Housing Authority looks to collect overdue rent, lease two vacant units

By Carol Britton Meyer 

The number of tenants living in family housing at C and D streets who owe rent payments for the month of March is eight out of 28 units, Hull Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Flaherty reported at a recent meeting.

Tenants living in the McTighe Manor elderly housing complex on Atlantic House Court across from town hall all paid their rent for March. There are 39 units, with two vacancies.

There are currently two vacancies at the McTighe Manor Housing complex across from town hall.

The authority is redoubling its rent collection efforts, according to Flaherty.

“We contracted with the Weymouth Housing Authority’s attorney, who will send out letters to everyone who owes the housing authority rent to give them an opportunity to enter into repayment agreements, which is the first step in the process,” he said. “If these tenants don’t follow up [by working out] a repayment agreement, we will take them to court. We don’t want to do that, but they need to pay their rent.”

Flaherty noted that some tenants who owe back rent have already entered into repayment agreements, and that it’s usually the same people who fall behind.

In other business at the meeting, Flaherty provided an update on vacancies at the McTighe Manor.

“We have a couple of vacant apartments; one gentleman passed away and another tenant was evicted,” he explained. “We’re working with [a staff member] at the Weymouth Housing Authority who is familiar with CHAMP [Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs] to expedite the leasing of these apartments. There’s nothing quick about this process.” There are no family housing vacancies.

Also, a tenant who participated in the remote meeting expressed concern about another tenant who she said has been smoking in one of the apartments despite the authority’s no-smoking policy.

Acknowledging that it’s difficult to enforce, Flaherty said the housing authority staff does its best to ensure tenants adhere to the policy and that he would address this most recent issue involving smoking, which the tenant said is a recurring one and which Flaherty has looked into before.

The next meeting of the housing authority is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Candidates make final sprint toward Monday’s Election Day finish line

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

At Tuesday night’s meet-the-candidate night, sponsored by the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, the common thread among each of the contenders is their desire to enrich Hull, a community they love and call home. This sentiment was summed up by Jerry Taverna, who is running for the select board: “The engagement this election season is a testament to the energized and passionate people that love this amazing town.”

The Chamber invited all candidates to offer a platform statement to the crowd gathered in the ballroom at the Nantasket Beach Resort, and then time was set aside for attendees to have one-on-one conversations about issues important to them.

The annual town election will be held on Monday, May 15, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hull High School.

Select Board

Moraiba Reyes said she “fell in love with Hull” in her 20s, moved to town two years ago, and wants to “open lines of communication” to serve the people of Hull. Reyes believes she can make a positive contribution to “create the spaces we want, fix the problems we have, and build for the future.”

 “I am honored and privileged to be on the board the past three years to work hard for a community I love,” said Donna Pursel, who said she is seeking reelection to finish the work started over the past three years.  “I feel like we are halfway right now and there is a lot more work to be done. I want to bring it across the finish line…to create a better community for all.”

“We have to use our creative juices to come up with a plan that works for the town,” said Philip Bellone, a 43-year resident, business owner, and former select board member. “I think [the HRA land] should be commercial recreation oriented…come up with a plan where we can keep most of that space open, productive, self-sustaining, and doesn’t create a tax burden.”

Taverna said he is an advocate for “promoting and maintaining a safe, affordable, and equitable community,” and believes “a comprehensive master plan needs to be prioritized with better communication and collaboration between all of the various boards that are involved in planning and zoning.”

As a trial attorney, Jim Ianiri said he has learned to deal with conflict, get things done, work with people, and stand up for what his principles.  “Economic development, I am all over it. Everyone else should know about Hull, come here to spend money, and help us out,” Ianiri said. “Just needs to be in the right places, not necessarily on HRA land, but we will get to that later.”

As a businessman in town for over two decades and former member of the council on aging, Brian McCarthy said he “fully understands the unique challenges that businesses face in this town… One of the most critical issues this town faces is trying to expand our tax base while keeping the taxes affordable.”

David Gibbons, a 2000 Hull High graduate and current Hull firefighter, said he had written something but he would rather “speak from the heart, not paper. I am passionate about this town,” he said. “I will tell you what I do believe in, the residents in this town and their quality of life. Our quality of life should come first, and I am going to fight for it every day.”

The theme of Jason McCann’s campaign is “listening and working.” An attorney and former member of the planning board, zoning board of appeals, and Community Preservation Committee, he said that if elected he “would ensure any topic discussed by the select board is open to the public, properly noticed, and fully transparent.”

“I love Hull, and I have for 72 years,” said Steven Greenberg. “As wonderful as our town is much more can and should be done to take advantage of our historical and environmental assets to generate more revenue when people come to visit us; this in turn will give us the means to make needed changes to improve quality of life for all our residents.”

MEET AND GREET. Voters crowded into the ballroom at the Nantasket Beach Resort Tuesday night to hear from the candidates running for office in Monday’s election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hull High School. [Skip Tull photo]

Linda Hetue spoke on behalf of her daughter-in-law Kathleen Barclay, who was unable to attend the event. A Hull native, Barclay “knows [the town] backwards and forwards.” She described her as “social, flamboyant, intelligent, opinionated, and persistent.”

Hull Redevelopment Authority

“My number one priority here is I want to know what the people want,” said Adrienne Paquin. “The HRA for the last 50 years has had kind of a one-track mind, housing and commercial… I want to open up our eyes to greater possibilities for the land.”

Daniel Kernan said, “Any of us lucky enough to have a backyard would think long and hard about selling it off for a one-time benefit. This is all our backyards.” Kernan said he wants to find an alternative to selling the property to a developer. “When the HRA sells the property, that the money does not go to the town, it goes to the HRA and they decide how it is spent and on what time line; the funds could be sitting until 20 years from now.”

“I have been volunteering for the town of Hull since 1999 because I care about the people,” said former board of assessors and zoning board member Patrick Finn, who believes the HRA needs to “continue on with the current planning process. I see empty space…It becomes open space when you have people, you have a neighborhood, you have activity. You have economic development, you have tax revenue and you have jobs. All these things we need in this town.”

Board of Library Trustees

Duncan McColgan Stone did not prepare an official speech because he is running unopposed. “Hope more run in the future, or the library may be run by a bunch of 19-year-olds,” he said, making reference to his age.

“Hard act to follow. Young then old,” said James Curtis Miller, a retired middle school teacher, who lives two doors down from the library in the historic Mitchell house. He plans to “serve, promote, and advocate for the library” which he considers “pivotal” for any community.

Celia Nolan was unable to be present and Paula Nesoff read a message on her behalf. She part of the trustees’ relationship is “letting people know about how our library uniquely serves people of all ages and situations …we are the connection between the townspeople and the library administration; we are your voice.”

School Committee

Regan Yakubian, a write-in for school committee, explained she missed the deadline for pulling papers because she wanted to discuss it with her family to be sure she could “give 100%.” But the decision was made one day late, and her choices were to accept a missed dead line or go “all in” and kickstart a write-in campaign. “I stand before you tonight all in, ready to get to work for our schools and the community of Hull,” said Yakubian.

“I have a great track record for making sustainable change for teachers, schools, and systems,” said Fay Ferency, a longtime leader in education, adding she looks forward to “working side by side with you as we share our hopes and dreams for our schools and together make them a reality.”

Ernest Minelli IV is running for his second and final term, in accordance with the two-term pledge he made when he first ran for office. He strives to “work closely with fellow committee members, central office staff, and members of the community so we may serve the four core constituent groups in our town when it comes to the public schools: students, families, educators, and taxpayers.”

Housing Authority

James Richman explained he was hospitalized for 50 days getting outfitted with the LVAD heart pump and he did not miss a meeting, demonstrating his “dedication” to the people of Hull. “I learned how to play well in the sandbox with others and get things done,” said Richman, who is hoping to work with other commissioners on the housing board to get “support for families, persons with disabilities, and elderly, to make it the best community we can make it.”

Some candidates whose names will appear on the ballot did not attend the event, which will be broadcast on Hull Community Television throughout the weekend for voters to review.

“It was a pleasure to see a full room and interest in the election because that is what the process is all about,” said Chamber host James Pitrolo, who is unopposed for another term on the planning board.

Event attendee Liz Kay agreed.

“It takes courage to step out in a small town like this to run for these positions,” she said.

Select Board reappoints Lampke, begins dialogue on public-comment policy

By Carol Britton Meyer

As the select board reappointed James Lampke as Hull’s town counsel this week, members also discussed its policies on allowing public comment during meetings. Lampke, who grew up in Hull, has been town counsel for several decades.

town counsel james lampke makes a point during this year’s recent annual town meeting.

“I believe I have worked very hard and effectively for the town, seeking to protect the town, to make Hull a fine community in which to live and to serve in any way I can,” Lampke wrote in a letter to the select board seeking reappointment. “In spite of the problems we all face in the public sector, I find the position and work challenging and derive a great deal of satisfaction in combining my interest in law and public affairs in serving my hometown.”

Select Board member Greg Grey said the town “is very fortunate to have you, especially with all those years of service. It’s phenomenal.”

The board also began a discussion about its policies and procedures (adopted in 1996 and amended in 2002 and 2012) related to meetings, hearings, public comment, and other issues at outgoing select board member Domenico Sestito’s request.

Although he said he is in favor of free speech overall, Lampke explained some of the cons of allowing public comment without specific guidelines in place, based on a recent state Supreme Judicial Court case that found that boards could not censor members of the public during “public comment” periods. The case involved a rule adopted in the town of Southborough that mandated that all comments be “respectful.”

“A public body needs to be careful if an individual is discussed during a meeting – even if that person is given notice ahead of time,” Lampke said. “This is not an opportunity [for a member of the public] to beat up on someone. Many things can create a liability to the town, and we may not want to be a test case.”

Based on the state Supreme Court decision, “[a town official] can’t gavel someone [easily],” he explained.

With two or three new board members coming on board following next week’s election, the conversation will likely continue.

“I asked for this to be put on the agenda a while ago after getting strong feedback about the lack of public input [from citizens],” Sestito said. “It’s about finding a balance, and it isn’t fair to not allow the public to speak on agenda items because of the risk that something could go wrong.”

Sestito strongly believes that public comment should be allowed “at the discretion of the chair, who sets the boundaries. It’s not an exact science.”

Town Manager Philip Lemnios suggested that the new select board take up this topic with Lampke to undergo training and to decide under which agenda items public comment will be allowed.

Chair Donna Pursel noted that for the past three years while she has been in office, the policy has been “no public comment” except during public hearings. At the same time, she said, “We are in the people business,” and the next board will have some decisions to make.

Select board member Irwin Nesoff said as an official making decisions for the town, public input is important to him.

“It’s our job to hear what people have to say, and to listen to other board members,” he said.

Lampke explained that the state court decision supports “that the fabric of our country is citizen participation” and leaves the decision up to local communities to set parameters “as long as they are allowed under the state and United States Constitution.”

It was also noted that many citizens have participated in agenda item discussions on significant issues during select board meetings.

Grey suggested that the board hold office hours for citizens before some of their meetings to help clarify points of concern and interest, “where they wouldn’t be on camera and can talk about different things.”

Resident Anne Murray tried to speak, but was told by Pursel that the no-public-comment policy would continue “for one final night.”

Lemnios suggested each board member mark up their copy of the rules and regulations for future discussion.

In other business at the meeting, the board approved Robert W. Kelly’s request for a permit to park 500 cars at the Hull Redevelopment Authority lots during peak beach season, and a request from the Hull Youth Football Association to hold its annual carnival fundraiser from July 26 to 30 on the HRA property. Setup by Rockwell Amusements will start July 24.

Kelly’s business partner, Henry Dunn, questioned the recent “500% increase” in the operator’s fee, from $10 to $50 per parking space.

In response, Lemnios explained that the cost of police details associated with parking lot traffic is absorbed by the town, including times when traffic is backed up to Kenberma “when a storm comes through.”

Pursel said the recent increase in fees was approved after checking on what other towns charge for parking in similar situations, which is comparable.

The board also granted approval for the Hull Democratic Town Committee to use the gazebo on the HRA land for a free social event on Sunday, June 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. The goal, according to DTC members, is to bring people together to enjoy music and the beautiful location. More information will be available soon.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the person who spoke on behalf of the partnership leasing the HRA parking lots. The story has now been updated.

Sestito bids board farewell after ‘extraordinary experience’ over 15 years

By Carol Britton Meyer

Departing select board member Domenico Sestito thanked fellow board members, as well as Town Manager Philip Lemnios and Town Counsel James Lampke – whom he called “passionate public servants” – for the “privilege of serving with you all for the past 15 years.” He is not seeking another term.

“The town took a chance on me as a political newcomer when I was in my 30s and stuck with me for five terms,” Sestito said. “It’s been an extraordinary experience.”

He expressed appreciation for “anyone who is serving as a town official, employee, or who is picking up trash – they are the engine of our community.”

Sestito said he will always have “a special place in my heart” for his years of service.

