Dennis Zaia is running for another term on the Hull Redevelopment Authority.

Originally from Long Island, N.Y., I arrived in Hull in 1976 after teaching middle school in Connecticut to continue my teaching career with the Hingham Public Schools. I purchased my first Hull home in 1979 after the Blizzard of 1978 and have been actively engaged in Hull ever since.

I was a member of the first beach management committee, president of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, serving as chair of the Celebrate Hull committee, which kicked off the summer season with fireworks off a barge for seven years. I served as a member of the advisory board and then became involved with the Paragon Carousel as a volunteer, eventually leading the Friends of the Paragon Carousel as chairman of the board of Directors. In 2011, I was one of the charter members of the Nantasket Hull Rotary Club and during the pandemic helped to create the Stretch Your Food Budget program (S.Y.F.B.), which the Rotary continues to operate to this day. I am not a Hull Kid, but Hull is part of my being.

Ten years ago, I ran for a seat on the HRA because I thought I could help to move the improvement of the HRA property along. After two failed requests for proposals during my first term, in my second term, I suggested the HRA consider drafting a new Urban Renewal Plan (URP).

A new URP would allow the HRA to collaborate with the select board to gain approval for an URP that is much more robust and specific in defining the guidelines, expectations, and deliverables than any typical plan.

In fact, a well-crafted URP is almost like ensuring super zoning that sets specific expectations for improvement with potential open space and development. It defines, with specificity, the many details of the improvements desired.

To achieve this lofty goal, I recognized the need to listen to as many sources as possible, to collaborate with individuals and departments who have the best interest of the community as their goal. And I realized that, to achieve my objective, I ultimately want to encourage all stakeholders to listen, collaborate, and compromise as we move forward together.

In my opinion, the HRA and the select board, with advice from other boards and departments within Hull government, should be working together to make decisions about the ultimate utilization of the HRA property.

Therein lies the need to listen, collaborate, and to compromise about what the Town of Hull needs the HRA property to be used for, and how those decisions will advance Hull’s emergence as a well-rounded community which is taking steps to think ahead and plan for the long-term future of one of the most beautiful and magical locations in any urban environment.

I thank you in advance for your vote on May 20.