Fort Revere tower project to be completed by fall; access to observation deck uncertain

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The long-awaited rehabilitation of the historic Fort Revere water tower is under way, and the town reports that the contractor has completed a substantial amount of work and expects to be finished with the project in October.

The observation deck of the 120-foot-tall tower, built in 1903, was closed to the public in 2012 because it was deemed unsafe for visitors.

TOWERING EXPECTATIONS: The long-awaited rehabilitation of the historic Fort Revere water tower is under way, with crews preparing the roof of the 120-foot-tall structure for the installation of new slate panels. [Richard W. Green photo]

The total project cost of $2.046 million is funded by a town meeting appropriation of $2.2 million and a $75,000 Massachusetts Historical Commission grant. In addition, part of the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s payment in lieu of taxes to the town may be used for the tower work if necessary– up to $83,000 – according to Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio.

Work completed so far by the contractor, Cape Cod Builders, includes removing the stairs, preparations for a new slate roof, and chipping away “at the concrete that was problematic,” DiIorio told The Hull Times in response to an email. 

The contractor also has installed rebar and fastened it to the tower to create the structure for the concrete repairs, and the roof sheathing is about to be replaced to provide a base for the new slate roof shingles. Cracks are being braced and filled with epoxy.

Still to be accomplished are concrete and masonry repairs, replacement of the existing concrete observation platform, restoration of existing windows, replacement of the concrete stairs with new metal stairs, and the replacement slate roof.

When asked if there will be public access to the observation deck – a question that has come up repeatedly throughout the process – DiIorio said that decision has not yet been made.

“The stairway is narrow, steep, and rounded, so it would be difficult to pass another person if people were ascending and descending at the same time,” he explained. “There would need to be some operational oversight if/when it was opened.”

Fort Revere is jointly owned by the Town of Hull and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, is located on Telegraph Hill in historic Hull Village. The town owns the water tower and the main sections of the bunkers, or gun emplacements, while the state owns several bunkers and the picnic area in front of the tower. The DCR also owns the former officers’ quarters on Farina Road, which is being restored in a separate project by preservation carpenter Larry Seaboyer.

A Revolutionary War-era fort on Telegraph Hill was named Fort Independence. The current concrete fort was built at the turn of the last century as part of the Boston Harbor defense system and named in honor of patriot Paul Revere. The fort was an active military base through World War II.

Following the decommissioning of the fort in 1947, the land passed into private hands. Efforts begun during the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976 resulted in the fort’s restoration and the installation of an amphitheater within the walls of the fortification, according to the Fort Revere-Fort Independence Park Preservation Society.

Nearby is presumably the gravesite of nearly 200 French soldiers who died while fighting for America in the Revolutionary War.

Historical commission member and Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce President Steven Greenberg told The Hull Times he believes the current Fort Revere restoration project “is of great importance as it represents the community’s continued stewardship of our historic assets.”

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Despite town meeting approval, management change for light plant ruled ‘not actionable’

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The citizens’ petition article approved at the recent annual town meeting calling for the removal of the town manager as the light plant manager is “not actionable,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable reported to the select board this week.

Constable said the wording of the article did not include provisions about filing special legislation to make the management change.

TOWN MANAGER JENNIFER CONSTABLE opposed article 37 AT THIS SPRING’S TOWN MEETING.

During a meeting June 11, the day of the select board meeting, Constable said she met with counsels for the town and light plant and finance and light plant staff “to confirm the article is not actionable based on the town meeting vote,” she said.

Click here to read the Times’ coverage of this issue at spring town meeting

Constable said that in 1993, town meeting approved changing the governance of the light plant to the current structure, with the town manager also serving as light plant manager.

“That structure change happened by special legislation supported by the select board, with town meeting authorizing the board to initiate it, but [this] was not included in Article 37, so no action can be taken,” Constable said.

The  sponsor of the article was Jacob Vaillancourt, a current member of the light board, and was supported by a majority of the light commissioners. It was approved at town meeting after lengthy debate, 116-83.

Constable said that it is not the town’s responsibility to provide legal guidance on the structure of citizens’ petitions.

“I believe the moderator at town meeting informed the town body that even if the article were to pass, it would not be actionable,” Constable said. “The select board would have to request [the required] special legislation to make the warrant article actionable, but that was not included in the article.”

LIGHT COMMISSIONER JACOB VALLAINCOURT SPEAKS IN FAVOR OF ARTICLE 37 at town meeting…

Select board member Greg Grey noted that there have been many articles that are advisory “that have passed at town meeting but are not acted upon” – in this case, by the select board, and they are not required to do so.

During the June 11 meeting, Constable told the board, “we did go over a number of issues raised by the article proponent related to financial concerns, and I’m happy to report that all financial actions between the town and light plant are consistent in the way we are operating,” Constable said. “PILOT (payments-in-lieu-of-taxes) payments are not illegal, but how we structure them moving forward will be discussed with the light board. I expect there may be revisions. Otherwise we’re up to speed.”

At the appropriate time, both counsels will come back and speak with the select board and light board, she said.

Select board member Jerry Taverna said he considers himself “an important stakeholder” and would like “to hear directly from both counsels on why this is not actionable and how they came to this decision.”

Vaillancourt was not present at the select board’s meeting Wednesday. Article 37 is listed as a topic on the light board’s scheduled meeting for tonight, Thursday, June 12. Check next week’s Times for updates from that meeting.

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Congratulations to the Hull High School Class of 2025!

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Hull High’s seniors celebrated several milestones last week, including the prom, a final visit to the Jacobs School in their caps and gowns, and graduation ceremonies on Saturday.

Prom photos by Adam Iversen and Nicole Townsend, edited by Jennifer Whelan. Graduation photos by Skip Tull and Jennifer Whelan.

Click the links below for full galleries of images from each event.

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HRA members seek consensus on property uses as work begins on Urban Renewal Plan

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

After sharing their visions for the 13-acre property, Hull Redevelopment Authority members appeared have a shared desire to preserve at least part of the land as open space and for some kind of community center.

There were differences of opinion among board members and citizens who spoke during the three-hour meeting regarding the possibility of constructing affordable housing. At one point, there were 52 participants in the Zoom meeting.

Member Joan Senatore suggested as an alternative working with the Affordable Housing Committee “to see how we can support them and maybe provide some financial support to find another location to help create some affordable housing in Hull. It’s something that the town needs.”

In sharing his vision, member Dan Kernan said his starting position is “not to see the property sold, except as a last resort – no private housing, hotel, or private conference center and limited commercial,” he said. Instead, he said he favors utilizing most of the space for public use.

He also suggested – as has been a topic of conversation at numerous board meetings – conducting a survey “to confirm beyond a shadow of a doubt that the majority of the community is interested in a change of direction and have completely rejected Urban Renewal Plan Option 2.”

“Let’s choose a partner to help develop a new URP [Option 3] and to guide us,” Kernan said.

He also expressed an interest in a community gathering space in addition to open space.

Jennifer Romeo Porcaro, whose grandfather’s house was taken by eminent domain by the redevelopment authority 60 years ago, said she “absolutely supports” Kernan’s vision.

“I would hate to see private property that was taken by eminent domain get into the hands of a private developer or sold to some private organization,” she said. “For the land to go back to private housing would be absolutely disgusting. I would like to see it as a community space and would offer to commemorate with my own money my grandfather’s legacy with a bench. Please, please, do not sell the land back to any private developer for a private development. This is prime real estate in Hull, and I encourage you to make it a community space.”

‘Redeveloping the property is our job’

Chair Bartley Kelly discussed the property’s history and the creation of the HRA.

“It’s our job to see what redevelopment of the property could look like and how it could benefit the town,” he said. “Redeveloping the property is our job. It’s right in our name.”

He noted that listening to HRA members and input at community meetings, “some would like to see the property remain 100% open space, while others have proposed using [part of the property] to create affordable housing. … We’re looking for a compromise. … Thirteen acres is a lot of open space to maintain without a revenue stream.”

He brought up the two-way road plan – which has been discussed repeatedly during HRA meetings and is in the draft URP – stating that voters at the 2018 town meeting “endorsed the two-way road plan based on the information provided.”

Board member Adrienne Paquin asked Kelly to clarity his statement regarding town meeting endorsing that plan, with Kelly responding that the article passed by “well over the required two-thirds vote.”

Resident Lisa French expressed a different view. “The public didn’t vote for the two-way road plan,” she said, only a potential transfer of property.

Kelly responded that the town meeting vote “authorized the select board to effectuate the two-way road plan through a land transfer. They haven’t conveyed that land since we haven’t finished the URP. The town is continuing to pursue that plan, and it’s in our draft URP.”

Later in the meeting, resident C. Anne Murray said she reviewed the 2018 town meeting vote “and it was to convey the land on the bayside strip into the diagonal road so that if the select board felt that as the DCR [Department of Conservation & Recreation] developed the two-way road plan and if it made sense to go forward, that land could be transferred … to make it all work.”

“What really sticks in my craw, though, is that the two-way road plan was [created] around a development that was under consideration years ago, involving a large commercial space with residential on top … that is not going to happen, and that needs to be taken into account, because it’s [based on] a foundation that is not there anymore,” she said.

‘I love the concept of a community center’

With regard to surveys, resident Steve McCumber noted that only a small percentage of Hull residents have responded, “so it’s too early for anyone to say the town overwhelmingly wants one thing or another.

“I love the concept of a community center – something that would allow weddings to bring people here from out of town to view Hull, and maybe they would want to live her afterwards,” he said.

Resident Liz Kay asked whether there is a way to do a “value analysis on the land so the HRA is working off some real numbers – the value of gathering places and park lands and the impact on taxes and the value of homes … [as well as] the impacts to our infrastructure? The value of the property has only gone up.”

Another resident mentioned that the availability of water to serve development on the HRA property is also a concern, as the Weir River Water System is encouraging conservation of water.

‘Doing something for the good of our citizens’

Among Paquin’s priorities is “doing something for the good citizens of this town – something that is supported by the majority that is considerate of the climate-sensitive location of this land.”

Her ideas for the property include open space, a community center, and creation of community space “with benches – a casual meeting place for gatherings, children’s birthday parties, and picnics – hopefully with the infrastructure in certain places to support community events.”

“I agree that selling this land to a private developer would make [the HRA] millions, but it would be nothing but a slap in the face to the people who were moved by eminent domain many years ago,” she said.

“This might bring in some tax revenues, but our taxes will never go down. This land is a precious resource, and we want to do something on it that is worthy of it – not a huge hotel or conference center or private housing,” she said. “Maybe I’m allowing myself to dream that we can find the funding for this, but we owe it to the town to at least try.”

Kernan noted that if part or all of the property were to be sold, such a transaction “would be irreversible. The highest use is as public space, and we should try that first.”

While “money is not the most important consideration, I’m a realist,” Kelly said. “We have to have the funds to leverage. We have to fund the future.”

Regarding affordable housing, SOS Hull’s Susan Vermilya suggested “looking at what part of the 13 acres is usable space. Some of the property on the bay side is under water at high tide. Before we give away this beautiful land for affordable housing, I’m hopeful you would take a look at the [town’s inventory of land] and look at other options.”

In response to a question from Paquin, HRA technical operations manager Mark Hamin explained that URPs are required to specify an expiration date, “which is normally about 20 years to fulfill the goals of the plan.”

Near the end of the meeting, Paquin said she felt “invigorated by all this energy” expressed by citizens who spoke.

She also noted that “this redevelopment situation we are in is not unique, except we haven’t yet finished the job. Other communities have gone through this – land taken by eminent domain, the owners offered market value and moving costs. This was traumatic for some, while others found a better place to move. Land redevelopment has occurred in a huge variety of ways in other communities. Let’s look at what’s needed for the town at this time, not 50 years ago.”

A replay of the meeting is on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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© 2025 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Another try, same 3-2 result; HRA’s second reorganization vote leaves officers unchanged

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By Carol Britton Meyer

In response to requests from Hull Redevelopment Authority member Adrienne Paquin and a number of citizens, a reorganization revote was taken this week, with the same results as the May 12 vote – 3-2 in favor of Bartley Kelly as chair, Dan Kernan as vice chair, Paquin as clerk, and Joan Senatore as treasurer.

Unlike the May 12 vote, though, on June 9, there was discussion following former chair Dennis Zaia’s duplicate motion from the earlier meeting. Following that motion, Kernan nominated Paquin to serve as chairperson.

HRA MEMBER ADRIENNE PAQUIN

“We need a chair who will listen more than talk – who honestly accepts and respects that others in the community do in fact know what they want for themselves,” he said. “Adrienne has demonstrated consistent fairness, pragmatism, and a deep understanding of the complex issues before this board as we look forward to the next [phase of our work] … a new way of looking at things as we revisit the Urban Renewal Plan.”

