Boxborough Select Board Recommends Fire Station Zoning Change in 4-1 Vote

BOXBOROUGH -- September 8, 2025, Boxborough Select Board split 4-1 in recommending a zoning change that would allow public safety facilities by right in every district, a key step toward siting a new fire station. Planning Board Chair Alec presented Article 1, which defines public safety as a Boxborough-only municipal use and requires site plan review even without a special permit; the planning board had approved it 3-2. Member Wes cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the by-right standard in agricultural and residential zones reduces meaningful public oversight. The board deferred its recommendation on companion Article 2, which would allow a structure up to 25,000 square feet in the Town Center district via special permit, because the planning board has not yet held a public hearing on that language. The board voted unanimously to recommend a sense-of-the-meeting motion on up to $1 million in green construction upgrades, including a $700,000 to $800,000 geothermal HVAC system, with the Capital Committee finding payback likely within the 30-year bond period. All five remaining voted articles, MBTA Communities Overlay, appointed board of assessors, and a flexible town meeting date bylaw among them, passed unanimously. The Fall Special Town Meeting is October 14 and 15 at the Regency, 242 Adams Place.