At its meeting on Thursday, April 10, the Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) reviewed and discussed a presentation that focused on the space requirements for Boxborough’s new fire station.     
  FSBC Chair Mary Brolin walked the committee through a presentation that outlined the categories of space needed (e.g. apparatus, administration, etc.) and a square footage estimate for each category. Brolin indicated that during previous FSBC public forums, a frequently asked question was ‘why does it (the fire station) need to be as big as it’s planned to be?’ 
  “Designing a new fire station includes an assessment of program needs and requirements,” Brolin began. She then clarified what is meant by the term “program needs.” Program needs refer to “everything that the fire department needs to run smoothly and efficiently.”  This includes spaces for fire and emergency vehicles and equipment, decontamination after an incident, administrative functions for day-to-day operations, training, emergency operations, and dormitory and living quarters.
  “We assessed our program requirements and size three different times under three different (fire) chiefs with two different architects…and the size estimates all came within two percent of each other,” Brolin said. The needs assessment suggested 24,000 square feet, but the conceptual design work has shown a need for only 20,800 square feet, which is a 13% reduction. Brolin indicated that the “next design phase could reduce the size even further.”
  The committee also addressed the topic of what would happen to the Mass Ave fire station building once the new fire station is built. They agreed that the decision whether or not to demolish the building is up to the Select Board, and Town Administrator Michael Johns indicated that the Select Board will address this topic at their next meeting. If the Select Board decides that the building should be demolished, that cost will impact the FSBC’s budget.
  In an effort to educate residents on the schedule, costs, and space needs, the FSBC has issued a series of FAQ videos that can be viewed on the Town’s website: https://tinyurl.com/FSBCvideos.
The committee has also scheduled outreach forums as outlined below:
• Monday, April 28, 10 a.m.,  Sargent Memorial Library in
     person
• Tuesday, April 29, 7 p.m., Sargent Memorial Library
     in person
• Monday, May 5, 10 a.m., Town Hall (Hybrid)
     https://tinyurl.com/FSBCMay5AM
• Monday, May 5, 7 p.m., Town Hall (Hybrid)
     https://tinyurl.com/FSBCMay5PM

Read 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:

Finance Committee Discusses Future Options for Anticipated Debt Service for Proposed Fire Station
Planning Board Finalizes Report and Recommendations on Special Town Meeting Article 1: Municipal Governmental Zoning
Sustainability Committee Reviews Data for Waste Disposal
Fire Station Building Committee Reviews Space Needs, Schedules Outreach Forums
Pam’s Gardening Tips: Gardening Safely
Boxborough Police Lieutenant Patriarca Discusses Domestic Violenc

At its meeting on Monday, April 7, the Boxborough Planning Board conducted a public hearing to consider a zoning bylaw amendment for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that would update the town’s existing bylaw language and bring it into compliance with a new state law, the Affordable Homes Act, which was signed into law in August 2024.
  Voters at Annual Town Meeting (ATM) in May will decide whether or not to approve the proposed amendments with a majority vote.
  This will be the third time in as many years that an ADU bylaw has come before Boxborough voters at ATM. In 2023, voters passed revisions that increased the number of accessory apartments that can be constructed and permitted each year from five to ten, and they also approved an increase in the maximum size of an ADU from 600 to 1300 square feet. Other changes included eliminating restrictions on the number of rooms allowed, who is allowed to live in the unit, and parking requirements.
  After a subsequent review by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, the Town was notified that the limitation of ten permits per year for accessory apartments was not allowed. At ATM 2024, voters approved amendments that removed the ten unit limit and “cleaned up” conflicting language in the bylaw that would have prevented ADUs in accessory structures (as opposed to only within the principal dwelling).
  The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act of 2024 requires that towns allow accessory dwelling units in all districts that allow single family homes. The purpose of the legislation is to address the housing shortage in Massachusetts by relaxing the many restrictions that cities and towns have placed on accessory units.
  Boxborough’s ADU bylaw, as approved by Town Meeting in 2024, is now considered by the State to be “overly restrictive” and does not meet the requirements of the Affordable Homes Act. Article 52 on the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant is an amendment to change sections of the Zoning Bylaw for ADUs and bring it into compliance with current state law.
  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.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:

Planning Board Proposes Zoning Bylaw Amendment for Accessory Dwelling Units
Housing Board Discusses MBTA Communities, Future of HOPE Program
Rec Commission Discusses RunBXB, Flerra Summer Playground, and a “Pump Track”
Pam’s Gardening Tips: Growing Bulbs is Easy
From Stones to Walls: Boxborough Resident Brian Dempsey Shares His Craft
Acton-Boxborough Bands Receive Medals at Music Festival

  In a virtual public hearing on March 31, with 60 people in attendance, the Boxborough Planning Board took comments and questions regarding a proposed zoning bylaw amendment article (Article 1 in the Special Town Meeting warrant) that would include “Municipal Governmental” uses across all zoning districts in Boxborough. The Board voted 3-2 to recommend the article as written.
  During the previous public hearing on March 17, Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg presented the article and gave a brief history of the Boxborough Zoning Bylaw. She explained that during a recodification of the Bylaw in 1991, the Municipal Governmental definition was omitted. As a result, Hilberg opined, “without passing this article, we literally have no zoning mechanism to build any municipal facility anywhere in Boxborough.”
  Select Board members and a majority of the Planning Board assert that the omission was an error and that this zoning bylaw warrant article is needed in order to fix the error and move forward with plans to build a new fire station.
  Hilberg stated that the town has researched all of the Planning Board records from 1991 through 1993 and that there is no record of discussion or hearings by the Planning Board that would indicate that the change to remove “Municipal Governmental” use was deliberate.
  Members of the Planning Board who voted not to recommend Article 1 expressed the view that they have “not had enough time to conduct the necessary review of the proposed regulation to ensure that it aligns with the current bylaws and does not conflict with other sections of the bylaw.”
  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 at 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.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
Planning Board Recommends Municipal Zoning Article in a Split Vote
Town Election Update: All Individuals That Pulled Papers Have Filed
Pam’s Gardening Tips: Do You Have Shrub Damage in Your Yard?
Finance Committee Continues to Discuss Town Budget
Meditations with Ann: Breathing for Wellbeing
Zoning Board of Appeals Votes on Special Permit for 1146 Mass Ave Signage
Sustainability Matters: Composting Food and Yard Waste

At its meeting on Thursday, March 20, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee unanimously voted the final ABRSD FY26 school budget. The budget is set at $116.8 million, with a $16.8 million assessment to the town of Boxborough, which is a 5.41% increase from last year’s assessment.
  The committee then turned its attention to the future. The district is currently initiating a strategic planning process to consider how the schools can potentially be reorganized to better serve the community.
  In the course of this year’s budget process, Superintendent Peter Light and the School Committee have repeatedly expressed that declining student enrollment and ongoing financial challenges mean that “there are not enough resources to keep doing what we’re doing,” and the district must reevaluate its overall structure.
  The first step in that process is hiring a consultant for a “Strategic Planning & District Reorganization” exercise, which is intended to result in “a set of reorganization and/or consolidation options of the district’s educational programs.”
  This reorganization may include changes to the elementary school “open enrollment” system. Superintendent Light described this exercise as a “once every fifty year type of discussion that we’re about to have with the community” and emphasized the need for community engagement.
  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 at 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.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
ABRSD School Committee Votes FY26 Budget, Turns to “Once Every Fifty Year” District Reorganization Project
Town Election Update: All Individuals That Pulled Papers Have Filed
Water Resources Committee Reviews Availability of Water for Firefighting
Select Board Approves Warrant for Annual and Special Town Meeting
Pam’s Gardening Tips: Spring Is Trying to Spring!
Finance Committee Votes Final FY26 Budget, Recommends Fire Station Warrant Article

At its meeting on March 11, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) continued to vote warrant articles for Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for May 12, 2025.
  Among the larger items previously voted and recommended for bonding by FinCom are a fire department pumper truck at a cost of $1,200,000; road maintenance at a cost of $300,000; and the refurbishment of a Department of Public Works (DPW) truck at a cost of $160,000. 
  FinCom also recommended and voted the use of “Free Cash” for several other warrant articles, including Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) at a cost of $300,000; town hall roof replacement at a cost of $150,000; an emergency response vehicle for the fire department at a cost of $80,000; a utility terrain vehicle for the fire department at a cost of $80,000; a new pick-up truck for DPW at a cost of $70,000; staff replacement coverage for the fire department while new hires attend the Massachusetts Firefighter Academy program at a cost of $60,000; and the interior redesign of the Library at a cost of $50,000. 
  Excluding employment contracts for the town administrator, assessor, and planner, which are still being negotiated, and warrant articles, which are calculated outside of the operating budget, the increase in the operating budget currently stands at 4.64% over last year. The operating budget is funded through taxation.
  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 at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

   At their meeting on March 20, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted unanimously to recommend to the Select Board that the town’s new fire station be built at 72 Stow Road.
  Accordingly, the FSBC also voted unanimously to recommend Special Town Meeting Warrant Article 2, “New Firehouse Design Funding,” as revised to reflect the chosen site location and the updated dollar amount ($2,622,445) for the next phase of the fire station project.
  Before conducting the site selection vote, FSBC members acknowledged that there is opposition to the Stow Road site from abutters and other members of the public.
  However, FSBC members expressed they could not vote for the Mass Ave site because a fire station at 502 Mass Ave is estimated to cost roughly $6 million more (an estimated $39.8 million compared to $33.7 million for 72 Stow Road) and is expected to be a less functional facility than a fire station at 72 Stow Road.
  The FSBC also discussed the related municipal zoning issue that the town is currently working to address. While there may have been a path to building a fire station at 502 Mass Ave without an amendment to zoning bylaws, the town’s current understanding is that a zoning bylaw amendment is required in order to build a fire station at 72 Stow Road.
  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 at 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.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  Last week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
FSBC Unanimously Recommends 72 Stow Road for New Fire Station
Planning Board Public Hearing on Municipal Use Zoning Bylaw Draws Large Turnout
Boxborough Finance Committee Discusses Potential For Tax Override Next Year
Town Election Nomination Papers Update
Flerra Summer Playground Camper Registration Will Open April 1, Counselor Registration Open Now
Pam’s Gardening Tips: This May Be a Good Year to Start a Garden
Historical Commission Favorably Recommends Museum Warrant Articles
A-B School Committee Holds Public Hearing on FY2026 School Budget
Sustainability Committee Initiates Specialized Stretch Code Proposal

In a four-hour meeting on Monday, March 3, the Boxborough Planning Board voted to refer the MBTA Communities district location selection back to the 3A Advisory Group to prepare an eligible district for fall town meeting.
  After Planning Board Chair Mark White opened the public hearing for the MBTA Communities zoning, Town Planner Alec Wade presented the findings of the 3A Advisory Group, the committee charged with providing location recommendations that meet the multi-family zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities law.
  Thus far, the Advisory Group has considered and ranked eight parcels. However, at their February 27 meeting, the Advisory Group deferred making any final recommendation to the Planning Board because they felt that they did not have enough information.
  Wade explained that the Planning Board must decide to either proceed with the public hearing without the 3A Group’s recommendation in order to bring the MBTA Communities zoning article to Annual Town Meeting in May, or defer the zoning article to the fall town meeting.
  After lengthy discussion, the Planning Board voted to defer the zoning article to fall town meeting and asked the Advisory Group to prepare a recommendation. Per the MBTA Communities law, Boxborough must comply with the zoning by December 31, 2025 or risk losing state grant monies.
  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 at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

The publisher of the Action Unlimited has announced that, starting on March 21, the Action Unlimited will no longer be delivered to every Boxborough residence for free. Readers who wish to receive a paper each week must purchase an annual subscription.
  Now that the Action Unlimited is moving to a subscription model, we want to remind readers that Boxborough News will continue to be available for free on our website at BoxboroughNews.org.
  Going forward, we plan to send Boxborough News headlines and abbreviated news content for Action Unlimited print subscribers, but we encourage readers to visit our website, www.BoxboroughNews.org, for complete coverage.
  On our website, you will find news stories, community features, and calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, as well as notices and announcements submitted by organizations in and around Boxborough. To receive our free, weekly email newsletter, visit boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  For the past two years, the Action Unlimited has printed Boxborough News stories, allowing us to reach the mailbox of every Boxborough residence. We are grateful to the Action Unlimited for giving us this opportunity.
  We encourage readers with any questions to contact Boxborough News at boxboroughnews@gmail.com.

This Week in Boxborough News

  This week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
• Boxborough Planning Board Defers MBTA Communities
     Zoning Bylaw to Fall Town Meeting
• Newly Reinstated Boxborough Leadership Forum
      Discusses Big-Picture Town Issues
• Potential Candidates Pull Nomination Papers for May
     2025 Boxborough Town Election
• Meditations with Ann: The Anatomy of a Step and Forest
     Bathing
• Boxborough Well-Being Committee Hosts Domestic
     Violence Services Network
• MBTA Communities Advisory Group Declines to Vote a
     Recommendation to Planning Board
  These stories, and others, are available at www.BoxboroughNews.org. The Boxborough News website includes news stories, community features, calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, and notices about local events submitted by organizations in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

  At its meeting on February 25, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) met with Peter Light, Superintendent for the Acton Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD), and members of the ABRSD School Committee to discuss the district’s preliminary budget of $116,791,164 for fiscal year 2026. Boxborough’s share of the budget would be $16,824,370, a 5.41% increase over last year.
  The regional agreement between Boxborough and Acton stipulates how the district budget is allocated between the two towns. Currently, the allocation is calculated using a three-year rolling average based on enrollment. During the last seven years, Acton’s enrollment has declined by 568 students and Boxborough’s enrollment has increased by 34 students, which means an increased assessment for Boxborough.
  Light explained that in order to maintain “level services” over the next three years, the district is looking at a 5.25% to 5.5% increase in the budget year over year. Some of the budget drivers include a projected 15% increase in the cost of health insurance; capital needs at the Parker Damon building and the Junior High school; increasing costs of utilities; and collective bargaining wage negotiations scheduled for next year.
  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 at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

This week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
Boxborough Select Board Member Dave McKiernan Announces Resignation
Sargent Memorial Library Interior Renovation Project to Begin in May
Michael Votto Hired as Principal of Blanchard Memorial School
Boxborough Housing Board Discusses Stow Road Parcel, Future of HOPE Program
Boxborough Finance Committee Meets with ABRSD Superintendent To Discuss FY2026 Budget and Beyond
Fire Station Building Committee Votes on Preferred 502 Mass Ave Site Plan for Purposes of Comparison to 72 Stow Road
  These stories, and others, are available at www.BoxboroughNews.org. The Boxborough News website includes news stories, community features, calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, and notices about local events submitted by organizations in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
 

   The publisher of the Action Unlimited has announced that, starting on March 21, the Action Unlimited will no longer be delivered to every Boxborough residence for free. Readers who wish to receive a paper each week must purchase an annual subscription.
  Now that the Action Unlimited is moving to a subscription model, we want to remind readers that Boxborough News will continue to be available for free on our website at BoxboroughNews.org.
  Going forward, we plan to send Boxborough News headlines and abbreviated news content for Action Unlimited print subscribers, but we encourage readers to visit our website, www.BoxboroughNews.org, for complete coverage.
  On our website, you will find news stories, community features, and calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, as well as notices and announcements submitted by organizations in and around Boxborough. To receive our free, weekly email newsletter, visit boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  For the past two years, the Action Unlimited has printed Boxborough News stories, allowing us to reach the mailbox of every Boxborough residence. We are grateful to the Action Unlimited for giving us this opportunity.
  We encourage readers with any questions to contact Boxborough News at boxboroughnews@gmail.com.

At its meeting on February 13, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) engaged with Tufts University students to review the Climate Action Plan survey and discussed plans for a swap shed.
  Students from the Tufts University Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP) presented a draft survey for the Climate Action Plan to the committee. The Climate Action Plan is a guiding framework that would delineate specific, measurable climate action goals for the town to track toward.
  In other news, the committee voted to submit a warrant article to implement a swap shed at the Boxborough transfer station.
  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 at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

This week’s Boxborough News headlines include:
Nomination Papers Available for May 2025 Boxborough Town Election
Sustainability Committee Launches Climate Action Plan Survey, Submits Warrant Article for Swap Shed at the Transfer Station
Water Resources Committee Discusses Littleton Waterline Project
Well-Being Committee Wraps Up Another Successful Movement Series
Pam’s Gardening Tips: Do You Need a Dose of Warm Weather?
Select Board Walks Through Annual Town Meeting Draft Warrant
  These stories, and others, are available at www.BoxboroughNews.org. The Boxborough News website includes news stories, community features, calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, and notices about local events submitted by organizations in Boxborough and surrounding towns.
  Sign up to receive a free weekly email newsletter from Boxborough News at https://www.boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.

Last week, the publisher of the Action Unlimited announced that, starting on March 21, the Action Unlimited will no longer be delivered to every Boxborough residence for free. Readers who wish to receive a paper each week must purchase an annual subscription.
  Now that the Action Unlimited is moving to a subscription model, we want to remind readers that Boxborough News will continue to be available for free on our website at BoxboroughNews.org.
  Going forward, we plan to send Boxborough News headlines and abbreviated news content for Action Unlimited print subscribers, but we encourage readers to visit our website, www.BoxboroughNews.org, for complete coverage.
  On our website, you will find news stories, community features, and calendars of Town Hall meetings and community events, as well as notices and announcements submitted by organizations in and around Boxborough. To receive our free, weekly email newsletter, visit boxboroughnews.org/subscribe.
  For the past two years, the Action Unlimited has printed Boxborough News stories, allowing us to reach the mailbox of every Boxborough residence. We are grateful to the Action Unlimited for giving us this opportunity.
  We encourage readers with any questions to contact Boxborough News at boxboroughnews@gmail.com.

It is unknown at this time. Once a site is selected and a design is completed, we will have a cost estimate.
Why have recently completed fire stations been less money to build?
It is nearly impossible to compare the design and costs of two different fire station projects. There are several independent factors that go into designing a fire station that are individual to each specific Town and department. Some of these include space needs, scope of operations (fire, rescue, EMS, prevention, education, communications, emergency management, etc.), current & future growth (Town, staffing, equipment, etc.), whether a community has a single or multiple stations, Town bylaw requirements, etc. A more accurate comparison is to look at the cost per square foot.
How much money has already been spent on the Fire Station project to date?
As of January 23, 2025, of the $500,000 voted at Annual Town Meeting, we have spent $115,000. We have an additional $197,000 committed for the consultants and $188,000 uncommitted, in contingency, remaining.

Did you know that once a month you can enjoy free live music at the library? At 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month there is an “Open Mike” night in the Sargent Memorial Library meeting room. An Open Mike is a free and accessible way for all to share music or poetry, reminiscent of coffeehouses of the 60’s where people like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez got their start.
  At the most recent Open Mike on February 4, there were 22 performers - four of whom “Zoomed” in from as far away as California. The music ranged from blues to folk to bluegrass. Performers accompanied themselves on various instruments such as guitar, electronic keyboard, and mandolin. Most of the performers write their own music and lyrics.
  Musicians included Boxborough resident Tom Horsky, who played a mean blues number by John Hurt on his guitar, and Ron Israel. Israel, the “featured act” and a seasoned performer, showed up with some homegrown protest songs, such as “Let all the immigrants in” and “Homeless in America.” His set ended on a gentler note with love songs.
  Many of the performers participate monthly, but there was a new kid on the block that evening: Ethan Nolde, who wowed the crowd with a high energy mandolin riff.
  The next Open Mike will take place on Monday, March 3 at 7 p.m. The featured performer will be Rick Quimby. Come just to listen or perhaps to sing a song, play an instrument or share a poem. To perform, pre-register at https://dantappanmusic.com/open-mike. To watch the event from home, visit https://www.youtube.com/dantappan/live.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

