Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.
Monument lighting, bench plaques get OK from Historic District Commission
A young girl looks on as a worker lays bricks earlier this month ahead of the installation of new benches at the Town Common. PHOTO/NICK SCHOFIELD
The Hopkinton Historic District Commission on Wednesday approved certificates of appropriateness for Parks & Recreation projects at the Town Common. It also voted on concrete stamping that would be placed on the corners of the common.
Per diem Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus met with the commission to discuss two projects for which his department was seeking approval. He explained he submitted applications for the installation of plaques on new benches on the common and illumination for three monuments: the World War II honor roll, the marker for the first meetinghouse and the Joseph F. Annunziata monument.
Lewitus said the lighting would match that for other monuments. He also confirmed, when asked by member Amy Ritterbusch, that it would be dark sky compliant — directing light downward or toward the monuments rather than up into the sky.
Member Linda Connelly inquired about lighting for a plaque recognizing enslaved persons, which likely will be installed near the meetinghouse marker sometime in October. Lewitus said it was possible, but the requisite funds were allocated by the Select Board and put into a gift account. He probably would need to go back to the board and request more money, he noted.
The commission briefly discussed the new benches at the Town Common and plaques that would be attached. One bench plaque would recognize the Hopkinton Garden Club’s 100th anniversary while the others acknowledge benches funded through the Community Preservation Committee. Ritterbusch read a letter from an abutter voicing opposition to the plaques.
“There are several things [on the common] that do have plaques, so I do think it would be consistent,” Ritterbusch said after the letter was read into the record. Lewitus added that the HGC maintains all the flowers at the Town Common, especially around the Claflin Memorial Fountain where the bench that the club funded will be located.
Members voted to approve both projects.
In other business, the commission voted to switch the color of stamped concrete planned for the corners of the Town Common as part of the Main Street Corridor Project. Reviewing samples of the “brick red” option placed at the common for review, members decided the color was too bright. They voted unanimously on a lighter red color that would resemble the brick at the Town Common.
— NICK SCHOFIELD
Latest News
The Water & Sewer Advisory Board on Wednesday reviewed data regarding Well 6 that showed declines in PFAS in town water following the installation of filtration systems.
Town Manager Elaine Lazarus responded to recent concerns from the Economic Development Advisory Board about revenue generated from the meals tax the town enacted in 2025.
The latest Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on boys golf sophomore Liam MacLennan, who has settled into the No. 3 spot on the team and recorded a first-place score in a match against Medfield.
This week’s Baypath Adoptable Animal is Chewy, an 8-year-old chihuahua who loves attention from people he trusts and exploring the outdoors.
The Hopkinton Center for the Arts will host Massachusetts poet laureate Regie Gibson and funk ensemble Atlas Soul Saturday for a performance entitled “Red, White, Black & Blues.”
Photo of the Day
Hopkinton police and fire personnel joined Golden Pond representatives on Sept. 11 for a moment of silence and to lower the flag in the West Main Street assisted living facility’s courtyard in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Tina Senecal, Golden Pond’s life enrichment director, gave a reading and thanked the local first responders for their work.
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