Planning Board approves Hyundai development plans ARHS’ unified program receives national recognition

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

NORTHBOROUGH - It was halftime at the Algonquin Regional High School and Shrewsbury High School boys basketball game when a parade of students entered the court, carrying a banner.

The banner recognized ARHS as a National Unified Champion School. The high school is one of 12 in Massachusetts and 164 in the country to receive this award given by Special Olympics.

“Titan nation is full of students, staff and families who understand the importance of inclusion and help it grow throughout our towns. They know that no one is left out, ever,” said Sofia Roumiantsev.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

WESTBOROUGH - Plans for a Hyundai dealership at 180-182 Turnpike Road are about to kick into high gear.

The Planning Board approved the draft of the site plans in a 4-1 vote on Jan. 17.

Member Hazel Nourse cast the dissenting vote, saying the dealership would have a negative impact on the adjacent Villages at Walker Meadow neighborhood.

“I feel this project will be detrimental to the health, welfare and safety of the neighborhood,” she said.

Nourse said she was concerned about an increase in traffic at the site that could lead to light pollution and more noise. She also

Roumiantsev is a team captain of both the unified basketball and track teams as well as an officer in Best Buddies and the unified basketball representative on the Algonquin Athletic Council.

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Planning Board mulls Beal Commons parking, traffic studies

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

SHREWSBURY - Traffic and parking.

That was the focus of the conversation regarding the application for Beal Commons – located on Maple Avenue at the site of the former Beal School — at the Jan. 19 Planning Board meeting. It focused on traffic and parking studies commis- sioned by the applicant.

The studies noted that while “parking is sufficient at the site,” public parking sites seem to be underutilized.

The town’s Town Center Parking Management Plan has made a similar assessment, and that public-private partnerships are necessary to offer solutions to parking.