What Are These Black Poles Doing on Central Street?

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Walk down Central Street and you’ll certainly notice the black poles on that have recently appeared. Many have wondered what the poles are for, thinking it could be lights or a replacement for the trees that were cut down a few years ago.

According to Town Manager Bill Keegan, the poles are for flower pots that are going to be placed in the downtown area. The DPW will be responsible for maintaining the self-watering pots while the Gardening Club will help with the planting.

The selectmen just wish they were in the loop on the plan.

“The discussion has to be with the board. The last time the blinking light came up we said it should have gone in front of the board,” Selectman Jim DeVellis said. “People are upset about it and I’m upset because I think it needs to be done at this table.”

Bill Keegan took responsibility for the lack of communication, telling the board that he saw the project as a maintenance issue that didn’t need to be brought in front of the selectmen. While the poles are up, the attachments were shipped separately, leading some to believe that lights were being installed.

Selectman Chris Mitchell said the plants will make the downtown area look nicer, but wish he knew about it beforehand.

“Put the plant and pole up on the same day and everyone would have said ‘wow, that looks nice,’” Mitchell said.