WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 10/28/26
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING RESULTS
Special Town Meeting was held Monday evening at the Hopkinton Middle School. Six town-sponsored articles, primarily financial in nature, were unanimously approved. These dealt mainly with budget transfers and emergency DPW project funding. A vote to take no action on Article 6, proposing to amend a Department of Municipal Inspections general bylaw to include sealer of weights and measures fees, was also unanimously approved.
The remainder of the meeting focused on citizen’s petitions. Notably, the town voted not to approve an article (Article 8) aimed at facilitating the acceptance of certain private ways as public roads, with 57% voting against it. Opponents cited the lack of reliable cost estimates and the town’s projected $5.6 million budget deficit. Additionally, the town approved (95–58) a proposal to establish rules and annual cost estimates for snow and ice removal on private roads (Article 9); approved (113–49) increasing the town’s minor private-road repair spending limit from $1,000 to $2,000 (Article 10 – amended to “$2,000” from “$100,000”); rejected (103–41) a proposal to create a bylaw review committee (Article 11); took no action (unanimous) on a proposal to hold Town Meeting in February and again in the fall (Article 12); and rejected (55-72) a proposal to return Town Meetings to weekdays (Article 13).
The meeting was dissolved by a 78-19 vote due to the lack of quorum before Articles 14-26 were addressed.
STM citizens’ petitions get mixed results as meeting dissolved after 2 hours (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/27/26)
Check out a full list of results compiled by eHop
HCAM Video Coverage of Special Town Meeting: STM 2026
CHARTER REVIEW UPDATE
At Monday’s Special Town Meeting, the Charter Review Committee gave a presentation on its progress and its current recommendations for charter revisions. Slides were shared from its September 30th public forum (linked below). The town will vote on final recommendations at May’s Annual Town Meeting.
- Charter Review Committee Slides
- Please share your feedback! The committee is seeking community input to help finalize their recommendations. Please fill out the survey to have your voice heard.
See also, STM hears Charter Review Committee’s recommendations ahead of May ATM vote (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/27/26)
GOLDEN POND UPDATE
State Representative James Arena-DeRosa reached out to eHop with the following update regarding recent events at Golden Pond:
“I am writing to share my concerns about the recent tragic death of a senior citizen and code violations at Golden Pond in Hopkinton. I am in regular contact with Hopkinton officials and the state about what has been transpiring these past several weeks. Hopkinton Public Health and Public Safety have been very responsive and likely saved many lives. I will continue to monitor through appropriate channels that facility management addresses the code violations; however, if problems persist, or if you want to share your recent experience you should also contact the AGE hotline at the state. You can call AGE 24/7 Protective Services Hotline any time to report extreme heat or cold (or any form of caregiver neglect) phone 1-800-922-2275. There is also an online option if you prefer not to call, you can file a report online at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/report-abuse-of-adults-aged-60#how-to-report-online
In addition to filing a formal complaint with AGE, feel free to also call my office (617-722-2810) or send a copy to my email james.arena-derosa@mahouse.gov. At the state level I am already working with the Chairs of the Committee on Public Health and Committee on Elder Affairs to review what happened and potential remedies. Over time, a new type of living arrangement for seniors has evolved. We used to have senior housing as well as nursing home/health care facilities for seniors. As this new type of residence with mixed services has emerged, I am looking at filing legislation that would explore whether the state should give local Public Health more investigative purview. I am also looking to ensure that when residents complain to their local health department, anything local officials then relay and report to AGE/the Commonwealth is treated as a formal complaint. When we are entrusting the care of ourselves and loved ones to private entities, we deserve to know that appropriate oversight and accountability are in place to ensure the highest quality of care.
James Arena-DeRosa
State Representative”
See also, Golden Pond ordered to pause admissions after state inspection finds deficiencies (Article by Nick Schofield, 10/23/26)
STATE ELECTION – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
The state election will be held next Tuesday, November 3rd. Polls will be open at the Hopkinton Middle School gym from 7am to 8pm.
There is still time to get your vote in early at Town Hall! The last day for early voting will be Friday, October 30th.
TOWN NOTICES
NOTICE OF BOARD AND COMMITTEE VACANCIES
The following Town boards and committees have current vacancies. The Town website has information about the duties of specific Boards and Committees here: Town of Hopkinton, MA: Boards. Interested residents must apply via the online Application form on the Town website here: Town of Hopkinton, MA: Board Application
The appointing authority for the boards and committees below varies. Appointments are made at a posted meeting of the appointing authority. For questions, please contact Vasudha Dutta at 508-497-9701.
- Board of Registrars
- Capital Improvement Committee
- Council on Aging
- Design Review Board
- Elmwood Reuse Committee
- Hopkinton Historic District Commission
- Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group
- Permanent Building Committee
- Personnel Committee
- Sustainable Green Committee
- Tax Relief Committee
- Veterans Celebration Committee
- Water & Sewer Advisory Board
Vacancies on these elected boards will be filled by appointment, and the member will serve until the annual town election in May, 2027:
- Cemetery Commission
- Planning Board
More information about a few of the boards/committees is below.
Elmwood Reuse Committee
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 Committee will have staff support.
The ERC will consist of seven (7) at-large 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.
Planning Board
The elected Planning Board currently has one vacancy, which will be filled by appointment until the May, 2027 annual town election.
The establishment of municipal Planning Boards is authorized by Mass. General Law, Chapter 41, Section 81A. Among its many diverse roles, the Board is charged with the following duties,
which are contained in the General Laws and the Hopkinton Zoning and General Bylaws:
- Adopting a Master Plan for the Town;
- Serving as the local authority for the Subdivision Control Law; adopting Rules and Regulations governing the subdivision of land in Hopkinton; reviewing all preliminary and definitive subdivision plan submittals, and endorsing approval-not-required plans;
- Drafting and submitting zoning amendments for consideration by the Town;
- Serving as Site Plan Review authority for non-residential Site Plans;
- Issuing permits to remove trees and stone walls within street rights of way on designated scenic roads; recommends roads for scenic road designation by Town Meeting.
For further information about the duties of the Planning Board, please contact Aneri Patel, Principal Planner, at 508-497-9745 or apatel@hopkintonma.gov.
Cemetery Commission Vacancy Announcement
The elected Cemetery Commission currently has one vacancy, which will be filled by appointment until the May, 2027 annual town election.
The Cemetery Commission is a three-member elected board charged with overseeing the Town’s cemetery needs. Please see the Cemetery Commission’s report in the 2025 Annual Town Report for more information.
2025 Annual Town Report: 2025 Hopkinton Town Report for web.pdf
Qualifications: Open to all Hopkinton residents.
Apply for any board or committee:
Complete the online form (click on the “Apply” icon) on the Town website at https://hopkintonma.granicus.com/boards/w/b9d8382c06194e78
NEW ONLINE PERMITTING SYSTEM
The Town of Hopkinton has launched a new online permitting system through OpenGov, making it easier for residents, businesses, contractors, and property owners to apply for and track permit status electronically.
The Town soft-launched the new system on September 1, 2026, and processed more than 100 electronic permit applications within the first seven business days.
Currently, 21 permit types are available online across several Town departments, with additional permit types planned to be added over the next several months.
The new system is designed to provide a more convenient and efficient permitting process by allowing applicants to submit applications and supporting documents online, track the status of their applications, and communicate with Town staff throughout the review process. The system also streamlines the intake and review process for staff, as well as approval steps and inspections.
“This is an important step in continuing to modernize Town services and make it easier for residents and businesses to interact with the Town,” said Josh Grossetti, Director of Information Technology & Innovation Services. “The strong initial use of the system highlights the volume of permit work that flows through many offices – and the importance of improving this workflow across departments. The Town of Hopkinton is committed to providing responsive, accessible, and efficient municipal services while using technology and innovation to improve the experience of residents, businesses, and Town employees. We look forward to expanding this system.”
The implementation was a collaborative effort involving employees across multiple Town departments who worked together to review existing processes, configure the new system, test applications, and prepare for launch. The Town will continue to expand the system as additional permit types and services are brought online.
Residents, businesses, and contractors can learn more about available online permits through the Town of Hopkinton website: https://www.hopkintonma.gov, or by accessing the OpenGov portal directly: https://hopkintonma.portal.opengov.com
For more information, contact Director of Information Technology & Innovation Services, Josh Grossetti, at jgrossetti@hopkintonma.gov.
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission reviewed proposed updates to the town’s wetlands protection regulations. Areas of focus included clarifying rules for vernal pools, managing invasive species, preventing waterfront runoff, and improving public notification when hearings are rescheduled. Members also discussed permanent barrier markings, wetland replacement requirements, and modest increases to application fees due to rising consulting costs. No permanent changes were finalized, and the hearing was continued until November 3rd. Another dedicated meeting was proposed for December to avoid interference with scheduled hearings.
Conservation Commission begins revision process for wetlands protection regulations (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 10/28/26)
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
At its Tuesday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously to authorize the town’s Human Resources Department to begin contract negotiations with Cody Herd for the position of Parks & Recreation director. Herd is currently a recreation coordinator in Grafton, where he has worked in numerous roles since 2016.
Parks & Rec votes for Grafton coordinator Herd as new director (Article by Nick Schofield, 10/28/26)