Four months into role, Hull’s superintendent continues ‘looking, listening, and learning’

By Carol Britton Meyer 

After hearing through the grapevine a year ago that the Hull Superintendent of Schools position would open upon the retirement of Judith Kuehn, now-superintendent of schools Michael Jette and his family traveled here to get a feel for the town because he was interested in the position and they all loved the ocean. They immediately felt welcome.

“My wife, Claudia, and I had been talking about next opportunities in my career,” he told The Hull Times last week, as he completes his third month in the position. “At the time, I [was the superintendent of the Litchfield, N.H., school district], commuting an hour each way to work.”

LIVING HISTORY. THe JETTE FAMILY Learning about the Acropolis on AN April vacation TRIP. From left, Claudia, Mike, Mariana, and Catalina Jette. [PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL JETTE]

His daughters Mariana and Catalina – now in seventh and eight grades in the Hull Public Schools – were starting to get involved with athletics and other activities, and he was missing their events while attending activities at his own school, in large part due to the long commute.

Jette, who has 32 years of educational experience, including as former superintendent of the Bedford, N.H., school district, interviewed for the position once it was posted following his family’s trip to Hull – during which they became enamored with this beautiful coastal community – and came out on top last January from among 37 applicants for the position.

‘I enjoy the work’

Fast forward to this year with Jette in his first year as superintendent.

“I enjoy the work and the opportunity to have a wider sphere of influence and to be part of the conversation, including parents, students, teachers, and the entire community,” he said. “My family and I moved to Hull and have been welcomed within the community. We also enjoy being close to the ocean after being so far away from it while living in New Hampshire for so many years. With only a five-minute commute now, I can spend more time with my family and be part of their activities. This quaint little town surrounded by water is also close to Boston but offers a nice, simpler way of life.”

Jette said he was looking for a community with a real focus on learning – a school district that was small enough to offer individualized, creative educational opportunities that are often not available in larger school systems.

“All the vibes were good, so I was delighted when I was offered the position,” he said.

‘We want to be as transparent with the public as possible’

Transparency is important, he said.

“We’re a public entity and want to be as transparent with the public as possible so that they understand how their tax dollars [that are allocated to the schools] are being spent,” he said.

Whether engaging with families at a football game or other HPS events or in the wider community, Jette said he is a firm believer in open communication.

He’s also a supporter of school programs that build on the town’s rich maritime history, such as the boatbuilding cooperative effort between the Hull Lifesaving Museum and the high school. “We need to find more ways to bring this heritage to life,” he said.

During a recent presentation of his entry plan to the school committee, Jette said his initial and ongoing focus will continue to be on “looking, listening, and learning.”

Superintendent also wears a ‘parent hat’

He and his family feel embedded in the community. “While I’m looking at how the schools operate and how to make them better, I am looking at things from a superintendent’s angle as well as wearing the parent hat, which I believe [boosts my] credibility as to what we’re trying to accomplish,” Jette said.

DOG DAYS. Oliver Jette finally gets to visit Nantasket Beach on September 16… [PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL JETTE]

Among his ongoing goals is visiting each school a couple of times a week and continuing to meet and talk with staff and other community members “as I get my bearings.”

In the long term, one of his priorities will be redoing the HPS strategic plan, “reprioritizing and giving it a fresh look.”

Along with settling into his new position, he and his family are having “a very nice experience in Hull.”

Consolidation plan going smoothly

While developing the consolidation plan for the school system was an intensive effort, Kuehn and her team did such a good job that all is going smoothly, Jette said.

“There was a plan in place before I arrived, and I haven’t heard a single complaint or concern. With Robert Shaw as the new principal at the high school and Tony Hrivnak moving from the middle school to the high school as assistant principal, there has not been an issue,” he said. “Things are working out very well.”

Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw has also played a part in bringing the consolidation plan to reality. The Jacobs School now houses preK through grade 7 and the high school, grades 8 to 12.

A particular challenge is not being able to yet reach a contract agreement with the teaching staff. “We’re working hard to accomplish that,” Jette said. “We’re actively negotiating and trying to get a deal settled. Both parties are trying to reach a fair deal, but there is currently no signed agreement in place.”

His approach is to “keep calm and negotiate on as we try to find a pathway. I think we can overcome this challenge.”

With respect to Question 2 on the November 5 ballot asking voters to decide whether to eliminate passage of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System exams as a graduation requirement, Jette said, “I’ve always felt that an independent third-party test is a good thing. I’m not opposed to this requirement. It helps keep us grounded in terms of the work we’re doing. Ensuring that students know math, reading, and writing [through these exams] is OK.”

Finding ways to improve school system

What Jette is most looking forward to in his new role is working cooperatively with the school community in finding ways to improve the school system.

With low enrollment numbers a concern, Jette said it’s important “to let the rest of the world know how well we’re doing and communicating to families that the HPS is a [viable] option and that good things are happening here.”

Jette is impressed with HPS students – their good attitude and achievements.

“While walking through the schools, I find kind, compliant students who are engaged in learning and enjoying a safe school environment, another [factor] in helping families decide whether to relocate to Hull,” he said.

Jette also appreciates the sense of pride among Hull residents in their town and in the fact that many families have lived here for generations. “In some cases, there are grandparents and mothers and fathers who have graduated from the high school whose children are now attending,” he noted.

IN THE SWING. The Jettes VISITING FAMILY IN THE MOUNTAINS OF COLOMBIA. [Photo courtesy of Michael Jette]

Jette’s parents set a good example for him and his sister when they were growing up, he recalled. “My mother and father were both hard workers. My father never graduated from high school and trained as a machinist at a community college, and he took great pride in his work,” he said. “My mother graduated from high school and attended secretarial school and was proud of [her accomplishments].”

Pathway to a better experience

That said, they instilled in Jette and his sister early on “the need to keep learning – that you can carve out your own path through educational achievement – which they considered to be the pathway to a better experience,” he said.

Jette later decided he wanted to become a teacher, which led to his earning a doctorate in school administration.

“There’s value in all work, and we’re fortunate in what we have available to us,” he said. “Our Founding Fathers [placed great value in education] for democracy to thrive. We need critical thinkers and individuals who can read and write well; that’s how people are kept informed. We want to prepare the next generation to [carry on] with this gift and to keep nurturing it forward.”

Qualities that he feels are essential to a superintendent position include patience and a willingness to listen, while also sharing one’s opinion as part of a team effort.

“We are ultimately public servants of the community, supported by tax dollars, and we have to protect that trust,” Jette said.

Sense of community

The Jettes love the sense of community and belonging they are experiencing in Hull, from his daughters biking to the Village Market to buy a loaf of bread to heading to the bay to watch a beautiful sunset or going for a walk along the beach.

“Time hasn’t caught up with Hull,” Jette said. “We still have an independent grocer and pharmacy, and we love that aspect.”

In their spare time, the Jette family enjoys traveling.

“We decided we had enough ‘stuff’ in our lives and wanted to have more experiences,” he said. “Claudia is from Columbia, and we traveled to South America to visit her family last year. We’ve also traveled together to Europe, including Italy and Greece, with a priority on visiting the Sistine Chapel and viewing Michelangelo’s works. It’s important to experience what’s out there beyond our smaller town.”

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Expect delays, detours as sewer pump station project resumes at Pemberton

As construction activities resume on the sewer pump station at Pemberton, delays and detours should be expected by neighbors, commuters, and high school families who travel to that area regularly.

Delays with the availability of specialty subcontractors needed for the next phases of work resulted in inactivity during the summer. This fall, excavation and installation of pilings will take place, and there may be temporary restrictions on parking and traffic flow. The progress from one phase to the next is dependent on coordination of subcontractors, material availability, and the weather. The sewer department will post updates on the town’s website as the work progresses.

During construction, signage will direct drivers to parking and access points, including additional parking near the Lifesaving Museum Boathouse. Portions of the sidewalk along the parking lot also may be affected.

This project is expected to take 18 months and will involve work within the footprint of Main Street. Hours of work are generally 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The project is being funded in part by a $2 million federal grant. For more information, contact the Hull Sewer Department, 781-925-1207 or sewer@town.hull.ma.us.

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After fourth mediated session, HRA members still can’t agree on final plans for 13-acre site

By Carol Britton Meyer 

During the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s last of four facilitated meetings Tuesday night, the overall goal of reaching a consensus about the best use for the 13-acre property – at least some aspects of it – went largely unrealized.

However, during the two-and-a-half-hour meeting, which grew contentious at times, HRA members did agree to mark the cover page of the draft Urban Renewal Plan posted on the Authority’s website as “in progress” as of October 15 – the date of the meeting – rather than as a “public review draft” to allow time to review it page by page. Older versions of the plan, suggestions by members, and ideas submitted by the public will remain posted on hra02045.com.

Members voted unanimously to “initiate planning for option three of the draft URP,” which essentially means going back to the drawing board on a new proposal “to be fleshed out,” as described by HRA Chair Dennis Zaia.

This vote was timely because Zaia was scheduled to provide an update on the draft URP’s status on behalf of the entire board at a Department of Conservation and Recreation working group meeting Thursday morning. The DCR oversees Nantasket Beach and part of the surrounding area.

“I’ll ask the DCR to please disregard any previous versions at this time,” he said.

Click here for the HRA’s draft Urban Renewal Plan and related documents

Board ‘switching directions’

Member Joan Senatore noted that the makeup of the HRA had changed in recent years, while member Dan Kernan commented that the board “is switching directions.”

Facilitator Douglas Thompson, a senior mediator and University of Massachusetts at Boston professor, led the meeting, asking members if they agreed in at least some degree to consider Zaia’s earlier proposal to create a conference/community center on part of the property and some parking, leaving most of the land as “open space” – a term the board has not yet defined to everyone’s satisfaction.

All five members agreed to at least consider this option, with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

At one point, Thompson asked the board to engage in conversation with fellow members, “with fewer speeches.”

They also discussed the possibilities of including some affordable housing – with no consensus reached – and also of finding professionals to work with the HRA to create open space that would attract residents and visitors, with the benefit of being near what is considered to be one of the nicest parts of Nantasket Beach.

“Professionals could help us find funding and grants and work on the design,” Kernan said. “As soon as we admit we care about creating a coastal buffer zone and open space, it becomes attractive to people to work with us. I think the price will be reasonable, because this is a special place.”

Calling the location “magic,” Zaia said finding the right person to work with the HRA is important, as suggested by Kernan. “That becomes the draw.”

The redevelopment authority was formed in the 1960s under a federal program to revitalize urban and suburban neighborhoods. The HRA’s original footprint – designated Town Center No. 1 – encompasses the land between the beach and bay from Water Street to Phipps Street; at one time, the authority planned to expand its territory into three additional districts that stretched south toward Atlantic Hill. 

Much of the HRA land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were taken by eminent domain by the authority and bulldozed, burned, or relocated in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for the past several years to create a set of guidelines for future development. 

A 2023 version of the URP envisioned several uses for the property, including a boutique hotel and buildings with ground-floor retail and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, options included affordable housing or beach parking and event space. The HRA stepped back from that plan and has embarked on the current process to rework the URP.

‘No financial burden should be placed on the town’

The board, while not in agreement about the economic piece of any reuse proposal, agreed that whatever decisions are made, “no financial burden should be placed on the town,” wording proposed by member Adrienne Paquin.

“We have a blank tapestry before us, and we need to find common ground on what we can put on the parcels we have and see what fits,” member Bartley Kelly said. “This is a beautiful property on the beach with views of the ocean and the bay.”

All members agree that a large portion of the property should remain as open space. Zaia explained that protecting open space is not his only priority but also making the property “vibrant.”

As was the case during the HRA’s October 8 meeting, much of the conversation revolved around the planned two-way road pattern, with Kelly expressing frustration when it was suggested that it might not be the best option after being in the planning stages for so long, and largely funded by grants.

Key to the process is “getting a sense of what the town wants to do. Whatever we [decide] doesn’t go anywhere without the select board’s approval,” Zaia said. “I want to move forward. The town has to be involved or this is just a colossal waste of time.”

At the end of the meeting, Zaia asked Thompson to share “parting messages” now that the fourth session had wrapped up.

Moving forward “based on the progress made this evening” was in part his response, in addition to suggesting the board “come up with a road map on how to pursue the option 3 draft URP process.”

As differences arise, which Thompson predicted would happen, board members can work together to resolve them, he said. “I’ll give more thought to it” and get back to the HRA.

Zaia said every agenda moving forward will include an item related to the draft URP option 3 process.

“I really admire the work you do as a volunteer board, and all the effort, hours, and passion,” Thompson said. “It’s very gratifying to witness.”

Zaia then expressed appreciation for the many citizens who have submitted suggestions and information “from actual research” through the HRA website, which are shared with all of its members.

The next HRA meetings are Mondays, November 4 and 18, both over Zoom at 7 p.m.

The replay of this week’s meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand on hulltv.net.

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Board approves liquor license for Shipwreck’d, rejects school committee’s request for limits on serving hours

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board granted new Shipwreck’d owner Lillian Parker’s request for seasonal all-alcohol and entertainment licenses this week following a long discussion centering for the most part on the proposed liquor license.

The board considered at length the school committee’s earlier recommendation to the board, which is the licensing agent for the town, to restrict the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages when school is in session to “after-school hours,” starting at 3 p.m. on weekdays, due to the restaurant’s proximity to Hull High School. Parker’s request was for serving hours to begin at 8 a.m.

Before the board took a vote on Wednesday, Parker and her attorney stepped outside the meeting room to talk privately. When they returned, a proposal was made to amend the serving hours to 11 a.m. (from 8 a.m.) to 11 p.m. on weekdays; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.

At that point, select board member Brian McCarthy made a motion to issue the liquor license, with serving hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday 11 a.m. to midnight; and Saturday and Sunday hours as requested by Parker after consulting with her attorney. Member Jerry Taverna supported the motion; Chair Irwin Nesoff supported the school committee’s recommended 3 p.m. start time for serving alcohol when school is in session. Greg Grey and Jason McCann were not present.

With regard to the school committee weighing in on the request before it went before the board, such a review is not required under state law, but when the location of the proposed liquor license is within a radius of 500 feet of a school, the licensing authority must make a determination on whether serving alcohol within that distance could have a detrimental effect on the educational activities at the school.

Following a lengthy committee discussion on October 7, with Parker in attendance, the school committee voted to recommend restricting the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages when the school year is in session to begin no earlier than 3 p.m. on weekdays.

The committee did not recommend placing restrictions on the 8 a.m.-to-midnight hours on the weekends and was supportive of alcohol service beginning at 10 a.m. during the week when school is closed.

A parent of two Hull High School students spoke in favor of allowing Parker to start serving alcohol earlier than 3 p.m. on school days at the select board meeting, saying that Parker always puts “the children and safety first to ensure the safest environment possible.”

Under the entertainment license, Parker said there are plans for piped-in or recorded music inside and outside, with no live music or bands.

After the vote, Taverna told Parker, “All eyes will be on you, and we fully expect you will do as you say you will and have been doing.”

Nesoff responded, “I have no doubts,” and wished Parker, who also owns the SandBar, well in her new endeavor.

In other business at the meeting

The select board supported submission of a Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association municipal engagement initiative application by the affordable housing committee, requesting technical assistance with its education efforts related to the need for, and benefits of, affordable housing.

