To Respected Hopkinton Town Residents,

A group of 24 town residents proposed a petition to change the zoning of the lots (see from LakeFront Residential (RFL) to Rural business (BR) on Jan 31, 2023, the last day to be added to the town warrant. While citizens can petition the town government, this case bypasses the normal zoning amendment process through the zoning advisory board (ZAC) and planning board meetings. 

The petition was submitted on the evening (3.45 pm) of the last day (Jan 31, 2023) a petition can be added to the town meeting warrant. This deliberate and last-minute submission left no time for the impacted street residents of Hayward Street to make a counter-petition, which they have the right to do.

Zoning was established to protect adjacent residential neighborhoods from negative impacts from future constructions and create a safe environment for families to raise their kids. This development creates very big concerns for the safety and quality of living for the Hayward St residents. The picture below shows the proposed change and the neighborhood houses lots.

The zoning amendment includes building a private road (Pine Grove Lane) and a part of Hayward St. These two roads will be used for business traffic. However, the private road starts right in front of the 33 Hayward St house driveway! This severely impacts the safety and privacy of the households (33 & 35 Hayward St) as well as diminishes their properties’ value.

We are appealing to all respected Hopkinton residents to please review the maps with the proposed zoning change, put yourself in the shoes of the 33 and 35 Hayward St residents, and think if such a proposal were to be developed right next to your homes! 

We sincerely request that you join the Planning Board meeting on March 6th at 7pm (Zoom link) and support the neighbors so the Board can make an informant decision.

Please also join the 2023 Annual Town Meeting on May 1st to vote against the proposed zoning change.