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Hopkinton Economic Development Committee presents 'smart growth' framework to planning board; proposes community meeting in September
Summary
Members of Hopkinton’s Economic Development Committee presented the Smart Growth framework, highlighting strategies to support local businesses while preserving farms, open space and water resources. The EDC plans a public meeting in September to solicit ideas and identify town priorities.
Members of Hopkinton’s Economic Development Committee on the planning board agenda presented a Smart Growth framework intended to guide local economic development while preserving farmland, open space and the town’s aquifer.
Deborah O’Leary, a longtime local volunteer and EDC member, and Michelle McRae described Smart Growth as a planning approach that connects housing, transportation and land use to create “healthy, prosperous and resilient neighborhoods.” McRae, who led the slideshow presentation, said Smart Growth is adaptable for rural towns and can be applied incrementally in places residents identify as priorities.
The presenters emphasized several principles: concentrate growth in existing village centers rather than allowing sprawl; preserve rural landscapes and agricultural land; support mixed land uses and complete streets that accommodate pedestrians and cyclists; and encourage compact development near existing infrastructure to reduce maintenance costs. McRae cited examples from Brattleboro, Vt.; Eastport, Maine; and Montpelier, Vt., where targeted interventions and zoning changes supported downtown revitalization, housing diversity and resilience strategies.
EDC members framed Smart Growth as a toolkit for Hopkinton to address several local concerns: limited affordable housing options for young households and seniors, the need to support and attract small businesses, and opportunities to expand ecotourism (trails, water trails, local farms and artisans). “I have 2 21‑year‑olds, and they cannot afford to live in this town,” McRae said, describing housing access as a driver for considering changes in zoning or development patterns.
Funding sources and implementation tools identified by the EDC included technical assistance grants and competitive funding from federal programs (EPA, HUD, U.S. DOT, USDA), state programs and private foundations. The presenters recommended steps to begin implementation: assess local assets, engage residents in outreach, review zoning to identify barriers and “quick wins,” and pursue technical assistance and grant funding. EDC said it has already submitted an application seeking a state grant to support a zoning and subdivision update.
The board and EDC agreed to a public outreach step. The EDC plans a public meeting on Sept. 19 to gather community ideas on which Smart Growth elements fit Hopkinton’s character and to identify near‑term actions that can be included in the town’s upcoming comprehensive plan process.
The planning board thanked the EDC presenters and encouraged strong community engagement, noting that not all Smart Growth techniques suit every community and that any zoning changes would need clearer local objectives and community input before being proposed as regulations.
