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Town Meeting Chooses "Lesser of Two Evils"

May 8, 2014 — Planning Board Chairman Ken Weismantel informed Town Meeting on its third evening, that Article 34 would create a Neighborhood Mixed Use District and add a Master Planning process to 98 acres of property off of Lumber Street owned by local entrepreneur Paul Mastroianni that is already approved by the state for 250 apartments as  a 40B development.
       Chapter 40B of Massachusetts General Laws, explained Town Counsel Ray Miyares later in the discussion, is an affordable housing initiative that gives a developer the right to bypass local zoning and apply for a comprehensive permit from the Board of Appeals for waivers of most town zoning laws if he can prove that compliance would result in a project that is not economically feasible. Mr. Weismantel held up several pages of waivers that he said were each on one line. A town that has 10% or more of its housing stock deemed "affordable" does not have to  comply with the 40B initiative. Hopkinton's is less than 10%.

         Although the Planning Board voted to endorse the proposal, the Board of Selectmen did not, because negotiations for a Host Community Agreement, said Chairman John Mosher, got hung up on issues dealing with water. A Town Meeting participant asked if the town was obligated to provide water.

          "It is a conclusion we can draw from previous experience," answered Mr. Miyares.

         A Host Community Agreement is negotiated between a town and a developer to devise a mitigation process to relieve impacts from a development. It was an HCA amendment for Legacy farms that had been rejected by voters at the close of business the evening before.

         The Lumber Street property, which had been under agreement for $12 million a few years ago with Erickson Retirement Communities, is saturated with wetlands, and will need a bridge to reach the housing component. Erickson spent, they said, $1million in engineering, and decided they could not build the cookie-cutter community they envisioned, backing out of the deal after about a year. They had been in discussions with Milford Water Company to take water from the site and resell it.

          The project could possibly include a bubble-type sports facility as well as retail shops on property that is contiguous to the property at 77 West Main Street, which Mr. Mastroianni purchased and improved several years ago. That component would not be part of a 40B and would need separate approval processes.

          On the evening before, Town Meeting adjourned after rejecting a change that would have allowed an additional 200 units of senior housing from Legacy Farms in trade for losing 200,000 square feet of commercial development. But unlike Wednesday's vote, which began the reconvened meeting, there were no stated consequences in rejecting the proposal.

           Rejecting the NMU, voters were told, would result in a project built without much input from the town.

           "If you want control, stand up and vote for this article tonight," said Jeff Doherty (Photo, above). The NMU District allows 280 apartments, rather than the 250 already approved. 

           "This is the last chance to affect the housing component," said Mr. Weismantel. 

           Town Meeting members, 156 of them, voted 137 to 19 in favor of the Article.

            Permitting for the project is expected to begin soon. 

            "It is the lesser of two evils," said an individual on the way out.

 

 Above, an overhead outline of housing on the right, commercial on the left; and below, a conceptual rendering  of a building in the commercial area.

 

YOUR HOME
 

Alleged Driver


May 8, 2014 — The woman on one foot is alleged to have crashed the damaged vehicle to her left into a telephone pole. Following field sobriety tests administered by Hopkinton Police Officer Matthew McNeil, she was taken into custody.
W E L L N E S S
Hopkinton 18, Dover-Sherborn 4


May 7, 2014 — Despite the late throw above, the outcome of the game against Dover-Sherborn Wednesday was more like a football score, 18-4 favoring the Hillers.
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Vinny's Pizza

May 7, 2014 — Workers at Vinny's Pizza, at the location of the former Mangia Pizzeria at 30 Main Street, put up banners announcing their soft opening yesterday.  They said they are ready for pick up or delivery.

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  Police Incident & Arrest Log - Updated May 7, 2014

 

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Arrest Log

Monday, May 5, 2014

11:15 pm Sgt. Michael Sutton arrested Vincenzo Dicenso, 57, of Harrison Street, Framingham for Violation of Abuse Prevention Order.

Incident Log

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

10:47 pm Officer Matthew McNeil checked and spoke with the operator of a motor vehicle on Main Street.

10:26 pm Officer William Burchard checked and spoke with the operator of a motor vehicle on West Main Street.

7:58 pm A caller from Grandview Drive reported a fight between some workers. Two officers responded and wrote a report.

7:24 pm A caller reported that a man was pulling large metal objects out of the woods on Saddle Hill Road. Officer William Burchard spoke with the individual who was removing scrap metal from the woods.

4:40 pm Officer William Burchard assisted a disabled motor vehicle on East Main Street.

2:19 pm Officer Stephen Buckley assisted with a minor motor vehicle accident without personal injury on Grove Street.

12:45 pm A resident of Forest Lane reported that his dog walker just called him and stated that his dog was attacked by an unleashed dog from the complex. A message was left with the Animal Control Officer.

12:20 pm A caller reported a motor vehicle accident without personal injury on West Main Street. Two officers responded and wrote a report.

12:15 pm Officer Philip Powers wrote a report a vandalism to a motor vehicle on Hayden Rowe Street.

Monday, May 5, 2014

8:56 pm Officer Aaron O'Neil checked a parked motor vehicle on Fruit Street.

8:07 pm A caller reported suspicious luggage unattended on the side of Hayden Rowe Street. Officer William Burchard responded and advised that it was a discarded old piece of luggage.

7:22 pm Officer William Burchard assisted the Ashland Police Department with opening the main gate to the State Park.

6:00 pm Officer William Burchard assisted with community relations on Hayden Rowe Street.

4:33 pm Officer William Burchard assisted a disabled motor vehicle on West Main Street.

2:30 pm An employee of a West Main Street business spoke with Officer Patrick O'Brien regarding larceny.

1:48 pm A detail officer received a report of an older man and woman who fell down on Maple Street. Officer Patrick O'Brien checked the area but was unable to locate anyone.

1:35 pm Three officers assisted the Fire Department with a chimney fire on Alprilla Farm Road.

1:14 pm A passing motorist reported that a tree crew was working on Winter Street without a detail officer. Officer Stephen Buckley responded to assist.

11:26 am A resident reported seeing the same silver mini-van yesterday and today driving up and down Saddle Hill Road several times. Officer Patrick O'Brien located the van and spoke with the operator who was an employee of a telephone company and was collecting cell tower reception data.

6:57 am A caller reported a loose horse on Pond Street. The Animal Control Officer checked the area with a negative find.

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Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton and Surrounding Towns

Compiled for HopNews.com © 2014 All Rights Reserved
New Transactions from April 28, 2014 - May 7, 2014
Click on blue links to see Town's property card w/photo
Address
Buyer
Price
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
110 Hayden Rowe Street Charles W Penfield, Noelle Wehle $887,786 May 5, 2014 Brian Cheever Trust Brian Gassett Trust Summit Realty Trust
19 Frostpane Lane, Unit 61 APETATO FRANCISCO G JARDIM FERREIRA DO ROSARIO, RAKHIMZHANOVA ASSEL $509,175 May 5, 2014 Pulte Homes of New England LLC
8 Amherst Road Katherine Catalano, Christopher Catalano $302,000 May 5, 2014 Michael Colgan, Lisa Colgan
9 West Elm Street Kimngoc Nyguyen $375,900 May 2, 2014 Evan Gallagher
3 Nebraska Street Louis C Papoadellis, Laura J Papadellis $345,900 May 1, 2014 Karen McNemar, VirginiaCallander Est.
6 Jamie Lane Jill Dellorco $550,000 April 30, 2014 Louis C Papoadellis, Laura J Papadellis
10 Duffield Road Patricia Rackauskis $196,000 April 29, 2014 Richard W. Norton, Sharon A Norton
Ashland
220 America Boulevard unit 58D Sucharita Kunnathur Venkateswaran, Kumar
Veerunaidu Subbiah
$359,000 May 5, 2014 Independence Village Realty LLC
High Street Steven A. Hickey, Cross Street Realty Trust $390,000 May 2, 2014 David G. Rosenblum, Nancy L. Rosenblum
221 America Boulevard, unit B Andrew Sonnenburg, Megan Sonnenburg $345,000 May 1, 2014 Linda M. Caines
Whittemore Drive Metrowest Holdings LLC $950,000 May 1, 2014 Roberta J. Heider, Eugene E. Craford, Crawaford
Realty Trust
33 West Union Street Skipton Pet Lodge LLC $490,000 April 30, 2014 Alan R. Ouellette, June Ouellette
55 Haven Way unit 29 Kevin M. Barry, Decew Residence Trust $392,000 April 30, 2014 Geraldine Velsmid
43 Leland Farm Road unit A Casey P. Brown, Laura A. Keister $223,000 April 30, 2014 Margaret J. Daly, Margaret D. Cormier
Irrevocable Trust
46 Carriage House Path Nan Ma, Xiaoshu $365,000 April 29, 2014 Barryn R. Carlton, Nina J. Carlton
48 Algonquin Trail unit C Venkata S. Vundamati $295,000 April 29, 2014 Sandra E. Roberts
235 Leland Farm Road unit B Kristen M. Stoddard $239,000 April 28, 2014 Leonid Tsiperfal, Dina Tsiperfal
355 Captain Eames Circle unit A   $282,000 April 28, 2014 Zhijian Tang, Huimei Wang
Southborough
36 Fisher Road Paul Munchmeyer, Amy Rowe $375,000 May 7, 2014 Christopher E. Ormonde
41 Oak Hill Road Matthew A. Naimoli, Jeannette B. Naimoli $822,500 May 2, 2014 Pamela H. Kemper, Timothy W. Kemper
107 Main Street Douglas A. Creager, Kate L. Constantino $799,000 April 30, 2014 Edward G. Pisinski, Nina O'Reilly Pisinski
12 Woodbury Road Ellen M. Moorehead $449,000 April 30, 2014 Jason B. Austin, Monica M. Austin
192 Parkerville Road Deirdre A. Hatfield, Tyler K. Peters $395,000 April 30, 2014 Susan L. Semedo, Susan Semedo
8 Rock Point Road Gregory L. Dewitt, Ann-Marie Dewitt $360,000 April 30, 2014 Christine A. Lambert, Donald L. Lambert
7 Foxhill Drive Haroon R. Hashmi, Mariam N. Hashmi $1,184,050 April 30, 2014 Bartolini Builders Inc.
Deerfoot Road Old Iron LLC $500,000 April 30, 2014 Oak Hill Construction Inc.
Upton
No New Transactions        

