‘State of the City’ is strong, says Marlborough mayor

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH - Mayor Arthur Vigeant presented a positive outlook in his 11th “State of the City” address on Jan. 23.

In a 10-minute speech at the start of the City Council meeting, Vigeant said the state of the city “could not be stronger” as the city continues to attract businesses.

He touted that the city’s home values rose 18% last year, but “we still have the lowest tax bill in the region.” He noted that the tax bill for the average homeowner in Marlborough rose about $99 — in contrast to other communities, which saw tax increases in the hundreds, said Vigeant.

Vigeant also praised the creation of a community page on the city’s website so that residents can keep track of developments.

“We want to provide factual information,” he said, mentioning “rumors” about proposed plans that appeared on social media, such as building a senior center in the middle of Ward Park.

The mayor mentioned the proposed projects on Lincoln and Mechanic streets that will “tie French Hill to downtown.”

Vigeant brought up the Marlborough Public Library project, which is halfway completed. He welcomed the new director, Sara Belisle, and said he’s looking forward to the grand

Select Board approves promotion of police sergeant, lieutenant

By Laura Hayes Managing Editor

HUDSON - The Hudson Police Department has a new lieutenant and sergeant.

During the Jan. 23 meeting, the Select Board approved the promotion of Sgt. Roger Downing to lieutenant and Officer Sam Leandres to sergeant.

Chief Richard DiPersio noted that three generations of Downings have served with the department.

Downing has been with the department since 1998 opening.

In addition to Belisle, the city welcomed a new human resources director John Harmon, school superintendent Mary Murphy and executive director for the Community Development Authority Chad Parker along with eight police officers and 10 firefighters, over the past year.

He thanked the now-former governor and lieutenant governor, Charlie Baker and Karyn Polito, for “their continued great relationship,” including the recent granting of $2 million in MassWorks grants to the city.

“It’s the perfect time to thank them,” said Vigeant.

He said he looks forward to working with Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

In addition to the improve- ments and continuing developments, Marlborough is one of three cities in Massachusetts to receive a dedicated plaque placed at the Old Common Cemetery. This honor was received by the Massachusetts Sons of the American Revolution. The city also held the largest community Medal of Liberty Recognition event in Massachusetts.

One item Vigeant would like to accomplish soon is an increase the seniors’ residential property tax workoff abatement program from $1,000 to $1,500. Applications for this year’s program are now available through the Council on Aging; applicants have a deadline of Feb. 17. For information and to access the documents, visit tinyurl. com/5by6pt98.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH - A developer will be able to extend the time limitations for their proposed project at 272 Lincoln St.

During its Jan. 23, meeting, the City Council accepted a request by 272 Lincoln LLC to extend its special permit application to March 28.

The application, which first went before City Council in October, is proposing to build a 12-unit, three-story building with accessory parking on the site.

The site was the one-time home to Finishmaster, an auto service facility with open-air parking for 15 cars, according to the application.

There would be access to the site off both Cashman and Lincoln streets. The plans call for a total of 12 two-bedroom units with four units on each floor. The developer is also proposing 24 parking spots — 18 in a garage and six open-air spaces.

The billboard adjacent to the building would also be removed.

During a public hearing on Nov. 21, several members of Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church said they were concerned about an increase in traffic from the proposed project.

This is the latest housing project to go before the City Council in recent months. It’s about a block away from the recently approved Alta Marlborough development, which will be built on a nearly fiveacre parcel on the corner of Lincoln and Mechanic streets.

Alta is a 10,000-squarefoot mixed-use project with 276 units — 10% of which will be affordable — and more than 400 parking spaces.

In past meetings, the developers of the Alta project have said that the development would make the Assabet River Rail Trail more accessible by increasing the amount of off- street parking spaces along with a restroom building that would be conveyed to the city for use by the public.

The project was approved by the City Council in July 2022 with a 7-1 vote with Councilor J. Christian Dumais abstaining, Councilor Don Landers absent and Councilor Mark Oram voting against.

Select Board approves promotion of police sergeant, lieutenant

Hudson police | from page 5 and is currently the patrol supervisor. Downing has also served as a school resource officer, the firearm instructor, armorer, an operator with the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC) SWAT team and community action team supervisor.

“Roger has been one of our go-to guys over the years. I’m excited to be able to promote him,” said DiPersio.

Leandres has been part of the Hudson department since 2016, and he is currently a patrol K-9 handler with his partner, Jocko, and assigned to the CEMLEC SWAT K-9 team.

As the K-9 handler, DiPersio said Leandres has served as a “quasi-supervisor.”

“I think he’s ready for this new challenge. He’s going to be a great asset to the supervisory staff here, and I’m excited for him,” DiPersio said.