During the presentation, the project team provided a comprehensive briefing on the state of the existing Charleswood Elementary School, the need for replacement due to its end-of-life condition, and the process of selecting a new site after evaluating 44 potential locations within the town. The project, sponsored by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), has undergone extensive feasibility studies, including Preliminary Design Program (PDP), Preferred Schematic Report (PSR), and Schematic Design (SD) phases. Community forums and surveys contributed to the decision-making process.

Public comments, which were accepted during the meeting, highlighted traffic as an issue, especially at the proposed site. In response, the project team conducted a comprehensive transportation study to examine traffic, parking, and circulation safety. The project’s layout, which includes a three-story, 175,000 square foot building serving grades 2 through 4, incorporates parking spaces, athletic fields, playgrounds, and seating areas.

The proposed design of the new Charleswood Elementary School boasts a masonry structure that prioritizes low maintenance and durability. The building’s sustainable features were discussed, with a focus on achieving high energy performance and Passive House certification. The design includes passive elements such as insulation, optimized classroom orientation for daylight, triple-pane glass, and sunshades. Active systems include a ground source heat pump, efficient lighting, and the potential for photovoltaic (PV) panels installation through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

The Hayden Row Street improvements, spanning approximately 1,535 linear feet, were also a topic of note. The project will result in about 18 acres of land disturbance and necessitate local approvals, including a site plan review with the planning board and an order of conditions from the Conservation Commission. The stormwater management system, designed to mitigate water quality issues, includes best management practices and ample vegetation.

Regarding environmental considerations, the project team addressed questions from state agencies about the presence of Riverfront area jurisdictional under the Wetlands Protection Act, tree clearing acreage, and the tree planting plan. They clarified the absence of Riverfront area, confirmed the extent of tree clearing, and outlined a tree planting strategy to minimize environmental impact. The team also assured there would be no direct impacts on wetland resources, with all work confined to buffer zone areas.

The project area encompasses seven parcels owned by the town of Hopkinton, including the Marathon Elementary School and an unoccupied single-family dwelling. The MEPA review was triggered as the project exceeds two thresholds for an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) but does not require a mandatory Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Additionally, the proposed school’s design aligns with specialized energy codes, targeting the Mass Save path one rebate program.

The meeting’s structure was designed to provide detailed insights into the project’s progression, from historical background to current development and anticipated outcomes. The emphasis on public input and transparent communication underscored the collaborative nature of the planning process. Participants, including federal representatives, state agencies, local officials, and members of the public, were reminded to submit written comments by June 21, 2024, with a MEPA certificate to be issued subsequently on June 28, 2024.