Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Fire Chief Kivlan Discusses Water Resources for Firefighting
• Personnel Board Discusses Labor Market Survey
• Boxborough Town Website Redesign Underway
• Boxborough Residents Weigh In on Future Housing Needs at HPP Forum
• Economic Development Committee Planning Second Annual “Village For a Day” on October 3
• Planning Board Conducts Public Hearing to Consider Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments
• FSBC Votes to Begin “Design Development,” Reviews Revised Construction Cost Estimate
• Select Board Discusses Financial Policies, Town Administrator Performance, Beavers
• Boxborough Voters Turn Out for State Primary
• Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council Accepting Grant Applications

 

 At its August 27 meeting, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee voted unanimously that the “schematic design” phase for the town’s new fire station is complete and that consultant Context Architecture (“Context”) should commence the next phase of the project, “design development.” 
  According to the town’s contract with Context, there are three design phases before the fire station construction project goes out to bid. The first was “schematic design,” during which Context created “schematic drawings including floor plans, elevations and space criteria to establish basic design ideas and respective cost estimates.”
  In the next phase, “design development,” Context is expected to “complete design development documents consisting of plans, outline specifications, and cost estimates and other documents to fix and describe the size and character of the project as to architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, materials, and such other elements.”
  In the third phase, “construction documents,” Context is expected to “complete working plans and specifications in sufficient detail to permit firm bids in open competition for construction of the project, and a detailed cost estimate.”
  In connection with the end of the “schematic design” phase, the FSBC reviewed an updated “construction cost” estimate for the project. The town’s Owner’s Project Manager, Vertex, reported that the estimated total construction cost is now $28.3 million. Steve Kirby of Vertex emphasized that this an “early estimate” and not the actual cost of the project; the numbers will change in the coming months as the estimate is refined and updated. The current $28.3 million estimate is down from the prior “conceptual” estimate of roughly $32 million.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

Are you interested in bringing cultural programming to the local community? The Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council (ABCC) is accepting grant applications until October 15. Grants support a range of programs in the arts and humanities throughout the year. Any person or entity residing in Massachusetts can apply for a grant from ABCC.
  Boxborough News asked Boxborough resident and ABCC Chair Ben Davies about the grant program and process.
  Davies told Boxborough News that the ABCC funds programs “that fall very broadly under the umbrella of arts and culture. This includes things like dance, music, and theater, but also things like art classes, lectures, installations, public art, and more….The most recent list of successful grantees (is) here: https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/acton-boxborough/.”
  “After the application window closes (October 15), the (ABCC) meets regularly to review the grants in terms of multiple criteria such as benefit to the community, artistic excellence, and originality. We aim to fund successful grant requests in full wherever possible. Successful grantees are notified in early January,” Davies stated.
  A grantee reception is typically held in early June at the Sargent Memorial Library. Davies told Boxborough News, “during the reception, we recognize the grantees who enrich our communities through their talents and efforts. Usually, we invite a few artists to perform previews during the reception… It's a lot of fun, and a great way to catch up with folks bringing arts to AB. All are welcome to attend!”
  ABCC is one of 329 all-volunteer local cultural councils serving every municipality in Massachusetts.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

  At its meeting on August 13, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) heard a “Sustainability Visioning” presentation by consultant Thornton Tomasetti. The presentation walked through five categories of “sustainability opportunities” for the new fire station building -- health and wellbeing; circularity and embodied carbon; resilience and energy efficiency; regenerative site design; and operations and maintenance.
   The committee expects to hear a “life cycle cost analysis,” a framework for selecting HVAC and other energy systems, later this month. In addition, Thornton Tomasetti is expected to provide “whole building energy modeling” after more of the building design work has been completed.
  The Board then heard a design update from consultant Context Architecture (“Context”). Chris Logan of Context presented several design options with different types of roofs, including flat roofs and gabled roofs. Committee members offered questions and comments on roof options. Logan explained that he was looking for “general thoughts and preferences” of the committee, not final decisions.
  At their next meeting on August 27, the FSBC expects to hear a “preliminary cost estimate.” Steve Kirby of Owners Project Manager Vertex initially explained that the estimate will include “construction costs only.” FSBC Chair Mary Brolin asked him to include an estimate of “soft costs” as well. The FSBC also discussed public outreach efforts and announced that they will be holding another “design update” for the public on Wednesday, September 30.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  On August 17, the Planning Board met in a hybrid format, instead of their typical Zoom-only meeting. The agenda included a scheduled appointment with Russell Dion, Campanelli Partner in Charge for The Park at Beaver Brook; a discussion on zoning articles for Fall Town Meeting, including a temporary moratorium on data centers; and an executive session to “discuss strategy with respect to litigation per MGL Ch. 30A §21 (a) (3) (Appeal of Special Permit, and Site Plan Review decisions, 242/244 Adams Place).”
   Chair Guzzardi welcomed Russell Dion, Dion said, “The Park is in good shape. We have four technology-based tenants–Cisco, Medtronic, TUV, and Intel”…and a “food and beverage tenant, Craft Food Hall.”  The next steps, he said, were to develop the three remaining lots that were permitted through the Open Space Commercial Development (OSCD) Special Permit, which was approved by the Planning Board in January 2026.
   Dion detailed the "significant" investments that Campanelli has made in The Park, including the waterline, PFAS filtration, tenant improvements, and conservation work. “We want to continue our investment here in Boxborough, and my partners and I are very anxious to get started…”  Campanelli’s goal, Dion said, is to submit site plan applications for Lots 600 and 700 in late September or early October.
   The Board spent considerable time discussing a zoning article that would place a temporary moratorium on data centers in Boxborough.  The moratorium would expire on December 30, 2027. Board members worked to define what constitutes a data center and had concerns that businesses that house servers or network equipment may be prohibited from doing business in town if the definition isn’t explicit.
  The board will conduct a public hearing on the proposed warrant article on Monday, August 31 at 7:05 p.m. via Zoom.
 This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  Over a dozen adults and children attended the Agricultural Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, August 10 and voiced their support for a non-lethal solution to the “beaver problem” in Beaver Brook.
  Beaver Brook flows through the meadows on either side of Hill Road near Wetherbee Farm and is the source of water for the fire pond at Paddock Estates. In March of 2026, a Hill Road resident reported a high level of water on their property that posed a threat to their wellhead. Town officials investigated the problem and determined that three beaver dams on Beaver Brook caused the flooding. The flooding also concerns the Agricultural Commission, whose interest is to protect the adjacent parcels for agricultural use. The beaver dams are also a concern of the fire chief, as they block the flow of water into the fire pond at Paddock Estates.
  Initially, during their May 2026 meeting, AgCom members recommended breaching the dams and removing the beavers to alleviate the flooding. In June, after an outpouring of public support for saving the beavers, AgCom voted to “pause (their) previous recommendation (to trap and kill the beavers) and “solicit additional information and solutions from the interested parties.”.
  Then, in early July, the lower (most downstream) dam was breached. Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson told Boxborough News that the most recent site visit indicated that the beavers have not rebuilt that dam. Furthermore, Gilson noted, the breaching “provided some relief to the fire pond.”
  To continue reading this article, visit www.BoxboroughNews.org.
Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Residents Voice Their Support for Non-lethal Solution to Beaver Problem
• Campanelli Shares Preliminary Plan to Develop Two Building Lots at The Park at Beaver Brook; Planning Board Discusses Proposed Zoning Bylaw to Temporarily Ban Data Centers in Town
• Select Board Approves Comcast License, Opens Fall Town Meeting Warrant
• FSBC Discusses Fire Station Sustainability, Expects Preliminary Cost Estimate at Next Meeting on August 27
• ABRSD School Committee Holds First Meeting of 2026-2027 School Year
• Recreation Commission Updates
• Boxborough Students Return to School August 31 After AB Forward Reorganization
• Ready, Set, Vote: Town Clerk Prepares Boxborough for the State Primary on Tuesday, September 1

  At its meeting on August 13, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) heard a “Sustainability Visioning” presentation by consultant Thornton Tomasetti. The presentation walked through five categories of “sustainability opportunities” for the new fire station building -- health and wellbeing; circularity and embodied carbon; resilience and energy efficiency; regenerative site design; and operations and maintenance.
   The committee expects to hear a “life cycle cost analysis,” a framework for selecting HVAC and other energy systems, later this month. In addition, Thornton Tomasetti is expected to provide “whole building energy modeling” after more of the building design work has been completed.
  The Board then heard a design update from consultant Context Architecture (“Context”). Chris Logan of Context presented several design options with different types of roofs, including flat roofs and gabled roofs. Committee members offered questions and comments on roof options. Logan explained that he was looking for “general thoughts and preferences” of the committee, not final decisions.
  At their next meeting on August 27, the FSBC expects to hear a “preliminary cost estimate.” Steve Kirby of Owners Project Manager Vertex initially explained that the estimate will include “construction costs only.” FSBC Chair Mary Brolin asked him to include an estimate of “soft costs” as well. The FSBC also discussed public outreach efforts and announced that they will be holding another “design update” for the public on Wednesday, September 30.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Residents Voice Their Support for Non-lethal Solution to Beaver Problem
• Campanelli Shares Preliminary Plan to Develop Two Building Lots at The Park at Beaver Brook; Planning Board Discusses Proposed Zoning Bylaw to Temporarily Ban Data Centers in Town
• Select Board Approves Comcast License, Opens Fall Town Meeting Warrant
• FSBC Discusses Fire Station Sustainability, Expects Preliminary Cost Estimate at Next Meeting on August 27
• ABRSD School Committee Holds First Meeting of 2026-2027 School Year
• Recreation Commission Updates
• Boxborough Students Return to School August 31 After AB Forward Reorganization
• Ready, Set, Vote: Town Clerk Prepares Boxborough for the State Primary on Tuesday, September 1

  On August 17, the Planning Board met in a hybrid format, instead of their typical Zoom-only meeting. The agenda included a scheduled appointment with Russell Dion, Campanelli Partner in Charge for The Park at Beaver Brook; a discussion on zoning articles for Fall Town Meeting, including a temporary moratorium on data centers; and an executive session to “discuss strategy with respect to litigation per MGL Ch. 30A §21 (a) (3) (Appeal of Special Permit, and Site Plan Review decisions, 242/244 Adams Place).”
   Chair Guzzardi welcomed Russell Dion, Dion said, “The Park is in good shape. We have four technology-based tenants–Cisco, Medtronic, TUV, and Intel”…and a “food and beverage tenant, Craft Food Hall.”  The next steps, he said, were to develop the three remaining lots that were permitted through the Open Space Commercial Development (OSCD) Special Permit, which was approved by the Planning Board in January 2026.
   Dion detailed the "significant" investments that Campanelli has made in The Park, including the waterline, PFAS filtration, tenant improvements, and conservation work. “We want to continue our investment here in Boxborough, and my partners and I are very anxious to get started…”  Campanelli’s goal, Dion said, is to submit site plan applications for Lots 600 and 700 in late September or early October.
   The Board spent considerable time discussing a zoning article that would place a temporary moratorium on data centers in Boxborough.  The moratorium would expire on December 30, 2027. Board members worked to define what constitutes a data center and had concerns that businesses that house servers or network equipment may be prohibited from doing business in town if the definition isn’t explicit.
  The board will conduct a public hearing on the proposed warrant article on Monday, August 31 at 7:05 p.m. via Zoom.
 This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Over a dozen adults and children attended the Agricultural Commission’s meeting on Tuesday, August 10 and voiced their support for a non-lethal solution to the “beaver problem” in Beaver Brook.
  Beaver Brook flows through the meadows on either side of Hill Road near Wetherbee Farm and is the source of water for the fire pond at Paddock Estates. In March of 2026, a Hill Road resident reported a high level of water on their property that posed a threat to their wellhead. Town officials investigated the problem and determined that three beaver dams on Beaver Brook caused the flooding. The flooding also concerns the Agricultural Commission, whose interest is to protect the adjacent parcels for agricultural use. The beaver dams are also a concern of the fire chief, as they block the flow of water into the fire pond at Paddock Estates.
  Initially, during their May 2026 meeting, AgCom members recommended breaching the dams and removing the beavers to alleviate the flooding. In June, after an outpouring of public support for saving the beavers, AgCom voted to “pause (their) previous recommendation (to trap and kill the beavers) and “solicit additional information and solutions from the interested parties.”.
  Then, in early July, the lower (most downstream) dam was breached. Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson told Boxborough News that the most recent site visit indicated that the beavers have not rebuilt that dam. Furthermore, Gilson noted, the breaching “provided some relief to the fire pond.”
  To continue reading this article, visit www.BoxboroughNews.org.
Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Town Completes Purchase of 984 Massachusetts Avenue
• Planning Board Will Propose Higher Density for MBTA Communities Overlay District Compliance, Possible Data Center Moratorium
• Water Resources Committee Discusses Western Boxborough Waterline, Future Water Studies
• Meet Boxborough’s New Principal Assessor: Lynda Cajka
• Recreation Commission Discusses Flerra Summer Playground, Playground Improvements
• “Surrounded by the Smell of Chocolate”: Q&A with Teen Employees of Two Friends Chocolates
• Select Board Authorizes Funding Application for Liberty Square Road “Complete Streets” Project
• Housing Board Hears ‘Housing Pathways for 72 Stow Road’ Presentation
• Finance Committee Proposes Policy to Prevent Deficit Spending
• Massachusetts’ FY2027 Budget Includes Statewide Zoning Changes Impacting Boxborough

