WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 12/16/25

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY 

At its Monday meeting, the Commission on Disability spoke with Parks & Recreation director Jon Lewitus about accessibility improvements at the Town Common, along with other recreation areas. There is a current need for additional accessible seating for people with disabilities to enjoy events and concerts at the Common. Lewitus informed the commission of his application for CPC funding for benches, as well as the Hopkinton Garden Club’s interest in donating a bench on the Common. Additional accessibility improvements including a designated drop-off area and curb cuts were also suggested. 

The commission also discussed inviting members of similar commissions / committees in surrounding areas to their February meeting to gain perspectives on what has worked in other communities to address the needs of residents with disabilities. 

Town Common accessibility improvements dominate Commission on Disability meeting (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/10/25) 

PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Permanent Building Committee reviewed preliminary plans for the Center School reuse project, which be a public-private partnership between the town and the Hopkinton Center for the Arts. The project concept presented by local firm Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects emphasizes sustainability and accessibility. Proposed floor plans were discussed. The project would be discussed further at the CPC’s Thursday meeting, and updated designs are set to be completed in three weeks. 

Permanent Building Committee gets update on Center School reuse plans (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/10/25)

COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

The Community Preservation Committee heard the latest update on the Center School reuse project plans that was shared with the PBC earlier in the week. They unanimously approved an article for Annual Town Meeting requesting $2 million for FY27 for the removal of hazardous material and demolition work at the site. The HCA’s $4 million investment was discussed, and it was noted that they cannot begin their fundraising efforts until the long-term lease is in place. 

The CPC also discussed the Parks & Rec’s Pyne Field project which has met challenges due to expressed concerns over crossing safety at the site and insufficient space to hold the planned cricket pitch, baseball field, and parking lot.  It was noted that the plan may need to be modified or withdrawn. The department’s request for an additional $1.5 million toward the project for FY27 would need to be increased to $1.8 million. The proposed article was approved in a 5-3 vote. CPC Chair Ken Weismanel proposed a second article for this project to permit Parks & Rec to use the remaining $800,000 from previous funding to seek alternate locations for the cricket pitch or baseball field. This was approved in an 7-1 vote.   

The CPC approved other funding requests which included the following: benches for public places in town; lighting at the Fruit Street pickleball/tennis courts; restoration of the library’s Ellsworth Conference Room floor; and restoration of the limestone entrance at Town Hall. They rejected a DPW request for funding for a conceptual design for parking and area improvements to Ice House Pond. 

CPC hears Center School reuse update, approves FY 27 ATM warrant articles (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/12/25)

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Economic Developement Advisory Board met with realtor Chuck Joseph to discuss the current local real estate environment and how it can educate the town in developing economic strategies for the future. They also sought feedback on determining qualifications for the proposed new economic development officer position. 

Joseph provides EDAB input on commercial, residential real estate markets (Article by Nick Schofield, 12/10/25)

WATER-SEWER ADVISORY BOARD 

At its Wednesday meeting, the Water-Sewer Advisory Board discussed its progress over its first year, as well as goals for 2026, in preparation for its annual report for the Select Board. Chair Paul Gallagher suggested keeping the goal list relatively short so as to be manageable. The following four broad goals were identified: advising the Select Board on the MWRA connection project; providing water/sewer rate input; addressing water quality issues; and developing a goal regarding water conservation. These goals will be reviewed prior to the January annual report deadline. 

WSAB identifies goals for 2026 ahead of annual report (Article by Nick Schofield, 12/11/25)

SCHOOL COMMITTEE 

School calendar. At its Thursday meeting, the School Committee voted to continue to utilize its more inclusive calendar for the 2026-27 school year. This decision was made after hearing from residents, students and faculty on the issue during listening sessions and through emails. Under this decision, the last day of school for 2026-27 will be June 22, with additional make up days due to snow or other issues falling between June 23-29. 

School Committee adopts inclusive school calendar (Article by Hopkinton Independent, 12/12/25)

Building budget proposals. The committee also heard from all building administrators as they presented their FY27 budget proposals. The bulk of the discussion focused on a request for an additional assistant principal at the high school. 

HHS budget request includes funds for additional assistant principal (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 12/12/25)

SELECT BOARD 

At its Monday meeting, the Select Board conducted its annual review of common victualer and other licenses. Renewals were granted for seven businesses which had been fully investigated by the town, a process that included CORI and SORI checks for all business managers and owners. Extensions were given to all other applicants, who were either still awaiting town inspections or need to make repairs in order to pass inspection, until January 13th. 

The board voted to amend the charge of the Veterans Celebration Committee to permit it to cosponsor the proposed town-focused Independence Day Parade, along with the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee and Republican Town Committee.The board also voted to open the 2026 Annual Town Meeting warrant on January 2nd to residents wishing to submit articles. The warrant will close on February 1st. Additionally, the board approved the following town appointments: Christopher Nelson as assistant Water-Sewer Department manager, Samuel “Jack” Hammond as a full-time public safety dispatcher, and Charles “Chuck” Wade to the Sustainable Green Committee. 

Select Board renews 7 business licenses during annual review, extends deadline for other applicants (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/16/25)

The board also heard from the Hopkinton Fire Chief and a representative from Eversource regarding a gas main leak at the Eversource liquified natural gas facility on December 8th, outlining the cause and emergency response. Eversource was pressed on measures to be taken to avoid a similar issue occurring going forward. 

Select Board questions Eversource about recent LNG leak (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/16/25)

PLANNING BOARD

At its Monday meeting, the Planning Board again addressed the Parks & Recreation Department’s Pyne Field project, after considering information from a peer review. The board continued to express concerns regarding cost and safety, particularly with regard to the parking lot location which would require crossing an easement used by 18-wheeler trucks. Additional site concerns were also raised by the consultant. Parks & Rec director Lewitus suggested a design change of having two separate parking lots for the two fields on the site, which the board noted could ease some concerns. The hearing was continued until January 5th. 

The board also discussed the upcoming Zoning Advisory Committee meeting, which will focus on determining how to modify the town’s MBTA Communities Act zoning plan to bring it into full compliance with the law. Chair Rob Benson noted that the board would need to be well informed in supporting a new plan to ensure its approval at Town Meeting.  

Planning Board pessimistic about Pyne Field redesign plan (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 12/16/25)