News

Finance Committee Defers Recommendation on Zoning Bylaw Articles, Reviews FY 2025 Financial Dashboard

(22-AUG-25) At its meeting on August 19, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed the Fall Town Meeting warrant articles and the Town’s Fiscal Year 2025 year-end results.

Boxborough Director of Land Use and Permitting Alec Wade presented the Planning Board warrant articles for Fall Town Meeting, scheduled for October 14 at the Boxboro Regency. The proposed MBTA Communities Act zoning bylaw and the proposed municipal use (for public safety) zoning bylaw generated the most discussion among FinCom members.

Members Maria Neyland and Joe Stulpin expressed concern that while the proposed MBTA zoning bylaw was in compliance with the law, it sidesteps the “spirit of the law,” which is to increase the availability of multi-family housing to address the state’s housing shortage. Both Neyland and Stulpin said they would support the warrant article, but encouraged the town to continue to develop housing in Boxborough.

The proposed public safety zoning bylaw generated a lengthy discussion. Town Administrator Michael Johns said that the town can no longer postpone or delay the decision to build a new fire station. Johns attributes the resignation of four firefighters to the unsafe living and working conditions at the current fire station. He reported that an exterior staircase has pulled away from the building and must be removed and replaced. “It’s a shame to be putting money into a building that we know is going to be torn down,” said Johns. He added that whatever the town can do to “expedite” the process of selecting a site for the new fire station would be helpful.

There was general support among FinCom members for all Planning Board articles, but they deferred their vote to recommend until the warrant language is finalized.

FinCom also discussed two proposed "sense of the meeting” (non-binding) warrant articles related to the fire station. The first “sense of the meeting” article asks if the Town would be willing to pay an additional $4M to $6M to build the fire station somewhere other than 72 Stow Road.

FinCom Chair Tony Newton said that given the budget drivers for the upcoming fiscal year, namely the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District assessment, employee benefits, retirement assessments and the likelihood of having to ask the town for an “operational” override, the additional cost was not fiscally prudent. FinCom voted 6-0 not to recommend this article.

The other “sense of the meeting” (non-binding) warrant article discussed by the FinCom asks if the Town would be willing to spend additional funds to build a fire station with “Green Construction standards,” such as geothermal energy and solar panels. FinCom deferred taking a vote until they have more information.

FinCom reviewed the town’s financial dashboard for Fiscal Year 2025, which breaks down spending, income, reserves, debt, staffing and outstanding taxes by quarter.

The Town’s projected “free cash” at the end of the fiscal year at $2,396,865. “Free Cash” is a term that refers to the money that is left over at the end of a fiscal year and is both expected and routine. The operating budget approved at Annual 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 and sometimes because expenses are lower than budgeted.

Boxborough had revenues slightly higher than expected and expenses lower than expected. The higher revenues were generated by “local receipts,” including motor vehicle excise taxes, hotel fees and license and permit fees. The operating budget was underspent by $1,038,084.

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for September 9 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting is hybrid.

Planning Board Votes on Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Public Safety Use and MBTA Communities

(21-AUG-25) At its meeting on Monday August 18, the Planning Board conducted public hearings on the proposed zoning bylaw amendments to be voted at Fall Town Meeting, scheduled for October 14 and 15.

Planning Board Chair Rebecca Verner first opened the continued public hearing on the proposed zoning bylaw amendment to allow and define “public safety” under the “Utility and Public Service Uses” in the Boxborough Zoning Bylaw.

The issue of municipal use zoning arose when, in January 2025, the Town’s Fire Station Building Committee received a letter 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.

The Board discussed two approaches to zoning for public safety. One option brought forth by Planning Board Clerk Rich Guzzardi would allow public safety use in all districts throughout town “by right.” The other option, proposed by member Cindy Markowitz, is an overlay district, which would allow public safety by right only in specific parcels along Massachusetts Avenue, Liberty Square Road, Central Street, and Swanson and Codman Hill Roads.

Over 50 people attended the hearing, and seventeen of the twenty individuals who spoke expressed their support for allowing public safety use in all districts by right.

With input from Town Administrator Mike Johns and Fire Chief John Kivlan, who were both in attendance, Board members defined the term “public safety” as “any land, structure or structures owned or operated by the Town of Boxborough for police, fire and emergency medical services, or emergency management.”

Once defined, Board members began their discussion of how to approach the public safety zoning.

Markowitz presented her overlay district proposal, a map showing the parcels where public safety use would be allowed. She said, “the intent of the overlay is to keep what I consider to be a commercial/industrial type facility out of the Ag/Res. It includes 12 of the 13 selected sites of the Fire Station Building Committee,” and she noted that all of the FSBC’s selected sites, except 72 Stow Road, were “commercial sites and not in the Ag/Res.”

Guzzardi said, “my objective is to give the town the maximum flexibility, and if the overlay is going to take away one of the specific sites that is on the docket right now, that’s not going to get us where we need to get.”

Planning Board members Mark White, Chris Dowdy, and Guzzardi voiced their opposition to the overlay plan because it does not include 72 Stow Road. Member White stated that he is “convinced that this town needs to have the ability to choose its own fate and not be limited, shackled by restrictions when it comes to public safety.”

Verner and Markowitz expressed their views that public safety facilities do not belong in the Ag/Res district and that if public safety uses were allowed throughout town, there may be “unintended consequences.”

A majority (3 - 2) of the Planning Board voted in favor of placing a proposed zoning bylaw amendment allowing public safety use by right in all districts on the Fall Town Meeting Warrant. The article will require a two-thirds vote to pass at Town Meeting.

In its final public hearing of the evening, the Board reopened the continued hearing on the MBTA Communities zoning. The proposed district will comprise the existing multifamily housing at the Meenmore Condominiums and apartment buildings at 1198, 1214, 1228, and 1238 Hill Road.

Town Planner Alec Wade gave a brief update and explained that during its previous hearing on August 11, the Planning Board had provided near final language and “modeled out what the district would look like with preferred dimensional regulations discussed.” Wade continued, “What we’re presenting to you tonight is a finished product. We are ready to go to Town Meeting, and I’m confident that as we review this, you will see that we have driven this district down to the smallest possible size we can get it, and we have comprehensively reviewed how best to make this fit the character of the neighborhood as we’ve discussed it to be so far.”

Wade introduced John Cruz, a consultant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, who reviewed compliance models and components with the Board. The Board discussed dimensional requirements, setbacks, and building heights and worked with Cruz to ensure that the district would meet both the number of units and the density required by the law. Parking and affordability requirements were also addressed, with the Board opting to require that ten percent of any newly developed units in the district be established as affordable.

Just after midnight, the Board voted unanimously (5 - 0) to recommend the language for the MBTA Communities overlay district. The article will require a majority vote to pass at Fall Town Meeting.

The MBTA Communities Act requires communities with access to MBTA amenities (and neighboring communities like Boxborough) to change zoning regulations to allow a certain amount of multifamily housing by right. This program does not guarantee that housing will be produced, but creates the opportunity for future housing growth. Boxborough is required to adopt the required zoning change no later than December 2025.

Select Board Considers Establishing Board of Assessors After Town Assessor Departure

(21-AUG-25) At their meeting on August 11, the Boxborough Select Board heard a presentation from Finance Committee Chair Tony Newton recommending that Boxborough establish a Board of Assessors to oversee the assessor’s office.

The town has been operating with Interim Town Assessor James Doherty since August 4. He is expected to be with the town for at least seven weeks, but not permanently. A search for a permanent Town Assessor is underway. The former Town Assessor was terminated on July 21.

The Finance Committee is recommending that the town establish a Board of Assessors after identifying two issues of concern relating to the Town Assessor function in the wake of the Annual Town Meeting in May 2025.

The first issue is that the town has built up a surplus of funds for property revaluation after approving annual revaluation warrant articles for $30,000. The second issue is a surplus of funds in the town’s overlay reserve, which is set aside for tax abatements.

Finance Committee Chair Newton noted that there is currently no indication that any funds were misused.

Newton told the Select Board that the Finance Committee is looking into both of these surplus issues, but that identification of the issues prompted the Committee to suggest the Select Board create a Board of Assessors to oversee the Town Assessor. Newton noted that most communities in Massachusetts have both a Board of Assessors and a Town Assessor. The Board of Assessors could be appointed or elected.

The Select Board responded positively to the Finance Committee’s recommendation and voted to add a warrant article establishing a Board of Assessors to the Fall Town Meeting warrant.

In other business, the Board voted to approve a Rodenticide Policy, which prohibits the application and use of Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) on town property. Before approving the policy, the Board decided to remove an “emergency waiver” exception.

The Board also began a discussion about whether the Select Board should make a recommendation about the Planning Board’s zoning articles in the Fall Town Meeting warrant. The Select Board noted that they generally do not make recommendations on articles brought by the Planning Board, as there is an established practice that the Board not comment on articles brought by another elected board. Select Board members expressed differing viewpoints on whether and why to make a recommendation about the articles expected in October, which relate to the MBTA Communities Act and municipal zoning. The Board will continue this discussion at its next meeting on August 25.

The Select Board also heard a presentation from Communities for Restorative Justice (“C4RJ”) Executive Director Erin Freeborn. In July, the Boxborough Police Department rejoined C4RJ after a hiatus of several years from the program.

Fire Station Building Committee Authorizes Study of Two Alternative Fire Station Sites

(21-AUG-25) At its meeting on August 14, the Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (“FSBC”) authorized further study of two alternative sites for the town’s new fire station, as it continues to explore options beyond 72 Stow Road and 502 Mass Ave.

The Committee unanimously approved a contract with project consultant Context Architecture, not to exceed $16,200, for further study of traffic sight lines at 700-832 Mass Ave and a site analysis of 1300 Mass Ave.

The FSBC walked through all thirteen potential fire station sites currently under consideration and put them into three buckets: “viable,” “likely not viable,” and “not viable.” The Committee did not vote on the sites, but agreed that time and resources should be focused on the five sites that are considered “viable.” In addition to the two sites studied last year, 72 Stow Road and 502 Mass Ave, the viable sites are 1300 Mass Ave, 750 Mass Ave, and 832 Mass Ave (in combination with 750 Mass Ave).

The FSBC classified five sites as “not viable”: 40 Cunningham Road, 1223 Mass Ave, 975 Mass Ave, 593 Mass Ave, and 577 Mass Ave. Three more were classified “likely not viable”: 1414 Mass Ave, 886 Mass Ave, and 296 Middle Road.

FSBC Clerk Mac Reid reported to the Committee about the recent “listening sessions” with a group of interested community members who have been invited by the FSBC to share their thoughts and ideas about the fire station. Several members of the group have recently focused on the “programming” of the fire station and have made a series of specific design suggestions with an eye towards decreasing the size and cost of the building.

FSBC members discussed whether and how these suggestions from members of the public should be passed along to consultant Context Architecture. Members agreed that the Committee should review and discuss the suggestions first, with the help of Fire Chief John Kivlan, before asking the consultant to evaluate them.

The FSBC also unanimously approved a letter to the Boxborough Planning Board recommending that the Board put forth a zoning bylaw amendment that would allow for public safety services to be permitted by right in all zoning districts. The FSBC’s preferred “by right, everywhere” approach for public safety uses is one of several options the Planning Board is considering for a municipal zoning bylaw amendment. The Planning Board is expected to bring the bylaw amendment to Fall Town Meeting in October.

Finally, the FSBC considered four “sense of the meeting” articles for the Fall Town Meeting in October. The articles are intended to gather information about the town’s preferences for the fire station; however, several FSBC members were concerned that the draft language was confusing. The Committee voted 5-1 to include four “sense of the meeting” articles in the Fall Town Meeting warrant, with language to be edited, discussed, and voted at the FSBC’s next meeting on August 28.

West Nile Virus Detected in Boxborough Mosquito Sampling, Residents Urged to Take Precautions to Avoid Mosquito Bites

(7-AUG-25) The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has notified the Boxborough Board of Health that West Nile virus (WNV) was recently detected in mosquitoes collected from Boxborough. No human cases have been reported in Boxborough at this time.

According to Nashoba Board of Health Agent Jim Garreffi, “the Department of Public Health is regularly conducting surveillance to determine the range and prevalence of both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The first positive hit in a mosquito is generally seen as an opportunity to educate the public on protective actions they can take to minimize their risk of contracting disease.”

On Wednesday August 6, the Town posted a press release on its website confirming WNV in Boxborough mosquitoes. The press release is available at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5639/2025-Press-Release.

The notice includes some specific precautions that residents can take to avoid mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR2525, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. The notice suggests wearing long sleeves and pants and avoiding outdoor activities during the hours from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

Town Administrator Michael Johns asked Garreffi if closing the town’s recreational fields would be an appropriate response. Garreffi responded, “I don’t think closing or reducing hours at the fields would be necessary, but posting the information at the recreational town properties would help send the message for individuals to protect themselves. The Department of Public Health still lists the risk for WNV and EEE as low for Boxborough.”

On Thursday August 7, the Town issued a “Mosquito Spraying Notice” outlining the specific streets that would be sprayed that evening and providing a list of precautions that residents should observe. The Town’s notice, including a list of streets that were sprayed, is available at https://www.boxborough-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5649/Mosquito-Spraying-Notice.

The spraying operation is conducted by the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) and, according to Garreffi, the chemical used is Zenivenx, which kills adult mosquitoes. More information about the products used by CMMCP, see https://www.cmmcp.org/pesticide-information/pages/products-we-use.

Planning Board Considers Municipal Zoning for Public Safety Use, Selects Meenmore/Hill Road parcels for MBTA Communities Zoning

(7-AUG-25) On Monday, August 4, the Boxborough Planning Board conducted back-to-back public hearings on two zoning matters that will be brought before voters at Special Town Meeting (STM) in October 2025. With more than 75 people in attendance (via Zoom), residents asked questions and voiced their opinions on municipal use and MBTA Communities Act zoning.

