When Michael Halliday decided to run a business as his next career step, there were two requirements: It had to be in a Massachusetts town, and it had to serve the community. Originally from Western Massachusetts, Halliday spent most of his adult life in the south,...
Business
Business Profile: Realtor Alan Connell invests in each client relationship for life
Buying and selling real estate can be complex and overwhelming. Alan Connell and his team have mastered the process so each client can enjoy their journey home. He believes in educating home buyers and sellers to empower informed decisions, and he thrives on...
Professional Insights: Home prices headed higher
In 2021, we saw a great increase in the Metrowest Boston home sale prices — up 26.5 percent in some towns. In spring 2022, while some buyers were hoping for a recession and for prices to decline, other buyers were out buying at full force and taking advantage of low...
Business Profile: Cabinet Gallery family-owned, family-operated for 39 years
Known affectionately around town as the “cabinet guy,” David Landry of Cabinet Gallery loves telling people he has been in the home industry business since he could walk and talk, and the truth is … he has been. In 1984, Roger Landry opened the Cabinet Gallery...
Professional Insights: Could you cope with long-term care costs?
We all want to stay healthy and live independently throughout our retirement years. Unfortunately, that won’t be possible for some of us, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for health-related challenges — such as the need for long-term care. As you may know, long-term...
Business Profile: Realtor Jenn French always willing to go ‘above and beyond’
In a unique role as agent and neighbor, Jenn French is the perfect person to guide a client through the nuances of the local market. Ranked one of the top agents with RE/MAX Executive Realty in town, French couples her experience with access to top listings, a...
Conservation Commission split on decision to proceed with gas pipeline at Mass. Laborers facility
The Conservation Commission at its meeting Tuesday night approved 4-3 the notice of intent hearing on the Massachusetts Laborers Training facility’s initially proposed gas line under the Wetlands Protection Act, the preferred option of the developer, after some...
Planning Board jolted by ongoing issues with Grasshopper Energy solar farm
At its meeting Monday night, the Planning Board chastised the proponents of two major projects that have dragged on for years to get their plans promptly in order, including the Grasshopper Energy solar array’s planting plan. Grasshopper Energy’s 2.4-megawatt...
Business Profile: Financial advisor Christopher Stevenson designs client-centric strategies
Prior to becoming a financial advisor with Edward Jones, Christopher Stevenson worked in small business retirement plan sales for a large company. He hoped to work for himself one day but didn’t expect what the catalyst would be for such a career change. “My father,...
Independent Thoughts: Restaurant’s demise leaves bad taste
When he opened Lone Wolf BBQ on Main Street a year ago, Dirk Kiefer really wanted to make things work in Hopkinton. After a nightmarish year, however, Kiefer is moving on. The veteran restaurateur said he will stick around for a while to help the new owners, whom he...
Conservation Commission hears alternatives for Mass. Laborers gas line plan
The Conservation Commission met for more than three hours Tuesday night and voted 6-0 to continue a notice of intent hearing on the Massachusetts Laborers Training facility’s proposed gas line so that alternative routes proposed during the hearing could be reviewed....
Business Briefs: Burton builds up Marathon Real Estate
After a successful seven-year stint running Marathon Real Estate with a virtual office, James Burton has established a more visible presence in town. Burton recently bought a Century 21 franchise and reformed his business as Century 21 Marathon Real Estate. He has...
Town: Public parking off Main Street to be available ‘within the coming weeks’
The town on Tuesday provided an update on the parking project off Main Street, indicating that 57 spaces soon will be available for public use. (Editor's note: There actually are 55 spots, not 57.) The lots are being constructed behind 25 and 35 Main Street and in...
Business Profile: College Axis Project gives high school students an edge
For high school juniors and seniors, the pandemic has been a significant source of uncertainty and anxiety as students plan for their educational and professional futures. Concerned about the gaps in college advising and application assistance during this period,...
Conservation Commission continues major hearings at request of applicants
Because only four of the seven commissioners on the Conservation Commission were able to attend Tuesday night’s virtual meeting, the applicants for the Massachusetts Laborers Training property on 37 East Street and The Trails development requested continuances of...
Select Board roundup: MWRA/PFAS costs rise; Maspenock herbicide plan discussed; Eagle Scouts recognized
In order for Hopkinton to gain access to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority water supply, it will have to go through Southborough. And that will come at a cost. Representatives from the towns met Dec. 15, and while Town Manager Norman Khumalo said the...
Planning Board approves warrant articles, talks goals
The Planning Board held its first in-person meeting of the post-pandemic era on Monday evening, and it unanimously approved several Town Meeting warrant articles and discussed board goals. Several proposed articles previously discussed in board meetings were...
Main Street Corridor Project update: Construction work done for season, to restart after Boston Marathon
The town announced Friday that the Main Street Corridor Project contractor, A.F. Amorello & Sons, has finished work for the season. Work will resume after the 2023 Boston Marathon. Marathon Way — the road between the Town Common and the doughboy statue — will be...
Conservation Commission releases units for development at The Trails
The Conservation Commission at its two-hour meeting Tuesday night voted 4-1 to release two units on the open space mixed-use development (OSMUD) site plan for The Trails after some prolonged debate. The hearing was continued because the commissioners continued to...
Town accepts applications from small businesses for economic recovery grants
The town officially announced a new grant opportunity for local small businesses that were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as a total of $100,000 in funding is available through the Town of Hopkinton Economic Recovery Support Grant. Individual grants of...