~ THE NEW ~
Uxbridge Times
“Your Hometown News” VoluMe 20 • ISSue 8
A FREE Monthly Publication
uxbridge • North uxbridge • linwood • Douglas • Northbridge • Whitinsville • Sutton • Manchaug
AuGuST 2011
Uxbridge voters reject $5M Athletic Complex sought authorization to put before the selectmen, and the town at a special balIn the ballot election for the so called lot election, a Debt Exclusion of up to “proposition 2 l/2” Debt Exclusion $5.0 million to create Athletic Fields and Override, voters on July 12th rejected related facilities at the Quaker Highway the $5 million override for athletic facil- site of the new High School. A fairly ities for the new high school under con- detailed project scope document was struction on the Quaker Highway site. handed out to attendees. With a voter turnout of less than 15%, According to the state the project was the town defeated the question by a vote limited to 120,000 square feet at $350 of 1,143 to 855. The failed vote fol- per square foot and thus the $43 million lowed the ballot authorization passed high school project was insufficient to under Art. 2 of the Special Town Meet- cover these requested facilities. In suping (STM) on June 23rd in the Uxbridge port of the requested appropriation, it High School gym. was stressed that athletic programs were There is no question based on com- an essential part of education. ments on the street as to whether this Resident Mark Stacey suggested this request will be brought back before the second school override request was like Uxbridge voters, so a a piece of candy, “too brief review of the expensive” and that Town Meeting seems “The cost for the “we can’t afford it.” most appropriate. The School Business average homeowntwo article Special Manager Donald, Town Meeting (STM) er would be about “Don,” Sawyer, howwas called to order $71.00 a year, less ever, supported the with 336 voters presadditional cost and ent when newly-elect- than 20¢ a day.” asked any concerned ed Moderator Ed citizen to contact the Mahary called for a - John Higgins School Building Commoment of silence in mittee with any conChairman of the School memory of Elton Building Committee cerns. John Higgins, Jones, a long time Uxchairman of the bridge resident, for his School Building Comfour decades of service as Town mittee, then came to the podium and Moderator. said the cost for the average homeowner At 7:39 p.m., Art.1 to amend the would be about “$71.00 a year,” less Zoning Bylaws was put before the vot- than 20 cents a day. ers seeking authorization of a “Solar At 8:40 pm, almost exactly one hour Photovoltaic Ground Mounted Instal- after the meeting had opened the debate, lation Solar Farm” in all zones, except the question on Art. 2 was moved, the Residence A. It had the support of the sometimes passionate debate concluded, Planning Board (3 to 0), the Board of and the motion passed by the necessary Selectmen (5 to 0) and the Finance 2/3 margin. The warrant was immediateCommittee (3 to 1). Although support- ly dissolved. ing the proposed amendment, Former In the opinion of more than one obSelectman Peter Baghdasarian noted server, by the time this issue is brought that in his opinion, the Attorney General back to the voters questions on additionwould find it in conflict with state law. It al costs associated with infrastructure, passed by the necessary 2/3 vote margin. maintenance and operations and updatModerator Mahary, because of his ing the present High School will surely relationship to the school issue, turned surface. One ballot election voter, possiover the moderator’s gavel to former bly echoing Mark Stacey, volunteered Town Moderator Ken Redding. Art. 2 that we couldn’t afford it.
By Constance Dwyer
Alternatives’ Whitin Mill will generate 90% of energy needs onsite.
Commended for use of Hydroelectric Power Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. awarded coveted LEED Gold Certification Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. (Alternatives) was recently awarded the coveted LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for its restoration of the historic Whitin Mill! On Friday, August 5th at 10:00 a.m., Alternatives will unveil the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certificate and perform a ceremonial “Turning on of the Water Turbine,” which provides the Mill with hydroelectric power. The event, which will take place on the Community Plaza at the Mill, 50 Douglas Road, Whitinsville is open to the public. Attendees will also be invited to tour the entire green complex, including the Department of Mental Health Retrospective of Worcester State Hospital currently
PoSTAl PATRoN
on exhibit at Alternatives’ Aldrich Heritage Gallery. Alternatives, which provides a wide range of services to individuals with developmental or psychiatric disabilities throughout Central Massachusetts, restored the mill to house its corporate headquarters, training center and an employment program and affordable apartments for individuals served by the organization. For the community, there is a state-of-the-art performance center, art gallery, public plaza, and studio and retail space for artisans. A museum focused on the history of the mill and textile industry in the Blackstone Valley is in the planning stages and restaurant space is available. Approximately 90% of the Mill’s energy needs are generated on site through the use of photovoltaic, hydroelectric power and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The buildings utilize a variety of green technologies, including high efficiency lighting and
energy efficient windows. Alternatives received a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for the installation of the hydro generation and photovoltaic units. The Mill previously received a 2009 Preservation Award from the Massachusetts Historical Commission, Central Massachusetts Green Award, and Low Impact Hydro Institute Certification. Dennis H. Rice, Alternatives’ Executive Director, believes that the Mill project reflects the organization’s commitment to live in a more collaborative and sustainable community with a strong sense of place...one that welcomes people of all abilities. “Making the best use of resources should be important to all of us...whether we are talking about natural resources to power our buildings or funding for human services,” explains Rice. For more information about the event contact Cristi Collari at 508-266-6520 or cristi.collari@alternativesnet.org
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID BOSTON, MA PERMIT NO 55800
Business Bio:
Charlie’s Variety For 31 years, Glen “Skip” Salmonsen, owner of Charlie’s Variety, on Douglas Street in Uxbridge, has happily run his business in the same building. His sucess is in knowing what people want.
ECRWSS
Glen “Skip” Salmonsen
See story on page 37
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