Hopkinton Selectmen Seek to Disqualify Milford Casino Project

A letter from Benjamin Palleiko, chairman of the Hopkinton board, said that after David Nunes was removed from the project, it failed to live up to the Gaming Commission's standards.

Over the weekend David Nunes sent a letter to the Milford Town Administrator indicating that his investing partners in the Crossroads Casino project had stripped him of his authority and title. "I have shed any faith in the project given that the investors and Foxwoods have not invested the time to get to know the people of Milford," Nunes said in his letter. Yesterday, Chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen sent a letter following up on Nunes' announcement to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. "Mr. Nunes' letter raises several important issues for the commission to consider, in that it reflects one of two possibilities, either of which should rule out the application from further consideration," Benjamin Palleiko's letter said. …

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Marathon Monday Gets Approval for 117th Race to Boston

The Hopkinton Board of Selectmen met with event organizers to discuss this year's plans.

For the 89th year the Boston Marathon will begin at the Hopkinton Town Common and for the 116th time runners will be headed from the MetroWest into the heart of Boston. The 27,000 runners will be racing 26.2 miles from the starting line to Boylston Street where they will cross the finish line more than two hours later. The Boston Athletic Association, headed by Executive Director Thomas Grilk, has analyzed every aspect of the race from start times to crowd control and even the process of herding half a million spectators around the course. “After having 116 of these under your belt you would think that this would become somewhat of a routine but we can tell that you don’t take the process for granted and we can see that each year you’re …

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Selectmen: State Should Expect Casino Battle

The Hopkinton Board of Selectmen believe the casino's location in Milford will negatively impact the town and its residents.

When casino developer David Nunes submitted his proposal for the Crossroads Resort in Milford, residents and leaders from surrounding towns took the opportunity to begin planning their opposition. Chairman of the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen Ben Palleiko said the board has already voiced its disapproval of the casino and will continue to do so as the state reviews plans across Massachusetts. “This is not something that I think this region will accept and I think the state should expect a battle from the neighboring communities,” Palleiko said. Opposition group Neighbor’s for a Casino Free Milford started a petition when Nunes first approached Milford with the proposal last year. In that time they’ve garnered more than 1,000 signatures. “A …

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Mass. Pike Changes Could Improve Daily Commutes

MassDOT has reviewed the overcrowded interchange and has presented it’s findings to the Hopkinton Board of Selectmen.

For hundreds of commuters headed in to Boston each morning the Route 495 and Route 90 interchange creates a serious problem according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s latest findings. Have no fear MassDOT says, changes are near. In 2012 Congressman Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, was able to secure fund to study the backup of traffic on Route 495, Route 90 and Route 9. The plans for the Route 495 and Route 90 interchange include adding lanes to the exit ramps from I-495 so people traveling through the interchange can avoid weaving. “The primary thought process behind this recommendation was that every movement throughout the process would be assigned a lane,” Callie Cenizal, MassDOT’s Project Manager, said. “With the advanced…

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New Liquor Store Decision Headed to Town Meeting

With two retail businesses currently selling liquor and a third being sold to new owners, the Board of Selectmen voted last night to endorse a citizens petition to let a Hopkinton developer pursue a fourth license for the town.

At last night’s Board of Selectmen meeting a sense of agreement was shared that because the town has reached the 15,000-population threshold it is okay for Hopkinton real estate developer Chuck Joseph to apply for a site-specific liquor license for a business to be located at the Hopkinton Square developmenton South Street. The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission normally goes by the town’s population as of the last census, which listed Hopkinton's population at roughly 14,900 and within the population range where a town is allowed to have three package stores. Chuck Joseph, of CJPM Development LLC, has filed a citizens petition to have Town Meeting vote to approve law that would allow Joseph to pursue a license through the special …

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Recommended Town Budget Increases Taxes 1.6 Percent

In a joint meeting between the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Appropriation Committee last night, Town Manager Norman Khumalo presented a budget that would keep the town underneath the 2.5 percent tax increase limit.

What’s more important for Hopkinton, to raise taxes while keeping a reserve or to spend the reserve and not raise taxes for one year? This was a question Brian Herr and other members of the Board of the Selectmen discussed at the Feb. 28 joint meeting on the fiscal year 2013 budget. As presented by Town Manager Norman Khumalo, the budget for next year would increase taxes by about 1.6 percent, which is about $1.15 million, a similar amount to what the town has in a reserve account. “We’re looking at a 1.6 percent increase right now, which is good but I’d like to get that down to 0.0,” Herr said. Temporary Finance Director Suzanne Marchand said that while short term not raising taxes and using the money is a great solution, it would mean a …

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MSBA Meeting was a No Go

While the School Committee was unable to meet with the MSBA, the committee’s concerns grow that they are on a different page from the MSBA.

Progress for the problem of the Center School was a priority topic at the School Committee Meeting last night. The School Committee and Board of Selectman met last Sunday to discuss the situation and had scheduled a tentative date of Thursday, October 20 for a meeting with the MSBA but the MSBA declined.  The date and time were not convenient for them.  Senator Karen Spilka and Representative Carolyn Dykema were also to be in attendance. In the meantime, the selectmen and the school committee have hashed out a few details.  Both groups want to identify the parameters in which the MSBA will still allow the town to use the current grant.  In addition, both groups wish to create a plan for community outreach that will allow them to get …

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5 Things You Missed at the Selectmen's Meeting

Town Manager Norman Khumalo outlined his financial forecast based on current economic times and the Board of Selectmen lifted the hiring freeze for call firefighters.

In case you missed last night’s meeting, here are the highlights: 1.The Parks and Recreation Department announced that residents can now view the Fruit Street fields’ schedule, town wide recreation survey, and  program’s brochure on the Parks and Recreation page at hopkinton.org.  In addition, the Parks and Recreation department has installed new lights on the Hopkinton common. 2. Board of Selectman Chairman Todd Cestari, shared that the Casino Bill has passed the Senate.  The Selectmen will be meeting with other area town leaders to approach this problem as a coalition.  He also had a message for the public. “I urge members of the public,” Cestari said “to make it known how you feel about this bill.” Cestari also shared that he will do …

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5 Thing You Missed at the School Committee

At last night’s School Committee meeting there were changes to the bus policy, plans to move forward with the MSBA and the decision that nothing would be done with the HVAC system at the Center School.

In case you missed last night's meeting, here are the highlights. 1. The elementary school principals spoke about the possibility of changing the current bus policy to allow parents more flexibility to make changes in bus stops, along the same route, throughout the school year. “We should air on the side of safety.” Ilene Silver said. “It adds a layer of complexity that would compromise child safety.” Greg Martineau, principal of Elmwood School, said. “Without adding a layer on, it is a complex process of dismissing students.” Despite the recommendations of the principal the School Committee voted to change the policy with a 3 to 2 vote. 2. There are two finalists for the position of Hopkinton Assistant Superintendent. Robert Berlo, …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: Sept. 20

An art class for peace, a board of selectmen meeting and more on tap today.

Our weekday column, 5 Things You Need to Know Today, will help you to get your day started, and offer you some fodder for water cooler conversation. 1. Got Prayer? The St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 61 Wood St., is holding a prayer meeting at 10 a.m. All are welcome and the event is free. 2. The First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, 146 E. Main St., is now using a new moniker. They are now the Faith Community Church. "We are thrilled with the tremendous growth we have experienced over the past thirty years," said Lead Pastor Mike Laurence. "We are a uniquely vibrant three hundred year old church. The new name reflects our long history with the community while also expressing our commitment to biblical teachings that are relevant to today…

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