[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6511467,"mediaKeyId","5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996","parentId",5327678,"title","Hopkinton council schedules public hearing Aug. 4 on zoning amendment aimed at neighborhood gasoline service stations","audioSeconds",240,"startMs",1813000,"endMs",2053000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996&start=1813&end=2053","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996/thumbnail_1813000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6511467/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Hopkinton-council-schedules-public-hearing-Aug-4-on-zoning-amendment-aimed-at-neighborhood-gasoline-service-stations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511467-00f1d006228033c17f319609009bea57/orig.mp4?Expires=1773734710&Signature=nJSKM7THZUndSxu4EZHHPirn7gfijj6~jlytk6EZ~WdH8BNJCkIg0rnBPm9j3-idrp3yeoWeygTWhgGjwy-q-ttRA~pJLPqBQhB0oHMzQb3GgKB9rPyCfxXQ8Mt7ma5dFqjjwP4sM4qhwqjBsm7dbOyEWsAeUSc6FcfTDgn0vzhH6K~rxkuOkzai62tPXTI0tCP0fj-dAxhfCDUL7kaN84E~5NF0eQLFxqamrWvL0TpewROlY-eT9qA4SzVwQ~qVxQfPJl8T03Np0saoLP-hUkztdklXuJD8WYpJPqzj~pcvqVO01JKk8vIX~Xe0kNPiRKaZ~SNR2t7q~yTmIaXZkQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Hopkinton","date","2025-07-07T22:45:40Z","article","The Hopkinton Town Council voted to set a public hearing for Aug. 4 on a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning), concerning neighborhood gasoline service stations.

Councilors said the change originated in a planning-board draft and must be advertised in the newspaper for at least three weeks before the hearing. The councilor who sponsored the amendment said the planning board had produced the draft and that advertising would begin immediately so a hearing could be held on Aug. 4.

Public comment: Steve Moffitt of Diamond Hill Road opposed the timing and scope of the ordinance as drafted. Moffitt said the measure appears to be targeted at a single, small property and that the proposed 150-foot frontage requirement was inconsistent with the town’s usual 225-foot frontage standard for new building lots. He said the site in question sits on a busy stretch of Route 3 and expressed concern about increased traffic.

Council response and next steps: Councilors noted that a public hearing will give the applicant and members of the public an opportunity to comment and for planning staff to respond to concerns. One councilor suggested that, should new stations be approved in the future, the council consider requiring electric vehicle charging capacity alongside gasoline pumps; the suggestion was discussed as a potential planning consideration rather than an immediate requirement.

The motion to set the hearing passed unanimously by roll call.

Why it matters: The proposed zoning amendment would provide a regulatory framework for neighborhood gasoline service stations; residents near the site voiced concerns about frontage requirements, traffic and the ordinance appearing to single out one property. Planning staff and the applicant will present at the advertised public hearing on Aug. 4, when the council will accept public testimony and consider next steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Hopkinton Town Council voted to set a public hearing for Aug. 4 on a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning), concerning neighborhood gasoline service stations.","taxTitle","Hopkinton, Washington County, Rhode Island","taxId",79578,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511458,"Votes at a glance: Hopkinton council approves agenda order, minutes, public‑hearing dates and three vendor contracts",315,2246000,2561000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996&start=2246&end=2561","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996/thumbnail_2246000.jpg","/articles/6511458/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Votes-at-a-glance-Hopkinton-council-approves-agenda-order-minutes-publichearing-dates-and-three-vendor-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511458-e383b671443865d135de5f11ad5c9ef7/orig.mp4?Expires=1773734710&Signature=MG-fMT8Y0JRL5y4YLrWZMdU69y3zps-JqyrdKAb2cUXGOI-Y2egnCFrppjVwy7Pk5jfPcuuU1xNvxUly~GqdIto2jq0kLB9MMGVGqC0qyICyJ2pLUbligUg57aqEzcz4OvuItFGkR-bmJgcG1L~Ts-MjGLIo7MQ~HHkBoPFqIaxdJ4c~fefUpxy11dNPsdix-IJ6tZK1AUYIcIs-rr5yvdgro9FjBEIOOErKwNsE50Aghcz7KqZkj8Duyi56vNhqXEHENPB9WQ4-Cg0OAk9KqHIqcgQwDxPG~gCmRKPp8ynpD-EXy-HEIbTdi7uF2aEmvv~KFKb5Se2yvphSFQufDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hopkinton Town Council took a series of procedural and procurement votes at its July 7 meeting. All measures passed by unanimous roll call unless noted.

