In a rare in-person meeting at the Hopkinton Senior Center, the Conservation Commission on Tuesday informally discussed the need for improvements to Loop Road with school construction project managers.

Located within the schools complex just west of Hayden Rowe Street, Loop Road, created in 1996, has fallen into disrepair. The project managers sought the input of Conservation Commission members on a “first pass” before proceeding with a more formal plan.

“The project itself is just maintenance of the existing Loop Road,” explained Claire Hoogeboom, a wetlands scientist at LEC Environmental Consultants involved with the project. She noted that an evaluation showed that all of the stormwater features along the road are “in good condition.” Catch basins would be cleaned as part of the remediation plan.

Hoogeboom explained that there are several “overlapping resource areas” that prompted the team to seek the commission’s guidance. A site evaluation this summer showed bordering vegetated wetlands, buffer zones, riverfront area and a perennial stream beneath two segments of Loop Road. It also displayed an area of standing water at the stream’s origin that “gives the impression of the physical characteristics of vernal pools.” But this has not been professionally determined.

She noted that there is no increase in impervious service planned and no vegetation removal. All work would be contained within the road’s existing footprint.

Executive project manager Chris Eberly of Vertex added that there are existing bridges at the approach and exit of the Hopkins School that will need to be further analyzed.

Member Ed Harrow asked if the stream crossings met current standards. Hoogeboom said that while there were a couple of culverts, current standards have not been met.

Eberly added that the budget would not allow the road to be rebuilt to current standards.

Said Eberly: “Mostly it’s just crumbling asphalt, crumbling curbs.”

Chair Melissa Recos said the project would need a request for determination of applicability (RDA) because it is working within the framework of the current road. RDA approval is a less rigorous process than a notice of intent (NOI) because it is considered a minor project.

Peter LaGoy, the Trails Committee chair, mentioned that ramped curbing where the road crosses the Center Trail would be helpful to cyclists.

Chamberlain Street/Loop Road trail hearing continued

LaGoy later presented additional information on the proposed trail that would connect Chamberlain Street to Loop Road. Because the plan has not yet received a file number from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), members voted 5-0 to continue the hearing until Dec. 16.

He appeared before the commission to explain the Trails Committee’s long-term planning goals for that area. Discussions revolved around eventually working on the Upper Charles Trail connection to Milford. LaGoy envisioned a trail that would connect from the Center Trail along the toe of the Loop Road sidewalk slope. It would proceed behind the new Charleswood School, connecting to the Hughes Farm Trail and ultimately to the Echo Trail and Milford.

“That’s not anything that’s in the near horizon, though,” he added.

A newer development LaGoy shared is that the high school cross-country team has determined that it would rather have a running course mostly on school property. It currently hosts meets in Hopkinton State Park. This concept would involve work along the toe area previously described.

“The team as good as the one we have deserves a real cross-country course,” said co-vice chair Ted Barker-Hook.

Recos thanked LaGoy for the information. She said the commission is more inclined to approve connecting projects that “really have purpose” and would not be perceived as “roads to nowhere.”

HALT gets Mighton Woods trail bridge exemption

The commission voted 5-0 to approve an exemption to allow the Hopkinton Area Land Trust (HALT) to build a trail bridge at Mighton Woods.

HALT president Morrie Gasser presented the plan to build an 8-foot bridge to span a stream off East Street.

He noted that there are four other bridges over the stream for other trails in that area.

Because the stream banks are high, Gasser said the bridge will be able to lay virtually flat on top of the banks. The stream was estimated to be 6 feet wide. The pressure-treated lumber would be cut in advance, and the bridge would be constructed on-site.

Added Gasser: “There’s no chance the water will ever get as high as the banks.”

COC approved for Legacy Farms North

The commission approved 5-0 a certificate of compliance (COC) for Legacy Farms North. Conservation administrator Judy Day explained that an order of conditions was issued in 2016 for portions of the complex. In 2023, developer Pulte Homes applied for the COC for “jurisdictional components.”

Day confirmed that construction debris and erosion controls had been removed. The developer provided an invoice for plantings purchased.

Recos said issues were “slowly addressed over time” because they encompassed the entire development.

Chamberlain-Whalen subdivision granted COCs

Several COCs requested by Toll Brothers for lots that are part of the Chamberlain-Whalen subdivision were approved after discussion.

Matt Ashley of Bohler Engineering spoke on behalf of the applicant for each lot address. He said documentation of site features including landscaping, tree lines, patios and drainage features were added onto the plans. Because of this, the COCs for 58 Chamberlain Street, 25 Whalen Street and 33 Whalen Street were quickly approved.

For 53 and 57 Chamberlain Street, mowing was a major point of discussion. The developer has notified residents that mowing should not happen beyond the permanent immovable barriers (PIBs). Ashley confirmed that it is still occurring, but it is “significantly better” than before. Some moving occurred outside of the jurisdictional buffer. The 53 Chamberlain Street property was approved because the mowing was only about 3 feet into the buffer zone.

Said Recos: “Once we close the certificate of compliance and say it’s OK, then we lose any leverage we have to really hold that line.”

Barker-Hook agreed, noting the danger of setting a precedent.

Recos then added that the other properties receiving COCs after making improvements could be “an incentive” because the entire development is “doing so good.”

Day noted that a neighbor to 57 Chamberlain Street is “one of the worst mowing cases,” which may negatively influence other property owners.

The board voted 3-1 to approve 57 Chamberlain Street. Harrow was against the decision, while co-vice chair Matt Moyen recused himself.

Garland joins commission

Commissioners welcomed Walter Garland, the newest member. Garland was appointed at the Oct. 21 Select Board meeting in a unanimous vote and recently was sworn in.

Garland, a former Board of Appeals member, has been a Hopkinton resident for almost 30 years. His term will expire on June 30, 2027.

There is one remaining open seat on the commission.