WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 05/19/26

2026 TOWN ELECTION RESULTS 

The results of the 2026 Annual Town Election are in! 

The results for the two contested races: 

• School Committee (vote for 2):
  • Kyla McSweeny: 679
  • Sandra Irwin: 529
  • Sravan Krishna: 468
• Board of Health (vote for 1): 
  • Nasiba Mannan: 678
  • Dimitry Zuckerman: 199

The results for the write-in candidates for the constable seat: 

• Daniel Harvey: 202
• Jason Watson: 177

McSweeney, Irwin win School Committee seats in Annual Town Election (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 05/18/26) 

TOWN CHARTER REVIEW – RESIDENT INPUT NEEDED! 

Every 10 years, a special committee is formed to review the Town Charter and make recommendations to Town Meeting of any proposed amendments. The Charter Review Committee is looking for resident feedback to assist them in evaluating current provisions and identify areas for improvement to ensure that the Charter reflects the priorities and needs of our community. Please take a few minutes to take this brief survey below to give your input! Public forums will also be held in the future. 

2026 Charter Review Public Survey

For more information, check out: Charter Review Committee Website

HOPKINTON POLICE CHIEF SCREENING COMMITTEE

The town is seeking dedicated members-at-large for the Hopkinton Police Chief Screening Committee. 

Position Summary:

The Town of Hopkinton is seeking proactive and community-minded Hopkinton residents to serve as Members-at-Large on our Police Chief Screening Committee. As a Member-at-Large, you will participate in confidential interviews of Police Chief candidates, and act as part of a first round screening panel. This role is ideal for individuals looking to contribute to public safety initiatives in Hopkinton.

To Apply:

Please complete the form Member-at-Large Police Chief Screening Committee. The deadline is 5/29/2026 at noon. There are six available seats on the committee.

TOWN HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 

The town is currently updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan and is seeking public input to help identify community priorities, concerns, and opportunities for improving resilience to natural hazards. Public participation is an important part of ensuring that the Hazard Mitigation Plan reflects the needs and perspectives of the community. 

• Please check out this public survey to share your input. 

PERMANENT BUILDING COMMITTEE

At its Tuesday meeting, the Permanent Building Committee approved revised schematic designs for the Center School reuse project. These designs incorporate changes that will reduce the proposed $16.8 million cost by at least $1.2 million, which include reductions in the overall size of the addition to the original building, the elimination of a small laundry room, and removal of specialized features, as well as some framing, cabinetry and closets. It was noted that the eliminated features could be added back later if funding permits. Some concern was voiced about going too far in trying to lower costs. 

The committee also heard about the proposed plan for a new HVAC system for the police station. To save on upfront costs, it will be implemented in two phases which will include: 1) replacing all air handling units and the boiler system, and 2) installing a 30-ton heat pump chiller. Upon completion of the second phase, the building would be “fully electrified.” The first phase is expected to cost $1.5 million, which was included in the town’s capital plan, and the second phase is expected to cost $1 million. Grant money may be available through the Mass Save program for an electrical service upgrade. Members leaned in favor of the two-phase approach. 

Permanent Building Committee approves revised Center School schematic designs (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 05/13/26) 

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission revised and approved a draft policy for groups to use the Fruit Street pickleball courts for fundraising purposes. Under this policy, eight dates will be designated for fundraiser use. Language was drafted to outline an application period, a tiered cost and priority structure, and the department’s rights to reassign, modify or cancel reservations. It was agreed that groups running a tournament would have to rent out all eight courts. 

The commission also discussed the Annual Town Meeting rejection of funding for the proposed pickleball court lighting. It was noted that more community support would be needed if the matter were to be pursued again in the future, as well as better communication about how the LED lights work, so as to quell light pollution concerns. 

Parks & Rec moves forward on fundraiser policy for pickleball courts (Article by Nick Schofield, 05/13/26) 

HOPKINTON TRAILS COMMITTEE

Per the Hopkinton Trails Committee, work on the Echo Trail parking area will begin this week and is expected to continue throughout the rest of the month. During this time, the parking area may be closed temporarily or have limited availability. 

Work on Echo Trail parking area starts this week (Hopkinton Independent, 05/17/26)