Planning board approves removal of small stonewall to relocate hydrant, asks that historic stones remain on Flag Road

The Southborough Planning Board approved a Department of Public Works request to remove a roughly 10‑foot section of stone wall on Flag Road at 361 Turnpike Road so a frequently struck fire hydrant can be relocated 10 feet farther onto adjacent private property.

Bill Condit, a DPW representative, told the board the property owner granted a 10‑by‑10 foot easement to allow excavation and hydrant relocation. Condit said removed stones would be staged at a DPW storage area and that the DPW is open to conversations with neighbors or the Valvoline proponent about reusing historic stones.

Board members repeatedly urged that where possible the historic stones be reused on Flag Road rather than permanently removed from the location. The board adopted a motion approving the scenic‑road removal with the preferred condition that the stones remain on Flag Road and that Valvoline — which prepared the adjacent parcel as part of an earlier minor site plan — be offered first option to reclaim stones for on‑site reuse.

The hearing record will include the DPW’s application and plans; the board noted copies are available in the planning office and through the town’s agenda center. The DPW said it will coordinate with the contractor and Valvoline to try to keep historic fabric associated with the scenic road where feasible.

Next procedural steps: the board closed the hearing, voted to approve the removal with the stated condition and directed staff to reflect the 'first dibs' preference in the decision text. The DPW said it expects that language to appear in the final decision.