was given approval to survey the land as a possible site for a new softball field. The passage of Article 19 transferred $13,727 from free cash to do the survey, project design, and permitting for the field.

Recreation Commission Chair Megan Connor and Town Planner Alec Wade are working to move the project ahead. A few years ago, young softball players came to town meeting to plead for a softball field, a recreational facility the town has wanted for a long time.  

Landry received encouragement from Les Fox, Jeanne Kangas, and Connor to create the gift to the town. Landry stipulated that when either she or her horse passed away, the land would go to the town, so when her horse died last year, Landry donated the land to Boxborough.

Town Clerk Becky Harris painted a picture of the horse as a “thank you” gift to Landry. A photograph of the painting appears in the RecCom section of the town’s annual report.
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Building Committee Examines Possible Fire Station Site

BOXBOROUGH: In order to replace the town’s antiquated fire station, Boxborough’s Building Committee considered the suitability of a possible building site at 700 Mass. Ave. (Route 111) during the BBC’s virtual meeting on May 24.

Landowner representative Keith Lyons and the owner’s architect Greg Roy stated that the land should provide space and supporting systems for a new 24,000 square feet fire station. Recent BBC studies conclude that a fire station that size will serve the town’s needs for the next 30 years. 

Roy’s drawings of the building site, near the Route 111 construction entry to the Enclave at Boxborough, showed that the land could accommodate five fire-vehicle bays attached to a two-story space for offices, supplies, and living quarters for fire personnel.

The public is welcome to attend the next BBC virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 21, at 7:30 p.m., when Lyons and Roy will address questions about parking locations, turning radius for fire equipment, the entrance onto Route 111, a traffic study, the cost of a possible need to regrade a portion of Route 111, wastewater systems, wetland setbacks, and a formal document regarding the purchase price for the land. A drawing of how a 24,000 square feet building might fit the property may come at a later date. 

The BBC is also considering building sites at the location of the present fire station and at 70-72 Stow Road, which the Housing Board is also studying for possible low-cost housing or other development options.

The BBC is seeking information about the cost of renovating and enlarging the present police station. If such a plan is feasible and cost-effective, the BBC might propose building a stand-alone fire station, rather than a combined fire and police public safety building.
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Candidates Interviewed for Boxborough Fire Chief

BOXBOROUGH: Work is progressing towards hiring a new Boxborough fire chief to succeed current chief Paul Fillibrown who will retire in June. 

Town Administrator Michael Johns reports that a five-member screening panel representing the town’s public safety departments, administration, human resources, the Personnel Board and the general community, interviewed five fire chief candidates during the week of May 14. Two or three semi-finalists will be vetted via an assessment procedure conducted by Community Paradigm Associates, a Massachusetts non-profit organization that assists municipalities with such processes.

Johns, who referred to all interviewed candidates as “highly qualified and experienced,” said that he and Assistant Town Administrator Rajon Hudson will identify finalists, recommending “up to two individuals” for interviews with the Select Board by the first week of June. “Our plan is to have the new chief start in early July,” Johns said.
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Select Board Discusses Regional Dispatch Services

BOXBOROUGH: At its meeting on May 24, the Select Board unanimously authorized Town Administrator Michael Johns to move forward with regional dispatch service provided by Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch in Devens. Due to dispatch staffing shortages, Nashoba has been handling the 9-1-1 calls for Boxborough for the past 30 days. All calls are dispatched to Boxborough police and fire, so residents will be assisted by local responders. Nashoba currently services Berlin, Bolton, Devens, Harvard, Lancaster and Lunenburg.
 

Representatives from Boxborough Police and Boxborough Fire Departments spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of regional dispatch services. Police Chief John Szewczyk spoke of “minor hiccups,” such as dispatchers’ knowledge of Boxborough properties (e.g. unit numbers, apartment numbers), but said that “the quality of the service was still there from a public safety standpoint.” Fire Chief Paul Fillebrown said, “Dispatch is the most vital part of our job.” He indicated that the 9-1-1 calls were handled very well by Nashoba, but urged the Select Board to slow down and make sure that all parties involved have “buy in.” Executive Director of Nashoba, Anne Camaro attended the meeting and answered questions from the Select Board and also responded to the chiefs’ comments and concerns, stating that joining the regional dispatch service is a long process.

The next steps are for TA Johns to begin working on an intermunicipal agreement to lay out the process for joining Nashoba. There are cost savings associated with joining the regional dispatch, mostly due to a grant from the state. Boxborough missed the deadline for the 2024 fiscal year, but if awarded the grant for fiscal year (FY) 2025, the state will cover 100% of the town’s assessment for FY 2026 and FY 2027. The next two fiscal years (2028 and 2029) are covered at 50% and 25%, respectively.  It is within the town’s budget to cover this year’s (FY 2024) cost of $200,000.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place June 5-9. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Monday, June 5:
  • Planning Board, via Zoom, 7:00 p.m.
  • Virtual Townhall on Eldercare: What to expect and what you need to know, 6-7:30pm.