After reading the public hearing notice for the municipal use code into the record and noting the large number of people in attendance, Planning Board Chair Rebecca Verner invited the public to share their opinions on a zoning bylaw amendment that would define municipal use and determine where municipal buildings may be located in town.

At the May 2025 Town Meeting, the Select Board attempted to solve the problem identified by the Building Inspector by bringing a warrant article to amend the zoning bylaw to allow municipal governmental use in every zoning district throughout town. The article failed to pass.

During the public hearing on Monday night, twenty-one residents voiced their opinions regarding municipal use in a residentially zoned area. Of those, ten were adamantly against siting a fire station or any municipal use in a residential area.

Others, including Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) Chair Mary Brolin and Select Board Chair Kristin Hilberg, voiced support for flexibility in the use code, indicating that 90% of Boxborough is zoned for Agricultural/Residential (Ag/Res), and the prohibition of municipal use in Ag/Res would severely limit the possibilities for a fire station building site. Brolin emphasized that 72 Stow Road, the site selected by the FSBC earlier this year (zoned Ag/Res), is still on the table and the Planning Board’s zoning amendment needs to allow a fire station to be built at this location in case none of the alternative sites currently being explored are feasible.

After hearing from the public, Planning Board members agreed that the zoning amendment for October STM should focus specifically on where to allow public safety use, instead of tackling the broader issue of all municipal use.

Members were split, however, on whether to allow public safety use in Ag/Res.. Planning Board Clerk Rich Guzzardi and member Chris Dowdy favor allowing public safety use in all zoning districts (including Ag/Res), while Chair Rebecca Verner and member Cindy Markowitz are against allowing it in the Ag/Res district. Member Mark White was absent from the meeting.

The hearing will be continued on August 11, when two approaches will be considered. One option will consider townwide public safety zoning; the other option is an “overlay district” that designates only selected parcels for public safety zoning. Regardless of which option is selected, the Board will have to determine if any of the Ag/Res parcels within will allow public safety.

With a large audience still in attendance, Chair Verner re-opened the public hearing for the MBTA Communities zoning, continued from July 21, and invited the public to speak.

At the July 21 hearing, the Planning Board had narrowed their selection to two areas: “District 1,” which lies at the peak of Hill Road, near Meenmore Condominiums, and “District 6,” which is the 72 Stow Road parcel (also being considered as a possible site for a new fire station).

Several members of the public voiced their opinion against zoning 72 Stow Road site for MBTA Communities. Reasons included impact to the neighborhood as well as water and septic limitations, which would preclude the ability to build the required number of units. Both the Water Resources Committee Chair Les Fox and the Housing Board Chair Al Murphy provided information to the Board on the land’s capacity for buildout.

After a brief discussion, Planning Board members agreed to abandon “District 6” and focus on “District 1.” District 1 was selected based on the existing housing stock, proximity to the Littleton MBTA Commuter Rail station, and the proximity to public water.

To limit the impact on the neighborhood, the Planning Board has chosen a hybrid approach to MBTA Communities compliance. This hybrid approach combines existing multifamily housing comprising the Meenmore Condominiums, apartment buildings at 1198, 1214, 1228, and 1238 HIll Road, and developable land at 1172 Hill Road.

To comply with the law, Boxborough must zone for 118 units of multifamily housing at an average density of 15 units per acre. There is no guarantee that housing will be produced, but the revised zoning creates the opportunity for future housing growth. Boxborough is required to adopt the required zoning change no later than December 2025.

The Board continued the public hearing until August 11, when they will discuss the dimensional requirements for the district and prepare draft language for a warrant article to be voted on at Special Town Meeting in October 2025.

Well-Being Committee Plans Outreach to Immigrant Families

(7-AUG-25) At its meeting on Monday August 4, the Well-Being Committee (WBC) discussed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Boxborough, a plan to educate residents about immigrant resources, and the newly modified Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP).

Since May 30, when the last known ICE operation was conducted in Boxborough, the Well-Being Committee has been discussing how to support members of the community who have been impacted by ICE enforcement. During the June 9 Select Board meeting, Well-Being Committee Chair Mary Pavlik presented some potential town actions that included outreach to individuals affected by ICE operations and community awareness and education.

Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks reported that she is now in the process of developing a flyer in multiple languages that provides resources for immigrants. The Well-Being Committee plans to distribute the flyer throughout the town. Trinks explained to the WBC that while bystanders cannot obstruct an ICE operation, they can videotape the event and call “LUCE - Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts,” a grassroots immigrant-led organization that “supports immigrants in exercising” their rights.

Trinks also spoke about the role of Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (formerly Acton-Boxborough United Way) and the AB Resource Center in assisting those impacted by ICE operations. When AB Community Compass is notified of an ICE operation, they designate one individual to contact the family to determine what they need – whether it is food, shelter, clothing, or other resources.

The Committee indicated that they were not aware of any ICE operations in town since May 30.

Following the meeting, Boxborough News reached out to Boxborough Police Chief John Szewczyk, who explained that ICE is “not legally required” to notify local police departments about their operations, but generally give local police a “courtesy” call prior to the operation. ICE does not provide specific details like who, what, when, and where the operation will take place.

Chief Szewczyk also explained that if the BPD received a call from a resident saying they are not sure if they are witnessing an ICE operation or a kidnapping, officers would respond to the incident. The police don’t interfere or get involved with the ICE operation, but can verify that whatever is happening in town is in fact an ICE operation and not someone posing as an ICE officer.

Since this was the WBC’s first meeting of Fiscal Year 2026, they discussed the modified Boxborough Emergency Assistance Program (BEAP), which was funded through a warrant article voted at the May 2025 Annual Town Meeting. BEAP funds can provide up to $500 per family for emergency situations. Community Services Coordinator Trinks is the point of contact for BEAP applications, and two members of the Well-Being Committee must approve all applications for emergency funds.

The Well-Being Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for September 8 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall.

Select Board Joined by State Legislators to Honor Past and Present Select Board Members

(7-AUG-25) State Senator Jamie Eldridge and State Representative Dan Sena joined the Boxborough Select Board at their meeting on July 28 to recognize former Select Board member Dave McKiernan, who recently moved out of town and resigned from the Board.

McKiernan was commended for his service to the town and received Senate and House citations for his contributions to Boxborough. Each member of the Select Board and the Town Administrator also thanked McKiernan for his hard work and dedication to the town.

Representative Sena also recognized current Select Board member Priya Sundaram as a recipient of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s “Commonwealth Heroine” award. Representative Sena nominated Sundaram for the award, which recognizes one woman from each legislators’ constituency for her service to the community. Sena thanked Sundaram for her leadership in the town of Boxborough.

After honoring McKiernan and Sundaram, the Select Board heard a recommendation from the Boxborough Conservation Commission that the town consider adopting a ban on a class of rodenticides called Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). This category of rodenticide is used to control rats and mice by causing internal bleeding, but can also lead to the poisoning of other wildlife that prey on the poisoned rodents.

The Board voted unanimously to support the Conservation Commission’s recommendation and develop a policy prohibiting the use of SGARs in Boxborough. The Board also discussed the possibility of asking the state for permission - through the “home rule petition” process - to ban SGARs on private property as well, as a number of neighboring communities have recently done. The Board indicated an interest in learning more about that process and potentially bringing the required warrant article to town meeting in May 2026.

The Board also opened the warrant for the October 14, 2025 Special Town Meeting (STM). The town is expected to take up two zoning articles at STM: a proposal to bring the town into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act and a zoning bylaw amendment regarding municipal use. The Planning Board is currently conducting public hearings on both issues.

Economic Development Committee Imagines Boxborough “Village for a Day”

(7-AUG-25) What would a walkable town center look like in Boxborough? At its July 24 meeting, the Boxborough Economic Development Committee discussed the possibility of creating a walkable downtown Boxborough for one Saturday in mid-October.

The EDC’s “Village for a Day” event would be designed to encourage walking along Massachusetts Avenue from its intersection with Middle and Stow east towards several local businesses, with vendors and activities along the way.

The EDC’s event may take place the same day as one of the FreeBee “community markets,” a food rescue and sharing market held on the lawn of UCC Boxborough on the corner of Middle Road and Route 111.

The entire event would preview what a village center could look like in Boxborough. The idea of developing a village center is something that the town has explored for a number of years.

Most recently, the town hired consulting firm Tighe & Bond to conduct a Village Center Feasibility Assessment in Spring of 2024, funded by a $46,950 community planning grant from the state. The Village Center project materials are available online at https://boxborough-ma.gov/698/Village-Center-Revitalization-Project.

During their meeting, the EDC identified and assigned a number of critical planning tasks in order to make the “Village for a Day” event a reality. These include outreach to various stakeholders along with local businesses and organizations that may want to set up tables along the planned walking route. The EDC is also looking into food and drink vendors, live music, and activities for kids.

Local businesses or organizations interested in learning more about “Village for a Day” or getting involved in the event can contact Town Planner Alec Wade at awade@boxborough-ma.gov

Boxborough Police K9 Koda Assists Lancaster Police Department

(7-AUG-25) On July 30, 2025, the Lancaster Police Department contacted the Boxborough K9 unit and asked for assistance to conduct an article search for evidence in connection with an incident the previous day.

On July 29, the Lancaster Police Department had stopped two suspects on motor scooters as part of an investigation into a stolen vehicle. The suspects fled the scene, apparently dropping something on the ground in the process.

Hoping to locate an identifying article on the roadside with human scent, and wanting to ensure nothing dangerous was dropped at the scene, the Lancaster police contacted the Boxborough K9 unit to conduct a search of the area.

A statement from Police Chief John Szewczyk reads, “On Thursday, July 30th, K9 Officer Maxwell Bressi and K9 Koda were requested by the Lancaster Police Department to conduct an article search for evidence. One day earlier, two scooters fled from Lancaster Officers and a pursuit and eventual crash occurred. The Boxborough Police Department was not involved in the pursuit. During the article search, K9 Koda located a Visa gift card which may have been utilized by one of the suspects. The case is ongoing.”

The Chief noted that although Koda is trained to detect and follow a human scent, she rarely gets involved in a criminal investigation. Her role is primarily as a service animal and ambassador to the public, although she is also able to use her olfactory skills to help locate a lost person.

Koda, a Black Labrador, joined the Boxborough Police Department in April 2024. She was a gift to Boxborough from Foxbend Labs, a breeder in Hillsborough, NH. Koda works alongside her handler, Officer Max Bressi.

Housing Board Discusses Potential New Construction of Affordable Housing Units

(7-AUG-25) On Tuesday, July 29, the Boxborough Housing Board (BHB) discussed prospective new construction of affordable housing units on Summer Road.

The owner of the parcel of land at 70 Summer Rd is seeking to develop housing on the property and has been approached by a developer who has crafted a plan to build two duplexes constituting four units, two at market rate and two that are Chapter 40b compliant.

Chapter 40B is a state statute, which enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals (ZBAs) to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20-25% of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.

The Board discussed how it can contribute to the development of these proposed affordable units and concluded that the best next step is for the developer to present their plan to the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). If the ZBA response is favorable, the BHB expects to invite the developer to present their plan to the Select Board and BHB at a combined meeting.

The BHB also discussed the upcoming resale of an affordable unit at Summerfields following the death of the original owner. The Board voted to take action to find prospective eligible buyers for the unit on behalf of the current occupant. The BHB agreed that, in the meantime, an interim step could be to send a Board representative with Boxborough Building Commissioner Ed Cataldo to inspect the unit with the current occupant’s permission and make sure the current occupant has the support and information they need to proceed with the resale process.

The Board also heard an update from Associate Town Planner Ian Gilson on the topic of estate planning options for affordable homeowners. To help BHB members understand existing state regulations that dictate whether and how the owners of affordable homes can responsibly plan for their homes to remain Chapter 40b eligible in the event of their death, Gilson is working to schedule David Gasser, Programs Director for Citizen’s Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), to speak at the BHB September meeting.

The next BHB meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 26 at 7pm in person at Town Hall.

Planning Board Begins Conversation on Municipal Zoning Issue, Will Hold Public Hearing August 4

(24-JUL-25) On July 16, the Boxborough Planning Board held a “working session” to tackle a potential zoning bylaw amendment regarding municipal use.

The three-hour session did not result in a decision or vote, but allowed the five Planning Board members to discuss possible approaches to a bylaw amendment in advance of a public hearing scheduled for Monday, August 4.

In January, the Town’s Fire Station Building Committee received a letter 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.

This continues to be disputed by some, who believe that building in the current location of the fire station would be allowed as a pre-existing non-conforming use.

In June, the Select Board, Planning Board, and Fire Station Building Committee convened to figure out how to move forward in a way that would allow the town to build a fire station. At that meeting, the Planning Board expressed its intent to take up the issue and propose a zoning amendment.

At their July 16 meeting, Planning Board members first discussed the threshold question of whether a proposed bylaw change should address all municipal uses or simply focus on “public safety” (the municipal use relevant to the fire station project). Some members indicated a preference for addressing the broader issue of all municipal uses, while others cautioned that a broader approach might make it more difficult to complete the task by the planned October Special Town Meeting.

A second question is whether to (1) allow the use “by right” in all districts, (2) allow the use only by special permit in agricultural and residential districts, or (3) disallow the use in agricultural and residential districts. A fourth option, if the Board chooses to address all municipal uses, could be to distinguish between different types of municipal use and determine which are allowable in which type of zoning district.

The Board acknowledged that the town has already rejected an approach that would allow all municipal uses “by right everywhere.” Three members - Mark White, Rich Guzzardi and Chris Dowdy - expressed that they are in favor of an amendment allowing the narrower public safety use “by right everywhere.” Alternatively, if the town doesn’t have the appetite for allowing public safety use in all districts, including agricultural and residential districts, they indicated they would favor allowing public safety use in those districts by special permit. Chair Rebecca Verner and member Cindy Markowitz indicated that they wanted to hear from the public before taking a position.

In the course of their conversation, the Board discussed definitions for various municipal uses; talked through hypotheticals as they debated which municipal uses should be allowed in which zoning districts; and dug into the “special permit” process.

The Board also voted 4-1 to ask the town’s building inspector “baseline” questions to clarify his interpretation of the current zoning bylaw, including whether the current fire station is a “lawfully pre-existing nonconforming use” and whether a municipal fire station could be considered an allowed use under the “office” definition in the town's bylaw. Planning Board member Mark White was the dissenting vote.

Chair Verner did not allow public comment at the meeting since it was posted as a Planning Board “working session.” The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on this topic on Monday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Finance Committee Proposes Reestablishing a Board of Assessors, Questions Overlay Reserve Amount

(24-JUL-25) At its meeting on Tuesday, July 15, the Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed a number of items including functions of the Assessor’s Office, a proposal to re-establish a Board of Assessors, a preliminary discussion of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and possible override, and projected unspent funds from the Fiscal 2025 budget year.

FinCom Chair Tony Newton led a discussion about the functions of the Assessor’s office; the “overlay reserve,” which is a fund used to cover potential liabilities for tax abatements, exemptions and uncollectable tax bills; and the amount of funding required for cyclical property inspections.

Newton explained that Mass General Law provides that the “overlay reserve” is in the exclusive control of the Assessor and Board of Assessors and does not need Town Meeting approval. Currently, the “overlay reserve” is $1.5 million, and FinCom members want justification for that amount.

Town Administrator Michael Johns said that the Town’s tax attorney, who handles abatement litigation, indicated that for a small town, Boxborough has a large industrial/commercial base with a high vacancy rate. At least two of those companies have filed for tax abatements. Johns asked town counsel to recommend an appropriate “overlay reserve” amount and will provide that information to FinCom when available.

Chair Newton also indicated that FinCom “was looking for further details on the status of revaluation inspections and Town compliance with periodic revaluation requirements.”

FinCom also discussed a proposal to re-establish a Board of Assessors. Newton explained that the population of the town quadrupled between 1960 and 1980, which made it impractical for a volunteer board of assessors to inspect all residential properties. In 1985, Town Meeting voted to hire a professional assessor, and the Town’s Board of Assessors was disbanded. Johns said that in consulting with experts in the field, most towns have both a professional assessor and a board of assessors.

Newton said that, according to Mass.gov, the assessing office is overseen by an appointed or elected board (board of assessors), which is responsible for approving valuations, vetting abatement applications, reviewing property tax exemptions, managing the overlay account, and providing new growth estimates during the budget process. Newton will present this proposal to the Select Board at a future meeting.

FinCom also took up the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget. While there are a number of factors that are not yet known, FinCom Chair Tony Newton developed a preliminary forecast for FY27. Using an historical 10-year average for the levy (taxation) of 5.5% and the levy limit of 4.3%, Newton projected that unless an override of Proposition 2 ½ was approved by the Town, expenses would exceed the levy limit.

Proposition 2½, approved by Massachusetts voters in 1980, limits the amount of revenue a city or town may raise from local property taxes each year to fund municipal operations. This amount is known as the annual levy limit.

An “override” increases the amount of property tax revenue a community may raise and becomes part of the base for calculating future years' levy limits. The result is a permanent increase in taxing authority.

In his analysis, Newton used $5 million as a placeholder for the override but emphasized that this does not represent a tax increase. It is a way to give the town some “breathing room” for anticipated increases over approximately the next ten years, including potential increases in the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District budget.

FinCom members indicated that the Town generally “budgets tight,” but over the last few years has hired more staff and increased hours for existing staff, which has had an impact on the budget. FinCom member Maria Neyland suggested that the Town needs to pause all hiring across all departments.

The discussion about a potential override in FY2027 was preliminary, and any decisions about placing an override in the warrant will be made by the Select Board in consultation with FinCom. Ultimately, voters decide whether to approve the override, which must pass at Town Meeting and at the ballot.

Town Administrator Johns reported that unspent funds from the FY2025 operating budget are currently projected at approximately $500,000. Anything not spent in the FY25 budget year would go into “free cash,” which can be used for future warrant articles or the next operating budget.

In their reorganization for Fiscal Year 2026, the Board voted unanimously to re-elect Tony Newton as Chair and John Connor as Vice Chair for the current fiscal year.

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for August 19 at 7 p.m. in hybrid format (Town Hall and Zoom).

SPCP Regroups Around Workshop Findings and Discusses School Resource Officer Program

(24-July-25) The Boxborough Strengthening Police Community Partnerships (SPCP) Council met on June 11 to begin work on an action plan based on findings from the March 2024 community workshop. Since then, the Council has met monthly and has been gathering information about the Boxborough Police Department to help them address the findings from the workshop. The six major findings from the workshop are:
1) Reach and engage with all residents and community members; public doesn’t know about BPD operations and who they are

2) Staffing and recruitment
3) Unclear if all voices are being heard, treated equitably; police treat people who are different differently
4) Inconsistent police response regarding empathy
5) Need to build trust with the community as it becomes more diverse
6) BPD has been politicized; the town is at war with itself

Council members reported that while reviewing these findings, which are a mix of goals and general topics, a few ideas emerged for improving input from the community. The Council found that one of the most urgent issues is why the interaction between police officers and community members can differ so much (findings 3, 4, and 5). One Council member recalled that during the workshop, a community member spoke about being treated with respect and kindness when stopped for a moving violation, but being treated with suspicion when the police responded to an accidental burglar alarm at their home.

Other topics of discussion focused on how to evaluate the effectiveness of the police diversity training; how to recruit police officers who are compatible with the values and traditions of the diverse Boxborough community; and how to retain the officers who have the best relationship with the community. In their discussion about the public conflict surrounding the previous police chief in 2022, Council members noted that the town should work toward improving transparency and communication between the police department, other Boxborough public offices, and the community at large to prevent a similar situation in the future. The formation of the SPCP Council is one of the actions intended to provide better transparency and more effective communication.

The final topic discussed in June was feedback about a negative reaction to having an officer in uniform, the School Resource Officer (SRO), at Blanchard Memorial School. Multiple Council members reported hearing about students being afraid to go to the school when a person in uniform was seen there. One Council member also reported that some students were even frightened by a firefighter in uniform at the school. This topic was not part of the original charter of the Council, but is relevant to the goal of strengthening police community partnerships. The Council continued the School Resource Officer conversation at a following meeting on July 11 and discussed a letter from a community member objecting to the concept.

The letter expressed concerns about having a police officer in the school where the students have no parent on hand to oversee the interaction with the officer and preferred police presence at events like Fifer’s Day, where the parents can be there to guide the interaction. Several Council members suggested that the SPCP conduct a survey to get parents’ feedback about the SRO program. The public is encouraged to reach out to the Council at spcp.bxb@gmail.com with any inquiries about the Boxborough Police Department, any ideas to strengthen the partnership between the community and the police, or to get involved with the SPCP.

Conservation Commission Recommends Rodenticide Ban

(24-July-25) At their meeting on June 18, the Boxborough Conservation Commission voted to recommend that the Town of Boxborough consider adopting a town-wide ban on a class of rodenticides called Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs). This category of rodenticide is used to control rats and mice by causing massive internal bleeding, with death occurring within several days.

