By K.B. Sherman, Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Vandalism of town property, specifically the damage that had been incurred recently on the town's Story Walk, was discussed by the Board of Selectmen at its Aug. 14 meeting.
Story boards placed along the walkway located at Jordan Pond were designed to help develop both a love of reading and exercise in children. But when vandals destroyed those story boards last month, the event's organizers, the Shrewsbury Public Library and the town's Parks and Recreation Department, were forced to cancel the walk. Fortunately a group of teenagers, the Shrewsbury Leaders of Tomorrow, and a local businessman, Sean Flynn, provided the resources and finances to replace the damaged items. The walkway was reopened Aug. 2 and has since been enjoyed by many visitors.
At the Aug. 14 meeting, the board discussed the possibility of formally offering a reward for information leading to the apprehension of those vandalizing town properties. Town Manager Daniel Morgado noted that under state law, cities and towns can offer such rewards only for felony crimes and then only up to a limit of $500. Information regarding vandalism and similar misdemeanors would not qualify for such a town-funded reward and would in fact be banned.
There is no prohibition, however, Morgado and the board noted, from accepting private donations for paying such a reward. The board then voted unanimously to research the creation of such a policy for the town.
In other business, the board announced that through an act by the state legislature on July 31, Shrewsbury had been granted the authority to take possession of two parcels of land on Lake Street adjacent to the Glavin Regional Center. The contract will be for 25 years and cost $1 per year.
The board also approved an additional 247 square foot in-store storage area for D.M. Wine and Spirits at 539-571 Boston Turnpike. It also approved a change of location for India Café, which will remain in the White City Shopping Center but would switch its location to 88-120 Boston Turnpike.
A request by residents of the Edgewood Road – Kenilworth Road area for additional traffic control signs was rejected by the board for not meeting state requirements for such an installation.
