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.

Health Department seeks public comment on nicotine-free policies

The Board of Health discussed potential nicotine regulations at its most recent meeting last Monday.

The Health Department has set a public hearing about its nicotine-free regulation policy proposal for May 14.

A notice published by the Health Department on Thursday states the hearing is intended to “hear, accept comments and consider adoption” on a set of policies known as Nicotine-Free Generation (NFG) regulations. Residents will have an opportunity to let their voices be heard on the matter.

The NFG regulations, should the Board of Health vote to adopt them, would prohibit the sale of tobacco and nicotine products to individuals born after a certain date. For Hopkinton, that cutoff date would be Jan. 1, 2005.

Last week, the Board of Health heard presentations from both proponents and detractors of the regulation. A representative from a convenience store business association claimed the policies do nothing to curb youth smoking and would hurt small businesses. Maureen Buzby, a tobacco program manager who has helped other municipalities enact this type of regulation, discussed the dangers of increased nicotine marketing to youth and the “long runway” these policies give licensed vendors to adjust their revenue streams.

The policy would fall in line with other actions the Health Department has undertaken in recent years to curb underage nicotine use. In 2022, the Board of Health amended its policies on violations for selling tobacco and vaping products to minors.

Part of the Health Department’s priorities for fiscal year 2025, the NFG initiative is aimed at continuing the steady decline of tobacco and vapes by Hopkinton youth. A reported compiled by the Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey showed tobacco use has dropped to 10%, and vaping has fallen to between 6-7%.

The hearing on the NFG regulation will take place May 14 at 6:45 p.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. There also will be an option to attend virtually.

Latest News

The School Committee on Thursday voted to pursue a lease agreement for a temporary kitchen trailer at Hopkins School that would operate while final construction on the school addition begins next year.

Results from the Metrowest Adolescent Health Survey, reviewed by the School Committee on Thursday, showed declines in substance use among Hopkinton students and “pretty typical” responses regarding social media and cell phone use.

At its Wednesday night meeting, the Water/Sewer Advisory Board discussed cost saving options that could meet the town’s water demands without connecting to the MWRA.

Following a pretrial hearing on Friday, Hopkinton Middle School custodian Benjamin Hogan, who is facing charges for alleged possession of child pornography, will appear again in court this June to argue a motion to suppress evidence in his case.

The Hopkinton Police Department is asking for assistance in identifying a man who allegedly vandalized a Tesla at College Rock on Thursday.

The Water-Sewer Department is advising residents to be aware of potential water discoloration following hydrant flow tests and PFAS filter backwashing this week.

Photo of the Day

Attendees take part in a photo shoot during the Celebrate the Start Line event at the Town Common on Saturday. Click here for more photos.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO