Auburn meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Auburn boards weigh Dunkin drive-thru, zoning changes; no decisions published

Auburn town boards met over the past two weeks on a busy slate of development and zoning proposals, but no decisions have been published yet. All recent meeting agendas are marked as "agenda only," with minutes not yet available. The most consequential items under discussion include a proposed Dunkin drive-thru at 481 Washington Street, two zoning bylaw amendments, and a change of manager for the Auburn Sportsman's Club.

Development proposals: Dunkin drive-thru and more

The proposed Dunkin with drive-thru at 481 Washington Street appeared on multiple agendas. The Planning Board held a public hearing on a site plan for a new 6,400-square-foot building with a drive-thru food service and 32 parking spaces. The Conservation Commission also heard a Notice of Intent for the same project, and the Zoning Board of Appeals considered a special permit for the drive-thru in the Aquifer & Watershed Protection District Zone II, on the site of a disused gas station. The Conservation Commission will continue its hearing on the Dunkin proposal at its August 26 meeting.

Other development items included a site plan modification for 15 Hardscrabble Road, a performance agreement modification for Stoneville Estates subdivision on Helens Way, and a request to amend a special permit for an indoor amusement facility at 615 Southbridge Street.

Zoning bylaw amendments

The Planning Board held public hearings on two zoning bylaw amendments. ZA-26-1 would add inclusionary zoning requirements for developments with 10 or more dwelling units. ZA-26-2 would delete height dimensional requirements in the Regional Mall Overlay District. The board will make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen on both amendments. No votes were listed on the agenda.

Other board actions

The Select Board met on August 17 and held a public hearing and vote on a change of manager for the Auburn Sportsman's Club at 50 Elm Street. The board also voted on two drainlayer licenses — one for Elite Construction Management Inc. of Hopedale, and one for Alexander Construction, Inc. of Worcester — and approved DPW surplus equipment. The board accepted a gift of $85.00 from Jen Brooks and Amy Perkins to the Fire Department gift account.

The Board of Sewer Commissioners reviewed the FY27 budget, discussed the Water Street culvert replacement and sewer main placement, and reviewed the Sword Street force main lining bid results. The board also considered special town meeting warrant articles.

The Elections Board met twice to test ballots for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election. The Conservation Commission also discussed an enforcement order for erosion caused by JH Lynch construction on South Street and Church Street, and an ORAD extension request for 100 Millbury Street.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** — August 26, 2026: Public hearings on a drainage improvement project at 15 Hardscrabble Road, the Dunkin drive-thru at 481 Washington Street, sidewalk and stormwater repairs on Bryn Mawr Avenue, and an amended order for a golf simulator at 615 Southbridge Street.
• **Worcester Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board** — August 27, 2026: Vote on FY27 Administrator Goals, discussion of same-day ADA and grant opportunities, and a 5-year vision plan. The board will also hear an administrator's update on the lobby tour, demand response RFP, and diesel prices.

All meetings were held at Auburn Town Hall, 104 Central Street, unless noted otherwise. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published; the agendas are available on the town's website.

Auburn roundup: No decisions published from recent meetings; Select Board, Zoning Board on tap

No decisions have been published from Auburn's recent government meetings, as all agendas from Aug. 4-12 were released without accompanying minutes. The most consequential upcoming action is the Select Board's vote on a change of manager for the Auburn Sportsman's Club, along with two drainlayer licenses and DPW surplus equipment. The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold hearings on four zoning relief requests, including a drive-thru food service at 481 Washington Street.

Recent meetings (agenda only)

• **Aug. 4 – Housing Authority:** Reviewed statement of accounts for June and July 2026, apartment availability and tenant turnover, exterior doors/access control/cameras, Climate Ready Housing grants, and the executive director's annual review.
• **Aug. 4 – Elm Hill Water District:** Discussed billing issues with Worcester's estimated readings, replacement of non-reading residential meters, new service lines for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road, and a local server upgrade.
• **Aug. 11 – Fire Station Building Committee:** Reviewed project updates from LeftField OPM and Tecton OPM, and considered a requisition.
• **Aug. 11 – Planning Board:** Held public hearings on inclusionary zoning (ZA-26-1) and deleting height requirements in the Regional Mall Overlay District (ZA-26-2). Also reviewed a site plan for a 6,400 sq ft building with drive-thru food service at 481 Washington Street, site plan modifications for 15 Hardscrabble Road and 190 Washington Street, and a performance agreement modification for Stoneville Estates subdivision.
• **Aug. 12 – Conservation Commission:** Held hearings on a new Dunkin with drive-thru at 481 Washington Street and tree removal at 14 Riverside Drive. Discussed an enforcement order for erosion on South and Church Streets, an ORAD extension for 100 Millbury Street, and adding wire mesh to silt fences.
• **Aug. 12 – Elections:** Tested ballots for the Sept. 1, 2026 State Primary Election.