   At their February 6 meeting, the Boxborough Recreation Commission discussed RunBXB 2025, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility project for Flerra Playground, a successful Winterfest, and their budget.
  The third annual RunBXB race, a 5K organized by the Recreation Commission, will be held at Craft Food Halls on Sunday, April 27. This year, the funds raised by registration fees will support breast cancer research. The Commission is working to confirm vendor Yankee Timing, a system that they have used for prior RunBXB races to give accurate times to participants.
  For this year’s race, the Commission is discussing the potential use of a new feature that would allow participants to customize team registrations or run individually. Commission members hope this feature will facilitate and encourage competition among friends and families, and thus potentially increase participation and fundraising.
  Efforts to make Flerra Playground compliant with the ADA continue. The playground upgrade is part of the town’s capital plans but does not have a set timeline or funding source. The project is expected to cost $275,000, including $125,000 for equipment and $75,000 for surfacing. CPA funding and grants are being explored.
    The Commission agreed that this year’s Winterfest at Steele Farm on January 25 was a success, with approximately 200 attendees, including many children. Sledding was a highlight, and the town’s MART shuttle service, which transported 65 people to Steele Farm from the Town Hall parking lot, was also successful.
   This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  At its meeting on February 11, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) heard from Fire Chief John Kivlan and Police Chief John Szewczyk with respect to their proposed budgets and warrant articles.
  Chief Kivlan discussed two proposed capital purchases, neither of which were on the capital plan. The first was a warrant article for a third command vehicle at a cost of $80,000. Chief Kivlan believes that a third command vehicle would allow the fire department more flexibility when responding to an emergency event.
  While FinCom did not vote on the proposed warrant article, there was general agreement to support the article and use free cash to fund the purchase. “Free Cash” is a term that refers to money that is left over at the end of a fiscal year.  The annual budget approved at town meeting each year is a good-faith estimate of revenues and expenses, but it is never exact. Sometimes free cash is generated because revenue is greater than anticipated or because expenses are lower than budgeted. There is no additional taxation for articles funded through free cash.
  Chief Kivlan also discussed a proposed warrant article for a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) at a cost of $75,000 to $80,000. The vehicle could be used over rough terrain to rescue residents lost on trails (primary use) or for brush fires. The UTV carries 85 gallons of water, which, Chief Kivlan explained, can be used to slow down a fire.
  FinCom also heard from Chief Szewczyk about the increase of 57% in the police department training budget. Szewczyk said the increase was due in large part to a 3-week leadership training program at a cost of $11,750 for the department command staff.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

   At its meeting on Thursday, February 13, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) voted unanimously in favor of sending a “letter of support” for a potential “standalone emergency facility” in Boxborough.
  Town Planner Alec Wade explained to the Committee that, in the wake of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center shutdown, UMASS Memorial Health Alliance is looking to construct a new “standalone emergency facility” in the region.
  Boxborough, along with many other nearby communities, are “throwing their hat in the ring” to be the location of the new emergency facility. The facility, Wade said, would not be a full hospital, but would provide emergency services with “low-level imaging services” as well.
  According to Wade, he and Town Administrator Michael Johns, as well as Fire Chief John Kivlan, have been looking into whether it would be feasible to bring such a facility to Boxborough.
  Wade noted that Boxborough has the advantage of being located roughly halfway between UMASS Memorial Health’s Leominster campus and Emerson Hospital, and also has access from I-495, making it a potentially ideal location for an emergency facility.
  Wade clarified that the town is not proposing specific sites for the facility but is instead hoping to engage UMASS Memorial Health and connect them to Boxborough property owners who might be interested in putting a potential site forward.
  EDC members discussed advantages of such a facility in Boxborough and agreed to authorize EDC Chair Abby Reip to submit a letter of support for a standalone emergency facility in Boxborough, on behalf of the Committee.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  At its meeting on Thursday, February 13, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) voted down a motion to approve a “swing space” study by a vote of 3 in favor and 4 against.
  The proposed study would have estimated the cost of using the “old DPW site” at 577 Mass Ave as a temporary swing space for fire department operations during the potential construction of a new fire station at the site of the current fire station. The study would have cost $44,000.
  FSBC members who opposed the study argued that Owners Project Manager Vertex’s “benchmark” estimate of $2.5 million for temporary swing space (based on a comparable experience in a different town) was sufficient, and that it was unnecessary to spend more taxpayer dollars on a Boxborough-specific study. FSBC members who supported the study argued that it is necessary “due diligence” that the committee should undertake in order to complete a thorough site selection process.
  At its meeting on March 13, the FSBC expects to talk through the completed site selection matrix and Vertex’s suggested scoring for each site.
  The FSBC expects to conduct their final site selection vote on March 20 (not March 27, per their original meeting schedule), and finalize the warrant article for Annual Town Meeting that will seek design funding to move forward with the chosen site.
  The FSBC also discussed their public forums scheduled for February 26 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and March 3 at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The forums will be in hybrid format, both in person at Town Hall and on Zoom.
  This article has been condensed for print. Read the full version at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  [Editor’s Note: This week, we are introducing a new column, “ Meditations with Ann,” written for Boxborough News by Ann Seymour. Ann is a Boxborough resident and has been teaching Yoga for 37 years. She holds a great love of the natural world and these two passions influence everything she does.]
  Mindfulness in winter makes me think of the first moments after new snow. I look outside and see the sparkling white snow, quietly glistening in the new rays of sunlight. Each snowflake reflects the sun’s effect, bouncing the light’s energy back into the atmosphere in its natural effort to remain untouched. The animal tracks in the snow are minimal if any. I can identify the happy bounce of the grey squirrel or the lightest wingtip depressions of a bird taking off. The world seems full of positive, quieter potential.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At its meeting on Monday, February 3, the Boxborough Planning Board continued the public hearing for 340 Codman Hill Road, endorsed a lot subdivision on Middle Road, and scheduled public hearings for several zoning bylaw amendments as well as the recently received application from Campanelli LLC for the Park at Beaver Brook.
  With plans to bring several zoning bylaw amendments to the 2025 Annual Town Meeting (ATM), the board discussed the public hearing schedule. Town Planner Wade presented a proposed hearing schedule in March that also includes three public hearings for MBTA Communities beginning on March 3. Other planned hearings include the proposed Mass Ave zoning, the Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning bylaw amendment, and the “municipal use” code, which currently does not specifically allow a firehouse to be built anywhere in town and must be amended in order for the town to build a new firehouse.
  Lastly, Town Planner Wade informed the board that Campanelli-Trigate LLC has submitted an application to amend the existing, but now lapsed, open space commercial development special permit for the Park at Beaver Brook. The application includes plans to develop all of the parcels on the property, except for 100 and 900 Beaver Brook Road. Wade is proposing a comprehensive public hearing process for this application with at least three public hearings beginning on March 31.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At a four-and-a-half-hour budget workshop on Saturday, February 8, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee voted unanimously to set the FY26 Preliminary Budget at $116,791,164 million with a preliminary assessment to Boxborough of $16,824,370 million. This represents a 5.41% increase to Boxborough’s assessment from last year.
  The Preliminary Budget and assessment numbers voted on Saturday are higher than the numbers presented at the School Committee’s prior meeting on January 30, when Superintendent Peter Light recommended a $116,135,080 preliminary budget.
  This is due in part to the School Committee’s decision on Saturday to increase the budget based on the expectation that the district is likely to receive additional per-pupil funding from the state. In their motion to approve the increased budget, the School Committee stated that the assessments to Acton and Boxborough will be reduced if and when the district does receive the expected additional funding.
  The School Committee also held a discussion about longer-term “reorganization” to address the ongoing budget challenges. Superintendent Light introduced the discussion by explaining that continued “efficiency” cuts year after year are becoming increasingly detrimental to students and educators and that the district might be better served by exploring potential long-term “reorganization.”
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  At its meeting on February 4, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed the levy limit and the purchase of two additional vehicles for the fire department and voted multiple department budgets.
  FinCom Chair Tony Newton said he was “concerned” that the town is getting too close to the maximum allowable levy. As the budget stands today, the levy is $28,252,358 as compared to the maximum allowable levy of $29,100,061, a difference of $847,703.
  The current budget includes a placeholder for the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, but no estimates for incremental changes in the collective bargaining agreements for police, fire, and the Department of Public Works.
  The “levy limit” is the maximum amount of property taxes that can be raised in a given fiscal year. Exceeding the levy limit would require a Proposition 2 ½ override. Proposition 2 ½ refers to Massachusetts law that restricts how much a town can increase property taxes from year to year. A Proposition 2 ½ override requires a ballot vote and would allow the town to raise taxes above the levy limit.
  At this point, Newton does not believe an override will be necessary, but he has asked the Town’s finance team to take a second look at the assumptions made with respect to the town valuation, new growth, projected revenues, and state aid, all of which can impact the levy.
    Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  At its meeting on February 10, the Boxborough Select Board voted to approve a comprehensive review of town fees and licenses in order to consider whether fee adjustments may be appropriate. The Board agreed with Town Administrator Mike Johns’ proposal to compare the town’s current fee structures with those of surrounding communities and also compare them against costs associated with the relevant town services.
  The Board also voted to reconvene the “Boxborough Leadership Forum” (BLF). The Board’s motion contemplated participation by the Select Board, Finance Committee, School Committee, Library Trustees, and Planning Board. The Board’s motion also noted that BLF proceedings will be conducted in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.
  The Board also considered but declined to take action on a potential “Safe Communities” warrant article that has been recommended by some Boxborough residents.
  At its meeting on January 27, the Select Board heard from Police Chief John Szewczyk about the Boxborough police department’s current policy “not to voluntarily comply with ICE detainer requests absent a judicial warrant” and the Board indicated that they would consider a potential Annual Town Meeting warrant article memorializing this policy.
  Town Administrator Johns reported to the Board that, according to town counsel, the policy of the Boxborough police department is aligned with Massachusetts state law. The Board decided not to pursue a warrant article and instead wait and see what happens at the federal level in the coming months.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  Curious about population data, voter numbers, and licenses issued by the town? Boxborough Town Clerk Rebecca Harris provided Boxborough News with annual data that her office keeps in the normal course of business.
  With respect to population, the town counted 5,302 total residents on the 2024 annual street listing. In 2023, the town counted 5,314 residents.
  Voter data shows Boxborough had 4,080 registered voters as of the May 2024 town election. The town also processed 368 new voter registrations over the course of 2024. In 2023, there were a total of 4,036 registered voters.
  In 2024, there were 42 births, defined as “children born this year to parents living in Boxborough,” and 33 deaths, defined as “people living in Boxborough who died this year or died in Boxborough, living elsewhere.” In 2023, the town recorded 38 births and 24 deaths.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

  Every spring, on rainy nights as temperatures approach the forties, the Amphibian Crossing Brigade, a coordinated group from Acton, Littleton, and Boxborough, ventures out to designated crossing areas armed with flashlights to help frogs and salamanders cross the roads and reach their breeding grounds in vernal pools.
   Amy Green, the conservation agent in Littleton, is the leader of the Amphibian Crossing Brigade. Ann Seymour and Rita Grossman lead the team from Boxborough. Ann began in 2019 with a group from Acton, and Rita joined her in 2021 when Depot Road was added as a crossing area. Ann and Rita hope to recruit enough volunteers to monitor sections of Littlefield Road and Flagg Hill Road, as well.
  Volunteers walk up and down the crossing area with flashlights to find frogs and salamanders that need help. They pick them up, carry them to the other side of the road, and head them in the right direction, noting the species in a log and possibly taking a picture.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

On Tuesday, January 28, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) assembled for their first monthly meeting of the year.
  Associate Town Planner Rafi Nizam provided an overview of the pilot Homeowner Opportunity for Preservation and Equity (HOPE) Program and HOPE’s first project, replacing the roofs at the Boxborough Meadows. Boxborough Meadows is a 48-unit Chapter-40B ownership development, which is located off Mass Ave and contains 12 affordable units. BHB previously voted to use funds from their Affordable Housing Trust to replace the Boxborough Meadows roofs. BHB members discussed a timeline for paying the contractor hired to do the roof replacements and the need for an external construction expert to oversee the day-to-day management of future HOPE projects.
The Board also discussed the MBTA Communities Act and the 70-72 Stow Road parcel, which is currently under the control of the BHB and being considered as a site for a new fire station.
  The MBTA Communities Act requires communities with access to MBTA amenities to change zoning regulations to allow multifamily housing by-right. Boxborough’s requirement equates to 118 units of housing at a minimum density of 15 units per acre – resulting in the need to identify approximately 8 acres to be zoned for multifamily housing.
  The Board agreed that the 70-72 Stow Road parcel, if not selected as the fire station building site, could be considered for the MBTA Communities multifamily zoning.
    Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

The Boxborough Select Board, Finance Committee (FinCom), and Capital Committee held a joint meeting on Saturday, February 1 to review and discuss warrant articles currently under consideration for Boxborough’s Annual Town Meeting (ATM) scheduled for May 12, 2025.  No votes were taken.
  The 5-hour marathon meeting included presentations by the Fire Department, Department of Public Works (DPW), and Town Hall.
  Some of the largest warrant articles include a pumper truck and related equipment at a cost of $1.2 million; $300,000 to continue to maintain the roads; $160,000 to replace a DPW truck body and refurbish the frame; the purchase of a utility task vehicle (UTV) by the fire department to access trails for brush fires and medical emergencies at a cost of $80,000; a third command/officer fire response vehicle at a cost of $80,000; an annual contribution of $300,000 for Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB); and $100,000 to replace the roof at Town Hall.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At its meeting on January 28, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) discussed the ongoing work of Weston & Sampson, the consulting firm hired by the Town for “water resources planning services.” A comprehensive water resources report is due in July.
  The Committee also discussed progress on the Littleton Waterline project. A waterline extension from Littleton into Boxborough is being carried out by the Littleton Electric Light and Water Department (LELWD) to bring clean, treated drinking water to properties located in Boxborough on Beaver Brook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road, as far south as 330 Codman Hill Road. The waterline is scheduled to be completed in November 2026.
  The waterline will cross under Mass Ave between Swanson and Codman Hill Roads with a  stub facing east toward the I-495 Mass Ave bridge, which is currently being rebuilt by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). MassDOT plans include a utility bay under the bridge to house a waterline, but there is uncertainty at this time regarding plans to connect a pipe from the stub to bring water across the bridge.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At their meeting on January 30, the Acton-Boxborough School Committee heard a presentation from Superintendent Peter Light on the FY26 Preliminary Budget.
  The FY26 Preliminary Budget is currently $116.1 million. This represents a 3% increase from the FY25 budget, based on the School Committee’s budget guidelines requesting “an overall budget increase of no greater than 3%.”
  This Preliminary Budget would mean a $16.8 million assessment to Boxborough, an increase of 5.25% from last year.
  Superintendent Light explained that a “maintenance of services” from FY25 to FY26 would require a total budget of $118.1 million, leaving a gap of roughly $2 million. He emphasized that the district is “running out of options” to balance the budget and walked through the strategies and priorities that guided the development of the Preliminary Budget. The Preliminary Budget includes a net reduction of 18.64 full time employees.
  The School Committee also voted to approve the 2025-2026 school calendar presented at their January 16 meeting. The first days of school (depending on grade level) will be August 27 and 28. The last day of school is scheduled for June 18 (pending snow days).
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At its meeting on Wednesday, January 29, the Boxborough 3A Advisory Group reviewed the results of the MBTA Communities survey; heard from Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) consultant John Cruz, who is assisting the town with compliance; and discussed the process and timeline for making recommendations to the Planning Board.
  Town Planner Alec Wade began the meeting with a review of the MBTA Communities survey results, stating that 95 responses had been received.
  Survey respondents were able to rank their location preferences for the MBTA district on a map that showed five zones labeled A through E. They were asked for the reasoning behind their preferences and if they thought there was a specific area of town in which the district should be located.
  During a mapping workshop in November 2024, attendees’ preferences for the location of the MBTA district were recorded and visualized as a “heat map.” Cruz and his team at MAPC worked to create “alternative” districts from the heat map data. The goal is to pair the survey results with what was seen at the mapping session.
  With additional input from the group, Planner Wade will prepare a matrix system for group members to rank their preferred locations. The locations will be discussed and potentially voted on at their next meeting, scheduled for February 10.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At its meeting on Monday, January 27, the Boxborough Planning Board discussed the proposal brought forth by Planning Board member Rich Guzzardi to convert certain areas along Mass Ave in the IC (industrial commercial) zone to a new designation of B2 (“Business 2”). The working session was designed to give Planning Board members the opportunity to have an in depth discussion of the proposed zoning change, ask questions, and make suggested revisions.
  Guzzardi’s proposal would eliminate some of the currently permitted uses on Mass Ave, such as warehouses, self-storage facilities, heavier manufacturing uses, and adult use, and allow the type of businesses that Boxborough residents have indicated they want, such as specialty food shops and retail stores, which are currently not allowed.
  Some board members expressed the opinion that this proposal should wait until after the town has addressed MBTA Communities requirements and the fire station zoning, or until after the next Master Plan, but Guzzardi countered that “the uses in the district today are good uses, but by being proactive, the town can avoid less desirable, higher intensity businesses that could develop over time along Mass Ave, and allow the types of businesses that residents and local businesses have repeatedly expressed a desire for.”
    Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At their meeting on Thursday, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee (EDC) discussed the January 21 Village Center Focus Group, a by-invitation-only session for residents, businesses, and property owners in the “village center” district.
  The focus group session was conducted by Sharon Rooney of Tighe & Bond, the consulting firm hired to conduct the Village Center Feasibility Assessment in Spring of 2024.
  EDC members present at the focus group reported that participant feedback included the importance of sidewalks and walkability on Massachusetts Avenue and Stow Road; support for potential connections between the “four corners” area (Mass Ave, Stow Road, and Middle Road intersection) and the Middlesex Bank Plaza; concern about a perceived lack of town support for small businesses; and some opposition to “commercialization” of the village center area. Participants also expressed concern about the “finality” of the language in Tighe & Bond’s Village Center report.
  Overall, said EDC member Rich Guzzardi, “a preponderance of the group was interested and wanted to continue the conversation,” and there was consensus around the need for walkability and gathering spaces, as well as support for small businesses.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