  At their meeting on July 27, the Boxborough Select Board amended the town’s Complete Streets Policy and authorized Town Planner Alec Wade to apply for design and engineering funds for a Complete Streets project on Liberty Square Road.
  According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, a ‘Complete Street’ is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes—including walking, biking, transit, and vehicles—for people of all ages and abilities.”
  Wade first presented to the Board the amended Complete Streets Policy. After the Board voted unanimously to amend the policy, Wade asked the Board for authorization to apply for “design and engineering funds for the entirety of Liberty Square Road, end to end, specifically to make Liberty Square Road a more complete street.” He added, “I don’t have exact details on what that will look like; that’s why we’re doing design and engineering.”
  Wade explained that the application would be submitted through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) “fully integrated application,” which evaluates eligibility for multiple funding programs, including the “Complete Streets” program. The application is due August 7.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

At its meeting on Monday, August 3, the Planning Board conducted a public hearing to consider proposed Zoning Bylaw amendments to comply with the state MBTA Communities Act.
  As previously reported in Boxborough News, the MBTA Overlay District approved by Town Meeting in October 2025 does not meet the state’s required net density of 15 units per acre. The state compliance spreadsheet used by the town’s technical consultant was found to have miscalculated the district’s compliance by overstating the unit per acre density.
  At the Planning Board’s July 20 meeting, Town Planner Alec Wade presented two alternatives that would bring the Town’s MBTA Communities overlay district into compliance. “Alternative 1” would not change the land area already approved by Town Meeting; it would only change the bylaw’s written maximum density from 13 units per acre to 17 units per acre. “Alternative 2” would revise the district map to include an additional single-family lot at 1178 Hill Road and would then set the bylaw maximum density at 15 units per acre instead of 17.
  After closing the public hearing, all members of the board voted in favor of “Alternative 1” as the proposed Zoning Bylaw amendment.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

On Thursday, July 30, the town of Boxborough took ownership of 984 Massachusetts Avenue, the property that the town has selected for its new fire station.
  In October 2025, after many years of discussion about whether and where to build a new fire station, the town identified 984 Massachusetts Avenue as a possible location. At the March 2026 Special Town Meeting, residents voted to fund the purchase of the property at 984 Massachusetts Ave. 
  Since then, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC), along with town staff and consultants, has been working towards the design and construction of a fire station at that location. 
  The Boxborough Select Board voted for acceptance of the deed on July 27 and the closing took place on July 30.
  “We have posted no trespassing signs and put up road barriers,” Johns told Boxborough News in response to a request for comment. “In the coming weeks our consultants will conduct additional borings and soil analysis to better understand the underground rock/soil structure and determine the best placement for the building, well, septic and storm water management system.”
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Select Board Discusses Complete Streets and Transfer Station
• Iconic Christmas Tree One Of Six Trees Removed From Old Town Common
• Town Launches “Boxborough In the Know” Communications Project
• Sustainability Committee Meets with Fire Station Design Firm, Pushes Energy Code Proposal to 2027
• Planning Board Meets in Executive Session to Discuss 242/244 Adams Place Litigation, Open Session Covers Possible Zoning Articles for Fall Town Meeting, Change to Hybrid Meetings
• Looking for a Beach Read? Check out a Book about Boxborough This Summer
• Flerra Summer Program Winds Down Another Successful Season Despite Budget Challenges
• Fire Station Building Committee Holds Community Design Update, Town Administrator Reports that 984 Mass Ave Closing is Delayed

 

On Thursday, July 23, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (“FSBC”) held a “Community Design Update” to share progress on the design of the town’s new fire station and hear questions and comments from the public.
  In front of an audience of roughly 30 community members in the room and online, representatives from Context Architecture (“Context”), the town’s design firm, explained what the fire station design currently looks like as the town moves from the “concept design” phase to the “schematic design” phase.
   Chris Logan and Jeff Shaw of Context shared details about the site layout and floor plan for a 20,700 square foot one-story building and explained how the fire department staff and the public would move throughout the space.
  Shaw emphasized that although the project has come a long way, there is “still a lot more work to do” since the building is still in the early stages of design. “There is still a lot that can and will change,” he said.
  After the 30-minute presentation, there was an hour of questions and comments from the audience, including questions about parking, the orientation of the building on the site, the roof type, concerns of abutters, why a one-story building was chosen over a two-story building, and both access to and visibility from Mass Ave.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