Hosted by the Upper Middlesex Commission on the Status of Women
Register at tinyurl.com/June5ElderCare

Tuesday, June 6:
  • Finance Committee, Town Hall and Zoom, 7pm. Expected agenda items: Annual Town Meeting recap and year-end budget transfers

Wednesday, June 7:
  • Conservation Commission, Town Hall, 7:30pm.
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Boxborough Democrats to Hold Caucus, Elect Delegates to State Convention

BOXBOROUGH: On June 10 at 10am, Boxborough Democrats will convene in person at the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room, 427 Massachusetts Avenue, to elect 4 delegates and 4 alternates to represent Boxborough at the 2023 State Democratic Convention. Registration opens at 9:30am. Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Boxborough who are 16 years old by May 23, 2023 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention.

The 2023 Convention will be in person at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on September 23. Delegates and alternates from across the state will gather at the convention to adopt a Party Agenda and/or Platform. Those interested in getting involved with the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee should contact Chairperson, Abby Reip at boxborough.dtc@gmail.com or (978) 490-5343. For additional information, visit boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.
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BC Trust To Celebrate 25 Years with June 10th Concert

BOXBOROUGH: The Boxborough Conservation Trust will hold a 25th Anniversary Celebration on the lawn at Sargent Memorial Library on Saturday, June 10 (rain date June 11) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The celebration will include a performance by singer-songwriter Oen Kennedy, and True West beer will be available for purchase. After the concert, BCTrust board members will lead a nature-based scavenger hunt with prizes that you can plant in your yard. There will be guided trail walks, plenty of kids’ activities, and an ice cream truck. BYO picnicking is encouraged. The event is free and open to all.
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Golden Fife and Parade Marshal Nominations Due June 1

BOXBOROUGH: Nomination forms are now available for the 2023 Golden Fife award and Parade Marshal. The Golden Fife is awarded to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town. The Parade Marshal is someone who has done something exceptional for the town, but not necessarily long-term or as a volunteer, and does not have to be a resident. Nominations are unlimited and a detailed reason for nomination is appreciated, as the winner is chosen not by number of nominations but by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. Nomination forms are available at Town Hall and the Sargent Memorial Library and must be returned to the boxes at those locations by June 1.
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Boxborough's Annual Memorial Day Parade - May 29

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough will once again have an annual Memorial Day Parade to honor fallen soldiers. The parade will begin at the corner of Hill Road and Wetherbee Lane on May 29. Participants will march, pausing for reflections at North Cemetery, Town Hall, and South Cemetery. The parade begins at 8:30am. Marchers are asked to meet by 8am. All town veterans are invited to join the parade as Grand Marshals by either marching or riding in a car available for veterans. The Boxborough Minutemen will conduct a musket salute at both cemeteries as the names of fallen soldiers are read. Three Blanchard 6th graders will read their original essays. Both the Blanchard Elementary Band and the R.J. Grey Junior High Band will provide patriotic music throughout the parade and local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will also march.
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Veterans Services District Director Now Holding Boxborough Office Hours

BOXBOROUGH: Acton and Boxborough Veterans Services District Director James R. MacRae has begun to hold office hours in Boxborough. MacRae will be available at United Church of Christ Boxborough at 723 Massachusetts Avenue on Tuesdays from 10am-2pm. As Veterans Services District Director, MacRae provides free services to veterans and their families in Acton and Boxborough, including assistance in obtaining State and Federal benefits. The Veterans Services Newsletter is available at https://tinyurl.com/BoxVets
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Volunteer Work Morning at Steele Farm

BOXBOROUGH: On June 3, from 9am-noon, the Steele Farm Advisory Committee is sponsoring a volunteer work morning at Steele Farm. The major task will be to care for the 50 new Christmas tree saplings that were just planted and to remove the stumps of previously cut Christmas trees. Other tasks will include clearing the many trails on Steele Farm and cutting down bittersweet and other invasives. Please wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and bring gloves. Tools like loppers, hand saws, and hedge clippers will be provided. As an added attraction, volunteers will be able to see several pairs of Bob-O-Link birds that are nesting in the Steele Farm hay field. Come one, come all to join us at the Steele Farm parking lot, 575 Middle Road, at 9am on June 3. No experience needed.
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Q&A with Newly Elected Select Board Members

BOXBOROUGH: On Tuesday, May 16, Boxborough voters elected three new Select Board members: Kristin Hilberg (3-year term), Priya Sundaram (3-year term), and David McKiernan (1-year term). Boxborough News team asked each a few questions about their new role: 

What are you most looking forward to about your new role?
Kristin: Getting to know all of the volunteers on the various boards and commissions and learning about their hopes and dreams for Boxborough, then working together to make them come true.
Priya: Learning about my duties and responsibilities and working collaboratively with all our Town Departments, Boards and Committees.
David: Getting to know, and working with, the amazing Boxborough residents who volunteer their time and efforts on the many committees and boards in the town.