While some people say public service is a thankless job, Sestito doesn’t consider the experience that way. “I have found it personally gratifying. I’m very happy to be here tonight but will miss you all tomorrow,” he said. He also thanked his family for their support during his tenure.

Select Board Chair Donna Pursel presented Sestito with a decorated cake to be enjoyed by fellow board members.

“You are one of the ultimate volunteers in our community, and beyond this building,” board member Greg Grey said. “I know you are not done!”

Pursel called Sestito a “great role model.”

In closing, Sestito encouraged citizens to participate in Monday’s election, even though he is not on the ballot. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hull High School.

Young actors, small-town setting add to appeal of HHS’s ‘Almost, Maine’

By Victoria Dolan

Hull High School Theatre Arts’ (HHSTA) newest play, “Almost, Maine,” will open this weekend, offering entertainment to Hull residents and new opportunities for the students acting in it. The play, which explores themes of love and loss in a small town in rural Maine, comprises of a large cast including many underclassmen and middle-schoolers.

“Middle-schoolers and freshmen got opportunities to act in a leading role, which we hadn’t been able to do before,” explained Co-Director Erin O’Donnell. This, she explained, allows them to attend rehearsals with and learn from the examples of the more experienced actors in the production, so “they get to emulate it in their own acting.”

Doing a straight play instead of a musical offers other benefits, explained Co-Director Emily O’Donnell.

“You have to focus more on words and acting ability,” she said, and “sharpen those skills.”

One of the biggest challenges, acting-wise, is also one of the best reasons potential audience members should come see the show, Emily said. The portrayal of relationships in the show, which require careful work with actors, “pushes the boundaries of what people have seen on this stage.” Pushing those boundaries is “rewarding because people are going to come to see the show and see something new for HHSTA.”
Erin thinks “Almost, Maine” might interest local theatregoers for an additional reason, as it depicts a fictional small town not too different from Hull.

“Everyone can relate to different things,” she said, especially because “multiple characters have lines about stereotypes of a small town that everyone in Hull can relate to.”

Emily hopes town residents come to see the show to “see the closing of a really successful year, and to come and celebrate with the rest of the kids.”

“It’s worth the watch,” added Erin.

Performances of “Almost, Maine” will take place in the Joseph C. Doniger Auditorium at Hull High School on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., as well as on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/73058

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint. For questions or comments, please contact dolan.victorialani@gmail.com.

SchoolCom meets new Jacobs assistant principal, hears consolidation update

By Carol Britton Meyer

At its most recent meeting the school committee was formally introduced to the new assistant principal at the Jacobs Elementary School. Principal Kyle Shaw said first-grade teacher Lindsey Rajan, who has taught there for the past seven years, will move into her new role July 1.

JACOBS SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Lindsey Rajan

“We had more than 30 candidates – including four internal ones – and deciding was hard, but Lindsey’s exemplary skills in the classroom coupled with her passion for curriculum and instruction will be a great complement not only to myself, but she will also be the perfect fit for the administrative model that will come to be with the consolidation,” Shaw said. “Lindsey will lead the early childhood wing of the school moving forward.”

Rajan said she is “incredibly grateful” for her time spent so far “in this exceptional school” and is looking forward to drawing upon the “knowledge and passion” she has gained while working at the Jacobs in her new role.

“I’m looking forward to helping to bring [Shaw’s] vision to life in collaboration with [the entire school community] to ensure that every child reaches their potential,” she said.

Chair Stephanie Peters and other school committee members, along with Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn, were pleased to have been able to promote from within.

“We thought you were the best match to continue to move Jacobs School forward,” Kuehn said. “We have a lot of confidence in your partnering with Kyle and the leadership team to move us forward.”

Implementation of the first phase of the Best Educational Use of School Facilities Plan, which will consolidate the current three buildings into two, is progressing, Kuehn said.

“It’s a good plan, and we will be on time with everything,” she reported.

Phase 1 calls for 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.

Phase 2 would implement the final reconfiguration, where Jacobs School would house grades PreK to 7 and the high school grades 8 to 12, beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

The school committee also learned that surplus student desks that had been stored at the Jacobs and then posted on a state auction site were recently purchased by individuals from Ghana who traveled from New Jersey to pick them up.

“They are raising money to send school items back to their country,” Kuehn said.

Kuehn earns high marks in school committee’s performance evaluation

By Carol Britton Meyer

The school committee recently rated Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn’s overall performance as “proficient.”

