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Planning Board mulls Articles for Town Meeting Agrees with Board of Appeals Chairman to discuss streamlined permitting
by Robert Falcione February 27, 2007 — Last night the Planning Board held a Public Hearing regarding the Town Meeting Articles being considered for submission this year. Chairman of the Board of Appeals Thomas Garabedian appeared on behalf of his Board to discover the reasoning behind the Planning Board's proposal to take over some of the approval of permits for uses from the Board from Appeals. Mr. Garabedian and the Planning Board agreed to keep things as they are, but to meet to fast track the permitting process in fiscal year 2008. One Article separates the Downtown and the rest of the business-zoned properties to apply zoning for the unique purposes of each. For instance, the newly created regular Business District will require a 40' rear setback, but the Downtown District will be only 20' setback from adjacent business property, but 30' if a property is used for a residence. The Board spent a substantial amount of time on a paragraph that would change the way onsite parking is configured in both Districts. Currently, parking between the street and a building is not allowed, but the proposed change would allow it by Special Permit only. Town Planner Elaine Lazarus, in a memo to the Board, explained that the original purpose "...was to ensure the Downtown remained pedestrian-oriented as redevelopment occurred - there was a concern that over time it would become commercial strip development with parking lots lining Main Street. This is still a concern." Ms .Lazarus wrote that a Special Permit would give the Board flexibility to grant that change in the case of a deep lot. Some people argued that the change could turn Hopkinton Downtown into a less pedestrian friendly environment, as in Ashland on Route 135 near Brooks and CVS.
Planning Board member Joe Markey, seeing the objections, said, "This could be
something that derails the package [group "If we don't make it easier for developers, we'll have a vacant lot forever," said ZAC Chairman and Selectman candidate Brian Herr, referring to the vacant lot Downtown owned by John Burns. The Board left the question open for further discussion. A plan to increase building height on South Street presented by Scott Richardson met with opposition. Member Jaime Goncalves argued that increasing the office space available would tax the already stressed intersection and roadway. Member Scott Aghababian said he can already see the city on the hill, referring to massive EMC structures that form the western skyline from the Glen Road area. [Area above tree line in white are possible views of buildings from the Oakhurst Road area.] This writer, a Hopkinton resident, suggested that converting more zoning to retail on the South Street area would add to the commercial tax revenue and help relieve the residential property tax burden. A retail use is nearly mutually exclusive to office use, each occurring at different times of the day. Mr. Richardson suggested that structures built under those new guidelines be offset down from the crest of the hill that lies between South Street and Hayward Street. |
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6:05 pm A caller reported that four males in their mid twenties failed to clean up after a large picnic...
2:09 pm A business manager of the school called and stated that he witnessed a man dumping building material at the Middle School dumpster...
3:46 am Sgt. Joseph E. Bennett and Officers William Burchard and Jacob Campbell responded along with the Ambulance and the Fire Department to a report of a motor vehicle roll over crash...
10:50 pm The Ashland Police Department reported that a stolen vehicle from their town was heading toward Hopkinton... |
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Town Notified of Weston Nurseries Purchase and Sale Official Notification starts 120-day window |
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Hopkinton - Richard Gorham Nickerson “Nick”, 79, of Bellingham and
formerly of Hopkinton died Sunday, February 25, 2007 at Sunbridge Care and
Rehabilitation in Milford. Born in Harwich, MA., he was the son of the late
Ephrim Gorham and Elizabeth (Wardell) Nickerson and husband to Barbara Nickerson |
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Jean Gough to Perform at ESL Coffeehouse March 3 February 26, 2007 — Jean Gough will showcase her talent as a versatile and knowledgeable singer who easily transitions between classical and jazz idioms at the Enter Stage Left Coffeehouse on March 3. She will be accompanied by Hopkinton-resident Tom Phelan on vibes and Mike Caruso on bass. The show will be held at 8:00 p.m. at ESL’s intimate studio setting at 30 Main Street in Hopkinton. Tickets are $15.00 per person. For more information call 508-435-2114 or visit www.enterstagelefttheater.com. |
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CANCELLATION!!SPEAC Community Fun Event and Coffee in March Cancelled
HOPKINTON, MASS. (February 26, 2007) – Hopkinton’s Special Education Advisory Council (SPEAC) regrets to announce that due to scheduling conflicts, the Collaborative Community Fun Event originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, and the Coffee for March 22 have been cancelled. The next SPEAC event will be the Opportunity Fair on April 2 at the Ashland High School. |
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State Police Take a Punch for the Melha Shriners
Expected participants include representatives from the Massachusetts State Police, the Bermuda Police Department and The Denver Police Department. |
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Discoloration in Water? The Water Department worked all day Sunday repairing a water main break on Cedar Street. Residents and business in the down town area may notice some discoloration in the water. Please check your water before using it. If you do experience some color in the water, please let run to clear your pipe. Eric J. Carty, Water-Sewer Manager, Hopkinton DPW, 85 Wood St. PO BOX 171 Hopkinton, MA 01748 508-497-9765 P 508-497-9767 F |
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State Police Cruiser Struck in Hopkinton
February 25, 2007 — A State Police cruiser sits atop a flatbed tow truck after reportedly being struck by an other vehicle on Route 495 North in Hopkinton while on a traffic stop late this evening. A thick coating of sand can be seen on the northbound ramp, which one Trooper described as icy. The ramp was closed while the State Police reconstruction team assessed the cause of the accident. No injuries were reported. |
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The Hills are Alive
February 25, 2007 — A thrilled Maddey Strickland, 4, was one of dozens of people, young and old, sliding down the hills at the Hopkinton Reservoir today. |
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HPTA 24th ANNUAL SILENT AUCTION Silent Auction • Live Auction • Raffles $1.7 million so far, and still counting
This year’s Silent Auction team has solicited a dazzling array of fabulous items up for bid. The Committee, chaired by Shari Murphy and supported by a group of dedicated volunteers, has been very busy ensuring that the Auction will be another rewarding experience for patrons. Items include: weekend getaways to Vermont, New Hampshire, and the Cape; tickets to sports games; dinner prepared by a personal chef; golf outings, ski tickets; sports memorabilia; i-pods; electronics; jewelry; wine; and much more. The annual favorite Children’s Gallery raffle baskets are back again featuring a wide array of themes – science; backyard fun; arts and crafts; beach; reading; game night; and many more. Other raffles include a quilt signed by the entire first grade; a t-shirt quilt made from official Marathon t-shirts donated by the HAA; Police Chief, Fire Chief, or Principal for a day; and the Ice Cream Stroll with your favorite kindergarten teacher. COMPLETE STORY |
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Richard G. Nickerson, 79 Richard G. Nickerson, 79, of Bellingham and formerly of Hopkinton, died Sunday - February 25, 2007 at Sunbridge Care of Milford. He was the husband of Barbara Harper-Nickerson of Bellingham. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and are under the direction of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton. |
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Above, Officer Gregg DeBoer, left and Detective Scott Van Raalten at a traffic stop on Route 495 Saturday evening. |
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The Macmillans at ESL Coffee House
February 24, 2007 — Hopkinton natives The Macmillans, Dan, Fenwick, and his wife Ursula perform above in Part I of their gig at ESL Coffee house this evening, after a quick interview with David Sheehan. |
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Tri-Valley League 2007 All Star Game
February 24, 2007 — Junior Nicole Driscoll sets up to pass to center during tonight's all-star game. Hopkinton, Bellingham, Dover-Sherborn, Holliston, and Medfield played under Coach Mark Nickerson. |
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State Police Activate
the AMBER Alert System for a Successful Recovery of an
Endangered Child in Winchester
The Winchester Police launched an immediate investigation notifying their patrols of the incident and put out a description of Asaro and the vehicle she was believed to be driving. They also notified area city and town police departments as well as the State Police. Through their investigation, Winchester Police received additional information; however significant time had passed with no communication from Jody Asaro or indication of her location. The State Police were then contacted regarding a possible activation of the AMBER Alert System.
