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24 Main Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748 508.435.5534

The Metrowest Symphony Orchestra of Hopkinton and Maestro Walter Pavasaris present the

“Young Artist Family Concert”
featuring
Tyler Rand ~ Haydn Oboe Concerto in C - Jade Yang ~ Mozart Piano Concerto no.22
and
Enter Stage Left’s Student Actors in “Peter and the Wolf” Sunday, February 10, 2008
2:30 pm Instrument Petting Zoo ~ 3:00 PM Concert Hopkinton High School, 90 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton.
Join us for performances by our Young Artist Competition Winners. Also featured on our program are “Peter and the Wolf” with student actors from Enter Stage Left, and Young Musicians from Hopkinton and other MetroWest Schools.

Adults $20/ Children & Seniors $6 - Children 12 & under ~ Free
Tickets available at the door, or through our website,
or call 508-909-6270

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Hopkinton Artists Guild Being Formed

Group looking to expand membership

January 14, 2008 — The CAA is pleased to announce the formation of the Hopkinton Artists Guild. The new group will promote the interests of local visual artists by providing an educational, skill development, and social setting for its members through regular meetings at private homes, as well as at the CAA facilities. Its objective is to provide a high-quality art forum where members can share their interest in the visual arts in a comprehensive way so they can grow as individual contributors. A founding meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 8:00 PM at the home of William Moser (File photo) at 4 Wescott Drive in Hopkinton.

To set the tone for future meetings, sculptor Michael Alfano will share his expertise in clay modeling. The group will exchange some ideas in a social setting and decide on future directions for the Artists Guild. Artists interested in attending should call Bill Moser at (508) 435-5773 or send an email to wmoser@wpi.edu .

Standing Tall

January 14, 2008 — Tall, snow-covered, drooping evergreens stood sentinel in front of the empty Middle and High Schools this morning, after an evening of intense snowfall.

Anachronism

January 14, 2008 — The steamroller next to the Highway Department on Wood Street doesn't get much notice during the regular season. Above, a sepia tone lends some warmth to what is mostly a gray scale scene, fortifying a sense of the past.

Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton, Massachusetts *Compiled by Eric Montville for HopNews.com, January 14, 2008*
Address	Buyer	Price	Date	Seller
6 Auciello Drive	Tommy J. Paparazzo & Rita A. Paparazzo	$465,000	Jan. 11, 2008	Neal F. Dempsey Marianne Dempsey
25 & 45 South Street	25-45 South LLC	$10,950,000	Jan. 09, 2008	KSKIM Hopkinton Equity Partners LLC
Previous update:
6 Deneen Road	Yury D. Levin & Anna Simanowski	$610,000	Jan. 03, 2008	Gerald Hebert
11 Pendulum Pass	John Herrera	$850,000	Jan. 03, 2008	Donald F. Hart, Jr. & Isabel P. Hart
See Full List back to February 1, 2007 Link above is renewed each week

Today, January 14, 2008

5:20 pm A caller reported that a motor vehicle hit a deer on Chestnut Street. Deer leaves scene...

2:59 am A caller from Wood Street reported that her neighbors were having a hot tub party...

12:35 pm A caller reported that a motor vehicle hit a turkey on East Main Street...

7:03 pm The Southborough Police Department requested that the Hopkinton Animal Control Officer investigate an on going barking dog complaint...

Choose the title link to see the complete report.

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Town Hall is closed today, January 14, 2008.

Presumably, evening meetings are cancelled.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S DAFFODIL DAYS®
Deadline to place orders is Monday, March 3

Celebrate the arrival of spring and help bring hope to cancer patients in your community by purchasing bright, beautiful daffodils during the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days®. Orders must be placed by Monday, March 3. Dollars raised will support the Society's programs of cancer research, education, advocacy, and service. To order your bouquet of daffodils or for more information about the campaign in your community, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/docroot/par/PAR_4_Daffodil_Days.asp .

<-Snow Plowing->

Fatal Pedestrian Crash on Route 128 South in Weston

Holliston Driver exits vehicle and gets struck

January 14, 2008 — Yesterday at approximately 5:50 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Framingham Barracks responded to a fatal pedestrian crash on Route 128 South beyond Route 20 (exit 26) in the Town of Weston that resulted in one fatality.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper John Nutter indicates that 44-year-old Robert Turcotte of Holliston was operating a 2003 Dodge Durango on Route 128 South in Weston when he brought his vehicle to a stop in the breakdown lane. After bringing the Dodge to a stop in the breakdown lane, the operator exited the vehicle and was struck while standing in the vicinity of the white fog line separating the breakdown lane and the right travel lane by a 2002 Kenworth tractor trailer unit operated by 55-year-old James Glovacki of Greenfield. The operator of the Dodge suffered serious injuries in the crash and was declared deceased at the scene. Glovacki was uninjured in the crash. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending proper family notification.

Google from HopNews Anytime

Our Google page has been a part of HopNews since the early days, and now it works better than ever. Please choose to Google past HopNews stories — or anything else for that matter — from the orange button, always on the top of the page. Below is representative of that page. Try it out!

Planning Board to Discuss Hayward Street

January 14, 2008 — One of the Planning Board agenda items set for discussion tonight at 7:30 p.m. is the proposed change in zoning for a parcel of land on Hayward Street adjacent to the restaurant, bank and coffee shop strip mall at the corner of Hayward and South Streets. Previous story.

The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association is expected to rally some members to forestall what Chairman of the Zoning Advisory Committee, Ken Weismantel described as "zoning creep."

Senator Karen Spilka Appointed to Senate Committee on Ways and Means,

Named Vice Chair of Ethics and Rules

January 14, 2008- Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday. She was also named the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules.

Her appointment to the powerful Senate Ways and Means committee by Senate President Therese Murray-herself once chair of the committee-establishes Senator Spilka as an important force in helping to shape fiscal policy for the Commonwealth. Ways and Means is the committee through which the finances of the state are considered and distributed.

Senator Spilka will draw on her extensive experience as an attorney and mediator as the new Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Rules. In this role, she will help the committee to consider all violations of rules and any question of conduct of Senators and employees of the Senate. The committee is also authorized to recommend policy procedures for the Senate and recommend rules changes for matters requiring the expeditious action by the Senate.

Senator Spilka was named the first Senate Chair of the newly created Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities upon her election to the Senate in 2005. She also currently serves on the Committees on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Education, Healthcare Financing and Higher Education, and is the Vice Chair of Election Laws.

First elected to the House of Representatives in a special election in the fall of 2001, Senator Spilka served three years in the House before her election to the Senate. She was officially sworn in as the State Senator for the 2nd Middlesex and Norfolk district in January 2005.

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Miner Wesley Shepard, "Shep", 83

Miner Wesley Shepard, "Shep", 83, of Hopkinton, died Saturday, January 12, 2008 at his home in Douglas. Shep passed peacefully, surrounded by his family, with the same quiet confidence with which he met every new adventure. He was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary (Lavin), to whom he was married 56 years. Born March 8, 1924 he was raised in Framingham, the son of the late Roy and Edith (Wood) Shepard.

A Navy veteran of WWII, he served his country proudly as a pharmacist mate, second class, aboard the battleship, USS Washington, in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Arrangements Complete

Annie Jr.'s a Hit!

January 14, 2008 — The youngest of ESL's performers began the show with a song and dance number to a packed middle School Auditorium at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Annie Jr. plays next on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Check our Calendar for more details.

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Balancing Act

January 14, 2008 — The Hiller Cheerleaders showed off their style at Friday night's basketball game.

Balancing Act

January 14, 2008 — Chris Mulvey enjoyed the low water level at Hopkinton State Park on Saturday that allowed him to traverse a rocky terrain where there would not be one ordinarily.

The Good, the Better, and the Best

In case you missed last summer's presentation video of Hopkinton, check it out above. See the homes, the land and the people. Realtors: This could be a good link, as well as the HopNews site itself, to show to people who are thinking of relocating to Hopkinton.

NOTE: You may need to click twice and be patient.

Hopkinton Democrats are Called to Caucus to elect delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic State Convention.

The caucus will be held on Saturday, February 2 from 10AM to 12noon at the Fire Station.

All Hopkinton registered Democrats are eligible to attend, vote, and / or run to become a member of Hopkinton's delegation to the state convention.

For any questions please call Ed Mills at 508-435-5864 or Dick Duggan at 508-435-4007.

