By Carol Britton Meyer

Among the eight final applications for the current round of Community Preservation Act funding – totaling roughly $200,000 – are requests for repairs to the steeple of the historic Saint Nicholas United Methodist Church on Spring Street, a dog park feasibility study, Mariners Park enhancements, shade structures at several locations, and Hull Lifesaving Museum boathouse improvements.

A preliminary application requesting $100,000 to fund a Habitat for Humanity workforce homeownership opportunity proposed by the Affordable Housing Committee was withdrawn, pending completion of a grant-funded feasibility study to identify a suitable location for affordable housing in town.

Resurfacing of the pickleball courts at Kenberma, veterans grave markers at Hull Village Cemetery, and replacement of the Paragon Carousel incandescent light bulbs with LEDs are among the other proposals considered by the Community Preservation Committee this week.

Prior to the 2024 annual town meeting, the CPC will recommend some or all of these projects for voter consideration.

CPA funds, which come from a tax surcharge approved by Hull voters several years ago, may only be used for historic preservation, open space, community housing, and certain recreation projects.

The deadline for preliminary applications was Sept. 28 and the final deadline was Oct. 31.

If all the projects are approved, there will be a balance of about $400,000 in the town’s CPA fund, which Chair Rachel Kelly suggested might be used to help reduce the bond payments for the $1 million Village Fire Station restoration debt, and possibly other CPA-funded projects.

The funding for the eight proposals includes:

⦁ Pickleball courts resurfacing, $20,000: Proponent Paul Newman recommended taking a proactive approach, resurfacing the entire pickleball area rather than just the outside part, which is in rough shape, noting that it’s used by a “huge group” of people and that this would “protect this asset for the long-term.” The proposal was tabled temporarily until committee members visit the site.

• Dog park feasibility study ($10,000), since dogs aren’t allowed on Nantasket Beach for a good part of the year and people need a place to walk their pets. The study would gauge community interest in a dog park, identify the key elements of a park, review and recommend possible sites, and provide a cost assessment of construction and yearly maintenance.

⦁ St. Nicholas United Methodist Church steeple repairs, $27,000: Project proponent James Pitrolo explained that damage to the steeple was just recently discovered and that the church “has had no luck finding other funding for this work.”

⦁ Mariners Park enhancements, $20,000: This is a follow-up on resident Susan Short Green’s earlier proposal, “to add a little more color to the area and to provide people with a place to sit,” Director of Community Development & Planning Chris DiIorio explained. This proposal would provide funds to improve landscaping, install resin outdoor furniture such as benches and tables, and generally improve the user experience of the park.

The park was dedicated in 1967 to the memory of those in Hull whose occupations were connected to ships that sailed the seas, and then in 1991, members of the Nantasket Beach Salt Water Club added a bandstand.

⦁ Shade structures, $20,000: The town is seeking funding to install new shade structures around town next spring or new trees in several parks or other town-owned areas, such as the pickleball courts, Sullivan Field (also known as the Dust Bowl), James Avenue Wharf, and Mariners Park, among other sites. “We would like to improve the park and make it more comfortable for people to enjoy,” DiIorio said.

• Paragon Carousel lightbulbs, $25,000: Historical commission input will be sought about the proposal to replace the light bulbs on the Paragon Carousel structure with LED bulbs that are historically consistent but more energy efficient.

⦁ Grave markers at Hull Cemetery to commemorate Hull’s veterans, $7,700.

⦁ Boathouse restoration, $72,130: including upgrading the electrical service and completing the installation of a bathroom, with more information to come about which parts of the proposal are eligible for possible CPA funding.

As part of the St. Nicholas application, Hull Pride Co-Presidents Scott Helms and Dan Ambrose said, “This restoration project is meaningful to our LGBTQ+ community. St. Nicholas has been a welcoming and inclusive place for all residents, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By contributing CPA funds to this project, we [would] not only preserve a historic icon but also send a powerful message of support to our LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing our commitment to an inclusive and diverse town.”

Project proponents intend to consult with the historical commission about the project.

CPC discussions of these proposals will continue in the months leading up to town meeting, where voters will have the final say.

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