Featured: News
HPD: Vehicle break-ins in Hopkinton, Holliston point to ‘active and organized theft ring’
A string of automobile break-ins Wednesday and Thursday has led the Hopkinton Police Department to suspect an "active and organized theft ring." “The vehicle thefts appear to have been committed by a group that targeted Hopkinton and Holliston,” stated HPD Lt. Scott...
Town Manager: Anti-gas station signs taken by ‘zoning enforcement officials’
Earlier this week, a number of residents who had put up yard signs opposing a proposed gas station at the corner of School Street and West Main Street discovered that their signs had been removed. Some individuals provided security video showing what appeared to be an...
Frustrated with ‘silo management,’ OSPC discusses idea for kid-friendly play area at Hughes Farm Trail
The Open Space Preservation Commission at its meeting Thursday night expressed ongoing frustration about not being included in discussions with town committees and boards regarding open space. Chair Ed Harrow said he had a conversation with Town Manager Elaine Lazarus...
Residents turn out to discuss, question proposed West Main Street gas station
After a spirited round of public comment from a packed room at the Hopkinton Senior Center Wednesday night, the Board of Appeals voted to continue the hearing on a proposed gas station at 290 West Main Street until Nov. 13. Residents showed up en masse to speak their...
Residents report missing lawn signs ahead of hearing on West Main Street gas station
Ahead of an important Board of Appeals meeting Wednesday night, residents are puzzled at the disappearance of lawn signs opposing a proposed gas station in town. Just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, a West Elm Street resident reported they had a lawn sign removed from their...
Water discoloration expected to last for several days
The Water Department announced Wednesday that the water discoloration that started Tuesday is expected to continue for “a few days” while the department works to flush hydrants. In an interview with the Independent Wednesday morning, Water and Sewer Director Eric...
Conservation Commission approves notice of intent for Charleswood School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MchVfP3a5p4&ab_channel=HCAM The Conservation Commission at its meeting Tuesday night unanimously approved the notice of intent for the proposed Charleswood Elementary School after the development team presented additional details...
Planning Board votes to put MBTA Communities article on STM warrant, plans Oct. 28 hearing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEAW-Em2fGI&ab_channel=HCAM The Planning Board at its meeting Monday night voted unanimously to place the MBTA Communities article on the warrant for the Special Town Meeting on Nov. 18. The STM is being convened with the primary...
Town warns residents of dirty water after apparent unauthorized hydrant use
The town is advising residents to be aware of potential water discoloration after an apparent unauthorized opening of a fire hydrant on Tuesday. "Please be advised that we believe someone has opened a fire hydrant without authorization somewhere near the center of...
Parks & Rec Commission discusses proposed changes to financial aid policies
The Parks & Recreation Commission engaged in an extended debate about financial aid policies during its meeting Monday night. Jon Lewitus, director of the Parks & Recreation Department, brought the matter before the commission in the hopes of amending and...
Real Estate Transactions, Oct. 7 edition
Repaving on East Main Street, Wood Street starts Monday
The Department of Public Works announced roadwork on East Main Street and Wood Street will begin Monday. The work involves milling and repaving stretches of each road. The DPW will be paving a section of East Main Street from Ray Street to Wilson Street. The Wood...
Officials confirm spotted lanternfly infestation in Hopkinton
In an email to town officials, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources confirmed an infestation of spotted lanternflies was present in Hopkinton. Survey teams spotted the invasive insects during a recent field survey. Jennifer Forman, an environmental...
Select Board stresses frugality in budget message as process kicks off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoOhSrKXWV8 The Select Board on Tuesday emphasized the need for level-service funding and building town department budgets from the bottom up because of the town’s increasing tax rates over the next several years. Town Manager Elaine...
Commission on Disability approves CPC application for library accessibility improvements
The Commission on Disability at its meeting Monday unanimously approved the submission of a Community Preservation Committee application for accessibility improvements for the Hopkinton Public Library. Member Amy Ritterbusch told commission members she has been...
Real Estate Transactions, Sept. 30 edition
Community needs assessment points out challenges, needs older residents face
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_yJSYVQGms The Hopkinton Senior Center on Sept. 18 hosted a presentation of a community needs assessment showing the concerns of older adults in Hopkinton that they fear will affect their ability to age in place in town. This 107-page...
Child-friendly segment at Hughes Farm Trail outlined at Trails Committee meeting
The Trails Committee on Thursday approved 4-0 to request Community Preservation Committee funds for a proposal to create a child-friendly segment at Hughes Farm Trail. Scott Knous, a member of the recently disbanded Upper Charles Trail Committee, came to the board...
Parks & Rec Commission discusses water ban, vending machine proposal for Fruit Street fields
The Parks & Recreation Commission spent its meeting Tuesday night debating how to address the town’s recent enactment of new water restrictions. Parks & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus explained that he had initiated the shutoff of irrigation systems at the...