Justice and Crime, Middlesex County

Authorities Conducting Homicide Investigation Into Lowell Stabbing

LOWELL – January 12, 2008 — Lowell Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office are conducting a homicide investigation into a stabbing incident that occurred last evening in Lowell, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and Lowell Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee announced today.

According to authorities, at approximately 8:03 p.m., Lowell Police responded to 147 Dalton Avenue for reports of an alleged stabbing. When officers arrived, they found the victim bleeding and suffering from apparent stab wounds. READ MORE, PLUS OTHER CRIME

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Miner Wesley Shepard, 83

Miner Wesley Shepard, 83, of Hopkinton died Saturday, January 12, 2008. He was the husband of the late Rosemary C. (Lavin) Shepard. Arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Hopkinton.

Overflow

January 12, 2008 — The overflow at the Lake Whitehall Dam was moving rapidly as a result of the recent snow and rain. A slow shutter speed (1/15 sec.) turns the falling water into strands, and the resulting foam into cottony fluff.

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The Perfect Dress

January 12, 2008 — Sue Keefe shows some dresses to her daughter, Rachel, 7, at the High School Cafeteria at the close of Saturday's Perfect Dress event, where over 200 of 460 dresses were sold, according to co-organizer, Jane Wojcik, the proceeds of which benefit the HPTA. The dress sizes were for women and young women.

Farewell

January 12, 2008 — Fr. Paul Clifford waits at the entrance of St. John the Evangelist Church this morning for the approaching funeral processional of longtime parish member Ann Stadum, while a bagpiper pays his musical respects.

Balloon Test

January 12, 2008 — T-Mobile/Omnipoint Communications conducted a balloon test at 72 North Mill Street, where they would like to construct a cell tower to house multiple antennas in a residential neighborhood. There will be a continued Public Hearing by the Board of Appeals on Wednesday, January 30,2008 at 7:30 PM in the Hopkinton High School, Auditorium, 90 Hayden Rowe Street, Hopkinton, MA. At the previous Public Hearing, about 85 abutters and others attended primarily to voice opposition to the proposal. Above, the tethered balloon floats above the proposed location as seen from the driveway next door 68 North Mill Street.

Bellingham Woman, 2 Children Killed Crossing Route 495 North in Lowell

Correction

On Friday, January 11, 2008 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Troopers assigned to the State Police Andover Barracks responded to a fatal pedestrian crash on Route 495 North prior to Woburn Street (exit 37) in the City of Lowell that resulted in three fatalities.

Preliminary investigation by Trooper Christopher Nicolosi indicates that 39-year-old Marcelle Thibault of Bellingham was operating a 2003 Lincoln sedan southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 495 in the City of Lowell when she exited the roadway and came to a stop on the grass off to the right side of Route 495 North. After bringing the Lincoln to a stop on the grassy shoulder, Thibault exited the vehicle with a 4-year-old male juvenile and a 5-year-old female juvenile. After exiting the vehicle with the juveniles, Thibault and both juveniles were struck in the right or middle lane of Route 495 North by a 1998 Buick sedan operated by 47 year-old Jennifer Jolly of Lowell, and then struck again in the left lane of Route 495 North by a 1996 Saturn station wagon operated by 43-year-old James Scammon of Portsmouth, NH. Both Jolly and Scammon were wearing their safety belts and were not injured in the crash. Thibault sustained serious injuries in the crash and was transported by ambulance to Holy Family Hospital in Methuen and later transported by ambulance to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, where she was pronounced deceased. The 4-year-old male juvenile and the 5-year-old female juvenile both suffered serious injuries in the crash and were transported by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital where they were both pronounced deceased. The names of the two juveniles are being withheld due to their age.

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Hopkinton Falls to Norton 75-60

January 12, 2008 — It looks like Kevin Cassata beat the Norton player to the rebound at the Athletic Center last evening.

High School Students Only

January 12, 2008 — Above, Margie Grabmeier plays to a good-size gathering of her peers in the basement of Town Hall on Friday night at the Acoustic Coffeehouse sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, the Youth Commission, and the BeFree Project.

