HRA modifies plan to reduce housing units, increase open space

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

The Hull Redevelopment Authority Tuesday night voted to modify its potential development in response to residents’ feedback on the draft Urban Renewal Plan. The authority decided to eliminate Option 1, which contained housing on the northern end of the property, and concentrate on Option 2, which contains more open space.

FIELD OF DREAMS. The Hull Redevelopment Authority this week voted to modify its draft Urban Renewal Plan to eliminate most development on the northern end of its property, shown here. This space, between Monument Square and the David A. Cook Comfort Station, would be used as a public park and for summer beach parking. [Richard Green photo]

“Based on feedback we agreed to focus on Option 2, redefining the plan to preserve as much open space as possible,” said HRA Chair Bartley Kelly.  “We will continue to gather public input on park improvements, what works and what doesn’t, and what is viable economically.”

In Option 2, the Phipps Street parcels remain a public open space park and seasonal beach parking. The north end, for approximately 1,000 feet in length and approximately 200 feet in width, from Phipps Street to Edgewater Road will remain undeveloped. While the HRA has no jurisdiction over the state parking lot adjacent to the Bergan home, the Phipps Street HRA parking remains seasonal beach parking and year-round resident parking for approximately 350 cars.

Architectural Designer John Ruffo described the plan as “an open space system complimented by a series of uses; bordered by potential development uses and traffic.” He said the plan provides an opportunity to “link a series of parks from the memorial to North Park to, what we are calling, the promenade; creating great open space, great buildings of different scales, and a public realm to knit it all together.”

“A lot of initiatives have not come to fruition over the years for one reason or another, whether it was economic conditions, political infighting in the town, or developers walking away, after they got their approvals, because they thought the market wasn’t the right time,” Kelly said.

For instance, in the 1990s, there was a proposal to build a Star Market on the Phipps Street lot, and approximately 60 townhouses on the southern end.

“That would have created a big wall effect in that area,” Kelly said. “Based on community input, the HRA did not go along with that development proposal.”

Even today, the wall effect concerns members of the community wishing to preserve the unique wide-open bay to ocean vista. Gisela Voss of Hampton Circle desires to “just leave that incredible open space on this planet open… a place where you can see the sunrise on one side and the sunset on the other.”

Kelly said the HRA’s goal is to develop a plan that benefits the town while meeting the objectives of multiple committees working on affordable housing, the housing production plan, and redeveloping the parcel.

“It is important to strike a balance to keep open space, view corridors, and passive recreation space that is usable for the town. In the long run we think it will add tax revenue, beautify the area, provide housing, and still provide parking,” said Kelly.

“It still seems like too much building, and the green space I do see on the plan is too small,” said Brooke Shoostine of Samoset Avenue, adding that she is “glad the Star Market was not put on this space; that would have been tragic, and if we look forward 20 years from now we may feel the same way about overbuilding the space.”

M.J. Walsh of Rockland House Road said she appreciates the HRA’s work to “bring forward the desires of the community.” She echoed many of her Hull neighbors in their hopes to “maximize the ability to maintain as much open space as possible.”

Patrick Finn, of Telegraph Avenue, said “I don’t think people appreciate the actual size of 13-15 acres, and to expect it to stay 100% open space is unrealistic.” He said only the main parcel should be developed to prevent “overbuilding” and “aggrieving” residents by destroying their views.

Paige McWhorter of Massasoit Avenue noted the importance of being “very proactive,” explaining the project provides a “huge opportunity to lead with sustainability.” She shared an example of taking part in “green infrastructure” by building a net-zero passive house boutique hotel.

“This type of building can bring so much attention and opportunities for grants and funding,” she said. A net-zero building produces enough renewable energy to meet its own energy consumption requirements; however, it does not necessarily mean the building is entirely energy efficient, which is the goal of a passive house. Opened in Connecticut in May 2022, Hotel Marcel is the only other passive house hotel in the U.S.

McWhorter was not the only resident wishing to include environmentally friendly elements in the redevelopment. Walsh said she would also love the open space to include “an outdoor amphitheater with a solar array above it, and parking with electric vehicle charging stations.” Judeth Van Hamm, a proponent for renewable energy, shared her vision of incorporating personal solar-powered rapid transit into the plan.

“It can cut 43% emissions in transportation and make a safer place to develop,” she said.