Agenda order and minutes: The council approved an amended agenda order to place the police chief's report before new business. The council also approved the June 16 meeting minutes as amended to correct typographical errors noted during the meeting.

Zoning public hearings: The council set two public‑hearing dates: Aug. 4 for a proposed amendment to Appendix A (Zoning) regarding neighborhood gasoline service stations, and Aug. 18 for a proposed amendment on farm breweries, distilleries and wineries. Both motions passed unanimously and planning staff will advertise the hearings and prepare the records.

Procurement awards (RFPs): The council considered three RFP awards after town staff described a limited response from vendors (each contract received a single bid on reissued requests):

- Number 2 fuel oil: Awarded to Ginger Service Station. The council approved an added fixed price of 20¢ per gallon over rack/rack price for the three‑year contract period. The motion passed by roll call.

- Diesel fuel: Awarded to Ginger Service Station. The council approved an added fixed price of 20¢ per gallon over rack/rack price for the three‑year contract period. The motion passed by roll call.

- Winter sand: Awarded to Raulston Materials at $21 per ton for pickup and $25 per ton for delivery. Staff explained that, for Hopkinton's truck sizes and winter operations, delivered material is typically more cost‑effective than pickup and the vendor can provide rapid deliveries during storms.

Votes and procedure: Town staff said they had reissued the RFPs after receiving no bids on the first round of advertising; they called local vendors and ultimately received one bid per contract. Councilors asked about prior rates; staff said the prior fuel contracts carried a 10¢ per gallon add and the new contracts will be 20¢ per gallon added. For winter sand, staff provided the previous pickup and delivery prices for comparison.

Why it matters: The contracts secure fuel and winter materials for municipal operations for the next contract cycle; the public‑hearing dates advance two zoning proposals to formal public review.

Full list of formal actions taken at the July 7 meeting appears below.","The Hopkinton Town Council took a series of procedural and procurement votes at its July 7 meeting. All measures passed by unanimous roll call unless noted.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511463,"Council sets Aug. 18 hearing on proposed farm brewery, distillery and winery zoning changes",119,2065000,2184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996&start=2065&end=2184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996/thumbnail_2065000.jpg","/articles/6511463/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Council-sets-Aug-18-hearing-on-proposed-farm-brewery-distillery-and-winery-zoning-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511463-16e929d3237f7f382f0afed2cd39d89a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773734710&Signature=F-gDb9PdI5wOTj4pp9Yfli1fzGRx14nCvltLXki83hpRhjJA~VqNt8SoJPiL87CeycB2ukBBeDxHGNPG8-KS0EJe-ATjdMvI16ic-8SoyJxqi0KkdfhkcCH7FnVsLEzsYd3l-mNUw12fMJL1q2NRN3Ck6a5nzSEHHuaxSvdlVVHyR5haBlpYa7YPXG-VBGYCSyEQ4TjwLZr190G~IQpNl6LD4wVyRXXzbyHNZfJRb-LvuVUNvr3VBiDwYR18nLy9VShn9VJGUQ2Ks-5rukDD~8aiu1Z3scQHzZ6tYlhWYYC4a8gLVj9ufQYmVGdUMV0WADE2t9WJrdBnHJa2IsbhOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hopkinton Town Council voted to schedule a public hearing for Aug. 18 on a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances, Appendix A (Zoning), that would address farm breweries, distilleries and wineries.

The councilor who raised the item asked for a later hearing date to allow planning staff and members to refine draft language; the sponsor said he had supplied comments to planning and noted that one planning staff member had been on vacation, so more review time was prudent. Planning had offered three possible hearing dates and councilors chose Aug. 18 to give additional time for review.

Why it matters: The ordinance would establish standards and procedures for establishment and operation of farm-based alcoholic beverage production and deliveries in the town, and the councilor said some provisions needed fine-tuning before public comment. Planning staff and any applicant will present at the advertised hearing, and the public may testify.

The hearing date was set by unanimous vote; planning staff will post required notices and prepare the draft ordinance and record for council consideration after the hearing.","The Town Council set a public hearing for Aug. 18 on a proposed amendment to Appendix A (Zoning) to address farm breweries, distilleries and wineries; the sponsoring councilor requested extra time for fine‑tuning and planning staff will present revised language at the hearing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511471,"Architect gives Hopkinton council detailed update on town hall expansion; subsurface soils delayed schedule",422,2606000,3028000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996&start=2606&end=3028","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996/thumbnail_2606000.jpg","/articles/6511471/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Architect-gives-Hopkinton-council-detailed-update-on-town-hall-expansion-subsurface-soils-delayed-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511471-59568207736655356bdacdd520525d87/orig.mp4?Expires=1773734710&Signature=WoqJk~7qOnTirJcXGnxQC0-hyX96VPPgvsiP4F3x7QIfnCJTSmJgQVfY~PkfQG7MsHdmhYhrMDwVT1QcTcuG0N8mmJAXC~A9MGK6aUaNDelJANBTGFDa8FxLkEInOOgJr6VByRAaWYMKjJRpiGptGdKTGf23wXEQ0Azs1cSN7qKgRKvFu2xiGYPPsCB4cPNg9QEYZ0FxmWMSUOAfIA~ZWcc6o3rzZE0MwOqfpkkfXizefBfi0Rdbcb227zVB4dLwWD8a0SeTSdbS75B7lZ81ASZru7jD1OaJVX9ZKr-DeDHfJXzVP37E3T3jO~fjX342bD546c1lyTb7piF6kcfSSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Greg Smalley of DRA Architects told the Town Council that construction on the Hopkinton town hall expansion has advanced past the initial earthwork but encountered deeper-than-expected silty clay, requiring geotechnical remediation and a sanitary‑sewer realignment.

Smalley, DRA's project lead, said the contractor Tower Construction is on site and work has progressed to foundation preparation. Heavy spring rains slowed early excavation and exposed a deeper layer of unstable soils in several locations. The team used geotextile fabric and gravel to stabilize subgrade and installed new septic tanks and a realigned sewer line where required.

Why it matters: The expansion will relocate most town services into a new roughly 5,000-square-foot building behind the existing council chambers; the council chambers will remain in the existing space but with modifications including an ADA ramp to the dais. The project is visible from the council chamber and has drawn public interest as one of two near-term municipal construction efforts.

Schedule and budget implications: Smalley said the team hopes for an occupancy timeframe near the end of the year but cautioned the schedule depends on weather and any additional remediation costs. He said the contractor has provided rolling three‑week look‑aheads and that recent rains had lengthened some critical-path activities. Smalley said the design team and town manager will review any additional subsurface remediation costs with the contractor to ensure fair allocation.

Procurement and furnishings: Smalley noted that construction pricing was publicly bid and that current tariffs had not forced price increases on awarded construction packages. Furnishings (computers, desks, chairs) are separate from the construction contract; Smalley said he will work with the town manager to develop a furniture purchasing plan, likely using state contract vendors to preserve stable pricing.

Council reaction: Councilors thanked the design team and noted surprise at the depth of ponding encountered during spring excavation. No formal council vote was taken on the construction contract at the meeting; the update served as a project status report.