Hopkinton Medical Reserve Report for 2007

January 11, 2008 —The Hopkinton MRC Executive committee is so thankful for the hard work all the Hopkinton volunteers contributed to the success of our local community Medical Reserve Corps. In 2007 we recruited more than 75 volunteers, developed a strong Executive Committee and achieved a variety of tasks. Some of our accomplishments throughout 2007 included:

Coordination with the Police and Fire Departments to develop a plan that will utilize MRC volunteers in emergency situations.
Permission to use Hopkinton’s Reverse 911 system to notify our volunteers in an emergency situation
Identified the locations of all Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) in public buildings
Coordination with the Animal Control Officer to identify the emergency needs of pets and other domestic animals
Worked with the First Congregational Church to include an MRC flyer in their community outreach program and presented Family Preparedness
Staffed a table at the Community Wellness Day at the High School, distributing information on Family Preparedness and the role of the MRC

In September we tested a Drive-Through Emergency Dispensing Site (EDS). The drill was the first in the Commonwealth to achieve Homeland Security standards. During that drill we processed 188 cars with approximately 300 citizens and learned a great deal about how we will respond in the event of a real Pandemic. Finally, in November and December, MRC volunteers staffed three Flu Clinics held at the Senior Center, dispensing more than 250 vaccines.

Our goals for 2008 will be to set up sub-committee for:

Pets, Public Relations and partnerships, ISCU and triage sites, special populations, Communications and Public Safety
Integrating the MRC into the Local Emergency Plans
Training and Strengthening our MRC volunteers to better serve the citizen of Hopkinton in the event of a disaster.

Thanks for your support, Hopkinton’s MRC volunteers dedicated 800 “working” hours to planning and training to protect the health of the citizens of Hopkinton.

Sincerely,
Hopkinton MRC Executive Committee: Liisa Jackson Pam McPherson, Valerie Whitehouse, Christine Clifford, Richard Whitehouse, Cheryl Kelly, Susan Kondik

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WE PRINTED THE INCORRECT TIME FOR SATURDAY NIGHT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE NEWSLETTER. THE CORRECT TIMES AND DATES ARE:

SATURDAY JANUARY 12th at 7pm

SUNDAY JANUARY 13th at 2pm (Backstage Passes still available!)

FRIDAY JANUARY 18th 7pm

SATURDAY JANUARY 19th 7pm

Hopkinton Middle School

Hopkinton, MA 01748

SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

~ESL

POLL RESULTS

January 11, 2008 — The poll on the far left was completed on December 27, 2007. During that poll, Romney's numbers surged, and the total of votes cast was higher than normal for a day of a lower than normal readership.

Today's poll, on the near left, shows McCain, Clinton and Romney in a dead heat during a 14-hour polling period that shows a total of votes that would be representative of today's number of readers, and the percentage that would vote.

And all things being equal, it lends credibility to the previous HopNews theory that the first poll was tampered with by a Romney supporter. It doesn't take much to tamper with the poll: A little computer/internet knowledge, some time on your hands, and a lack of integrity.

We'll see how HopNews readers stack up against the rest of the state on primary day.

State Police Nab 375 For OUI in December

Promise extra patrols during football playoffs

January 11, 2008 — The Massachusetts State Police and local police will conduct sobriety checkpoints as well as dedicated patrols to combat drunk driving this weekend as the New England Patriots host a playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The checkpoints will be conducted during the evening hours of January 11th and January 12th.

“The sobriety checkpoints and related patrols planned for this playoff weekend show our ongoing commitment to protect the public from those who make the serious mistake of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs,” stated Massachusetts State Police Colonel Mark Delaney. “Sports fans need to support their teams in a responsible manner and that means doing an end-run around drunk driving.”

On average there are 300 people arrested for impaired driving each week in Massachusetts. During the month of December the State Police arrested 375 people for drunk driving.

“Everyone needs to come together to ensure Massachusetts roads are as safe as possible during this playoff weekend,” said Sheila Burgess, Director of Highway Safety for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. “The sobriety checkpoints and supporting patrols this weekend are part of our year-round effort to educate motorists about the consequences and dangers of impaired driving.”

Hopkinton Athletic Association Has Boston Marathon Bibs Available

January 11, 2008 — The Hopkinton Athletic Association (HAA) has several invitational numbers available for runners who are interested in running the Boston Marathon. Accepted runners must raise a minimum of $2,250, which is used to support multi-generational health and fitness oriented programs in Hopkinton and the Metrowest area.

The non-profit HAA has awarded grants to a variety of organizations, including the Hopkinton Senior Center, the Girl Scouts, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association, the Hopkinton Education Foundation, several youth sports programs, and the Hopkinton Special Olympics, who received a multi-year commitment enabling them to offer new athletic/fitness programs to athletes in Hopkinton and other Metrowest communities.

A recent initiative by the HAA raised money to help pay for a new van for Dick and Rick Hoyt, the iconic father-son team who have run the Boston Marathon 25 times. The HAA is also a major sponsor of the Sharon Timlin Memorial 5K Road Race to Cure ALS, recently announcing a donation of $5,000 to the race's beneficiary,

The Angel Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for ALS. In addition to receiving an official invitational bib number from the Boston Athletic Association, runners are provided myriad benefits, including training and coaching from experienced marathoners, access to weekly training runs offered by the Hopkinton Running Club, an indoor location to relax and warm-up on the morning of the Marathon, a "Team Hopkinton" singlet, and an opportunity to meet with elite, Kenyan runners at their annual visit to Elmwood School several days prior to the race. Interested parties should contact Stephanie Whelan at stephaniewhelan@msn.com as soon as possible.

FILE PHOTO

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Solar on the Move

January 10, 2008 — Local residents Paul & Carol Ratcliff, of 24 West Main Street have become another of Hopkinton residents to make a move toward reducing their carbon-footprint, investing in their energy independence, while reducing their draw from the electricity grid by installing a solar-electric photovoltaic (PV) system on the roof of their house.

Another resident resident to take advantage of this technology is Matt Arner [See Previous HopNews.TV Broadband Video], founder of SolarFlair Inc. of Hopkinton, who is also the Ratcliffs' solar engineer of record and contractor for the project.

Thomas A. Dawson, local green designer and registered architect, who plans to join them really soon, connected the two parties nearly a year ago during the initial planning and feasibility stages. Matt and Tom offer the first visit, analysis, and feasibility study free of charge.

Ratcliff Residence Solar Electric Installation:
-provides 80% of their annual electricity
-this system frees the homeowner from the burden of rising energy costs
-homeowner captured rebates and tax credits of $9000 to make the system affordable
-system pays for itself in 6 years and the life of the system is 30 years
-spins electric meter backwards during the day giving the homeowner credit for the electricity produced

NOTE: Check out Jim Bures' HopNews story this weekend on alternative energy.

Hopkinton Company Reports $39.5 million Q4 2007 Revenue

Caliper Life Sciences to Present at JPMorgan 26th Annual Healthcare Conference Today

January 10, 2008 -- Caliper Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALP) President and CEO, Kevin Hrusovsky, will present at the JPMorgan 26th Annual Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, California, today, Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. PST. Mr. Hrusovsky will discuss Caliper’s outlook for 2008, and the company's preliminary expectations regarding top-level revenue performance for 2007. Based on preliminary, unaudited financial data the company expects to report total revenue of approximately $39.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2007 and approximately $140 million for the full year, in each case at the top end of the company’s previously announced projections. Within fourth quarter revenue of approximately $39.5 million, combined product and service revenue is expected to be approximately $37 million, an increase of 16% over fourth quarter 2006 combined product and service revenue.
A live webcast of Mr. Hrusovsky’s presentation can be accessed at HERE. An archived presentation will be available for 90 days.

POLITICAL NOTICE
HOPKINTON TOWN CLERK
Presidential Primary, Feb. 5, 2008
Last day to register is Jan. 16th Office hours Jan 16th will be 8 am – 8 pm
Please contact the Town Clerk For Absentee Ballots

FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD FOOD

Board of Appeals Throws out Planning Board

Approval of Hopkinton Village Center

"I believe the Planning Board has exceeded their authority"

~ Wayne Davies

by Robert Falcione

January 10, 2008 — On November 21, 2007, abutter John Forster, owner of 43-45 Main Street, and partner David Phillips, owner of the Hopkinton Gourmet filed an appeal of the October 29, 2007 Planning Board's approval of Hopkinton Village Center, a mixed use, 42,000 square foot building planned by developer Ron Roux (Bottom photo, left) for construction on land behind 25 and 35 Main Street.

The men had argued that a municipal parking space in front of the Gourmet could be saved with a different driveway configuration into the proposed development. Their Appeal states that they were looking for a "fair and true" hearing, which Board of Appeals member Wayne Davies said meant that they believed they did not get one.

At the Board of Appeals meeting on Wednesday, Mr. Davies read a prepared two-page motion arguing to send the matter to Town Counsel before voting.

