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by Carol Meyer Another Christmas has come and gone, and we'll be taking down our tree this weekend. But I am sad! We've kept it up for as long as we can but I feel like I will be parting with an old friend. Our beautiful tree brightened holiday family gatherings, visits from friends, and cozy evenings by the fireplace reading a book. During a recent gathering, it became our birthday party tree. Now it's time to say goodbye. The only comfort is that Christmas will be here again before we know it and another festively-decorated tree will grace our living room. Does anyone else feel this way, or am I just a bit crazzzyy?! 
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by Carol Meyer
One of the most pressing issues on the minds of Hingham citizens these days is whether or not it makes sense for the town to purchase the portion of Aquarion Water Company that serves Hingham, Hull, and part of Cohasset. Some residents think that would be a wise move -- with an expected savings of about $50 million over 30 years, according to consultants hired by the town. Opponents, including some Hull residents, oppose such a purchase for a number of reasons. Documents related to the years-long consideration of this issue are posted on the town website, https://www.hingham-ma.gov/ along with reports that were recently presented as part of a third-party review commissioned by the Town of Hingham. A Harbor Media video of the Jan. 10 meeting related to the findings in these reports is also posted on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52-fjibgrns&t=6s. Town Meeting 2019 voters may be asked to decide this question. What do YOU think?!  by Carol Meyer
After learning that Foster School -- which school officials and concerned parents say is in need of a major renovation or an entirely new building -- was not selected to participate in the Massachusetts School Building Authority program for potential partial funding for the second year in a row, school officials hosted public meetings to gauge community reaction, to talk about options, and to help decide what the next steps should be. Last week the School Committee talked about two proposed Town Meeting warrant articles related to authorizing the resubmission of a statement of interest with the MSBA and appropriating funds for a feasibility study and for the second article, appropriating funds for extraordinary maintenance in the meantime. "We are open to feedback from the community as we develop the warrant articles," School Committee Chairman Michelle Ayer said recently. Do you think addressing Foster School issues should take priority -- either with or without partial state funding -- over other potential capital projects such as expanding the senior center, building a new fire station, library improvements, etc.? Your opinion counts!  by Carol Meyer
Hingham has an annual budget of more than $100 million, including the schools. While it's considered to be an affluent town, many of its residents aren't. The selectmen continue to try to find ways to help ease the tax burden at a time when there are millions of dollars-worth of proposed capital projects in the pipeline. Which do you think should take priority -- a Foster School renovation or new building, a new fire station, expanded senior center, library renovation/improvements, more room for the Hingham Police Department/ regional dispatch center, or something else? Let your voice be heard!  by Carol Meyer
Good news! Work on the near-replica of the former 1859 Italianate-style Lincoln Building in Hingham Square is nearing completion. After the roof collapsed following extremely heavy snowfall in early 2015, the building -- which was slated for eventual demolition -- was razed, leaving behind a pile of rubble. Retail is planned for the first floor, with high-end rental apartments on the top two floors. Downtown regulars -- residents and out-of-towners alike -- can't wait to see what new life these shops will bring to the area. What kind of retail would you like to see? What do you think of the new building, and is it an asset to Hingham Square?  The new year signifies a fresh start for everyone! For some it's a time for spiritual renewal or to express more patience and kindness; for others it's an opportunity to get more exercise or to grow a vegetable garden.
Good intentions can lead to positive outcomes. Now that it's the end of 2018, what's your New Year's Resolution for the coming year? Once you decide, make it happen! Happy New Year! by Carol Meyer Downtown Hingham has made it through the challenging Greenbush restoration and numerous other challenging changes and building projects, remaining a popular destination for residents and out-of-town visitors alike. Why? There's the new Heritage Museum at Old Derby, fine dining and shopping opportunities in and around Hingham Square leading to the harbor, Loring Hall Theatre, the new replica Lincoln Building, Old Ship Meetinghouse and other historic churches, live music in at least three venues, and a hometown flavor that can't be beat! What's you favorite thing to do by yourself or with your family in downtown Hingham? Any ideas or suggestions about how the experience could be even better than it already is?!  by Carol Meyer Two earlier proposals for a biergarten and later a residential and commercial mixed use at the long-vacant, dilapidated former Settles Glass site at the intersection of North and Station streets in downtown Hingham didn't happen, but there's hope! Once home to a glass company and later a funky art studio, the latest mixed-use proposal is on a smaller scale than the earlier one. "It's an unusual site, but it's vital in connecting the downtown area to the harbor and will also increase the vitality of downtown Hingham," said Hingham architect Vcevy Strekalovsky, who is designing the project. It's also important that the new building fit into the surrounding neighborhood. Two town boards will meet Tuesday, Dec. 18, in joint session at Town Hall to further review the proposal. If you could wave a magic wand and see your wish materialize, what would you like most to see on this site? by Carol Meyer The future of the 1757 Thomas Barker House at 58 Main St. in Hingham Square is no longer uncertain. The house and barn are gone, with only two chimneys remaining. That's because following decades of controversy and numerous attempts by owner John Pitts and town officials to save the house through a cooperative effort, a building permit was issued Nov. 30 for both buildings to be demolished for safety reasons on Dec. 3 starting at about 7:30 a.m. While some observers are saddened by the demolition, others think the time was right following many unsuccessful attempts to save the house and to meet deadlines for full restoration plans. Do you think the right decision was made? What do you think would be a good new use for the property? Stop by and see for yourself!  by Carol Meyer
Join in the annual Christmas in the Square celebration early this year by participating in a new fundraiser that will add to the festive atmosphere and create a new tradition -- a "Light up the Square" Luminaria Festival. Donations of $20 for the purchase of luminaria -- Christmas lanterns with votive candles set inside a small paper bag weighted with sand that will light the way during the Dec. 7 celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. -- may be made on the Hingham Downtown Association website, discoverhingham.com. You can add your family name, greeting, or in-memory-of message to start a special new tradition for your family! And while you're at it, you can post here your favorite memory of this festive Hingham Downtown Association-hosted celebration -- Santa's arrival by fire truck, live holiday music and caroling, giant peppermint sticks, the holiday ice sculpture, and/or the Festival of Trees, or something else! |
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