Grafton Adds Precinct, Now Has 5

As Grafton's population expands, so has its precinct map.

A  fifth precinct has been added to reflect the town's population increase. Since the last census 10 years ago, Grafton's population has increased nearly 3,000, from 14,894 to 17, 765.

This forces the addition of a new precinct, because the law requires no more than 4,000 residents per precinct, said Town Clerk Maureen Clark. 

Creating new precincts can be challenging. Populations of each precinct must be within 3 percent of each other, Clark said, and precinct lines must be set by a geographic boundary, such as railroad crossings, waterways or center lines of streets.

Selectman got their first look at the new precincts at their meeting last week. The new precincts will need to be accepted officially by selectman and by state officials.

The new precincts will take effect during the March 2012 presidential elections, Clark said.

The new precincts and some of the major roads within them are:

1: Borders Shrewsbury, Worcester and Millbury and includes North Main Street, Shrewsbury Street, Deernolm Street, Waterville Street, Institute Road, Willard Street and Wesson Street.

2. Borders Westborough and includes portions of Route 140, Estabrook Road and North Street.

3. Borders Upton and Northbridge and includes Leland Street, Nipmuc Road and a portion of Milford Road.

4. Borders Northbridge and Sutton and includes Elmwood Street, Depot Street, Harding Street, Ferry Street and portions of Milford Road.

5. Borders Millbury and includes Wheeler Road, Potter Hill Road, Hudson Avenue and North Brigham Hill Road.