THE NEW
Uxbridge Times
Established in 1991 Vol. 30 • Issue 8
Over 21,000 Copies Mailed Free
UxbrIdge • North UxbrIdge • LINwood • doUgLas • NorthbrIdge • whItINsVILLe • sUttoN • MaNchaUg
aUgUst 2021
Uxbridge awarded Complete Streets Funding
TOWN HISTORIAN - Mr. J. Francis Cove III (center) pictured abover with his wife Pat and Massachusetts State Representatives Fatman (L) and Soter (R).
Representative Soter announced that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), on behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration, released $6.05M million to 18 communities as part of the Fiscal Year 2022 Round 1 of grants for the Complete Streets Funding Program. These grant awards will be used by recipient municipalities to fund local multimodal infrastructure projects that improve travel for bicyclists, pedestrians, public transit users, and people using other forms of transportation. The announcement regarding the Complete Streets Funding Program provides the community of Uxbridge with $399,316 to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility for residents with pedestrian improvements around Whitin Elementary School. This includes constructing accessible curb ramps at Rogerson Crossing and Londonderry Way and reconstructing 1,100 feet of sidewalk along the east side of Granite Street to Hartford Avenue. The project will also replace the crosswalk at
Rogerson Crossing and two crosswalks at Londonderry Way. Representative Soter commented, “Public safety has always been a priority of mine and I know that it is also paramount for town officials. This is a
A “Complete Street” is one that enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. tremendous opportunity for the community of Uxbridge. The monies awarded to Uxbridge in this round will work to create a safer and more accessible community for all.” Administered by MassDOT, the Complete Streets Funding Program aims to
teach communities about Complete Streets and encourage the integration of Complete Streets into regular local planning practices. Since its launch in 2016, 235 municipalities have worked through the program to adopt a local Complete Streets Policy. 205 have advanced even further to develop an approved Complete Streets Prioritization Plan. A representative from each municipality registered with the program also attends a training course to learn about Complete Streets. Municipalities may apply for up to $400,000 in construction project funding in one application. Examples of project elements that can be implemented through the program include sidewalks, multimodal paths, bicycle lanes, improved street lighting, and pedestrian signalization at crosswalks or intersections. For more information about the Complete Streets Funding Program, visit: www.masscompletestreets.com.
Cove receives recognition In Uxbridge, the name J. Francis Cove III is synonymous with two things: the Cove Insurance Agency and historic preservation of the town. On a sunny Saturday in June, there was a gathering of members of the Historical Commission, Historic District Commission, Board of Selectmen, and Uxbridge Historical Society to honor him on the lawn of the Col. John Farnum House (c. 1715) on Mendon Street. Coffee and donuts were served before Mary Beauchamp, Chair, of the Uxbridge Historical Society gave a few words of greeting to celebrate Mr. Cove’s multi-decade devotion to preserving the history of the town. State Rep. Michael Soter and State Sen. Ryan Fatman attended and presented Official Citations from the Commonwealth in recognition of “J. Francis Cove III lifetime
POSTAL PATRON
commitment to preserving the history of Uxbridge.” Speaking on behalf of the UHDC, Jane F. Keegan, Chair, spoke about abiding friendships developed as a result of Mr. Cove’s efforts and commented she hoped his ‘retirement’ would not ‘silence’ his support of historic preservation causes. In his remarks of thanks for the honor, Mr. Cove regaled the audience with stories of town history and his evolution from teacher-days, to insurance businessman, to prime mover to rehabilitate the historic Cove Insurance building in the center of town, to his years of association with the Historical Commission as Chair, and local historical society that oversees the town-owned Farnum House, site of the first town meeting.
PRESORTED STAnDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTOn, MA PERMIT nO 55800
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A WORK IN PROgReSS - An overhead look at the grace Rett Athletic Complex and education (g.R.A.C.e.) Center located at the Our Lady of the Valley School on Mendon Street in Uxbridge. This 7,500-square-foot athletic and education facility will include the school’s first gym as well as classrooms and allow OLV to expand its art program. The center is expected to open in SuBMITTED By PETER OSTROSKEy; RICE CITy SquADROn AERIAl PhOTOGRAPhy January 2022.
Cars In The Park The 7th Annual Cars In The Park will be held on Saturday, August 21st from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., in Whitin Park, 60 Main Street in Whitinsville. (rain date August 22nd) Cars In The Park is a car, truck & motorcycle show
with awards including: Best In Show, 25 Trophies, Door Prizes, Show Dash Plaques & Goodie Bags (for the first 50 pre-registered vehicles), Food Trucks, Event Vendors, Kids Activities, 50/50 and Raffles, Entertainment & much more!
~ INDEX ~ Town News.........Page 4 Society……....…Page 13 Senior Corner....Page 15 School News….Page 17 Business News...Page 19 Classified...........Page 21 Real estate.........Page 23