Northborough Town Common’s pergola donated by Kota family

By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer

Northborough – Anyone driving or walking by the Northborough Town Common on Route 20 will notice something new—a pergola, which was generously donated by Southborough resident and Northborough business owner Subu Kota and his family. The pergola was installed by the Northborough Public Works Department in early October. 

Kota is no stranger to supporting a cause he believes in. He donated $1 million to the India based Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled, which advocates and assists people with disabilities.

Kota said the family arrived in the United States from India in 1968, and lived in Buffalo, NY before moving to Northborough in 1976 and establishing his business, The Boston Group. The family moved to Southborough two years ago, but holds Northborough in high regard.

He and his wife Vicky’s two grown children, Raja Kota and Rupa Tati, went through the public school system and graduated from Algonquin Regional High School. They both remain in the area. 

“I always felt Northborough was our home away from home,” said Subu. “We are grateful of what the town has given us.”

In 2018, as the Kota family celebrated their 50th year in the United States, he wanted to do something to give back to the town.  

After four years of planning and development, the construction of the Town Common began in early summer 2019. The area now offers green space in the downtown area where people are seen sitting, walking, or taking photographs.

“It adds a nice public space in town that was not present before,” Rupa Tati said.

“I pass it every day; we wanted to do something bigger,” Subu said. 

The idea of the pergola was initiated with the help of Northborough Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier, and the idea has come to fruition.

“It is here for all people to enjoy,” said Vicky. “We want to leave a legacy for everyone to enjoy.”

Members of the Northborough Town Committee think the pergola and adjacent gardens are a beautiful addition to the Town Common space. 

“It was so nice of the Kota family to make such a generous donation,” said Town Committee member Amy Poretsky. “We were hoping to have a dedication ceremony and celebration this year, but due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and the state’s restriction against large gatherings, we are hoping to have the dedication and celebration next year.”