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Friends' Gazebo Concept Gets Parks and Recreation Unanimous Nod Next stop, Historical District Commission
December 20, 2007 — Members of the Friends of the Common, a group of citizens that has been fundraising to make improvements to the Town Common, got the go ahead from the Parks and Recreation Commission last night in a unanimous vote to move forward with the next step of their process, a meeting with the historical District Commission. The Common is in the Historical District. Architect Scott Richardson brought his new Veterans Memorial Gazebo concept plan before the group, and explained that refurbishing the existing structure the original intent of the Friends. However, as it developed, he explained that handicap accessibility became the most important factor. That proved difficult to do with the existing structure, because a handicap ramp must rise 1 foot for every inch of height. The existing structure is 48" tall, requiring a 48 foot long ramp, which would spoil the aesthetics, many have said. The proposed new structure at 18 inches tall will facilitate a walkway around the side that will elevate to the interior level when it reaches the rear. The interior will be more spacious than the existing one, and will not need rails all around it. Parks and Rec asked that as much of the granite from the old structure be used in the new one. Chairman Pat Mahon said," I want to make sure the legacy of the veterans is honored with a new dedication." |
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Correction
December 19, 2007 — On Monday evening the Conservation Commission, according to draft minutes of the meeting and conversations with participants, voted 3-1 to accept as an insignificant project change, the construction of a bridge to cross wetlands to replace a box culvert that had been approved by the Commission, but was superseded by the DEP in favor of he bridge. Then, the group voted to rescind that very vote, this time 4-0, and reopen the vote in January before the full Commission. "They then determined they did not have enough positive votes, so they voted to rescind the vote," said John Craycroft of the Cedar Swamp Conservation Trust, who, along with "The Fruit Street Ten," filed an administrative appeal of the Commission's Order of Conditions. The DEP then issued a superseding order of conditions in answer to that appeal, which the group is also appealing. Chairman of Conservation Commission Bob Murphy said today that the majority of the Commission was not there, and because they were unsure of the validity of a minority of the Commission voting, although a majority of the members with a quorum present, they decided to rescind the vote. "Given the situation [lawsuits, appeals] I'd rather have a majority of the board voting on it." he said. Former ConCom Chairman Brian Morrison brought a Superior Court lawsuit concerning the order of conditions, but was rejected by a Judge who said Mr. Morrison lacked standing. Mr. Morrison is appealing that ruling. The cost of the bridge has been estimated by some at between $350,000 and $500,00. NOTE: This story has been modified with corrections. |
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Middlesex County Crime and Justice
Alleged Solicitation Of 14-Year-Old Boy In Holliston Lands Level III Sex Offender in Jail
CAMBRIDGE
– Middlesex
District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public today that a Charles DiNardo, age 54, of West Haven, Connecticut, was indicted on a charge of enticement of a child under the age of 16 by a Middlesex Grand Jury. An arraignment date has yet to be set on the Superior Court charge. “This defendant is a convicted sex offender who has been classified at the most serious level in Connecticut,” District Attorney Leone said. “We allege that he attempted to sexually solicit this young victim who thankfully did what we would hope and advise young people to do – walk away and notify a trusted adult immediately.” READ MORE... |
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Selectmen Choose Negotiating Team for Legacy Farms No movement on Reed Park expansion
December 19, 2007 — Despite the bitter cold and snowy roads, it was standing room only at the Hopkinton Selectmen’s meeting last evening. After comments from Chairman Muriel Kramer (Photo) regarding the recent quarterly meeting, at which the Town’s budget developments and concerns were outlined, Town Clerk Ann Click reminded the residents of Hopkinton that with the Presidential Primary coming up on February 5, 2007, the deadline for voter registration (January 16th, 2008) is fast approaching.
