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Selectmen approve memorial bench; defer decision on private dog statue
Summary
The board approved a bench as a memorial with town manager review and asked the petitioner to consult with staff about the proposed statue; several members said they would support a memorial bench but declined to approve a statue dedicated to a specific pet at this pathway location.
The Board of Selectmen approved a request to place a memorial bench along a pathway off Westover Parkway but declined to approve a privately funded statue of a specific dog at the same site.
The request, submitted by Debbie Springern, asked to place a statue (no taller than 20 inches) and a bench at a small dog-walking pathway off Westover Parkway; the applicant said she would pay for installation and upkeep. Selectmen expressed support for a bench and plaque but split over approving a pet-specific statue. Selectman Fosco and others said they prefer memorials that honor broader groups or that are vetted by the facilities manager and public-safety staff, while other members said they had no objection to benches and appreciated private donations.
Selectman Donnelly moved — and Selectman Plasco seconded — a motion to approve the bench only, with the requirement that the petitioner meet with the town manager and staff to discuss the location and possible alternatives for recognizing the dedication. The motion passed unanimously. The board did not approve placement of the statue at this time and asked the petitioner to consult with the manager for alternative locations or plaque options for the bench.
Why it matters: the board balanced private philanthropy against public-space management and precedent, endorsing memorial benches as an established option while deferring action on pet-specific statues.
What’s next: the petitioner will meet with the town manager to identify an approved location and to discuss plaque language; facilities and public-safety staff will be involved in site review.
