WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 09/30/26
PLANNING BOARD
At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board reviewed proposed amendments to the town charter, at the Charter Review Committee’s request, concerning a timeline for the board’s master plan revision and whether the board should have involvement with the goal-setting process and performance review of the principal planner and/or the Land Use Department director. Members voted 8-1 to recommend a 15-year comprehensive master plan update cycle, with reviews every five years. They also voted 6-2-1 to recommend that the town manager appoint professional staff with the board’s input.
Three hearings dealing with a proposed 13-unit mixed-use development at 14 Main Street and 10 Walcott Street were continued at the applicant’s request and are expected to be discussed at the board’s October 5th meeting.
Planning Board proposes charter revisions (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/29/26)
In other business, the board voted 9-0 to continue a hearing on a proposed amendment to a previously approved site plan for the Solect Energy office building at 87 Hayden Rowe Street. This relates to a second floor added to the rear building, which had not originally been approved for office space. Some concerns were raised over plan details, fire access, and parking/garage areas by town departments. The board also debated whether to waive a peer review, with some members in support, while others wanted further clarification on the issue. The board will revisit the matter after consulting with relevant departments.
Planning Board seeks clarity on waiver for Hayden Rowe office building (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/29/26)
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
At its last meeting, the School Committee revisited the issue of replacing the 27-year-old HVAC system at the high school. Representatives from the engineering firm CMTA returned to discuss a geothermal system, deemed the most cost effective and energy efficient option by the committee when they reviewed options last year. The geothermal option would eliminate natural-gas heating, add air conditioning throughout the school, and address aging equipment. While the estimated project cost has risen from $18.9 million to $22.4 million, competitive bidding could reduce the final price. The town could receive about $19.4 million in combined incentives and tax credits across three town projects, including this one. Committee members noted that delaying the project could increase costs, while the new system would improve classroom comfort and energy efficiency. A proposal is planned to be submitted at the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting, with construction planned for summers 2027 and 2028.
High school HVAC replacement project back on agenda (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 09/25/26)
The committee also awarded a $15,750 contract to FutureThink, LLC to conduct an enrollment study and forecast for 2027–2031. The study will use demographic, housing, census and community data to project future enrollment. The FY27 budget included $8,000 for this study. It was recommended that the International Student Revolving Fund cover the balance. It was noted that enrollment has recently been slowing and that five-year projections are more useful for near-term planning because local demographics can change quickly.
School Committee chooses firm for enrollment study (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 09/25/26)
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
At its last meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission considered a request by the Hopkinton’s Farmers Market to grant exclusive use permits for events at the common, following incidents of allegedly disruptive behavior by protestors at the Farmers Market in August. The commission opted against this change, maintaining its approach for permitting events which grants partial use, citing First Amendment rights and enforcement challenges. Members supported better education on permits and use rights.
The commission also agreed on three requests to be submitted for Community Preservation funding: lights for Carrigan Park (which will be co-sponsored by Hopkinton Little League); continued work on the Pyne Field project; and Fruit Street pickleball lighting (a repeat submission after being defeated at May’s ATM).
Parks & Rec opposes exclusive permitting for Town Common events despite protester issue (Article by Nick Schofield, 09/23/26)
WATER & SEWER ADVISORY BOARD
At its last meeting, the Water & Sewer Advisory Board reported that reviewed data showed that the town’s PFAS filtration system at Well 6 is working effectively to keep the PFAS levels below the state limit of 20 ppt. A recent rise in levels to 15 ppt may indicate that another filter replacement is impending. Members noted a big misconception among residents that the water is currently dangerous and hope this report will provide some peace of mind.
In other business, the board noted that while the drought status has changed from “critical” to “mild”, the wells remain stressed. Residents water conservation efforts were praised. Additionally, there have been continued delays in issuing water and sewer bills while the town’s new billing software system is being integrated. Bills are expected to go out in October with no late penalties for payments made within 30 days.
