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After roller-coaster ride, 132-unit Paragon Dunes project gets green light

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

On Wednesday night, the planning board voted 5-1 to approve the special permit for the Paragon Dunes development after a marathon hearing lasting over four hours.

The approval of the plans by the Procopio Companies for a four-story, 132-unit building at the site of the Paragon Boardwalk is subject to the conditions the board will review on April 3.

Members of the public that packed the room, as well as some board members, expressed concern about whether the decision was being rushed based on an April deadline for the developer to purchase the property.

“A project of this magnitude in a very compressed process…I don’t feel comfortable with it,” said planning board member Jeanne Paquin, who voted against the approval.

“The time deadline is your [the developer’s] issue not a town issue,” said resident Kelly Lynch, who also said a project this “huge doesn’t fit the scope of the town.”

Planning board member Steve White said he understood the developer’s timing, but the board could not “compromise on process.”



“It is important to go through the individual items about the size of the project, so we are sure, and the public is sure they conform to the requirements of the NBOD [Nantasket Beach Overlay District],” White said.

The next meeting on April 3 will not be a public hearing; however, as a public meeting citizens can still be present, and it will be up to the board to decide to hear public comments. Wednesday’s closure of the public hearing also means the planning board is not required to hear comments from the proponent.

“This is a big issue for the town and there should be input from the people,” said resident Sue Vermilya. “To close out the public [comment] is sending a poor message.”

Paquin and White voted against the motion to close the public hearing.

“It is a procedural issue to close the public hearing…don’t want to give the message we are done with public input or the proponents for that matter,” said White.

Procopio Director of Development David Roache said he anticipates the project to begin construction this fall, with completion in the summer of 2026.

On Wednesday, the board reviewed the NBOD Special Permit and Site Plan Review requirements to determine whether the project “substantially conforms to the Town of Hull zoning bylaw.”

The motion regarding Section E of the findings, which states “the impacts of the proposed uses on one another within the development and the extent the proposed development relates harmoniously to the terrain, use, scale, architectural character and proportions of existing and proposed buildings in the vicinity” raised considerable discussion from the planning board and Design Review Board.

The mixed-used building is within the Commercial Recreation B district and the NBOD. The building will have four stories, with three stories of residential units totaling 113,398 square feet of living space. There will be 91 studio and one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit.

There will be two public open space areas located off Nantasket Avenue and two access points where pedestrians will be able to pass through the building to get to the bay side of the peninsula.

Don Ritz, on behalf of the Design Review Board, asked the planning board to strike a sentence that read “The Design Review Board has been successful working closely to mold the building design into something that relates harmoniously with its surroundings and enhances the vibrancy of the area.” The board unanimously agreed.

Planning board member Jim Pitrolo said he could not support the motion to approve section E because “the town continually speaks to the size of the project…the proportions are not good for the town.”

“This section (E) is the essence of all the public comments for good and bad,” White said. “This is where it takes the personal preferences of us as board members but comes down to rules and laws to make a decision…I challenge any town to go through the process we have gone through here.”

After the meeting, DRB Co-Chair Julia Parker told the Times that her board is expecting a letter from the planning board about why it accepted the project “as-is” without incorporating the recommendations of the DRB.  Parker also said the DRB did not receive a copy of the special permit document outlining findings and conditions until the planning board began reviewing it at the meeting. She said the DRB will ask for additional conditions to be included.

At the meeting, Ritz said that although there have “definitely been improvements,” the DRB has not been able to “satisfactorily resolve” some issues regarding this project, such as “overall density, the north facade contiguous with DCR comfort station, building massing maximized on George Washington Boulevard, parking on crescent strip is an impractical forced reuse of the railroad bed, open space calculation of 15% not being concerned, and residential parking in a flood zone.”

In his presentation, Roache “connection fees and water balance fees will be paid [to the Weir River Water System] as necessary; water conservation measures will be included to reduce impacts; section of pipe adjacent to the project could be replaced to offset fees.”

Parking was also addressed among the motions about the findings and Town Planner Chris Dilorio said that “within the NBOD there is an opportunity for shared spaces; the zone encourages it…9,000 square feet of commercial needs approximately 95 spaces.”

“Encouraging reduction in required commercial parking is there are several pedestrian walkways, proponent to provide capital toward the summer trolley, and 10 months out of the year there is more than ample parking for any commercial uses,” Dilorio said.

