Hopkinton 2020
Hopkinton to market itself through Chamber of Commerce
Michael Morton/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Selectmen last night signed an agreement designating the town’s Chamber of Commerce its official marketer, a move meant to attract new businesses and spur development.
The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce has historically worked toward those goals on its own, Norman Khumalo said, with the new deal formalizing that role and ensuring coordination.
Khumalo cautioned, however, that the agreement does not usurp the regulatory and permitting power of town boards nor supplant their role.
Selectman John Mosher also acknowledged worries from some residents, pledging that the initiative is not meant to develop all existing open space but rather attract amenities like restaurants and bike paths benefiting both homeowners and business owners.
“This is not a simplistic, pro-business thing,” he said. “I think this is a great step in the right direction.”
Specifically, the chamber has created a campaign called “Hopkinton 2020″ and gathered a task force that includes Selectman Ben Palleiko, Planning Board Chairman Joe Markey, Weston Nurseries owner Peter Mezitt and Legacy Farms Project Manager Steven Zieff. Builder Fin Perry is the chairman.
Working with the town’s existing Master Plan, the task force will study the town’s infrastructure and meet with state agencies and leaders, regional planning groups, businesses, landowners, real estate brokers and others.
The task force plans to publish a town business guide, create a website touting town amenities and suggest zoning changes. Those changes would be considered for possible presentation at Town Meeting, where two-thirds approval is required.
The deal with the chamber runs through 2020, with regular reports to selectmen and an annual review.
