WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 02/17/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission approved proposed remediations by the Islamic Society of Greater Milford in response to an enforcement order issued to them due to unpermitted fill and buffer zone disturbance. A commission member raised a concern outside of the enforcement order regarding attendees parking on the grass area past the paved parking lot, however, the majority of the area is not jurisdictional and was deemed to be a zoning rather than commission issue.   

In other business, the commission approved the town’s Loop Road improvement plan to enhance access to the schools, and continued hearings for a proposed single-family home at 12 North Mill Street as revised plans were not submitted in time for a prior peer review. 

Conservation Commission approves Islamic Society of Greater Milford plan after parking issue raised (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 02/11/26)

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission reconsidered future possibilities for the Pyne Field renovation project and discussed potential alternate town sites for the cricket pitch and baseball field. These alternate sites included the Carbone’s property on Cedar Street and behind Center School. The Elmwood School property was also mentioned as an option to look into. 

The commission also discussed its Sandy Beach parking lot paving project, noting its goal of going to bid early to mid-spring and hopefully completing the project by the start of summer. A formal vote on approving a start date is forthcoming.  

Parks & Rec reconsiders Pyne Field as it evaluates other locations for cricket, baseball fields (Article by Nick Schofield, 02/11/26)

COMMISSION ON DISABILITY 

At its virtual meeting last Monday, the Commission on Disability met with guest speakers from the Framingham Disability Commission to gain insight from their experience enhancing inclusivity and accessibility for city residents with disabilities. The Framingham commission leaders, who communicate regularly with city and state leaders, outlined their work and shared initiatives. They discussed a $250,000 grant that they received from the Massachusetts Office on Disability to work on a transition plan for ADA compliance. Hopkinton was recently awarded a similar grant for $45,792. They also highlighted the city’s disability parking violation fund, which sparked interest in Hopkinton members. In other business, the Hopkinton commission approved the new handrail design for the Public Library, and voted to continue virtual meetings through June. 

Commission on Disability gets advice from Framingham counterpart (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 02/12/26)

LAKE MASPENOCK WEED MANAGEMENT & CONTROL ADVISORY GROUP

At its Wednesday meeting, the Lake Maspenock Weed Management & Control Advisory Group reviewed results from the recent extended drawdown of the lake, noting that early ice formation and insulating snow emerged prior to its completion, thereby limiting its effectiveness in killing the invasive weeds. The group debated the targeted use of herbicides, with some residents and members of the Sustainable Green Committee opposing its use and advocating for a holistic, non-toxic approach. One resident proposed purchasing a mechanical weed harvester as an alternative. Other residents supported limited herbicide use, saying it improved recreation and fishing without harming wildlife. The group plans to meet with the SGC to address members’ concerns; however, it was emphasized that the Select Board and Conservation Commission already approved the vegetation management plan and the application process is expected to occur in Jun after budget approval at Annual Town Meeting in May.  

Lake Maspenock Weed Management Group hears drawdown update, feedback on herbicide use (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 02/13/26)

HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION

Following a public hearing on Wednesday, the Historic District Commission approved designs for proposed benches and a water refill station to be installed at the Town Common. An overview was given by Park & Recreation Director Jon Lewitus who noted that one bench would be funded by the Hopkinton Garden Club, while Community Preservation funds would pay for the other two, as well as the water refill station. One bench will have accessibility features. 

Commission approval allows Parks & Rec to move forward on Town Common improvements (Article by Nick Schofield, 02/17/26)

2026 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION

For anyone interested in running for local office or keeping up with the current list of candidates for the 2026 Annual Town Election, check out eHop’s Town Election Update page!