What do you see as our town's biggest challenge right now?
Kristin: Refocusing our energy on the business of running the town.
Priya: Protecting our Water Resources, as many of our valuable aquifers are close to the commercial zoning districts, and being able to ensure clean water supply to all our residents. 
David: Arriving at the best possible solution for the 1414 Mass Ave. development project by Lincoln Properties.

What is one specific goal that you would like to accomplish during your tenure?
Kristin: I’d like to see a formal reevaluation of all properties so that everybody is paying the appropriate and fair amount of property taxes. Many are paying too much, many are paying too little.
Priya: Finalize and bring clean drinking water to residents west of 495 through Inter-Municipal Agreement with Littleton and Littleton Water Department. 
David: Increased communication and satisfaction with the residents and town government. (I’m also hearing that there’s a demand for a local coffee shop.)
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Board of Health Disapproves 1414 Mass. Ave. Subdivision

BOXBOROUGH: Lincoln Property’s application for a subdivision at 1414 Mass. Ave. failed to receive approval from the Boxborough Board of Health at the board’s May 17 public meeting at Sargent Memorial Library.

In response to a Boxborough Planning Board request for BOH review, the three-member BOH decided that the subdivision plan presented health problems because of a proposed well within 400 feet of a hazardous waste site and a proposed road’s proximity to both an existing well and wetlands.

The BOH decision and recommendations now go to the Planning Board for its consideration of the subdivision, which would be located on land near Routes 495 and 111.

Lincoln Property’s engineer, Sandra Brock, explained that it is not unusual for a developer to apply for a subdivision, not necessarily to build the subdivision, but to “freeze” the use of zoning restrictions not yet officially in place. Subdivision approval would allow for a larger development on the site.

Mark Barbadoro, former member of the Planning Board, explained that because the state has not accepted zoning restrictions passed at Boxborough’s 2022 special town meeting, approval of the subdivision would allow Lincoln Property to avoid those zoning restrictions on that site for eight years.
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Boxborough Hires New Treasurer/ Collector

BOXBOROUGH: The Town hired Naomi Quansah as the new Treasurer/Collector, replacing Jarred Aponte who resigned to take a position in the private sector. The Treasure/Collector is responsible for the collection of taxes, the recording, expenditure, and custody of municipal funds, the borrowing and investment of funds, and the payment of all financial obligations including employee payroll and benefits programs, accounts payable, and debt obligations. Prior to joining Boxborough on May 1, Quansah worked as the Assistant Treasurer/Collector for four years in West Brookfield (pop. 3,800) and was responsible for the collection of all real estate, personal property, and excise taxes for the community. As a member of the finance team, she also handled all payroll and accounts payable.
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State Tells Lincoln Property to Revise Environmental Plan 

BOXBOROUGH: On May 17, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs issued a certificate to Lincoln Property Company (LPC) saying that Lincoln Property’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for developing 1414 Mass. Ave. in Boxborough “does not adequately and properly comply with MEPA” (Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act).

The document notifies LPC that the failure to comply “requires the filing of a Supplemental DEIR” because “Agencies have identified significant concerns related to traffic, water supply, wastewater disposal, and rare species that require further information and analysis and appropriate mitigation.”

The property is located near the junction of Routes 111 and 495. MEPA describes the development as consisting of three new buildings for research and light manufacturing, with 35 loading docks, and 1157 new parking spaces.

The 200-page certificate includes 25 pages describing the findings of the Environmental Affairs office and 175 pages of letters from over 90 interested residents of Boxborough and neighboring towns, and from Boxborough committees and regional environmental groups. To see the certificate, go to bit.ly/3Wr6eLa and click on “Environmental Impact Reports.”
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Free Bee Market Shines Through a Cloudy Opening Day

BOXBOROUGH: The rain just barely held off for the crowds that arrived for Free Bee Market’s May 20 opening day on the side lawn at UCC Boxborough. Although it was cloudy overhead, the mood of the volunteers and neighbors was sunny and ready for another market season of free food, plants, crafts, books and clothes.   

Barbara Birt rang the opening bell to get the lines started, at exactly 10:30 a.m. The food lines moved quickly, as families and neighbors took home items ranging from potatoes and daikon radishes to mayonnaise and ramen noodles to donuts and artisan bread. 

The food is gleaned, or collected, from a number of places.  Saturday’s market sources included Nashoba Brook Bakery, Roche Bros, Shaws, and Springdale farms in Littleton. As the growing season extends, Boston Gleaners out of Acton will be a donor, along with a variety of local farm stands. Local folks are encouraged to donate extra food items for the pantry, make baked goods, or donate eggs especially if they have chickens. 

“We have less food early in the season, so today I wanted to focus on plants, especially vegetables to share,” said Heather Fleming, one of the market organizers. Her family filled their green house with seedlings, and had hundreds of plants to give away, with husband Cord Awtry at hand to give growing and cooking advice. 

The Free Bee “thrift shop” held in the Community Center was a first for the market and a huge success. It was led by youth volunteers and adult mentors, who collected and sorted items specifically aimed at toddlers to teens. 

Free Bee pop-ups will continue on future Saturdays from 10:30-12 with produce and bread as the primary giveaways. Those who want to help or have something to share should contact Free Bee through freebeecommunity@gmail.com or check out Boxborough’s Free Bee Market Facebook page.
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Select Board Meeting Recap, May 22

BOXBOROUGH: Three newly elected Select Board members, Kristin Hilberg, Priya Sundaram, and Dave McKiernan, were welcomed by sitting members, Diana Lipari and Wes Fowlks, to their first meeting since their election on May 16.
  The Board got straight to work with the business of announcements, approving minutes from the previous meeting, accepting the resignation of Michele Norris from the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee, and congratulating Steven Patriarca for his promotion to Lieutenant of the Boxborough Police. 

Under new business, the Board voted unanimously to approve the funding for the Boxborough Business Grant Program, which is funded under the town’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A draft copy of the program for the Select Board’s consideration is in the meeting packet, starting on page 7: https://tinyurl.com/BoxBGP. Applications will open July 1. 

As part of an annual reorganization of the Board, elections for the offices of chair and clerk were conducted. For chair, Kristin Hilberg received 3 votes, and Wes Fowlkes received 2 votes. Priya Sundaram received unanimous support as clerk.

Outgoing chair, Diana Lipari, read a statement at the close of the meeting in which she stated she was resigning from the Select Board immediately due to health-related reasons.
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Lincoln Property Subdivision Gets Planning Board Hearing

BOXBOROUGH: On May 22, Boxborough’s Planning Board and over 40 citizens held an online public hearing to discuss Lincoln Property’s application for approval of a subdivision which could allow the developer to avoid zoning bylaws passed in Boxborough’s special town meeting last November.

PB acting Chair, Cindy Markowitz called on Lincoln Property lawyer Jared Eigerman, and Lincoln Property engineer Sandra Brock, to explain that the developer has no intention of building on two of the subdivision lots along Mass. Ave. Approval of the subdivision would, however, allow the developer to build elsewhere on the land at a significantly larger scale than the new zoning bylaws would have permitted.

Engineer Sue Carter reviewed the subdivision application for the PB and brought up questions regarding the use and position of wells and the width of the road into the property. PB members emphasized that the subdivision must meet all zoning requirements, whether the developer builds on the property or not.

The PB will continue the public hearing on June 5 at 7:10pm, and again on June 26. By then, Lincoln Property representatives say they will address the concerns of the PB and the Board of Health. The PB has until July 5 to decide whether to approve, deny, or approve with conditions the subdivision application.
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Select Board Chair Lipari Resigns

BOXBOROUGH: In a message at the close of the May 22 Select Board meeting, outgoing chair Diana Lipari, read a prepared statement in which she discussed the recent election and announced her immediate resignation from the board for health-related reasons. Lipari was elected to the Select Board in 2021, and her term was set to expire in 2024.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the week of May 29-June 2. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website  www.boxborough-ma.gov/ for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 
 
  • Monday, May 29: Town Offices are closed for Memorial Day
  • Thursday, June 1: Community Preservation Committee, 7:30pm.
Democrats

Boxborough Democrats to Hold Caucus, Elect Convention Delegates

BOXBOROUGH: On June 10 at 10am, Boxborough Democrats will convene in person in the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room, 427 Massachusetts Avenue, to elect four delegates and four alternates to represent Boxborough at the 2023 State Democratic Convention. The 2023 Convention will be in-person at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell on September 23. Delegates and alternates from across the state will gather at the convention to adopt a party agenda and/or platform. 

Registration opens at 9:30am. Registered and pre-registered Boxborough Democrats who are 16 years old by May 23, 2023 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/massdems-convention.

Those interested in getting involved with the Boxborough Democratic Town Committee should contact Chairperson Abby Reip at boxborough.dtc@gmail.com or 978-490-5343. For additional information, visit boxboroughdems.org or facebook.com/BoxboroughDTC.
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Boxborough's Annual Memorial Day Parade - May 29

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough will once again have an annual Memorial Day Parade to honor fallen soldiers. The parade will begin at the corner of Hill Road and Wetherbee Lane on May 29. Participants will march, pausing for reflections at North Cemetery, Town Hall, and South Cemetery. The parade begins at 8:30am. Marchers are asked to meet by 8am.

