Planning Board Shelves Sign Bylaws, Agree it is 'Not a Dead Issue'

The Planning Board voted to recommend that two proposed warrant articles be removed from this year's Town Meeting warrant.

Following a public hearing on the issue, the Planning Board voted 3-1 on Tuesday night to recommend removing two of the three warrant articles pertaining to sign bylaws in town that had been proposed. Bylaws that would change language governing signage in town as it relates to nonprofits and real estate postings will be removed, should the Board of Selectmen honor the Planning Board's recommendations. Ultimately, the Board of Selectmen approve, or remove, warrant articles for Town Meeting, and would have to honor the Planning Board's recommendations before its next meeting when the warrant articles are approved. Last month, three changes to the sign bylaws had been proposed after discussion among the Planning Board and the engineering …

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Ron Goodenow

4:51 pm on Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Bob, this is exactly why we need good planning which includes all affected that creates some standards that help make the town more attractive. I agree that it looks rather weird there under the trees, but it is what we have there (I'm wondering who approved it) and for at least the moment local businesses could probably take advantage. My objection has been to the awful sandwich signs that were …   more ›

Who's Running in the 2013 Town Election ... So Far?

Nancy Berglund isn't running again, but Michelle Gillespie plans on going for a spot on the planning board.

Town Election Day is less than three months away. Nomination papers for the Annual Town Election have been available at the Town Clerk's office since Jan. 22. Nomination papers must be returned to the town clerk's office by 5 p.m. on March 25 for certification.  Town election day is Monday, May 13, and Town Meeting is April 22. The following seats are open: Moderator - One one-year term Board of Selectmen - One three-year term Planning Board - One three-year term Northborough School Committee - One three-year term Regional School Committee - One three-year term We'll be checking with the town clerk for periodical updates to see who is throwing his or her hat in the ring. So far, according to Town Clerk Andy Dowd, the following residents …

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5 Things: Planning Board Discusses Scenic Road Application

Tuesday's here, and these are five things we think you should know about.

1. Tonight's Planning Board meeting, which is open to the public, tackles an agenda that includes a hearing for a special scenic road permit for builder Tim Shay, as well as a construction permit for Bigelow Nurseries. 2. The Rotary Club holds its weekly meeting at Guiseppe's at noon. 3. Get your official election guide for Northborough right here. This page will be updated with all the information you need to know as we get even closer to the election. 4. Local resident Paula Hogan lost a dear friend to suicide years ago, and is helping to raise money and awareness on the issues of suicide by walking in the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. It's easy for you to help, too, by sponsoring her. Every little bit helps. 5. The …

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Selectman Hutchins: Overbuilding in Town 'Unfortunate'

Zoning bylaws may be revisited in the next Town Meeting.

Selectman Aaron Hutchins doesn't want to create any waves with the planning board, but thinks that it may want to look more closely at the approval process for new buildings in town. Hutchins took an opportunity at a recent Board of Selectmen meeting to voice his concerns, and says his concerns echo those of a number of citizens in town who contact him. "The building of commercial properties on the Main Street corridor is an issue," he said. Pointing to a recent structure constructed at the corner of Westbrook Road, Hutchins said, "Because of the natural elevation, it looks like a highrise. It dwarfs this beautiful little home. It is just unfortunate, and I could list example after example of buildings on Main Street. I think we need to …

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Jonny Rock

5:41 am on Sunday, September 30, 2012

Ah "Massive renovations" please! it is what 900 sqr feet? I too would need the whole story. But these multi family condos in every nook and cranny in town is not adding appeal. Niether are the cheap discounted commercial buildings..My tax dollars used to get me trash pick up an my kid could play HS sports for free, among other things. Why do all our services get fees now and the tax rates go …   more ›

ZBA Requests Traffic Report from Brigham and Main Developer; Neighbors Form Action Group

Resident oppose a proposed multi-use project to be located at the corner of Main and Brigham streets. The ZBA has asked the developer for traffic reports before he proceeds.

In a full room on Tuesday, concerned residents voiced concerns to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding a proposed project to be built at the corner of Brigham and Main street in Northborough. The project at 130 Main St. is being construced by local builder by Tim Shay and includes a horizontal, mixed-use development containing 12 residential dwelling units and 12,880 square-foot business use buildings. The plans call for exits on to Brigham Street and Route 20. Carol Chione, who lives directly across from the proposed property location, said, "I can't help wonder how the town will handle and prepare for the traffic." She raised the concern over increased traffic at the ZBA meeting, which was instrumental in prompting the ZBA to request …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Aug. 31

It's the first day of school, among other things.

1.As if we had to tell you, it's the first day of school for Northborough today, with kids starting at the Zeh School, the Melican School, Lincoln Street School, Peaslee and Algonquin. Look for coverage on the first day in Northborough Patch, including our Viewfinder tomorrow that will capture the first day in pictures. 2. Perhaps you want to take the kids out for karaoke and dinner at JJ's to celebrate? Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., there's karaoke for kids, plus specials for the young ones on the menu. 3. The pool league meets at 9 a.m. at the Northborough Senior Center. Rack 'em up! 4. Claim your spot in the new Seadog Steak and Ale restaurant's wine club today. 5. The Planning Board resumes with its regular meetings, congregating tonight…

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A Week of Meetings

Here is a look at this week's meeting schedule for the town.

This week's meetings are listed on the town website, but to make life easier, we'll list them here and give you a link for more information. Monday, August 15 Board of Selectmen, 7 p.m. Selectmen's Room. Their agenda can be found here. Trails Committee, 7 p.m. Police Station. Their agenda can be found here. Tuesday, August 16 Planning Board, 7 p.m. Conference Room B. Their agenda can be found here. Wednesday, August 17 Cemetery Commission, 7 p.m. , Selectmen's meeting room. Visit the town website for more information. Community Affairs Committee, 7 p.m. Conference Room B. Visit the town website for more information. Historical Commission, 7 p.m., Conference Room C. Their agenda can be found here. Regional School Committee, 7 p.m. Algonquin…

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: July 12

The planning board meets, cheering camp commences and there's another European craft time at the library.

1.We really could use your ideas. As people of Northborough, your input is important to our Northborough Patch Passport series we will be launching in a few weeks. It only takes a second to submit your suggestions. 2.The planning board meeting tonight includes an election of officers, as well as a hearing on the Stirrup Brook Estates. The board meets at 7 p.m. at the town hall. 3. Today's drop-in craft features something European. You can come by any time between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and partake in the craft-making session at the Northborough Free Library. 4. It's the first day of the two-day cheering camp hosted by the Northborough Southborough Football League at Algonquin Regional High School. 5. YogaPlus Fitness holds a special class just…

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This Week in Local Meetings

Get involved. Here's a rundown of local meetings in town this week that are open to the public.

It's a light week for meetings. If we've missed anything for the coming week, please let us know in the comments section below, or by emailing charlene.arsenault@patch.com. The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at noon at Guiseppe's Grill. You do need to be a member, but anyone can join. The first session is free. The Planning Board meets on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the town offices. The agenda includes a public hearing for definitive subdivision of “Stirrup Brook Estates II” located off of Stirrup Brook Lane. View the full agenda here.

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