By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Northborough – Construction of the long awaited Town Common in downtown Northborough is nearing completion. As such, budgeted municipal construction funds that are limited to the scope of the project are being drawn down.
At the Board of Selectmen’s meeting Nov. 4, the board unanimously voted to create an account solely to administer funds received as gifts or donations specifically for additional items for the Town Common such as benches, a pergola and other amenities.
Town Administrator John Coderre said that the fundraising arm of the Town Common Committee has been collecting funds, and had sold bricks for further enhancements to the Town Common. They will be making the initial donation to the account.
“As you know under Massachusetts General Law, in order for the town to accept gifts we need to establish a gift account and the Board of Selectmen has to take an affirmative vote to accept the gifts for the intended purpose,” stated Coderre, adding that it will become a part of the Town Common budget and will be funneled to and managed by the director of the Department of Public Works.
“The project looks, by way of comment, fantastic!” Coderre said. “They’ve really done a great job and things are wrapping up nicely.”
The planting of shrubs before winter sets in and punch list items are all that is remaining on the project.
With no further questions or discussion, the board voted unanimously to create the account.
Amy Poretsky, member of the Town Common Committee, shared after the meeting that their initial donation to the Town Common Gift Account would be in the amount of $10,560.
She also said that they were planning an official dedication ceremony but have not yet selected a date.
DPW Director Scott Charpentier noted that donations for the Town Common project may be sent to the Administration office, with checks payable to the Town of Northborough.
Photos/Melanie Petrucci