Kernan then made a substitute motion to Zaia’s, nominating Paquin as chair, Kelly as vice chair, Senatore as treasurer, and himself as clerk. Paquin seconded that motion.

She thanked Kernan for his vote of confidence, saying that she believes she “could be an asset as chair. My day job involves identifying problems and figuring out solutions, and I want to be part of the solution.”

She added that as chair she “would try to create an environment where all members are heard as we move to drafting [Option 3] of the URP – taking into account all input over the past two years and previously as part of an open public process.”

Paquin expressed appreciation to Kelly for serving on the HRA for many years and for Zaia in serving as the previous chair, and asked for her fellow members’ votes.

HRA MEMBER JOAN SENATORE

The vote to accept the substitute motion was 2-3, with Zaia, Kelly, and Senatore voting against.

A vote was then taken on the main motion for Kelly as chair, Kernan as vice chair, Senatore as treasurer, and Paquin as clerk, which passed on a 3-2 vote, with Paquin and Kernan voting no.

The issue has been a topic of discussion since May 12, when three hours into the meeting, Zaia abruptly announced he was stepping down from the chair role, catching some fellow board members by surprise and causing a number of residents participating in the Zoom meeting to express disappointment at a last-minute move without discussion among board members.

HRA members and some in the audience also questioned whether the topic was properly discussed at that meeting. Under the Open Meeting Law, all business items that the chair “reasonably anticipates will be discussed” should be listed on the posted agenda, although the law does not specifically prohibit discussion of other issues. According to an email exchange between the town clerk and three HRA members, Town Counsel Brian Winner said that an unanticipated topic “should not be discussed (or voted on) by the board and it should be placed on the next agenda.”

That night, Zaia immediately nominated Kelly, a former chair – who seconded the motion – with no discussion about other nominations. He then nominated Kernan as vice chair, Paquin as clerk, and Joan Senatore as treasurer. Those nominations were approved on a 3-2 vote, with Paquin and Kernan voting against.

A replay of the meeting is on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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In the Sport-light: Roundup of news about Hull athletes

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Compiled by Matt Haraden 

• The Boys 3/4 Soccer Team 1 played the final game of the season this past Saturday, June 7. The team, consisting of Luke Panetta, Owen Bilodeau, Liam Palermo, North Saforrian, Finn Saforrian, Harrison Jones, Luca Dibley, Noah Shea, Leo Gunderson, Casey Resnick, Rocko Truglia, and Sawyer Markowitz improved their skills greatly over the course of the season.

KICK OUT. This week marked the end of the youth soccer season. At left, the Boys 5/6 team enjoyed their final game, while at right, the Boys 7/8 team featured four eighth-graders playing for the last time in the youth soccer program – JD McAuliffe, JP Hnath, Luka Truglia, and Frankie Bernard. [Courtesy photos]

• 3/4 Team 2 defeated Kingston, 4-2, at home on Saturday, finishing 4-3-1 on the season. The team came out strong, with Kai Funari scoring the first goal. Jordan Dunn, Teddy Misdea, and Andy Michaelides all scored one goal each. Ryan Duran, Sam Chiba, James Petruzzelli, Anthony Saghbini, Declan Fahey, Enki Mundo, and Zachary Walsh all had stellar performances on the field. Nolan Cichocki and Langdon Walper were great in goal.

• Boys 7/8 Soccer finished the season with a win against Hanover, 2-1. This marked the end of Hull Youth Soccer play for eighth-graders JD McAuliffe, JP Hnath, Luka Truglia, and Frankie Bernard. The coaches have watched them grow from pre-K guppies to eighth-grade travel and they can’t wait to see where they go next!

• Girls 7/8 Soccer defeated Pembroke, 9-2, last Saturday. Aubrey Littlefield had a hat trick, with Piper Yakubian, Abby Baglione, and Ava Palermo scoring two goals each. Molly McCarthy, Ellie Kiley, Stella Palermo, and Michaela Collins led Hull’s defense. The team will begin its playoff run on Saturday, June 14 in Marshfield.

• Girls 5/6 Lacrosse finished strong in Sunday’s Jamboree by the Sea, losing to Pembroke, 7-2, coming back for a 4-4 draw against Hanover, and beating Quincy 5-4. Molly McCarthy, Deidre Flaherty, Frankie Rockett, Resse Irby, Payton Dunn, and Piper Yakubian scored the goals. Sydney O’Brien, Cordelia Hennessey, Frankie Rockett, Peyton Dunn, and Piper Yakubian made the assists. Led by defensive force Abby Donovan, Hull’s resolute back line included Josie Tyrrell, Natalie Tiani, Addison Mahan, Leah Dibley, and Julianna Moore-DaSilva. Hadley Dolan, Scarlett Riley, and Stella Palermo were ferocious on attack. And team spirit animal Ruby D’Errico stood on her head in goal. The team’s fantastic season was capped off by the well-organized and attended Jamboree at the Turf. The girls played with pride and selfless style all season.

PHOTO BY CHARLIE O’CONNOR.

• At the Hull Yacht Club, the boats are on the water again in the Rhodes 19 Spring Series races. Thursday night (June 5) featured eight boats on the line, SSW wind at 8-12 knots, and four races under Chamber of Commerce conditions expertly managed by Hull RC. Several R19s launched earlier in the week, and the fleet welcomed Full Circle, Mermaid Hunter, Smiles 2.0, Tool’in and Rhodeo to the line. Steve Clancy in Razzmatazz finished first, followed by Joe Berkeley in roger that!, Bill Bradford in Full Circle, Patrick Hnath and Douglas Ryan in Mermaid Hunter, Jeff Binder in Smiles 2.0, David Curry in Tool’in, Elizabeth Johnson and Joseph O’Neil in Rhodeo, and Lindsey Buchleitner in Rebel Girl. It was perfect night and a big thank-you to Bill Bradford for handling fleet captain duties.

The “Regatta To Be Named Later” is coming up on June 14. First race is at 2 p.m. The R19 East Coast Championship will be on June 21 and 22 at Cottage Park Yacht Club. Visit www.r19eastcoast2025.com for more info.

• Coaches, league organizers, and superfans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at midnight. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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Third annual kayak tour to showcase Weir River Estuary

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The third annual SOS Hull Kayak Tour of the Weir River Estuary will be held on Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This educational outing will benefit the work of SOS Hull. Scott Plympton, owner of Nantasket Kayaks, will provide a tour of the Weir River Estuary, pointing out its flora, fauna, and special protections under the Area of Critical Environmental Concern designation.

SOS (Save our Space) Hull is a citizens action group focused on the Hull Redevelopment Authority land. Proceeds from this event will help bring vision, awareness, and advocacy together in support of preserving the beauty, character, and sustainability of the largest remaining open land in Hull between Phipps and Water Street.

Meet afterward for a special gathering at The Drift (formerly Red Sky) to hear from members of the SOS board to learn about their recent activities to bring awareness to this fragile peninsula we call home.

The tour begins at Nantasket Kayaks on Steamboat Wharf; free parking is available on the pier or in the DCR lot across the street from the Paragon Carousel. Space is limited to 35, so register today; cost is $50 per person and can be made by credit card, check, or cash upon arrival on the day of event. Registration is required by emailing: Kayakflower@gmail.com or calling Judy, 781-367-0626. The rain/wind date is Wednesday, July 2.

For more information, email SOShullactivity@gmail.com.

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Hull Pride celebrates Kenberma Rainbow Crosswalk, hosts ‘Freedom by the Sea’ event

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TRUE COLORS: The rainbow-colored Pride Crosswalk on Nantasket Avenue at the intersection of Kenberma Street was unveiled on May 29. [Sean Baggett photo]

Hull Pride is proud to celebrate the successful unveiling of the Kenberma Rainbow Crosswalk, a vibrant symbol of inclusivity and community spirit. Located at the intersection of Nantasket Avenue and Kenberma Street, the crosswalk was unveiled on May 29 with a joyful event at Scoops featuring rainbow sundaes, snacks, and live music.

“To have the town’s support of such a visible symbol of the gay, lesbian, trans, and queer community at such a prominent location sends a powerful message: Hull is a place where ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ isn’t just lip service – it’s our way of life,” said Hull Pride board member Jason McCann.

