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Weston Nurseries – Now We Need to Work Together
by Muriel Kramer, Chair, Board Selectmen
Editor's Note: Mrs. Kramer sent this letter to the community through multiple news outlets. |
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HOPKINTON’S ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE
Stop in at the |
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Thank You! Thanks to our advertisers for helping us keep at least two shifts going to cover the daily news and events, and thanks to our readers for making HopNews the go-to place for up-to-date information. And thanks to the contributors, paid and unpaid, who offer the superb context that we see every day. In the past year, we have invested much in camera and video equipment, as well as personnel assets, increasing our need for advertising revenue. The graph above is just a snapshot of the last week — weekends are less busy — but are part of a trend toward increasing readership and interest. Please understand that what we represent are actual visits to the first page, not hits. HopNews has had over 2.5 million hits in the last seven days, but visits are what really count, and are a good gauge of readership. To reach the HopNews readership with your commercial message, please call 508-435-5534 to see if you qualify to be an advertiser. |
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Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts Most recent first, updated June 20, 2007 Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com
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A Note of Thanks
June 20,
2007 — As the school year draws to a close,
the Hopkinton Music Association (HMA) would once again like to
thank all who supported our successful calendar fundraiser.
Through the efforts of our music students (grades 4 thru 12),
along with support from parents, community, and local
businesses, we raised over $11,000 to be used towards music
enrichment. Monies will help pay for lesson scholarships,
students’ transportation to music competitions, band and chorus
uniforms, and enrichment programs. |
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Massachusetts
Breast Cancer Coalition’s Against the Tide Fifteenth Annual
Metro Boston, 7:30am- 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 23, Hopkinton
State Park, Hopkinton, MA |
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Manage the Process Professionally Dear
Editor, |
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Selectmen Meeting Selectmen Vote Unanimously to Waive 61A Rights Weston Nurseries, Boulder Capital can now move forward with p&s
by Robert Falcione June 19, 2007 — The words of Mike Shepard, "I move that we waive our 61a rights to purchase the Weston Nurseries property," led to a 4-0 vote, and ended the shortest public session of the Board of Selectmen in recent memory, as well as a twenty-day campaign by abutters and their supporters aimed at rallying the town to purchase the 705 acre Weston Nurseries property. Many of those supporters of a buy-all scenario had previously supported a partnership with the Trust for Public Land, which had been expected to partner with the town in a purchase that could have cost the town as little as $3.2 million in borrowing for about 420 acres, and a plan that had proposed about 2/3 the amount of units as currently proposed. However, when three members of the Community Preservation Committee voted in a 3-3 tie to use CPA funds in a strategically made positive motion, it had the equivalent effect of a vote against. CPC member Henry Kunicki said at that time that because it was a positive motion that he made, that only he, according Robert's Rules he said, could rewrite the motion. It was the next week that TPL withdrew, with its representative, Badge Blackett, agreeing that it was the CPC refusal to pony up the $2 million that was the final straw in a process that showed the majority of the boards being unsupportive. The evening before the withdrawal, Weston Nurseries abutter Christopher Barry (File photo) of Clinton Street said at the Selectmen's meeting that he would lead an effort for the town to purchase the property in its entirety, something that had little support until the next day, when TPL fortuitously pulled out. However, the clock was still ticking with Special Town Meeting on June 11, giving Mr. Barry and his supporters only ten days to devise and execute a strategy. It was the lack of a definitive plan, said many voters at Monday's election, that caused them to vote against the town gaining the property. The Special Town Meeting vote fell three votes short of the necessary 2/3 super-majority, but enough to motivate the buy-all faction to expect the possibility of a simple 50% majority win at the ballot on June 18. At a the Public Hearing on June 14, attorneys for the town presented scenarios that encouraged the group of supporters in attendance that if they won at the ballot, another Special Town Meeting could be called, giving the proponents another bite at the apple. FULL STORY |
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Truck vs. Motorcycle
June 19, 2007 — According to witnesses, the lone male operator of the motorcycle in the background of the photo attempted to pass a pickup truck that had swung wide to make a turn into its driveway, striking it. The operator was taken to Metrowest Medical after a LifeFlight helicopter was cancelled. |
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Ed Thompson News Tip Milford Mother Indicted in Death of Baby Workers found body in trash
"This has been a challenging case from the very beginning," Mr. Early
said. "However, after dozens of interviews and an extensive
investigation by the Medical Examiner's Office and a neonatal
pathologist from Massachusetts General Hospital, we presented the case
to the grand jury." |
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6:36 pm A caller from Cross Street reported that her neighbor had inappropriately attempted to pursue relations with her...
9:10 pm A Lumber Street resident reported having an altercation with his neighbor who threatened him over putting up a political sign...
10:02 pm A caller reported that a group of youths were partying behind Amherst Road on North Pond...
9:51 pm A resident from Oakhurst Road reported that her ex-husband broke into her apartment, grabbed her and then left... |
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State Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoint
Colonel Mark F. Delaney,
Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced that a
“Sobriety Checkpoint” will be implemented by the Massachusetts State
Police on a
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Traffic Advisory for Travelers to North Peabody
Today at 8:26 a.m., a tractor trailer
hauling trash rolled over blocking all lanes on the ramp from Route 1
North to Route 95 North in
Travelers are advised to seek alternate routes as the traffic congestion is expected to be heavy until the truck is removed and the lanes of travel are re-opened.
State Police Step Up Patrols on Esplanade - Seek Public's Help
The
State Police has significantly increased patrols along the Esplanade in
The sexual assault on a female jogger on late Saturday evening remains under investigation by Troop H Detectives. All of the Troopers assigned to both the Esplanade and the surrounding patrol areas have been and will continue to be briefed by the Detectives as the investigation continues.
Saturday night’s assault took place at approximately 11:00 – 11:15 pm
on the western peninsula of the Esplanade approximately Ľ mile west of
the
Anyone who may have information about this crime or the identity of the
assailant is asked to contact the State Police Barracks in
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Boulder by a Landslide
Above, Boulder Capital President Roy MacDowell, surrounded by family, friends and associates, shows no emotion upon hearing the results of today's voting.
by Robert Falcione June 18, 2007 — Boulder Capital was the big winner this evening as Question #1, the vote calling for a debt exclusion to fund a purchase of Weston Nurseries by the town of Hopkinton, was shot down by 3034 votes against, to only 1646 in the positive, a nearly 2-1 margin. Boulder President Roy MacDowell said that this was only the first step in a process that would be followed by developing a Master Plan for the property that would require zoning changes and a 2/3 vote at a future Town Meeting. The most visible proponent of the "Buy-all" faction, Liisa Jackson, said after the vote that she hoped to be working with Mr. MacDowell in the future to help develop a trail system on the land. Question #2 passed by nearly the same amount that the first vote failed, 2861- to 1744. Dr. John Phelan said prior to the announcement of the vote that if it did not pass, then the money would come out of the school budget instead. The money is for compliance with ADA requirements to bring some areas up to standard for mobility-impaired students. Tomorrow evening the Selectmen will reconvene a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Auditorium as the last step in the process in the matter of purchasing the nursery's land. The Selectmen voted in a 2-2 tie at the recent Special Town Meeting, which would have the effect of a negative vote if they vote the same. However, due to the overwhelming rejection by the voters, it is likely the Selectmen will vote in a block, 4-0, to unify the town and reflect the will of the voters. Here is a short Video of Ms. Jackson and Mr. MacDowell speaking in the early afternoon. |
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"Good times never felt so good..."
