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Hopkinton Today for Wednesday, Jan. 15: Hearing set for DPW vegetation plan

by | Jan 15, 2025 | Featured: Features, Hopkinton Today

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.

State sets hearing for DPW vegetation plan

Japanese knotweed and bittersweet

PHOTO/ED HARROW

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is holding a hearing on a vegetative management plan proposed by the Hopkinton Department of Works.

Set for next Friday, Jan. 24, the regional hearing is intended to receive public comment on the town’s proposed vegetation plan. The plan was submitted to MDAR in November.

The DPW is looking to control weeds and invasive species in public rights of way with this five-year plan. During a recent Conservation Commission meeting, DPW officials cited an overgrowth of invasive species and an increase in the town’s roads and sidewalks as factors influencing the plan’s development.

The Sustainable Green Committee has already spoken out against the plan. Member Donald Sutherland claimed if approved, the plan would “expand contamination of the community with toxic pesticides anywhere the DPW designates [rights of way].”

In the control plan, the DPW maintains that it will minimize herbicide use and only use MDAR-approved treatments for rights of way.

More information on the hearing can be found here. Those who provide testimony during the virtual hearing are asked to submit written comments as well.

Latest News

After a tree maintenance truck malfunctioned Tuesday afternoon on Hayden Rowe Street, the Hopkinton Fire Department assisted in rescuing a worker stuck in the truck’s bucket while it was suspended in the air.

Hoping to earn a spot in the state tournament, the Hopkinton High School girls basketball team has been focused on a day-by-day approach, especially with a number of players new to varsity play, according to coach Mike Greco.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Kylie Rogers, a sophomore on the girls indoor track team who earned fifth-place at the Freshman-Sophomore meet on Jan. 4. Coach Jean Cann describes her as a “humble, fierce competitor and a pleasure to have on the team.”

Our latest Business Profile highlights Elevate Personal Training, which helps clients achieve their fitness and wellness goals with one-on-one, personalized training plans.

Linda Morales, 76, a Hopkinton resident, passed away Jan. 12.

Anthony Shaker, 80, passed away Jan. 11. An avid marathoner, he ran the Boston Marathon 12 times.

Town meetings tonight include the Housing Authority (6).

Photo of the Day

Snow falls on the boathouse at the Hopkinton Reservoir.

Hopkinton Reservoir Boathouse

PHOTO/AMIT JAGDALE

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