All town veterans are invited to join the parade as Grand Marshals by either marching or riding in a car available for veterans. The Boxborough Minutemen will conduct a musket salute at both cemeteries as the names of fallen soldiers are read. Three Blanchard 6th graders will read their original essays. Both the Blanchard Elementary Band and the R.J. Grey Junior High Band will provide patriotic music throughout the parade and local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts will also march.

Parking for the parade is available across from Town Hall on Middle Road and near South Cemetery on Burroughs and Stow Roads. 

Parade route: Begins at Wetherbee Lane on Hill Road, proceeds on Hill Road to North Cemetery, turns left down Middle Road to Town Hall, proceeds from Town Hall across Rte 111, and continues down Stow Road to South Cemetery.

Where to watch the parade: Ceremonies take place at North Cemetery, Town Hall, and South Cemetery. There is no parking at North Cemetery, so those not in the parade who want to watch North Cemetery ceremonies should park at Town Hall, the church, or on Burroughs Road, east of South Cemetery.

Non-marchers who wish to follow the parade: People are welcome to follow the parade or watch in one place. Those walking must follow the end of the parade; walking along the side of band members and marchers obstructs the view for parade attendees and creates safety concerns.

If you are picking up marchers after the parade, please meet them at South Cemetery at the corner of Stow and Burroughs Roads. After the ceremonies end, marchers will be served lemonade at South Cemetery.
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Rec Commission presents Flerra Playground & Red Sox Game

BOXBOROUGH: There is still plenty of space at Flerra Summer Playground. With fun and creative outdoor activities for boys and girls grades K-7, your kids are sure to have a blast! Activities include dodgeball, tenni-ball, arts and crafts, a talent show, and Water Wednesdays. Sessions begin weekly July 5-28 and run weekdays from 8:30am until noon. To sign up, visit the Recreation Commission link on the town website. Sessions are $125 each ($75 for the short session July 5-7).

The Recreation Commission is sponsoring "Boxborough at Fenway" day on June 27, to see the Red Sox play the Mariners at 7:10pm. The commission has secured 100 tickets at $45 each in Bleacher Section 35 for a chance to experience Fenway with fellow Boxborough residents. Tickets may be ordered online at boxborough-ma.gov/359/Recreation-Commission. Deadline to order is May 23. 
Freepee

Free Bee Market Launches May 20

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough’s Free Bee Market, formed in the wake of the pandemic and Swanson apartment fire, is launching its 2023 year on May 20 from 10:30-noon on the lawn of the UCC Boxborough church at 30 Middle Road. Volunteers and neighbors will join together for another season of fighting food insecurity by promoting home gardening and reducing food waste, all while making and amplifying local connections between people and organizations. For this year, there will be a few full Free Bee markets (May 20, September 9, October 21) as well as weekly food-only Free Bee popups (also 10:30-noon or when food runs out).

Full Free Bee Markets will include meat, fresh bread and produce, fresh eggs, flowers, seedling, give/take craft supplies, books, along with a free bouncy house, and community booths. Food-only Free Bee markets will be popped up each Saturday with gleaned prepared foods, produce, and bread. Items at all markets are free and vary from week to week.

At the May 20 season opener, the newly formed youth team will set up a “clothing swap” display to up-cycle kids’ and teens’ clothes. Donate your own kids’ and teens’ items ahead of time in the boxes found at the library, UCC Church, and schools for the youth team to organize.

Would you like to share info about your group or initiative in a booth, or join the planning team? Email for details FreeBeeCommunity@gmail.com. Register for the mailing list here: https://forms.gle/dPPLhqMCdERzjL6h7. FreeBee only works because the community makes it happen - together.
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“Boxborough Cane” Holder Celebrates 100th Birthday

BOXBOROUGH: Hilda E. Horne, holder of the Boxborough Historical Society’s “Boxborough Cane,” turned 100 years old on April 6, 2023. On May 7, Hilda celebrated her birthday with family, friends, and a special birthday drive-by from the Boxborough Fire and Police Departments.

The Boxborough Cane is traditionally presented to the town’s oldest resident. Hilda is the 10th holder, receiving the cane at age 98. 

The Boxborough Cane tradition is based on The Boston Post Cane, which was a promotional endeavor by The Boston Post newspaper publisher E. A. Grozier. In 1909, Grozier sent out 700 “fine ebony canes” to the selectmen of towns throughout New England. The selectmen were asked to give the cane to the oldest man living in the town, in recognition of their status, and to send a notice about the cane’s recipient to the newspaper for publication. 

After some research, the Boxborough Historical Society learned that Boxborough never received a cane. The Society asked Boxborough woodworker Richard Stewart to make a working presentation cane, and the town started its own tradition in June of 1997. The cane is embossed on an affixed plaque: “Boxborough Historical Society ‘The Boxborough Cane’ Oldest Citizen.” 

