WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 10/28/25

SELECT BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting the Select Board heard an update on measures taken to keep a dog deemed “dangerous” at a prior meeting from getting loose from the property. The only measure still to be implemented in this matter is a fence installation; however, the board noted the progress made to date and agreed that the situation should continue to be monitored. The board also unanimously voted to appoint Walter Garland to the Conservation Commission, leaving one open seat to be filled; approved a special temporary alcohol license for a Truck or Treat event; and heard updates on the Main Street Corridor Project, approving a request to authorize the Town Manager Elaine Lazarus to execute a permanent license agreement with the owner of 96 Main Street. 

The board further approved their goals for FY 26 which include a balanced FY 27 budget and capital plan with minimal tax impacts; a focus on safe and clean drinking water and standardized municipal water and sewer rates; and the preparation of a strategic town plan integrating the charter review process outcome. 

Select Board acknowledges efforts made by owner to control ‘dangerous’ dog (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/22/25)

The board also initiated discussions about updating the process for issuing and reviewing common victualer (CV) licenses, as well as related licenses, for restaurants and businesses, an issue that arose following a recent incident whereupon new restaurant business Crust & Co. opened two days before receiving its CV license. Recommendations were made to improve the new license and renewal processes, and Lazarus noted that all applicants will now be subject to CORI and SORI checks. The Assistant Town Manager also presented an analysis of the CV license processes of several surrounding communities for consideration and comparison. 

Select Board discusses licensing modifications after Crust & Co. misstep (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/22/25)

In related business, a legal representative for Paul Mastroianni, owner and landlord of 77 West Main Street, location of the former Hillers Pizza and the new Crust & Co., sent a letter to the Select Board noting that legal action would be taken should the board move forward with an investigation into private financial matters relating to these former and current businesses. There have been expressed concerns by residents of financial ties between Mastroianni, the new owner of Crust & Co., and currently incarcerated former owner of Hillers Pizza. This letter strongly opposes any such connections between the businesses, noting that these claims amount to conspiracy theories. New owner Ryan Dion maintains that anything retained from the prior business was a business decision aimed at not overhauling something that was working, and hopes that the issue can be put to rest. 

Crust & Co. owner, landlord: Accusations of ties to Hillers Pizza ‘have to stop’ (Article by Nick Schofield, 10/23/25)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee heard about an erosion control breach following recent heavy rains. Representatives from Brait Builders were requested to appear to address the stormwater runoff issues before the Conservation Commission that night. ESBC chair Jon Graziano also noted complaints from abutters regarding trucks on site outside of work hours and of boulders falling into their driveways, in response to which Vertex put up cameras to monitor truck timing and increased truck inspections. No further problems were reported. 

The ESBC also discussed the upcoming groundbreaking ceremony to take place on November 4th from 3:00-4:00 pm, approved invoices, and discussed project plans for November.  

Charleswood groundbreaking, site issues part of ESBC discussions (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 10/22/25)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission discussed recent violations in stormwater management at the Charleswood School site, and measures needed to address the situation, noting a lack of urgency by the developer in implementing them. The commission also voted to continue a hearing for remediation plans for 75 South Street, where hazardous waste from the prior owner company must be broken down, until November 4th. The commission further voted to approve a notice of intent for REC Hopkinton to build an office and retail building off Lumber Street; continued two hearings on North Mill Street until November 4th; and approved an exemption request for two boardwalks for the Berry Acres neighborhood, proposed by the Trails Committee. 

Conservation Commission discusses stormwater violations on Charleswood School project (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/23/25)

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 

A section of Spring Street, between Longwood Drive and Ralph Road, will be closed next Tuesday from 7 am to 3 pm for roadwork, to replace a portion of a stormwater drainage pipe, weather permitting. 

Stormwater work to close portion of Spring Street next week (Hopkinton Independent, 10/28/25)

MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT 

The latest project update reports that paving is tentatively scheduled on the west end of the project on November 5th and 6th. Curb and sidewalk repairs are ongoing, as is Verizon’s work transferring overhead lines. Tree and plant installation is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The town is looking for volunteers to participate in reviewing the town charter, a process that takes place once every 10 years. The Charter Review Committee, made up of 7 individuals, including 3 members appointed by the Select Board, School Committee, and Appropriation Committee, will ultimately make a report with recommendations for any proposed amendments to Town Meeting. There are no eligibility requirements to serve on the committee, and interested residents should submit an application on the town website. 

Hopkinton Today for Tuesday, Oct. 28: Town seeks volunteers for Charter Review Committee (Nick Schofield, 10/28/25)

HEALTH DEPARTMENT 

The Health Department and Public Library will be holding a flu vaccine clinic for individuals ages 2+ on November 18th from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. 

Registration is required. See their flyer below: