News
New traffic pattern on I-495 begins this week
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation is implementing a new work zone on Interstate 495 this week that will change traffic patterns. In a recent notice, MassDOT announced that a new traffic pattern will be established on I-495 northbound between Interstate 90...
CPC hears Center School reuse update, approves FY 27 ATM warrant articles
The Community Preservation Committee on Thursday unanimously approved an Annual Town Meeting article requesting $2 million for the upcoming fiscal year for the removal of hazardous material removal from and demolition work to the Center School. The CPC heard an update...
Following hospitalization, Kizner returns to Select Board duties
Select Board member Matt Kizner declared he is "still working hard for Hopkinton" despite a recent hospitalization. Kizner, who had been absent from the most recent Select Board meeting and Special Town Meeting last week, stated in an email to local media that he...
WSAB identifies goals for 2026 ahead of annual report
The Water-Sewer Advisory Board on Wednesday reviewed its progress over the past year and drafted its goals for 2026 as it prepares its annual report for the Select Board. Chair Paul Gallagher took the board through what it had focused on during its first year of...
Joseph provides EDAB input on commercial, residential real estate markets
The Economic Development Advisory Board sat down with realtor Chuck Joseph on Tuesday to learn more about the current real estate environment and how it can inform the town in developing economic strategies going forward. Joseph, an owner of RE/MAX Executive Realty in...
Arrests/Police Log, Dec. 10 edition
ARRESTS None this week. POLICE LOG Dec. 2 1:32 a.m. Officer Aline Matos checked on Parkwood Drive property. 1:40 a.m. Officer Jennifer Manning made checks of Sandy Beach on Lakeshore Drive. 7:26 a.m. A caller reported suspicious activity in his Parkwood Drive...
Permanent Building Committee gets update on Center School reuse plans
The Permanent Building Committee on Tuesday reviewed preliminary plans for the reuse of the Center School in a public-private partnership between the town and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. Town Meeting in May unanimously passed a request for a $600,000 to fund...
Town Common accessibility improvements dominate Commission on Disability meeting
The Commission on Disability on Monday welcomed Parks & Recreation director Jon Lewitus to speak about planned accessibility improvements at the Town Common and other recreational areas. Chair Nancy “Punky” Drawe spoke about the need for additional seating at the...
HPD: Monday’s West Main Street shelter-in-place order prompted by man wearing gas mask ‘for physical training purposes’
The Hopkinton Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order early Monday afternoon for the shopping plaza at 77 West Main Street, according to the deputy chief. It was lifted in less than an hour after the suspect told HPD he had been wearing a gas mask "for...
Board of Health discusses future organization, additional FY 27 budget reductions
Prompted by a discussion over the town charter, the Board of Health on Monday expressed concerns over proposed changes to its structure. Chair Nasiba Mannan led the discussion by noting the Town Charter Review Committee, which will hold its inaugural meeting...
ZAC considers MBTA Communities zoning modification as deadline looms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdV3f-Xcpy0 The Zoning Advisory Committee on Monday considered a new option proposed by the town’s principal planner that would allow Hopkinton to reach compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act’s zoning requirements. After an...
Morning gas leak at LNG facility prompts public safety response
Hopkinton emergency teams responded to a reported gas leak Monday morning at the Eversource liquified natural gas facility on Wilson Street, according to a statement from the town. Fire Chief Gary Daugherty Jr. and Police Chief Joseph Bennett stated that the report of...
Real Estate Transactions, Dec. 8 edition
Special Town Meeting votes to amend budget, leading to lower tax bills
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HczR_D2vRUo Special Town Meeting on a frigid Thursday evening approved its sole article unanimously. This vote amended the fiscal year 2026 operating budget to align with actual debt and insurance costs, which are lower than what was...
New concept for July 4 parade presented to Select Board
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e0Kus7MYaA The chairs of the town committees for both major political parties presented a united front to the board as they discussed pursuing an Independence Day parade focused on town pride. Amy Groves, the Hopkinton Democratic Town...
Select Board experiments with new public forum rules; Lake Maspenock weed control efforts reviewed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e0Kus7MYaA The Select Board on Tuesday implemented some new rules during the public forum period to demonstrate responsiveness to participants’ comments. Previously, this period at the start of each meeting allowed residents and others...
Parks & Rec accepts holiday lights donation, pushes forward on Pyne Field redesign
At a short meeting Tuesday night, the Parks & Recreation Commission accepted a donation to fund the annual holiday lights at Town Common and discussed handling the program in future budgets. Lewitus began the conversation explaining that a crowdfunding effort led...
Arrests/Police Log, Dec. 3 edition
ARRESTS None this week. [Editor’s note: The Hopkinton Independent’s policy for the arrests section is not to include the names of individuals who have been arrested.] POLICE LOG Nov. 25 12:46 a.m. Officer Aline Matos checked on Ash Street property. 8:50 a.m....
Planning Board confronts ‘unique’ case in Auciello Drive amendment request
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPV0XxQ-B94 The Planning Board on Monday approved 6-0 a requested modification to a subdivision plan made nearly 34 years ago, striking a clause stating that its private road be maintained by the property owners rather than by the town....
