5 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting

The Board of Selectmen met last night and discussed the following items:

1. Treatment plant budget suck leads to sewer and water increase. The water and sewer rates in town will be increased for April 1 due to the debt incurred by using the the Westborough Wastewater Treatment Plant. "The sucking sound in this budget is from the plant," said Selectman James Kane, so poignantly when referring to the $1.5 million deficit expected this quarter. In an attempt to offset the cost, the Sewer Commission has three proposals that will increase either the base amount and/or the rate to users. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. at the Board of Selectmen meeting room.

2. Target zoning proposed for three prime properties in town. In an attempt to protect the town's open space and reduce any potential residential development due to the possible sales of the state and federal government properties of the Glavin Center on Lake Street and the properties off I-290 (one near West Main Street and another near Route 140). If these properties are sold, the selectmen are concerned that almost 300 residential lots on these properties could put a strain on town resources. The zoning changes would keep open space for fields at Glavin and light commercial use at all sites. The proposed zoning changes are available here.

3. Parking still allowed on Plainfield Avenue. After much discussion, the selectmen will revisit the proposed no parking ban near the corner of Route 9 and Plainfield Avenue to include an additional 100 to 200 feet (originally proposed no parking within 400 feet of Route 9).  Selectmen expect to vote on this item at their next meeting.

4. A fish fry for all! Selectmen vote to approve at St. Mary's Church in Shrewsbury and a one-day liquor license for the celebration on Friday, March 18, from 7 to 11 p.m. What a great way to celebrate in Lent.

5. Town meeting warrant close to 50 articles. Though some won't stay on the proposed warrant, the selectmen reviewed the draft articles, though town counsel still has to approve them before they can be approved to go before town meeting members this spring.

The Board of Selectmen's next meeting is Monday, March 7, at 7 p.m., in the board of selectmen's meeting room at the town hall, 100 Maple Ave.