 

Town Meeting Denies Legacy Farms Change in Host Community Agreement
Would have added 1.6 Million in positive revenue

Above, Planning Board Chair Ken Weismantel, ZAC Chair John Coutinho and Legacy President Roy MacDowell listen to a voter.

By Robert Falcione

May 7, 2014 — At a less well attended reconvened Town Meeting Tuesday evening, voters denied Legacy Farms a change in their Host Community Agreement with the town that purportedly would have swapped 200,000 square feet of proposed commercial development that was approved in the original agreement, for 200 senior living units. The change was supported and unanimously endorsed by both the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board.

        An apparently slow market in commercial growth led to the need for the change over to senior housing, a growing market, that Town Meeting members were told would result in a net revenue of $1.65 million per year upon completion, in addition to mitigation costs of three $120,000 payments during the life of the project. The agreement also would have decreased the amount of single family homes from 50 to 15, and allow 35 units on commonly held land instead.

        "Retailers say that when they see more rooftops, they'll be coming," said Legacy Farms President Roy MacDowell.

       The voice vote, which then required a standing count was 61 yes and 107 no. To pass, it needed a 2/3 majority in favor.

     Town Meeting continues  May 7, 2014.

       More on Town Meeting later.
     Below, grandstanding Frankland Road resident Harold Schmidt, engaging in a bit of chicanery, insisted that he needed to point to something on the map to make his point, used the time to discuss water leaving the hillside and onto the street that he lives on.

      "When I spoke with Mr. MacDowell about the problem, he said if I asked him at Town Meeting, he would talk to me about it," he said to laughter.

YOUR HOME
 

Endorsement for Frank Sivo

Editor:

Frank Sivo and I worked together on the Criteria Working Group a few years ago.   The group was set up to help determine potential future needs for the Town of Hopkinton School System.  I enjoyed working with Frank and I found many qualities in him that I felt made him a very good manager, leader, and decision maker.

I found him to be very objective and he looked at both sides of the issue prior to making any determination of what his position was.   He was a volunteer who was committed to the cause and the outcome. 

 

I know Frank has four children that are in the Hopkinton School system and he has a sincere commitment to being a major contributor to the future of Hopkinton schools.   I found Frank to be intelligent and very methodical in his thinking and decision making process. 

Frank comes to his conclusions based upon the facts presented to him.  If he does not have the fact, he finds them.  Frank looks at the total picture, not just one individual aspect of a problem. 

 

I would want to have Frank working alongside me in making decisions that were critical to my success.

 

I strongly endorse Frank Sivo for school Committee. 

 

Ben Chirco

147 Lumber Street

May 6, 2014

Personal Services 
    
  
See Mikey Really Close Up

Mike Mullins of the Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center of Hopkinton was invited recently to sing the national anthem at Fenway Park. We presented a
video received from a reader, but the professional one below was generated by the Respite Center itself. See Mike Mullins close up at Fenway!

Mike Mullins National Anthem Performance from Alex Dunn on Vimeo.

 
W E L L N E S S
Last Minute Development on Article 33
Change in Legacy Farms adds $1.65 million to town's coffers


by Robert Falcione

May 6, 2014 — Article 33 of the Town Meeting warrant, which seeks to amend the Host Community Agreement between the Town of Hopkinton and Legacy Farms, LLC, has itself been amended to allow a Senior Housing component on the Wilson Street, the northern end of the property, in trade for 200,000 square feet of commercial development that had been slated for that land. In previous discussions, as recently as last Tuesday's selectmen's meeting, the parties had agreed, at the request of the town, to keep the 200k of commercial. But last night before Town Meeting, the Selectmen voted 4-0 for a change that looked a little like a previous version of the agreement.

         The amendment to the amendment again reduces the total of commercial development at Legacy Farms to 250,000 square feet, which has been planned for the area on East Main Street near Weston Nurseries. It also reduces from 50 to 15, the total number of single family homes in the development. Instead, it allows 35 simplex or duplex units to be built.

          According to a letter from the town's consultant, Judi Barrett, the result of both actions will be a positive impact of $1.65 million per year upon completion. The three mitigation payments of $120,000 will also remain.

         Article 33 may be voted on this evening if Town Meeting progresses well.

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Eat at Bill's - Help Schoolyard Project

Tuesday, May 6 & Wednesday, May 7th from 5-9pm Bill's Pizza will donate 10% to Hopkinton Middle School's courtyard renovation project.
Please mention "The Sky's the Limit" when placing your order.

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Generous Town Meeting Votes $11,753,517 for Library Expansion
Millions more in budget



by Robert Falcione

May 5, 2014 — Town Meeting Moderator Dr. Bruce Karlin offered his yearly award to retired teacher Nancy Clark for her years of service to the community. Her husband Ron Clark, a former Selectman who served as Chairman, gave Mrs. Clark a fitting tribute.
        She began a Newcomers Club at a time of rapid population growth in Hopkinton, he said. She served as the President of the Hopkinton Women's Club, continues to be a tennis coach, and started a newsletter that eventually became the Hopkinton Crier.
         Mr. Clark said when she ran for a position the Charter Commission, she got more votes than a certain Selectman.

          Following a standing ovation for Mrs. Clark, Dr. Karlin read a consent agenda, a list of nine or so Articles that the powers would like voted as a block to move things along, many of them housekeeping items.

         Former Planning Board member Sandy Altamura said, "I don't like this," referring to the lack of debate that would occur.

         Dr. Karlin explained that the vote had to be unanimous for it to be valid. However when it came time for a vote, about two people in the room voiced negatively, which scuttled that idea.

         The meeting members voted positively on a few housekeeping items, and also gave Town Clerk Geri Holland what amounted to an 8% raise.

         During the Article 7 budget discussions, some people asked questions about individual school initiatives, but were halted by the Moderator, who told them Town Meeting was not the place for those discussions; that the school department has jurisdiction over what it spends its money on.

        Superintendent Dr. Cathy MacLeod, answering a resident's question, informed the gathering that when full day kindergarten is implemented, it will be mandatory. She said it is part of the long term plan to give all of the students an even chance, that those who had entered school without kindergarten had catching up to do.

         Cemetery Commissioner Claire Wright eye caught a line item in the $70-plus million budget of $750, a transfer from cemetery lots into the general fund.

         "We never voted on that," said Mrs. Wright. "This is not legal," she said.

         Dr. Karlin turned to his left on stage and asked Town Counsel Ray Miyares for his opinion. Mr. Miyares agreed with Mrs. Wright.

         "I was not aware it was not voted on," Mr. Miyares said.

        While they were discussing the situation, Mrs. Wright and her group voted on it.

        The voters were generous to themselves, too, voting an underride, which will see a lower tax levy beginning next year.

        Dr. John Duffy, a former Selectman and currently a member of the Board of Assessors, moved to lower the amounts of two Articles, to fund other Articles down the road. His amendments passed. But Article 15 to fund a library expansion inspired the most discussion of the evening.

       Library proponents Laura Barry of the Library Foundation, Dan  McIntyre, Chair of the Permanent Building Committee and Selectmen Vice Chair Ben Palleiko, liaison to the project, pitched the merits of an expanded library, the timeline for completion, and consensus building.

