The Hopkinton Economic Development Commission reported to the Town Council on May 19 that it has expanded membership and begun work on a set of projects aimed at revitalizing village centers and attracting businesses.

The commission’s secretary, Edna Zaslav, told the council the commission grew from three members at the end of 2023 to eight members today and that the commission now operates subcommittees focused on revitalization, outreach and funding. Zaslav said the commission is organizing village‑level subcommittees for Hope Valley and Ashaway to tailor work to each community.

The commission has drafted a one‑page homeowner welcome letter meant to be included as an insert in the assessor’s initial mailing to new property owners at no cost to the town. Zaslav said the letter was developed collaboratively with the assessor and other town staff and that she and other commission members will help advise where the content should appear on the town website.

Zaslav also said the commission has worked with building and zoning staff on a draft controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) ordinance intended to make Hopkinton an attractive location for greenhouse or indoor agriculture projects. She said the commission studied an earlier CEA effort in Exeter to avoid the delays that stalled that project and that the town liaison, identified as Bob, is reviewing the draft ordinance for council consideration.

EDC member Joe Moreau thanked attorney Steven Seippel for early legal assistance on the CEA draft and described the potential local economic benefits if a commercial greenhouse project moves forward. The discussion included examples of similar projects elsewhere that produce daily harvest volumes and local jobs.

Councilors and commission members discussed plans to host a joint Hopkinton–Richmond EDC focus group at the renovated Hopkinton Regional Community Center once the grand opening is complete. Zaslav said the EDC meets the second Wednesday of the month at 2:30 p.m. at the Hopkinton Police Department and invited residents to attend.

No formal council vote was taken on the CEA ordinance or the welcome letter; the presentation was received for information and councilors expressed support and asked for the draft ordinance and welcome letter to be distributed for further review.