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.

Scout leaders organization plans ‘camp-like’ facility for new Fruit Street lease

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

The Hopkinton Scout Leaders Association is one step closer to achieving one of its long-term goals with official approval to lease several acres of land on Fruit Street.

“This is just a huge milestone in our process,” said Karen Bograd, president of the HSLA.

The Select Board on Tuesday night approved a 99-year lease for 25 acres at 66 Fruit Street with a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement. That agreement allows the HSLA to pay $1 per year in taxes and $1 per year in rent to the town.

The association will share the land with Baypath Humane Society, who plans to build its new shelter on the property. According to Bograd, the HSLA’s share of the land will wrap around the shelter and encompass some of the nearby trails.

“We’re kind of looking at something camp-like [for the property],” said Bograd. Early ideas for structures on the land include pavilions, tent sites and cooking fire areas. Mostly, the property will have features that “support general Scout skills.”

The Select Board’s approval marks the end of a process that began in 2014, after the HSLA had to divest property in Vermont following issues with obtaining favorable tax status. The organization has worked on its request for the land on Fruit Street since 2019.

The HSLA plans to maintain the character of the property while ensuring Hopkinton’s Scout troops get the use they need out of it.

“We want to make sure the land is enjoyable for us as well as the rest of the town,” explained Bograd.

“We’re super excited,” she added.

Latest News

Hopkinton High School principal Evan Bishop is one of three finalists selected in the search to replace retiring Hopkinton Public Schools superintendent Carol Cavanaugh.

Rapscallion, a microbrewery and chain of eateries, plans to bring its latest restaurant to Hopkinton after signing a lease for space at 22 South Street.

Proposed bylaw amendments heard by the Select Board on Tuesday included adjusting the date of Town Meeting, creating a revolving fund for the Finance Department and prohibiting the use of Jake brakes.

The Water & Sewer Advisory Board advised the Select Board Tuesday night on steps that must be taken to advance Hopkinton’s MWRA connection from Southborough.

Students from Hopkinton Middle School took home nine awards from the state Science Olympiad at Assumption University in Worcester earlier this month.

The latest Police Log features reports of youths breaking beer bottles, a vehicle break-in on Holt Street and horses loose on Clinton Street.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on girls skiing senior Lila Mato, who has displayed “exceptional leadership” as a captain, according to coach Andrew Carlucci, and finished sixth in the Central Massachusetts League before advancing to the state championship meet.

The Hopkinton Running Club’s Couch to 5K program begins April 6 and will be held weekly leading up to the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K on June 14.

Town meetings tonight include the Elementary School Building Committee (7).

Photo of the Day

Start Line Brewery owner Ted Twinney (left) and 26.2 Foundation Executive Director Tim Kilduff show off this year’s Boston Marathon-themed beer, which pays tribute to race volunteers.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO