WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 06/24/25

PLANNING BOARD 

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board heard from an applicant proposing to add four parking spaces to the business parking lot at the corner of West Main Street and Lumber Street. The applicant’s representative stressed the impact of this proposal in alleviating the chronic parking shortage in this lot. Questions arose with regard to a potential issue with stormwater runoff and members discussed the applicant’s request to waive the town’s EV parking infrastructure requirement in light of the small number of spaces to be added. The board continued the hearing to July 7th in order to obtain feedback from the Conservation Commission and the DPW director regarding the stormwater issue. 

In other business, the board voted to approve the construction of the new Baypath Humane Society shelter and infrastructure, along with its stormwater management plan. It also approved the installation of ground and roof-mounted HVAC equipment at the Revvity Health Sciences site at 5 Parkwood Drive. 

Planning Board continues hearing on cramped UniBank/Starbucks parking lot to gather input (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 06/17/25)

SELECT BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Select Board voted to approve a 25% water rate increase for FY26, which begins on July 1, with discounts for eligible residents. They voted also for a 10% sewer rate increase. These increases are for the first year of a 10 year plan to support future expected capital and operating expenses needed to support improvements to the Town’s water system. 

Also at the meeting, State legislators Karen Spilka and James Arena-DeRosa appeared to update the board about their work on the state budget and its impact on Hopkinton. Specifically, Hopkinton was allocated $60,000 for accessibility improvements for the Public Library, and $100,000 was allocated to Project Just Because. Spilka also advocated for a $100,000 mental health services allotment for the Hopkinton Public Schools, and Arena-DeRosa discussed his concern and focus on future PFAS remediation efforts.  

In additional business, the board approved uncontested annual board appointments and honored local Eagle Scouts. 

Select Board approves 25% hike in water rates, 10% sewer rate increase for FY 26 (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 06/18/25)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission approved requests by developer Toll Brothers following their remediation efforts for prior stormwater management violations. Specifically, the commission approved a certificate of compliance for 63 Chamberlain Street and released remaining building permits at the Newbury Glen subdivision. The commission also approved a negative determination for a notice of intent to permit Revvity Health Sciences to install ground and roof-mounted HVAC equipment.   

Conservation Commission approves Toll Brothers requests after reviewing remediation efforts (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 06/19/25)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE

At its Wednesday meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee heard an update about town approval for utility pole relocation at the Charleswood School site and a request by Eversource for the removal of 4 trees on the school property right of way that pose a safety risk to the poles. They also discussed a sight walk with the Conservation Commission on June 23rd and the start of weekly site meetings with the project contractor, project manager, and architect, along with an ESBC member, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Building and Grounds, and ESBC Chair, schedule permitting. The next meeting will be held on July 15th, at which a road improvement project bid will be awarded. 

ESBC talks tree removal, future key dates (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 06/19/25)