Hopkinton Warrant Article 12: Reclassify a portion of Bound Tree Rd. from Class VI to Class V refers to a 9.7 acre parcel at the end of Bound Tree Rd. which has been Class VI since 1977. In a pristine area abutting Society for the Protection of NH Forests conservation land and adjacent to undeveloped land in Warner and Henniker, this area is a gateway to the Mink Hills and is one of the most undeveloped spots in town. It is home to abundant and diverse wildlife and wetland areas. The Nature Conservancy has referred to the Mink Hills area as an exceptional resource. This road serves as a connection to trails enjoyed by hikers, mountain bikers, snowmobilers and cross-country skiers for decades.
When surveyed for the Hopkinton Master Plan, the overwhelming majority of respondents identified the small town/rural atmosphere in town as most important. When asked what Hopkinton’s strengths were, the large number of scenic, unpaved roads topped the list. The greatest area of concern was the elimination of Class VI roads. The recommendation in the master plan was to “discourage scattered and premature development along Class VI roads.” The Conservation Commission, in 2017, said, “The Conservation Commission feels that Class VI roads are an important recreational asset for the town and should be preserved.” This article would set a precedent potentially leading to the disappearance of our pristine sections of town. Reclassifying Class VI roads will add to the tax burden and permanently alter the town.
Katherine Mitchell
Contoocook