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

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