I’m writing in support of Article 38 to accept Auciello Drive [as a public road] at this year’s Town Meeting.

At its core, this is about people. Families live there. Kids play there. Emergency vehicles depend on access there. These are our neighbors, not an abstract policy question.

Historically, Hopkinton has stepped in to assume control when roads function as part of the town. The town plows and services these roads. Residents rely on them. Auciello Drive is no different.

There’s also a fairness issue. The town plowed Auciello Drive for 30 years, then pulled plowing in January 2024. The town left residents stranded — the same residents who contribute to the tax base yet now do not receive the same recognition or protection. When we compare this to how Linden Street has been treated at Town Meeting, it’s hard to explain the inconsistency.

Common sense says: If the town uses, supports and depends on the road, then the town should own it.

Please support Article 38. And thank you to everyone who already does.

— Terry Dever, Hopkinton

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