WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 01/20/26
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
At its Tuesday meeting, the Economic Development Advisory Board heard from two area realtors about the town’s commercial development potential. South Street was pinpointed as a desirable location for business development, particularly in light of the very limited downtown space. While proximity to the highway is a plus, it was opined that development is hindered by the town not enticing businesses and the procedural “red tape” involved. The need for a full-time economic development director to assist in marketing the town was stressed.
The board also heard results from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council of a public survey taken in July seeking resident and business feedback to consult in creating an economic development plan for the town. Recommendations will be presented later this year.
South Street called ‘golden goose’ for economic development at EDAB meeting (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 01/14/26)
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
At its Tuesday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed available options for security cameras to be installed at EMC Park. The town’s IT department explained that a hard-line connection which would provide higher quality footage was not possible at that location. Verizon proposed a LTW/5G cellular option that would work in the location, however, the video quality would be reduced. Members expressed concerns over video quality and suggested other potential options to be looked into. Members agreed that more information was needed before making a decision.
The commission also heard of the completed gym renovations at Hopkins School. The new basketball hoops do not lower enough to be used for the kindergarten/first grade program previously run there. Members discussed ways to promote their departmental needs for future town projects.
Parks & Rec seeks solutions for EMC Park security cameras (Article by Nick Schofield, 01/14/26)
SCHOOL NEWS
Court documents recently obtained by the Hopkinton Independent provide additional information regarding Marathon School assistant principal Eric Mitchell, who was placed on administrative leave last week. Documents show that Mitchell was sentenced to probation and ordered to pay restitution stemming from a criminal charge of assault and battery on a person over the age of 60 or with a disability, relating to an altercation at a Plainville casino in February 2024. A second charge of disorderly conduct was dismissed at the request of the Commonwealth. Additional details are included in the cited article.
‘Sufficient facts’ found by judge in 2025 assault case against Marathon assistant principal (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 01/13/26)
EHOP’S 2026 MARATHON RUNNER
Learn more about eHop’s 2026 Boston Marathon runner, Gregory Sobol and make a donation here! Any showing of support is greatly appreciated.
FROM THE TOWN MANAGER’S OFFICE
The following quoted highlights from the Town Manager Weekly Update – January 15, 2026 provide important information and upcoming deadlines for residents to be aware of:
“Apply for Assistance from Senior & Disabled Tax Relief Fund; Application Deadline Feb. 20, 2026
Hopkinton homeowners who are 60 and older or disabled are encouraged to apply for assistance with paying their property tax bills. Applicants must be at least 60 years old or have a state-recognized disability, and applicants must own and occupy a single-family home in Hopkinton as their primary residence. The maximum income for a household of one is $57,000, $73,000 for a household of two, $80,000 for a household of three, and $88,000 for a household of four.
The application is available online (Hopkinton Tax Relief Application Form .pdf), at Town Hall (18 Main St.), the Senior Center (28 Mayhew St.), the Hopkinton Public Library (13 Main St.), and from Youth and Family Services. The Treasurer’s Office will mail the form to those who call 508-497-9715 to request one. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, Feb. 20.
FY 2027 Town Budget Process
The Town’s budget process for Fiscal Year 2027 (7/1/2026 – 6/30/2027) began this past fall, and continues to move forward. At the Select Board meeting on January 20, the Town Manager’s comprehensive budget will be presented, and the process then moves to Select Board review. The Select Board meetings in February and early March will feature Town departments describing their budget requests, and at a meeting on March 10, the Select Board is scheduled to adopt a budget and forward it to the Appropriation Committee for its review and public hearing. All of these meetings are open to the public. The process concludes with a vote on the budget at the Annual Town Meeting on May 2. All registered voters may attend and vote on the budget at the Annual Town Meeting.
Feedback and comment on the Town budget is encouraged. Please note your thoughts, recommendations and comments about the Town’s budget using an online form, or paper versions that will be available at the Library and Senior Center. The form is accessible at this link or by using the QR code below: FY27 Budget Listening Form
You may also pass along your comments and recommendations to me via email at elainel@hopkintonma.gov. Thank you in advance for your comments and recommendations!
Eversource “Programs to Help” for Massachusetts Customers
Eversource has brought bill assistance and energy support options together on a single “Programs to Help” page for Massachusetts customers. The page includes payment assistance, budget billing, discount rates, and energy efficiency resources. Please use the link here to connect with the programs: Payment Plans & Assistance | Eversource”
Read the full update HERE.