During a period of time set aside for public comment, former Selectman Ron Clark (Photo) asked the Board whether there had been any progress on an issue raised after May 2007 Town Meeting regarding the Parks and Recreation Committee’s use of a portion of Whitehall property to expand existing soccer fields to regulation size, a query which was answered in the negative by Selectman Mike Shepard.
Selectman Matt Zettek mentioned during his liaison report that Hopkinton’s current trash and recycling contract is due to expire or be renewed in June of 2008, and emphasized that, due to the increased amount of curbside rubbish during the holiday season, it was particularly important for residents to be mindful that items such as wrapping paper and cardboard boxes should be recycled rather than thrown away.
By far, however, the majority of those in attendance waited for an update on the Board’s oversight of Boulder Capital’s ambitious Legacy Farms project on land purchased from Weston Nurseries, a housing development which is projected to include up to 240 affordable units and 500 acres of open space, one which, in the words of Selectman Vice-Chair Mary C. Pratt, “will change the face of Hopkinton forever.”
At a meeting of the Planning Board on
December 17th, it was proposed by
In the end, it was decided by unanimous vote, with Selectman Matt Zettek abstaining due to his ownership of property directly abutting a portion of the land on which Boulder Capital intends to build, that the streamlined negotiation team will be comprised of three members: Town Manager Anthony Troiano, Attorney Raymond Miyares and Town Planner Elaine Lazarus. The group’s responsibilities will include keeping tabs on the progress of the project, informing the public at key stages, and communicating with liaisons from various Town departments – the Department of Public Works, the Department of Environmental Protection, among others – as information from those departments is required. |
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ZAC Gives Blessing to Hayward Street Zoning Change
December 19, 2007 — On Tuesday evening, the Zoning Advisory Committee voted in favor, with just one against, to give its nod for a proposed zoning change on Hayward Street to move forward to the Planning Board for further review. The proponents, William Tetlow on record, and self-described co-owner Ken Weber, would like to change the zoning from from Residence Lakefront to Rural Business in order to build a 19,500 square foot two-story commercial building adjacent to the South Street property where Maria's Caffe Italiano has moved, the former O'Toole's. "If you had a small convenience store there, people wouldn't have to go downtown," said ZAC member Ron Roux. Downey Street resident Christine MacConnell, speaking for the Lake Maspenock Association, said that the group was against the proposal. "This is incremental zoning, which indicates poor planning," said ZAC member Alex Brown. However, when EMC expanded to 52 South Street during the heyday, a building which has remained unoccupied for years, they bought adjacent and abutting properties, presumably for a buffer zone. Those parcels remain zoned as Residential, according to Chairman ken Weismantel. "It's creep," added Mr. Weismantel, alluding to the adjacent property already being zoned for business. The proponents need to bring an Article before the Planning Board for their approval, and then get a 2/3 vote at Town Meeting to implement the change. One couple at last week's ZAC meeting did not fare as well. READ MORE, MORE PHOTOS.. |
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STATE POLICE SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT To be held in Middlesex County Friday December 21 into Saturday December 22
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God Squad Needs Blankets For Homeless
~ Lauren Saeger |
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"Affordable" Condo for $157,335 Until Jan 19, 2008
December 18, 2007 — The Planning Board has expressed concern that no one has applied for an "affordable" condo unit at Pinecrest Village that is going for $157,335. It has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. "Affordable" is a term used by governmental agencies to describe their low income required applicants. The unit has been deemed affordable, and may be sold for no more than the top amount specified, according to Elaine Lazarus, Planning Director. If it remains unsold by January 19, it will go on sale as a market rate home, and anything over the top amount will revert to the state. Lilly Holden, Chairman of the Housing Committee said afterward that there is an interested person going through the process, which is not yet complete.
