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Vol. 49 | No. 18 | May 5, 2023
Shrewsbury voters head to the polls
Bill seeks to bolster local access revenue streams
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
PHOTO/MAUREEN SULLIVAN
Karen Henderson, general manager of Westborough TV, tapes the dedication of the new veterans’ monument at Minuteman Park on April 15.
REGION – What happens when cable customers “cut the cord?” It may mean lower bills and access to more programs via livestream, but it also means lower revenues for local cable access studios. And that could lead to fewer programs produced by and for residents. A bill currently in the State House would add livestream services to the revenue sources that provide funding for cable access programming. A similar bill filed last year did not come to a vote. A ‘scary time’ for studios For the past five years, revenues to keep WestCable access | 8
PHOTO/EVAN WALSH
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor
SHREWSBURY – There will be new faces on the Select Board and School Committee. Shrewsbury voters headed to the ballot box on May 2 to cast their votes in a number of races. According to the unofficial results, incumbent Beth Casavant was re-elected and Carlos Garcia was elected to the Select Board with Casavant leading the pack with 1,976 votes followed by Garcia with 1,654, Rajesh Uppalapati with 1,244, Siobhan Costello-Weber with 1,130 and James Brown with 534. As for the School Committee, Sandra Fryc was elected to serve another term after receiving 2,352 votes. Rachel Sharifipour was also elected, receiving 1,747 votes. Rajesh Velagapudi rounded out the candidates, receiving 1,726 votes. The third of the contested races was for Housing Authority. Incumbent Kathy McSweeney was re-elected over Anand Sharma.
Discussion continues on Islamic Society’s plans By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor WESTBOROUGH – Bellows Road continues to be the focus of conversation regarding the Boroughs Islamic Society’s (BIS) plans for a new mosque. On April 25, the Planning Board continued its public hearing on the site plan application from the BIS, which has purchased the former
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Candidates for office in Shrewsbury stand in front of Town Hall on election day.
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day-care center at 6 Bellows Road. The BIS is converting the building and adjoining playground; it will include prayer halls, a babysitting room, a kitchen and a public area. The playground will be removed in order to create more parking. The BIS is arranging with the post office next door and an office park for additional spaces. Islamic Society | 8