With community input, Kelly said he is “very optimistic” the HRA can come up with a plan the “town can get on board with.” He went on to describe the plan as “palatable and meeting the goals of the town without overwhelming the property,” while still providing avenues for economic development. The HRA is “trying to check all the boxes” and will continue incorporating input from community feedback.

Following the Zoom meeting, Steve Cecil, planning consultant and facilitator, said “from my perspective this had been a very effective forum. I am reading the chats as fast as I can and can’t keep up. The amount of input we have had is fantastic.”

The next set of public input meetings will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday March 14 in-person at the high school, and at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 16 over the Zoom platform.

St. Patrick’s Day events aim to bring luck of the Irish to local businesses

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By Carol Britton Meyer 

Hull will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with even more spirit and merriment than usual this year, not only on March 17, but also during four days of special events leading up to the holiday.

Everything from Irish food and music to step dancing and a Pot O’ Gold raffle is designed to give a boost to local year-round businesses and to offer residents a fun time during the March doldrums.

The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local retail shops and restaurants, is hosting a fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day celebration from March 9-12, featuring special events for all ages to brighten the season and to spotlight year-round merchants during this quieter time before business picks up again in the spring and summer.

Event organizers say this will be the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration that Hull has ever had.

The planning started six weeks ago after the idea was floated at a Chamber meeting as a way to remind the community that many Hull shops and restaurants remain open during the winter months.

“A lot of surrounding communities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a big way, which sparked the idea to do the same in Hull,” Joanne Coletta-Levine, the Chamber’s administrator, told The Hull Times.

The Chamber put the word out to local businesses, which responded enthusiastically, and the idea kept growing and expanding. “It’s a win-win for all of us,” she said, explaining that it is an opportunity to show support for local businesses during the slow period, while at the same time providing residents with four days full of fun.

“Everybody, regardless of whether they are of Irish heritage or not, really appreciates St. Patrick’s Day as a time to celebrate and to have a good time during the winter,” she said. “We’ve incorporated a lot of events on the adult side and also family-friendly activities. We’re very excited about it, and the businesses are, too.”

The idea behind holding this St. Patrick’s Day celebration early is to allow room for the traditional celebration the following week.

“This way, the fun is spread out,” Coletta-Levine said.

Thursday, March 9, kicks off the festivities with a corned beef dinner for seniors at the Parrot, with live music by an Irish trio from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets for this event are $20, and seats are limited. A cash bar is available. To purchase a ticket, visit the Hull Senior Center by Monday, March 6. Entertainment is provided through a donation from the organizers of Porchfest.

The following day, March 10, Scoops will host a St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Scoop Celebration featuring make-your-own Sham O’Rock (green!) sundaes with all the toppings and face painting, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The same day, Daddy’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will feature corned beef and cabbage pizza, a specialty cocktail, green beer, music, and dancing from 12:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Parrot will be the scene of a pre-St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring whiskey tastings, Guinness beer glass engravings, Irish music, and step dancing on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Also on Saturday, March 11, the Hull Public Library will offer a shamrock craft activity from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Paragon Boardwalk Celebration will feature kids’ activities, a costume contest, music, cornhole, and more throughout the day on Sunday, March 12.

Other events include a 20-50% off sale on Irish-imported products, including sweaters, scarves, handbags, hats, and more at Little Shop of Paula’s; special Irish-inspired confections, including St. Patrick’s Day dark chocolate and green mint bark at Nantasket Sweets by Swedes; and the Luck Be a Lady special, 10% off all facials and gift cards at Shore Skin Studio.

Pot of Gold contributors, with more come, include: Shipwreck’d, Breadbasket, Seaside Transport, Julie’s Pure Bliss, Manet Community Health, Scoops, South Shore Cycles, Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, Gallery Nantasket, Little Shop of Paula’s, Saltwater Diner, Charisma Realty, Nantasket Sweets, Paragon Carousel, Shore Skin Studio, Nantasket Paint & Hardware, and Wellspring Multi-Service Center.

Tying the four days of celebration together will be a free Pot O’ Gold raffle at each participating location.

“We’re already getting many donations from businesses around town,” Coletta-Levine said. “It will be a great raffle, featuring three big prizes.”

The rest is a secret!

The celebration, featuring a combination of free and paid events, will be held rain or shine, because the events will be happening indoors.

“We’re really looking forward to this celebration and hope people come out and enjoy it,” Coletta-Levine said. “If it’s successful, we’d like to do even bigger and better things next year.”

