WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 12/03/24

PLANNING BOARD 

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board addressed the issue of road damage on Wilson Street due to flooding, which the Department of Public Works had previously attributed to The Trails property. Vin Gately, owner of The Trails, denied full responsibility for the damage, noting that a stormwater management plan approved by the Planning Board in 2019 was insufficient and that the town bears some responsibility for the damage. The Board stated that if a resolution could not be reached between parties by the January 27th meeting, the Board would have to raise the bond on the project to cover the repair costs.

Also at the Monday meeting, the Planning Board continued the site plan hearing on the proposed multifamily mixed use development at the former Hopkinton Drug and scheduled a site walk at an adjacent property at 8 Cedar Street on December 14th at 9:00 a.m to address concerns by that property owner. Residents are welcome to attend site walks. A hearing for an amended definitive subdivision plan for 0 Benson Road was also continued, to be held January 6th; and a hearing for a special parking permit for off-street parking at a proposed four-unit development at 18 Cedar Street was continued to December 16th, with a site walk suggested for December 14th at 9:30 a.m. Finally, the Board unanimously voted to reduce the remaining bond on the Newbury Glen subdivision since roadwork construction has been completed. Planning Board reviews updates on key development projects (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/03/24)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

At its Tuesday night meeting, the Conservation Commission considered plans for a proposed bakery at 71 West Main Street, the former location of Main Street Cleaners. The primary issue of concern that arose was the placement of two trash receptacles within the 50-foot buffer zone between the property and wetlands. The hearing on this matter was continued until December 17th so the applicant can amend the plans to indicate the exact location of the receptacles and present the updated plans at that time. The Commission also approved the removal of four hazardous trees from the Woodville Fire Station property, to be replaced as part of the planned addition to the building expected over the next few years, and discussed goals for the new conservation administrator to expand public education about the Commission’s work.  Conservation Commission expresses concerns about proposed West Main Street bakery site (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 11/27/24)

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities will hold a virtual hearing on January 22, 2025 to hear from the public regarding the town’s proposed municipal aggregation plan. Under this plan, the town, rather than individual residents, would purchase electricity from a supplier, which could offer more stable pricing, cleaner energy, and a broader selection of electric plans. Any public feedback may be giving at that meeting or in writing at any time prior to the meeting.  State hearing on proposed municipal aggregation plan set for Jan. 22 (Article by Nick Schofield, 12/03/24, with Zoom link for meeting and info for directing written comment)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in serving on a Town board or committee? See the boards and committees in Town with expected vacancies, get information on what this entails, and learn how to apply HERE.

MAIN STREET CORRIDOR UPDATE

Utility companies will be onsite throughout this week, and Dagle Electric will commence service cut overs on Thursday, December 5th (affected residents will be notified via email). 

See project updates.