Anthony is running to fill one of TWO open seats on the Northborough Planning Board. He is an incumbent.
Why do you want to serve in this position?
I decided to run for Planning Board 3 years ago due to the fact Northborough’s developable land is continually decreasing and I had a growing concern for how new and future development would impact Northborough and its resources. I believe in responsible development that is balanced with the neighborhoods, safe, has minimal traffic impact and does not overburden Northborough’s resources.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
I have served on various Northborough boards since 2009 when I sat on the Earthworks board for 9 years. I resigned when I was elected to the Planning Board and since then have been on the Community Preservation Committee and most recently Open Space. Having served on the Planning Board for the past 3 years, I have worked closely with the town planner and fellow board members to review applications as they relate to conservation, design review, and groundwater. Also, I always refer back to the feedback from the Master Plan surveys, resident comments, and town meeting votes when considering applications.
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?
In addition to the Planning Board, I have enjoyed being on the Open Space Committee. It has been fulfilling to be a part of the team that is protecting and expanding open space and ensuring that Northborough continues to have access to many types of recreation. In my free time, I love exploring the local trails and appreciate all that the Northborough Trails Committee does to make these resources available to all of us.
Describe THREE key issues/challenges facing the town and how will you address them in this role?
1.) Bartlett Street
The Amazon distribution center was approved in 2015 before I joined the Planning Board, however much of the past year has been dedicated to working to mitigate the traffic situation that started now that the center is in operation. The board has listened to the residents and the Planning Board has engaged with the Central Mass Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) and has, so far, obtained two grants to help study traffic and pedestrian solutions for the area. If re-elected, I will continue to advocate for cost-effective solutions to make the Northborough streets safer.
2.) Downtown
This question has been of ongoing concern since the Master Plan was drafted over 20 years ago. As an elected official, this is the number one concern I have heard from residents as well as the number one issue identified from the Master Plan surveys. One of the biggest challenges we face is that a state highway goes through the center of town with no street parking. While this can seem daunting, there are things that we can do to create a more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing downtown area.
Throughout the Master Plan approval process, the Planning Board has advocated for an Economic Development Committee that would be responsible for a Downtown Development Plan and Economic Development Plan. An Economic Development Committee would be responsible for promoting business development, attracting desirable businesses, and helping existing businesses expand. When I look at the towns around us such as Hudson, Marlborough, Clinton, and Westborough I see the value of economic development initiatives and look forward to continuing the Planning Board’s efforts to have a Northborough downtown we can all appreciate and enjoy.
If I am voted in for a second term, I will focus on downtown revitalization efforts that include walkability, great restaurants, and desirable retail establishments. I will also encourage collaboration between boards like Economic Development and the other committees such as Northborough Trails, Northborough Community Affairs, and Northborough Cultural Council to attract more visitors and pedestrians to enjoy all that our town has to offer.
3.) Master Plan Implementation
I was proud to participate as a resident in the Northborough Master Plan and see the engagement from the community in the form of the surveys and meeting attendees. I voted in favor of the Master Plan in 2020 and was looking forward to when the implementation would commence. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the work from this committee was stalled, however now that we have the vaccine available, I anticipate the work of this committee will resume.
As a town, we have put great emphasis on the Master Plan and its implementation, so I look forward to continuing to support these initiatives. I look forward to advocating for economic development, continuing to protect and preserve our town’s natural resources, traffic safety, and finding solutions regarding walkability in Northborough.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself?
I have been a Northborough resident for over 2 decades residing with my wife and two school aged children who are both currently attending Lincoln Street School. I am self-employed and for the past 5 years I have worked as a sales and marketing consultant for midsized internationally based companies that are expanding to the US market. I perform many functions for my clients including direct sales, marketing, content development, social media, and logistical support as it relates to their US business.
I love this community and my fellow residents and if re-elected I will use my position to continue to advocate for a town we can all be proud of.
For additional information on my platform and goals please visit https://reelectmartinekziton.wordpress.com/