The Boxborough Historical Society noted it is pleased to congratulate Hilda E. Horne on her 100th birthday. 
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Golden Fife & Parade Marshal Nominations Due June 1

BOXBOROUGH: Nomination forms are now available for the 2023 Golden Fife award and Parade Marshal. The Golden Fife is awarded to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town. The Parade Marshal is someone who has done something exceptional for the town, but not necessarily long-term or as a volunteer, and does not have to be a resident.

Nominations are unlimited and a detailed reason for nomination is appreciated, as the winner is chosen not by number of nominations but by the Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee. Nomination forms are available at Town Hall and the Sargent Memorial Library and must be returned to the boxes at those locations by June 1. 
Freepee

Free Bee Market Launches May 20

BOXBOROUGH: Boxborough’s Free Bee Market, formed in the wake of the pandemic and Swanson apartment fire, is launching its 2023 year on May 20 from 10:30-noon on the lawn of the UCC Boxborough church at 30 Middle Road. Volunteers and neighbors will join together for another season of fighting food insecurity by promoting home gardening and reducing food waste, all while making and amplifying local connections between people and organizations. For this year, there will be a few full Free Bee markets (May 20, September 9, October 21) as well as weekly food-only Free Bee popups (also 10:30-noon or when food runs out).

Full Free Bee Markets will include meat, fresh bread and produce, fresh eggs, flowers, seedling, give/take craft supplies, books, along with a free bouncy house, and community booths. Food-only Free Bee markets will be popped up each Saturday with gleaned prepared foods, produce, and bread. Items at all markets are free and vary from week to week.

At the May 20 season opener, the newly formed youth team will set up a “clothing swap” display to up-cycle kids’ and teens’ clothes. Donate your own kids’ and teens’ items ahead of time in the boxes found at the library, UCC Church, and schools for the youth team to organize.

Would you like to share info about your group or initiative in a booth, or join the planning team? Email for details FreeBeeCommunity@gmail.com. Register for the mailing list here: https://forms.gle/dPPLhqMCdERzjL6h7. FreeBee only works because the community makes it happen - together.
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Senate Congratulates Chief Fillebrown & Les Fox

BOXBOROUGH: In time for Boxborough’s Annual Town Meeting, the State Senate passed official proclamations to commend Fire Chief Paul Fillebrown and Select Board member Les Fox, congratulating each for his contributions to the town.

When the second night of ATM opened on May 9, moderator Dennis Reip called upon Select Board Chair Diana Lipari and Town Administrator Michael Johns to present the citations to Fillebrown, who will retire June 30, and to Fox who is stepping down from the Select Board after serving the board for a total of 24 years.

Lipari read the citations which congratulated the Chief for his “long-term performance,” and Fox “in recognition of over 20 years of dedicated service to the town of Boxborough.”  Johns praised the Chief for responding to every emergency, and Lipari said Fox “may be the hardest-working volunteer in all of Boxborough.”

The citations were signed by Senate President Karen Spikes, Clerk Michael Hurley, and Senator Jamie Eldridge.
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Select Board Meeting Recap - May 8, 2023

BOXBOROUGH: At their meeting on May 8, the Select Board unanimously selected Town Planner Alec Wade as the Boxborough representative to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, replacing Les Fox who is retiring from the board after 24 years. 

The Select Board authorized Town Administrator Mike Johns to work with the police and fire chiefs to explore regional dispatch options to help address staffing issues. They discussed the Nashoba Valley Regional, which currently services Berlin, Bolton, Devens, Harvard, Lancaster, and Lunenburg, as a possible partner. 

The Board also authorized Mr. Johns to develop an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Littleton and the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department to provide water to the west side of Boxborough. This project will also need special legislation to allow for a multi-town water district. In addition to providing clean water for residents, the agreement includes water for fire suppression at no cost.

Boxborough Annual Town Meeting Highlights 

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BOXBOROUGH: The 2023 Warrant to the Annual Town Meeting included five articles for a Special Town Meeting and 47 articles for the ATM, beginning May 8, at Blanchard Memorial School.

After quickly passing five articles requiring “free cash,” during a 7pm. Special Town Meeting, 224 voters began ATM deliberations. On the next night, May 9, 179 voters completed the work of the 2023 ATM. For a detailed description of what took place each evening, go to boxboroughnews.org.

ATM Article 1, “Choose Town Officers,” took place on May 16, with balloting at Boxborough Town Hall from 7am to 8pm.

On May 8, the first night of ATM, appeals to approve funding to preserve the farmhouse on town-owned Steele Farm included emotional remembrances of Jeanne Kangas’ lifelong devotion to the farm and its historic significance as an example of how families lived in the 1800s.

Highlights of the first night also included funding of water services from Littleton; approval of next year’s operating budget; establishment of a regular fall town meeting; paying for a new roof for Sargent Memorial Library; supporting the town’s effort to become a green community; funding road maintenance; and acquiring fire, police, and public works equipment.