As the Irish say, “beidh sé ina am spraíúil” – “It will be a fun time!

Businesses can still get involved in the festivities, and should contact the Chamber at info@hullchamber.com or 781-925-9980.

With three seats on ballot, election could reshape Select Board majority

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Voters have the chance to make significant changes to Hull’s political landscape this election season, with a majority of the select board up for grabs, as well as significant numbers of seats on the planning board and the board of library trustees.

A total of 19 positions will be on the May 15 ballot. Nomination papers became available this week from the town clerk’s office, and must be returned with the signatures of at least 50 registered voters by March 27 in order for the candidate to qualify for inclusion on the ballot.

Typically, a maximum of two positions on the select board are available in a single election cycle, but last week’s resignation of Chair Jennifer Constable has added a third seat into the mix. Constable’s unexpired two-year term will be on the ballot, as well as the three-year seats currently held by Donna Pursel and Domenico Sestito.

Pursel told the Times she is planning to run again; former planning board member Jason McCann announced this week that he is in the race for one of the three-year terms.

School committee Chair Stephanie Peters announced Wednesday that she is stepping off the board after 17 years; her colleague Ernest Minelli IV will stand for re-election.

On the planning board, the five-year terms of Joseph Duffy and Harry Hibbard are available, as well as the two-year term of Jim Pitrolo, who was appointed to fill a vacancy.

Similarly, Max Walder, who was appointed to the Hull Redevelopment Authority this past year, will need to run again to retain his three-year term; incumbent Henry Dunn’s five-year term expires this spring.

Others on the May ballot are the three-year terms of library trustees Celia Nolan and Gail Saitow, plus a two-year term and a one-year term on that board; a five-year term on the Hull Housing Authority now held by Jim Richman; Pamela Sinton-Coffman and Mario Peter Grieco’s three-year terms on the board of assessors, and the three-year terms of light commissioners Patrick Cannon and Jake Vaillancourt.

Candidates may obtain nomination papers from Town Clerk Lori West at town hall between 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Anyone with questions may call the office at 781-925-2000.

-- Christopher Haraden

Peters won’t seek another term on school committee

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On Wednesday, Hull School Committee Chair Stephanie Peters released a statement announcing that she will not be a candidate for re-election this May:

SCHOOL COMMITTEE CHAIR STEPHANIE PETERS WON’T SEEK ANOTHER TERM IN MAY.

After serving for 17 years, it is time for new energy on the school committee, and I will not be running in the annual town election. If you are interested, you need to visit town hall and obtain nomination papers before March 23 and return them with 50 signatures to get on the ballot. School Committee is one of the most important positions in our community, as it guides our future leaders and is the cornerstone of a strong community.

These past 17 years, we have accomplished so much, and I have enjoyed every minute of serving, which has had a lot of ups and downs. You need thick skin in this age of social media, but a guiding principle should be that if you are making decisions in the best interest of all children, you can ignore the noise created by the vocal few on social media. For as much negative energy that is out there, there is much more support from people in private regarding committee’s decisions.

Please get in touch with me if you are interested in running. It would be great if we could get a parent with younger children to serve, as there are a lot of decisions to be made with realigning the district that should have parent input. I am happy to sit down and talk with anyone about the process. Leaving the district well cared for, with people who value public education, is my top priority.

When I first decided to run, a friend at work who had served in another district said that being on a school committee is like pushing a big boulder up a mountain. You really can’t do that; you can only go a little bit, side-to-side. You can never really move it up. I will never forget that story, and how different my experience was – we moved that boulder up the mountain with all our improvements and decisions made for the children of Hull. We still have a way to go, but we are headed up, and not down!

I could not have made it through serving on the committee without the support of my family and friends, who always offered a supportive environment, even through the harshest of times. Being on a public board is not easy, but when you have a core group of supportive family and friends who offer words of support through the years, it makes it well worth it.

Please get involved, and Go Pirates!

McCann announces run for seat on Select Board

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Jason McCann will be running for one of the open three-year terms on the Hull Select Board this May.

JASON MCCANN ANNOUNCED HIS CANDIDACY FOR THE SELECT BOARD THIS WEEK.

McCann is a former member of the planning board, zoning board of appeals and Community Preservation Committee. Additionally, he has been involved in a number of successful campaigns in Hull, including the successful adoption of the Community Preservation Act, the Save the Ferry campaign, and the initiative to restore the Fort Revere water tower.