         Mr. Palleiko said the Library expects to collect $1 million in private funding, receive a $4.5 million grant from the state, and the taxpayers to pick up the remaining $6.25 million.

        The library currently has a lack of space, aging infrastructure, a lack  of accessibility, an a lack of parking, said Mrs. Barry.

        Mr. McIntyre expects things to move forward next year.

         But not everyone was pleased with the scale of the expansion, from 5,700 square feet to 22,000 square feet.

       Abutter Sue Hadley offered an amendment to scale the funding down to $7.5 million.

       "What if we took complete control?" she asked. "It would not cost us a penny more," she said, alluding to the amount it will cost the town for the larger structure, minus the state grant.

        Architect Michael Roughan, a direct abutter, lamented the destruction of the part of the current library, the former church with the vaulted ceilings. A floor will be added and the beautiful beams taken out, according to the presentation he recently saw, he said.

        Mrs. Wright, referring to opponents at the meeting being labeled said, "I am sorry we are at a point where anyone who questions the library is made to fell they eat small children and kill puppies."

         Mrs. Wright complained that some of the original drawings were deceptive, showing trees where abutters homes are; and hearing that people already had their chance to speak at meetings. Mr. Palleiko said that people had years to weigh in, and that basically, it was too late.

         "When questions were asked [over the years], we were told 'Now is not the time.'" she said.

         Mrs. Hadley pointed out that the matter must go before the Historic District Commission, which weighed in 3 or 4 years ago, saying the scale was too large for the district.

         One meeting participant asked at the microphone, "Does the Historical District Commission actually have the authority to say "no"?

         "Yes," Answered Town Counsel Miyares. He added, in answer to a question, that there was an appeal process if that ocurred.

         The vote on the amendment failed, and the  vote on the full amount passed by a stunning, theretofore silent, majority.

        The library expansion, question 2 on the Town Election ballot, will need a yes vote on May 19, 2014. See a specimen ballot here.

         The meeting adjourned shortly after 11:00 pm and will reconvene Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 7:00 pm.

 

 

       


Below, Hopkinton High School Music Director Steve Yavarow leads his charges in the national anthem.  Mr. Yavarow is retiring from teaching this year.

 

  Police Incident & Arrest Log - Updated May 5, 2014

  Compiled by Austin Falcione

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Arrests

Saturday, May 3, 2014

12:29 am Sgt. Scott vanRaalten arrested Ryan B Council, 24, Donna Road, Framingham and charged him with OUI Liquor and MV red/blue light violation.

 

Friday, May 2, 2014

9:01 pm Sgt. Scott vanRaalten allegedly observed a marked lanes violation and pulled over 24 year-old Matthew R Logano, Middle Street, Boston and charged him with that offense and OUI Liquor.

 

Incidents

Sunday, May 4, 2014

6:21 pm Animal Control Officer, William Proctor, responded to a caller who reported that her dog had been attacked last week by another dog in her neighborhood.

10:58 pm A motorist reports witnessing a female strike a young child in a motor vehicle  on Cedar Street. Marlborough and Southborough police were notified and Southborough police spoke with the woman.

6:44 am Officer Linda Higgins assisted a disabled motorist on Main Street. The vehicle was parked in a parking spot until it could be towed.

3:51 am A vehicle was reported to be parked in front of tennis courts in the school complex on Hayden Rowe Street. Officer Linda Higgins responded to the call.

1:02 am A motor vehicle was reported to be off on the side of the road on top of a stone wall on Clinton Street. The vehicle door was left open and the operator was walking down the street. Officer Linda Higgins responded to the accident. There was no personal injury.

 

Saturday, May 3, 2014

1:02 am Officer Linda Higgins responded to a Cedar Street call that reported that a neighbor's dogs are barking at night. The area was checked but the source of the noise was not located. The caller was referred to the Animal Control Officer.

9:56 pm Southboro Police requested assistance, they were holding a suspect involved in jumping onto train for recreational purposes at the Southborough Train Station.

9:15 pm Officer Gregg DeBoer spoke with a Wood Street caller who reported hearing what sounded like gunshots from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the area of Wood Street and Elmwood School. The area was checked but the source of the noise could not be located.

8:48 pm A Hayden Rowe Street caller spoke with Officer Aaron O'Neil regarding vehicles parked at EMC park.

2:35 pm A caller reported a motor vehicle accident in front of the police station on Main Street. Caller said she feels dizzy and shaky. Officer Stephen Buckley responded to the call.

