WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 12/30/25

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

At its last meeting, the Conservation Commission discussed a certificate of compliance sought for the Whisper Way subdivision, regarding an order of conditions issued in 2019 for the 12 unit subdivision built there. Work on a stormwater basin and installation of an engineered stream crossing to maintain the elevation of a vernal pool at the site have substantially met condition compliance, and the COC is expected to be issued at the commission’s January 6th meeting after documentation loose ends are resolved. 

In other business, the commission heard an applicant presentation regarding mitigation efforts at Legacy Farms South for wetland restoration and monitoring. Discussion on the matter is continued to January 6th so provided data can be reviewed. The commission also approved a Trails Committee proposal to build a trail connecting Chamberlain Street and Loop Road, and issued a COC for The Trails development for completion of work off Wilson Street at the Hopkinton-Ashland border. 

Conservation Commission clears path for Whisper Way to potentially become town road (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/17/25)

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

At its last meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted to withdraw its funding requests for the Pyne Field redesign project due to rising project costs and the Planning Board’s lack of support, in large part due to safety concerns regarding the location of the parking area. Members agreed, however, that there are other opportunities for Pyne Field improvements and alternate locations for the planned cricket and baseball fields, and voted to modify the approved CPC funding request to allow the commission to explore these other options. This will require an Annual Town Meeting vote in May. 

In other business, the commission addressed the issue of graffiti at the Hank Fredette Skate Park, after there was an incident of tagging last month. The commission considered whether to clean the area and seek closer monitoring, or to “lean in” to the graffiti as part of the skate culture. While any tags containing expletives will be cleaned up, Parks & Rec Director Jon Lewitus noted that he would be meeting with a student from the high school to discuss a potential graffiti project.  

Parks & Rec pulls CPC request for Pyne Field, considers new paths forward (Article by Nick Schofield, 12/17/25)

ZONING ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

At its last meeting, the Zoning Advisory Committee reviewed several options to amend the current zoning plan to bring the town into full compliance with the MBTA Communities Act requirements. The zoning plan previously approved at Special Town Meeting in November 2024 failed to meet the 50% contiguous area requirement, whereby at least one of the town’s multifamily housing zoning districts must be at least 27.3 acres. After reviewing options, the committee voted 6-0 on a plan to present to the Planning Board. This plan will merge the two existing districts downtown and at Walcott Valley by a small number of parcels that were deemed to have a lower likelihood of being developed in the short term. A draft proposal can be submitted for review by the state, after which the Planning Board can evaluate its options. 

ZAC votes on MBTA Communities zoning plan to recommend to Planning Board (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon)