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Letter to the Editor: Lake Maspenock residents question rezoning plan

by | Mar 29, 2023 | Letter to Editor

Representatives from Marguerite Concrete presented their proposed zoning map and plan for a three-floor building on a parcel in the Lake Maspenock neighborhood of Hopkinton. However, residents raised several concerns at the meeting on March 25, including traffic volumes, resident safety, dark sky compliance, neighborhood/home privacy and stormwater management. Despite the presentation, many residents were left with unanswered questions and concerns.

During the meeting, Marguerite’s representatives were asked why they chose to build a new multistory office building when Hopkinton had many available properties. While they viewed a few places, they did not meet their needs. The proposed 24,000-square-foot, 35-foot-tall building will house 50 employees, who will come and go as needed. The building will have several training rooms, and pickup trucks will be used (no heavy vehicle movement) as materials are stored on-site.

Residents questioned the proposed plan, including the 120 parking lots proposed. Marguerite’s representatives explained that was to ensure sufficient space for all employees and visitors during peak hours. However, it was clearly called out during the March 6 Planning Board meeting that there is no guarantee that the plans for the building will stay the same once the site is rezoned.

Furthermore, Marguerite corporate representatives stated that they would not accept the will of Hopkinton residents if their petition were defeated at Town Meeting and would pursue an industrial rezone regardless. During the meeting, one Marguerite Concrete representative used foul language that created tension in the room and claimed that the company was doing residents a favor, generating around $100,000 in tax revenue. However, some residents questioned the accuracy of these numbers and whether it was worth the risks posed by the dangerous plan that would impact nearly 500 residents and the lake.

It is time for the residents of Hopkinton to stand up together to this intimidation, reckless planning and insulting behavior. The rezoning of this lot could damage the lake and set a precedent for a further industrial creep on all Hopkinton empty lots. Please come to Town Meeting on May 1 to vote against this zoning change. Bring your friends and family. This town and its neighbors deserve better.

— Vikasith Pratty and Rustem Rafikov, Hopkinton

Editor’s note: The opinions and comments expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Independent. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and must include the writer’s name and contact information for verification. Letters should be relevant and not primarily for the purpose of promoting an organization or event or thanking sponsors or volunteers. Letters may be edited by the Independent staff for space, errors or clarification, and the Independent offers no guarantee that every letter will be published. For a schedule of deadlines for letters and other submissions for the print edition, click here.

1 Comment

  1. Deepak V

    Totally support the thoughts here. As a resident of hopkinton – there is no room for intimidation ,insult or recklessness. Dollars cannot buy citizen rights. The behaviors only make the point stronger that none of plans shared are trust worthy in any merit. They would eventually do what they please and don’t what to resolve the situation amicably.

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