FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shrewsbury Town Buildings Closed to the Public through June 15, 2020
Shrewsbury, MA – June 5, 2020
In response to the Coronavirus and in consideration of information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the State of Emergency and extended order of April 28, 2020 issued by Governor Baker, the Shrewsbury Town Hall, Library, Senior Center and all other buildings with the exception of the Police and Fire Stations for emergency services will continue to be closed to the public through June 15, 2020. Town Buildings will be open to the public for voting purposes only for the Annual Town Election on June 16th, 2020. Voters are encouraged to vote by mail.
Town staff are working on a process for residents seeking to conduct in-person business in town buildings that should be issued late next week. In the meantime, staff is available from 8:00am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday to answer phone calls or email inquiries from the public. However, please be advised that staff is working in an alternative staffing model (decreased staff alternating in shifts) so response may be delayed. The closure of the Town Hall will impact those seeking services from all departments operating at the Town Hall including the School Department and SELCO.
Residents and other interested parties can pay bills, apply for permits and licenses and access other information and services on the Town Website: www.shrewsburyma.gov. Payments by check will still be accepted through the drop box located to the east of the main entrance of the Town Hall. Cash is not accepted. Department-specific operational changes will be posted to their respective webpage on the Town website.
The closure of the Town Hall also means that SELCO customers will not be able to conduct their business at the customer service counter. SELCO has developed an alternative means of servicing their customers. Information related to SELCO can be found on their website at www.selco.shrewsburyma.gov.
On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, the Board of Selectmen will be reviewing a process relative to the Governors COVID-19 Order No. 35 to allow outdoor dining and on-premises alcohol consumption for food establishments. Following the Board’s review and approval, further outreach and an application process will be made available for licensed dining establishments.
The Library is planning a phased reopening with partial services resuming for the public starting Friday, June 12, 2020, at which time patrons will be able to return checked out items between 10:00am-3:00pm. Materials being returned either in person or in the book drop will not be checked in for 72 hours. Starting Monday, June 8th, patrons can start placing holds on books, audiobooks, or DVD’s through the CWMARS system that will be available for curbside pickup at a later date. The Library will be issuing a press release with further guidance on requesting and picking up materials.
Shrewsbury Public Schools are closed for the remainder of the school year.
Town and School Playgrounds and basketball courts are also closed until further notice, with the exception of tennis courts at Dean Park, Oak Middle School and Coolidge School, to aid the public in practicing social distancing. Phase II Park guidance is expected to be released next week. Please watch for a separate announcement.
Meals on Wheels will continue to operate through the Council on Aging at this time, but may be subject to change. Transportation services through the Senior Center are suspended at this time but are expected to resume the week of June 15, 2020. More details will be released next week.
General Contact:
Kevin J. Mizikar
Town Manager
100 Maple Avenue
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
https://www.shrewsburyma.gov/
kmizikar@shrewsburyma.gov
508-841-8508