Trooper Nicole Morrell, the State Police AMBER Alert Coordinator, and other officers designated to investigate AMBER Alert requests responded immediately. After a complete briefing of all facets of the investigation it was determined that the threshold criteria for an AMBER Alert Activation was present. At approximately 11:20 p.m. the AMBER Alert System was activated and all media outlets were notified. In addition to the activation of the AMBER Alert System, the Winchester Police Department continued to update area police departments as well as the State Police on the situation. The State Police moved several patrols into the area to assist in locating the missing child and his caretaker. Trooper Steven Buccheri of the Medford State Police barracks had been the evening shift desk officer. He had spoken with the mother, Emily Thomas several times during the evening and assured her that the police were aware of the situation and were actively looking for her child. At the end of his shift, Trooper Buccheri was proceeding home when he heard cruisers being dispatched to the Stoneham-Winchester area because of recently developed information that Jody Asaro may be in that area. He immediately changed direction and returned several miles to the area to assist in the search. At approximately 11:45, while traveling on the Lynn Fells Parkway, Trooper Buccheri observed Jody Asaro's vehicle pass him traveling in the opposite direction. Trooper Buccheri made a u-turn, requested backup activating his blue lights in an effort to stop the vehicle. The operator immediately pulled her vehicle to the side of the road and stopped. Trooper Bucche ri approached the vehicle and had conversation with the operator who was identified herself as Jody Asaro. Also located in the vehicle were the missing 17 month-old male child and a second child, who was identified as Jody Asaro's 18 month-old son.
Asaro was transported to the Winchester Police Department for questioning. As a cautionary measure, the two children were transported by ambulance to the Winchester Hospital for a medical evaluation.
The investigation by the Winchester Police Department is ongoing at this time. In addition to the Winchester Police and the State Police, the Boston Office of the FBI also provided important assistance with this investigation. |
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Dinnertime
February 24, 2007 — This resident of Lakeshore Drive enjoys a bite of an acorn, as it does every day, all day. |
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Woodville Rod and Gun Club Derby
Above from left, Mike Garvey, Bob Telley, Scot Charette, Devin Howard, Bev Goos, John Dunbar. February 24, 2007 — These folks had all the right gear for snagging a big one at the Woodville Rod and Gun Club Ice Fishing Derby today. However, no one had any fish to show the photographer at this time (11:30 a.m.). |
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After the party
February 24, 2007 — Jeannette Potter and Joe Marquedant appear to be loading up for a party, but are actually loading the truck to the left with empty bottles and cans at the Lions Club bottle and can drive in an area donated by Colella's in their parking lot. |
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Hopkinton Garden Club presents
Wild Edible Plants a program by
John Root March 27, 6:30 pm First Congregational Church in Hopkinton
The Hopkinton Garden Club presents John Root and his program on Wild Edible Plants. Public Invited. Please RSVP 508-435-5500. |
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Feeding With 5000
Week 1: 2,303 lbs of goods were collected on Sunday, Feb 18 for Walking in Light Ministry!
The collection for Sunday, February 25 will go to the Hopkinton Food Pantry. Suggested needed items are: household cleaning products such as laundry detergent, dish soap, glass & counter cleaners, toilet cleaners and feminine products; paper products such as paper towels, plates and cups; and non-perishable food items. |
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Democratization of entertainment
Above is Terra Naomi, a 19 year-old New Yorker transplanted to LA, who is a great example of the democratization of entertainment. She has had over 1.2 million views of her video above on YouTube, the 2 year-old phenomenon that was purchased by Goggle for $1.65 billion last year. She plays her original composition on guitar and sings like an angel, apparently sitting on front of her computer, perhaps at home, in this new and exciting exhibition of creative talent. Got talent? Want to share it first with HopNews readers, and then the world? Email your idea or plan to Editor@HopNews.com . |
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In the News |
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Mirror Image
February 23, 2007 — Maria Gross shares this photo of a young wild turkey perhaps admiring herself in the reflection of a neighbor's storm door. |
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Incumbent Board of Health member Republican David Edson is the most recent person to take out nomination papers for public office. Mr. Edson is the only person to have taken out papers for the single three-year term on the Board of Health. To see other open positions, who's running, and the election calendar, Click Here. |
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Hopkinton resident receives Doctorate
Hopkinton resident and father of three, Matthew DeWaele, has recently completed a Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Simmons College in Boston. Dr. DeWaele, the former owner of Waltham Physical Therapy Associates, has been in the business of physical therapy for 30 years. In addition to being the Director of Business Development for Rehab/Orthopedics for AmeriCare, Dr. DeWaele is also currently involved in clinical outcomes research with area health systems. EDITOR'S NOTE: Got positive news about the achievements of our neighbors? Please share:Editor@HopNews.com |
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Photo From Away
February 23, 2007 — Loyal reader Andre Griben sends a photo from his family's trip to the Grand Canyon. "Just sharing the western winter with you," he writes. |
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Turkey trot? Fox Trot?