2:18 pm Two bicycle helmets were handed out by Officer Stephen Buckley on Meserve Street.

11:07 am Officer Stephen Buckley checked on what appeared to be a disabled motor vehicle on Ramp 5. He attempted to get the vehicle off the road a little more while waiting for assistance.

8:43 am A caller from Clinton Street reported hearing three gunshots in the back of their house and a white pick-up truck with an extended cab parked on Weston Nurseries property. Officer Patrick O'Brien responded but could not find anything.

1:54 am A caller reported a vehicle parked in the front lot of the high school. Officer Linda Higgins responded to the call.

12:06 am Sergeant Scott vanRaalten arrested an individual on West Main Street and charged him with OUI Liquor.

 

Friday, May 2, 2014

8:30 pm A Framingham Fire Official reported an erratic driver on West Main Street. Sergeant Scott vanRaalten responded and arrested an individual for OUI Liquor. Officer Jacob Campbell assisted and Ted's towing company towed the vehicle.

6:32 pm Officer Gregg DeBoer responded to a call regarding a hit and run motor vehicle accident on West Main Street. He spoke with the operator of the vehicle and took down a description of the suspect vehicle.

12:31 pm A 911 caller reported an elderly man with a walker walking in the roadway. Staff from Golden Pond took the resident back to Golden Pond.

9:56 am A dead Deer was reported in the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street. It was removed by the animal control officer.

7:19 am Officer Patrick O'Brien responded to a call regarding no crossing guard on duty on Loop Road.

7:17 am A caller spoke with Officer David Shane regarding mailbox damage on Blueberry Lane.

2:03 am Officer Jacob Campbell spoke with an occupant of a vehicle parked on Cedar Street. The operator was just making a phone call before he went home.

1:49 am A caller reported a tree branch hung up in the wires over the roadway on Wilson Street. Verizon was notified.

1:43 am Officer John Moran checked a motor vehicle that was unoccupied on Wood Street.

1:27 am A dead deer was removed from the roadway on Hayden Rowe Street; there were no vehicles nearby.

Personal Services 
    
  
Real Estate Transactions for Hopkinton and Surrounding Towns

Compiled for HopNews.com  © 2014 All Rights Reserved
New Transactions from April 28, 2014 - May 5, 2014
Click on blue links to see Town's property card w/photo
Address
Buyer
Price
Date
Seller
Hopkinton
110 Hayden Rowe Street Charles W Penfield, Noelle Wehle $887,786 May 5, 2014 Brian Cheever Trust Brian Gassett Trust Summit Realty Trust
19 Frostpane Lane, Unit 61 APETATO FRANCISCO G JARDIM FERREIRA DO ROSARIO, RAKHIMZHANOVA ASSEL $509,175 May 5, 2014 Pulte Homes of New England LLC
8 Amherst Road Katherine Catalano, Christopher Catalano $302,000 May 5, 2014 Michael Colgan, Lisa Colgan
9 West Elm Street Kimngoc Nyguyen $375,900 May 2, 2014 Evan Gallagher
3 Nebraska Street Louis C Papoadellis, Laura J Papadellis $345,900 May 1, 2014 Karen McNemar, VirginiaCallander Est.
6 Jamie Lane Jill Dellorco $550,000 April 30, 2014 Louis C Papoadellis, Laura J Papadellis
10 Duffield Road Patricia Rackauskis $196,000 April 29, 2014 Richard W. Norton, Sharon A Norton
Last week in Hopkinton        
10 Hill Street Philip R. Mastroianni, Lindsey Mastroianni $469,000 April 28, 2014 David L. Catone
20 Frostpane Lane, unit 72 Jinesh Kuvadia, Khyati Kuvadia $419,545 April 24, 2014 Pulte Homes of New England LLC
26 Hidden Brick Road Nicholas Brown, Allison Brown $732,500 April 23, 2014 Donald F. Kornack, Kathryn J. Kornack
Check back on Wednesday for Ashland, Southborough and Upton sales.

YOUR HOME
 

With a Little Help

May 5, 2014 — Ashland Tower, as well as units from Milford and Southborough, responded with Hopkinton Firefighters to Alprilla Farm Road to help extinguish a chimney fire this afternoon that sent smoke through cracks in the mortar and into the interior.

W E L L N E S S
Op-Ed

 Casinos Flawed on Many Levels

By Brian J. Herr

The expanded gambling legislation and license application process in Massachusetts has been flawed since the outset.  Expanded gambling will have a dramatic negative impact on our local communities, on the social fabric of the Commonwealth, and should be repealed.

