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Marlborough Hudson An edition of the Community Advocate
Local developer donates $224,000 to city for infrastructure improvements By Paul Hopkins Reporter MARLBOROUGH – A major developer donated $224,000 to Marlborough on May 26 in an effort to assist with improving ballfields, maintaining trails, and planning a proposed fire station. Ferris Development, which won a special permit from Marlborough last winter to develop a condominium complex on Lizotte Drive, agreed to contribute $100,000 designated for improvements to local ballfields; $50,000 for the expansion and enhancement of public trails; and $74,000 to support the development of the proposed West Side Fire Station. The funds for the fire station will be paid into the West Side Fire Station Mitigation Stabilization Fund prior to building permits being issued. Mayor J. Christian Dumas accepted the funds on behalf of the city but emphasized that the City Council gets the credit for shepherding the Ferris project through the permitting process. Councilor Mark Vital, a member of the city’s Recreation Commission and a longtime sports coach, was also present for the presentation. David Ferris, founder and CEO of Ferris Development, told the Community Advocate that the firm “originally cut our teeth and started our businesses here in Marlborough because of its business-friendly climate.” He said the company has had “a lot of success” working with the city’s economic development office and said there is a deep trust with Ferris Donation | 16
‘You can do a lot of good’
Roger Downing reflects on 30 years as a Hudson PD officer By Paul Hopkins Reporter HUDSON – Hudson Police Department lieutenant Roger Downing has seen a lot in his nearly 30 years on the police force. Downing, who plans to retire in January, has lived in Hudson his entire life and dedicated his career to the town. Being a police officer runs in the family. Downing’s father, John, was an officer for 34 years, including five years as chief. Their tenures as members of the department overlapped for about eight years. Today, Downing’s oldest son, James, has been with the Hudson Police Department for about seven years. “I was influenced by the stories my father would tell, and I saw him in uniform and visited the station from time to time,” said Downing. “I saw a lot of the good and exciting things my dad did. I suppose that drew me into it.” Downing | 16
Leadership changes in Marlborough schools By Leighah Beausoleil Assistant Editor MARLBOROUGH – After the announced departure of Marlborough High Principal Stephen Sierpina and the promotion of Whitcomb School Principal Angela House to assistant superintendent, the district has officially secured new leadership for the 2026-27
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Vol. 52 | No. 23 | June 5, 2026
academic year. Sarah Casey has been selected to lead Marlborough High School as its next principal. She started on June 1. Casey has 15 years of experience in education and currently serves as the Director of Alternative Education for Marlborough Public Schools, overseeing alternative Leadership | 16
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