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Legal challenge to Beal Commons project dismissed
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Vol. 51 | No. 4 | January 24, 2025
Once a wreck, house restored for the next 100 years
Westborough celebrates MLK and his legacy
By Evan Walsh Reporter
Westborough | 2
SHREWSBURY – After months of discussion in court, a challenge to Beal Commons has been dismissed. In a 29-page ruling issued Jan. 16, Mass. Land Court Associate Justice Kevin T. Smith dismissed with prejudice a legal challenge to the Beal Commons project, affirming the Planning Board’s April 2023 decision to approve the project.
‘Yarn bombing’ tradition brightens Shrewsbury Center
Shrewsbury | 13
Plans approved Built at 1-7 Maple Avenue in the 1920s, the former Maj. Howard W. Beal School had been used an educational space for almost 100 years. The former
Opponents challenge BWALT feasibility study
Beal | 5
Interest expressed in White Cliffs mansion By Laura Hayes Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – After recent news articles about the White Cliffs mansion, town leaders have received interest from a couple of parties. Town Administrator Stephanie Bacon told the Select Board on Jan. 13 that she met with a couple who were looking for housing for autistic and mentallychallenged adults. “A lot of the parents grow old and they can’t take care of the kids anymore,” Bacon said. She said town staff rerouted the pair to another possible site in town for the project. A school with a day program for preschool to elementary-aged children White Cliffs | 11
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Dr. Babak Movahedi and his wife, Sarah, in front of 30 E. Main St., Westborough, which they own and have restored. (Photos/Maureen Sullivan)
Westborough | 14
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – A few years ago, the only occupants at 30 E. Main St. were the birds and squirrels that found their way through the third-floor windows. The house — a Greek Revival dating back to 1825 — had been vacant for years, and it was close to being torn down. About 100 yards from the site, Dr. Babak Movahedi had just finished a two-year restoration project at his home on Spring Street. “It was really a mess, but much of the character and charm was preserved,” said Movahedi, who has lived in Westborough since 2012. He and his wife, Sarah, then began looking at 30 Main St. “Every time we looked at it, we could see it had beauty and charm,” he said. There were also junk cars and a dumpster occupying the yard, not to mention
Leadership comes from all angles for Shrewsbury girls hockey
Shrewsbury | 22
Michael Fitzpatrick shows one of the historical connections of 30 E. Main St., Westborough. The sign may read 1855, but Fitzpatrick said that the house dates to 1825, according to records.
the wildlife inside. “It had been declared unsuitable for human habitation,” said Movahedi. “It was falling apart.” One of the town’s realtors then approached him and asked if he wanted to buy the house. Knowing it would be a
interest interestfinancing financingfor for energy energyefficient efficienthome home upgrades. upgrades.
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House | 12
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