WSAB assures community of PFAS filtration effectiveness (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/24/26)
BOARD OF HEALTH
At its last meeting, the Board of Health discussed resident concerns over water quality, despite positive data reported by the Water & Sewer Advisory Board about the lower PFAS levels and current safety of the water, as well as resident complains about brown water, attributable in part to town construction. Members debated whether the town’s water alerts are sufficiently proactive, with some wanting a more active system rather than just sending alerts for major issues. The board can recommend changes to the Select Board but cannot establish a communications policy.
The board also heard from Health Director Shaun McAuliffe about the department’s preparations for anticipated cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, and other safety-net programs. The department is coordinating with local organizations to help residents, particularly seniors and people with disabilities. Local agencies may face increased demand as regional services are cut.
Communication issues in focus for Board of Health (Article by Nick Schofield, 09/29/26)
PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE
At its last meeting, the Permanent Building Committee discussed updates on the Center School reuse project. The team managing the project was introduced. Vertex was selected as the owner’s project manager in July, and it was announced that American Environmental was awarded the demolition contract for the two rear additions. An architect from Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects presented the latest design development document set, which highlighted concerns over the condition of the slate roof, which has areas permeated with rust which can weaken the slate. Either a total roof replacement or budgeted patch and repair increments were recommended. Water intrusions were identified and will be further addressed. Additionally, access ramps in the previous design had to be reconfigured, however, the sloped nature of the newly proposed front entrance pathway raises accessibility concerns and the architect will consult with the Commission on Disability. Finally, the HCA updated that the federal grant it applied for has been delayed, however, other funding sources are being explored.
Center School roof issue arises as demolition plans continue (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/25/26)
FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE
Local Meals Tax Revenue Clarification.
In response to concerns expressed by Economic Development Advisory Board members at their last meeting after learning that a newly created special revenue account would contain only the revenue generated during the first quarter of FY27, the town manager explained that per the state legislative process to create the fund, no money collected prior to its creation could be put into the fund. Therefore, meals-tax revenue collected before the special revenue account was established on July 1, 2026, went into the general fund. Going forward, meals-tax revenue will fund economic development activities, including a planned economic development director position, grants, programs, and infrastructure projects. The FY27 budget anticipates around $230,000 in meals-tax revenue, with $60,000 budgeted for personnel and $8,000 for expenses. Spending from the fund will require Town Meeting appropriation.
Town Manager responds to EDAB concerns about local meals tax fund distribution (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 09/24/26)
Highlights from the Town Manager’s Weekly Update – September 24, 2026 included:
Elmwood Reuse Committee Vacancies:
“The Select Board has formed an Elmwood Reuse Committee, which will recommend to the Board a plan for the buildings and property.
The Elmwood Reuse Committee (ERC) will conduct a planning process that involves extensive community input and engagement with residents and stakeholders that:
- Evaluates and identifies use and development options for the property in the near and long term;
- Evaluates options that include sale, lease, and municipal retention/re-use for the buildings and property; and
- Outlines a vision for the future use of the property, taking into account community input, the neighborhood setting, the features of the property, financial implications for the Town, and Town goals and needs.
The ERC is encouraged to complete its work and make recommendations to the Select Board by December 31, 2027.
The ERC will consist of seven (7) members who meet the following qualifications:
- Hopkinton resident
- Individual does not serve on any other town boards or committees
Residents with backgrounds in land use planning, property management, architecture, construction, and financial analysis are encouraged to apply.”
Interested residents should apply here.
Hopkinton Public Library Strategic Plan – Focus Group & Surveys
“The Hopkinton Public Library is embarking on its next five-year strategic plan and they are looking for your input! A focus group for the general public will be held on Saturday, October 3 in-person at the Library at 11:00 am.
You can also fill out one of the quick surveys:”
REMINDER: SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
Special Town Meeting will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM.