 by Carol Meyer
Hingham Residents Against the Compressor Station, in addition to town officials and residents in a number of neighboring communities, is strongly opposed to the natural-gas compressor station proposed at the Fore River off Rte. 3A since it would be located about two miles from the nearest part of Hingham. In support of HRAC's efforts, the Hingham Selectmen voted on Jan. 31 to appeal the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's recent issuance of the air quality permit for the proposed station by the Feb. 1 deadline. "This could be a long haul for the South Shore," said Selectman Mary Power earlier. "Given the limitations of the recent Health Impact Assessment, we simply do not know the true impacts the proposed compressor station would have on the health, safety, economy, and environment of Hingham," HRAC President Jenn Mathien stated in a letter to the Selectmen. "We do know, however, that if there is an impact on Hingham, it will be negative." What do you think?  by Carol Meyer
The town election season has already had some action. There are 13 current office-holders with terms expiring this year. So far there's a potential four-way race for three seats on the school committee, including two incumbents -- Elizabeth (Liza) O'Reilly and Carlos DaSilva. Fellow committee member Kay Praschma has not yet taken out papers. The other two potential candidates are Joshua Ross and Nancy Correnti. (There's a race when two or more candidates for a given seat submit their completed nomination papers.) Zoning Board of Appeals member Joseph Fisher has taken out papers for the Selectman's seat currently held by Paul Healey, whose term expires this year. Healey has not yet announced whether he will run for another term. Town Moderator Michael Puzo, Board of Assessors member Christine Roberts, and Kirk Shilts have also pulled papers -- Shilts for his seats on both the Board of Health and Sewer Commission. For a complete list of elected officials with terms expiring in 2019 visit https://www.hingham-ma.gov/ Nomination papers are available in the Town Clerk's Office. Completed papers are due back by 5 p.m. March 7. Be sure to mark your calendars for election day! In the meantime, if you were to run for any office, which would it be? (No obligation to run!) by Carol Meyer Site work for the new combined bathhouse, snack shack, and community room are underway at the Hingham Bathing Beach off Rte. 3A following numerous delays. Bathing Beach Trustee Alan Perrault reports that the project is moving along, with utilities in place and the mini-piles to be installed in the near future. "The modular building sections should be delivered by April 1 and the inside and outside work finished in the following months," he said. That's great news for some Bathing Beach fans, and a lot of work has gone into the project. What do you think about the work as planned -- or do you like the Bathing Beach just the way it is?  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?!  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?!  |
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