A travel blog recently named Hopkinton the "most peaceful town to visit" in the country. Hopkinton topped the list in the "12 Most Peaceful Towns To Visit In The United States" article published in The Travel, noting its extremely low violent crime rate and abundance...
Mary Ellen Gambon
Open Space Preservation Commission seeks updated documents for development off Whisper Way
At Thursday's Open Space Preservation Commission meeting, Land Use Department administrative assistant Shannon Isaacs told the commission that she was asked by Principal Planner John Gelcich to obtain an updated map and plan for the 12-unit subdivision off Whisper Way...
Judge compels town to release police internal investigation records in Porter case by Jan. 9
The judge in the ongoing court case against former Hopkinton Police Deputy Chief John “Jay” Porter on Wednesday said he would file an order compelling the town to provide internal investigation records to him if he did not receive them by Jan. 9. If this request is...
Conservation Commission questions Lumber Street condo development’s stormwater plan
The Conservation Commission asked for additional information on stormwater infiltration requirements before deciding whether to issue a certificate of compliance for Deerfield Estates, a condo development off Lumber Street. Capital Group Properties was listed as the...
Select Board roundup: Marathon invitational entries awarded, federal trademark requested for Marathon Committee slogan
The Select Board Tuesday night awarded invitational entries to the Boston Marathon from the Boston Athletic Association to town departments and nonprofits as a main focus of its two-hour meeting. It also discussed the need to register the Marathon Committee's...
Town addresses ‘fraudulent invoice’ from HopNews, media advertising policy
Select Board chair Muriel Kramer at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting addressed a fraudulent invoice sent by the owner of a local news blog. In an email to the Independent Tuesday evening, Town Manager Norman Khumalo stated that Peter Thomas, the owner and publisher of...
Party leaders agree that key to moving forward after caucus elimination is return to civility in politics
The narrow passage of Article 2 by a 245-214 vote at the Nov. 13 Special Town Meeting to eliminate party caucuses and party affiliation on town election ballots signaled a shift away from what has become a divisive political culture over the past decade both locally...
Legacy Farms wastewater treatment plant addresses high nitrogen levels
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection in early November cited the private wastewater treatment plant at Legacy Farms for having a higher than permitted level of nitrogen discharge in the groundwater. The problem has been corrected and nitrogen levels are...
Open Planning Board seat goes to newcomer Happ
The Planning Board at its joint meeting with the Select Board Monday night voted 9-1 for Parker Happ to become its newest member. Happ interviewed for the open seat along with Peter Thomas, who received a lone vote of support from Planning Board chair Gary Trendel....
Town Manager Khumalo announces his pending departure
Town Manager Norman Khumalo announced Monday that he will be leaving his job as Hopkinton's town manager after nearly 15 years. In a public relations statement from the town, he announced that he is retiring in early 2024 after more than 30 years in municipal service...
Domino’s Pizza considered for 70 Main Street location
At its meeting Tuesday, the Select Board will consider granting a common victualer's license for a Domino's pizza restaurant in downtown Hopkinton. Celal Fatih Gokdag of Waltham applied for the new license on Nov. 27. If approved, the establishment will operate from...
Parks & Rec deals with delays on skate park, pickleball courts, cricket pitch
The Parks & Recreation Commission at its Thursday meeting lauded the success of the first Skateboard & BMX Jam on Nov. 12, saying it will generate enthusiasm for the renovations to the skate park at EMC Park. But unforeseen delays will postpone its opening...
Traffic study to be conducted on Main Street side streets Dec. 7
A traffic study will be conducted on Thursday, Dec. 7, on side streets along the Main Street Corridor Project in response to public requests, according to a town press release. VHB, the town's engineering consultant, will be installing four video counters on...
‘All hands’ meeting stresses transparency, collaboration, town’s strategic plan
Town department heads convened in a two-hour virtual “all hands” meeting Wednesday to discuss their respective visions and how they will be integrated into the town’s strategic plan. Select Board chair Muriel Kramer kicked off the discussion. She praised the forum for...
Police Department shares tips to prevent package theft during holiday season
As the holiday season approaches and gifts begin to be shipped and delivered, Chief Joseph Bennett and the Hopkinton Police Department have provided tips to help community members prevent package theft. According to the National Neighborhood Watch, nearly 19% of...
Commission on Disability extends community survey period, plans January forum
The Commission on Disability at its meeting Monday night voted 5-0 to extend the deadline for completion of the community survey on accessibility until Dec. 15 due to a low response rate. Chair Holly Morand noted that there were 23 responses to the survey, which was...
New Elmwood School building funding approved at election
After three years of discussion, voters approved the $158 million in funding via a property tax override for the new Elmwood School, 995-634, according to unofficial results from Tuesday's Special Town Election. Town Clerk Connor Degan released the numbers at 8:19...
COVID-19 vaccine costs prompts Health Department to look at vendor
The Board of Health at its meeting Monday evening discussed the financial implications of the state’s decision not to supply free COVID-19 vaccines to communities. Health Department Director Shaun McAuliffe explained that the department spent more than $8,000 on...
New Elmwood School building on election ballot Tuesday
Voters will have the final say on approving $158 million in funding via a property tax override for a new building for the Elmwood School at Tuesday's Special Town Election. Voting will take place between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle School, located at 88 Hayden...
Hopkinton Fire Department receives governor’s citation for meritorious conduct
Governor Maura Healey on Tuesday presented Hopkinton Fire Department members with a group citation for meritorious service at the 34th annual Firefighter of the Year Awards ceremony at Mechanic's Hall in Worcester. The event honored firefighters throughout the state...