Upcoming meetings

• **Aug. 17 – Select Board:** Public hearing and vote on change of manager for Auburn Sportsman's Club at 50 Elm Street. Also voting on drainlayer licenses for Elite Construction Management Inc. (220 West Street, Hopedale) and Alexander Construction, Inc. (37 Hastings Ave, Worcester), approval of DPW surplus equipment, and acceptance of an $85.00 gift from Jen Brooks and Amy Perkins to the Fire Department gift account.
• **Aug. 17 – Elections:** Continue testing ballots for the Sept. 1 primary.
• **Aug. 20 – Zoning Board of Appeals:** Hearings on an appeal of a cease-and-desist for a retail store at 3 Ashworth Street, a special permit for a drive-thru food service at 481 Washington Street, a special permit for a motor vehicle repair shop at 41 Elm Street, and a variance for a dog-walking business at 25 Inwood Road.
• **Aug. 20 – Board of Sewer Commissioners:** Review FY27 budget, Water Street culvert replacement and sewer main placement, Sword Street force main lining bid results, special town meeting warrant articles, and Hilltop Farm Pump Station update.
• **Aug. 20 – Economic Development Committee:** Review CMRPC Permitting Guide, updates on ED Coordinator position, assessor's data, zoning changes, and Chamber outreach.
• **Aug. 27 – WRTA Advisory Board:** Remote meeting to approve July 16 minutes, hear public comment, and receive administrator's report.

Coming up

• **Select Board** – Aug. 17: vote on Sportsman's Club manager and licenses.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – Aug. 20: hearings on drive-thru and other permits.
• **Board of Sewer Commissioners** – Aug. 20: FY27 budget and culvert project.
• **WRTA Advisory Board** – Aug. 27: remote meeting.

Auburn boards to weigh zoning changes, Dunkin drive-thru proposal

No decisions were made at Auburn town board meetings over the past two weeks, as all recent meetings were procedural or agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The most consequential items on the horizon are public hearings before the Planning Board and Conservation Commission on a proposed Dunkin drive-thru at 481 Washington Street, along with zoning bylaw amendments that could affect future development.

Recent meetings

All five recent meetings were agenda-only, meaning no votes or final actions were recorded.

• **Wage Theft Committee (July 27)** – Discussed preparing a challenge to a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) amendment previously proposed by the Town Council.
• **Auburn Cultural Council (July 28)** – Heard from a Mass Cultural Council representative, reviewed webpage updates, and discussed an FY2027 survey plan.
• **Agricultural Committee (July 29)** – Reorganized its structure, reviewed town counsel recommendations, and began drafting bylaws and regulations.
• **Auburn Housing Authority (Aug 4)** – Reviewed financial statements, tenant turnover, exterior doors/access control/cameras, and climate-ready housing grants.
• **Elm Hill Water District (Aug 4)** – Discussed residential meter replacements, new service lines for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road, a server upgrade, and Worcester’s estimated billing.

Upcoming meetings

The most significant upcoming items involve land use and zoning.

Planning Board – Aug 11, 7:00 PM

The board will hold public hearings on two zoning bylaw amendments:

• **ZA-26-1** – Adding inclusionary zoning requirements for developments with 10 or more dwelling units.
• **ZA-26-2** – Deleting height dimensional requirements in the Regional Mall Overlay District.

The board will also review a site plan for a new 6,400-square-foot building with a drive-thru food service and 32 parking spaces at 481 Washington Street. Other items include site plan modifications for 15 Hardscrabble Road and 190 Washington Street, and a performance agreement modification for the Stoneville Estates subdivision on Helens Way.