“For the past year, we’ve been trying to educate the town’s businesses and residents about what affordable housing is and isn’t and that the term ‘affordable housing’ does not mean public housing, but we as a committee can only do so much,” AHC Chair Cynthia Koebert told the board. “In the past year, there has been additional opposition to more housing development in town for various reasons. We look forward to working with the town leading up to the next annual town meeting, when we hope to have some proposals for getting affordable housing built in town. This [CHAPA] assistance would help us with that work.”

McCarthy praised the AHC for its continuing efforts.

“It feels like [the creation of affordable housing] is going to happen,” he said.

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Board OKs stop signs at A Street to improve safety; hears update from assistant town manager

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board last week approved the installation of stop signs at the end of Cadish Avenue where it turns into A Street and also at the end of A Street where it meets Cadish in response to traffic safety concerns voiced to the Hull Police Department and the town manager over the past few years.

These changes were recommended by Chief John Dunn and Lt. Steven Glavin and are based on the busyness of the area – especially during the summer months – and the accompanying increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The location of the public boat ramp at the end of A Street creates another hazard, according to Glavin, because people backing their boats in at the ramp cannot see the oncoming traffic, “creating a potentially dangerous situation.”

He noted that Cadish Avenue is the only street in the area where there is not adequate signage and markings. Halvorsen Avenue, Milford Street, and Bay Avenue East all have stop signs.

Dunn assigned Glavin to conduct a records check of this area for any reported crashes, specifically at Cadish and A Street, from 1996 to present, and there were none.

Stop signs are considered necessary because the area “is frequented by a multitude of people – both pedestrians and vehicles,” Dunn said.

Signage and markings will be added at these approved locations.

In other business

⦁ Assistant Town Manager Stacy Callahan provided an update on her activities over the six months since she was hired.

Assistant town manager Stacy Callahan…

Her focus has been on the human resources aspect of the job, interacting with department heads, staff, the select board, community services staff such as the library and senior center, and others; becoming familiar with town projects; taking a look at the town’s personnel policies and benefits offerings; meeting with all five unions; and assisting Town Manager Jennifer Constable with day-to-day tasks.

“It’s nice being here, and I look forward to the next six months and beyond,” Callahan said.

“Stacy hit the ground running,” Constable said. “As the position evolves and grows, she will also be taking on [other responsibilities].”

Select board member Greg Grey noted that it “took some convincing” at town meeting to approve the assistant town manager position, but “we are finally there. This position has made a huge impact.”

⦁ Carl Katzeff, Elizabeth Landgraf, Ryan Rapp, and Paul Newman were appointed to the newly created capital improvement committee.

The committee, revitalized at this year’s town meeting, was formed in conjunction with the passage of a warrant article proposing the creation of a special-purpose stabilization fund to pay for capital improvements and projects.

Appointed by the select board, the committee also consists of one member each of the advisory board, select board, and planning board, the school superintendent or designee, and town manager or designee.

⦁ Terry Brady, former member Robert Goldstein, and James Pitrolo were appointed to the Council on Aging this week following the appointment/reappointment of Peter Dewey, Marlene Earl, Mimi Leary, Rhoda Kanet and Craig Wolfe at a previous meeting.

 The COA’s purpose is “to identify needs and implement programs that will enhance the quality of life and assist valued independence for Hull residents over 60 years of age.”

The council also assists in educating the town’s leaders and the community about the needs of Hull’s senior residents and provides referrals, advice, and comfort to them and their families.

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Anniversary Mass in memory of Emma Ryan scheduled for October 27

Hull’s Beth Ross installed as Emmanuel College president

Hull’s Beth Ross, Ed.D., was formally installed as Emmanuel College’s 14th president at an investiture ceremony on Friday, October 11. More than 800 people attended the event on the college’s Boston campus, including faculty and staff, students, and special guests. The investiture was preceded by a special Mass in the College Chapel, celebrated by Father Federico Cinocca of Emmanuel’s Center for Mission and Ministry.