“Now is the right time to run,” McCann said. “Hull is at a major crossroads, particularly given the appointment of a new town manager this year. Additionally, with a new governor of the Commonwealth and new sources of funding coming down from the federal government, we need select board members that are working hard to build state and federal relationships that will result in improvements for Hull.

“The list of work to be done is long, and will require a lot of leadership and individual effort – seawall and road repair; improvements to our electric, water and sewer infrastructure; supporting our housing needs; the restoration of the DCR’s Nantasket Beach Reservation and Fort Revere Park; the preservation of anchor public institutions like the Paragon Carousel and the Hull Lifesaving Museum; ensuring community resilience to climate change; and more,” he continued. “All of this work requires the dedication, time and effort of an active Hull Select Board. I am up for the task.”

McCann lives in Hull Village with his husband, Chad Wolfe. He has his own legal recruiting and career advising business, Gridline Search + Consulting. As a founding member of the Hull Pride and Friends of Nantasket Beach non-profit organizations, you can see him around town at one of the various social events that these groups put on throughout the year.

McCann has pulled his nomination papers from the town clerk and is working quickly to secure the necessary signatures to be placed on the ballot this May. For more information on his campaign, visit www.mccannforhull.com.

School department prepares for phase one of consolidation project

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By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Public Schools leadership team is “digging into planning and implementing phase one of the reconfiguration plan,” according to Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn, who outlined next steps in the Best Educational Use of School Facilities process.

MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL…

Communication and collaboration among all those involved with this major change is key to the plan’s success, she told The Hull Times.

While the school committee has already approved the first step – housing pre-K through 6 at Jacobs Elementary School, grades 7 and 8 at Memorial Middle School, and grades 9 through 12 at the high school for the 2023-24 school year – the committee’s stamp of approval also is required before implementation of phase two. This plan envisions the Jacobs School housing grades preK to 7 and the high school grades 8 to 12 in the 2024-25 school year.

This means that for the next school year, fifth-graders who would normally move on to the middle school will remain at Jacobs.

The phase one leadership team is concentrating on logistics, from scheduling, transportation, cafeteria details, room assignments, new furniture for the sixth-graders, maintenance, and painting classrooms and hallways, among others.

“We’re taking a deep dive into those details to ensure we get everything right,” Kuehn said.

The leadership team is comprised of Kuehn, Memorial Principal Tony Hrivnak, Jacobs Principal Kyle Shaw, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Christine Cappadona, Director of Student Services Kristen Ryan, Business Manager Diane Saniuk, and former Assistant Superintendent David DeGennaro, who is working as a consultant.

“All decisions are made with the best interests of our students in mind,” Kuehn said. “We’ll be rolling out a comprehensive communication plan for families soon.”

The consolidation plan is outlined in the MARS Best Educational Use of School Facilities report, which evaluated the educational adequacy of the three school buildings. An ad hoc committee supported the consolidation recommendation. Declining enrollments also played a part in support of the consolidation plan.

The reconfiguration plan would leave the middle school open to municipal and other educational uses. Whatever the outcome, the school committee would maintain control of the building.

If it’s decided to move some town services to the Memorial building, a memorandum of understanding would be crafted between the school department and the town.

Kuehn has spoken with Town Manager Philip Lemnios to create a draft memo.

“There are no details yet. This is at the preliminary stage,” she said.

As plans for implementing phase one of the school reconfiguration move forward, “we acknowledge that change can be both difficult and exciting,” Kuehn wrote in a recent email to teachers and staff. “To support the transition, we will continue to provide updates and seek faculty input as we develop the implementation plan.”

To date, Kuehn and Hrivnak have met with the middle school staff on two occasions, and Hrivnak and Cappadona have met with the grade level teams there as well.

Shaw has met with fifth-graders regarding the reconfiguration and is planning to meet with the middle school grade level teams. The grade six team will have opportunities to visit the space at Jacobs School, according to Kuehn.

“We want to create a fun, exciting, and innovative space for our students,” she said.

Kuehn and Shaw will meet with the middle school staff on March 1 about the plan. On March 6, grade six teachers and a special education teacher plan to visit Jacobs School to view the space.

“This collaboration will continue throughout the process, and we are committed to updating and listening to staff,” Kuehn explained. “Consistent communication is important as we implement phase one and will remain a priority if implementation of phase two is approved for the 2024-25 school year.”