There will be a total of 180 parking spaces. The garage level will contain 76 spaces; outdoor surface parking will contain 104 spaces and ten bike spaces will be provided.

Roache said the commercial will “feed off the beach use and commercial will rely on existing parking.”

Procopio agreed to a contribution of $25,000 to the summer trolley, but there was some debate over whether a one-time infusion of funds meets the needs of the community to support this infrastructure. The application condition of the trolley will be discussed further at the upcoming meeting.

The first finding, which states that “there is protection of adjoining premises against detrimental uses by provisions for surface water drainage, sight buffers, and preservation of light and air” raised some discussion.

All members of the board voted in favor of the first finding, except Paquin who said, “I am still not comfortable with the massing on George Washington Boulevard.”

The second finding addressed the “convenience and safety of vehicular movement and the location of driveway openings and parking areas in relation to traffic or adjacent streets.”

Lt. Ronald Solimini of the Massachusetts State Police submitted an email to Assistant Town Planner Matthew O’Sullivan on March 18 with safety concerns. The board agreed to add a condition to the project that the developer must close the loop with the State police and address their concerns.

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Town hires outside counsel to untangle confusion on retail marijuana regulations

By Carol Britton Meyer

As part of reviewing the town’s marijuana regulations, the town hired outside counsel to clarify what was adopted at the 2018 town meeting related to banning the sale of recreational marijuana in Hull and related issues and to recommend bylaw amendments to clear up any confusion.

“There are some questions as to what is actually on record with the town,” Town Manager Jennifer Constable explained at this week’s select board meeting. “Town Counsel James Lampke worked with [outside counsel] to clean up the language in the existing bylaws.”

Since the 2018 town meeting, voters at subsequent town meetings have given the sale of medical marijuana a green light and also the sale of recreational marijuana on an affirmative town meeting vote at the August 31, 2023 special town meeting, subject to the granting of a special permit.

Attorney Nicole Costanzo of KP Law presented virtually to the board a Hull cannabis bylaw update and proposed bylaw amendments that will be considered at the May 6 annual town meeting.

“We need to go back and determine what the intent of the town was in 2018 and what was amended in 2023, with guidance from the Attorney General’s office,” Constable said.

Correcting past mistakes

Mistakes were made that need to be corrected for the town’s protection, which is why the town hired Costanzo, Chair Greg Grey explained.

If the amendments pass, “that vote will supersede all prior votes,” according to Costanzo.

Constable noted that the language currently included in the warrant article could be amended on the floor of town meeting.

“We’re not changing what was passed [earlier],” she said.

The recommended amendments would add language that was included on the 2018 warrant to regulate marijuana establishments, allowing the sale of both medical and recreational marijuana but prohibiting marijuana cultivators, craft marijuana cooperatives, marijuana product manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, or any other type of licensed marijuana-related businesses.

The licensing process is a long one, requiring state AG approval of changes to the town’s bylaws approved by voters, crafting a Host Community Agreement between the businesses applying for the right to sell recreational marijuana and the town, and reviewing new Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission procedures to ensure compliance, among other considerations.

The town is now in the process of accepting applications from potential recreational marijuana retailers, with a maximum of two permits allowed.

While the Alternative Compassion Services medical marijuana facility on George Washington Boulevard advocated for the warrant article at the special town meeting, any business could now apply for a recreational marijuana license with the town.

The proposed amendment is posted on the town website. Go to “boards and commissions” click on “select board,” and go to the top left link to access the March 20 packet that contains this information.

The select board referred the matter to the planning board for a public hearing prior to town meeting.

In other business at the meeting…

Constable reported that a discussion between the select board and school committee about the memorandum of agreement for use of the Memorial School building once it is vacated is planned for next Monday, March 25, in the morning.

The town is also working with the MBTA and Rep. Joan Meschino for repairs to be made to the Pemberton Pier “to get us through the upcoming season,” Constable said.

The board met in executive session prior to the meeting to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property along Beach Avenue around 169 Beach Ave. and 33 Malta St. and to discuss strategy with respect to the wrongful termination suit by former schools Superintendent Michael Devine.

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Hull PorchFest donation to help high school music program pay travel costs

Members of the Hull PorchFest board delivered a check for $2,000 last month to the director and students of Hull High School’s choral and jazz bands.

More than half that money was raised at the Hull PorchFest Revival, a make-up event held in place of the rained-out PorchFest 2023 at the C-Note music club on a Sunday afternoon in November.

A HIGH NOTE. The Hull High music program recently received a $2,000 donation from Hull PorchFest. Some members of the event’s organizing team are shown at the PorchFest Revival in November; clockwise from top left, Kevin Hull, Robin Hull, Fred Meltzer, Pete Coffman, Sue Lynch, and Kathleen McKenna. [Courtesy photo]

Although the Revival was free and no merchandise was sold – instead hundreds of T-shirts and baseball caps from Porchfests past were handed out for free – attendees generously gave more than $1,000 in donations as they enjoyed hospitality served up by C-Note staff and danced to local bands Thirsty Boots, Redbeerd, The Pitfalls, and Assisted Living, all of whom donated their time and talent.

HHS music director Ian Barkon said he’s grateful to the PorchFest board, which designates different local causes each year, for choosing the music program as its recipient in 2023. He said the HHS program is small but consistently wins awards, and its biggest current challenge is covering travel costs to competitions in places like Springfield, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia.

“The generous check from Hull PorchFest will help us reduce the cost of transportation on upcoming band trips for students,” he said. “Believe it or not, the bus is the biggest expense for us. Chartering a bus for three days can run from $5,000 to $7,000. We do compete for national ratings and we’ve received two gold ratings and one silver already.”

Members of the PorchFest board are now busy getting ready for HPF 2024, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 14, with a rain date of Sunday, September 15.

Between now and then, a series of fundraisers and preview events will showcase some of the 30-plus bands and musicians who help make PorchFest such a beloved community event.

Next up is the Party At The Parrot fundraiser on Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m., featuring complimentary appetizers, three high-energy bands, and a 50-50 raffle, plus auction and raffle items donated by Hull artists, business owners, and more. Net proceeds will go to the Hull Lifesaving Museum’s programs for local veterans, which include a coffee hour speaker series, boat-building sessions, and rowing expeditions.

“We’re excited to find the right veterans’ outreach initiative that will increase  awareness and participation in the outstanding programs the lifesaving museum is spearheading and running for local veterans,” said Sue Lynch, president of Hull PorchFest and a Desert Storm veteran who currently serves as an Army Judge Advocate General officer. “As a veteran myself, I truly believe in the importance of programs that bring veterans together because they foster the kind of camaraderie that represents the very best part of military service.”

PorchFest began in 2018 to celebrate and create a stage for the many local artists who live and play music in and around Hull. A free, all-ages event, it takes place on the porches and in the driveways of the neighborhood that spans Kenberma to Revere streets, and Massasoit to Beach avenues. For info and updates, follow Hull PorchFest on Facebook and Instagram, or visit www.hullporchfest.org.

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Shorelines - Good news about your neighbors

Charlie Gould on the road to recovery… Many know native Hullonian Charlie Gould from his many community activities and his frequent contributions to our letters to the editor page. He is recuperating at home after a recent hospital stay, and some of his recent visitors shared their good wishes with us.

From Ken Walsh, Hingham-Hull VFW Post 6053 JVC Service Officer and American Legion Post 140 Senior Vice Commander…

I stopped by and visited Charlie today for 30 minutes. He has been recovering at home since his stroke and dehydration. Charlie was in a good mood, a little weak, but doing well, considering. We talked about his service in the Korean War and his time as an instructor at the West Point Military Academy, and his service to the Town of Hull. As always, when I told Charlie that he is in our prayers, he told me not to worry, that he is praying for us, also. A man who has served our country and community all his life, and still he will pray for us, even when recovering from a stroke. We could really use people like Charlie in our communities and country today.

God bless you, Charlie! 

From Charlie’s family…

Charles Gould would like to thank the town of Hull for thinking of him and praying for him. On behalf of his nieces and nephews, we thank you, too.

He is beating the odds just like we all thought he would.

We love you, Uncle Charlie – “stay golden.”

• Congratulations to Edward “Skippy” Parent and his wife, Linda M. (Barrett) Parent, who will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on March 28. Both were born and raised in Hull, and Ed was employed by the highway department for almost 40 years and rose to become superintendent of streets for 22 years. Linda was a well-liked server at a number of Hull restaurants over the years. After Ed retired in 2005, the couple moved to Port Charlotte, Florida. They have three children and five grandchildren.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!

