Changes in zoning bylaws passed at Town Meeting

Northborough - The first half of annual Town Meeting was held April 27 in the auditorium at Algonquin Regional High School. Although it was a relatively quiet aff air, the nearcapacity audience became vocal with the discussion of article 31 of the Town Meeting warrant and the proposed zoning changes. Town Planner Kathy Joubert and Planning Board Chair Rick Leif faced the fire, with about 15 residents taking turns at the microphone.

"[These proposals] are quite simply reactionary politics and a self serving agenda," one resident said. "We need thoughtful action, not reaction. There is no room for personal agenda."

According to Leif, the zoning changes are necessary to keep in line with current development needs and to create more aff ordable housing, develop the town center, and attract other businesses to the most appropriate parts of the town.

"To say we acted without the best interest of the town couldn't be further from the truth," he said. "The fact of the matter is a lot of people spent a lot of time with a lot of public input to do this."

Copies of the proposed changes had been available at several locations including the Town Clerk's Office, the Senior Center, and on the town's website.

A two-thirds vote was needed to approve the zoning changes. Following a voter count, the results were 221 for to 82 against.