A series of informal meetings, “Brewing Conversations,” is under way for parents and guardians to share their thoughts and suggestions with Kuehn and Cappadona “to support the continuous improvement of the Hull Public Schools.”

A session is planned for Thursday, March 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Wheelhouse, located near the Jacobs main office.

Kuehn also is working with the South Shore Educational Collaborative to facilitate the moving of students from the Jacobs to the Memorial by June in preparation for its summer program. This move allows time for painting and updating of the six classrooms the collaborative is vacating to ensure they are ready for grades four and five.

“There are many details to our work, from obtaining boxes for packing and then the move to changing the location of some summer programs, ensuring technology is in place in appropriate classrooms, and other needs,” Kuehn said, invoking a familiar phrase she has used in the past: “Together we ‘gut’ this!”

Constable resigns; hints at ‘new opportunities’ as Hull seeks next town manager

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Select Board Chair Jennifer Constable announced her resignation Wednesday night after serving for seven years, stating that her involvement with the Hull community will continue.

SELECT BOARD CHAIR JENNIFER CONSTABLE…

While Constable did not offer specifics, her stepping down follows Town Manager Philip Lemnios’ announcement that he plans to retire on June 30. Constable is currently the assistant town administrator in Rockland.

“I do look forward to the prospect of new potential leadership roles in the community, so my resignation at this point will make that potential opportunity possible,” said Constable, who will leave the board effective Feb. 19.

During an earlier select board discussion about next steps in the town manager search and interviews with two consulting firms, Constable either recused herself or was not present.

According to the State Ethics Commission, a select board member generally cannot be appointed to any position, paid or unpaid, that is both appointed by and under the supervision of the board. Rather, the incumbent must wait 30 days after he or she finishes serving on the board before becoming eligible to be appointed to such a position, or permission to be appointed must be granted by town meeting.

Constable thanked her constituents and expressed appreciation for the camaraderie the board has shared.

“We’ve accomplished a great number of things over the course of time, including hiring new police and fire chiefs and a director of community development and planning, and economic development [initiatives] with the support and involvement of the board, town staff, Phil Lemnios, and [Town Counsel] Jim Lampke,” she said. “We also have an agreement with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.” 

Fellow board members wished her well.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you,” Domenico Sestito said. “You and I haven’t always agreed, but we always agreed to disagree. I know this wasn’t an easy decision for you.”

Calling her “a leader, mentor and friend,” Donna Pursel said Constable guided her through the process when Pursel was elected to the board. “I started my term during COVID and had a million questions – half of them probably foolish – but you never made me feel that way. You always showed me where to go to get the answers.”

Pursel also praised Constable for her many contributions to the town as a select board member “in the eight short years that I have lived here. That’s why I got involved [in town government] – because I saw what you were accomplishing and that you are a true example of someone with the heart to serve.”

Advisory Board Chair David Clinton, who was in the audience after hearing Lemnios’ Fiscal 2024 budget presentation, commended Constable for the “collegiate” way she has conducted herself, and the board as a whole, during the advisory board’s “deliberations and due diligence” leading up to town meeting. He also acknowledged Constable’s “calm demeanor and grace,” wishing her well in her future endeavors.

His remarks were followed by applause from fellow board members and the audience.

“I love what I do, and I love this community, so I hope that in some form I will be able to continue this work,” Constable said.

The process for replacing Constable was not discussed this week, but will be a topic at a future meeting.

HRA's public hearing on Urban Renewal Plan draws a capacity crowd

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Several dozen residents crowded into the Hull High School exhibition room Monday night to hear the first in a series of public presentations on the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s Urban Renewal Plan for potential development on its 13-acre parcel.

HRA Chair Bartley Kelly said his board wants to “collaborate” with the community, adding that “doing nothing is not an option … many years ago, people’s properties were taken by eminent domain,” and the goal for the property’s eventual use is to “strike a balance to meet the needs of the town, accomplish the goals of the HRA, while not changing the character of the town.”

Much of the land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were cleared by the authority in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for months to create a set of guidelines for future development.

“It is a series of ideas to give the public a picture of what may go here,” said Kevin Dandrade of TEC, a traffic consultant.

Planning consultant Steve Cecil echoed these sentiments. “This is not a proposal,” he said. “This is the opportunity to open the door. Your voices are going to be heard and reflected.”

