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Southborough panel clears way for demolition of 173 Southville Road
Summary
The Southborough Historical Commission voted 0–4 on Jan. 5, 2026, against finding 173 Southville Road historically or architecturally significant, allowing the owner to proceed with demolition; commissioners cited extensive deterioration and the lot’s constrained size.
Chair Kevin Miller called the commission to consider the demolition application for 173 Southville Road and described the house as heavily altered and in poor condition, including hand-hewn floor joists “completely eaten through” and sagging floors. The house is listed in the MACRIS inventory (SBR 10.107) with inconsistent date notes, but Miller said there was “no documentary evidence of any kind of historical connection.”
Miller said the parcel is an unusual sliver of about 0.12 acres (roughly 5,000 square feet) that extends into Westborough and includes a driveway easement through the site, making reconstruction difficult. He also noted the owner, Martin Holmes, has owned the property since 1958 and that utilities have been disconnected.
Grant Farrington and other commissioners said they understood policy reasons to preserve older buildings but agreed the structure showed little distinguishing fabric and significant structural damage. Farrington noted the town’s demolition-delay law and the limits of what the commission could require; Miller reminded members the enforcement remedy for unpermitted demolition under the bylaw is withholding a building permit for two years.
Miller moved that the commission determine the property historically or architecturally significant (which would have advanced the matter to a public hearing). The motion, seconded by Michelle, failed on a roll-call vote: Grant Farrington—No, Annie Caff—No, Michelle—No, Kevin Miller—No (0–4). By voting against significance, the commission did not trigger the DDBL delay and the applicant may proceed with demolition consistent with town process.
The commission’s action does not itself authorize demolition work or permit issuance; it only declines to find significance under the DDBL. Any required building or demolition permits and related safety or environmental requirements remain the responsibility of the owner and the building department.
The commission moved on to the next agenda items. The meeting record shows no public comment on 173 Southville Road.
