Natick Fall Town Meeting 2019: What To Expect

NATICK, MA — The annual fall Town Meeting in Natick happens on Tuesday, and town meeting members will get to decide a range of important issues, from the town budget to adding new streets. Forty-four articles are up for a vote.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Oct 15 at Wilson Middle School, but will also be streamed on Natick Pegasus. Here are some highlights from the agenda:

Town budget — The $165 million fiscal year 2020 budget for Natick is probably the most important item on the Town Meeting agenda. The budget — which is balanced, and would result in a $119,000 surplus — funds everything from schools to snow removal.

Captial Projects — Up for a vote is the 2020-24 capital improvement plan. There are no major projects in the plan — like building a new school — but there are plenty of important ones. For example, a roof replacement for the public safety building in 2021, and playground safety inspections.

Zoning — There are several zoning matters up for a vote, including whether to change marijuana overlay zoning and to increase density limits in the downtown area.

Route 27 Project — A major rebuild of Route 27 between Route 30 and Natick Center. The 2.2-mile project would repave the roadway, widen it in some spots, add sidewalks, and add a roundabout at Pine Street.

New Streets — Members will approve making several private roads public including Michael Terrace, Clearview Drive, Eliot Hill Road, Merifield Lane, and Woodcock Path.

Gender neutrality — One article, if approved, would take the word "man" out of the phrases "Board of Selectmen" and the word "Chairman" in bylaws, zoning rules, and the charter. Instead, Natick would refer to board "chairs" and the "Select Board."