“The public should understand that the definition of ‘proficient’ is ‘fully satisfactory, rigorous,’” member Kyle Conley said at the committee’s most recent meeting.

Superintendent of schools judith kuehn.

“Amazingly proficient,” Chair Stephanie Peters added. “I hope you remain with the Hull Public Schools for many years.”

The committee reviewed Kuehn’s recently-completed self-evaluation and then submitted their comments to be compiled by Office Manager Maggie Ollerhead for presentation at the public meeting.

“This is one of the things I’m most proud of,” Peters said. “We’ve been doing this evaluation in public for several years.”

The committee uses a Department of Elementary and Secondary Education evaluation form for superintendents, which includes the categories of professional practices, student learning goals, instructional leadership, management and operations, human resources, professional culture, and family engagement.

Kuehn scored highly in every category and was praised for her communications skills, team leadership, respectful presence, and support for meeting the social-emotional and other needs of students.

Appreciation also was expressed for her quickly stepping into the superintendent role to fill a vacancy three years ago and for her leadership before and after the COVID19 pandemic and during the first phase of the consolidation of Hull’s three schools.

“Judy started out as director of student services, which is proof that you can move up through the ranks if you do all the right things,” committee member David Twombly said. “She has been through some tough times, and she is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”

Member Ernest Minelli noted that “whether it’s a large-scale update or a micro detail, you always take a team-based approach as part of a seamless, cohesive whole. There’s always a focus on student learning and how that can be improved upon, and you always emphasize that we are making progress.”

Peters added her praise. “You’re meeting our expectations,” she told Kuehn. “Keep at it!”

Kuehn said she considers it a privilege to work for the HPS.

“It’s a job I truly love,” she said. “We have a great team.”

Chamber to hold ‘Meet the Candidates’ night on May 9

The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce invites the public to meet the candidates whose names will be on the ballot in the May 15 town election. All of the candidates have been asked to attend the event, which begins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9 at the Nantasket Beach Resort.

Each candidate will be given up to three minutes to make a statement, and then the public will be invited to meet them face to face. No questions will be taken from the floor. The event, which will be recorded for rebroadcast by Hull Community Television, will end promptly at 9 p.m.

The Chamber also has distributed a questionnaire to the candidates and will post the answers that are received at https://hullchamber.com/2023-hull-ma-election-candidates.

Voters defer action on expanding marijuana sales, reject term limits

By Carol Britton Meyer

This year’s annual town meeting wrapped up on the third night, following 12 hours of sometimes intense discussion and reactions, particularly when the inclusionary zoning article related to affordable housing requirements for new developments was addressed.

MEETING THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. Nearly 400 voters began work on a 26-article annual town meeting warrant this week at the high school. [Skip Tull photo]

There was an unexpected twist to the citizens’ petition submitted by Meghan Sylvester and others related to allowing Alternative Compassion Solutions, the existing medical marijuana dispensary on George Washington Boulevard, to add retail sales by special permit, subject to site plan review.

A substitute motion, which was approved by voters, was offered by the petitioners that requested, “based on information we were given by town counsel after town meeting began,” that “Article 18 be referred to the zoning bylaw committee without prejudice for consideration of the article at any special or annual town meeting.”

There was no further information given by Town Counsel James Lampke at that time, but at the end of the session, he offered to provide more details once the meeting had adjourned “to anyone wanting to stick around.” The deferral was requested because the article addressed only the zoning prohibition on retail marijuana, not the ban contained in Hull’s general bylaws. A negative vote on the zoning change would have prevented the issue from returning to town meeting for at least two years.

About 200 voters approved requiring an affordable housing component for any new development of more than 10 units, increasing dog license fees, and authorizing the select board to enter into negotiations with state authorities for a long-term lease of DCR property. The Hull Artists group has proposed creating permanent art center in the vacant state-owned police station.

Hull Artists President Bart Blumberg urged voters to support the citizens’ petition. In addition to providing a thriving art center for Hull and surrounding communities, such a project would also create economic development opportunities for the town, he said.

“Passage of this article would begin the process of producing a rare win win-win for the Commonwealth, the town, and Hull Artists.” he said.

Voters also approved another citizens’ petition, submitted by proponent Susan Vermilya, a founding member of SOS (Save Our Space) and others, seeking to delay decisions on development proposals for the Hull Redevelopment Authority parcel until the impacts on usage capacity for water, sewer, and electricity and of climate change are determined and posted on the town website and in The Hull Times. The article is non-binding.

