~ THE NEW ~
Uxbridge Times
“Your Hometown News” VOLUME 25 • ISSUE 11
FREE Monthly Since 1991
Uxbridge • North Uxbridge • Linwood • Douglas • Northbridge • Whitinsville • Sutton • Manchaug NOVEMBER 2016
Blanchard to provide housing
Small Business Saturday in Whitinsville
school to house low to moderate income residents BY CONSTANCE REDDY DWYER In the recent presidential debates, one clear message from both candidates is to reach out to our neighbors who have limited incomes. The Blanchard School renovations for housing for low to moderate income people will address this important need. According to Michael “Mike” Potaski, a member of the Board of Trustees of Blanchard, the renovation of the former Blanchard School will create 25 apartments, five: 1 bedroom apartments, seventeen: two-bedrooms, and three: three bedrooms. All apartments will be available to HUD Section 8 low-income and State-certified moderate income applicants. Military veterans will have a preference. Come spring, state and local officials will be present for the ground breaking for the project. Another longtime supporter of the Blanchard School’s renovations is Harry Romasco who shared his comments; “As President of the Virginia Blanchard Memorial Housing for the last 5 years, I have been fortunate to be associated with board members that have shared my vision to repurpose The Blanchard School to affordable housing for our community. As a child, I along with my entire family, attended the Blanchard School for many years. Ms. Virginia Blanchard was one of my favorite teachers and it is an honor and privilege to dedicate this building, once again, in honor of her many years as an educator in our community.” He further added, “I truly believe that we have a social responsibility to help those in need of affordable housing, especially our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country and community. I also believe that we need to preserve as many historic buildings in our community as is possible.” Harry also expressed his “Many thanks to all that have helped to make this worthwhile project a reality.” A little bit of history is in order. The school served the town’s needs for over a 100 years.
POSTAL PATRON
A beautiful spot along the new bike path that extends from Uxbridge into Millville. Photo by hannah Mussulli Because of concerns about the aging structure, the school committee stopped using the building and “turned it over to the Town of Uxbridge” according to Mike Potaski. The town conducted an extensive study which revealed prohibitive costs involved in removing asbestos, paint, etc. The town then went out to bid with RFP’s (Requests for Proposals). Finally, the Uxbridge Housing Association responded with a proposal to convert the building into low to moderate income housing. The town accepted the proposal. Besides being on the Board of the Blanchard School, Mike Potaski is also on the Board of the Crown and Eagle Housing Association which gives him the important liaison relationship between the two Boards. It was only this past August, that the Department of Housing and PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
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Community Development “approved our request for grants,” added Mike, “so the money is in the pipeline and we are moving forward.” The next step will be for the Blanchard Association to acquire the building from the town and begin renovation. Fortunately, a PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes) will be applied. The Uxbridge Board of Selectmen, Mike added, have been briefed every step of the way and “they are happy to see the Blanchard School coming back into service with a restored look, and a new addition.” The Massachusetts Historical Commission, Mike continued, “has been looking over our shoulder every step of the way due to the school’s historical significance and I’m excited to see it go forward.”
Red balloons and window signage will welcome holiday shoppers to Whitinsville businesses celebrating Small Business Saturday, on November 26th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Community businesses will be offering free giveaways, special gifts, fun activities, discounts, coupons, and surprises for all ages during the day. Children ages 4-10 are invited to participate in a coloring contest for prizes. Santa is even expected to make an appearance! Retail stores, restaurants, service providers, activity and entertainment venues are excited for this opportunity to thank patrons from the Blackstone Valley and beyond. "This is our chance to give back to loyal customers and to share with new visitors the many services available in our quaint and historic downtown," said Michelle Siefken of Art...Make It Real. “It's our hope to revitalize and reenergize a once vibrant downtown and to introduce the community to local small businesses,” added Christine Guanipa from Little Man Handbags. Punch Cards identifying participating businesses, activities, and free giveaways will be located in the former home of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Building at 110 Church St. on Nov.26th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Small Business Saturday is a national shopping day held annually in the United States on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express conceived the concept in 2010 to ensure local, small business is included in the busy shopping time between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Participating merchants invite you to like their Small Business Saturday Facebook page Shop Small 01588. FMI, contact Michelle Siefken at 508-450-7120 or Christine Guanipa at Little Man Handbags 508-341-6211. There will be Small Business Saturday specials in the towns surrounding Whitinsville. The event is celebrated throughout the country and most small business particiapte. This holiday season shop locally, it helps our communities thrive.
NOTE TO VOTE: Uxbridge Special Election to fill a 5 month Board of Selectmen Seat will be held on December 6th. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Last day to register to vote for this election will be November 16th.
business bio:
StraightEdge Lawn Care Jim Woeller, owner of StraightEdge Lawn Care, (at left) offers multiple services including fertilization programs, weed control, insect control, core aeration and dethatching.
See story on page 33
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Town News ..............Page 4 Calendar...................Page 21 Senior Corner ..........Page 23 Society .....................Page 27 School News............Page 29 Business News........Page 33 Sports.......................Page 35 Real Estate...............Page 37 Classifieds……..……Page 38