On the second night, three articles remained for debate. A petition article asking for funds to account for the cost of investigating the police department was defeated. Voters passed a by-law amendment making it easier for homeowners to establish accessory apartments, and a tree protection by-law passed with one amendment.

The ATM was originally planned for as many as four consecutive days, Monday through Thursday, but conflicts with long-planned Wednesday events convinced voters to change possible meeting dates to five nights: May 8, 9, 11, 17,18. Thanks to the efficient preparations of Town Moderator Dennis Reip, the Finance Committee, the Select Board, and Town Administrator Michael Johns, ATM work was completed in only two nights.

For a summary of the voting at ATM, go to this link:  https://tinyurl.com/ATMvotes.

Boxborough 2023 Town Meeting photo courtesy of Diane Douglas, LCTV photographer.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the week of May 22-26. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Monday, May 22:
  • Planning Board, 7:30pm via Zoom
    • Public Hearing on the Definitive Subdivision Plan for 1414 Massachusetts Avenue, submitted on behalf of Lincoln Properties
    • Site Plan Review Waiver Request for 200 Beaver Brook Road to allow the addition of a garage bay to 200 Beaver Brook Road
  • Select Board, 7pm via Zoom
    • Board reorganization and vote of new officers
Wednesday, May 24:
  • Planning Board and Select Board, 7pm via Zoom
    • Joint executive session of Planning Board and Select Board to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation 
Thursday, May 25:
  • BERC-Emergency Reserve Corps Executive Committee, 7pm
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Candidate Forum Encourages Boxborough Voting May 16

BOXBOROUGH: At a spirited community event on May 4, candidates competing for seats on Boxborough’s Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee answered questions about how they would respond to the challenges of town government.

The Acton Area League of Women Voters organized the forum, which was attended by more than 60 people in Boxborough Town Hall.

Candidate profiles can also be found at boxboroughnews.org. To see a sample ballot for the election, go to the town’s website at www.boxborough-ma.gov/211/Elections-Voting. On May 16, polls at Town Hall will be open from 7am-8pm.

Select Board candidates John Markiewicz (incumbent), Kristin Hilberg, and Priya Sundaram are competing for two three-year terms; Keith Lyons and David McKiernan are competing for a one-year term. They were asked how they would deal with the need for “transparency, communication and accountability,” public safety facilities, and dealing with “conflicting views from constituents and other board members.” 

Three candidates are running for two three-year terms on the Planning Board: Mark Barbadoro (incumbent), Cindy Markowitz (incumbent), and Richard Guzzardi. They were asked how they would define the role of the Planning Board, ensure that developers use Green practices, deal with outdated office parks, and manage the town’s aquifers and water supply.

Four candidates are running for two three-year terms on the School Committee: Richard Barrett (who was unable to appear), Chadwin Childers, Lakshmi Kaja, and Vikram Parikh. After talking about their budget experience, they were asked how they would balance student needs with available revenue and how to promote civil discourse regarding equity and inclusion. 

Voters may watch a recording of the forum by going to tinyurl.com/LWVforum5-4.
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Next Week at Boxborough Town Hall

BOXBOROUGH: Below is a list of Boxborough’s board and committee meetings scheduled to take place the week of Monday, May 15, through Friday, May 19. Note that the information is gathered a week or more in advance. Meetings can be added to the calendar up to 48 hours before the meeting. Meeting agendas are posted on the Town website up to 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Consult the calendar on the homepage of the Town website  www.boxborough-ma.gov/ for meeting agendas and up-to-date meeting information. For meetings on Zoom, the link to the meeting can be found on the agenda. 

Tuesday, May 16:
  • Annual Town Election, 7am–8pm, Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road
Wednesday, May 17:
  • Conservation Commission, 7:30pm, Boxborough Town Hall, 29 Middle Road. On the agenda: Determination of whether work proposed at 3 Old Harvard Road is subject to the Wetlands Bylaw, continuation of hearing on wetlands delineation for 0 Adams Place, continuation of Notice of Intent hearing on 100 Codman Hill Road
  • Board of Health, 7:30pm, Sargent Memorial Library, 427 Massachusetts Avenue. On the agenda: Review 1414 Massachusetts Avenue Subdivision filing, discuss variance request to allow for a temporary body art exhibition from September 22-24 at Boxborough Regency
Thursday, May 18:
  • Cemetery Commission, 10am, DPW building, 873 Massachusetts Avenue. On the agenda: Discussion of changes to Rules and Regulations
  • Well-Being Committee, 8am, Zoom only
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2023 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting: Night One

BOXBOROUGH: Over 200 voters attended the first night of Boxborough Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 8, at Blanchard Memorial School. It was the first ATM for Moderator Dennis Reip and Town Administrator Michael Johns.