Because they don’t die immediately, infected rodents may be eaten by wildlife, particularly raptors like owls and hawks, poisoning them as well. To the extent that they prey on rats and mice, dogs and cats may also be at risk. SGARs are toxic chemicals that cannot be sold directly to the public. They can only be obtained and deployed through a licensed pest management company.

Alternative methods to control rodents include Integrated Pest Management practices, which encourage use of the least hazardous and most targeted means of pest control. A number of towns, such as Arlington, Newton, Orleans, and Newbury have already adopted SGAR bans.

Currently, according to Boxborough Department of Public Works Director Ed Kukkula, the Town does not use any type of pesticide on Town-owned land, although there is no bylaw or policy against it. Establishing a town bylaw or policy banning the use of SGARs would be a guarantee that these chemicals could not be used now or in the future on Town property.

To extend the ban to include private property, however, the Town would need to go through the “home rule petition” process. This means drafting a petition to the state legislature requesting the power to enact a town-wide ban, gaining approval for the petition at Town Meeting, and submitting the petition to the state legislature for ultimate approval.

Several towns including Arlington and Concord have passed home rule petitions at Town Meeting to ask the state for permission to ban SGARs on private property. In addition to the Conservation Commission, the Boxborough Conservation Trust and the Boxborough Birders have both voted in favor of the Town adopting a rodenticide ban. Discussion of a potential rodenticide ban is expected to be on the July 28 Select Board agenda.

Water Resources Committee Discusses Gathering Data on Private Wells

(24-July-25) At its meeting on July 15, 2025, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) discussed the latest version of the draft water resources report that is being prepared by Weston & Sampson (W&S) and considered how the town might collect and utilize data about private wells in the future.

About half of town residents are on existing public water supply (PWS) wells regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The other half of residents are on private wells. Water quality data is available only for the existing PWS wells, which are not located evenly throughout town.

The WRC has no data on water quality for private wells. The committee discussed the challenges in gathering data on water quality for private wells and discussed ways to analyze data from those wells without compromising the privacy of the well owner.

WRC member Bryan Lynch reported that the local Board of Health is working on regulations that would require well testing upon property transfer. WRC Chair Les Fox emphasized the importance of having town-wide comprehensive data so that any potential need for a municipal water system can be assessed in a timely fashion.

The WRC discussed comments and suggestions to the water resources report being prepared by W&S and expects to receive the next draft on August 12. A final report is expected between October and mid-December. Chair Fox shared that the Littleton Waterline Project continues to move forward.

The extension of the waterline into the areas planned has been completed. Connection to the dwellings remains to be done. The project is on target to be completed by October 2026, as scheduled. The next regular meeting will be on August 19, 2025, at 7:30 pm, via Zoom. The complete draft of the W&S report will be discussed.

Sustainability Committee Evaluates Plans for Waste Reduction Projects

(11-July-25) On May 8 and June 12, the Boxborough Sustainability Committee (BSC) discussed swap shed planning, options for PAYT models, and the Specialized Stretch Code. With the swap shed article approved at the May 12 Annual Town Meeting, the committee began discussions on construction options, taking budget, materials, size, and timing into consideration.

Electrification would require additional cost and time. Committee member Jay Krishnasamy suggested providing a digital platform in addition to the physical swap shed to allow residents to better coordinate items to adopt.

Ian Gilson, the new Associate Town Planner, joined the meeting and conveyed active interest in supporting the committee’s waste reduction efforts, including participation in the waste reduction working group. The waste reduction working group has outlined two potential Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) models.

The first is a hybrid model that maintains use of the transfer station requiring a vehicle sticker and adds the option of purchasing special PAYT bags for excess waste at residential homes. The second is a full PAYT model wherein solid waste collection would take place only at residential homes on a per unit basis, and the transfer station would be reserved only for the swap shed, composting, and disposal of special materials.

Committee Chair Kate Davies noted that the full PAYT model would receive the majority of financial incentives provided by MassDEP compared to the hybrid model. The working group will continue to explore the financial framework for both models.

Member Krishnasamy shared the suggestion from Kelly Brown, Regional Coordinator from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, to delay the Specialized Stretch Code and first implement the Green Communities grant.

As a Green Community, Boxborough is eligible for $132,000 in funding, intended for conversion to LED lighting and weatherization for municipal buildings, beginning with Blanchard Elementary School. By first implementing these changes and demonstrating long-term cost savings, the town may be better positioned to adopt the Specialized Stretch Code.

The Energize Boxborough website now hosts the Climate Action Plan presentation prepared by the Tufts University students and presented to the BSC on May 8. In the next phase of developing the Climate Action Plan, a summer intern is gathering feedback throughout June and July and helping to draft a final plan in August. The next Sustainability Committee meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2025, at 7 p.m.

FSBC Debriefs After First “Listening Session”

(11-July-25) The Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) continues to discuss how to move forward after Town Meeting voted down design funding for a fire station at 72 Stow Road. At its meeting on July 10, FSBC Vice Chair Mac Reid debriefed committee members on the June 30 FSBC “listening session,” a two-hour informal discussion with eleven “very interested and active members of the community” who were invited to share their thoughts and ideas for the fire station. The group includes those who are opposed to a fire station at 72 Stow Road.

The three main discussion topics for the group are (1) the size, cost and program of the fire station, (2) the FSBC’s process going forward, and (3) the location of the fire station. One of the listening session participants offered a list of six fire stations of varying size and cost in “comparable communities.” Boxborough Fire Chief John Kivlan expressed concern that these communities may not in fact be comparable to Boxborough, noting that different town and fire department features can translate to different fire station needs. For example, Boxborough does not have municipal water and has “career” firefighters who live at the fire station, both of which impact space needs.

FSBC members discussed how to evaluate potential “comparable communities.” Chair Mary Brolin will work with Chief Kivlan to review and research the six communities. The listening session group is expected to meet again in late July. Town Administrator Mike Johns reported that he continues to pursue conversations with the owners of several properties that the FSBC is considering as alternative fire station sites. These include 700 and 832 Mass Ave, 1300 Mass Ave, 1414 Mass Ave, and 40 Cunningham Road.

The FSBC also briefly discussed the June 30 Planning Board meeting, which included a working session to discuss potential zoning changes that would allow for the building of a new fire station in Boxborough. FSBC member Maria Neyland, who attended the Planning Board meeting, reported that there seemed to be a difference of opinion among Planning Board members as to how to approach and solve the zoning challenges. On July 16, the Planning Board will hold a working session specific to the fire station zoning issue.

On June 30, the FSBC met with the Planning Board and the Select Board to regroup and move forward after Town Meeting in May, where the town failed to pass two articles related to the fire station project: (1) a zoning amendment that would allow municipal governmental zoning across all zoning districts and (2) design funding for the fire station at 72 Stow Road. At that meeting, FSBC Chair Mary Brolin explained that the FSBC is looking again at multiple locations for the fire station and that the town’s current understanding is that it cannot build a fire station at any location without a zoning amendment. Brolin said that in order to find a path forward for the fire station, the FSBC needs the Planning Board to put forward a zoning solution that will allow a fire station to be built at the potential locations.