June 18, 2007 — Hopkinton resident Craig Stanley , a student from her first class, escorts Hopkins School Teacher Ellie Porter into the school cafeteria this afternoon to shouts of "surprise" from her students and Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline playing on a boom box for a short retirement party. Above, Mrs. Porter tries to recompose herself after the students' cheers brought a flood of tears, and Mr. Stanley leads her to another former student, Amy Wilson Kent, who was waiting with a bouquet of roses. Mrs. Porter is retiring after 34 years in the profession. "How old are you?" asked one student. "Twenty-nine," she replied. |
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Symbiotic Synergism
June 18, 2007 — Liisa Jackson, a proponent of the buy-it-all option, Roy MacDowell of Boulder Capital spent time chatting early this afternoon at the Middle School entrance during the election. |
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Commentary Thank you, MacDowells
by Robert Falcione June 18, 2007 — Most readers of HopNews know HopNews does not take a stand on political issues. Today's vote on the Weston Nurseries land sale, for the average resident, has to be the most difficult vote they have ever cast. We have heard from both sides of the issue, some with great intentions, others with anecdotal assumptions. Through all of this, Boulder Capital — and we know that to be Roy S. MacDowell, Jr., his family who often accompanies him, and some close associates — has been forthright from the start in the access to their information for HopNews readers. Mr. MacDowell, as well as the Mezitts, have maintained a genteel demeanor throughout the proceedings, some of which have been emotionally charged. If Mr. MacDowell and Boulder Capital do win the prize, I personally cannot think of a developer I would rather see shape that land, especially after he has seen how the politics are played in Hopkinton and still stays in the process. Thank you, the MacDowells, for making our job easier, and for introducing yourselves to Hopkinton. |
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---> VOTE TODAY AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL <--- Polls open until 8:00 p.m. |
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WESTON NURSERIES TIMELINE • Hearing Notice Correction: The Public Hearing on Weston Nurseries will reconvene on Tuesday at 7:00 pm in the Middle School Auditorium READ BALLOT and Presentations (Buy-it-all PowerPoint now online too) |
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A Fish Story
June 17, 2007 — Pedro Romero looks like he is in his native El Salvador, but instead is casting a net at the Hopkinton Reservoir today, while his family had an outing. He hit the mother lode as his net repeatedly found a school of perch, which one of the women in the family planned to clean and cook for a family meal. |
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No Vehicular Movement Editor,
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Three Simple Questions Dear Editor, |
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Sign Wars
June 17, 2007 — Christopher Barry, who resides with his family on Clinton Street across from the former Busconi Farm, which is the background for many Boulder ads, shows off a sign he designed for the benefit of his like-thinking friends. "We are a ragtag group of citizens operating hand to mouth. We seem to have resonated to all parts of the town," he said today in front of his home, as some people honked and a bicyclist gave a thumbs up. Boulder Capital has put up some very large signs. Scroll down or click here to see an unlikely "endorsement" from Saturday. |
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Where are the Warblers? Editor:
I was sad but not surprised by the Boston Globe article, “With development, common bird species are losing ground”. As a birder, I am acutely aware of the serious decline of many bird species. As a child I remember the familiar call of the Bobwhite in the brushy Cape Cod woods. Those brushy woods are mostly gone now, replaced with trophy homes and manicured lawns, and so too is the Bobwhite. Full Letter |
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Public Hearing, Part I
June 17, 2007 — Above are some clips from the Public Hearing last week. |
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Where is the Love? Dear Editor: |
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Liisa Urges "Yes" Vote Dear Editor: |
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Several Letters to the Editor have been received in the last few days while other issues captured the resources of HopNews. Those letters have finally been uploaded. Thank you, readers. My regrets that time constraints do not allow the luxury of a front page teaser for each. We'll keep the letters page open through election day and the Selectmen's meeting on Tuesday, unless we receive an unmanageable flood. For those writing, please don't send a letter that has been read into the record already. We can't guarantee that every letter will be put up, but we'll try. Please read the instructions on the Letters page and follow them. There is no word counter available at this moment, so some of the Letters may be edited down on Sunday. Remember, a short letter has a greater likelihood of being read. |
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Over the Line
June 16, 2007 — Matt Ely was the first man across the finish line this morning at the Sharon Timlin 5k race. |
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Timlin 5k race
June 16, 2007 — A few clips from today's Sharon Timlin event. |
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Sharon Timlin Race
June 16, 2007 — Mike Timlin signs an autograph this morning for a young fan following the Sharon Timlin 5k Race to cure ALS, so named for his mom, who died from the disease. |
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Special Olympics vs. Police