After the storms in 2024, many homeowners face the challenge of cleaning up their yards. Burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris is allowed in Boxborough from Jan. 15 to May 1, as regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).
  Boxborough News reached out to Fire Chief John Kivlan for more information. Kivlan provided guidelines that include the permit requirement, what you can burn, and when you can burn. He also provided some safety guidelines and alternatives to open burning. Visit the Boxborough News Notices page (www.boxboroughnews.org/notices) to read Chief Kivlan’s note.
  The Boxborough Fire Department’s web page outlines the rules and regulations for burning and provides a link to register for a daily burn permit when conditions are safe: boxborough-ma.gov/251/Burn-Permits.

At its meeting on January 21, the Finance Committee (FinCom) heard from Town Administrator Michael Johns  in response to questions about the budget for the newly established Human Services department. The Human Services department includes the Council on Aging (CoA), Community Services, Recreation, and Veterans Services.
  At Annual Town Meeting (ATM) 2024, voters approved three warrant articles related to Human Services. One was to consolidate three part-time administrative assistants into one benefited position that supports the CoA, Community Services and Recreation, with a net cost of $10,000 through taxation and $5,000 from the recreation revolving fund. The revolving fund was established to fund recreation programs using revenues generated from recreation programs. The second article was to add a 19.5 hour ($32,000) unbenefited position for a Recreation Coordinator. The third article was to appoint an existing staff person to a new position of Director of Human Services.
  Following the promotion of the CoA Coordinator to Director of Human Services, Johns made some changes to the original plan by promoting an administrative assistant to Recreation Coordinator and adding an additional 20.5 hours for administrative support for both the CoA and Recreation. The total cost for this position is $64,000.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

On Wednesday, January 15, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) co-sponsored a webinar with the Littleton Electric Light & Water Department (LELWD) to provide a status update on the Littleton-Boxborough waterline project.
  The project will bring a pipeline from Littleton into Boxborough to bring clean, treated drinking water to properties located in Boxborough on Beaver Brook Road, Swanson Road, and Codman Hill Road, as far south as 330 Codman Hill Road.
  WRC Chair Les Fox introduced Matt Silverman, LELWD Water and Sewer Superintendent, who gave a presentation that traced the history of the project. Silverman focused on the key events since the last waterline webinar, which occurred in July 2023. Since that time, an intermunicipal agreement between Littleton and Boxborough has been signed by the governor; permits at the state and local levels are in place; construction funding has been secured; and construction began in December 2024. Expected completion of the project is November 2026.
  Silverman addressed the most frequently asked question from property owners along the line: “what will it cost?” He explained that the total cost of the project is estimated at $12.4M and that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will fund $6.5M, which leaves $5.9M to be paid by Boxborough customers through a “betterment” fee.
  The betterment fee will be collected from all Boxborough property owners along the waterline and will be assessed whether or not the property owner connects to the line because it is assumed that property values will increase with the availability of a connection. Properties without building structures will not be assessed a betterment fee. Silverman indicated that the betterment fees have not been finalized and that more information will be forthcoming.
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.

At a three-hour meeting on January 23, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) decided to postpone their selection of a site for the new fire station. Instead, they voted to request a revision to the FSBC Charter that would allow them to consider a “public safety building” (that is, a combined facility for the police and fire departments) at 502 Mass Ave.
  FSBC Chair Mary Brolin opened the meeting by explaining that although they had originally planned to choose a site that night, the committee felt it did not have enough information to complete that task at this time.
  She also read aloud a letter to the FSBC from Building Inspector Ed Cataldo expressing his opinion that Boxborough’s zoning bylaws do not specifically allow a firehouse to be built anywhere in town and that a zoning bylaw amendment would be required to correct this apparent error.
  Brolin stated that this issue, as well as others identified in recent letters to the committee from Boxborough residents, was undergoing further investigation by the Town Administrator and Town Planner, as well as town counsel.
  The Committee then turned to the possibility of constructing a “public safety building” at 502 Mass Ave and voted to request that the Boxborough Select Board revise the FSBC charter to allow the committee to pursue the possibility of a public safety building at that location. The current FSBC charter currently only allows the FSBC to pursue a “fire station.”
  Read more at www.BoxboroughNews.org.