He said, "The Planning Board came to the Board of Appeals on December 20 without its file. It did not bring a copy of the site plan. The representative of the Planning Board [member Ken Weismantel, photo, right] refused to answer questions, calling such inquiries 'ridiculous'."

Mr. Davies presented the argument that there were conditions and modifications in the Planning Board's Decision that called for the applicant to return after completing them, and that there would be no further Public Hearing with input from abutters and others on the newly revised plan. He also said it was in the best interest of the applicant to have a final plan approved and on file with the Town Clerk, "and be done with it." He said the Planning Board exceeded their authority, and added that the Board of Appeals had closed the Public Hearing prematurely.

Some Board of Appeals members argued that they only had to look at the issues raised by the appellants, and not review the entire plan.

"The issue presented by Mr. Forster was specific to the entrance," said Chairman Robert Foster.

But Mr. Davies, who is an attorney, said, "Our authority is not narrow."

"But this Board could choose to limit it to that issue," replied Mr. Foster.

"The Board of Appeals," said Mr. Davies, "upholds the Decision and if there is something wrong..." Mr. Davies went on to give hypothetical examples of finding something wrong that had not been complained about by an appellant.

Mr. Davies claimed that the Board of Appeals holds all of the authority of the body being appealed, whether or not it is the Zoning Enforcement Officer or the Planning Board, and he cited State Law to back up his claim.

Member Rory Warren argued against sending the matter to Town Counsel, saying that the Town Counsel would tell them to send it back to the Planning Board, but after paying him a thousand dollars.

"Let's skip that step," he said.

Mr. Davies moved to send the Decision back to the Planning Board, in effect vacating the Decision; and the Board agreed unanimously.

"What does this do for the appellant [Forster and Phillips]?" asked Mr. Roux.

"He loses," answered Mr. Davies.

Either Mr. Roux or Mr. Forster could appeal this Board of Appeals Decision to Court.

After the meeting, Mr. Weismantel said that the matter would have to go back before the Planning Board again, and go through the process of meetings and a Public Hearing, and that the result of any new Decision could also be appealed.

Warm Coat

January 10, 2008 — This sheep, as well as the rest of the flock, bleated at the photographer, hoping for some food yesterday on Pond Street.

Planning Board Nixes Developer Mitigation Bylaw

"We should have a bylaw, rather than wrestle with every developer" ~ Chris Barry

January 10, 2008 — On Monday, the Planning Board took up the issue of supporting a mitigation bylaw to automatically gain stated concessions from developers who plant their flag in Hopkinton. Some towns call it a developer impact fee, which can be assessed for an increase in schoolchildren, or for the need for added traffic signals, or other impacts a developer may have.

In her memo to the Board, Town Planning Director Elaine Lazarus advised that "the Town should expect/require during an approval process that a new development mitigate the impacts they will create. What is not allowed is the requirement of the payment of money, donation of land, athletic fields, etc. that is unrelated to the particular development's impacts." The Planning Board often looks at the impact a development will have on the surrounding neighborhood, or the infrastructure itself.

"When Ron Clark was on the Planning Board," said member Sandy Altamura, "every developer put in an athletic field."

"We have control over the process," said Vice-Chairman RJ Dourney. "I am not in support of a warrant Article championed by the Planning Board regarding mitigation."

"If we don't need a bylaw, I don't want that battle on Town Meeting floor," said Mrs. Altamura.

Mrs. Lazarus conceded that the Board has authority to require mitigation already.

"Ninety percent [of the problems] is traffic," said Mr. Dourney.

"I am very encouraged by this conversation, said Steven Zieff, Project Manager for Legacy Farms. "Most developers who want to be around for a while would be open to this discussion."

Legacy Farms abutter, Chris Barry said, "As a taxpayer, a lack of mitigation comes out of my wallet. At some point, the Town is going to collapse in on itself. We are counting on the Planning Board. We should have a bylaw rather than wrestle with every developer."

Another Legacy Farms abutter, Jane Moran brought up bylaws in Framingham and Wayland, and told the Board it needed backbone.

"The Board has backbone," Mrs. Lazarus shot back.

"I've seen a weakness on the Planning Board...not to hold strong, and not to ask for the top dollar," Mrs. Moran said.

The board decided not to support a mitigation bylaw.