The HopTake by HopNews

HopNews

This is what the news in Hopkinton, Massachusetts should sound like. We cover the biggest stories and the people in our community making a difference. It's a mix of news, opinion and analysis presented by HopNews Editor-in-Chief Peter Thomas and an occasional guest. Dive into the stories that matter most with the HopTake. read less
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The Housing Crisis
Apr 25 2024
The Housing Crisis
The Commonwealth is experiencing a housing crisis. The median price of a home in the Greater Boston Area is now $910,000, forcing many people - especially young professionals - to move out of state. At Town Meeting on May 6, Hopkinton residents will be asked vote on a new zoning overlay to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which could bring up to 750 multi-family housing units to the town in the coming years.  On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining me as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel. Mr. Augustus shares his perspective on the housing problem, how the MBTA Communities Act can solve them, how other towns are grappling with the new law, and the consequences if Hopkinton voters elect not to comply.

Episodes

The Housing Crisis
Apr 25 2024
The Housing Crisis
The Commonwealth is experiencing a housing crisis. The median price of a home in the Greater Boston Area is now $910,000, forcing many people - especially young professionals - to move out of state. At Town Meeting on May 6, Hopkinton residents will be asked vote on a new zoning overlay to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, which could bring up to 750 multi-family housing units to the town in the coming years.  On this episode, we are joined by Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Ed Augustus, whose department is charged in part with overseeing the implementation of the MBTA Communities Act. Also joining me as co-host is Chair of Hopkinton's Planning Board, Gary Trendel. Mr. Augustus shares his perspective on the housing problem, how the MBTA Communities Act can solve them, how other towns are grappling with the new law, and the consequences if Hopkinton voters elect not to comply.
Racism.
Apr 20 2024
Racism.
On this episode, Peter & Jim discuss the variety of comments the Select Board heard at public forum, including from one of its own members, who described his recent experiences with racism in our town. We also discuss the DA's decision not to hold anyone accountable for leaking an alleged rape victim's confidential information. Also on the pod, Marathon Monday, exclusive new details on the Destini Decoff case, and the history of Hopkinton's first (and only?) hotel.
Boston Strong
Apr 13 2024
Boston Strong
In just two days, Hopkinton will host the 128th running of the Boston Marathon. In honor of this tremendous event, we are thrilled to welcome an absolute LEGEND in running to the pod, the one and only Dave McGillivray. Dave is the race director for the 128th Boston Marathon, a position he's held since 2001. He has directed or consulted on more than 1,400 events throughout the world including the Boston Marathon, the Olympic Marathon trials, and the Olympic Games. On this episode, Dave, Jimmy and Peter talk about how Dave got his start in the sport, creating the world's first running club in a maximum security prison, Dave's history with Hopkinton, and his enduring connection to the Hoyt family. Listeners, prepare to be inspired by one of the best in the business!
Senator Karen Spilka
Apr 6 2024
Senator Karen Spilka
On this episode, Peter and Jimmy report new details on the tragic Hayden Rowe road rage incident that left a woman on life support and her attacker behind bars. The pair also discuss the Hopkinton Select Board's continued performance review of the police chief, a proposed renovation of the Center School, and the complicated pursuit of clean water in Hopkinton. Plus, they take on early childhood education, the immigration crisis, and memories of the Boston Marathon with none other than special guest, Senate President Karen Spilka.
Run Joe, Run!
Mar 22 2024
Run Joe, Run!
On this episode, Peter and Jim discuss the entrance of newcomer Joe Clark in the race for Select Board, GPS in police cars, free speech is on the line at Public Forum, and 4x Superbowl Champion Rob Gronkowski is scheduled to visit Hopkinton. Plus, we add a new segment this week - Who Does What - where we offer listeners a brief overview of the inner workings of our Town Government. On this episode we profile the office of Hopkinton's elected Town Clerk, Connor Degan.
No Action Indeed
Mar 10 2024
No Action Indeed
