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Lonza Hearing Continued - Company Leaves Empty-Handed "It is our job to safeguard the people of Hopkinton against this use." ~ Board of Appeals member Wayne Davies
November 29, 2007 — Lonza, a 97 South Street pharmaceutical company headquartered in Switzerland, appeared before the Board of Appeals Wednesday evening for a Public Hearing to request a Special Permit for an expansion of their facility to 99 South Street that will conduct genetic, biological and chemical research and manufacturing. Town Meeting voted on June 11 of this year to grant a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) to the company after Selectmen had voted to designate the two properties as Economic Target Areas, a necessary step toward allowing the tax break. Wednesday evening, Joseph Crowell (Left), Senior Director of operations for Lonza, said the company started demolition at 99 South Street on June 18, 2007. In return for the special tax designation, or perhaps visa versa, Lonza promised to try to create jobs for an additional 320 employees and invest $70 million into the facility. Mr. Crowell showed some schematic drawings of the interior of the site and gave a narrative history of the company, but neither he nor several engineers that accompanied him had the answers the Board of Appeals was looking for. "Prove it," answered Member Wayne Davies after the property owner's attorney, John J. Griffin, Jr. asserted that 97 South Street had a Special Permit in place. "What has happened to the 1998 condition that you report regularly to the Board of Appeals?" asked Board member Michael DiMascio, referring to a Special Permit issued nearly 10 years ago for 97 South Street. "Just because you have one for 97 [South Street] doesn't mean you have one for these bio-hazard uses," said Mr. Davies. "It is our job to safeguard the people of Hopkinton against this use you are proposing." "We don't conduct bio-hazardous products per se," said Mr. Crowell. "It is for humanitarian reasons." A Public Hearing is preceded by a public notification in a daily paper and postal mail to the abutters. This gives the abutters and interested parties a chance to have their views known or to ask questions. One nearby resident, Bea McMullin was the only member of the public to weigh in, and she did so by letter, which was read in its entirety by Chairman Robert Foster. "I am requesting that the chemicals or whatever they do does not reach our precious water," Mrs. McMullin, a resident and owner of lakefront property said in part. "Your submission to us does not clarify what you are doing, and gives us no basis to permit," said Mr. Davies. Although Attorney Griffin appeared on behalf of the property owner, Mr. Crowell of Lonza was not accompanied by an attorney, and appeared surprised if not stunned by the direction and eventual outcome of the proceeding. "You have to define the uses and how you are safeguarding the people of Hopkinton. We need to see a hazardous management plan," said Mr. Davies. Members of the Board recalled a group that oversaw bio-chemical uses in Hopkinton. "I think the town has a responsibility in this Bio-hazard Committee," said Mr. Foster. The hearing was postponed until the middle of December to give the company more time to become prepared. |
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Christmas Cantata
The First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, 146 E. Main St., will present a truly wonderful compilation of Christmas music sung by choir and accompanied by orchestra on December 14 & 15 at 7 pm. Each year, the people of FCCH come together to present the story of Christmas in song, to the delight of all who attend. A dessert reception will follow each performance. Admission to the program is a donation of non-perishable food items to be distributed to local food pantries.
On Sunday, December 16 at 1:00 pm the program will be performed in its entirety for residents and friends at Golden Pond, Hopkinton. File photo. |
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POLITICAL NOTICE TOWN CLERK, 18 MAIN STREET, HOPKINTON, MA 01748 508-497-9710 |
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David Sears, 46
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ZAC Studies, Comments on More of Legacy Farms' OSMUD Intensity of Use, Affordable Housing, and Open Space Discussed
November 28, 2007 — The Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) met Tuesday evening to discuss more of Boulder Capital's plan to develop 720 acres of land in East Hopkinton as Legacy Farms, a project that the proponents have promised to cap at 940 residential units. That figure was given to Town Meeting last year when that body voted down an Article to purchase the land, one step in the town's concession to Boulder Capital's Purchase and Sale. Tuesday evening, ZAC addressed the Intensity of Use, Affordable Housing and Open Space components of Boulder's self-styled OSMUD (Open Space Mixed Use Development district), a proposal to design zoning for the expansive site. ZAC member Mavis O'Leary pointed out that the limitation and definition of the restriction of single-family homes to fifty did not address mixed-use buildings, ones that could have retail, office and residences. Attorney Marilyn Sticklor, representing Boulder Capital, promised to add language that would mention mixed use buildings. Clinton Street abutter Chris Barry (Photo) said, "You can't arrive at that [940 units] until the traffic is resolved." Chairman Ken Weismantel said that Town Meeting had been promised that number of units. Mr. Barry also objected to the 450,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, saying, "Judi Barrett [Community Opportunities Group] said the space could hold 150,000 square feet. Now we're giving him 450,000. That's way too much. "These numbers are just to make it [look] revenue positive — as if it is some panacea for the town," he said. Project Manager Steven Zieff said that they had already received a fair number calls from people who were interested in the property for appropriate uses. The Affordable Housing component would work best, the group seemed to agree, if they were all rental, rather than owned units. The 240 planned apartments would all be counted toward the the town's 40b requirements if they were rentals. In a town with less than 10% of the housing stock deemed affordable, a developer can come in and bypass local zoning regulations and apply for a Comprehensive Permit from the Board of Appeals. A 40b development is a more dense development than traditional ones. The Town's goal, according to Housing Chair Lil Holden, is 330 units. Once that is reached, the 40b project is no longer mandatory. Although Affordable Housing generated the most confusion among the attendees, the Open Space Component generated the most controversy. Attorney Sticklor said that 60% of the project will be open space, and that the 77 acres that Weston Nurseries will be leasing is included in that computation. "There is some very good land you could put a field on immediately," said Selectmen Vice-chair Mary Pratt from the audience. Mrs. Pratt and her family own some very flat land themselves, about 70 acres, on the east side of Fruit Street. The definition of "open space" was a contentious one among the gathering, as the OSMUD defines some of the uses as for cemeteries, bicycle and pedestrian trails as well agriculture and related buildings, food prep, and sales areas related to the use of the recreational fields. "There is a perception of Open Space in Hopkinton that does not match the OSMUD definition you have there," said Selectmen Chair Muriel Kramer from the audience. Some members objected that agriculture is a business. But ZAC member and developer Ron Roux said "Agriculture is looked at as open space. We are losing farms and nurseries," he said in support of Weston Nurseries using the 77 acres. "We need more recreational amenities," Mr. Roux said. Attorney Sticklor promised to return with a breakdown of the types of open space that are proposed. ZAC will meet again next Tuesday. |
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Reminder: Hopkinton’s Second Annual Holiday Stroll
~ Saturday December 1
Hopkinton
is the place to be on December 1 as the Downtown Revitalization Committee
sponsors the second annual Holiday Stroll. Shops on
The day begins with a concert by the
Colella’s Supermarket has many taste treats in store, offering samples
of egg nog, apple cider, frozen yogurt, coffee cakes, chili and homemade
pizzelles and other good things. The shops at 76 Offering delicious
samples are Sauce on
Victorian carolers, organized and sponsored by Enter Stage Left theatre
will be strolling downtown in the afternoon. The theatre invites
everyone to a reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at
2:00pm. And they promise some special surprises throughout the day. ESL
will also perform A Christmas Carol at 7:30pm.
The carolers will shepherd you into the Library at 3:00 pm for the Annual
Holiday performance. Hopkinton’s own Andrea Maffei, Dan Cloutier,
and the Hopkinton High School Brass ensemble will get everyone in the
holiday spirit. There’s free hot chocolate and kids can deliver their letters
to Santa in person! And don't forget the annual Tree Lighting
Ceremony on the Common at 4:30 with cookies and Hot Chocolate provided by the
Parks and Recreation Commission. If there are other businesses, shops or organizations who would like to join in the festivities, please contact Anne Mattina, chair of the downtown revitalization committee at: profafm@yahoo.com ~ Anne Mattina |
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Everett Man To Be Arraigned On Assault, Intent To Murder Charges
EVERETT – November 27, 2007 - Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone’s office and the Everett Police Department informed the public today that a 21-year-old Everett man will be arraigned this afternoon in connection with the stabbing of a 19-year-old victim in Everett.
Kenneth Parker, age 21, of Everett, was arrested last evening at approximately 8:00 p.m. by Everett Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. He will be arraigned today in Malden District Court on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
On Saturday, November 24, at approximately 12:03 a.m., Everett Police responded to a report of a possible stabbing on Sycamore Street near Gledhill Avenue. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a male victim laying face down on the street, suffering from apparent stab wounds and bleeding profusely. The victim was transported to a Boston-area hospital where he remains and is being treated for serious injuries.
Everett Police and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office commenced an immediate investigation. Based on that investigation, it is alleged that the defendant assaulted and stabbed the victim.
The arraignment is scheduled to occur today in Malden District Court. |
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Message from Town Clerk:
Very shortly the Governor is expected to change the Massachusetts Presidential Primary to February 5th (Super Tuesday). I would like to submit a reminder for all new residents to register to vote by January 16th in order to be eligible to vote. Recently state-wide petitions were submitted to this office and it became evident that a lot of people think they are registered voters in Hopkinton but in fact they are not. ~ Ann Click, Town Clerk |
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Hopkinton Middle School Winter Sock Drive
Hopkinton Middle School’s Communiteen,
along with the Student Council, is organizing a Sock Drive to help the
homeless and those in need stay warm during the long, cold winter months.
We’re asking for your help and generosity. We’ll be collecting socks, gloves,
hats, scarves, Chapstick, and Lifesavers to help those less fortunate face
the bitter cold this winter. |
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Mary A. Gallagher, 84 BELLINGHAM - Mary A. Gallagher, 84, died Sunday, November 25, 2007 at her
home. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Helen
(Cleary) Mullen. She was the wife of John E. Gallagher, Sr, who
died in 1982.
She was a longtime Hopkinton resident and a member of St. John's Church
and the St. Vincent De Paul Society. |
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Milford Man Sent to Bridgewater for Exam After Confessing to Killing Wife "I stabbed my wife to death." ~ Joseph Ventola
Above, with Milford Chief of Police Thomas O'Loughlin to his left, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. speaks to the throng of reporters outside of the Milford District Courthouse this afternoon.
MILFORD, MA November 26, 2007 — Prosecutor Sarah Richardson asked Milford District Court Judge Robert Calagione to hold 63 year-old Joseph H. Ventola without bail for allegedly stabbing his wife this morning, after Mr. Ventola, wearing a white jumpsuit and flanked by his attorney and court officers, asked the court to appoint him a lawyer. He did not speak again during the proceeding. "I stabbed my wife. I stabbed my wife to death," Ms. Richardson quoted Mr. Ventola as saying to the Milford Police dispatcher at 8:38 this morning from his home at 7 Mason Drive, a cul-de-sac in the Bear Hill section of Milford. Ms. Richardson said that the police arrived, found 60 year-old Esther Ventola deceased, and "Mirandized" Mr. Ventola. Mr. Ventola's attorney not only agreed with the no-bail arrangement, but asked also that his client be sent to Bridgewater State Hospital due to his distraught condition. Judge Calagione ordered Mr. Ventola to Bridgewater for examination for 30 days at the close of the brief hearing. Outside the Courthouse after the hearing, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr. said that Mrs. Ventola was found in a chair when police arrived, and had suffered multiple stab wounds from a kitchen knife. Mr. Early said that Mr. Ventola would not come to the door to greet police, because he was afraid that a puppy in the house might get out. But he did invite them to come in nonetheless. Milford Chief of Police Thomas O'Loughlin said that there was no relevant history at the address, and that investigators were speaking with the neighbors at the "very nice" cul-de-sac. Mr. Ventola will appear again at court on December 20.
Click play twice for Video of Press Conference (You may need to "allow blocked content" in order to see the video player.
Mr. Early was incorrectly identified before an update.
Courthouse pool photo of Joseph H. Ventola by Ellen Harasimowicz, The Boston Globe. |
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Above, Dress Rehearsal this afternoon. |
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Today, November 26, 2007
6:49 pm A caller requested that an officer check on a suspicious male wearing camouflage, carrying a bow...
7:10 pm A walk-in from Hayden Rowe Street reported that their sons school bag was stolen earlier in the day...
6:42 pm A caller from South Street reported that his vehicle had been hit while parked in a parking lot...
Click on the title above to see the entire police news. |
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Toys For Tots Toys must be new and not gift-wrapped, and may not be toy weapons. |
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News tip from Ed Thompson, WMRC News Director Murder in Milford
November 26, 2007 — According to Ed Thompson, WMRC AM Radio News Director, a 63 year-old Mason Drive resident is in custody and being questioned about the apparent murder of his 60 year-old wife. According to sources close to the Milford Police, the woman was found at 8:30 am still sitting in a chair, with multiple stab wounds to the chest. Identities are being withheld at this time. |
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Please note that the fiscal year 2008 property values have been posted to the town’s web site: HERE |
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State Police, Passersby, Rescue Driver From Burning Jeep Search woods for passenger
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Bruce Buckley
indicates that a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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