free subscription
Westborough begins search for new police chief westborough | 26
Shrewsbury Public Schools make mindfulness a priority
shrewsbury | 24
Scan QR code to receive a copy of the Community Advocate every week or visit www.CommunityAdvocate.com
Locally owned and operated since 1974
Your community. Your news. Your paper. Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Vol. 49 | No. 24 | June 16, 2023
Developer pitches two apartment complexes on Turnpike Road
After escaping Taliban bombing, Shrewsbury student shines By Evan Walsh Reporter
PHOTO/LAURA HAYES
By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor SOUTHBOROUGH – Two sites along Turnpike Road could be developed into apartment complexes. However, at one of these sites, there may be a question of whether such a development can be allowed. Mike Ferris of Ferris Development Group (FDG) presented plans before the Select Board on June 6. Ferris said his brother, Dave, owns properties at three sites, including 120 and 250 Turnpike Road. For the site at 120 Turnpike Road, FDG is proposing to build 56 apartment units in a Apartments | 9
From Afghanistan to America Mohammadi left Afghanistan after the Taliban took over the country in 2021. After the regime change, Afghan women — including Mohammadi — were not allowed to return to school. At 17, Mohammadi fled to New Jersey, staying in a camp for three months, before heading to New York for another five months. In an interview with the Community Advocate, Mohammadi described her difficult situation. Student | 13
Kubra Mohammadi stands with her trophy after placing fourth at the 2023 National Catholic Forensic League competition in Louisville.
Plans for ice cream restaurant head to ZBA By Laura Hayes Managing Editor NORTHBOROUGH – An ice cream and beverage restaurant is hoping to come to the former Texas BBQ Company site on Main Street. The project is slated to go before the Zoning Board of Appeals on June 27. The Planning Board provided a technical review of the project
Bank where you matter. Helping you work toward a financially secure future by providing the right banking products and guidance that fit your unique personal or business needs. Get started today at centralfcu.com or call us at (800) 527-1017. Federally insured by NCUA.
COURTESY/SANAM ZAER
Ferris Development Group is eyeing 120 Turnpike Road for an apartment complex.
SHREWSBURY – After the Taliban bombed her school in Afghanistan, killing several of her friends, Kubra Mohammadi embarked on an unexpected and difficult journey around the world. The relocation was challenging. But after landing in Shrewsbury, Mohammadi has turned herself into one of the town’s most gifted students. With virtually no understanding of English one year ago, Mohammadi has placed nationally in speech and debate competitions, and she was recently accepted to Princeton University’s Summer Journalism Program.
during its meeting on June 6. The site is the former home of Texas BBQ Company, which closed in 2020. According to project engineer James Tetreault, the applicant — SALIII 305-309 Main Street LLC — plans to use the same building for an ice cream and beverage restaurant. “This is going to be a beautiful site in Ice cream | 4