WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 09/23/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

At its last meeting, the Conservation Commission voted 4-0 to approve a restoration plan for the Charleswood School site, addressing runoff and construction-related soil disturbance. Plantings of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation are planned, while natural regrowth is already occurring. Crushed stone and silt bags will be removed, and the area will continue to be monitored. An updated restoration plan including information discussed at the meeting will be provided to the commission and reviewed at its next meeting.  

The commission also reviewed a project change request by Baypath Humane Society to modify its erosion-control plan following reprimands for its recent stormwater violations. Members agreed that the applicant should return for further discussion at a future meeting if it decides to pursue the project as the proposed changes could create additional drainage and erosion issues. Additionally, several other hearings were continued to September 29th.    

Conservation Commission provides feedback on Charleswood School area restoration plan (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/16/26) 

CHARTER REVIEW COMMITTEE 

At its Thursday meeting, the Charter Review Committee voted 5-0 to hold off presenting its recommendations for proposed changes to the town charter until May’s Annual Town Meeting, rather than the upcoming Special Town Meeting on October 26th. This will give more time for public engagement and to refine proposed changes. The committee also heard from town counsel about the two potential options to pass the charter – a Chapter 43B Section 10 process that would require a Select Board hearing 90 days before ATM, be approved by a simple majority at ATM, and then go on the ballot for the May 2028 election, or a special act process that would require a two-thirds majority vote at ATM and would go through the Legislature. The committee will seek Select Board feedback on the choices. 

The committee also discussed feedback on its proposed changes to move the principal planner position under the Planning Board’s appointment and supervision, and remove the defunct town planner position from the charter. They also debated the issue of adjusting recall provisions for elected town officials. The committee plans to hold its first public forum on September 30th. 

Charter Review Committee to present amendments at May ATM, give presentation at STM (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/18/26) 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Economic Development Advisory Board discussed the town’s application to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for official designation and funding as a cultural district, and the impacts it could have on the town’s economic goals. A public meeting is scheduled for September 28th at 6 pm at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts to discuss the project.   

The board also discussed the hiring of a town economic development director and is seeking clarification on how the funding from the 0.75% meals tax will become available to them to fund the position, which cannot be posted until that time. The board also tabled voting on their position on several STM citizen’s petition articles that could have an economic impact on the town until town counsel determines their legal validity; postponed a presentation on the town’s draft economic development strategy; and elected new officers.    

EDAB discusses proposed cultural district as economic development engine (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/23/26) 

CEMETERY COMMISSION

At its Monday meeting, the Cemetery Commission opted not to seek new funding from the Community Preservation Committee for continued headstone preservation work because it still has a balance of $47,000 remaining from previous grants. Commission members also discussed the following: a volunteer’s offer to re-point the Comey Chapel chimney at no cost; an upcoming November vote on updated cemetery regulations; and DPW’s future plans to digitize deeds to plots and address maintenance issues at the Mount Auburn Cemetery garage. The commission also reelected its officers.  

Cemetery Commission decides not to apply for CPC funding (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/22/26)

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE 

The Charleswood School project-related roadwork has been delayed due to utility companies failing to timely relocate their equipment and poles, despite advance notice, preventing the completion of the roadwork until this utility work has finished. Final roadwork is now expected to be completed in the spring or summer of 2027. The road has been temporarily repaved and restriped to prepare for the winter months, and the traffic signal is expected to be put into service in October. The temporary work will likely increase costs by approximately $300,000. Costs will be reviewed by the committee at its October meeting.   

Utility delays necessitate temporary roadwork for Charleswood School project (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 09/17/26) 

NEWS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE 

Check out the latest updates on town events, forums, and resident surveys from the Town Manager’s Office: Town Manager’s Weekly Update – September 17, 2026. 

REMINDER: SPECIAL TOWN MEETING 

Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM.