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Uxbridge Times “Your Hometown News”
VOLumE 26 • ISSuE 2
FREE Monthly Since 1991
Uxbridge • North Uxbridge • Linwood • Douglas • Northbridge • Whitinsville • Sutton • Manchaug
FEBRuARY 2017
Recall Approved, Rezoning Defeated at Uxbridge Special Town Meeting By Constance Reddy Dwyer
ROYAL BREAKFAST - Apple Tree Arts will be hosting a “Character Breakfast” on Saturday, February 4th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Congregational Church of Grafton. Pictured above at last year’s event is Prince; Andrew Baker of Whitinsville, and Cinderella; Ashley Scarlett of Grafton. Come to this fun family event! See complete details on page 7.
Although there were only 3 articles on the warrant, and Art. 2 was passed over, the Special Town Meeting again held at Uxbridge High School lasted almost 2.5 hours. In the absence of Moderator Maharay, Deputy Moderator, Attorney Robert “Rob” Knapik, served in his place and did so with professionalism and aplomb. The meeting started at 7:00 p.m. and ended close to 9:30 p.m. Attendance was low with over 170 voters present according to Town Clerk Kelly Dumas, less than the 2% of the registered voters. Art. 2 was passed over because it was not in the state required format for creating revolving funds. The two remaining articles generated much debate: pro and con. Art. 1, a citizens petition, proposed rezoning, from business to residential, a parcel of land located at 124/126 N. Main Street, 7,062 sq. feet. The required 2/3rd vote, 109 yes votes, did not succeed; there were only 102 votes in favor and 62 opposed. Debate, however, was lively. Emily Bonci of 16 Hazel St.,the sponsor of the Citizen’s Petition on Art.1, spoke about the “property values, safe-
ty and character of our neighborhood” if the existing 4 lot business zone were to be developed into a large commercial business. She and her husband raised their children in their home and she was concerned about “how this would affect both the value of neighborhood homes” and “damage to roads with roads not built to host such traffic” and further, that, “a large business has no benefit to Uxbridge for its long-term growth.” In contrast residents Scott and Lori Brady of 128-130 North Main St. said they were in favor of a business being there since they run a business out of their home. They used to live at 63A Hazel St. and added “Hazel Street does not treat other residents like this.” Lori focused on how there are many businesses on No. Main St. “up and down, about every 3rd lot.” The Finance Committee, Planning Board and Board of Selectmen all voted “Unfavorable Action” on this article. Former Moderator Jane Keegan invited the voters to look at facts and not just opinions, adding “We are responsible for our decisions, good or bad.” Financial Planner Jane Mitchell who lives on North Main St. where she runs her business noted “We can’t accept more traffic, adding I am pro-
business” and stated that the site was the wrong place for a business. Joyce Atkinson of 44 Hazel St. said she is “blessed to be a neighbor to Bill Albin who she considers the ‘Mayor’ of Hazel St., but thinks it’s “ludicrous to have more businesses come in (here).” The preponderance of neighbors supporting the rezoning obviously did not convince enough Town Meeting voters. Another back and forth debate faced Town Meeting members on Art. 3 which was a follow-up correction of a Spring Annual Town Meeting (October, 2016) article, another Citizen’s Petition: Recall of Elected Officials. Newly-elected Selectman Justin Piccirillo spoke as a private citizen and not as a Selectman as the petitioner of this article. He asked voters to amend the charter to allow the Town Clerk to immediately submit a petition to the State Legislature…to recall an elected official of the Town of Uxbridge. He stressed the need for more “accountability.” A 2/3rd vote was required. Interesting enough, he observed, the Town of Uxbridge can remove appointed officials according to the current Charter but not elected officials. He wants to permit the removal of an electcontinued on page 15
Blackstone Valley Tech Students continue learning & serving in community What is the most productive, longlasting activity for a high school organization to utilize a $25,000 community service award? The SkillsUSA Chapter at Blackstone Valley Tech will be continuing renovations to an original Victorian Carriage House thanks to the $25,000 grant awarded to them by Lowe’s and SkillsUSA. The additional renovations to the carriage house will provide needed space for nonprofit entities, community-based organizations, and educational programs. Valley Tech students and licensed instructors will transfer classroom-
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based skills related to design, construction, electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling to a hands-on renovation of the historical building. The community service project will deliver valuable space to Alternatives Unlimited, Inc., a nonprofit agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Valley Tech students, providing an offsite, extended classroom consisting of laboratory and lecture space for vocational and academic instruction; and local communities, nonprofits, and community-based organization activities. PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAgE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
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The students and staff at BVT perform hundreds of community service projects each year to support local residents, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations. BVT’s commitment to the communities that support it led to a natural partnership with the Lowe’s grant. The Lowe’s local school grants are designed to strengthen local communities as they provide enhanced learning opportunities for students. “Lowe’s is committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work,” said James Frison, Director of Community Relations at Lowe’s.
“We’re excited to partner with SkillsUSA and Blackstone Valley Vocational School District to provide opportunities for students to apply their skills while giving back to the community.” Finalists were selected based on their proposal and supporting plans. The SkillsUSA chapter at Blackstone Valley Tech was one of 14 programs nationwide to receive a Lowe’s grant in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $25,000. The renovation project will improve the school and local community while
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BUSiNeSS Bio:
R. Harris Plumbing & Heating, Inc. This April will mark four years since Rob Harris started his own plumbing business in Uxbridge. His business is both residential and commercial.
See story on page 27
reinforcing the students’ career and technical educational experience through the practical use of their skills. SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. skills gap. This nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, the association serves more than 300,000 member students and instructors each year. For more information, go to: www.SkillsUSA.org.
Rob Harris, (on left) owner of R. Harris Plumbing & Heating, Inc. and his dad Bob Harris.
Town News ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 17 Society .....................Page 19 Senior Corner ..........Page 21 School News............Page 25 Business News........Page 27 Sports.......................Page 29 Classifieds……..……Page 31