We will publish results from the other candidates as we receive them. Eds.
1. Given the argument above on the fluidity of Town board makeup, would you commit now to placing a preservation restriction to protect the exterior of Fayville Town Hall before it is sold? If not, why not?
Yes.
2. Study after study has shown that taxes on single family homes don’t cover their cost to the Town, and each new build actually contributes to higher rates for everyone. Given that, what would you propose to limit further development and increase the quality of life for current residents?
The Advisory Committee did such a study several years ago, confirming that additional residential development likely results in a net cost to the Town. Because development is largely controlled by the Town’s zoning bylaws (managed by the Planning Board), modification of the development process is something that starts with the Planning Board. I support a Planning Board initiative to update the zoning bylaws, which can address growth and other issues. The Selectmen
can collaborate with the Planning Board on such an initiative.
Additionally, the Selectmen can help manage the Town’s exposure to “unfriendly” 40B housing projects by smart planning to meet our Housing Plan objectives. Using monies in the Housing Trust Fund we can work with developers and/or nonprofits to create “friendly” 40B housing projects so we can meet our housing obligations through a process the Town controls, instead of reacting to developer proposals.
3. If the majority of home owners in a particular area of Town favored the creation of an historic district, would this have your support?
I support this concept. I would need to see the specific details of such a proposal before I can support a particular proposal.
4. Would you support the Town acquiring any open parcels that come out of agricultural use to prevent their development?
I support the preservation of open space in the Town. The challenge is to find a way to fund the acquisition of (or acquisition of the development rights to) such property. The Town needs to work with the Open Space Preservation Commission (OSPC) to see that the limited resources for such purchases are aligned with the OSPC prioritization of available properties.
5. What other ideas do you have to promote and protect the historic nature of Southborough?
The Selectmen can support the Historical Commission and the Planning Board to develop a plan for historic preservation and priorities.
6. What plans might you suggest to revitalize the Main Street area economically and aesthetically once the road improvements are done?
The Town could consider creating a zoning overlay district to permit mixed-use structures in the downtown area. This could provide additional commercial/professional space as well as residential use.
7. And finally, if plans were developed for a cultural corridor linking the Library, the Old Burial Ground, the Museum, the Town House, St Marks church and the cemetery, would you be generally supportive of such an idea?
I would be generally supportive of this concept. I would need to see the specific details of such a proposal before I can support a particular proposal.