No Place For Hate’s annual Feast of Conversations to talk about ‘tough topics’

We are excited to announce that the Hull No Place for Hate Annual “Feast of Conversations” will take place on March 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Hull High School cafeteria.

This year's subject, “Can We Talk? Tools For Talking About Tough Topics,” will provide speakers to help us better understand how to have productive conversations in a variety of settings, from public to private.

Darryck Dean, who is a lead conciliation specialist for the Community Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Doug Thompson, mediator, recently retired from the Consensus Building Institute and continuing as adjunct professor in the graduate program on dispute resolution at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, will share guidance and perspectives from their experiences as professional peacemakers. They will offer insight that will help us avoid the pitfalls that can undermine our communication on tough subjects. They will also discuss tools we can use to have conversations with better outcomes, even if we continue to disagree.

The format for this year’s feast will work like those in the past; after the keynote speakers, we will all participate in a series of facilitated appetizer, main course, and dessert conversations at our tables. These discussions will help us think about ways to appreciate each other’s views in a meaningful way. Table facilitators will guide our understanding and practice of these skills. Finally, each table will share their comments and ideas so that we can learn from each other and work together to strengthen the fabric of our community.

It seems to many that as a country we have lost a sense of how to disagree without separating ourselves. We hope this year’s feast will instead bring our community even closer so we can continue to stand together.

Registration is not required, but is appreciated. Visit https://bit.ly/FOCRSVP2024, scan the QR code, or email hullnoplaceforhate@gmail.com to register.

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Expect detours, delays as crews resume Atlantic Avenue project

Drivers may encounter traffic detours on Atlantic Avenue during the next three weeks as work restarts on the reconstruction project after a winter hiatus.

Construction resumed on Monday, March 18, as crews from P.A. Landers began raising manhole covers along the entire stretch of the road. Work on new drainage at the intersection of Montana Avenue (across from the entrance to Gunrock Beach) also is planned during the next two to three weeks.

According to the Hull Department of Public Works, traffic may be detoured periodically between 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day between School Street and Jerusalem Road; however, pedestrians, bicyclists, school buses, and emergency vehicles still will be able to get through the work zone. Access to homes, businesses, and town hall also will be uninterrupted.

During the winter, utilities relocated utility poles. During the next several months, project work will include installation of granite curbs, paving of sidewalks and the final road surface, installation of new signs, and line painting.

The work is expected to be complete by July.

Updates are available on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us, or by contacting Joe Stigliani at jstigliani@town.hull.ma.us or the DPW, 781-925-0900.

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Town-owned parcels identified as potential affordable housing sites

By Carol Britton Meyer

Parcels on Gosnold Street, the land next to St. Nicholas Church on Spring Street, and the parking lot at XYZ Streets have been identified as vacant town-owned land potentially suitable for the development of affordable housing.

Consultants Jennifer Goldson and Noah Harper presented the results of a recent grant-funded town land feasibility study – which included only parcels larger than one-half acre – to the affordable housing committee last week.

THE SITE OF THE VILLAGE SCHOOL, shown at left next to the current St. Nicholas United Methodist Church on Spring Street, has been vacant since the building was taken down after the Memorial School was built. it is being considered as a lcoation to build affordable housing units. [Postcard courtesy of the Hull Historical SOciety]

“The consultants used information from the town’s housing production plan to identify the parcels, did a quick survey of all the properties to determine which ones could be appropriate for affordable housing, and came up with seven properties,” Irwin Nesoff, the select board’s liaison to the committee, told The Hull Times. “They did a deep dive on those parcels and highlighted three that could be used for this purpose.”

The Village and XYZ sites are considered more suitable, he said, because they are flat and already cleared, while the Gosnold parcel, consisting of several lots that could be combined into one, is wooded and would require removal of a large number of trees.

The Spring Street land has been empty since the former Village School was taken down after the Memorial School was built; the XYZ Streets site is the current municipal parking lot.

No conclusions reached as yet

“The meeting was for informational purposes only and no decisions have been made,” Nesoff said. “The purpose of the study was to inform the AHC so they can make a recommendation to the select board. There was no discussion about developers or whether such units would all be affordable or a mix of affordable and market-rate.”

Three members of the public attended the meeting.

