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Known for
its rural character and pristine open space, residential
development in Hopkinton has been extensive. Sadly, the
very rural character that makes Hopkinton so unique is
threatened as farms are leveled for subdivisions and forests
razed for lawns. |
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Currently, there are two major development
proposals in the town of Hopkinton.
• The first, although still
not finalized, would be at Exit 2 off I-95. Current
plans call for a developed recreational complex. Other
proposals outline a commercial center or office park.
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• The second area of development
is along Dye Hill Road in the Northwest corner of the
state. Abutting a nature preserve, current proposals
call for a large subdevelopment. At this point, it looks
as though this plan will be approved. Dye Hill Road's
working farms, narrow winding roads, and wooded areas--
Hopkinton's rural charm-- are all threatened.
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As more residences have been built,
Hopkinton's population has
grown. This has placed a strain on the town's infrastructure,
including roads, schools, libraries, and fire and police.
Future growth management strategies should be tied to
the town's ability to pay for services, as well as its
desire to protect open space and rural quality.
Recently designated for neighborhood
revitalization, the villages of Hope Valley and
Ashaway are areas where future commercial growth could
be located. Growth in these areas would allow for an
increased tax base and increased services, while protecting
Hopkinton's rural character and open space.
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