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A guide to Hudson’s inaugural Restaurant Week
Marlborough’s early mayors created many of city’s important facilities
HUDSON | 12
Marlborough Fire Department chief retires
Marlborough | 7
Marlborough | 11
Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
720-unit apartment complex among options for forested Marlborough lot By Paul Hopkins Reporter MARLBOROUGH – A major development is proposed for Marlborough. Martin Reilly Real Estate is looking to build housing on an 80-acre plot of wooded land off South Street, bordering Bracken Drive and Desimone Drive. The company outlined the proposal in a presentation to abutters Jan. 21. Two options are being pitched: a 720-apartment development, or a 57 single-family home neighborhood that would require clear-cutting most of the land. The developer says the apartment concept would preserve open space while providing more tax revenue to the city. Attorney Brian Falk, who led the presentation, said in an email to City Hall that the apartment-based option would require a zoning amendment, special permit, site plan approval, and wetlands permits. The “byright” single-family option would only require subdivision approval and wetlands permits. Falk said, “We believe the multifamily/townhouse option would better preserve open space, better screen development areas
‘It’s a great community’
MEDC director celebrates 10 years of leadership By Shealagh Sullivan Reporter MARLBOROUGH — Driving through Marlborough, you’ll pass bustling restaurants, well-known company headquarters, and small businesses galore. From helping vacant buildings find new life to supporting new businesses that call the city home, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), established in 2007, has played a key role in transforming the city. This year, MEDC Executive Director Meredith Harris is celebrating her 10-year anniversary leading the nonprofit. She has been involved with dozens of projects throughout the city, including the building of APEX Entertainment, Alta French Hill, and Lost Shoe Brewing. However, working in the city’s economic development sector wasn’t always her dream. Harris began her career working for former MEDC | 6
Meredith Harris has led the MEDC for a decade. (Photo/Shealagh Sullivan)
Hudson battles rising costs during budget season By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – Increases in health insurance and energy costs are going to be some of the biggest cost-drivers in Hudson’s fiscal 2027 budget. Town Manager Thomas Gregory told the Select Board on Jan. 12 that this will be the second year of “very, very large increases in health insurance –
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increases we haven’t seen in the municipal world in decades.” At the outset of the Select Board’s review of proposed spending, Gregory said the town – like many – will face “fiscal sustainability” concerns into fiscal 2028 and beyond. The initial figures show a budget of $108.1 million, up 4.2 percent from fiscal 2026. The
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Budget | 6