What Does “A-B Forward” Mean for Blanchard?

(27-JUN-25) By now, many Boxborough families have heard that the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) has recently launched a strategic planning and reorganization project, dubbed “A-B Forward.”

The goal of A-B Forward, which was initiated in response to the District’s ongoing budget challenges, is to “create an updated strategic plan as well as a set of 3-5 actionable options for district reorganization that could guide district operations for the next 5-10 years.”

A steering committee of administrators, school committee members, educators, and parents is expected to meet monthly to support and guide the District’s work with consultant District Management Group.

There are two phases to the A-B Forward project. The first phase is the development of a strategic plan. The second phase, which will begin in the fall, will focus on “possible concepts for reorganization.”

As the news of A-B Forward spreads around Boxborough, families with students at Blanchard Memorial School have raised questions about what this all means for Blanchard.

Boxborough News posed five commonly-asked questions to the ABRSD School Committee Chair Tori Campbell and the Vice Chair (and Boxborough resident) Adam Klein.

Q: Is it possible that the reorganization process might result in Blanchard no longer serving students all the way from kindergarten to sixth grade (e.g., K-2 at Blanchard, 3-6 in a different building)?

A: At this point, everything is on the table. Our first step is to define where we’re going through developing the strategic plan, and then we can evaluate different ways we might reorganize to get there. Expect to hear more about the draft strategic plan in September, and more about reorganization in October. You can follow our progress on our website: https://www.abschools.org/district/strategic_planning___reorganization_-_2025

Q: Is it possible that the reorganization process might result in Boxborough residents no longer being guaranteed a spot at Blanchard?

A: The “hometown guarantee” that was written into the regional agreement expired in 2019. The regional agreement allows the superintendent to make exceptions to this, and the school committee would have to formally take action to make a change. However, there is already a possibility that in a few more years, Blanchard would not have enough room for all of the Boxborough students to attend Blanchard if they chose.

Q: Is it possible that the reorganization process might result in Blanchard being closed completely?

A: The regional agreement stipulates that there must be at least one school in Boxborough. So while it is doubtful that Blanchard will close, how it is utilized as a school in the district is up for consideration. Also, we haven’t yet finished developing the strategic plan, so it’s a bit early to say whether any school might be closed completely. You can find the regional agreement here: https://abschools.diligent.community/home/public/document/3a092fb2-b918-47c8-b6e3-d7db73a8035c

Q: How likely (or unlikely) is it that there will be NO changes to Blanchard after the reorganization process is complete?

A: Again - too early to say. That said, we are evaluating the status quo as one of our options so that we can make an informed decision about any changes that are proposed. What’s most important in the strategic planning and reorganization process is to understand what the community wants from the schools and what they are willing and able to afford. This is why we are looking for feedback from all members of the Boxborough community, first on our strategic plan and then on the final options through our survey, and sessions in the fall.

Q: How can Boxborough families share thoughts/opinions with the AB-Forward committee?

A: Please respond to our survey! We are beginning by gathering community input into what's working, where we need to improve, and what we haven't imagined yet. You don't have to have a student in school to respond. If you have never responded to a survey like this, then your feedback is precisely what we're looking for! And if you are an occasional or even frequent responder, keep talking to us - this process cannot be successful if it happens in a vacuum.

The district's strategic planning survey closes July 11. It takes just a few minutes and the survey is anonymous. Take the survey here: https://tejoin.com/scroll/673815867.

FSBC Continues to Look for a Path Forward on Fire Station Project

(27-JUN-25) The Boxborough Fire Station Building Committee (FSBC) continues to regroup and discuss how to move forward after the May Town Meeting voted down design funding for a fire station at 72 Stow Road.

At its meeting on June 26, the FSBC heard updates from Town Administrator Mike Johns about the status of several alternative fire station locations aside from 72 Stow Road and 502 Massachusetts Avenue, both of which the FSBC studied in detail before choosing 72 Stow Road as the least costly and most functional location for a fire station.

Town Administrator Johns continues to speak with property owners of 700 and 832 Mass Ave., 1300 Mass Ave., and 1414 Mass Ave. The Committee also asked Johns to approach the owner of 40 Cunningham Road. FSBC members grappled with whether and when funds should be spent to study each of these sites, several of which have been considered and rejected as a fire station site over the last decade.

FSBC Vice Chair Mac Reid shared with the Committee the latest plans for the FSBC’s “listening group,” an informal discussion with a group of invited residents that is intended to generate “out of the box” ideas for the fire station.

Reid is expected to hold at least two meetings with a group of twelve Boxborough residents, including those who have been outspoken against the FSBC’s proposal for a fire station at 72 Stow Road. The first meeting will be an opportunity for participants to speak and FSBC representatives to listen. Fire Chief John Kivlan and a consultant from Context Architecture are expected to join the second meeting in order to help discuss the feasibility of the ideas raised by the participants.

The Committee also discussed how best to approach a reexamination of the fire department’s space needs (“programming”), with the goal of cutting the cost of the project. The size of the station and its cost to taxpayers are the two primary areas of public opposition to the fire station project.

Some FSBC members expressed that the fire chief and the town’s design consultants (“the professionals”) should take the lead on any downsizing. Other members emphasized that compromise will be required in order to get this project approved by the town, and that the Committee should be open to downsizing ideas offered by members of the public.

The Committee voted unanimously to approve a contract extension with town consultant Context Architecture so that Context can continue to attend and support FSBC meetings on a time and materials basis. The extension is not to exceed $27,600, and is within previously authorized funding.

MBTA Communities 3A Advisory Group Reaches Consensus on Multifamily Housing Site Recommendation

(27-JUN-25) On Monday, June 23, Boxborough’s “3A Advisory Group,” the committee charged with recommending locations that meet the multi-family zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities Act, met virtually to review the potential districts and discuss their recommendations which they will present to the Planning Board on June 30.

After a brief introduction, Town Planner Alec Wade reviewed the three sites visited by the group on June 18: Leonard Road (District 1); Element (site of a commercial entity at 1146 Mass Ave - District 5); and 72 Stow Road (District 6). These sites were selected by the group based on their suitability for compliance with the law.

The group discussed each site’s merits and drawbacks and decided that District 1 offers the best option for meeting the MBTA Communities zoning requirements. District 1 would include Leonard Road (Meenmore Condominiums) and abutting properties along Hill Road. This district is favored not only because of its proximity to the Littleton MBTA station and Route 2, but also because it includes both existing multifamily housing (that will partially satisfy the number and density of units required by the law) and land that can be developed, which would be zoned to allow additional multifamily housing to be built.

On behalf of the 3A Advisory Group, Planner Wade will present District 1 for the Planning Board’s consideration at the Planning Board meeting on Monday, June 30. The 3A Advisory Group agreed to continue their discussion of 72 Stow Road as a potential alternate site and make additional visits to other alternate sites.

Before closing the meeting, Wade expressed satisfaction with the group’s work. “Tonight we took a significant step forward…you’ve now empowered us to take the next step in this process… I appreciate the work you’ve put into this…helping us come to this consensus as a team.”

