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.

Board of Appeals to vote on gas station variance tonight

The fate of a use variance request for a proposed gas station and country store at 290 West Main Street will be decided at tonight’s Board of Appeals meeting.

After hearing public comment during a previous meeting, the board will take a vote on whether to deny or approve the request.

Abutters and residents who live near the West Main Street property have been organizing against the proposal since an initial hearing on the issue back in August.

Numerous residents spoke out against the project during a public hearing  on Oct. 9. A primary concern was the environmental impacts a gas tank poses to both the area’s high water tables and Lake Maspenock, which sits downhill from the site. Residents also cited traffic concerns and logistical concerns about the request.

“We think that made a huge statement to the board that this is detrimental to the neighborhood,” said Alison Fitzpatrick, an abutter of the 290 West Main Street property. She and her husband, Jim, have helped lead the charge against the variance request.

If the Board of Appeals votes to approve the variance, the Fitzpatricks say the fight isn’t over.

“This is just one step in the process,” said Alison Fitzpatrick. “We will uphold our objections …. We’re not opposed to doing what we think we need to do on our behalf.”

Tonight’s Board of Appeals meeting is at 7 p.m. at the Hopkinton Senior Center. The meeting is open to the public, although public comment on the request has closed.

A rendering provided to the Board of Appeals by Rte 85 Realty Corp. shows the proposed layout for a country store and gas station at 290 West Main Street.

Latest News

Citing health and other personal reasons, Christine Martin, the owner and administrator of Sunshine Preschool, is planning to close the business at the end of the school year.

This week’s Move in Style Athlete Spotlight shines on Kelsey Carlson, a kind and compassionate student-athlete who has been “an exemplary teammate and ambassador” for the unified basketball program, according to coach Jay Golden.

The latest Senior Snippets features information on a variety show, the Friends of the Senior Center’s annual holiday sale and silent auction and a program about exploring Mars.

Highway manager Mike Mansir recently sent out a notice reminding residents about winter parking bans, which will go into effect Nov. 15.

The Hopkinton Trails Club will host a group walk at Elmwood Farm on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Town meetings tonight include the Planning Board (4) and the Board of Appeals (7).

Photo of the Day

Scouting volunteers sort and organize food donations in the parking lot of Faith Community Church on Saturday for this year’s Scouting for Food Drive. All donations benefit the Project Just Because food pantry.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO