WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 09/16/25

SELECT BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, in a 4-1 vote, the Select Board approved the common victualer and entertainment licences for Crust & Co., a restaurant set to take over the former Hillers Pizza location, conditioned upon the completion of required inspections. The dissenting member, Matt Kizer, wished to see the necessary permits approved prior to a vote. New owner, Ryan Dion, an experienced restauranteur, noted that he has no connection with the prior owners, nor will they have any involvement with the restaurant.

In other business, the board discussed the recent collapse of a wall into the street at the former Hopkinton Drug demolition site, noting a “lack of communication” between the town and developer and addressing how this could be avoided moving forward. The board also discussed the four candidate firms vying for town counsel and agreed to compile a list of criteria for the next meeting to determine which firms will continue on to the final interview.

Select Board approves Crust & Co. licenses for former Hillers Pizza location (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/10/25)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting,the Conservation Commission addressed developer Lou Petrozzi’s requests for certificates of compliance for properties at 10 and 12 Leonard Street. The commission raised issues with the failure to remove an erosion control barrier at the former and questioned whether certain required plantings were in place at the latter. An issue was also raised regarding a path cut through the wetlands at 12 Leonard, and the commission noted that timely submissions of the developer’s requests could have avoided the issues now present. The commission ultimately approved the COC for 12 Leonard after the property owner explained that he was unaware of certain property restrictions and would comply going forward. Petrozzi confirmed his understanding that the control barrier must be removed and the site stabilized at 10 Leonard. 

In other business, the commission approved a DPW request to begin an extended drawdown of Lake Maspenock, as a natural method of weed growth control. The commission also approved providing a letter of support for the DPW’s proposed project at Ice House Pond, next to the Golden Pond facility, which seeks to implement accessibility and landscaping improvements and preserve the historical and recreational elements of the area. Finally, the commission addressed its active recruitment of new members to two open seats following the recent resignations of Janine LeBlanc and Heather Burton. 

Conservation Commission addresses Leonard Street issues, approves COC (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/10/25)

OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION COMMISSION 

At its Thursday meeting, the Open Space Preservation Commission approved a plan for trail markings in the Whitehall Conservation Area proposed by the Friends of Whitehall, by which each trail will be designated by a different color. It discussed a homeowner’s request to remove two trees on OSPC land which block sun exposure to solar panels intended to be installed at the home at 58 Cedar Street Extension, continuing the issue to the October 2nd meeting. The commission further voted to endorse the DPW’s proposal for a conceptual design for Ice House Pond area improvements. Additionally, the commission discussed responsibility for the $14,000 estimate to survey the Hughes property for it to qualify for a conservation restriction. OSPC liaison and Select Board chair Joe Clark will seek guidance from the Town Manager on the issue. 

OSPC reviews proposed Whitehall Conservation Area trail marking plan (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/12/25)