Southborough CPC backs Town Common railing and fence restoration, contingent on updated application

The Town of Southborough Community Preservation Committee voted to recommend that Town Meeting fund the Town Common railing and fence-post rehabilitation project, contingent on an updated application that incorporates discussions from the committee review and is submitted by Feb. 10.

The committee said the project addresses a visible historic feature near the Town Common and noted timing tied to the town tricentennial as a reason to move the project forward. Committee chair Ben Smith said the committee’s approval should be contingent on the applicant updating the application and returning it in time for the CPC to draft warrant language.

Members discussed adding language to the warrant article expressing the town’s intent to preserve the railing in its present location and configuration. Lisa Baraccio, a committee member, said she supported the application and added that the trampling of the rail should be addressed ahead of the tricentennial: “With the tricentennial coming … this is important to get this done.”

Committee members agreed the application appeared strong and that the updated application should include any preservation commitments discussed during the review process. The committee set Feb. 10 as the deadline for receiving the revised application to allow time to finalize warrant article language by the March 1 drafting target.

Votes at a glance: the motion to recommend the Town Common railing and fence-post rehabilitation project to Town Meeting passed by roll call (5–0).