On Friday, July 17, six 100-foot Norway Spruce trees were removed from the Old Town Common at the intersection of Middle and Hill Roads, including the one that served as the town’s Christmas tree for the annual tree lighting ceremony until 2024.
  At the Select Board meeting on Monday, July 13, Department of Public Works Director Ed Kukkula requested authorization and funds to remove the six trees from the Common, citing a report by arborist James MacArthur of Professional Environmental Services, LLC that indicated “evidence of extensive bark beetle infestation and woodpecker damage” in four trees. Kukkula recommended including the two additional trees for removal due to the safety risks associated with leaving them exposed to wind.
  MacArthur’s report explains that although the four trees have “the appearance of a healthy crown, the bark damage and sounding, with a sounding hammer, indicates heart decay and an internal cavity.” The report deems the risk level of the four trees to be “high” and recommends  their removal “given the hazardous situation they present and the potential targets they could hit if a failure occurred.”
  Homeowners Alex and Jessica Jordan, who live in the property adjacent to the Common and brought the matter to the attention of the Select Board a few months prior, attended the July 13 Select Board meeting. Alex Jordan noted that they had originally requested that the town conduct a risk assessment of the trees, as another tree in the cluster had uprooted earlier this year and scraped the side of their house when it fell.
  Jessica Jordan asked about the necessity of removing the Christmas tree and whether there was any way for it to be preserved. Kukkula responded that the Christmas tree was diseased, which is why it was included in the list of trees to be removed.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 At its meeting on Tuesday, June 23, Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) members discussed the previous effort to develop affordable housing at the 70 - 72 Stow Road property, which was purchased by the Town in 2010 to build an affordable housing project, but has remained undeveloped. 
  BHB Chair Al Murphy presented a history of the work that was done by the Stow Road Concept Development Committee (SRCDC), an ad-hoc committee appointed by the Select Board in early 2012 that is no longer active. Murphy reported that the SRCDC developed a series of objectives and concluded that ownership housing was preferred to rental units, primarily because the Town did not have the capacity to manage a rental complex.
  The objective was to build reasonably priced starter homes for young families and/or homes for independent seniors with 25% of the units deed restricted as affordable to low-income households. The SRCDC determined that the Town of Boxborough should not be the developer of the property and worked to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) from developers.
  According to the 2017 Annual Town Report, the RFP was delayed for several years and never released because the BHB determined that the RFP was too complex “to be appealing to developers, while maintaining the openness and fairness demanded by the State’s procurement laws.”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

 The sun was shining, and the small-town spirit was strong at Boxborough’s annual Fifer’s Day festivities on Saturday, June 20, hosted by the Boxborough Minutemen Company and the Boxborough Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC).
 The day started with the traditional four-mile “Fifer’s Four” road race, with 63 finishers, ranging in age from 9 to 75. In the men's division, Vasili Kariolis won the race with a time of 21:12.9. In the women's division, Linda Spooner won the race with a time of 25:56.3.
  As the race was finishing, community groups began lining up in the parking lot of the Blanchard Memorial School for the annual Fifer’s Day parade. The parade stepped off onto Massachusetts Avenue at 11 a.m., led by the recipient of this year’s Golden Fife award, Abby Reip, and this year’s Parade Marshal, Barbara Birt. Spectators along the parade route waved to local scouts, the Boxborough Minutemen, the Blanchard Band, the Select Board, and other local groups. This year, several local businesses joined the parade, including Two Friends Chocolate, Thinking Flower, and the Boxborough Gymnastics Center.
  After arriving at Flerra Meadows, Minuteman Captain Rich Grady and PCCC Chair Jennette Kollmann held a short ceremony to kick off the Fifer’s Day festival. Kollmann recognized the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal winners, as well as the two Blanchard sixth-graders, Benjamin Falconer and Medini Upadhyayula, who were chosen to represent two of Boxborough’s historical figures, Luther Blanchard and Lucie Hager, respectively. 
  All afternoon, festivalgoers enjoyed live music, food and drink, and a corridor of booths by local businesses, artisans, nonprofits, and volunteer groups. The traditional volleyball tournament also proceeded through the afternoon, with twelve volleyball teams across three divisions.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  In April, a group of residents approached Boxborough Town Planner Alec Wade to explore “increased safety and connectivity” along Liberty Square Road and adjacent neighborhoods. Now, Wade is preparing to resurrect the town’s “Complete Streets” initiative and pursue state funding for Liberty Square Road “multi-modality.”
  According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the “Complete Streets” program “provides Massachusetts municipalities with tools and financial support to address gaps in their local transportation networks. A ‘Complete Street’ is one that provides safe and accessible options for all travel modes—including walking, biking, transit, and vehicles—for people of all ages and abilities.”
  In 2018, the Town of Boxborough established a Complete Streets Policy and appointed a Complete Streets Committee. The Committee conducted an analysis of possible projects, including a safety improvement and traffic calming project for Liberty Square Road. The town applied for a Complete Streets grant, hoping to fund at least one of the proposed projects on the list, but was not selected for grant funding.
  Since then, residents say, Liberty Square Road has become less safe. “Over the past several years, residents noticed a steady increase in both the speed and volume of traffic,” said resident Geoff Osmun. “The corridor used to be a comfortable road for walking, biking etc. but has increasingly felt unsafe. Dangerous near-misses have unfortunately become a frequent occurrence. Further, there is a huge missed opportunity for connectivity to the town center including the school, library, shops, town hall etc., as well as Liberty Fields.”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Urged by Residents, Town Planner to Revisit “Complete Streets” Efforts for Liberty Square Road
• Select Board Discusses Specialized Stretch Code, DEI Committee
• PCCC Awards Golden Fife to Abby Reip, Parade Marshal to Barbara Birt
• Town to Begin Paving Middle, Cobleigh, and Depot Roads Monday, June 29
• Housing Board Reviews Prior Stow Road Development Objectives
• Boxborough Police Department Celebrates Officer Promotions, Welcomes New Recruit
• Jim Isenberg Receives the Boxborough Cane
• Boxborough Celebrates Fifer’s Day
• FSBC Continues to Review Fire Station Design Options; Town Expects to Complete 984 Mass Ave Purchase on July 17

  On the evening of Thursday, June 18, the Blanchard Memorial School community celebrated the graduation of 68 outgoing sixth graders.
  Families of the graduates gathered in the Blanchard gymnasium for the 5:30 p.m. ceremony, which included a traditional processional, the presentation of awards, the conferring of certificates, and a recessional.
  Six students received “Bulldog Awards”: Edwin Schmidt, Angran Cai, Liliana Gurga, Emma Sherman, Zoe Li, and Kelsey Matthews. The Bulldog Awards are given to students who exemplify Blanchard’s STARR values – support, teamwork, attitude, respect and responsibility.
  “These students are supportive of their peers, responsible, respectful of all members of the Blanchard community, enthusiastic learners, and always willing to meet challenges, whether social or academic, with positivity and kindness,” shared the sixth-grade teacher team.
  The Patricia A. Hall Scholarship was awarded to Keya Shah. This scholarship “is awarded by the School Principal and Sixth Grade Team to a deserving, motivated student who graduates from Blanchard Memorial School and is awarded upon completion of ABRHS twelfth grade,” shared the sixth-grade teacher team.
  “The sixth grade teachers as well as many sixth grade parent volunteers spent countless hours making sure the event was a success,” said Blanchard PTF Vice President Michelle Norris.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  The beavers in Beaver Brook have attracted a lot of attention lately. Beaver Brook originates in Wolf Swamp in Boxborough and meanders north, crossing Mass Ave through the meadows on either side of Hill Road near Wetherbee Farm, flows through Paddock Estates, under I-495, and empties into Forge Pond in Westford.
  In March of this year, a Hill Road resident wrote to the Boxborough Office of Land Use and Permitting with “concern(s) regarding a beaver dam on Beaver Brook.” The resident noted that they “have been informed by neighbors that this area is prone to significant flooding, reportedly reaching as far back as Bravo Pizza.”
  Town staff investigated the issue at that time, visiting the site to confirm beaver dams as the cause of the flooding, and they began reaching out to the interested parties, namely, the Select Board, Conservation Commission (ConsCom), Agricultural Commission (AgCom), and the property manager at Paddock Estates.
  According to meeting minutes, the AgCom discussed the recent beaver activity and threats it posed at its meeting on May 12. The beaver activity along Beaver Brook leads to flooding, which threatens agricultural use of the land near Wetherbee Farm. According to the AgCom, the flooding is also a threat to the drinking well heads at Paddock Estates. The dams not only cause flooding upstream, but prevent water flow downstream; according to AgCom, this has impacted the fire pond cistern at Paddock Estates.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• They Don’t Call It Beaver Brook for Nothing: Town Debates Fate of Troublesome Beaver
• Sixth Graders Graduate from Blanchard, Bound for Junior High
• A-B School Committee Hears School Resource Officer Presentation
• Local Flower Farm “Boxboro Blooms” to Debut at A-B Farmers Market on June 21
• ZBA Approves Sign for Town Center Art Studio, Votes New Chair and Clerk
• Planning Board Urges Action on Accessibility and Safety Issues at Enclave, Votes Rich Guzzardi as Chair, Chris Dowdy as Clerk

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Design Review Board Meets to Review Proposed Sign in Town Center
• Boxborough Minutemen Prepare for Fifer’s Day 2026
• PCCC Invites Boxborough Businesses and Community Groups to Join Fifer’s Day Parade
• Select Board Votes Bob Stemple as Chair, Sam Anderson as Clerk
• Boxborough Students Share Projects at R.J. Grey Civics Fair
• “Finally!” Class of 2026 Graduates From Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
• FSBC Continues to Review Fire Station Design Options

 This year’s Fifer’s Day celebration will take place on Saturday, June 20. The festivities start at 9:30 a.m. with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race, followed by a parade kicking off at 11 a.m. from the Blanchard School to Flerra Meadows, where the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal awards are presented to kick off an afternoon of food, music, craft and vendor booths, and a volleyball tournament.
  The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC).
  The Fifer’s Day tradition goes back to 1967, when the newly-formed Boxborough District 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 Lieutenant Tim Blankenship about how the Minutemen prepare for Fifer’s Day.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

Over 400 seventh-grade students participated in the fourth annual Civics Fair at R.J. Grey Jr. High School on Tuesday and Wednesday June 9 and 10. 
  A civics fair is similar to a science fair; students display their work on civic-related issues and real-world problems. According to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “student-led civics projects support the development of civic knowledge, skills and dispositions that are necessary for informed civic participation.” 
  Social Studies department coordinator and teacher Anthony Zeese said “The Civics Fair is my favorite project. It is so important for students to be able to identify issues they care about, learn more about them through research and share their knowledge with the community. It is a wonderful way to showcase all the learning our 7th graders do over the course of the year.” 
  Student project topics were wide-ranging and varied. Boxborough students Callen Macdonald focused on voter turnout/engagement, while Sahiti Sukuru’s project centered on financial literacy and Yasim Kocer’s project centered on school funding for the arts. 
  Sophia Price’s project dealt with protecting the beaver she named “Boxy” at Paddock Estates in Boxborough. “People sometimes forget that this is Boxy's home too,” said Sophia. “The beavers were here before us, and I think we should try to find ways for people and wildlife to live together before choosing lethal solutions. Even though my Civics Fair project is over, my mission isn't. I'm going to keep showing up and speaking up at public meetings because I want to be part of finding a solution.”
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At their meeting on June 8, the Boxborough Select Board conducted their annual reorganization. Bob Stemple will replace Kristin Hilberg as Select Board Chair, and Sam Anderson will replace Stemple as Select Board Clerk. 
  Outgoing Chair Kristin Hilberg opened the reorganization process by stating that she would not seek to continue serving as Chair. “I am grateful for the opportunity I had to be Chair for three years,” she said. “It is now time to pass the baton.”
  Member Wes Fowlks began by nominating member Sam Anderson as Chair. Anderson seconded the motion and accepted the nomination. The motion failed, 2 to 3.
  Hilberg then nominated Clerk Bob Stemple as Chair, explaining that Stemple has 13 years of experience on the Select Board, has previously served on the Finance Committee, and that “with what’s happening in the next year, somebody with Bob’s acumen is really going to serve the Board well.”
  Fowlks raised a concern about “the perception of having somebody in the union being chair of the Select Board.” Stemple confirmed that he is a part-time employee of the town and will be part of the town employee union. He explained that he has already completed conflict-of-interest paperwork, has informed the union that he will not be attending union meetings, and that he would recuse himself from Select Board discussions concerning the union.
  Stemple accepted the nomination and spoke about his interest in serving as Chair, noting that he is ready to put in the time required for the role and looks forward to improving communication between the Select Board and other town boards and committees.
  The Board voted unanimously in favor of Stemple serving as Chair.
  Member Priya Sundaram then moved to nominate Anderson as Clerk. Anderson accepted the nomination and the Board voted unanimously in favor.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• Boxborough Students Attend State Democratic Convention
• Residents Turn Out for Fire Station Visioning Workshop
• Fifer’s Day: The Best Day of the Year in Boxborough
• Boxborough Town Election Results
• Boxborough’s Open Space and Recreation Plan: Town Seeks to “Recalibrate” Goals
• Spring Movement Series Sees Surge in Participation
• A-B School Committee Chooses Superintendent Search Firm, Reorganizes

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Boxborough voters went to the polls to fill ten town positions. There were three contested races for Select Board, Planning Board, and School Committee.
  Of 4,070 total registered voters, 705 voters cast ballots. This year’s 17% voter turnout is similar to the 18% voter turnout in last year’s town election.
  In the contested Select Board race, incumbents Kristin Hilberg (454 votes) and Priya Sundaram (499 votes) won, with candidate Patrick Kyle receiving 205 votes. 
  In the contested Planning Board race, incumbent Richard Guzzardi (486 votes) and Gary Kushner (382 votes) won, with incumbent Cindy Markowitz receiving 329 votes.
  In the contested School Committee race, Andrew Boncoddo (384 votes) and Hilary Greven (426 votes) won, with candidate Felicia Knihtila receiving 319 votes.
  The results of the uncontested races are as follows:

• Library Trustees: Nancy Settle-Murphy (551 votes) and Cynthia Macmillan (475 votes)
• Board of Health: Marie Cannon (582 votes) 
• Town Moderator: Dennis Reip (573 votes) 

  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

On Saturday, June 20, Boxborough will gather to celebrate the 58th Annual Fifer’s Day. The festivities span most of the day and include a road race; a parade from Blanchard Memorial School to Flerra Meadows; a ceremony to recognize this year’s winners of the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal awards; and an old-fashioned fair with food, music, booths, and a volleyball tournament.
  The event is jointly sponsored by the Boxborough District Minutemen Company and the Town of Boxborough's Public Celebrations and Ceremonies Committee (PCCC).
   The day starts with the Fifer’s Four Mile Road Race. The race begins at 9:30 a.m. at the entrance to Flerra Meadows on Stow Road, and follows a flat four-mile course.
  At 10:30 a.m., parade participants start lining up in the Blanchard Memorial School parking lot. The Golden Fife and Parade Marshal winners are revealed as they take their positions of honor in the parade. The Parade Marshal is a person who has done something exceptional for the town. The Golden Fife Award is awarded to a Boxborough resident who has demonstrated long-term volunteer service to the town.
  At 11 a.m., the parade steps off and makes its way west on Massachusetts Ave, turning left down Stow Road to Flerra Meadows, where the fair and the volleyball tournament are held.
  At noon, after the parade arrives at Flerra, the Boxborough PCCC presents the Golden Fife and Parade Marshal awards and recognizes this year’s “Luther and Lucie” sixth-graders who were recognized by their teachers for exhibiting Blanchard’s “STARR values”: support, teamwork, attitude, respect, and responsibility.  Then, the Captain of the Boxborough Minutemen officially kicks off the Fifer’s Day fair. 
  The fair includes craft, vendor, and information booths; food available for purchase from the Boxborough Minutemen; live music, and kids’ activities. At 12:30, the annual volleyball tournament begins, with three brackets of competition.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 At their meeting on June 4, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee voted to choose the Collins Center for Public Management as the district’s Superintendent search firm.
  In February, Superintendent Peter Light announced that he has accepted a position as Superintendent at the American Community School in Abu Dhabi starting in July 2027. He expects to remain in his current position at Acton-Boxborough for the 2026-2027 school year.
  Last month, the School Committee held a workshop meeting to prepare for the superintendent search process. In late May, a subcommittee voted to move three firms forward to the full School Committee.
  Those three firms, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC), the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), and The Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management at UMASS Boston (Collins Center), all presented to the full School Committee and answered questions from members.
  The Committee voted 9 to 2 to move forward with the Collins Center.
  The Committee also conducted its annual election of officers. Current Chair and Acton member Tori Campbell was re-elected as Chair for the 2026-2027 year. Adam Klein was re-elected as the Vice Chair from Boxborough and Lisa Adil was elected as the Vice Chair from Acton.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• “I Felt Very Proud”: Boxborough Residents of All Ages Honor Memorial Day Despite Rain
• Housing Board to “Drill Down” on Options for Stow Road Property
• “Dig Up A Story” at the Library This Summer
• Boxborough Emergency Reserve Corps Holds Annual Meeting
• Select Board Votes on Updated Sustainable Purchasing Policy
• Congresswoman Lori Trahan Visits Two Boxborough Business Grant Recipients
• FSBC Reviews Fire Station Design Options, Plans for June 4 “Community Visioning Workshop”

 On Tuesday, May 26, the Boxborough Emergency Reserve Corps (BERC) met at the Sargent Memorial Library for their annual meeting.
   The Corps is a group of volunteers that work collaboratively with town emergency services under the supervision of Boxborough’s Emergency Management Director, Fire Chief John Kivlan. A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), BERC is also part of the Central Middlesex Medical Reserve Corps. BERC frequently collaborates with regional emergency services groups, like the Littleton Volunteer Corps, on training volunteers and attending local events to spread awareness about emergency preparedness.
  Chair Ron Sisco opened the meeting by announcing approximately seven new members to the Corps and also acknowledged four members who have left the Corps, mainly because they moved out of town.
  Fire Chief John Kivlan led the group in a discussion of what has worked well in the past and where the Corps should be headed in the upcoming year.
  Training for BERC members generated considerable discussion. Members have received training in various areas of emergency preparedness, but most training opportunities are outside of Boxborough. Notably, Littleton’s Emergency Reserve Corps provides frequent training and is making an effort to coordinate training across the local region. Chief Kivlan is also looking into “Train-the-Trainer” opportunities for his fire fighters and any interested BERC volunteers so that they can provide local hands-on training to people in Boxborough.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

At the Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) meeting on May 28, Chris Long of Context Architecture presented four conceptual fire station design options to the committee. The committee discussed the pros and cons of the options and asked questions, but did not vote.
  Long emphasizes the “conceptual” nature of the designs and FSBC Chair Mary Brolin reminded the committee that they can “mix and match” the elements of the four designs; they “are not choosing one of these four.”
  The four options reflected different building layouts, building orientations, and parking and driveway arrangements. All four options showed the building at roughly 20,000 square feet and all four options accounted for fire station operational needs for the next thirty years.
  Review of the four design configurations led to discussion about a number of issues, including whether to build a one-story or two-story building; whether to have fire apparatus exit onto Sara’s Way (a private road) or exit directly onto Massachusetts Avenue; whether the apparatus bay should be facing Massachusetts Avenue or not; where the public entrance and firefighters entrance should be located; what the building should look like from Massachusetts Avenue; and how the designs can incorporate training opportunities for the fire department.
 This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Members of the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC), Town Planner Alec Wade, and Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson greeted Congresswoman Lori Trahan and members of her staff on Thursday, May 28 at Oscar’s Burritos.
  Trahan arrived shortly after 11 a.m. on a scheduled visit to small Boxborough businesses to follow-up on the 2023 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Boxborough Business Improvement Grant Program, which used $125,000 in federal funding to create a fund designed to support small businesses in Boxborough. The grant program was administered by the Economic Development Committee and dispensed $102,000 to five local businesses.
  Oscar and Dalia Garcia, owners of Oscar’s Burritos, received a $20,000 grant to support the renovation of the restaurant space to include Oscar's Cafe. The renovations included the installation of an upgraded water filtration system to provide adequate water quality for beverage service. They opened the cafe on April 10 and are now offering ice cream and coffee. “Dalia’s vision was realized due to the grant funds,” Oscar told Trahan.
  Trahan then traveled to Thinking Flower Bakery to meet with owner Divya Suryaprasad, who  received a grant from the EDC for $15,000 and used it to support the design, permitting, and capital investments needed to realize her dream of opening her own bakery.
  Suryaprasad converted a long-vacant storefront in the Middlesex Bank Plaza and told Trahan that within the first month of opening, she had so much business that she had to expand her hours to include a new day of service. She has created five jobs, and the business has brought “massive foot traffic into Boxborough’s village center.”
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At their meeting on May 21, the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee heard a presentation from Amy Bisiewicz, Director of Educational Technology, and Gabby Abrams, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning, about the district’s plans to address generative artificial intelligence (AI).
  Bisiewicz and Abrams led the School Committee through the “AI Guidelines and Guardrails” document developed by a “Phase 1 Working Group” of district teachers, administrators, students, and community members.
  The presenters emphasized that this is not yet a formal policy; the goal was to “develop principals to anchor us for the work to come.”
  The Working Group defined five guiding principles: (1) Humans First: Center Human Connection, Originality, and Agency; (2) Adaptive Literacy: Building AI Readiness for Staff and Students; (3) Responsible Stewardship: Sustainability & Intellectual Property; (4) Rigorous Governance: Safeguarding Data & Systems; (5) Intentional Use: Promote Equity & Reduce Bias.
  The presenters emphasized that this work is still in the early stages. Phase 1 was intended to “introduce and build infrastructure.” Phase 2, which will take place in 2026-2027, is intended to “build staff and student capacity.” This includes an August 2026 “Day of AI” for Grades 7-12 staff, as well as additional professional learning opportunities; identification of age-appropriate AI literacy skills for grades K-12; and “supporting responsible student access to Google Gemini” at the high school.
  Phase 3, in 2027 and beyond, is intended to “implement, monitor, and iterate.”
  The presenters clarified that their approach contemplates use of generative AI tools by high school students only; students in grades K-8 would not be using the technology.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

The 244th Boxborough Annual Town Meeting (ATM) was called to order by Town Moderator Dennis Reip at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday May 19 with roughly 160 intrepid voters plus town staff in attendance in a very steamy Blanchard Memorial School gymnasium.
  When the meeting ended three hours later, the budget and 47 other articles had been passed, most as part of consent agendas. No articles failed; out of the fifty articles in the warrant, 48 were passed and one was “passed over” with no action taken. Article 1 is the election of town officers, which will take place on June 2.
  To the best of anyone’s knowledge, this was the first time in 40 years, and maybe ever, that a Boxborough Annual Town Meeting had finished in one night.
  After opening remarks by the moderator, the meeting listened to brief reports from the Acton-Boxborough Regional School Committee (by Boxborough Vice Chair Adam Klein) and the Planning Board (by Chair Rebecca Verner).
  After hearing the Finance Committee report (by Chair Tony Newton), and about 30 minutes of questions, the meeting voted a town operating budget of $31,144,981, a 5.5% increase from fiscal year 2026. Approximately 57% of the total was the Acton-Boxborough Regional School assessment, which was up 5.4%.
   Article 7 was originally (as printed in the warrant) a general bylaw proposed by the Planning Board to ban plastic bags and certain types of disposable food containers and other items.  However, due to feedback from the public and local businesses, the actual motion brought forward by the Planning Board at ATM banned only plastic bags “as a first step.” This motion passed after about 30 minutes of debate with support being expressed to possibly expand the scope in future years. 
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

Visit www.BoxboroughNews.org for the latest news stories and community features, as well as calendars and notices about local events in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Subscribe to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

• One-Night 2026 Boxborough Annual Town Meeting: Budget and 47 Other Articles Pass
• “Humans First”: A-B School Committee Hears District’s Generative AI Guiding Principles
• “Boxborough Birders” Branching Out: Collaboration at Fivesparks Runs Through May 30
• June 2026 Boxborough Town Election: Candidate Statements
• Boxborough PCCC Prepares for Memorial Day Parade on May 25, Fifer’s Day Parade on June 20
• Town May Begin Enforcing Political Lawn Sign Placement

On May 14, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) held a joint meeting with the Boxborough Select Board to approve a fire station design contract with Context Architecture (Context) and subsequently moved into a kickoff meeting with Context.
  TA Johns presented to the FSBC and a quorum of the Select Board the terms of the $1.9 million contract and the negotiation process. Johns shared that he was able to reduce the cost of the contract primarily by opting out of pursuing “LEED certifiable” status and instead taking a “green approach that is responsible both fiscally and environmentally.” Johns also assured the FSBC that the contract memorializes key dates so that the project can meet the deadlines for the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting.
  The FSBC unanimously recommended that the Select Board approve the contract. Then, the Select Board unanimously authorized the Town Administrator to execute the contract with Context as presented, noting that if substantive changes are made in the course of finalizing the contract, that it should be brought back to the Select Board for final approval.
  Turning to the project kickoff, Jeff Shaw and Chris Logan of Context walked through the schedule from now to May 2027, noting the “fast pace” of this stage of the project. The schedule includes schematic design work through August 2026, design development from August to November 2026, construction documentation from November 2026 to January 2027, bidding from February to March 2027, and preparation for the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting.
    This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

At its meeting on Monday, May 11, the Planning Board voted unanimously to amend Article 7 on the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) Warrant, the proposed “Plastic Bag, Polystyrene and Disposable Plastic Reduction” general bylaw, to prohibit only plastic bags.
  As written and printed in the warrant, the bylaw bans plastic utensils, plastic bags, and other polystyrene-based plastics. During the Planning Board’s previous meeting on April 29, members of the Boxborough Economic Development Committee asked the Board to consider a phased timeline rather than applying a six-month enforcement deadline for all of the prohibited items, citing the lack of outreach to affected businesses and the need to provide more time for businesses to comply with the regulations. An amended bylaw with a phased timeline was included in the Planning Board’s May 11 meeting packet.
  Planning Board member Chris Dowdy moved to amend the bylaw so that it only prohibited plastic bags; the motion was seconded, and a discussion ensued with Planning Board Chair Verner and member Cindy Markowitz voicing their opposition to the amended language. Planning Board Clerk Rich Guzzardi and members Mark White and Chris Dowdy acknowledged the public’s concern for small business and the desire to bring a bylaw to Town Meeting that would likely pass. Defending the revision, Guzzardi said, “...We’ve brought (the bylaw) this far…I’d rather have something at Town Meeting rather than…pass over.” The Board then voted unanimously in favor of the edited version of the bylaw, which would ban the sale and distribution of single-use thin-film plastic checkout bags.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

FreeBee Market, Boxborough’s volunteer-run food rescue initiative, will launch its sixth consecutive season on Saturday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. at UCC Boxborough on Mass Ave.
  This year's season features a later start date and a restructured calendar due to positive shifts in the regional food security network.
  “We’re starting later this year,” founder Heather Fleming shared in an update to the organization's volunteer network. “Many of our partnering food resources are experiencing higher demand and have new storage in place, meaning there is less poised-for-waste food to rescue. This is actually a good thing.”
  FreeBee Market sources its inventory by rescuing surplus food from local supermarkets, farms, and regional distributors before it goes to waste. Recent infrastructure expansions at regional organizations, including the Acton Food Pantry, mean local entities are successfully storing and distributing more food directly, reducing the volume of immediate surplus available for Saturday rescue markets.
  To ensure a consistent supply, FreeBee is partnering with the Acton-based Boston Area Gleaners (BAG). Funded through a charitable subscription sponsored by local resident Kristin Hilberg, the partnership allows FreeBee to reliably source fresh, locally grown food for Boxborough residents throughout the season.
  The 2026 schedule includes four major, large-scale Community Markets, supplemented by scaled-back, weekly Saturday food rescue distributions. The Community Markets are scheduled for July 11, August 15, September 12, and October 24.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version of this article at www.BoxboroughNews.org. Subscribe to the free weekly newsletter from Boxborough News to read all of our articles:  https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe. 

 

• 2026 FreeBee Market Season Launches July 11 With Updated Schedule
• Select Board Votes to Increase Municipal Fees to Bolster Town Revenues
• A-B School Committee Examines Policies for Attendance, Enrollment, and Transportation
• Planning Board Votes Unanimously to Amend Proposed Plastic Bylaw, Splits Vote on Withdrawal of Design Review Board Purview Article
• Housing Board Hears Presentation on Stow Road Property
• Boxborough Student Wins Congressional Art Institute Competition; Painting Will Be Displayed at U.S. Capitol
• FSBC Holds Design Kickoff Meeting with Context Architecture