February 23, 2007 There is a fox with glowing eyes barely visible in the inset, arrow pointing to it, reflecting the camera flash very brightly, like a Star Wars creature, in front of the Town Hall driveway last night. The turkey was causing a commotion with passing traffic on Hayden Rowe Street on the day before. |
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1 million visits due in about less than three weeks. The HopNews site meter is moving toward 1 million visits. Not to beat a dead horse because we've said this before, but we surpassed the actual 1 million visits some time ago. The Site Meter, from a third-party vendor, dropped an entire week of visits in November due to a glitch, and only records about 80% of the actual visits anyway. Nonetheless, last year we asked people to guess when the meter would reach the 1 million mark, and that the winner would receive a check for $500.00. The meter has less than 30,000 visits to go to 1 million, and when it does, the person who guessed closest will win the prize. Thanks for reading. |
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The Woodville Rod and Gun Club will be holding it's second Ice Fishing Derby of the season Saturday February 24th. The derby will be held on Lake Whitehall from 7:00 am until 1:00 pm. Breakfast will be served from 6:00 am until 9:00 am. More details and an entry form are available at www.woodvillerodandgun.com |
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Thinking of reaching up to over 2,400 HopNews visitors per day? Save money and call before Monday's rate change. 435-5534 |
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TAX SEASON TIME TO SUPPORT TROOPS & MILITARY FAMILIES
As sponsors of the legislation to create this tax check-off, Senator Pam Resor and Senator Karen Spilka (File photo) were pleased to have seen this legislation passed with the omnibus “Welcome Home Bill.” This will be the second year that the fund will have a voluntary donation check-off box on the annual Massachusetts Resident Income Tax Forms. “With the approaching tax filing date, it is important for taxpayers to be aware that you can donate directly to the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund on the 2006 Mass. Income Tax forms,” said Senator Resor. “By using the tax check-off box, taxpayers can easily donate to this fund and know that the money will be used to directly help military families in need here in the Commonwealth.” "This is such a great way for the people of Massachusetts to directly support our troops," states Sen. Spilka. "I hope this fund will continue to grow as more and more people become aware that it exists." ENTIRE STORY |
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Hopkinton Special Olympics vs. Hopkinton Police Department March 11 at Hopkinton Middle School from 1-4pm Green vs Blue Basketball Game
There will be a Pizza Party immediately following the game in the HMS cafeteria. Pizza will be provided by the Hopkinton Police Department. Salads/side dishes will be provided by the Hopkinton Pride Team. Desserts will be provided by the Hopkinton Spirit Team Please RSVP at hopkintonspecialolympics@gmail.com so we can order enough food. Volunteers are also needed for set-up and break down. Thank you! |
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Woodville Rod & Gun Club will be hosting a benefit in Memory of Laura Nardini
Saturday, March 24, 2007 • 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
There will be entertainment, raffles, and more. All proceeds
from this benefit will be donated to the Nardini Family Fund. |
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Reader questions Duval Patrick's motives
Editor:
One of Duval Patrick's aids stated to the Boston Herald on Feb. 22, 2006 that he can only recall Diane Patrick at two of the events that Duval was present this year, one to promote early education initiatives in the State House and a second to appear at a reading event for children in Springfield.
Do you think this a busy enough schedule to have a $72K per year Chief of Staff for his wife's scheduling? Everyone has schedules to keep without needing a Chief of staff to keep schedules for them. ENTIRE LETTER |
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Article from School Committee
Revenue - (Expenses + Growth) = Structural Deficit 2.5% Yearly increase not enough
by Hopkinton School Committee
Regarding revenues, the Appropriation Committee, in an article published last year stated that “Under the most optimistic scenario, we can hope for perhaps 3.5 - 4 percent “natural” growth in revenues each year.” As for expenses, while inflation in the overall economy remains low, increases in the components that impact town government the most (salaries, benefits – particularly health insurance premiums – and energy) are high. The net shortfall in revenues versus expenses is running in the $1.5 – 2 million range each year. This equates to 3-4% annually. Last year’s series of articles written by the Appropriation Committee provide considerable background and detail pertaining to this situation.
The bottom line is that the structure of the municipal financial system in Massachusetts creates a situation where, as a town and a school system, we can never afford to keep what we had last year unless extraordinary events occur.