After receiving the symbols of office from board Chair Margaret L. McKenna, Ross spoke about the possibilities arising from the convergence of Emmanuel’s people, spirit, and location at 400 The Fenway, voted the number-one college location in America by Niche.com for two years running.

“The conditions are in place for Emmanuel to thrive as never before,” she said. “Two things I constantly want to shout from the bell tower are: ‘Look at where we are!’ and ‘Look at when we are!’ Right now, just steps from here, some of the world’s brightest minds are using AI and other leading-edge tools to drive a revolution in human health and well-being. Our city and region are booming with investment and growth. And our diverse city has never been so dynamic and united.

“Through bold, persistent experimentation – and, increasingly, through partnerships with organizations throughout our city and beyond – we will bring our mission to life in magnificent new ways for current and future students.”

Ross noted that the college will excel in equipping students with the intellectual and work-ready practical skills to be in demand after graduation and across the full arc of their professional lives, no matter how the world may change. Further, Emmanuel will stand out for immersing students in a remarkably welcoming and inclusive community and for cultivating in them a deep sense of personal, social, and civic responsibility. She summed up these points of distinction with two words: “accelerate and elevate.”

“The more we accelerate and elevate,” Ross said, “the more we will become known as a clear and compelling choice among prospective students and families, and among employers seeking the next generation of doers, problem-solvers, and difference-makers.”

Before being appointed president last January, Ross, a North Quincy native, served the college in roles with increasing leadership responsibility, including dean of institutional effectiveness/chief data officer and, most recently, acting president. During her 24 years of service at Emmanuel, she has earned the esteem and admiration of her peers for her professionalism, contributions to campus life, and participation in volunteer service. Ross holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Regis College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Suffolk University.

Board votes to remove parking meters townwide, study fee schedule, shift to mobile payment system

By Carol Britton Meyer

Police Chief John Dunn recommended this week – and the select board approved – the removal of all parking meters townwide, coupled with a proposal to move to a pay-by-phone app system that many communities around the state and country have already implemented.

An increase in parking fees was part of the recommendation, which will be discussed at a later date.

“The meters are antiquated and look bad,” Dunn told the select board, at the same time suggesting that any changes not be made until next year.

After some discussion, the board (Chair Irwin Nesoff was not present) approved the removal of the parking meters and a move from the current system to a pay-by-phone one, and to discuss parking fees at a future meeting after seeking input from businesses, the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, and residents.

One-time cost to town for pay-by-phone system

The cost to the town to set up such a system is a one-time fee of about $1,500, with a six-to-eight week timeframe to get it up and running, according to Dunn.

He recently participated in a demonstration of the app by a representative of PayByPhone, which operates a digital payment system. (https://www.paybyphone.com)

The company charges 35 cents on a $2 parking payment, as an example, which is added to the parking fee. For instance, if a customer parks in the Surfside district, he or she would log into the app and be charged $2.35 an hour. Signage is included with the setup of the system.

The app allows law enforcement officers to log in to see who is in violation, and to issue a ticket accordingly. The real-time data system keeps track by license plate number.

Only half of town’s parking meters are operational

Of the 101 parking meters in Hull, only 56 are operational, with 20 missing, 19 jammed, and two beyond repair, according to Dunn. Repairs are costly “and can cost several hundred dollars,” he said.

While the current parking fees amount to between $7,000 and $9,000 annually, “after repair costs are factored in, there is hardly any revenue left for the town,” Dunn noted. New meters can cost from $1,500 to nearly $5,000, depending on the type and options.

A sampling of parking fees in the greater Boston area – many at 50 cents per half-hour mark and some considerably higher – revealed that Hull’s parking fees are comparatively a bargain.

Dunn noted that parking in the non-resident area at Pemberton near the ferry landing behind the high school is free, while town residents need a yearly sticker to park in the commuter lots.

He noted the current meter time limits and fees around town since 2003, all at 25 cents per hour with varying one- or two-hour limits, and all providing 30 minutes of free time, effective from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including Sundays and holidays.

Another suggestion was to allow residents with stickers to continue to enjoy 30 minutes of free parking in Kenberma and adding signage to the area with updated information.

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Reduced speed limits, designated walkway approved to increase Allerton seawall project safety

By Carol Britton Meyer

During the reconstruction of the seawall along Nantasket Avenue across from the Fitzpatrick Way lagoon, a number of safeguards to protect pedestrian access are being instituted. Nantasket Avenue between Fitzpatrick Way and Point Allerton Avenue is closed in front of the seawall.

In response to an August 8 memo to Town Manager Jennifer Constable and DPW Director Christopher Gardner from Kevin Mooney, a senior engineer on the project and owner of Waterways Project Management, Hull Police Lt. Stephen Glavin reviewed the suggestions for pedestrian access outlined by Mooney and recommended this week the following, which the select board approved. Chair Irwin Nesoff was not present:

⦁ Reducing the speed limit to 25 mph from 35 mph on Fitzpatrick Way. Reducing the speed limit during construction projects is allowed, according to Mooney.

⦁ Heavy police enforcement to deter potential speeders.

⦁ Pedestrian/runner walkway, with the bike lane ending by XYZ Streets.

Click here for the latest updates on the seawall reconstruction project

“I don’t believe there is enough space for runners, walkers, and bicyclists,” Glavin said. The recommendation is to not include a designated bike lane because the stone wall makes it difficult for motorists to see around the corner. “If anything, I would recommend putting up signage stating that bicyclist travel is at their own risk in this area.”

Glavin also noted that there’s already a sign at the bottom of Allerton Hill indicating that the bike lane ends there in both directions.

• Posting of Share the Road signs to let motorists know to expect both pedestrians and bicyclists along Fitzpatrick Way

⦁ Installing stanchions on the bay side of Fitzpatrick Way from XYZ Streets to the bridge to delineate where people will be walking.

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HRA members advised to ‘get as concrete as possible’ on final plans for its 13-acre property

By Carol Britton Meyer

Following a two-and-a-half hour facilitated discussion Tuesday night, Hull Redevelopment Authority members agreed to take a fresh look at the draft urban renewal plan for the property, using it as a template to suggest changes, other uses, and improvements for the different parcels on the 13-acre site.

FACILITATOR DOUGLAS THOMPSON HAS BEEN MODERATING DISCUSSIONS AMONG HRA MEMBERS SINCE AUGUST.

“I think we should identify parcels and potential uses, see what we can improve upon, and move toward that. It’s like a blank slate,” member Bartley Kelly said. “Working with this as a starting point, we can decide what works and what doesn’t without going back to the drawing board and changing everything. I feel as though we’re going around in circles.”

The authority will continue the discussion on Tuesday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. to determine which, if any, ideas are feasible and whether a consensus can be reached. This will be the last of four meetings facilitated by senior mediator and University of Massachusetts-Boston professor Douglas Thompson. No public comments are accepted at either the in-person high school exhibition room, where the meetings take place, or over Zoom.

‘How do we fit all the pieces together?’

The draft URP was completed, with the understanding that “there would be some pushback and major changes made to it,” Kelly said. “How do we fit all the pieces together without overwhelming [the surrounding neighborhoods] and the parcel?”

There are sure to be “points of disagreement,” noted Thompson. “It will be hard.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE CURRENT DRAFT URBAN RENEWAL PLAN.

A large part of this week’s discussion revolved around the plans to change the traffic pattern, removing some lanes and converting the streets on both sides of the site to two-way. HRA member Dan Kernan proposed an alternative to use the existing road layout instead, despite Thompson’s comment at the beginning of the meeting that while an important aspect, “too much time is being spent” on this topic and he wasn’t sure that was the right time to get into the merits of the current plan.

“This is a bit of a black hole that [HRA members] get sucked into and may be a cause for discussions being sidetracked,” he said.

