By Genevieve Jinson, Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The Board of Selectmen voted to increase Shrewsbury's water rates at its Sept. 25 meeting.
The residential base rate for households consuming zero to 5000 gallons of water will rise from $19 to $21 per quarter. For every gallon used over that 5000 gallon base there will be an additional charge per 1000 gallons used. That tier is: 5,001 to 25,000 gallons, $3.40; 25,001 to 60,000 gallons, $6.30; and over 60,000 gallons, $10.00.
The commercial base rate for zero to 5,000 gallons will increase to $36 per quarter, up from the previous rate of $32.50. For every gallon used over that 5000 gallon base there will be an additional charge per 1000 gallons used. That tier is: 5,001 to 25,000 gallons, $2.80; and 25,001 gallons and over, $3.80.
There are also different rates for condominiums, apartments, and lawns only. The updated rates will soon be posted on the town's website, www.shrewsbury-ma.gov. The new rates are due to go into effect Nov. 1.
Unlike a previous public hearing held Sept. 11, there were no residents in the audience commenting on the rate increases.
In other news, the board voted to review the Route 9 and Route 20 interchange in Shrewsbury, the site of a marked spike in automobile accidents in recent months.
Specifically, the interchange in question is at the Route 9 on ramp heading westbound, off of Route 20.? Much of that traffic is from motorists leaving the Northborough Crossing shopping plaza, which is just down the road on Route 20.
Maurice DePalo is the chair of the Board of Selectmen.
“There is a stop sign at the end of the ramp; some people stop, and the people behind them don's, and this has been a problem,” he said.
Selectman John Lebeaux said he frequents the interchange.
“That site is littered with glass and debris, and parts of bumpers and various automobile parts,” he noted. “It's very sad what has gone on there.”
DePalo said that Northborough officials have asked the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to look into the problems at the site.