By Joan Simoneau, Contributing Writer
Marlborough – A proposal submitted by IPG Photonics Corporation to renovate two buildings on Cedar Hill Street into an advanced manufacturing and research and development center moved forward as the City Council approved its application for a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement at the council” s Sept. 8 meeting.
The terms of the agreement state IPG will begin the Marlborough program with 24 jobs and add 100 positions in the next five years. The TIF program gives companies a break on property taxes through the state's Economic Development Incentive Program. IPG is one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers.
In other business, councilors approved modifications to the site plan submitted by Attorney David Gadbois on behalf of Hilton Garden Inn to construct a 5-story,153-room hotel at the northeast quadrant of the mixed-use development at the intersection of Forest Street and Results Way.
The new hotel will join Quest Diagnostics and Avalon Bay at Forest Park, developments built following the city's rezoning of the former Hewlett-Packard site several years ago.? The project could conceivably provide 75 new jobs in the area, according to city officials and Tim Cummings, executive director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), who made the initial announcement last March.
In other business, the council also approved the recommendation of a number of residents to several boards.
Since taking office Mayor Arthur Vigeant has publicly and privately, through outreach letters, invited residents of the city to serve on boards and committees.? His continuing effort has resulted in about 30 new appointees, not including many reappointments, according to Michael C. Berry, executive aide to the mayor.
“Marlborough is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals who have a long history of volunteer service to the city,” Vigeant said in letters of appeal to prospective board members.
“While having experienced boards is beneficial, it is just as important to infuse fresh, experienced voices whenever positive,” he further stated.
At the Sept. ?8 City Council meeting, councilors approved several of the mayor's recommendations that had been reviewed and approved by the Personnel Committee, which is chaired by Ward 4 City ?Councilor Robert Tunnera.
Ellen Silverstein was named to the board of assessors and Bradford Dunn was appointed the city's principal assessor. He has been acting as the principal assessor for the past two-and-a-half years. New appointees include Renee Perdicaro to the cultural council and Robin Williams to the board of health.
Reappointments include:? Robert Kays, Dennis Zilembo and Diane Calder to the recreation commission; Pat Winske to the disabilities commission; and Edward Clancy and John Skarin to the conservation commission.
