By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – The Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen adopted the increased tax rate for fiscal year 2015 during its Oct. 14 meeting as proposed by Christopher Reidy, principal assessor.
Reidy had prepared a report for the selectmen recommending a tax rate of $13.20 per thousand dollars of assessed value, an increase of 8.5 percent over the 2014 rate. The 2014 rate was 4.28 percent higher than that for 2013.
During the meeting, Reidy explained that the proposed $13.20/thousand rate includes a proposed excess levy capacity of $45,427. The 2015 rate proposal notes 9,235 single family homes in Shrewsbury, up just 45 homes from the 9,190 homes in 2014. The average value of a Shrewsbury home has risen to $381,043, up from $368,368 in 2014. Shrewsbury’s real estate is largely residential, with 87 percent of assessed value being homes. Commercial property accounts for just fewer than 8 percent of total assessed value, with industrial and other property adding just another 5 percent. Total assessed value of all properties is $4,946,815,287. In a unanimous vote, the board accepted the proposal.
In other business, Kristin Las, principal planner/economic development coordinator, presented an overview of progress on the redevelopment of the former Spag’s property on Route 9, now known as the Lakeway Commons. The latest plans call for approximately 100,000 square feet of retail construction, plus several restaurants, a movie theater, and 250 rental residential units, with up to 10 percent including three-bedroom residences. In addition, there will be a yet undermined number of townhouses built for sale.
Voters overwhelmingly approved nine articles at a Special Town Meeting April 29 to rezone the property on Route 9 so that Southborough-based developer, Grossman Development Group, LLC, may start the process of creating a mixed-use commercial/residential site on the approximately 20 acres.
Also during the board’s Oct. 14 meeting, a number of public hearings were held regarding licensing and changes of small business ownership. An application for alcoholic license transfer was approved for Buca’s Restaurants, Inc., and an application for a Common Victualler License was approved for Pepperoni Express, 344 Boston Turnpike.
Applications for a change in hours of operation were approved for Austin Liquors, Price Chopper, Grande’s Market, Hickey Town Liquors, Star Liquor, Turnpike Discount Liquor, and Edgemere Discount Wine and Spirits. The approval was for opening on Sundays at 10 a.m. rather than 12 p.m.
Letters from Leo P. Schiavone, 11 Tatum Road, and Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Carter, 48 Sias Ave., both urged the board to place stop signs and to limit parking along Tatum Road. No action was taken on this matter.