City Council meets for public hearings
By Jenn Chumsae Contributing Writer
Marlborough - Members of the City Council and the public gathered at the City Hall Sept. 24 to participate in two public hearings followed by topics of unfinished business and new communications brought to the board.

The first public hearing was regarding the request of Ming Wang to convert the State Armory Building into residential condominiums. Speakers on Wang's team advised the council that there would be 12 condominiums taking the place of the old armory at 358-364 Lincoln St.

Off -street parking would be available to owners and the building would be equipped with emergency access, water, sewer, electricity and gas. Lighting plans were drawn up for the off -street parking lot as well as floor plans and visual diagrams brought in by the team to show the site's potential.

At the hearing, there was no opposition from the city councilors or the public. City Councilor Edward Clancy spoke in support of the project.

"Dress the place up," Clancy said. "Start to take care of the area."

The second public hearing was regarding the application of First Student Inc. for outdoor storage of school buses and fuel on Hayes Drive. Sean Reardon presented the plan to the City Council and advised them he wants a special permit for school bus storage. The presentation provided aerial photos and floor plans of the building.

The building and storage area would be surrounded by wetlands and access would be through the rear of the facility, with only one entrance at the front.

"The wetlands will allow as a buff er from viewing the buses," Reardon said.

According to Reardon, the facility would be for Marlborough school buses and buses for sale. The buses for sale would be sold out of Texas, with this facility serving as a storage area.

In response to an expressed concern about the impact the facility would have on an already heavily trafficked area, Reardon said that there would be a traffic study and that the bus traffic would not be evenly distributed, but would just reflect the hours they are needed, early morning and afternoons for the schoolchildren.

Other business

The City Council considered a budget transfer for $84,157.17 for the new Police Patrol Officers' contract. Members of the council ruled in favor.

The City Council also approved the commencement of Passport Processing set for Sunday Oct. 14.

In addition, Don Cusson, emergency management coordinator, attended the meeting to provide an update about the city's Reverse 911 system.

Cusson has provided 34 years of service to the city and will retire this year.