Marathon center moves forward

Plans for a new International Marathon Center to be constructed off Route 135 took another step toward fruition in mid-June when Hopkinton officials sought bids to lease the 9.4-acre lot of undeveloped town property acquired as part of the Legacy Farms development.

The lease will be for 99 years and cost $1 per year. Bids are due by Dec. 31.

The Select Board, Parks and Recreation Commission and Boston Athletic Association have voiced their support for the International Marathon Center, a project being helmed by Tim Kilduff and the 26.2 Foundation.

The foundation has proposed a building of between 30,000 and 35,000 square feet, funded entirely by private money.

Growth Study Committee has vacancies

The Planning Board is seeking residents interested in serving on the Growth Study Committee for three at-large positions. Applications are due by July 5.

The mission of this project, utilizing public input, analytics and objective experts, is to examine growth trends and development within the Town of Hopkinton and identify and recommend actions to ensure Hopkinton can continue to support its citizens throughout their lives to the highest of standards in education, public safety, health and protection of natural resources. Specifically, the project aims to: 1) Proactively manage growth, 2) Enable better planning for town services, 3) Identify parcels or zones that may have a significant impact on future growth patterns within the town and create plans to ensure continued use that is in the best interest of Hopkinton, and 4) Decrease likelihood of un-friendly 40B developments.

For more information, check the town website at hopkintonma.gov/Committee%20Vacancy%20Advertisement%20-%2006-17-19.pdf.

MassDOT approve funds to improve highway interchange

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors and MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board voted June 17 to approve the five-year $18.3 billion MassDOT and MBTA Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2020-24, and one of the items in the CIP is $146.5 million for the Hopkinton/Westborough I-495/I-90 Interchange Improvement Project.

The project is designed to increase safety for all movements within the project area and improve traffic conditions. The total cost for the project including investments in future years is approximately $300 million.

The project is in the design and environmental review phases.