Voters also authorized the town to appropriate and spend up to $1 million for various design and construction work for elements of vital town infrastructure to get certain projects “shovel ready.” This will assist the town in obtaining grants and other funding sources to help defray the cost to the town even if some of those projects ultimately need to be bonded in the future.

Voters said “no” to instituting limits on the time served by select board members to three full terms or 10-1/2 years, whichever is less. The original article, also a citizen’s petition, related to all elected town boards.

Proponent Christopher Sweeney explained the reasoning behind it.

“Term limits would break up the monopoly [of elected town officials who have served for multiple terms], allow for new people to run for office, and give voters more choices,” he said.

Calling town meeting and the local election process “the purest form of democracy,” longtime Hull resident Bartley Kelley said he didn’t think the town “should mess with term limits,” which he said occur naturally at the ballot box.

The most complex and lengthy discussion of all three sessions, resulting in what Lampke referred to as “chaos” at times, was the one centering around the inclusionary zoning bylaw requirement for new developments of more than 10 units to include a 10% affordable housing component.

Town Moderator George Boylen handed over the reins to Lampke during the long discussion since he and others had submitted the article as a citizens’ petition.

Boylen noted that 140 cities and towns in Massachusetts have similar bylaws in place.

There was a great deal of confusion and frustration among voters when Lampke presented five amendments by Boylen to the original article, and with technical difficulties in sharing the most up-to-date information to voters.

Planning board member Jean Paquin reported that the board was in favor of the article.

“The town needs to get something into our zoning bylaws related to inclusionary housing,” she said. “We’ve already lost a few [opportunities].”

Select Board Chair Donna Pursel said her board unanimously supported this article. “Inclusionary zoning will help us create a mixed-income community and negate the effects of segregation,” she said.

Town meeting ultimately supported the article, as amended five times by Boylen to change some of the language prior to the vote, which was 159 to 19. Implementation of the article is contingent on Attorney General approval.

As with the previous two sessions, Wednesday’s town meeting wrapped up around 11 p.m., with Boylen thanking those who attended for their patience in navigating through some very complex articles and related discussions.

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Plan to rezone HRA land fails to win required two-thirds vote

By Carol Britton Meyer 

The warrant article proposed by S.O.S. (Save Our Space), an organization dedicated to delaying the current development proposal for the Hull Redevelopment Authority parcel to allow more time to come up with alternatives that would maintain open space, was defeated during Tuesday’s town meeting session on a 167 to 110 vote. Although more people voted in favor, passage of the article required a two-thirds majority of voters present.

DEVELOPING A PLAN. Save Our Space co-founder Susan Vermilya advocated a petition that would have rezoned most of the HRA’s 13 acres to open space. [Skip Tull photo]

The citizens’ petition, submitted by resident Susan Vermilya and others, called for designating most of the HRA’s 13 acreage as a public open space district.

“This is a legacy vote that will affect the town for generations,” said Vermilya, a founding SOS member. “We’ve become a year-round community, enjoying annual events such as bonfires and carnivals [on this site]. We want this to be a beautiful space for our town. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”

She also cited climate change and flooding as other reasons to keep the property free from development.

Advisory board member Jason Frady said the HRA has already filed a preliminary subdivision plan for the parcel, which locks the current zoning in place for eight years.

“The HRA owns the property, not the town. If we were to change the zoning to open space and take away their right to develop it, I’m not sure what that cost could be,” he said.

For these reasons, the advisory board recommended unfavorable action. The board also cited the loss of future possible significant tax revenues if no development is allowed.

HRA Chair Bartley Kelly explained the history of the property and that the HRA earlier rejected two development proposals.

“We thought it was better to go back to creating an Urban Renewal Plan,” he said.

Eighty percent of the parcel will remain as open space or parking, according to Kelly. “We need economic development” to generate more tax revenue for the town, he said.

One resident feels that there are more important considerations than money. “This has been our town common for many years,” she said, noting that annual events currently held on the HRA parcel “will be gone” if the development plan goes through.

Another resident said that since citizens created the HRA through a town meeting vote many years ago, “It’s time to take it back as open space, which is the most precious thing we have in town.”

Resident Patricia Lambert said the issue is not about “20 or 80 percent, but about the quality of life and safety of everyone in town related to projected climate calamity and sea-level rise, which we are unable to control. … We’re playing profit-and-loss on our children and grandchildren, which is unconscionable in every way,” she said.

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