 

As the former Chairman of the Metro West Anti-Casino Coalition I have studied this issue for years.  I am opposed to expanded gambling in Massachusetts and am doing all I can to give the citizens of Massachusetts an opportunity to voice their opinions through a ballot referendum this November.

 

The legislation promoting expanded gambling in Massachusetts was signed into law with little meaningful debate or scrutiny.  Lawmakers on Beacon Hill walked in lockstep as the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker pushed the bill forward.  Yet now, years later, many of them are running for cover.  Recently, even Governor Patrick acknowledged that he does not want a casino built in his hometown.

 

Local residents in proposed host communities as well as in towns in the surrounding regions have been barraged with propaganda from the casino industry depicting a wonderful life for those living near expanded gambling facilities.  Fortunately, their claims have been refuted by rational activists across the state who have done their homework.

 

As the residents of Massachusetts continue to educate themselves, local referendums decisively rejecting resort-style casinos in Milford, Palmer, and East Boston have sent a strong message to the gaming industry and its champions on Beacon Hill.  We are proud NIMBYs (Not In Massachusetts' Back Yard) and we will not back down.

 

The grassroots uprising against casinos combined with the repeated failures of judgment and lack of due process by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission paints a clear picture for Massachusetts residents to consider this year.

 

We have always been the thought leaders in our country.  We proudly educate the world in Massachusetts with the best colleges and universities on the planet.  We cure the sick with highly acclaimed hospital and research facilities.  Our innovative high tech, bio tech, and life sciences companies fuel our economy while enhancing the human condition.  Our historical sites and natural beauty are second to none.  Why we would ever pollute our great state with predatory gambling institutions designed to rob us of our hard-earned income is beyond me and beyond millions of other Massachusetts residents.

 

Please join me and your neighbors in supporting the Repeal The Casino Deal ballot initiative scheduled for this fall.  Let's keep Massachusetts a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

 

 

Brian J. Herr is the former Chairman of the Metro West Anti-Casino Coalition and is the Republican nominee for United States Senate challenging Ed Markey.

SERVICE GUIDE
   
 
     

Candidate's Statement

 

Three superintendents in three years; Hopkinton’s schools have seen more than their share of instability.  What could have been done by the School Committee to prepare for the planned and unplanned changes?  Succession planning for both teachers and administrators should be an integral part of the school district’s Strategic Plan.  The Strategic Plan has not been formally updated since 2009 and that has left some gaping holes in terms of priorities.    Succession planning is one of those missing priorities, as evidenced by the fact there were no qualified internal candidates being groomed for the superintendent position during the recent years of turmoil and turnover.

 

The uncertainty during this time resulted in fluid roles between the School Committee and the Superintendent, a decline in our district’s state and national rankings, a loss of confidence on the part of the taxpayers and, most importantly, students being forgotten in this shuffle of professional staff.  The unpredictable roles, coupled with poor community outreach and dialogue, aggravated and intensified the citizens’ distrust for the School Committee’s decision making and priority setting. I see the hiring of Dr. MacLeod as a step in the right direction to bring clarity and stability back to the school district, but more must be done.

 

Dr. MacLeod’s strong leadership cannot be the only impetus for change.  To put it bluntly, she can’t do it alone.  Two members of the School Committee are completing their terms; that change alone brings the potential for fresh ideas, realignment of priorities, and improved community communication.  A new Strategic Plan is in process and will be voted on by the new School Committee members, in conjunction with the incumbent members.  This Strategic Plan must address succession planning in order to prevent the district, and more importantly the students, from being caught in a power vacuum that distracts from the mission of Hopkinton schools – to learn, create and achieve together.

 

As a School Committee member, I will ensure that the Strategic Plan specifically addresses how teachers and administrators are being identified for career growth opportunities and retention.  This type of succession planning will allow for a breadth of experience to grow within the current professional staff to help fill any future gaps, should they arise.  I will work to institute a team-minded atmosphere, where both the School Committee and the administrators adhere to their specified roles and responsibilities, regardless of the extent of change impacting the school district.

 

And finally, once elected I will make certain YOUR voice is heard, and that sharing information with the community is expected, not obstructed.

 

Learn more about my strategies for change, and let’s talk about your thoughts on how to achieve the changes that are needed. Join me at Water Fresh Farm on May 7 from 12-2pm for a Meet and Greet event, or start a conversation with me on my website, www.LoriNickersonSC.com/

 

Together, we can be an instrument of change and open dialogue between the administration and the community. I respectfully ask for your vote on May 19.