Over the past several years, several extraordinary events did occur that yielded much larger revenue increases than would normally take place. These include major expansion of EMC Corporation on South Street resulting in a windfall of building permit fees and higher property taxes, passage of a state law allowing municipalities to collect real estate taxes on new construction up to 18 months earlier than before, financing for the new high school construction project that produced significant investment income on borrowing, and favorable changes in state aid formulas. Even with these one-time events, we have had Proposition 2 ˝ tax overrides of $900,000 in 2003, $600,000 in 2005, and $1,933,119 in 2006 in order to provide the levels of services that the community desires. ENTIRE ARTICLE |
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Conversations with WW II Veterans Part 2
February 21, 2007 — Today's feature veteran is John Cahill, who says he never left Hopkinton until he went to serve his country. This video uploaded at 8:50 pm. May take a while to process and become available. In the meantime, see new discussion page. |
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State Police Investigate Fatal Crash on Route 195 West in Rehoboth- Seek Possible Eye-witness
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Timothy Hunt indicates the 2006 Honda sedan was traveling on Route 195 west in the left lane when it went out of control, veered onto the median, and hit two trees. The operator, 37-year old Gina M. Almeida of Fall River, MA was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was wearing her safety-belt at the time.
It is possible another vehicle may have been involved in this crash. The State Police are looking for information regarding this vehicle. Anyone with information which may assist in the investigation should call the North Dartmouth barracks at 508-993-8373.
The two left lanes were closed from 8:15 until 11:55 a.m. during the investigation and recovery of the vehicle. |
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of Planning Board Articles] at Town Meeting."
The
Massachusetts State Police will be hosting a charity boxing exhibition of
Friday March 30, 2007, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Sturbridge Host Hotel,
366 Main Street (Route 20) Sturbridge, MA. All proceeds for the event will
benefit the Melha Shriners Temple in Springfield, MA. Tickets are $15.00
general admission, $25.00 ringside and children under 12 are free. Tickets
may be purchased at the door.
On
Saturday, March 24, 2007, the HPTA will host its 24th Annual Silent
Auction (File photo). The event will be held at Glen Ellen Country Club in
Millis, and the doors open at 7:00 p.m. There will also be both a silent and a
live auction, as well as dozens of raffles. This year’s theme is ‘One COMMON
Goal...Quality Education’, and the HPTA is proud to be working with many other
community groups to present HUNDREDS of items for bidding. Just as the town
joins together each year to celebrate the Marathon, so many town groups have
joined with the HPTA to support our common goal of a quality education for all
of our children. The HPTA originated this Silent Auction almost 25 years ago,
and continues to rely on it as its major fundraiser. Please come and help
support our schools. 
Beginning
Sunday, February 18 through Sunday, March 25, goods and materials will be
collected for food pantries and other ministries in Hopkinton and the
Metrowest area. The community is welcome to join with First Congregational
Church in bringing food and other items in to the church on Sunday mornings
8 am - 10:45 am. A different organization will be focused on each week, with
specific items requested to meet their needs. Volunteers will weigh, box
and deliver the donations to the respective organizations within 36 hours.
David
Edson takes out papers for Board of Health
Positively
Hopkinton 
February
22, 2007 — As Massachusetts Reservists and National
Guardsmen/women are called to active duty, often their families
are left with many financial hardships. Last year marked the
debut of the Massachusetts Military Family Relief Fund check-off
which was established to provide needs-based assistance to
families who are experiencing economic adversity due to
activation or extended military commitment. 
For the first time ever, two great teams from the same town,
meet in the center of the court at Hopkinton Middle School.
This will truly be basketball action at it's greatest! Mark
your calendars, tell your family and come to one of the most
priceless events you've been to in a long time. 
Gene
Nardini has been a long time member of the Woodville Rod & Gun
and the members are sponsoring a dinner for Gene and his family.
On November 21, Laura Nardini, 14, was taken to Children's
Hospital for what turned out to be a cardiac issue. Laura was
put on a heart and lung machine to give her heart a rest and to
give them time to diagnose what was going on. A biopsy revealed
what they suspected-- that a virus had attacked her heart, and
while they had seen things like this before, they had never seen
anything so aggressive. 
February
22, 2007 — “Built-in structural deficit” is how one person
described both the school and the town budgets. It’s an apt
turn of phrase. It means that the revenue side of the town
budget, which consists of a 2.5% annual increase in tax revenue
plus new growth and increased state aid, will never be enough
when compared to the expense side, which is comprised of annual
inflation and cost of living increases.
February
21, 2007 — Today, at approximately 8:15a.m, troopers
assigned to the State Police barracks in North Dartmouth
responded to a single vehicle crash on Route 195 west, in
the vicinity of the Mason Street overpass in Rehoboth that
resulted in one fatality.