“There were no concerns voiced,” Nesoff said. “There were mostly questions about the sites, and the difference between a [Chapter] 40B comprehensive permit and a friendly 40B, which is one possibility.”

With a so-called “friendly 40B,” the town works with the developer, whereas with a typical project proposed under Chapter 40B, developers are allowed to circumvent many local regulations in exchange for an affordable housing component, which means limited town oversight.

“There was some discussion about the possible use of town hall for affordable housing [once the town offices move into Memorial School], but that site is not included in the consultants’ research,” according to Nesoff. “We’re only looking at vacant town properties.”

Two smaller parcels also identified

Working with the AHC, South Shore Habitat for Humanity has identified two smaller town-owned parcels of less than one-half acre for a duplex and one-family house, one on N Street at the corner of Nantasket Avenue and the other on F Street near Cadish Avenue, according to Nesoff. The N Street land is the site of the former Bayside Theater and later the Lighthouse Assembly of God church, which the town purchased with the intention of building a new library.

The creation of affordable housing is considered a high priority since more than 37% of Hull residents pay more than 30% of their income on housing, according to the town’s 2022 housing production plan.

Another concern is that Hull’s current affordable housing comprises only 1.6% of the town’s overall housing stock, falling far short of the 10% affordable housing goal for Massachusetts.

The study is an important next step, Nesoff said, because with the large developments proposed, the town “is actually going backwards and not forward” when it comes to achieving the 10% state affordable housing threshold, referred to as “safe harbor” because doing so virtually protects the town from projects under Chapter 40B.

‘Affordable housing crisis’

“Hull is in an affordable housing crisis, and this study moves us in the right direction,” Nesoff said. “People who grew up here can often not afford to stay in Hull, and the creation of affordable housing could help them, as well as seniors who wish to downsize and people who have been priced out of the rental or home ownership market because the prices and interest rates are so high. More affordable housing could also attract more families who would enroll their children in the Hull Public Schools.”

The select board recently showed support for the AHC working with the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, at no cost to the town, to determine the best way to create affordable housing and for the committee to conduct outreach to residents about affordable housing.

The consultants’ final report will be presented to the Affordable Housing Committee on Tuesday, April 16.

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‘Personal reasons’ prompt Minelli to resign from school committee after four years

By Carol Britton Meyer

School Committee member Ernest Minelli resigned from his position at Monday night’s meeting, effective immediately.

He was reelected to the committee for a second term in 2023, which would have expired in 2026.

ERNEST MINELLI

“I’ve decided to step down for personal reasons,” he said. “I need to dedicate more time to health and wellness goals and to spending more time with my children. I feel this is the right time.”

Minelli, who grew up in Hull, said that during his years on the committee, he enjoyed serving the school district and working with Superintendent Judith Kuehn, the central office leadership team, school administration, educators, support staff, families, students, and the community.

“I fully support incoming superintendent Michael Jette as he begins his leadership of the school district this summer, and I believe wonderful things are happening in the Hull Public Schools,” Minelli said.

Minelli next needs to submit his written resignation to the town clerk, although it is unclear whether the vacancy will be placed on the spring town election ballot, as nomination papers for the May 20 election are only available until March 27. A three-year term on the school committee currently held by Kyle Conley already is on the ballot.

He expressed appreciation for the voters who elected him and gave him the opportunity to serve and wished “continued success and prosperity for the entire HPS community.”

While saying he was disappointed to hear the news, School Committee Chair David Twombly said Minelli has been “a great member of the committee. He was always well-prepared, thoughtful, and respectful, asked very good questions, and worked well with administrators and teachers.”

Twombly also pointed to his efforts with the school consolidation planning process.

“We’ll miss you, but you can always come back [run again] as time allows,” Twombly said.

In response, Minelli said he will continue to be involved as a parent.

Other members of the committee also wished him well.

In other business at the meeting, the committee concluded its public business and entered into executive session to discuss negotiation strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the teachers union.

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HRA chair’s ideas for land include housing units, portable stage, public safety building

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

As part of its ongoing exploration of development ideas for its property, the Hull Redevelopment Authority on Monday night heard Chair Dennis Zaia’s ideas to build some housing units, a new public safety building, a shuttle bus network, art installations, a mobile stage, and event space.

In July, the HRA began accepting citizens’ ideas for the land with the goal of assembling “more options and information for community consideration which may become part of the draft Urban Renewal Plan.” Presentations were heard from most of the 21 groups throughout the fall; now each HRA member is making his or her pitch.

Pieces from many of the citizen’s concepts captured Zaia’s interest and made their way into his vision, including QR codes on signs to provide a historical and nature narrative, artist installations and events, contour seating, a mobile stage, gardens, and honoring those from whom the land was originally taken.

Zaia did not include changing the traffic pattern to a two-way road in his plans because he wanted to “exhibit what can happen with the existing reality.”

In the long-term, he sees the HRA land having sustainable park land, but for the time being would like to explore having pollinator gardens and other indigenous plants that will grow well on the land. Julie Richberg of the Trustees of Reservations assisted in the development of a list of arborists and horticulturists in the area.

In addition to sustainable park land, Zaia suggested deed-restricted housing to create a “new neighborhood in Hull that looks like single-families, but are apartment buildings…six structures, each has eight units of varying sizes.”

“Based on data and general sense, Hull needs housing to allow many folks… to stay in town,” Zaia said. “I don’t know how 48 units translates to profits for developers, but the park must be driven by available resources.”

He cited “a cycle of movement classic in many locations…younger home buyers upgrade to a larger home, seniors downsize to something more affordable with less maintenance and upkeep, allowing seniors to stay in their beloved community of Hull.”

Zaia would like the authority to consider making land near the light plant available to the town for a public safety building providing a “unified place for fire and police.” He also expressed his desire to invest in a demonstration of small helix wind turbines as a “beautiful homage to the light plant.”

Transportation and parking around Hull, especially during the busy summer months, has repeatedly come up at the HRA meetings. In the short-term, Zaia would like the HRA to arrange for a free shuttle bus from the DCR parking areas to the HRA lot on Saturdays and Sundays beginning June 1, as well as shuttles from the MBTA commuter rail stations at Nantasket Junction and Cohasset.

“People will have a chance not to move their vehicle and go to another spot in town,” he said, adding that it “will expand the economic vitality of the whole region.”

A few areas to be addressed currently are the cost-effective improvement of the safety and security of the present HRA property, develop parking signage, and learning more about the Nantasket Beach Reservation Trust Fund.

Possibly in conjunction with the Weir River Watershed Association, Zaia would like to institute a program to enhance the eel grass on the bay side of the Weir River. He invited Alex Berkowitz, founder of Coastal Protection Solutions, and developer of wave breakers, to walk the property. According to Berkowitz, wave breakers are “an innovative solution designed to reduce the height and velocity of ocean waves to protect coastal property and lives.” The Harvard University graduate student is testing the concept in hopes of sparing coastal communities from the fate her hometown, of Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York, suffered after Hurricane Sandy.

As the board has said previously, the HRA is more than a parking lot, and with this in mind, Zaia would like to continue looking into events like Stars Above from the Hideaway Circus which will be coming to the HRA land the beginning of July, as well as opportunities for a mobile stage. Other events Zaia would like the HRA to begin investigating to promote “engagement, entertainment, and collaboration” are winter ice sculptures, a bonfire on a barge on the bay side, an event like Providence’s Water Fire to be held on the bay at high tide, winter surfing, and artist events.

Zaia would like to reach out to Blue Bikes, a public bike-share program sponsored by Blue Cross of Blue Shield of Massachusetts to improve the “health and wellness of the community.”

Zaia supports the use of the word “improvement” as members write the draft URP and move toward “collaboration and eventually compromise.” Some improvements for his long-term vision are contour seating that provides vistas from the ocean to the bay, slightly raised walking paths, and a transportation hub for buses. A simple improvement for the intermediate timeframe Zaia would like to research is the placement of stone tables to play checkers and chess.

Zaia requested members of the select board watch the recording of Monday’s meeting to offer feedback to bring everyone closer to consensus on the Urban Renewal Plan.

“I hope my ideas, both crazy and simple, might be heard by those who have similar thoughts…it is my dream and hope we can come to some compromise that will work for more of us than we think,” said Zaia.

The pubic is encouraged to submit questions and comments on the HRA website, www.hra02045.com, but the board will hold correspondence until all HRA members have made their presentations.

On March 18, Joan Senatore and Bartley Kelly will present their concepts for the land, followed by Dan Kernan and Adrienne Paquin on March 25.

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

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