Piccadilly Pub was a ‘beloved watering hole’
Delivering flowers and smiles in Southborough southborough | 7
History | 6
Governor signs ban on singleuse plastic bottles WESTborough | 11
100% local content
100% FREE
Locally owned and operated since 1974
Your community. Your news. Your paper. Shrewsbury · Westborough · Northborough · Southborough · Marlborough · Hudson · Grafton
Vol. 49 | No. 39 | September 29, 2023
Select Board divided on vote to fund facade improvement program
Spirit of Shrewsbury shows off community pride
By Laura Hayes Managing Editor
By Evan Walsh Reporter
NORTHBOROUGH – A split vote by the Select Board allocated $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a sign and façade program. Chair Mitch Cohen and members Kristen Wixted and Julianne Hirsh voted for the program on Sept. 18 while members Laura Ziton and Lisa Maselli voted against.
SHREWSBURY – This year’s Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival was one for the books. Roughly 80 vendors — and hundreds of event attendees — assembled at Oak Middle School on Sept. 23 for great food, exciting activities, hours of fun and community togetherness at the Spirit of Shrewsbury Expo. “It starts with the motivation to have fun and get the community involved and meeting each other,” said Spirit of Shrewsbury President Mieka Davis. “I don’t think we do that enough, so we’re really dedicated to making sure there are cultural events.” The event featured food trucks, bounce houses, alpacas, and giveaways from numerous local companies. “We love Shrewsbury — that’s what it’s all about. Anything we can do to improve Shrewsbury is what our mission is. How can we get this town to be better in any way? … You’re meeting friends, you’re meeting
Program explained The program was first presented to the Select Board on Sept. 11 by Planning Director Laurie Connors. Connors said the program came from suggestions from the town’s downtown revitalization consultants who have been working with the Master Plan Implementation Committee (MPIC). The draft version of the program called for matching grants of up to $2,000 for sign replacement projects and up to $20,000 in matching grant funds for façade improvement. Connors presented examples of what various properties in Northborough could look like using the program — painted brick restored to its original color, awnings and new signs, planters, window details like shutters, a decorative cornice at the top of the building and landscaping improvements like street trees. The program will be open to businesses and owners of buildings that contain a business or mixed-use development throughout town, Façade | 7
Spirit of Shrewsbury | 12
Members of Shrewsbury’s Girl Scout Junior Troop 65174 pose for the picture at the Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival.
High-tech manufacturer considers moving headquarters to Shrewsbury By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Physik Instrumente (PI) is considering moving its American headquarters to Shrewsbury. During the Select Board’s Sept. 12 meeting, PI U.S. President and Marketing Director Matt
Reck outlined plans for the company’s move of its American headquarters to Centech Park North, located at the corner of Route 20 and South Street. PI is involved in semiconductors, automation, telecommunications, astronomy and more. Notably, PI has had its products included
Dine in or Take out. We offer great seafood, quality meats, deli, sandwiches, prepared hot and ready to heat meals.
Physik Instrumente | 13
Scan QR code for full menu
Restaurant & Market
KENNEDYSPUB.COM • 247 Maple St. Marlboro • 508-485-5800
PHOTO/ EVAN WALSH