By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
To North Attleborough’s leaders, 2025 was defined by steady work behind the scenes – strengthening finances, advancing long-planned projects, and setting the stage for the future.
From senior tax relief to zoning discussions and the new high school project, they describe the year as one built on planning and collaboration.
Town Manager Michael Borg, Town Council President Justin Pare and Vice President Keith Lapointe, said the town enters the new year with stronger systems, clearer direction and a renewed focus on balancing growth with protecting residents’ quality of life.
From the day-to-day operations side, Borg said much of the year’s work took place quietly in financial management, capital planning and coordination across departments.
“Certainly not flashy work, but it’s the stuff that gets the services delivered and positions the town to manage challenges effectively,” he said.
He pointed to several key efforts: senior tax relief legislation moving through the legislature, addressing the Webster Mill property, and nearing completion of the Regional Food Distribution Center at 451 Elm St.
Listening to – and reaching – residents
On the legislative side, Pare and Lapointe said the council’s biggest responsibilities continued to center on finances – budget planning, capital investment, and the residential and commercial tax split.
Both highlighted the senior tax relief measure as one of the most impactful decisions of the year. Pare said the expanded exemption grew out of community concerns about tax burdens on vulnerable residents and will be a vital tool for the current and future councils.
“Important tax relief targeted at seniors will make growing old in North Attleborough more feasible for many,” said Lapointe.
The new high school project also stood out as a defining issue. Pare said it is the community’s largest single undertaking – financially and otherwise – in recent memory.
“Despite the price tag, the overwhelming majority that voted in favor of this project shows trust in our ability to execute on the plan and the value this project will have for our entire community,” said Pare.
All three leaders said community feedback played a significant role in shaping those decisions.
Lapointe said resident priorities include great schools, open spaces, well-maintained properties and strong fiscal management – goals that align with responsible economic growth. Pare agreed that council priorities remain “very well aligned” with residents’ expectations.
Borg also highlighted upgrades intended to help residents access services more easily, including the Big Red 311 and SeeClickFix reporting platform. The town is also revamping its website, with changes expected to be more visible in 2026.
On the communications front, he said the town worked to reach residents across multiple platforms – from social media and podcasts to moving legal notices to a free local paper.
“We also moved more meetings into spaces that support live broadcasts through North TV, making it easier for residents to watch, stay informed, and engage with town government,” said Borg.
Looking ahead: changes and challenges
A major policy focus in the new year will be potential mixed-use zoning along portions of Route 1, including the former Allen Avenue School. Pare and Lapointe said the proposal could shape housing and economic development in key commercial areas.
Lapointe also pointed to long-term capital planning – including a future fire station – and the evolving role of the Emerald Square Mall.
“We need to figure out what levers we can pull to ensure that part of town stays vital and productive,” he said. “I also think we need to continue to think about protecting open space and addressing the ongoing needs for recreational spaces, including fields.”
The year didn’t come without challenges. Borg identified rising health care costs as the biggest the town faces in 2026.
“It’s something I think about every day because it affects our people and the town’s long-term financial health,” he said.
Opportunities and optimism
Resolving long-standing contaminated or blighted properties is one of the biggest opportunities town leaders see. Borg and Lapointe pointed to progress made at the former Webster Mill property as one example.
“We are very close to dealing with these issues once and for all,” said Lapointe. “The biggest challenge is continuing to manage the impact of growth on the community. In a free market world, we can’t stop it, but we can try to optimize it.”
Pare said he is excited to see several long-planned projects take shape, including construction of the new high school and the opening of the new senior center on Elm Street. The center will be twice the size of the previous facility and will allow for expanded programming.
The building will also house the new Regional Food Pantry – something Borg said is especially rewarding after years in the making.
Pare thanked residents for their support and urged them to keep speaking up. Lapointe encouraged residents to get involved however they can – through volunteering, coaching or helping neighbors.
“The more input and participation we receive from the community, the better off we will be,” said Pare.
A successful year, said Borg, is one that delivers reliable services, protects long-term stability and makes North Attleborough a “municipal employer of choice.”
“All of that helps North Attleborough stand out as a community in the commonwealth and when it’s working, it truly is a great day to be in North Attleborough,” said Borg.