The URP envisions several uses for the property, which stretches from Water Street to Phipps Street, including a 50-65 room boutique hotel and buildings with ground floor shops and services and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, Option 1 and Option 2 differ in the proposed use. Option 1 includes apartments or townhouses on the north end of the property; 15% of the units are earmarked for affordable housing. Option 2 includes existing beach parking and potential event space.

John Ruffo, architectural designer, described the development as a “mix of different uses and scales. This is not a wall of development, it is actually quite permeable. We are testing scenarios and want to come up with something the community can embrace.”

Kelly added the maximum height of buildings in the URP can be 50 feet, although they “are not proposing all 50-foot buildings.” For comparison, a meeting attendee asked the height of the Horizons condominium building, and Kelly said the building is 70 feet tall.

Pointing out various aspects of two usage options, Ruffo said “this is an illustrative plan to be a guidepost for the town in the future. We formed it [the development] around what is really an open space plan.”

He emphasized the importance of balancing between open space and future buildings.

“Public use and space are central to all ideas,” he said. “There will not be a large commercial component,” explaining there could be small shops and restaurants serving the community and visitors, providing “a way to add vitality to the area.”

Ruffo said of the overall development, “it needs a good sidewalk circulation zone…it is the sidewalks that knit it all together.”

According to Kelly, the bayside parcel will widen, growing by 23 feet to 27 feet in width and include additional sidewalks, bike paths, open road, and parallel parking. The plans account for “70% open space, recreational use and/or parking, not including DCR space,” said Kelly, who assured attendees, “whatever project goes there the Weir River and bayside will be protected.”

Susan Goranson of Bay Street said she is “not sure the town gets much benefit from having housing there, but a great deal of benefit from using the open space for basketball courts, picnic areas, dog parks, and skateboard parks.” She was applauded when adding “it was said that ‘no development is not an option,’ I am just putting it out there having the space used as managed open space is also a form of development.”

Dandrade, who has been working with the town since 2015, participated in earlier plans showing the “merits” of two-way traffic flow. Dendrade said two-way traffic is an “independent utility which has merit today despite what happens with any of the parcels.” He said it would reduce traffic speeds between Water Street and Phipps Street and create safer road crossings, alleviate traffic bottlenecks, improve direct access to Surfside businesses, and improve emergency access.

Julie Strehie, of Phipps Street, expressed concern her “front yard is currently a traffic problem,” and asked if the traffic issues could be addressed before the HRA development.

“We want the roads; if we can get the roads done before the HRA development, we are all in favor of it,” Kelly said. “We feel the roads are a linchpin to this whole area, and to the town as a whole, to make it more attractive to the people who live here, more attractive for the people who come here, and easier for people to get in and out.”

Central Avenue resident Kate Barclay got confirmation Water Street will remain a crossover street to Bay Street.

“We are not eliminating any streets,” said Kelly.

Regarding traffic, Bernadette Raftery of Harold Place was concerned two-way traffic flow increases the difficulty when pulling into traffic from locations like the Rockland Trust bank. Cecil stated the two-way flow gives “people choices,” and Kelly described how the new two-way traffic flow would allow taking either a right or left turn when leaving the bank. Prior to the formation of the HRA and the reconfiguration of the streets, Nantasket Avenue was a two-way street with one lane in each direction.

Even the youngest of attendees had their voice heard. Kennedy, a 10-year-old fifth-grader, asked “What would happen to Hull traditions” like the annual bonfire?

“We know traditions are important in the Town of Hull. People love their bonfire and carnival,” said Kelly, who grew up in town. “This is a draft proposal. We are looking for public input…Option 2 provides a two-acre parking lot to hold the carnival.”

Kelly responded to flooding concerns posed by attendees saying “if you don’t live on a hill in Hull, you are in a flood zone. Anything that goes in there will be resilient by design because it has to be.”

Dennis Zaia, clerk of the HRA, said a plan is needed to accomplish the goals of the HRA and the community.

“We are looking for pieces of the puzzle to allow this to move forward in the most efficient and successful manner,” said Zaia.

Additional public hearings are scheduled to be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hull High School exhibition room on March 14 and April 25. Remote presentations of the same material will be conducted over the Zoom platform from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 16 and April 27.

For more information and to read the draft development plan, visit www.hra02045.com.

Residents left without hot water after tank failure at Hull’s elderly housing

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By Carol Britton Meyer

Residents of one building at the McTighe Manor elderly housing complex on Atlantic House Court were without hot water for a week earlier this month after a leaking tank could not be replaced due to supply-chain issues, the housing authority’s executive director said.

MCTIGHE MANOR on ATLANTIC HOUSE COURT, which is managed by the Hull Housing Authority.

“We had a difficult situation with no hot water in Building 3. The water tank had suddenly begun to leak profusely, flooding the first-floor hallway, and was no longer providing hot water,” Executive Director Michael Flaherty said at Wednesday’s meeting of the housing authority. “A new hot water tank was not available right away due to supply chain issues, but we were able to get one from out-of-state.”

Referring to what occurred as “a lousy set of circumstances,” Flaherty said the housing authority provided a shower for tenants who were without hot water to use in the building next door – in the one vacant apartment in the complex – and they were also able to boil water when necessary, Flaherty said. A new tank was installed a week later, as soon as one became available.

A resident who joined the remote meeting said she had no knowledge of the available shower and that a notice should have been posted to inform the tenants.

Flaherty responded that he thought everyone had been informed and that if she had called him directly, he could have let her know that a shower was available nearby, which a number of Building 3 residents used.

In a telephone conversation following the brief meeting, Flaherty provided further details to The Hull Times. He said the incident occurred on Friday, Jan. 27, at 3:15 p.m.

“Unfortunately, in order to prevent the building from [flooding further], the hot water tank had to be shut off,” he said. “The housing authority immediately contacted a plumber, who attempted to locate a new tank, but due to supply chain issues, securing one was very difficult.”

In the meantime, Flaherty said, “residents were kept abreast of the situation by housing authority staff.”

After a new tank was located, it arrived on the following Friday, Feb. 3, and was installed immediately.

“The housing authority will post information in the hallway about any situation that may arise in the future,” Flaherty said.

In other business at the meeting, he reported that while seniors are overall paying their rent on time, “there are some challenges on the family side with rent collection.” Efforts are being made to resolve that issue.

Also, the housing authority is working on selecting a tenant for the one vacant apartment at Atlantic House Court.

The housing authority’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15, at 3:30 p.m. The agenda and access information will be posted on the town’s website, www.town.hull.ma.us.

Looking for a special Valentine’s Day treat? Shop locally for the best gifts and services

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By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

Ah, Valentine’s Day gifts. Gifts for the National Day of Love. What does that special someone in your life want? How do you make a meaningful statement? Here are ideas from some of our local advertisers.  

For a wonderful start to your Valentine’s Day, you can visit Crave at 303 Nantasket Ave. to pick up everything you need for a very special breakfast in bed. Crave features acai bowls, smoothies, coffee, and more. Owner Casey Mahoney invites you to come by for some granola which is “homemade with pure love and maple syrup.” Or visit to see what treats she has cooked up for Valentine’s Day. Crave customers call it a “hidden gem for creative healthy smoothies, bowls, and unique flavored coffees.”

If the love of your life is a French toast connoisseur, stop into Sunnyside Up Café on Route 3A in Weymouth and order the café’s signature French toast and delicious buttercream topping to go. Owner Debbie Hale will serve it to you with an extra-special helping of down-home hospitality. If you prefer to dine in, parking is available at Masisons Autobody.

If complementing a late breakfast with brunch cocktails is your thing, Nantasket Liquors at 307 Nantasket Ave. can meet your needs. While you are there, you can also purchase a favorite wine, spirit, or beer to toast your Valentine. John, Pam, Don, and Teri wish their customers a very Happy Valentine’s day: “We wouldn’t exist without amazing customers like you! You keep us going morning ’til night, seven days a week.”

Do not underestimate the emotional value friends and family place on receiving a personal Valentine’s message, especially if it is written in a unique, hand-picked card, attached to a delicately wrapped gift or bunch of balloons. Nantasket Pharmacy at 480 Nantasket Ave. is a convenient one-stop shop for Valentine’s essentials, such as greeting cards, candy, balloons, gift wrap, bags, and more.

Through the ages, the tried-and-true gift of candy and flowers has become the combined symbol of a truly romantic gesture of love and affection.

If you are looking for a fun place to go where you can immerse yourself in an old-style candy shop experience, visit Nantasket Sweets by Swedes at 165 Nantasket Ave. Owner Maria Stolt makes all her chocolates from scratch using original traditional Swedish recipes. She can customize her candy and chocolate for unique offerings, at parties and corporate events, to offer a smorgasbord buffet style of sweets. Stolt invites you to stop by this Valentine’s Day to buy a homemade chocolate heart or heart-shaped candy lollipop for your sweetheart.