Conservation Commission – Aug 12

Two public hearings are scheduled:

• A Notice of Intent for a new commercial building (Dunkin with drive-thru) at 481 Washington Street, filed by Matthew Doyle/Branded Realty Group II, LLC.
• A request to remove a damaged tree and overhanging branches at 14 Riverside Drive.

The commission will also discuss an enforcement order regarding DPW construction on South and Church Streets, an ORAD extension for 100 Millbury Street, and adding wire mesh to silt fences.

Zoning Board of Appeals – Aug 20

Four zoning relief applications will be heard:

• 3 Ashworth Street – appeal of a cease-and-desist for a retail store in a residential zone.
• 481 Washington Street – special permit for the drive-thru building and a buffer variance.
• 41 Elm Street – special permit for a motor vehicle repair shop in the Aquifer Protection District.
• 25 Inwood Road – variance for a dog-walking business as an accessory use.

Other upcoming meetings

• **Fire Station Building Committee (Aug 11)** – Will review project updates and consider approval of a requisition.
• **Elections Board (Aug 12)** – Will test ballots for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election.

Coming up

• **Aug 11** – Planning Board public hearings on zoning amendments and 481 Washington Street site plan.
• **Aug 11** – Fire Station Building Committee requisition review.
• **Aug 12** – Conservation Commission hearings on Dunkin proposal and tree removal.
• **Aug 12** – Elections Board ballot testing.
• **Aug 20** – Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on four zoning relief requests.

Auburn Boards Tackle Grants, Licenses, and Bylaw Reviews in Busy Late-July Stretch

Auburn's Select Board had a packed agenda July 20 that included votes on a $375,000 federal police hiring grant and a $125,686.67 FEMA hazard mitigation grant, along with several license hearings. However, minutes have not yet been published for this or any other meeting covered in this roundup, so outcomes listed here reflect what was on the agenda — not confirmed decisions.

Select Board: Grants, Licenses, and Gifts

The Select Board, meeting jointly with the Finance Committee and School Committee, was scheduled to vote on filing a COPS Hiring Program grant request for $375,000.00 and accepting FEMA HMGP Grant 4651-13 for $125,686.67, which would require a $41,895.56 local match.

Public hearings on the agenda covered a change of officers for AMF Bowling Centers d/b/a Bowlero Auburn at 101 Southridge Street, a carnival/amusement park license for Cirque Entertainment at 385 Southbridge Street (July 24–27, 2026), and a one-day beer and wine license for Century Sportsman's Club at 531 Rochdale Street for September 6, 2026.

Additional agenda items included drainlayer licenses for three contractors, a change of ownership for 746 Southbridge Street, and acceptance of $1,200.00 and $2,500.00 gifts for DPW events. The joint meeting also included discussion of goals and objectives for the upcoming Special Town Meeting.

Planning Board: Circus Permit and Minutes

On July 21, the Planning Board was set to hold a public hearing on a special permit for a temporary commercial circus activity at 385 Southbridge Street. The agenda also included approval of minutes from June 9, June 23, and July 14, 2026, plus a member and Town Planner update. A future meeting was noted for August 11, 2026.

Board of Health: Tobacco Violations and Dog Hearings

The Board of Health's July 22 agenda included tobacco violation hearings — 2nd, 3rd, and 4th violations — and a permit revocation review for In Style Galaxy News Stand at 385 Southbridge Street. Two dog hearings were scheduled: one at 15 Murray Avenue (continued from June 1) and one at 12 Pine Valley Road.

The board also planned to review a renovation project external grease tank request for Dunkin' at 386 Southbridge Street and discuss a new solid waste hauler, Republic Services. Reorganization and fee schedule updates were also on the agenda.

Conservation Commission: Erosion, Impervious Surface, and Botanical Survey

The Conservation Commission met July 22 with an enforcement order regarding DPW work and erosion on South Street on the agenda. Members were also set to discuss a request to reduce 549.5 sq ft of impervious surface and eliminate cul-tec units at 5 Friedel Street, and whether to require wire mesh or chicken wire with silt fences for stability.

A request from the Native Plant Trust for permission to conduct a botanical survey of Great Rosebay Rhododendron and Rhododendron maximum on town land was also listed.

Zoning, Wage Theft, Cultural Council, and Agricultural Committee

The Zoning Bylaw Review Committee met July 20 to review an Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw update, a proposed height amendment, Agricultural Committee Bylaw updates, and potential aquifer protection updates. No decisions were recorded in the agenda.

The Wage Theft Committee met July 27 to discuss and prepare its challenge to a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) amendment previously proposed by the Town Council.

The Auburn Cultural Council held a virtual meeting July 28, with Mass Cultural Council representative Lauren Bjella scheduled to address the council. The agenda included a webpage update, an FY2027 survey plan, and routine reports.

The Agricultural Committee met July 29 to reorganize, review town counsel's recommendation, and begin drafting bylaws and regulations. The meeting was described as procedural with no substantive decisions planned.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Auburn Housing Authority:** Financial reports, tenant turnover updates, exterior doors and access control review, and Climate Ready Housing Grants and Applications.
• **Aug. 4 — Elm Hill Water District:** Residential meter replacements, new service lines for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road, a local server upgrade, and Worcester's estimated billing issues.
• **Aug. 11 — Planning Board (Public Hearings):** Two zoning bylaw amendments — ZA-26-1 on Inclusionary Zoning and ZA-26-2 to delete height requirements in the Regional Mall Overlay District — plus a site plan for 481 Washington Street to demolish existing structures and build a ±6,400 sf building with a food service drive-thru.
• **Aug. 12 — Conservation Commission (Public Hearings):** A Notice of Intent for a new Dunkin' with drive-thru at 481 Washington Street and a Request for Determination of Applicability to remove a damaged tree and branches at 14 Riverside Drive.

*Note: All recent meetings listed above were agenda-only; minutes had not been published as of Aug. 3, 2026. Items reflect what was scheduled for discussion or vote, not confirmed outcomes.*

Auburn boards weigh grants, zoning changes, and fire station updates in busy meeting stretch

Auburn's boards and committees covered a wide range of business over the past two weeks, from fire station planning to zoning hearings and regional transportation funding. All recent meetings for which agendas were provided have not yet had minutes published, so outcomes of votes and discussions are not yet available in the public record.

Fire Station Building Committee

The Fire Station Building Committee met July 7 to review project updates from its engineering consultants, LeftField OPM and Tecton OPM. The agenda included discussion of traffic light signalization options for the new station site, committee reorganization, and review of June 9 meeting minutes. Public comment periods were scheduled. No minutes have been published, so no decisions are confirmed in the record.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met July 8 with an agenda covering an enforcement order for soil erosion at 47-49 Rockland Rd., a Request for Determination of Applicability at 39 Prospect Street, and a discussion of proposed changes to reduce the building footprint at 5 Friedel St. The commission also held its annual reorganization and reviewed June 24 minutes. No public hearings were scheduled. Minutes have not been published.

Planning Board

The Planning Board held a July 14 public hearing on a site plan approval for a warehouse addition at 10 A Street (Map 11, Parcel 15) and a special permit for a temporary four-day carnival at the Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge Street, under Section 3.9.5.1.b of the Zoning Bylaw for temporary commercial activity. Stormwater management upgrades were proposed. The board also had a zoning bylaw amendment for inclusionary zoning on developments of 10 or more units, an Approval Not Required plan for 30 Boyce Street, and a Performance Agreement Modification for Stoneville Estates, Helens Way (88 Wallace Avenue). No minutes have been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The ZBA met July 16 for four public hearings: a special permit for a kennel (5 or more dogs) at 399 Oxford Street North sought by Linda Luperchino; a special permit for POBCO Inc. to extend a non-conforming industrial warehouse at 10 A Street; a variance requested by 224A Southbridge Street, LLC to build two commercial buildings at 282 Southbridge Street; and an amendment to a special permit for an indoor amusement facility at 615 Southbridge Street sought by MAST Futures LLC. The board also planned to issue a decision on a kennel permit at 3 Ashworth Street Road. The 615 Southbridge Street item was continued to August 20, 2026. No minutes have been published.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met July 15 to vote on transfer requests of $250 or more across multiple departments. The agenda included a revote on a $4,526.78 fire department reserve fund transfer to medical supplies and a revote on an $18,333.00 fire department salary reserve fund transfer to overtime, totaling $22,859.78 in fire department transfers. The committee also planned to vote to authorize the Town Manager to respond to an Open Meeting Law complaint, review transfers up to $250 approved by the Town Accountant/CFO, discuss an omnibus transfer, and hold a reorganization. No minutes have been published.

Regional Transportation

The Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization met July 7 and July 15 to discuss Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program. Items included a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler St and May St intersection improvements in Worcester (total: $10,121,005) and a schedule change moving the Leicester Road bridge replacement over the French River in Oxford from 2027 to 2026 (total: $4,594,106). The July 15 agenda included a staff recommendation to remove a Worcester project from the FFY 2026 listing. No minutes have been published.

Coming Up

• **July 20 — Select Board, Finance Committee, School Committee (joint):** Discussion of goals for the upcoming Special Town Meeting. The Select Board will also hold public hearings and vote on licenses for Bowlero Auburn at 101 Southridge Street and a carnival by Cirque Entertainment at 385 Southbridge Street (July 24–27). The board is scheduled to vote on filing a $375,000.00 COPS Hiring Program grant and accepting a $125,686.67 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant with a $41,895.56 local match.
• **July 20 — Zoning Bylaw Review Committee:** Discussion of inclusionary zoning updates, a proposed height amendment, agricultural committee bylaw updates, and potential aquifer protection updates.
• **July 21 — Planning Board:** Public hearing for a temporary commercial circus permit at 385 Southbridge Street.
• **July 22 — Board of Health:** Tobacco permit revocation hearing for In Style Galaxy News Stand at 385 Southbridge Street for a 4th violation, plus dog hearings and a grease tank request for Dunkin' at 386 Southbridge Street.
• **July 22 — Conservation Commission:** Discussion of reducing 549.5 sq ft of impervious surface at 5 Friedel Street and a Native Plant Trust request for a botanical survey on town land.
• **July 27 — Wage Theft Committee:** Discussion of a challenge to a proposed TIF amendment.

Auburn meeting roundup: Recent agendas lack published minutes; Planning Board, ZBA hearings ahead

Auburn boards and committees met several times in the past two weeks, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions, so no confirmed decisions, votes, or dollar approvals can be reported from the recent meetings. The most consequential items on the calendar are upcoming public hearings before the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no confirmed outcomes

Between June 30 and July 8, at least seven Auburn-area bodies posted agendas. Because minutes are not yet available for any of them, what follows is a summary of what each body planned to take up — not what it decided.

Auburn Cultural Council (June 30, virtual) planned to discuss updating the town website, planning the Memorial Day Duck Race table, documenting job descriptions and procedures, and reviewing FY27 survey planning.

Auburn Housing Authority (June 30) planned to discuss forming a subcommittee to update the AHA Policy Book, a capital plan for exterior doors, access control, and common area cameras, staffing levels including an Activities Coordinator role, and payment approvals.

Auburn Library Board of Trustees (July 2) planned to review and possibly vote on meeting minutes from April, May, and June 2026, a strategic plan progress report, library policies, and a rebranding update.

Fire Station Building Committee (July 7) planned to review June 9 minutes, hear project updates from LeftField OPM and Tecton OPM, discuss traffic light signalization options for the new station site, and consider committee reorganization.

Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization (July 7) sought public input on Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program, including a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler St and May St intersection improvements in Worcester (total: $10,121,005) and a schedule change moving a Leicester Road bridge replacement over the French River in Oxford from 2027 to 2026 (total: $4,594,106).

Elm Hill Water District (July 7) planned to discuss Worcester's continued estimated billing and possible actions, replacement of non-reading residential meters, new service requests for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road, and review of McClure Engineers as Certified Licensed Holder.

Conservation Commission (July 8) planned to vote on an enforcement order regarding soil erosion at 47-49 Rockland Rd., a Request for Determination of Applicability at 39 Prospect Street, and a plan change discussion to reduce the building footprint at 5 Friedel St. Annual reorganization was also on the agenda.

Coming up

Planning Board — July 14: Public hearings on a site plan approval for a warehouse addition at 10 A Street (Map 11 Parcel 15) and a special permit for a 4-day carnival at Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge Street. The board will also consider a zoning bylaw amendment for inclusionary zoning on developments of 10 or more units, Approval Not Required plans for 30 Boyce Street, and a performance agreement modification for Stoneville Estates, Helens Way at 88 Wallace Avenue.

CMMPO — July 15: Discussion of proposed Amendment #9 to the FFY 2026-2030 TIP Highway Project Listing, including Oxford bridge project changes and a staff recommendation to remove a Worcester project from the FFY 2026 listing.

Zoning Board of Appeals — July 16: Public hearings on a special permit for a kennel (5+ dogs) at 399 Oxford Street North, a special permit to extend a non-conforming industrial warehouse at 10 A Street, a variance to construct two commercial buildings at 282 Southbridge Street, and an amendment to a special permit for an indoor amusement facility at 615 Southbridge Street. A decision is also expected on a kennel permit for 3 Ashworth Street Road.

WRTA Advisory Board — July 16: Appointment of officers for FY27 and a possible roll call vote to eliminate WRTA Routes A and B.

Board of Health — July 22: Tobacco violation hearings for In Style Galaxy News Stand at 385 Southbridge Street, including a permit revocation review for a 4th violation; dog hearings at 15 Murray Avenue and 12 Pine Valley Road; a grease tank request for Dunkin' at 386 Southbridge Street; and discussion of a new solid waste hauler, Republic Services.

Auburn boards weighed borrowing, zoning, and development in late June; minutes not yet published

Auburn's Select Board, Planning Board, and Conservation Commission each held meetings in the final week of June covering town borrowing, proposed inclusionary zoning, and several development proposals. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes and vote tallies are not available from the agendas reviewed.

Select Board — June 22 and June 25

The Select Board scheduled votes on several items, including awarding and signing notes from bond counsel for borrowing, applying for and accepting the MA Vest-a-Dog Grant for police, and approving a change of manager for Outback Steakhouse at 452 Southbridge Street. The board also listed discussion items on a policy amendment for the Town Manager Evaluation Process and a Daughters of the American Revolution 250th Anniversary Plaque. A separate June 25 hybrid meeting again listed the borrowing vote, along with public comments, departmental items, and gift acceptances under M.G.L. Chapter 44, §53A. Because minutes are not yet published, it is not confirmed which items were voted on or how any votes went.

Planning Board — June 23

The Planning Board held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to insert Section 14 into the town's zoning bylaws, establishing inclusionary zoning for developments with 10 or more dwelling units. The board was scheduled to gather public testimony before making a recommendation to the Board of Selectmen. Other agenda items included a security determination for the Stoneville Estates subdivision at Helens Way (88 Wallace Ave) and a site plan approval decision for 615 Southbridge Street. Outcomes are not yet available.

Conservation Commission — June 24

The Conservation Commission scheduled public hearings on three projects: a Notice of Intent for a 17,860 sq. ft. commercial building at 615 Southbridge Street, a wetland delineation renewal for the P&W right of way Vegetation Management Plan, and a Request for Determination for a shed at 19 Nancy Drive. The agenda also listed a plan change for a footprint reduction at 5 Friedel St. and an enforcement order for 47-49 Rockland Road. No outcomes are confirmed.

Housing Authority and Cultural Council — June 30

The Auburn Housing Authority discussed forming a subcommittee to update the AHA Policy Book and reviewed a capital plan for exterior doors, access control, and common area cameras. Staffing levels, open positions, and an Activities Coordinator role were also listed, along with payment approvals and credit card statements.

The Auburn Cultural Council met virtually to discuss updating the town website, planning the Memorial Day Duck Race table, documenting job descriptions, and reviewing FY27 survey planning.

Library Board of Trustees — July 2

The Library Board of Trustees listed possible votes on library policies, a strategic plan progress report, and a rebranding update. The agenda also included review of meeting minutes from April, May, and June 2026, an update on Board of Trustees By-Laws, and a request for a late opening due to staff professional development.

Coming up

• **July 7 — Fire Station Building Committee:** Project updates from LeftField OPM and Tecton OPM, discussion of traffic light signalization options for the new station, and committee reorganization.
• **July 7 — Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization:** Public meeting on Amendment #9 to the 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program, including a cost increase of $1,645,731 for Chandler St and May St intersection improvements in Worcester (total: $10,121,005) and a schedule change moving a Leicester Road bridge replacement in Oxford from 2027 to 2026 (total: $4,594,106).
• **July 7 — Elm Hill Water District:** Discussion of Worcester's estimated billing, residential meter replacements, and new service requests for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road.
• **July 8 — Conservation Commission:** Vote on an enforcement order for soil erosion at 47-49 Rockland Rd., a Request for Determination at 39 Prospect Street, and a footprint reduction discussion for 5 Friedel St.
• **July 14 — Planning Board public hearing:** Site plan approval for a warehouse addition at 10 A Street and a special permit for a four-day carnival at the Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge Street.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Appeals public hearings:** Four applications, including a variance to build two commercial buildings at 282 Southbridge Street and a special permit for a kennel at 399 Oxford Street North.

Borrowing, inclusionary zoning top agendas as Auburn boards eye key votes

Auburn town boards in late June teed up decisions on bond borrowing, zoning that would require affordable units in larger developments, and several land-use projects, though meeting minutes had not been released by press time. With most outcomes still pending, residents can look ahead to a busy mid-July. Here is a roundup.

Select Board

The board met June 22 with a vote scheduled to award and sign notes from bond counsel for borrowing. Also on the agenda: applying for and accepting the MA Vest-a-Dog grant for police body armor, and approval of a manager change for Outback Steakhouse at 452 Southbridge Street. A separate June 25 hybrid session listed the same borrowing vote plus gift acceptances, department updates and public comment.

Planning Board

On June 23 the Planning Board held a public hearing on an amendment to insert a new section into the zoning bylaw that would govern inclusionary zoning. The proposal would apply to residential projects with 10 or more dwelling units. The board also took up a security determination for the definitive subdivision Stoneville Estates on Helens Way (88 Wallace Ave.) and a site plan approval decision for 615 Southbridge Street.

Conservation Commission

The commission met June 24 for hearings on multiple projects: a 17,860-square-foot commercial building at 615 Southbridge Street; a wetland delineation renewal for the P&W right-of-way vegetation management plan; a request for determination to build a shed at 19 Nancy Drive; a plan change to reduce the building footprint at 5 Friedel St.; and an enforcement order for soil erosion at 47-49 Rockland Road. On July 8 the commission is expected to vote on the Rockland Road enforcement order, the requested determination at 39 Prospect Street, and the 5 Friedel St. plan change.

Other meetings

The Auburn Housing Authority on June 30 discussed forming a subcommittee to update its policy book, a capital plan for exterior doors, access control and common area cameras, and staffing levels. The Library Board of Trustees met July 2 with votes planned on library policies and a strategic plan progress report. The Auburn Cultural Council met June 30 to handle website updates, FY27 survey planning and documentation of job procedures.

Coming up

• **July 7** – Fire Station Building Committee: project updates from LeftField OPM and Tecton OPM, discussion of traffic light signalization options for the new fire station site, committee reorganization.
• **July 7** – Central Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization: public meeting on Amendment #9 to the 2026-2030 Transportation Improvement Program. Items include a $1,645,731 cost increase for the Chandler Street and May Street intersection project in Worcester (new total $10,121,005) and moving the Oxford bridge replacement on Leicester Road over the French River from 2027 to 2026 (total $4,594,106).
• **July 7** – Elm Hill Water District: discussion of Worcester’s estimated billing, replacement of non-reading residential meters, and new service requests for Arlington/Hampton Street and Gibson Road.
• **July 14** – Planning Board public hearing: site plan for a warehouse addition at 10 A Street and a special permit for a four-day carnival at the Auburn Mall, 385 Southbridge Street. Stormwater management upgrades are proposed.
• **July 16** – Zoning Board of Appeals public hearings: Linda Luperchino seeks a special permit for a kennel (5+ dogs) at 399 Oxford Street North; POBCO Inc. requests a special permit to extend a non-conforming industrial warehouse at 10 A Street; 224A Southbridge Street LLC seeks a variance for two commercial buildings at 282 Southbridge Street; and MAST Futures LLC seeks an amendment to a special permit condition for an indoor amusement facility at 615 Southbridge Street.