The Select Board has scheduled a Special Town Meeting for October 14-15 when the town is expected to take up the MBTA Communities Act zoning.

Finance Committee Hears Report on Unspent Funds, Suggests Potential Improvements to Town Finance and Budget Processes

(27-JUN-25) At its meeting on June 24, the Boxborough Finance Committee (FinCom) discussed a number of issues including the Fiscal Year 2025 updated budget, unresolved issues regarding the overlay budget and cyclical re-evaluations, a proposal to consider a Board of Assessors, and “designing an optimum process for budgeting.”

Finance Director Honghoa Le reported an initial forecast of unspent funds of $1 million from the current FY2025 operating budget. Anything not spent in the current budget would go into “free cash” which can be used for future warrant articles or the next operating budget.

When asked for a comment after the meeting, Town Administrator Michael Johns said that his analysis showed that health insurance was under-spent by $240,000 due to several employees opting out of the town’s health insurance plan; a few positions (Associate Town Planner, Assistant Treasurer/Collector and a few firefighters) were budgeted for 12 months but went unfilled for several months; snow and ice was under-spent by $58,000 due to fewer snow events; and unemployment was under-spent by $17,000 due to improved employee retention.

FinCom Chair Tony Newton said that FinCom is still looking for answers to questions raised at the last FinCom meeting about the “overlay reserve,” a fund used to cover potential liabilities for tax abatements, exemptions and uncollectible tax bills, and the amount of funding required for the cyclical property inspections. Newton said that FinCom wants to understand what the Department of Revenue (DOR) requires as a good faith estimate for the overlay reserve. Town Administrator Johns indicated that the Assessor was not available to respond to those questions at this time, but expected to have answers for FinCom when it meets in July.

Newton also suggested that the Town consider updating its financial policy to include language on funding cyclical re-evaluations, which is currently not addressed in the policy.

Additionally, Newton proposed that the Town consider creating a three-person Board of Assessors to provide oversight of the assessing process, similar to what other surrounding towns do. The proposal would have this new board review property valuations, vote on property tax exemptions and abatements, and review the tax rate calculation and the overlay reserve fund. Town Administration Johns will take this proposal back to the Select Board for consideration.

Finally, FinCom members discussed “designing an optimum process for budgeting.” Over the last few years, FinCom volunteers have had to either use an old spreadsheet with broken links or do a number of downloads and pivot tables to get the information they needed. FinCom also explained their expectation that the town Finance Team (Accountant, Treasurer, and Assessor) create and provide FinCom with those reports. Town Administrator Johns indicated that he and Le would work on this over the next few weeks and get back to FinCom with some recommendations.

FinCom also spent a considerable amount of time reviewing requests for reserve fund transfers (RFTs). The “reserve fund” is established, budgeted, and voted at Annual Town Meeting to pay for extraordinary or unforeseen expenses or emergencies encountered during a fiscal year. Among the RFTs submitted and voted by FinCom were expenses to back-fill positions due to turnover at the Fire Department, maternity leave at the library, and a medical leave of absence at Town Hall. Additionally, there was an unanticipated legal bill for $15,000.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Newton thanked outgoing FinCom member Becky Neville who served on FinCom for the last eight years. Neville said she plans to stay involved in the town in some capacity yet to be determined.

The next FinCom meeting is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. The meeting is hybrid.

Select Board Revisits Town Response to Local ICE Activity

(27-Jun-25) At the Boxborough Select Board meeting on June 23, the Select Board discussed, but did not vote on, a draft “Immigration Resources” information sheet developed by the Town’s Community Services Coordinator Wendy Trinks, in collaboration with the Acton-Boxborough Community Compass (formerly known as A-B United Way).

The document includes links to hotlines and resources for those impacted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, as well as contact information for Trinks and for local food pantries. Town Administrator Michael Johns explained that once the document is approved by the Select Board, Trinks would distribute the document throughout town.

Trinks developed the document in the aftermath of an alleged ICE operation on Massachusetts Avenue in Boxborough on May 30, which was discussed at the June 9 Select Board meeting.

At the June 9 meeting, Police Chief John Szewczyk reported to the Board that ICE did not notify the Boxborough Police Department about any operation in Boxborough on May 30, and the Department had not received any information from ICE since that date. Once the Town and Police Department were notified of the alleged incident by Boxborough residents, Trinks visited the relevant residence later that day and left a flyer with information about local resources.

The Chief has stated on multiple occasions that the Boxborough Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws and does not aid federal agents in immigration enforcement activities, in accordance with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision in Lunn v. Commonwealth.

Select Board member Sam Anderson asked Johns to clarify with the Police Chief that he “understands what we… would like him to do in these situations from a community support perspective.” At the request of Fire Chief John Kivlan, the Select Board also recognized Boxborough resident Hoff Stuart for his life-saving actions on the morning of June 21 at Flerra Field.

As the Boxborough Minutemen and others were setting up for the annual Fifer’s Day celebration, Mr. Stuart quickly stepped in to assist when an individual experienced a medical emergency due to an airway obstruction. “Mr. Stuart’s swift and decisive actions undoubtedly made a difference in the outcome of this emergency,” wrote Chief Kivlan in a letter to the Select Board, as read aloud by Select Board member Priya Sundaram.

“His willingness to intervene in a critical moment before Fire and EMS personnel arrived is a powerful reminder of the strength and character of our community … neighbors helping neighbors, stepping up when it matters the most.” The Select Board also conducted its annual “Appoint-a-thon” to appoint new and returning members to Town boards and committees.

Water Resources Committee Consultant Reports Boxborough Has Adequate Water Supply

(26-JUN-25) At its meeting on June 17, the Boxborough Water Resources Committee (WRC) reviewed the latest installment of the water resources report being prepared by consultant Weston & Sampson (W&S).

Using an analysis of the groundwater basin, W&S estimates that the ground water in Boxborough recharges at a rate that is comfortably higher than the water demand, such that the town's water supply appears adequate for the future.

The report estimates a current usage of 86 million gallons per year (MGY) and a future usage of 100 MGY. Most of the usage lies in the Guggins Brook Watershed. W&S estimates that the ground water recharges at a rate from 6,320 to 15,996 MGY. Any future commercial demand for water was not included in the study.

WRC member Janet Keating-Connolly pointed out that this assessment only pertains to water quantity, as opposed to water quality, which will likely be a future focus of the WRC.

The report also addresses septic systems. There are 1,467 septic systems in Boxborough. The W&S report categorized the systems into four tiers according to whether their location poses a risk of failure. There are 116 systems in the category with the highest risk, Tier 1. Of these, records show that 68 have been tested, with 11 failures.

The WRC discussed special requirements that might be instituted for high-risk septic systems, such as required pump-out schedules. In addition, the Boxborough Board of Health may require water testing upon property transfer.

The next update to the report will be in the August WRC meeting, and a public presentation is targeted for September.

Chair Les Fox also provided an update on the Littleton waterline project, which continues to progress. The extension along Swanson Road is complete; the work is now along Codman Hill Road.

The next WRC meeting will be on July 15, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., via Zoom.

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