By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

On Monday, the Hull Redevelopment Authority heard four more presentations from citizens outlining potential uses of the HRA land.

The authority received 20 responses to its call for ideas from residents. It is possible pieces from the submissions will become part of the draft Urban Renewal Plan.

Mindy Markowitz and team presented on kinetic wind sculptures and a seaside art park, followed by Susan Vermilya and Liz Kay presenting a vision for open space from bay to ocean on behalf of nearly 400 SOS Hull members. Lisa LePori discussed a beachside park and walkways inspired by a promenade in Tel Aviv, and Shannon Chiba’s video presentation on a “shell” venue for entertainment concluded the talks.

The kinetic sculptures for sustainable landscape concept is “an idea that aligns with open space principles while offering an enriching experience to the community of Hull,” according to the proposal. “Kinetic sculptures are not merely static artworks; they are dynamic, interactive, installations whose movement adds to the natural surroundings. These sculptures respond to environmental forces, adding a captivating element to Hull’s open areas and providing a dynamic platform for community engagement.”

Open space principles include the integration of art and nature, and kinetic sculptures embody this integration by becoming artistic elements within Hull’s natural landscapes.

“They celebrate the beauty of the environment while inviting artistic expression…dynamic interactive movement adds to the natural surroundings,” Markowitz said..

Markowitz said kinetic sculptures provide a flexible and adaptable platform for various events and activities. “The introduction of kinetic sculptures into the Town of Hull’s open spaces will further enhance the appeal of our town while staying true to the dedication of preserving our natural surroundings,” she said.

The goal is that the sculptures be solidly anchored to withstand the elements and be maintenance free; the year round collateral income will contribute to the HRA transformation.

“Maintenance-free is a dream we all have,” said HRA Chair Dennis Zaia.

“Love the idea of this; one thing that space has is wind,” said HRA Clerk Adrienne Paquin. “Great to harness that and keep it low maintenance…this could be worked in on a big or small scale.”

Joan Senatore, the newest HRA member and state-appointed representative, said she likes the idea because it can be added to other development ideas and will make the property more eye appealing.

“The HRA will always endeavor to improve the town with art in all we do,” said HRA Treasurer Bartley Kelly. “We gave $10,000 to the Art Walk.”

Liz Kay, Susan Vermilya, and other team members synthesized the input they received from outreach efforts to craft a short- and long-term approach for community gathering spaces on the property.

“Just under a year ago, SOS Hull was formed to address the HRA’s proposed building development on the last remaining open parcel of land … SOS Hull’s mission to pause the development process and rethink what we might do differently is what brings us here today,” Kay said. “Over the summer, we spoke with numerous individuals and organizations, municipal developers, business owners - local and afar, large and small. We spoke with family members who have been here for generations…family members whose parents lived on HRA land. Additionally, we participated in the HRA online and in-person meetings.”

Kay said from their research they found “success, once it is clearly defined, which is one of the challenges ahead of us, requires collaboration, transparency, strategic alignment, and leadership to make the hard decision.

“For the most part, all the ‘ideas’ we have heard fall into two large buckets: Open areas, parks, gathering and community space, and seasonal fairs and festivals; experiences that enliven the community and bring visitors into town to experience what we cherish,” said Kay.

SOS Hull said the land should be considered a gathering place for community, as well as an area to promote increased visitation to Hull by creating a festival space to anchor revenue-producing cultural and community events.

“Our proposal brings in revenue from multiple revenue streams and doesn’t rely on one stream from property taxes alone, does not stress all of our resources every day of the year [water, sewer, electric, fire, and police], provides direct benefits to our residents with all that we are putting on the land, and increases visitation to local Hull businesses,” Vermilya said.

Senatore said she liked how SOS Hull broke things down into long-term and short-term and drew from other presentations, like a centerpiece leveraging Lenny Markowitz’s mobile stage concept.

“Important to me is what cheap short-term fixes we can do to the land right now to improve quality of life for Hull residents and increase tourists to town,” said Paquin.

LePori was inspired by her visit to the waterfront promenade in Tel Aviv. One of the most interesting elements she took away were graded steps down to the beach, which could provide a space for beachgoers to congregate when the tide is high.

“Brand spanking new ideas presented here…the whole DCR waterfront link, flowing integration, and design, is very beautiful,” said HRA Vice Chair Dan Kernan.

Kelly said he loved the step-down approach as an easier transition to the beach, but was not sure the DCR would ever do it because it is such a “major endeavor financially.”

Zaia said an important goal brought to the forefront by these presentations is the need to “make connectivity happen with the DCR.”

“Hope if and when we work with the DCR on the boardwalk, we can bring some beachside specific ideas to their attention,” said Paquin.

Chiba submitted a video of her presentation. “Our identity is intrinsic to what we have always been, which is an entertainment community focused on families and good times,” said Chiba.

She said the land should be not be developed with housing structures.

“People can enjoy open space for as long as it serves Hull’s needs to do so, which I believe can be forever, “said Chiba.

Chiba’s plan incorporates a beach shell for entertainment, a dog park, a statue or memorial to recognize those who lost their homes or Hull’s lifesaving heritage, and the Hull-O-Trolley.

“The beach shell would be a centerpiece for Hull, a place where we could gather, have outdoor movies and events, still keeping the carnival, still keeping the bonfire, and energizing our community,” said Chiba.

The potential for a charitable land trust was also pitched by Chiba, as a “viable and perhaps better alternative to turning the land over to the town of Hull.” She explained “this would ensure a board that is voted on in a regular election cycle constantly is responsible for management, upkeep, revenue allocation, revenue development, and is constantly engaged.”

“I like what I have seen, all things are good parts of a plan, but leaving open space totally undeveloped doesn’t meet the goals of the HRA,” said Kelly.

For all the details about these proposals, and the others that will be discussed at future meetings, visit the submissions tab at HRA02045.com. To watch the presentations, check Hull Community television online at hulltv.net and on either Comcast or Verizon.

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