By Theresa Knapp 

The Hopedale Select Board has accepted and endorsed a confirmatory deed regarding 187 Freedom Street where the town hopes to construct a 100-foot tall water tower.   

The land was donated by W.G.B. Development Corporation in Mendon and is located at 187 Freedom Street. The land was previously donated to the town, specifically for the purpose of a water tower, but “there was an incorrect land reference in the deed,” according to Town Administrator Diana Schindler. “The land was originally donated for the intent of this water tank, it’s actually in the plan that we are now referencing in the confirmatory deed.” 

The parcel of land is “being shown as ‘Open Space #4,’ containing 3.75 acres, more or less, on a plan entitled ‘Pinecrest II’ ‘Definitive’ Plan of Land in Hopedale, Mass.,’ dated November 3, 1987.” The error referenced an earlier plan recorded with the Registry. 

With the board’s confirmatory vote, and a subsequent similar vote by the Conservation Commission (because it is considered an open space parcel), the document will then be recorded at the Registry of Deeds. 

In an opinion letter to the Select Board dated March 8, 2022, Town Counsel Katharine Klein with KP Law in Boston determined “the Plan of the Property shows the land as open space with a water tank situated thereon” and opined the town can “install a water tank on the Property without obtaining legislative approval from the Common Court.” 

Water & Sewer Department Manager Tim Watson noted access to the parcel is off Freedom Street but the main tie-in will go through Crocket Circle. 

Watson says the project could move quickly but he will need $200,000 for final engineering before he can move forward. ““I would think we’d see the first phase this coming summer with the final engineering and design.”