On this episode, State Representative James Arena-DeRosa drops by to chat about his legislative accomplishments, LNG plant safety, and his efforts to help Hopkinton with our PFAS problem. Also, Peter & Amy chat about the Select Board's lack of action on the police chief, a visit to Hopkinton from Governor Maura Healey, and the potential replacement for Hopkinton Drug. Plus, a bit of history on the monuments that dot the town common.
Muriel Goes OFF
Mar 2 2024
Muriel Goes OFF
On this episode Peter & Jim cover the fireworks between the Select Board Chair and the Chief of Police, discuss the college admissions landscape for Hopkinton students, review a year in which the Select Board agreed on almost everything, say hello to a new business and goodbye to a good friend, and chat about the history of the oldest church in Hopkinton. Also: The School Committee will be asking for about $49 million for the Hopkins Addition. Want to know what the same amount of money buys at a Connecticut University? Tune in.
Total Recall
Feb 17 2024
Total Recall
Today, we discuss the petition to recall the Hopkinton Select Board and receive an update on how many signatures have been collected. Also, police chief Joe Bennett and his role in Jay Porter's side job, the HDTC does an about-face and cancels their scheduled caucus, and the School Committee is seeking $49 million from taxpayers for the Hopkins Addition. Plus, we dive into the history of the Center School and how it came to be.
Brennan fired. Is the SB next?
Feb 11 2024
Brennan fired. Is the SB next?
In Episode 7 of The HopTake, we discuss the firing of Tim Brennan and the events surrounding it. We also reveal previously undisclosed information about a November deal that would have brought Brennan back to work. Also on the pod, a petition to recall the Select Board is underway, and we dig into Hopkinton's new Town Accountant, who has an unusual past. Finally, we trip back in time to Hopkinton's earliest days.
Outrage at Public Forum
Feb 3 2024
Outrage at Public Forum
On this episode, Peter and Jim break down the withering criticism the Hopkinton Select Board endured on Tuesday night, as frustrated residents took turns lighting up the Board and police chief for their handling of the Tim Brennan matter, and for having released protected information about former Deputy Chief Porter's rape victim. We also explore the suspension of Dr. Margo Roman, the local veterinarian who has run afoul of state regulators, we discuss the Select Board's intended correction to the Town Charter, and the planned $50 million addition to the Hopkins School. Plus, we share a short story about the time Hopkinton Town Hall was nearly auctioned off.
Breaking Brennan
Jan 20 2024
Breaking Brennan
On this episode, Peter and A.S. dive in to the Select Board's chaotic public hearing to consider the termination of Hopkinton Police Sergeant Tim Brennan. We also discuss the friction between the Town Clerk and Select Board over voting rights for green card holders, we explore the local real estate market and its impact on taxpayers, and we share the story of the Hayden Rowe Hall, which once hosted a speech given by the great Frederick Douglass.
Hail to the Chief
Jan 9 2024
Hail to the Chief
Retired Hopkinton PD officer Pat O'Brien joins the HopTake, and we discuss Hopkinton's new fire chief, two houses hit by an alleged drunk driver, the ongoing saga with suspended Sergeant Tim Brennan, and allowing Green Card holders to vote at Town Meeting.
Crosspoint and Colella's
Dec 19 2023
Crosspoint and Colella's
The QuickTake - one story that matters, and a bit of local history mixed in. In this QuickTake, we review the legal challenge Crosspoint Associates is bringing against the town for taking part of their land for the Main Street improvement project. We also share the story of that property and the previous owners, the Colella family, who left an indelible mark on Hopkinton's rich history.
Lori (re)joins the School Committee
Dec 16 2023
Lori (re)joins the School Committee
On this episode, Peter and Jim discuss Lori Nickerson's appointment to the School Committee, the owner of Hillers Pizza is back in court, the Fruit Street bridge is officially open, and we chat over an idea to help town hall with the turnover. Plus, we dive into the history of the Pyne's, one of the most important families in Hopkinton's history, and hear a rare firsthand account of the fire that killed Chief Joe Pyne.
Khumalo Resigns as Town Manager
Dec 12 2023
Khumalo Resigns as Town Manager
On this episode, the accounting department at Town Hall pays a questionable invoice, two local service organizations go all out to make it a memorable holiday for struggling families in our community, and AI-driven fake news comes to Hopkinton.  But our main story this week is that Hopkinton's Town Manager Norman Khumalo announced his resignation.