Resident tells Select Board public input 'meant to placate' residents; raises spending and transparency concerns

Kevin Barry, a Westborough resident, used the meeting’s open forum to press the Select Board on transparency and fiscal responsibility, saying long-running projects had left neighbors feeling shut out of decisions. "They stated that the purpose of public input meetings was to placate and make palatable these projects for residents," Barry told the board, saying the comment from town officials in a September meeting "was very disturbing, deeply alarming."

Barry listed specific projects that, he said, demonstrate shortcomings in outreach and oversight: the BWALT process, the special-permit case at 210 Turnpike Road, the Rotary improvement (the so-called 'peanut' design), and the proposed Post Road residential apartment complex. He said residents near 210 Turnpike Road spent more than $20,000 defending a special-permit denial that ultimately moved forward after paperwork issues and a remand, and criticized working groups that he said operate "behind closed doors" and advance projects before meaningful community engagement.

The board received Barry’s concerns but did not debate them in detail during the open forum period. Members later referenced public-engagement work underway on housing proposals and said the topics Barry raised — particularly the Rotary design and spending priorities — have been discussed at recent meetings. The exchange was presented without further action; several board members encouraged continued dialogue and pointed to upcoming public meetings and planning-board hearings where residents can comment.