For fresh arrangements, bouquets, plants, specialty chocolates, and nautical gifts visit Nantasket Flowers at 293 Nantasket Ave. Terry Anastos, owner of Nantasket Flowers and Gifts, for more than 20 years, is lauded by her customers for being able to turn any idea into a “work of art.” Being a florist has become part of her lifestyle. “My customers are like family and I am proud to have grown to become the ‘family’ florist for so many on the South Shore.  It brings me joy to create arrangements which reflect the essence of the person they are created for.” Longtime customer and Hull resident Jeanne Chalifoux said “Terry takes excellent care of her customers. She listens to our needs and goes above and beyond what we ask for. And the price is always right.”

For the creative at heart, how about gift certificate to one of Seaside Floral Design’s floral workshops, where they can go and let their imagination bloom in a lovely, inspiring location? For your loved one who just can’t be without flowers, get them a floral subscription from Seaside Floral and you can have beautiful floral bouquets delivered to their door bi-weekly or monthly. “Whether you’re in the midst of wedding planning or busy coordinating flowers for a birthday party, Seaside Floral Designs, at 38 A St., will work closely with you to create breathtaking, noteworthy décor,” said owner Kim Cerny. 

For the art-loving Valentine, you can treat them to the gift of art at Gallery Nantasket at 121 Nantasket Ave. Owned and operated by Hull artists, you will always find unique, locally handmade crafts and fine arts. The gallery changes its presentation seasonally, offering a fresh collection of paintings, stained glass, photography, fiber art, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, fused glass items, sculptures, woven and knitted items, cards, and more. To visit the portfolio of current gallery artists, go to hullartists.com/gallery-nantasket.

For unique gifts, apparel, and accessories for the whole family visit Carolann’s at 31-35 Main St. in Hingham Square.  “We are a mini-department store. An old-time throwback to a time before modern day malls and big box stores,” said Jennifer Mazgelis, who is co-owner of the store with her mother, Kellie Dernier. Carolann’s customers agree that the items you find there are not simply “run-of-the-mill.”

Owners Michael and Lorraine Campbell invite you to come in to their family-run business, The Whitney Gordon’s Jewelers, also in downtown Hingham at 39 Main St., to experience the “friendly atmosphere and personal service” which they believe only a local jeweler can offer. They carry items ranging in price from $15 to more than $1,000 to meet a wide variety of budgets. “We carry everything from sterling silver earrings for the littlest Valentine up to diamond earrings for the adult Valentine,” Lorraine Campbell said.

But don’t let the pampering end with a lovely piece of jewelry. Julie’s Pure Bliss Facials, Skincare, and More, is one of Hull’s newest additions, offering many luxurious treatments – all performed by licensed aesthetician Julie Barros. She comes to Hull from the Berkshires, where she has had an “established and coveted skincare spa,” and invites you to “experience one of many treatments in a clean, calm, and soothing atmosphere currently located in the back of Casa di Joseph Hair Salon” at 443 Nantasket Ave. Though take note, her space will soon be located on the opposite side of that same lovely European building. Customers recommend that you “take time for yourself and visit Pure Bliss. The treatments are luxurious, and you will leave feeling fresh, clean, and full of energy.” So, why not take their advice, treat yourself this Valentine’s Day, or purchase a gift certificate for someone you know who needs a little love? See all Julie’s Pure Bliss treatments at www.jpurebliss.com.

Don’t forget to treat your furry friend this Valentine’s Day. Visit Sunshine Pet Parlor, Hull’s only pet place, at 813 Nantasket Ave. Sunshine Pet Parlor offers all-breed pet grooming and pet daycare in a relaxed atmosphere. Your special feline friends are welcome, too. To indulge your pet, the parlor also sells high-quality food, treats, accessories, and toys.

If you wish to start celebrating early, put on your dancing shoes and tap on over to the C-Note at 159 Nantasket Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 11 and join Hull Pride for music and dancing from 7 p.m. to midnight. DJs will be spinning dance tunes from ’70s disco and beyond. Be sure to bring cash for the bar and $10 cover charge at the door. For more information go to hullpride.net.

Whatever the desire, spend time with that special someone and make some Valentine’s dreams come true.