INCOME LIMITS: People interested in this unit are urged to call Jennifer Shaw, 617-425-6637. For those wishing to get on the list of those qualifying, the number of the Town Planner is 508-497-9755. |
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Friends of the Seniors Tea
December 18, 2007 — Mindy Van Schaick helps the Friends of the Seniors deliver cucumber sandwiches to the participants of the Senior Holiday Tea this noontime at the Senior Center. |
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State Police seek Witnesses to Fatal Hit and Run in Lancaster
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Michael
Mayer indicates that
18-year-old Ashley Foley of Hubbardston
was operating a 1994 Jeep Cherokee in
the left lane of Route 2 West in Lancaster when the passenger’s side
front of her vehicle was struck by the driver’s side rear of a tractor
trailer unit that was traveling in the right lane of Route 2 West. The
collision caused the Jeep to lose control, exit the roadway to the left
and roll over before coming to rest in the median. The tractor trailer
fled the scene following the crash and continued on Route 2 West.
Foley
was wearing her safety belt at the time of the
crash, but was trapped inside the vehicle and declared deceased at the
scene. The 15-year-old juvenile female front seat passenger of the Jeep
was wearing her safety belt at the time of the crash and was transported
by ambulance to
The tractor
trailer unit that is believed to have been involved in this crash is
described as having a light red tractor with a white trailer that is
equipped with many lights. The trailer may have damage on the driver
side middle or rear. Anyone who may have witnessed this crash or who
has information about the tractor trailer unit that fled the scene is
asked to contact the State Police
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Planning Board and Selectmen Lay Foundation Process for Legacy Farms formed
by Robert Falcione December 17, 2007 — The Selectmen were the guests at Monday's Planning Board meeting, invited in a letter from Chairman Mark Abate who wrote, "The Board recognizes that the issues to be resolved and the impacts to the Town of the development are broader than the Planning Board's jurisdiction," referring to the combined 940 residential unit, 450,000 square foot commercial Legacy Farms development proposed by Boulder Capital. Town Counsel Raymond Miyares laid out the five areas he believes need to completed before getting the zoning changes for the 700+ acre development to Town Meeting for a positive vote.
"One, we need to participate in the MEPA (Massachusetts Environmental
Policy Act) process," he said. On November 30, 2007, Boulder Capital
submitted an Environmental Notification Form that found its way from the
State to the Town Hall on December 12. Mr. Miyares said that Boulder
President Roy MacDowell may want to offer an extension to the window
offered for comments by various Town Boards and departments to the
Secretary, because of the late receipt and the holidays.
(NOTE:
The 60MB document can be viewed here, or by choosing Boulder
The second step in the process, Mr. Miyares said, is to negotiate a Host Community Agreement with Boulder prior to Town Meeting. Some towns have negotiated with developers to kick in millions of dollars to mitigate the impact of the introduction of a large number of new children into the system. Other circumstances, like traffic impact, could be mitigated by a payment to the town, or the construction of infrastructure. Later in the meeting, Mr. MacDowell noted that some of of the offers he has already made are mitigating conditions, such as 500 acres of open space. The third piece is to negotiate an agreement for the Alprilla Farms well, a Town-owned water source Mr. MacDowell has offered to develop for mutual benefit. Fourth is a printable set of zoning changes, Mr. Miyares said. Boulder has been meeting with the Zoning Advisory Committee every week for several weeks on designing an OSMUD, an Open Space Mixed Use Development that features abundant open space in trade for dense, low impact housing. READ MORE.... |
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Hopkinton Jewelers Creates $110,000 Diamond Ring Open house this weekend
Above, Renee Marino sizes a ring December 17, 2007 — Renee Marino, who calls herself Hopkinton's Jeweler, just passed a milestone in her career by creating a custom diamond ring that a California resident commissioned for $110,000. "It's the most expensive one I've made," she said today, showing off a photo of the piece that has been shipped. Ms. Marino boasts that all of her custom designed jewelry is done on premises. "I can beat anyone's price from here to Africa," she said after showing off photos from her recent trip to that continent. But Ms. Marino isn't sidetracked by the big ticket items. "I do while-you-wait jewelry repairs, fix chains and sell watch batteries," she said. And although Ms. Marino said she is very busy, she will take time out for an open house this weekend for old friends and new acquaintances to stop by. Her cozy shop is at Claflin Commons, behind Ann-Michele's Hair Design next to the Police Station. |
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Standing Tall
December 17, 2007 — This ice-covered towering evergreen stands sentinel over its frozen deciduous neighbors this morning, its branches tilted and extended in a graceful personification of its existence, as the sun illuminates hundreds of bejeweled braches and twigs that pay tribute. |
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Fugitive in Parental Kidnapping Apprehended in Belize by VFAS and Marshalls
On December 10, 2007, an arrest warrant was
issued for
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4:13 am A resident of Winter Street reported that his wife thought that there might have been an intruder inside their house...
10:24 am The bus office reported that a man was in the middle of School Street threatening the bus driver...
4:45 pm A caller reported a hit and run accident on West Elm Street. The caller stated that the individual said he would be right back with his information and then took off...
5:30 pm A caller complained about a youth from Amherst Road that was operating an ATV or modified lawn tractor..
Click on the title above to see the entire police news. |
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Rollover and Out
December 17, 2007 — The driver of this pickup that rolled over around 10:45 am today was able to exit through the rear door before Fire and Police officials arrived. The accident occurred on Cedar Street just past Rafferty Road. The truck was heading north but ended up on the opposite side of the road facing the opposite way. The driver said he was uninjured. |
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Next Stop, Zimbabwe Hopkinton woman $800 short of goal
NOTE: Mrs. Kramer is the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. |
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Man Jumps From Bridge to Avoid Sliding SUV
Preliminary investigation by Trooper Derek
Gordon indicates that
29-year-old Paul M.
Oliver of |
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A Club for All Seasons
Following the hike, the group drove to the Hopkinton Railroad Depot, which is also being restored with Community Preservation funds, to have hot chocolate and watch the sunset. NOTE: The Trails Club website, as well as many other websites in Hopkinton, can be accessed at any time by choosing the Community link on the button bar above. ~ Contributed photo. |
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Bridge to Nowhere
Connecticut man, who is also a registered Level III sex offender in that
state, has been indicted in connection with the attempted solicitation
of a 14-year-old boy in Holliston. 
by
Demian David Tebaldi
Hopkinton’s
new Town Counsel, Raymond Miyares of Miyares and Harrington, that a
negotiation team be assembled to represent the Town’s interest with
respect to the development of that project, and in the formation of a
development agreement with representatives of Boulder Capital. While
neither the Board of Selectmen nor any of the various Town departments
have the power to halt or impede the progress of the Legacy Farms
venture, the negotiation team will be assembled to ensure that the
project will be revenue positive for the Town, and that Hopkinton
residents’ quality of life will be preserved. Board Chairman Muriel
Kramer’s major concerns included the ultimate transparency of the
process, that the Board and the public be informed of developments in
the procedures leading up to final completion of the project. Debate
and comment ensued, Selectman Brian Herr (Photo) stating that “if [the
Board] can nail down vision and objective, I don’t believe it
particularly matters how [the negotiations] occur.” 
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
To help remedy this problem in, the God Squad at Hopkinton High School
is running a blanket drive from Wednesday January 2nd through January
4th during school hours, and on Saturday, January 5th 11:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. at the high school. 
December
18, 2007 — Yesterday at approximately 10:42 p.m. troopers assigned to
the State Police Barracks in 
Capital's banner ad on the top of HopNews and choosing "Documents.")
December
17, 2007 — On December 8, 2007, 6 year-old 
Twenty-two college students from all over the United States will travel
half way around the world to spend their Christmas vacation ministering
to young people in Zimbabwe, a country facing crushing poverty,
widespread starvation and the second highest adult AIDS infection rate.
In Zimbabwe, nearly 30% of the adult population is estimated to be
infected with HIV.
