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.

Commission approval allows Parks & Rec to move forward on Town Common improvements

The Historic District Commission gave its approval on the designs for proposed benches and water refill stations at the Town Common following a public hearing last Wednesday night.

Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus attended the meeting and gave a brief overview of both projects. He noted that one bench is going to be funded by the Hopkinton Garden Club while the other two are being paid for with Community Preservation funds. The design of the benches would match the ones currently there, and at least one would have accessibility features.

“We discussed getting one of the benches without armrests to make it easier for people who are in a wheelchair to transition from the wheelchair to the bench,” Lewitus told the commission.

Nancy “Punky” Drawe, chair of the Commission on Disability, spoke in favor of the accessible bench. Her commission met with Lewitus in December to discuss accessibility improvements at the Town Common.

“Hopefully it will pass and we get more benches so that anybody with a disability may have a place to sit,” said Drawe.

The commission passed its vote on the benches without issue but expressed hesitation over a water fountain meant to replace a non-functioning fountain. The new one, also funded through the Community Preservation Committee, will provide a refillable bottle station.

“In terms of sustainability, we support this,” said Carol Esler, who attended the meeting representing the Sustainable Green Committee. “It’s a good thing for the community.”

“I don’t really like the design, but it’s already purchased,” said member Amy Ritterbusch.

Chair Beth Watson agreed, noting that one of the Historic District Commission’s main goals is to make sure additions or changes to the district match the existing design and aesthetic “as much as possible.”

The primary concern over the new fountain is its green color. “Normally we’d want it to be cast iron, or something like that,” Watson said.

“What kind of other water fountain are we going to find that’s going to provide these newer features and still look that way?” she added. “It’s a valid question.”

After further discussion, the commission voted to approve the fountain’s design. Lewitus agreed to look more into the fountain installation and what could be done with the old one. “We could obviously make every effort to keep it,” he noted. 

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group heard mixed results regarding an extended drawdown of the lake intended to help control invasive weed growth.

The latest Professional Insights from Kim Foemmel of Foemmel Fine Homes discusses the benefits and drawbacks of solar panels.

Town meetings tonight include the Board of Assessors (5:30), Elementary School Building Committee (6) and Library Board of Trustees (7).

Photo of the Day

A no parking sign is bent backward in a pile of snow off Hayden Rowe Street, in front of Hopkinton Middle School.

PHOTO/JERRY SPAR