By Joan F. Simoneau, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The Marlborough City Council approved motions Jan. 9 to hold two public hearings during its Feb. 13 meeting. The first hearing will be for renovations at Marlborough Nissan and the second will be for modifications of a wireless facility requested by Sprint.
The council will consider the application for a special permit for Marlborough Nissan to expand its operations on Route 20 East. Unlike its request to change the city zoning laws in 2008, this request is to modify a portion of its building located at 740 Boston Post Road. The modifications will include adding a second story, and changes to the showroom, customer service and office areas. The plan calls for adding just over 1,700 square feet in additional space at the dealership. The 2008 action caused controversy when neighbors lodged a host of complaints related to noise, quality of life, and traffic issues.
Also during the Feb. 13 meeting, Ward 6 Councilor Edward Clancy, chairman of the Wireless Communications Committee, will lead a discussion on the application for a special permit from Sprint for modifications of a wireless facility located at 115 Onamog St.
In other business, the council referred Mayor Arthur Vigeant's request for a set of transfers that would stabilize the ongoing problems with the Fire Department overtime account to the Finance Committee. Vigeant recommended the city move funds from accounts within the department. If lawmakers approve his plans the overtime funds will be capped at $65,000 for the rest of the fiscal year, which ends on June 30. Overtime in the department has been a subject of contention between the Fire Department and city officials during the last few years.
At Vigeant's request, councilors accepted a grant that has been awarded to the local Fire Department for $6,365 through the commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. The grant is for the continuance of the Student Awareness Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program.
