PRST-STD U.S. Postage PAID Hopkinton, MA 01748 Permit No. 109 ECRWSS Postal Patron
HOPKINTON INDEPENDENT Vol. 27 | No. 9 | April 22, 2026
MBTA zoning, e-bike votes set for Town Meeting By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
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PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
nnual Town Meeting is approaching on Saturday, May 2. Under this year’s new weekend format, the meeting will start at 9 a.m. at Hopkinton Middle School. Members will vote on several key articles that will impact Hopkinton’s economic future, including the fiscal year 2027 comprehensive budget. The warrant includes 39 articles pertaining to budget requests to cover town and school expenses. It also puts forth several proposed policy changes, including a revised MBTA Communities zoning plan and the proposed fingerprinting of applicants for common victualer licenses. A speed limit of 10 mph for e-bikes and other motorized vehicles and the creation of new enterprise funds also will be up for debate.
GO TIME
Town submits balanced budget For the second straight year, the town stressed that departments needed
Runners in Wave 1 take off from Main Street at the start of the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20. Visit HopkintonIndependent.com for more from the race.
Town Meeting | 7
Cost rises for Center School reuse
INSIDE
By Mary Ellen Gambon Staff Writer
Chief Bennett to retire in June
POLICE
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Center School | 13
ELECTION
PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
he Select Board on April 14 heard an update on the Center School reuse project, which now has an expected price tag of $16.8 million. Dan McIntyre, the chair of the Permanent Building Committee and a champion of the project, gave a presentation about the options that were considered for the Center School property, as well as for Elmwood School and the Fruit Street storage facility. The Fruit Street storage facility was not considered to be a focus priority at this time, he said. The Community Preservation
Center School continues to sit dormant on Ash Street, across from the Town Common.
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List of candidates for town offices finalized Abuse victim advocates demand public hearings
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