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Westborough Select Board establishes gift fund after Civic Club offers $50,000 for downtown plaza
Summary
The Westborough Select Board accepted a Civic Club proposal to establish a gift account for improvements to the plaza between Town Hall and The Coop, enabling a $50,000 donation (pending club vote) to support benches, tables and landscaping.
The Westborough Select Board on July 22 voted to establish a municipal gift account to receive and manage donations for improvements to the plaza immediately adjacent to Town Hall and The Coop.
Representatives of the Westborough Civic Club presented conceptual designs and a $50,000 pledge to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary. Club representatives said the funds would pay for durable benches, tables and planters, and outlined options ranging from modest furnishings to more elaborate plaza treatments. Steve Hart described internal club plans to take a membership vote in September on the donation; Walter Leslie noted the club’s long history of town support and volunteer activities.
Board discussion clarified that the town holds an easement on the plaza property and that the select board — working with DPW and the town manager — would direct purchases made from the gift account. Board members asked for public engagement on final design and confirmation that any fixtures would accommodate snow removal and maintenance. The motion to create the gift account passed unanimously, 5‑0.
The town manager said the account will be available to receive additional contributions and to fund future maintenance or enhancements if the Civic Club’s gift is approved by its membership. The board emphasized that final design and installation decisions will be collaborative and returned to the board for vote before purchases are made.