June 16, 2007 — Hopkinton Police as well as members of other departments, friends, and Special Olympics athletes pose before the start of their yearly baseball game at Laborer's Training Center in Hopkinton. At this writing, the final score is not known. |
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Governor Speaks to Leaders in Framingham
June 16, 2007 — Vice-Chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Mary Pratt appears to have a firm grip on Governor Duval Patrick at the Sheraton Tara after his address yesterday to the 495 Corridor Partnership, a mix of business and government leaders who target the 495 area for economic growth opportunities. See part I of his address. |
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June 16, 2007 — These historical Greek runners on Weston Nurseries' property appear to give testimony to a political event in Hopkinton, as emphasized on this super-sized sign that sprouted this morning secured on a telephone pole and guy wire. The photographer envisioned the possibility of the shot, and then found the position for the illusion. |
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Center School Field Day
June 16, 2007 — These Center School Students are having fun playing Sponge Relay Friday on the Hopkinton Common as part of their Field Day. |
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A Hopkins Tradition
June 16, 2007 — Two classes at Hopkins School took part in a play depicting Lewis and Cark Expedition on Friday. |
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Ride 'em Cowgirl
June 16, 2007 — Sophia Bodor, 6, is all smiles yesterday as Officer Stephen Buckley watches her run through the course during the Bicycle Rodeo at 52 South Street put on by Main Street Pediatrics |
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One Town Talk reader suggested, tongue firmly in cheek, that Hopkinton purchase abutting towns. Here is a reply from Town Talk poster, The Show.Problem with the purchase of abutting towns is that once we do, then we'll have to go get Framingham, Marlboro, Milford and Perhaps if Natick is available. The cost to demolish the larger buildings and reclaim the land as farm land will need to be picked up by the taxpayers. Then, add in the cost to truck in spotted turtles and salamanders in special truck that run on Belgian Endive, chain ourselves to trees will need to be figured in. Only problem is that it may take more time then the 120 day timeframe. Wait a minute, if we put it to town meeting and lose, we can just have the selectmen have another vote, and if that fails, the people whose cause fails, can hire attorneys and people as such, running the taxes up more to take it to court. I hope this is OK with the group of 18 year old kids that want the town to pick up the cost. |
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Selectmen Get Input on Weston Nurseries Land Sale Neighborhood well represented
Above, Roy MacDowell, President of Boulder Capital was the last speaker.
by Robert Falcione June 15, 2007 — After the pledge Of Allegiance at the opening of last night's Public Hearing on the Weston nurseries sale, Selectmen Chair Muriel Kramer said, "There are some who would rather stir the pot than heal the rift," setting the tone for an extremely civil evening on a very contentious subject: the sale of Weston Nurseries' land. Mrs. Kramer then began the meeting, which she said would reconvene again on Tuesday, the day after the Town Election, at 7:00 pm at the Middle School Auditorium. About 150 attendees had plenty of room to stretch in the Field House this evening, with the majority of the speakers, who stood in line for their turn to speak, favoring the town to exercise its 61a rights and purchase the land for $30-plus million, one of two questions on Monday's ballot. If the question to approve the debt exclusion at the ballot on Monday is over 50% in the affirmative, and the Selectmen vote to purchase on Tuesday, then the Selectmen can schedule another Special Town Meeting to try to get the funding. Last Monday's Special Town Meeting did not vote the necessary 2/3 affirmative votes, and the measure failed — but only by about 3 votes, depending upon the method of calculation. (Photo: While his mom, Kim, waits in line to speak, Jack Brennan uses his hands and ears to sense his sibling-to-be). And if the Selectmen vote to purchase, it appears the contract between Weston Nurseries and Boulder will be null and void immediately. Roger Mezitt, one of the two brothers who are the principal owners of the land, said he was watching on television when something that his nephew said at the hearing inspired him to come to speak at the Public Hearing, perhaps for the first time publicly on this subject. As part of his introduction, he said, "I used to be part of the Mezitt family," reflecting the drama that has simmered below the surface during the years-long process of the disclosure of the pending sale, and the study of its ramifications for the town. But following his turn at the microphone, he said outside in the hallway, "The contract that I have with Boulder — I plan to honor it if he is the buyer. I didn't state that when I was speaking, but I want to make it clear." President of Boulder Capital Roy MacDowell was the last person to speak. "If I lived in the neighborhood, I'd feel exactly the way you do," he said. "If you can afford to, then buy it — please, buy it. "But if we buy it we will work with you. We understand the concerns of the community," he said. EDITOR'S NOTE: This story is expected to be expanded and a video added later today. |
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NO JOKE ~ WIN $200.00. At some time during June, HopNews will have a message on the front page of one of our advertiser's web sites or webpages announcing that you have won $200. First at five minute intervals, then ten minutes, and so on. Just keep checking in with our advertisers by choosing their advertising icons, and when you see that declaration, be the first to email from here only. This contest will end by June 30 (Some restrictions will apply). |
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