30 October, 2019
The Town of Hopkinton today announced that Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Kathleen Theoharides on October 11, 2019 issued a MEPA Certificate for the Main Street Corridor Project and has determined that the project does not require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
“The ENF (Environmental Notification Form) has adequately described and analyzed the project and its alternatives, and assessed its potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures,” said Theoharides. “Based on review of the ENF and comments received on it, and in consultation with State Agencies, I have determined that an EIR is not required.”
The MEPA review process provides meaningful opportunities for public review of potential environmental impacts of certain project for which certain actions by state agencies are required. It requires state agencies to study the environmental impacts of projects requiring state permitting, financial assistance or land disposition, and to use all feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate damage to the environment, or to the extent damage to the environment cannot be avoided, to minimize and mitigate damage to the environment to the maximum extent practicable.
Environmental impacts associated with the Main Street Corridor Project include alteration of .82 acres of land, creation of .38 acres of new impervious area and the removal of 10 public shade trees. Measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate damage to the environment include upgrades to the stormwater management system to improve water quality and the planting of 39 shade trees.
“The MEPA environmental review process allowed stakeholders and interested citizens to help review potential impacts,” said Town Manager Norman Khumalo. “Our team will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders as the project moves forward.”
While the MEPA Certificate represents the latest milestone for the project, two other milestones were also met. The Hopkinton Historic District Commission on October 10 voted to approve the issuance of the following Certificates of Appropriateness:
1. Hopkinton Center Historic District including project elements such as street furniture
and lighting fixtures, and moving and resetting stone walls, in two separate certificates. 2. 76 Main Street Historic District – project elements within the district.
A Certificate of Non-Applicability for project components in the historic districts which are not subject to the commission’s review and approval was also issued.
For additional information about the Main Street Corridor Project, please contact Town Engineer, David Daltorio, P.E. at ddaltorio@hopkintonma.gov or 508-497-9740.