Last weekend’s flagship event, “Hull Pride: Freedom by the Sea,” was held on Saturday, June 7 at the Hull Yacht Club. The free, family-friendly festival featured live music from local musician Lindsey Buck with special guests (including a past Hull Pride scholarship awardee), speeches from local and state leaders, a Chappel Roan-inspired set by Boston drag performer Missy Steak, and a DJ dance party with live requests. In addition to the performances, there were tarot readings, face painting, coloring, and the Such Fun Photo Booth for group photos and selfies. Food was by Mom on the Go Food Truck, the Lobster Stop, and Scoops Ice Cream.

“Hull Pride: Freedom by the Sea is our way of bringing the community together to honor love, identity, and the freedom to be oneself,” said Hull Pride board President Beth Landgraf. “We’re excited to gather with friends, family, and neighbors this weekend for a day of unity and pride.”

For more information about Hull Pride events and initiatives, visit www.hullpride.net or email hullpridema@gmail.com.

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HRA sets summer schedule, looks toward ‘fresh start’ in refining Urban Renewal Plan

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 By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Redevelopment Authority set its summer schedule this week, allowing time to discuss revisions and additions to the draft Urban Renewal Plan in what Chair Bartley Kelly called “a fresh start” beginning with next Monday’s meeting.

Board member Dan Kernan said he thought that it is a good time “to look at where we each stand on the URP and to take a couple of minutes to talk about what our top-level priorities are – to see where we are all on the same page and where there are disconnects, with everyone having an equal say.”

Member Adrienne Paquin said this approach “makes sense to me. I think what we’re missing here is [defining] the process. … to avoid spinning our wheels like we have for the last couple of years.”

The next meeting dates are June 9 and 30 and July 14 and 28.

The board discussed at length what that process might look like, along with possible uses for the 13-acre property – from affordable housing to a community center to open space to commercial, among others.

Kelly brought up the controversial topic of the two-way road proposal, which would eliminate some bayside traffic lanes and change the direction of the oceanfront road from one-way to two-way.

“It appears that the town is moving forward with this plan, so we need to discuss that. The URP is a planning document – will we follow the town’s lead regarding the two-way road plan?” he asked.

He also mentioned recent presentations by the Hull Artists group for an arts center and by a Cohasset’s Lisa and Paul Rogers, who are proposing a multi-generational child wellness and community center, Dylan’s Tide, in memory of their late son. The Wildlands Trust also made a presentation for some part of the property.

‘We need to find the common areas’

“We need to find the common areas amongst those parties,” Kelly said.

There are plans for HRA Technical Operations Manager Mark Hamin and a member of the board to meet with the Rogers to talk about the URP process and how their proposed project might fit in, along with the timeframe.

In response to a comment made by Paquin about references to a “parcel by parcel” approach to the HRA property, Hamin said that “the idea of thinking about different proposals is not treating them in a separate way. The URP doesn’t address development of the property in a piecemeal, but rather, a holistic way and [in consideration of] compatible and complementary uses.”

Kelly noted that board members “have all articulated our visions of what we think would work – everyone wants open space and connectivity. Who are the benefactors? They should be the residents and taxpayers of the Town of Hull.”

He then said that numerous events have occurred and are planned for the HRA property.

“If we want such a venue as part of the URP, we will have to get the zoning for it,” he said.

‘We have to reach some kind of compromise’

Member Dennis Zaia said he believes “we have to reach some kind of compromise about how all this could work. … The URP will give us the greatest control about what might be included – whether a community center or open space...”

Resident Paul Newman suggested the HRA hire a project planner or designer “to put together different scenarios from people’s wishes and to look at the financials” in order to come up with a URP “that works for the town.”

At one point in the meeting, Hamin brought up “a point of order,” stating that he believed that “someone in the meeting is not presenting themselves accurately.”

He was referring to one of the participants using statements such as “Honesty counts” instead of his or her name on their Zoom profile. The implication was to block them from participating.

Kelly suggested just ignoring it “if they don’t want to show themselves.”

Paquin noted that the HRA “often has unidentified participants, and we’ve never kicked them out for not having an appropriate name.”

The process, Kelly explained, is that if someone in the audience has comments to share, they can raise their hand on the Zoom function and will be invited to speak after board members have an opportunity to make their comments.

Resident Lisa French told the board “it’s not disruptive for someone to put up something other than their name, and there’s no reason to throw [that person] out of a virtual meeting. There’s a difference between being annoyed and having a meeting disrupted, and writing something other than your name is not it. … Everyone needs to be thoughtful.”

