Amy is one of the two incumbents on the Planning Board running for reelection for two open seats. The race is uncontested. The second candidate running is Millie Milton, who also currently serves on the Planning Board.
Why do you want to serve in this position?
I am currently on the Planning Board and think we have made some great strides but there is more to do. We have a new Planning Director and new ideas. I am excited to see some of the projects that have been discussed for years coming to fruition.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
I am a current Planning Board member who works diligently to follow the bylaws that are voted on by the residents at Town Meeting each year. When I first ran for Planning Board, what I heard from residents is that they wanted someone to “follow the bylaws” and someone who didn’t have a career that would benefit by being on the board.
As a Planning Board member, we are tasked with reviewing plans for subdivisions, site plans for new construction and additions in the industrial business district, and designs for common driveways, using the regulations set forth in the Town of Northborough Zoning bylaws. We work with the Planning Director to accomplish goals as set forth in the Master Plan and Community Development Plan. I have taken numerous planning and zoning classes over the years to keep current with the latest planning and zoning ideas and regulations.
Describe ONE other activity or (sub) committee you’ve been involved with within the town. What has it meant to you and how did it shape and impact the town?
My greatest accomplishment was being co-chair of the Town Common Committee, bringing the idea of a Downtown Town Common from an idea to a reality. As a committee, we worked with the Community Preservation Committee, Town Staff, and residents to bring the idea to life. It was an amazing group and community effort and the first step in trying to beautify and revitalize the downtown. I hope to continue the effort as a current member of the Master Plan Implementation Committee, whose current focus is Downtown Revitalization.
I am currently chair of the Design Review Committee. I have also previously served on the Open Space Committee and Groundwater Committee. By being an active member of all these different committees I have gained experience on how the process of town government works.
Describe THREE key issues/challenges facing the town and how will you address them in this role?
As a town, we are nearing “build out” but over the years there has been talk about “urbanization”. The majority of residents I have spoken with would like to maintain Northborough’s small-town feel. As a Planning Board member, I will seek to strike a balance between retaining Northborough’s small town, family friendly character while also stimulating beneficial growth. I am an informed, transparent and active member of the Planning Board who strives to engage our community through improved communications with the residents of Northborough.
Trucking and traffic is a challenge we hear concerns about. E-commerce is expanding and many of the definitions in our bylaws being used for this purpose pre-date e-commerce. I would like the Planning Board to review the bylaws and bring them up to date, similar to what our surrounding communities are doing.
A third key issue is the state of the many municipal buildings. As a town we are currently in the process of discussing a new fire station, White Cliffs and new/renovated town offices. Some of these buildings have the opportunity to shape our downtown. Should White Cliffs become a cultural/community center, renovate and go out to bid as a commercial use/restaurant/event venue, become housing, or a community center mixed with the new town offices? I hope as residents you realize that your vote matters too. These are important decisions and we hope to hear from everyone, every opinion counts.
Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself?
I am a lifelong resident of Northborough. My husband and I have enjoyed raising our children in this wonderful community and have seen it evolve and grow through the years.
It is very important to me as a board member to listen to you, the resident, and keep Northborough the wonderful community we have grown to know and love.