While praising Kernan’s efforts, Chair Dennis Zaia said the current two-way plan has been in process for a number of years and includes substantial grant money for the purpose of slowing traffic and improving safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and all who use the road. It is a joint effort among the HRA, town officials, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Member Adrienne Paquin said the HRA should focus on “coming up with plans that work for either [two-way road] alternative. That would be the best use of our time,” she said.

Mini-assessment of progress

Thompson summarized the “four-way” meeting plan and shared a “mini-assessment” of the progress the HRA has made to date.

This includes gaining an understanding of different perspectives; trying to reach a consensus about the future uses of the property; identifying northeast quadrant ideas and whether a concept has enough potential for consensus to warrant further exploration; and discussion and identification of next steps related to a potential consensus option – or absent that, to decide next steps.

Thompson also noted that “HRA members function well handling routine matters while also having some reciprocal questions about how others approach the issue of future use on the property,” and that the “practical and legal constraints on the HRA complicate the deliberations.”

“Everyone agrees that a lot of hard work, effort, and emotion have gone into the process, but it’s unclear if a consensus can be reached,” Thompson said, further suggesting that if agreement on the overall use of the property can’t be reached, incremental improvements to the “status quo” could be considered. These could include having electricity installed on one of the parcels where community events could be held in the meantime, for example.

HRA members were asked to identify one or two areas where they feel there has been a consensus, with all agreeing that parking, open space, and the need for some kind of economic benefit fit into that category, although opinions as to what extent for each remain an open question.

The redevelopment authority was formed in the 1960s under a federal program to revitalize urban and suburban neighborhoods. The HRA’s original footprint – designated Town Center No. 1 – encompasses the land between the beach and bay from Water Street to Phipps Street; at one time, the authority planned to expand its territory into three additional districts that stretched southward toward Atlantic Hill.

Much of the HRA land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were taken by eminent domain by the authority and bulldozed, burned, or relocated in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for the past several years to create a set of guidelines for future development.

A 2023 version of the URP envisioned several uses for the property, including a boutique hotel and buildings with ground-floor retail and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, options included affordable housing or beach parking and event space. The HRA stepped back from that plan and has embarked on the current process to rework the URP.

‘Surprised at so many areas of agreement’

Zaia said he was surprised that there were so many areas of agreement once they were discussed. “That word makes me smile,” he said.

HRA members also agreed there is a need to agree on the definitions of various terms often referred to in their discussions, including “open space,” “economic benefit,” and “development,” among others. Zaia and Paquin agreed to research meanings for those terms.

“This is a discovery process,” Thompson said.

He also suggested focusing on agreed-upon evaluation criteria that could include aesthetics, connectivity, economic and community benefits, resiliency, and transportation.

Zaia also provided an update on the concept he floated earlier for a conference and learning center for the study of oceanography and geology as well as a space for weddings, trade shows, and community events that could accommodate about 350 people.

‘I think this would allow for some economic value, because a developer could fill such a space year-round,” he said. “It’s near the water, where people can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the views, which would be a real win.”

He also suggested that part of the space could be dedicated to a “museum” use, where the Hull Lifesaving Museum and Hull Historical Society could provide information to visitors about Hull’s history, “giving people a window into what exists in the community. This would provide an opportunity to bring people together and to spend money. This is the piece I have wanted to get across. There are some common themes in what I’ve pitched that I hope they can get hooked on so that we have something to move forward with.”

‘It’s time to get as concrete as possible’

Thompson said at the end of the meeting that “it’s time to get as concrete as possible and see if you can reach a consensus” to avoid being on “spin cycle” indefinitely.

“I feel like [the board] got to the diving board tonight, and now you need to jump off,” he said. “You may find you reach a consensus quicker than expected or you might reach a dead end and need to figure out what to do.”

He also suggested that HRA members consider Zaia’s proposal for a conference and learning center along with revisiting the draft URP.

Future meetings beyond next week’s continuation of the URP discussion include one with attorney Paula Devereaux on Monday, November 4, and a regular business meeting on Monday, November 18.

The replay of this week’s meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand on hulltv.net.

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