 

Lori Nickerson

30 Glen Road

May 5, 2014

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Skating on Solid Ice

May 4, 2014 — Sixth grade Hopkinton student Keelan Boyle got some lessons from Olympic figure skating champion Michelle Kwan this weekend as part of a fundraising effort for Inspiring Minds, initiated by Maria Stewart.

 

Where's Waldo?

May 4, 2014 — Actually, Waldo is not in this photo, but a Canada goose is, on an island in the middle of Hopkinton Reservoir, where its eggs will be safe from most land predators; her mate will act as a decoy and keep watch at the same time. Can  you see the goose? The photographer could not see it until he enlarged the photo  to this size.

Personal Services 
    
  
Awards Luncheon

Photo by Maureen Bumiller.

May 4, 2014 — Hopkinton Women's Club held their annual Awards Luncheon at the Hopkinton Country Club on April 30. President Marie Smith presented awards to L-R: Leticia Nmanda, Demi Moed, Kathleen O'Laughlin and Emily Lewkowitz.

YOUR HOME
 

Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce Supports Expansion of Hopkinton Public Library

Editor:

On behalf of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse the proposed expansion and updating of the Hopkinton Public Library.

We all know that our library, while a charming building, is inadequate to service the needs of a growing community of 15,000 plus and that much is needed to be done to make this building fully accessible and much more responsive to today’s needs in technology, resources, presentations and all of the related important things that our library currently provides to our community.

This overdue expansion and renovation will provide the type of library facility that we sorely need and that many of our neighboring towns are currently providing to their communities. With this new facility the library will be able to adequately provide the space for all of the programs and resources we have grown to depend on the library providing.

Once completed the new improved library will also be the catalyst for local business investment and growth in the downtown – certainly another aspect of this project that we support as well.

Please get back to me if you would like any further information on our support commitment.

Sincerely,
Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce
Scott Richardson President

May 4, 2014

W E L L N E S S
The May meeting of the Hopkinton Democratic Town Committee will be on Thursday May 15, 2014 at 7pm
at the Hopkinton Fire Department on Main Street

Our guest speaker at this meeting will be Lee Ketelsen of MoveToAmend.org.  Move To Amend is proposing that we amend the US Constitution to overturn Supreme Court decisions the Citizen's United case in order to reduce the influence of money in elections.

 

All are welcome to join us for the presentation and the subsequent discussion.  Enter the rear door and go upstairs.

 

Please contact Dick Duggan (508-435-4007 / dduggan47@gmail.com) with any questions.

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Candidates Turn in Papers
Deadline is Tuesday, May 6, 2014 for party-enrolled candidates

May 4, 2014 — Newcomer to politics, Republican Trish Vanaria (photo), a Hopkinton resident, has returned her signed nomination papers to the appropriate governmental entities, HopNews has been informed, for her run for the State Representative slot currently held by Carolyn Dykema, who is also running. The district is the Eighth Middlesex, Consisting of Holliston; Hopkinton; Southborough (Worcester Co.); Westborough: Precinct 2 (Worcester Co.).

 

People who are party-affiliated, according to Town Clerk Geri Holland, must have their nomination papers turned in by Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at 5:00 pm. People who are not affiliated with a party have until July 29, 2014 to turn their papers in, according to Mrs. Holland, to be included on the ballot for the general election on November 4, 2014.

 

There will be a primary election on September 9, 2014, and if no one else turns in nomination papers between now and next Tuesday, Mrs. Vanaria will be her party's de facto nominee. Mrs. Dykema is also expected to have no opposition on the side of the Democrats.

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She Said Yes

 

May 3, 2014 — The couple approaches a lure he set for her, a plan weeks in the making. His smile betrays his knowledge, while she covers her mouth in disbelief as they approach the Hopkinton Veterans Gazebo. Who are they? Mouse-over the image to see Scott Thompson and Robin Amelia.

SERVICE GUIDE
   
 
     

Hopkinton's Mike Mullins Sings National Anthem at Fenway

 

May 3, 2014 — On May 1, 2014, Hopkinton's Mike Mullins, who is associated with the Hopkinton Respite Center, was invited to sing the national anthem after a warmup last year at McCoy Stadium in front of the PawSox, the Red Sox farm team. See it on YouTube for a full description, and credit to the videographer.

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Updated: February 27, 2018 08:38:36 AM

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