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Natick Select Board June 24, 2026
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Water Abatement Appeal Continued After Inadequate Plumbing Report
The Select Board heard a continuation of a water and sewer abatement appeal for Arthur Arvanitis regarding a two-family rental property at Nine Florence Street. The applicant presented bills showing a significant increase from previous amounts, citing checks by a plumber that found no leaks. The board discussed the adequacy of the plumber's report, the lack of identified causes for the spikes in water usage, and the possibility of a leak that was not detected or fixed. The board also discussed the town's water usage monitoring tools. Ultimately, the board voted 3-2 to continue the hearing to July 22nd, allowing the applicant an opportunity to obtain a more thorough plumbing report, including a dye test and specific documentation of checks performed, and to use the town's 'My360' water usage monitoring tool. The board also directed the applicant to provide documentation that the plumber's services were at no cost.
Select Board Rescinds Outdated Parking Restrictions, Prohibits Parking on Conchituate Street Bridge
The Select Board heard recommendations from the Safety Committee regarding traffic concerns on Conchituate Street. The committee recommended rescinding a 1976 vote that imposed no-parking restrictions on both sides of Conchituate Street, citing that the street is an unaccepted way and restrictions are unenforceable by the Natick Police Department, leading to confusion and mixed messages. They also recommended prohibiting parking on the state-owned bridge over Conchituate Street as a first step towards enforceable regulations. The board voted 5-0-0 to rescind the 1976 vote and to prohibit parking on the bridge, with instructions for town administration to post signs and work with public safety on enforcement. The committee will continue to work on parking restrictions for accepted sections of the street.
Main Street Improvement Project Hybrid Concept Divides Board and Public, Moves to Design Stage
The Select Board received a report and heard perspectives on the Main Street Improvement Project's hybrid concept. The working group, composed of residents, business owners, and staff, voted 8-7 to endorse the hybrid concept as a recommendation to continue the design process, acknowledging that not all elements were fully agreed upon. Key themes discussed included funding pathways (TIP vs. Mass Works), bicycle infrastructure and safety, operations (snow removal, deliveries), and emergency access. Concerns were raised by some working group members and residents about potential negative impacts on downtown businesses during construction, pedestrian-bike conflicts, increased costs for snow removal and maintenance, and the financial burden on taxpayers. Proponents of the hybrid concept emphasized the need for meaningful investment beyond simple repaving, adherence to 'complete street' principles, and alignment with town master plans promoting multi-modal transportation. The board engaged in a lengthy discussion, hearing from board members and the public on the project's design, safety implications, potential economic impacts, and the importance of state grant funding.
Elliott Street Intersection Deemed Dangerous; 'Don't Block the Box' to be Implemented
The Safety Committee presented recommendations for the intersection of Elliott Street and Robert Sproul Way, classifying it as a dangerous intersection due to engineering issues and near-crashes. The committee recommended referring the intersection to the engineering department for a comprehensive analysis and potential redesign. The board approved this referral. Additionally, the board approved a 'Don't Block the Box' marking at the intersection of Elliott and Robert Sproul Way, including Mutze-approved signage, to improve traffic flow and safety. Discussions also touched on the timeline for recommendations from the engineering department, acknowledging potential delays due to staff transitions.
Public Shade Trees Approved for Removal to Facilitate Bowdoin Lane Bridge Reconstruction
The Select Board voted to approve the removal of public shade trees along the Bowdoin Lane Bridge right-of-way as required by Mass DOT for bridge reconstruction. The project, necessitated by accidental damage in 2019 and subsequent structural compromise, aims to replace the bridge functionally similar to the prior structure but to modern design standards. The decision allows the project to proceed to bid, with the understanding that current trees will be removed due to project constraints, particularly on the west side where space is limited by a sidewalk, parking, and a future planned pedestrian path. While plantings will occur on the east side, primarily low-level shrubs and columnar evergreens due to retaining walls and grading, the town administration committed to exploring augmenting plantings on town-owned land and potentially on private property to compensate for the loss of existing shade trees. Abutters expressed concerns about the loss of privacy and shade, and the limited size of new plantings.
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