She also noted that residents attending a meeting – either in person or virtually – aren’t required to identify themselves “unless they wish to speak.”

It “would be easier if the HRA had a policy,” Hamin said.

The board again discussed the possibility of conducting a townwide survey of possible uses for the property as suggested earlier by Paquin.

Resident Susan Mann suggested waiting until “there’s a clearer vision” for the property, while SOS Hull member Susan Vermilya asked whether a site review has been conducted “to know what’s feasible – to define what you’re working with – which could help the process along.”

Paquin said she would explore the idea further and report back to the board.

“I don’t see how this could be bad for us,” she said.

Hamin recommended moving “on parallel tracks” in order “to have as much reliable data as possible – some through surveys – with someone doing a fiscal analysis related to different scenarios. All this information will guide the HRA in making its decision” about the ultimate use of the property.

At the end of the meeting, Kelly gave the board a “homework” assignment – “to come up with some sort of a vision that might work for the property, and where” in preparation for the June 9 meeting.

A replay of the HRA meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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HRA to revisit election of officers next week after outcry over unexpected reorganization

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

During Monday night’s meeting of the Hull Redevelopment Authority, newly elected chair Bartley Kelly agreed to place a reorganization revote on the next agenda at the request of HRA member Adrienne Paquin and resident C. Anne Murray.

C. Anne Murray AS SEEN ON ZOOM DURING A RECENT HRA MEETING.

More than three hours into the May 12 Hull Redevelopment Authority meeting, then-Chair Dennis Zaia abruptly announced he was stepping down from that role, catching some fellow board members by surprise and causing a number of residents participating in the Zoom meeting to express disappointment at this last-minute move without discussion among board members.

At that time, Zaia immediately nominated Kelly, the former chair – who seconded the motion – with no discussion about other nominations. He then nominated Dan Kernan and Paquin as vice chair and clerk, respectively, in their then-current roles, and Joan Senatore as treasurer, Kelly’s role at the time of the meeting.

The motions were accepted on a 3-2 vote, with Paquin and Dan Kiernan voting against.

Paquin questioned the vote, noting that it was not posted on the agenda for that night, and Kiernan remarked, “You really should not have done that. If someone else was interested, there should have been a discussion rather than a decision. If they were interested, I would have loved to have had a choice.”

During another three-hour Zoom meeting this week – with 49 people attending at one point – Murray asked that a reconsideration vote be placed on the next agenda, with Paquin noting at that time that she intended to bring up the issue later in the meeting under “new business” — which she did.

“You talk about transparency, [but] action speaks louder than words,” Murray said. “I urge you to put this issue on the next agenda for reconsideration, and I will be happy, whatever the outcome.”

Paquin echoed that request, noting that HRA members received an email from the town clerk following a discussion with town counsel about the structure of agendas and votes being taken without being on the agenda.

“I recommend that to get things above board, the reorganization vote be put back on the [next] agenda so we can revote it,” she said.

Paquin also recommended that moving forward, HRA agendas reflect all the items to be discussed, including new and routine ones such as minutes, warrants, and other regular business.

“That way we will have accurate agendas moving forward, and townspeople can see ahead of time what we will be discussed, versus the template that’s been used” for some time, Paquin said.

While Kelly said he doesn’t believe the votes at the May 12 meeting were “illegal,” he agreed to put the issue on the June 9 agenda. He also noted that the May 12 meeting was not the first time that members had voted on an item not on the agenda.

“I might say we could have done a better job, but we did not break the law,” Kelly said.

Paquin agreed that was not the first time, noting that the HRA “has been in violation of the Open Meeting Law for the past two years, and I would love for us to start fresh.”

The outcome of the revote could be the same, she noted, but “I just want us to get this right moving forward, and the [revote] seems like a good place to start. We could be called into account for violations at any time.”

Kiernan also said he would like for the revote to be put on the next agenda.

“I think Bart will do a great job as chair of the HRA,” he said. “He demonstrated that tonight, but I believe this should be revoted. This might not change the outcome, but a lot of citizens have pushed back on this, and it will take just a minute.”

In response, Kelly said he “certainly will put this on the agenda for our next meeting.”

The HRA’s next meeting dates are June 9 and 30 and July 14 and 28.

A replay of the meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s website, www.hulltv.net.

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