After the moderator’s opening remarks the meeting opened with a switch to a special town meeting to approve five current-year issues, including funding to procure water service from the Town of Littleton to serve the residents in the western part of Boxborough, near Route 495.

When the ATM reconvened, Tessa McKinley gave a report from the Acton Boxborough Regional School Committee, and Cindy Markowitz gave an update on Planning Board activities. Voters then voted to eliminate all salaries for elected officials except for the town clerk and constable.

After a presentation from Personnel Board Chair Lee Slade, voters approved changes to the Personnel Administration Plan and the Plan’s Classification and Compensation Schedule, which included a 2.9% wage adjustment for non-union and non-contract employees. 

Finance Committee chair Maria Neyland explained a reduction in the budget and other changes in figures printed in the ATM warrant. Voters then approved the town’s annual operating budget of $25,849,443 for fiscal year 2024, a 4.8 percent increase from fiscal year 2023.

The meeting then proceeded through 39 articles, approving 38, many by consent agenda, and took no action on one at the request of the Select Board. Key items included a by-law establishing a fall town meeting, adding staff to the Fire Department, expanded funding for road maintenance, replacement of police and fire vehicles, a new Department of Public Works backhoe, replacing underground fuel storage tanks with new above-ground tanks, replacing the roof of the Sargent Memorial Library, authorization to use a grant to acquire a fire department tender, approval of a green community renewable energy trust fund surcharge, acceptance of Joyce Lane, Loring Avenue, and MacLeod Way as public town ways, and Community Preservation Act funds for the preservation of the 1784 Levi Wetherbee/ Steele Farm House.

The Blanchard School chorus opened the ATM with singing of the national anthem; students also led those attending in the pledge of allegiance. Citizens enthusiastically applauded in appreciation for the service of Fire Chief Paul Fillebrown and Select Board member Les Fox both of whom are retiring this spring.

The meeting was continued to May 9, with three articles remaining for deliberation.
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Boxborough Select Board Publishes Police Chief Investigation Expenses

BOXBOROUGH: On May 4, 2023, the Town of Boxborough announced that the Select Board has made the following information available on the Town website: “[a]ll related expenses to the Police Chief Investigation; including legal, defense, contractual, gross salaries, public records requests, travel, stipends, settlements, wage claims, reimbursement, and vacation payout.” A 105-page PDF entitled “Ryder-Expenses-Part-1” is available here.  A 97-page PDF entitled “Ryder-Expenses-Part-2” is available here.
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Boxborough Housing Board Weighs Affordable Options

BOXBOROUGH: At their meeting May 3, members of the Boxborough Housing Board continued to look at affordable housing needs for Boxborough and the region, and how best to use town-owned land at 70-72 Stow Road.

Metro West Collaborative Development has agreed to gather data about housing needs in Boxborough and nearby Middlesex and Worcester County towns in time for discussion at the board’s next meeting, 7:30 p.m., June 8, in Town Hall.

Housing Board Chair Al Murphy cited recent reports about the unusually high costs of rent and construction in Boston, remarking that the Boxborough region shares similar affordable housing concerns.

The board agreed to look at all the options for sale, development, and use of the Stow Road land, including mixed development (housing, retail, commercial), a town center district, public safety buildings, or an outright sale to the highest bidder.

Because the Stow Road land must be used for affordable housing, the board might sell it and use the proceeds to purchase existing condos, remodeling them as affordable housing units.

The agenda included discussion of housing-related articles being presented at annual Town Meeting, the Boxborough Rental Assistance Program, a possible emergency assistance program, values and taxes at Boxborough Meadows, and a safety-related funding request.  
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Boxborough Planning Board Meeting Recap - May 1, 2023

BOXBOROUGH: At their meeting May 1, the Planning Board conducted a public hearing on the Site Plan Approval application filed on behalf of French Brothers Boxborough to construct a three-unit trade shop building at 100 Codman Hill Road. The hearing was continued to May 22 to allow time for the Conservation Commission to make a final determination on the extent of the riverfront area that could impact the project.

In other business, the board approved the submissions on the Priest Lane Subdivision to show an easement plan and describe emergency procedures. They also considered the Request for a Waiver of Site Plan Approval from Campanelli for 200 Beaver Brook Road for the construction of an additional garage bay. This issue was continued to a future meeting to allow Campanelli the opportunity to present the information to the board. 

The board discussed aligning the wording of the Accessory Apartment section of the Zoning Bylaw with the Board of Health policy on accessory apartments. They also discussed the Zoning Bylaw recodification that was recently approved by the Attorney General. The recodification resulted in such a substantial change to the order in which regulations were listed, the Board decided to make hard copies available for sale at Town Hall. 

Town Planner Alec Wade said he would be offering a series of summer public forums and would be seeking input on topics from other boards and town residents. The first forum is planned for June.