Smalley said the team will continue to provide updates and coordinate with the town manager on any budget adjustments that result from the subsurface work.","DRA Architects presented a construction and soils remediation update on the town hall expansion. The architect said contractor Tower Construction is mobilized, unexpected deep silty-clay required additional remediation and sewer realignment, and the project may be completed by the end of the year depending on weather and remediation costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6511477,"Hopkinton police brief council on new Rhode Island assault-weapons law, say registration provision removed",190,1190000,1380000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996&start=1190&end=1380","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5327678-564f309f9a5f74911033b2c91951f996/thumbnail_1190000.jpg","/articles/6511477/Hopkinton/Washington-County/Rhode-Island/Hopkinton-police-brief-council-on-new-Rhode-Island-assault-weapons-law-say-registration-provision-removed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6511477-7883d297c8140fff37d6b0ad1924ad85/orig.mp4?Expires=1773734710&Signature=VOoZs0PO1GGcz-~2fwrLItSGsgSII4REgv~efCjQ8xqd~cnDWe~zvt8jRfG3UipfGzwNCbzVLlKA9fOg~wziwq9Cu-wlV~DyupgO7-KbLUU6nximVT7FdUwpYiWYUdkL651esE-WQ9csFU2OZ1RjFYANpTkofy43ddLMUipQGzwbMObsDVwDr945sf2jMx9vzYBD08BGgHg~F2sxomaSyUxpIfwsigDQ0JOKfMm76aV09KERMh4c6aloL7zN8KBXXfUK7GhuBgJ0G0HwLg2sIr0821P75RxKh7ZLHrxYrIYbnVfnku-JInr7uLHkcLkffKlAwNnzSt1ppyFJWuzjuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hopkinton Police Chief briefed the Town Council on a recently enacted Rhode Island law that bars the future sale of weapons classified as \"assault weapons\" and takes effect in July 2026.

The chief said the enacted substitute A version of the bill does not include a registration requirement for people who already own such firearms. \"This bill does not have that registration in there,\" the chief said, adding the law \"really just prohibits the new sales of anything classified as an assault weapon.\" The chief also said the department will not conduct door‑to‑door checks for weapons and will not seek to confiscate firearms from residents: the department will enforce the law as written and will not be going to residents' homes to ask about firearms.

Why it matters: Councilors had asked for clarification after the state legislature and governor approved changes this year and several Rhode Island towns passed resolutions opposing some earlier versions. The chief described how earlier proposals that required local registration and fingerprinting for owners would have imposed heavy operational and fiscal burdens on the town police department.

The chief told councilors that an earlier version of the bill would have required owners to register within a year at the police department for a $25 fee and would have required fingerprinting; those provisions did not survive into the enacted substitute A. The chief said the fingerprinting requirement would have cost the town about $40 per registration in processing fees and would likely have forced large overtime and staffing costs if the department had been asked to register large numbers of firearms.

On definitions and enforcement: The chief summarized the types of features the law uses to define an \"assault weapon,\" citing items such as flash suppressors, bayonet lugs, folding or telescopic stocks, detached magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds and certain shotguns with revolving cylinders. He said many older hunting rifles would not meet the statutory definition, but some modern semiautomatic rifles and certain shotguns would. He noted that serial numbers and manufacture dates can still be used to trace weapons and that out-of-state purchases brought into Rhode Island would present enforcement challenges.

Legal uncertainty and next steps: The chief predicted some legal challenges to the statute and noted that other provisions (for example, on high-capacity magazines) historically have faced court cases. \"We're going to have to deal with whatever the law is,\" he said, and added that the police department will enforce the statute within its limits.

Council response: Councilor Roy commented during public remarks that he considered the law an attack on the Second Amendment; the chief and councilors otherwise limited questions to clarification of enforcement and timelines. No formal council action was taken on the law at the meeting.

The council scheduled no follow-up vote; the discussion served as an informational briefing for councilors and the public.","The Hopkinton Police Chief told the Town Council that a recently enacted Rhode Island substitute A bill banning new sales of weapons defined as \"assault weapons\" does not require local registration and will take effect in July 2026; the chief warned enforcement will be limited and the department will not conduct door-to-door compliance checks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hopkinton council schedules public hearing Aug. 4 on zoning amendment aimed at neighborhood gasoline service stations

Votes at a glance: Hopkinton council approves agenda order, minutes, public‑hearing dates and three vendor contracts

Council sets Aug. 18 hearing on proposed farm brewery, distillery and winery zoning changes

Architect gives Hopkinton council detailed update on town hall expansion; subsurface soils delayed schedule

Hopkinton police brief council on new Rhode Island assault-weapons law, say registration provision removed