Southbridge Town Council Adopts Senior Housing Resolution, Confirms Interim Treasurer

Select Board · Meeting of March 9, 2026

Southbridge Town Council votes 8-0 for senior housing resolution as Lebanon Hill tenants face eviction notices. The council unanimously adopted a resolution Monday calling for safe, stable, and affordable housing for seniors in Southbridge, directing Town Clerk to transmit the measure to the governor, the state legislative delegation, and relevant state officials. Councilor George Chenier, who sponsored the resolution, told colleagues that Shorelight Realty — the management company at Lebanon Hill Housing — has begun issuing notices to quit to residents and has refused to resume rent negotiations; proposed rents approaching $1,700 a month are being levied against seniors earning roughly $2,000 a month in Social Security.

Councilor David Kelly voted yes but was blunt: "This resolution doesn't do a thing — it's really just a statement of what we believe." Councilor Adams disclosed that $61,000 of a prior $100,000 council appropriation for rental assistance has been utilized and asked the town manager to identify up to $50,000 in free cash to continue the program after CDBG funding expires June 30. The council also unanimously confirmed Joanne Savignac as interim treasurer collector through June 30, 2026, replacing Michelle Hill, who departs March 11.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of March 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.