WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 05/26/26

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission reopened the hearing on the proposed single-family home on 12 North Mill Street, due to the length of the project (which has been before the commission since January 2025) and so that newer members could vote. The project proposal, led by developer Lou Petrozzi, has been revised several times to reduce environmental impacts and avoid wetland crossings, however, the town wetlands consultant noted that several issues remain unresolved, including a sufficient invasive species management plan, formal wetland replication documentation, and construction protections for the well area. At the meeting, commission members first approved the project in a 4-2 vote under the state Wetlands Protection Act, but a subsequent 3-3 vote under the town’s stricter wetlands bylaw effectively denied the project due to a lack of majority. Petrozzi noted his intent to apply for reconsideration at the next meeting, and called for a review by town counsel. 

In other business, the commission heard an update on the dewatering of the Charleswood School project site, where runoff caused by geothermal well drilling was affecting commission owned property. Project manager Chris Eberly noted that the drainage approach would be redesigned and a restoration plan determined at a future date. The commission also unanimously approved the plan to repurpose 75 South Street from a commercial/industrial building to an office building / warehouse, following modified plans at the commission’s request to expand a proposed rain garden and vegetated filter strip. 

Conservation Commission deadlocked on 12 North Mill Street, revisits Charleswood water issue (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 05/20/26) 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE

At its Tuesday meeting, the Elementary School Building Committee also addressed the issue of water run off from the Charleswood School property onto Conservation Commission and town owned property. As town counsel advised that any permanent structure on conservation land would trigger an Article 97 review process requiring state Legislature approval and result in delays, the project team is redesigning the drainage system to avoid using the conservation parcel and developing a restoration plan for a small area where trees and vegetation were removed. The committee and project managers acknowledged some prior unclear communication and uncertainty about responsibilities.  

The committee also heard that the Charleswood project was granted the Passive House Institute US design certification for energy efficiency, becoming the largest school to date to be design certified this way. Chair Jon Graziano deemed this certification a significant step toward delivering a sustainable and efficient school. A budget update was also given. 

ESBC focuses on Charleswood runoff issue (Article by Susan Gonsalves, 05/20/26) 

WATER & SEWER ADVISORY BOARD 

At its Wednesday meeting, the Water & Sewer Advisory Board unanimously voted to recommend water and sewer rate increases to the Select Board in June. Increases are necessary due to anticipated costs related to the town’s planned connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA), and in light of past poor planning by the Department of Public Works, prior to its current director Kerry Reed taking over the department three years ago, which had made minimal increases and delayed needed capital projects. Higher water consumption and dry weather conditions are also factors that weigh into water rate increases. The board reviewed three options for each rate and unanimously voted to recommend a 15% rate increase for water bills and 30% rate increase for sewer bills starting on July 1. Members felt that choosing an aggressive rate plan would provide greater financial stability and help to establish reserves ahead of large future expenses. 

Remaining agenda items were tabled due to time constraints. 

WSAB to recommend water, sewer rate hikes to Select Board (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 05/21/26) 

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 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.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS NOTICE

The DPW announced that the Fruit Street bridge will be closed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation between Huckleberry Road and Saddle Hill Road on June 6-7, starting at 6 a.m. on June 6th, and is anticipated to reopen by 6 p.m. on June 7th. A detour will be in place during work hours.

Fruit Street bridge closure planned for early June (Hopkinton Independent, 05/22/26)