February 06, 2025

Improperly filed easement could complicate Rockaway Annex condo development

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

An issue relating to the developer’s right to install a water line along an access easement on adjacent private property could delay the comprehensive permit process for the proposed 12-unit condominium development at 25 Ipswich Street in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood.

**ILL AT EASEMENT.** At Tuesday night’s meeting, Hull Town Counsel Brian Winner told the zoning board of appeals that unanswered questions about the developer’s ability to use an easement for utility access ‘touches the fundamental feasibility’ of the Rockaway Annex condominium plan. [IMAGE FROM HULL COMMUNITY TELEVISION]

In a recent letter to town officials involved in reviewing the project, 20 Ipswich Street owner Derek M. Paris objected to the developer’s plan to install utilities on his property and any other improvements or alterations.

Paris’ property, which was originally part of a larger lot of land surrounding the former Veterans of Foreign Wars post, was sold to him and his wife with an easement for public access.

In his letter, Paris said he’s aware that “the small road is open to public access,” but his deed states that he has to allow access to abutting parcels only and that he is opposed to the utilities, “as there is no mention of this in my deed.”

This issue came up during the fifth lengthy zoning board of appeals hearing Tuesday night on the proposed four-story, 12-unit project in the Rockaway Annex neighborhood. Three of the units would be affordable.

Chair Patrick Finn read the letter submitted by Paris, who attended the hearing. The letter is posted on the ZBA’s page on the town’s website, along with other documents and plans.

The ZBA supported Town Counsel Brian Winner’s suggestion that he and his legal team meet with developer Alan Mckenzie’s attorney, Walter Sullivan, to try to resolve this complicated issue.

Click here for plans, correspondence and other details on this project

Winner noted that the attorneys’ role isn’t to determine “who has rights to what property – we’re not the land court,” or to address abutter concerns.

Housing consultant Dean Harrison, representing Mckenzie, a Hull resident, and engineer Tim Powers provided an update on the project this week. This included a revised building design, landscaping, sewer system details, a rain garden to collect surface runoff, and a blasting plan update.

Powers said that the blasting of 2,700 cubic yards of ledge would take about two weeks and involve about 100 trucks to remove those materials. Outstanding issues include stormwater management, waivers to be requested by the developer, and the easement issue.

The comprehensive permit process, more commonly known as Chapter 40B, allows developers to circumvent most local regulations in exchange for an affordable housing component if the town has less than 10% of its housing units designated affordable. Hull’s current percentage of affordable units is 1.6%, according to the state’s formula.

According to Harrison, the Weir River Water System requested that the developer loop the water service for the development through the easement, which connects with North Truro Street.

“With this outstanding issue, it would be difficult to get financing,” he said. “We will work it out to the benefit of all.”

Winner read a preliminary legal opinion into the record of the meeting, noting that the easement appears to be improperly filed at the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds. He said that while legally there is a potential solution, this doesn’t mean it could be executed, or completed within a particular timeline.

“In the abstract, there is a pathway to potentially go forward, but it’s up to the applicant, if interested. I imagine this will be a topic of discussion among the attorneys,” he said.

Winner added that time is of the essence “because I think it gets to a very fundamental component of this project. If they don’t have the rights to proceed along this easement the way they are suggesting they do, that touches the fundamental feasibility of that proposal. We need an answer to this sooner rather than later.”

Also, Paris wrote in his letter, “I have seen the plans for the project and am very disappointed that anyone would consider allowing someone to build a road on my property which would come within inches of my home and disrupt my family’s life for the foreseeable future. … I will fight this to the end.”

At the hearing, Paris said he’s a “good neighbor,” taking no issue with allowing access to abutters or emergency vehicles.

“I heard from my neighbors that they were going to rip up my property,” he said. “There has been no communication from the developer.”

Finn responded that Paris has “a right to protect” his property and that after the attorneys consult with each other, perhaps there will be an adjustment to the current plan.

Harrison noted that “if it gets to the point where we can’t get this issue resolved within the timeframe for the project, MassHousing [which is involved with approving plans under Chapter 40B] will look at this as a title and not a ZBA issue.”

This means that if the project is approved by the ZBA, the board could set a condition requiring that the developer have a clean title to the easement.

“I’m not suggesting we go that route yet,” Harrison said. “Let’s get the minimum number of attorneys in the room [together to talk about this issue].”

In response, Finn asked, “But [what] if [the] number 20 Ipswich St. owner isn’t in the room? How will this get resolved?”

Harrison said that while he can’t answer for the homeowner, “if he has an attorney, he’s more than welcome I assume to join or to represent himself.”

North Truro Street resident Dan Sullivan read a letter submitted to the ZBA that day and signed by a number of abutters asking that the zoning board deny the comprehensive permit, citing concerns about the “overwhelming scale” of the project and blasting, among others.

Finn expressed appreciation for the developer’s willingness to appear before the design review and planning boards, although not required under the comprehensive permit process, and for completing four sets of drawings, including revisions.

“Time is money,” he said.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 18.

A replay of the meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand at www.hulltv.net.

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February 06, 2025

HRA approves events for summer season, continues review of parking lot lease

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

Looking toward the busy summer season, the Hull Redevelopment Authority last week approved two events on its property following lengthy discussions to iron out all the details.

The family-friendly South Shore Revival event, which will celebrate sobriety and recovery from addiction, is scheduled for June 2-8, featuring participation by a number of South Shore churches, The Anchor of Hull recovery and wellness center, a Cohasset recovery group, as well as speakers, live music, and more.

“This will be a celebration of the victory over addiction,” said event organizer Patrick Lenhart, who lives in Hingham and has family in Hull.

Mass Bears and Cubs is a non-profit organization that promotes an inclusive LGBT+ community through fundraising and other community events, and builds upon earlier Bears at the Beach Hull activities in order to carry on and eventually expand upon that tradition.

The Bears and Cubs event, planned for August 2, will be an opportunity to spend a day at the beach in a safe environment while enjoying time spent with others, president Marko Zaric said. The goal is also to support local restaurants by ordering food for delivery and enjoying a meal and drinks after spending time at the beach.

Both free events are contingent on having proper insurance and the required approvals from various town boards.

In other business…

• Chair Dennis Zaia Dennis started off what turned out to be a nearly four-hour meeting with a reminder that the topic of the two-way road plan “will not be discussed at our meetings until we are asked to resume input by request of the town of Hull via the town manager,” who recently submitted a related statement to the authority.

• HRA members continued to review and fine-tune, with HRA technical operations manager Mark Hamin, the draft parking lot lease request for proposals for a maximum of 900 permitted parking spaces, contingent on select board review and approval, to submit to the Central Register (where state, county, and municipal solicitations are posted), working around already approved events.

At its April 7 meeting, the HRA will select the lessee/tenant, with May 1 the start of the parking season. The RFP for vendors will be discussed at the next HRA meeting.

• The board also approved – at Zaia’s request – a process whereby Hamin will not only check his own HRA email regularly, but also the authority’s administrative email account three times a week. He will inform HRA members of any pressing matters to ensure they don’t miss important details related to managing the HRA property, with deliberation at a public HRA meeting in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.

• There was also a lengthy discussion at the end of the meeting about whether the HRA should invite the Wildlands Trust, which recently contacted the authority about a possible connection of some kind between the two, to a meeting.

Members Adrienne Paquin and Dan Kernan favored that approach, while Zaia, who has already met with a Trust representative and noted that “we all want some open space [on the property],” suggested they also talk individually with someone from the Trust and then compare notes with him, and for the board to focus on discussing “Option 3” of the draft Urban Renewal Plan.

On the other hand, Kernan – who has already talked with someone from the Trust – thinks the board should invite them to talk at an HRA meeting sooner rather than later.

“An outfit like the Wildlands Trust demonstrates that there are different paths,” he said, noting that such a conversation could be “a potential door” and would “put a foundation under [past] citizens’ presentations, ideas, and resources” related to the use of the property, including open space preservation.

The next HRA meetings are scheduled for Mondays, February 10 and 24; March 10 and 31; and April 7, 14, and 28.

A replay of the meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand at www.hulltv.net.

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February 06, 2025

Board adopts Dignity Pledge, reaffirms Hull’s commitment to ‘No Place for Hate’ ideals

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board addressed a full agenda this week, from hearing a shade tree decision appeal and moving forward with the earlier created 250th Anniversary Committee to reaffirming the No Place for Hate pledge and adopting a Dignity Pledge.

Greg and Judy Cunningham of 49 Prospect Avenue appeared before the board to appeal the earlier decision of Tree Warden Chris Gardner, who leads the Department of Public Works, to not take down three maple trees on town property by their house that they say obscure their view entering and leaving the driveway. Numerous residents wrote letters expressing opposition to their removal. An unhealthy birch tree was removed following the September hearing.

Following some discussion, Gardner felt comfortable with removing the three maples (which are saplings) but not a remaining healthy birch tree (a request withdrawn by the Cunninghams) – a resolution supported by the board with the understanding that the Cunninghams will plant three trees from between eight and 18 feet tall in approximately the same area, but outside of the sight line and out of reach of the power lines, by the end of 2025.

In other business…

• On a reminder by former select board member John Reilly, the board supported establishing a 10-member 250th Anniversary Committee that was prematurely approved at a meeting in 2021.

The committee is charged with planning townwide activities commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence; focusing on remembrances concentrated throughout 2025-26; coordinating events related to the founding of the country; and aligning Hull events with other local, state, regional, and federal commemorations.

Along those lines, the select board is seeking three citizens at large volunteers to serve on the USA Semiquincentennial (250th) Anniversary Committee. Those with an interest in serving are asked to submit a letter of interest to the select board by email to Lori West, lwest@town.hull.ma.us.

Three members with community connections will also be appointed, along with three others. Reilly has agreed to spearhead the effort.

There will be numerous community events offering volunteer engagement for interested residents with a passion for local history.

• The select board also reaffirmed the No Place for Hate pledge that the board adopted in November 2022. It reads: “The Hull Select Board believes in the strength and vitality of an inclusive, equitable, and diverse community. We will work to support and promote these qualities in Hull through the town’s policies and operations.”

Hull “can be proud it’s an active NPFH community, which speaks volumes about what we are as a town,” Chair Irwin Nesoff said.

• In addition, the board adopted the Dignity Pledge, feeling that now is a good time heading toward annual town meeting season, which Town Manager Jennifer Constable noted can be “contentious.”

The Dignity Index Project involves measuring how people talk to each other when they disagree and is based on the core beliefs that contempt causes division, while dignity eases division; that if a spotlight is put on dignity and contempt, people will use more dignity and less contempt; and that if Americans are shown how they can help ease divisions among themselves, they will “jump on it.”

The pledge reads: “As an American who knows and loves my country, I am convinced there is no America without democracy, no democracy without healthy debate, and no healthy debate without dignity; therefore, I pledge to do more to treat others with dignity, not contempt.”

Now is the “right time to reenforce this,” Constable said. “Let’s approach town meeting as a community event and recognize past progress. This is a leadership opportunity for the board.”

Resident Patrick Finn said it’s important not to discourage free speech, noting that the annual town meeting provides a once-a-year opportunity for citizens to “express genuine concern without censorship.”

In Nesoff’s opinion, though, if someone comes to town meeting angry, the pledge could help them “constructively express that.”

He emphasized that the pledge “is not right or left, conservative or liberal, Republican or Democrat. It’s about how we treat each other and about taking a breath and listening to what people are saying – which gives us time to formulate a cogent response. It opens up dialogue.”

• Wellspring Multi-Service Center President and CEO Vinny Harte was reappointed to the affordable housing committee.

• Economic development committee members Kim Roy and William Smyth submitted letters of resignation.

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February 06, 2025

Getting to know the benefits of Veterans Administration health care, state annuity, and property tax abatement

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Paul Sordillo

Hull Veterans Service Officer

This month, I want to discuss VA health care, Death Indemnity Compensation (DIC), the state annuity and tax abatement.

Why VA health care? I’ve had several elderly veterans come into my office seeking benefits from the VA, primarily from VA hospitals, such as hearing aids. For hearing aids and numerous other services through the VA, you must have VA health care. If you have a disability rating of 50% you are automatically enrolled and already have access. If not, you must apply. You can still see your current doctor and keep your current health care insurance and have VA health care.

If you’re the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member who died in the line of duty, or the survivor of a veteran who died from a service-related injury or illness, you may be able to get a tax-free monetary benefit called VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (VA DIC). Detailed information in regard to eligibility can be found here.

Veteran annuity benefit is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts benefit for disabled veterans. It is a financial benefit given to 100% disabled veterans, parents of deceased veterans, and unmarried spouses of deceased veterans living in Massachusetts. For more information, click here to view eligibility criteria and application guidelines. You also can email vetsannuity@mass.gov or call 617-210-5480 if you have any questions or concerns about your benefits.

Abatement! For the surviving spouses, after application to the VA for DIC (as talked about above) and approved, and the documentation from the Veterans Affairs stating the veteran passed due to a service connection, and you currently own a home, you could be eligible for 100% abatement for your real estate taxes. See the veterans service office and the town assessors office for more details.

In the Sport-light: News about Hull athletes

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

Compiled by Matt Haraden

• The Girls Hockey Co-Op Team (3-14-1) dropped two games earlier this week – losing to Boston Latin Academy, 3-2, on Saturday, February 1, and Hopkinton High, 5-0, on Monday, February 3 – before posting a 5-4 victory on Wednesday over North Quincy. The squad’s final two games of the season are on Saturday, February 15 against Hanover High School (8 p.m. at Bridgewater Ice Arena) and on Wednesday, February 19 against Whitman-Hanson (3 p.m. at Hobomock Ice Arena).

• Cohasset/Hull Boys Hockey tied Abington, 5-5, on Saturday and dropped Wednesday’s game to Norwell, 3-1, for a record so far this season of 5-8-1.The team’s next two games are on Saturday, February 8 at 4 p.m. on Connell Rink in Weymouth and Wednesday, February 12 against Middleboro at 8 p.m. Bridgewater Ice Arena.

**GOOD AS GOLD.** Congratulations to Bree Simpson-Sliney for placing first in the high jump at the South Shore League Meet Championship at the Reggie Lewis Center on February 3. She also broke the school record by jumping five feet, two inches! She will be participating in the Division 5 state championship meet, along with Christopher Resnick and Elsie Harper, on February 16 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. [Courtesy photo]

• Members of both the girls and boys high school track teams participated in the South Shore League Championships on February 3, and on February 16, Bree Simpson-Sliney, Elsie Harper, and Christoper Resnick will take part in the Division 5 state meet at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

• The Girls Varsity Gymnastics Team (co-op with Hingham) remains undefeated after coming out on top over Scituate, 136.65-119.15, on February 2. The team’s final matchup takes place on Friday, February 7 against Hanover at Starland Sportsplex.

• The Girls Varsity Basketball team posted two more wins this past week, improving its record to 9-5 on the season. The Pirates defeated Calvary Chapel Academy, 58-24, on January 27 and Avon, 62-30, on Tuesday. The team’s next two games are on the road – against West Bridgewater on Monday, February 10 at 5:30 p.m. and Abington on Wednesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m.

• The Boys Basketball team is now 6-10 after posting one win and two losses this past week – a 69-46 victory over Calvary Chapel Academy on Friday, and losses to Avon, 74-58, on Tuesday and to Blue Hills Regional, 90-48, on Wednesday. The Pirates’ final two games of the season are against Cohasset at home on Friday, February 7 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.), and on the road against Carver on Friday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. (JV at 5 p.m.).

For more information, visit www.hullpublicschools.org/athletics.

• Coaches and Super Fans – We need your help to report the scores and results of the latest events in Hull’s sports world! Please send local sports news and photos to sports@hulltimes.com. Deadline is Tuesday at midnight. When providing details of the games or races, please be sure to include the sport/team, the players’ full names, and the final scores. When sending photos, names of those pictured are greatly appreciated, as well as who should get credit for taking the photo.

Thank you for your help!

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February 06, 2025

Committee to hold workshops on creating affordable housing units, municipal trust fund

February 06, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

The Affordable Housing Committee will hold two informational meetings this spring in conjunction with the Citizens Housing and Planning Association. The topics will be:

• Thursday, March 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Affordable Housing 101 - What is affordable housing? Why is it important and what can be done to create and preserve affordable housing in Hull?

• Thursday, April 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: What is a municipal housing trust fund? How would a community housing trust fund help create, preserve and support affordable housing in Hull?

Both sessions will be held at the Memorial Middle School, 81 Central Avenue, and will be recorded by Hull Community TV.

All are welcome to attend these informational sessions and learn about how to create more affordable housing in town.

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January 30, 2025

School department’s $18.4M budget proposal includes 3% increase for fiscal year 2026

January 30, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

The proposed $18.4-million fiscal year 2026 Hull Public Schools budget represents a 3% – or $535,643 – increase over the fiscal 2025 budget figure.

SOURCE: HULL PUBLIC SCHOOLS | CLICK HERE OR THE IMAGE ABOVE FOR THE FULL BUDGET PRESENTATION

Seventy-seven percent of the budget is dedicated to salaries. In the proposed FY26 budget, salaries total $14.17 million and expenses $4.2 million, including $1.5 million for special education-related (non-salary) costs and transportation (not including special ed), technology, athletic-related expenses, plant maintenance, and utilities.

School Business Administrator Diane Saniuk presented the preliminary budget to the school committee this week, explaining that the collaborative process starts in September and involves staff and school leadership “assessing the needs, where we are, and where we want to go.” She noted that grant funding is not as available at the same level as in past years.

“Grants are basically drying up, and we’re relying more on town funding,” Chair David Twombly responded. “If that goes down, we’ll be in trouble.”

Click here for the full budget presentation

According to the presentation, the percentage of budget funds from grants has decreased over the years, from 6.37% in FY24 to 3.04% this year, and only 2.6% expected in FY26.

“It’s not necessarily anything the school district is doing wrong,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of grants out there, and it’s a competitive process.”

The budget proposal includes about $36,000 in maintenance costs and $55,000 in utilities at the Memorial Middle School, which are to be shared with the town, as the building is slated to house municipal offices. The district also expects to spend $83,715 in tuition for Hull students who attend vocational schools.

In a letter to the school committee and citizens of Hull about the proposed budget, Superintendent Michael Jette said the development of the budget was a team effort guided by one principle: “to meet the academic and emotional needs of every student enrolled in the Hull Public Schools. … This budget prioritizes academic excellence for all by closing educational gaps while supporting the social and emotional wellness of all students through particular attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

Jette also noted that while school officials “are constantly examining our needs and using data to make future projections, there are still many uncertainties in developing a budget that must carry us through the payment of every educational bill received prior to June 30, 2026 [the end of the fiscal year]. This means this budget predicts and plans for spending that is 18 months into the future.”

The mission of HPS is to provide “a challenging and supportive learning environment to encourage all students to reach their greatest potential and to foster the growth of creative, curious, critical thinkers who are equipped to succeed as responsible, compassionate, and productive members of a diverse society.”

District priorities include:

• Enhancing student success and well-being

• Prioritizing professional development

• Expanding and diversifying educational offerings

• Utilizing data-driven decision making and targeted instruction

• Evaluating and strengthening the preK-12 math curriculum and instruction

• Investing in special education and inclusive programs

• Leveraging community and environmental opportunities by exploring new pathways and partnerships – in particular, utilizing Hull’s coastal location to enrich student learning experiences and expand career development opportunities.

The advisory board will review the proposed budget, and a public hearing will be held in April. The budget will also be a recurring item on upcoming school committee agendas.

Committee member Kyle Conley called this “a very sound budget proposal. The school committee takes this part of our work very seriously. I recognize that this is a difficult landscape to be trying to navigate given the number of uncertainties out there.”

She added that this “is an important opportunity to make sure we’re hearing from all our constituents on any priorities” and encouraged continued engagement by the community. “This is a very public process,” she said.

In other business at the meeting

Jacobs School Principal Kyle Shaw provided a mid-year update on middle school student integration – a component of the recently implemented school reconfiguration plan that places grades PreK to 7 at Jacobs School and grades 8 to 12 at the high school.

“The reconfiguration has been a tremendous undertaking as we hit the half-year point of the second year of phase two,” he said. “The biggest pitfall is the loss of experiencing that transition of moving from one building to another – from Jacobs to the middle school – and we’re trying to replicate that experience in the same building.”

The middle school wing at Jacobs provides a “new vibe” for students, including a mural; advisory groups to ensure every student has at least one person in the building serving as his or her “champion;” starting new traditions while building on previous ones; a door decorating contest, a read-a-thon, and field day; more after-school activities, and more.

Students at both levels are getting along well together, and the increase of staff at Jacobs has been beneficial, he said.

“Students and staff have embraced the change,” Shaw said. “There’s been great progress in making the new Jacobs model the best it can be, and the seventh-graders have pioneered and helped shape this new model. It hasn’t been easy.”

Shaw praised the middle school staff for “flexibility, collaboration, and insightfulness in helping us get to where we are today. We’re moving in the right direction.”

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January 30, 2025

Bylaw changes seek to limit ‘visual clutter’ of billboards, brightly lit commercial signs

January 30, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Beautification Committee and the town’s Design Review Board are leading an effort to tighten guidelines – and prohibit certain types of signage – within Hull’s existing sign bylaw through a town meeting warrant article this spring.

The goal is to strengthen the bylaw for aesthetic reasons, which proponents say will have an overall positive impact on residents, visitors, and local businesses.

**SIGNING OFF?** A proposal being worked on for this spring’s town meeting would place limits on commercial signage in town, including the numerous electronic message boards. [Skip Tull photo]

The proposed changes relate to highly illuminated, moving, and excessive commercial signage, electronic community message boards, and billboards.

If this commercial signage-related proposal advances, it would go before the select board, planning board, and zoning bylaw committee for consideration and fine-tuning.

DRB member Marie Rockett presented the details to the Economic Development Committee this week, with beautification committee member Michael Parks also participating.

“We’re at the beginning stages of a movement to … put in place some parameters for the future, and we’re seeking the committee’s input tonight,” Rockett said.

Part of the process so far has been to look at the sign bylaws of other communities.

Rockett and Parks said the concerns related to the types of signage listed above have been shared by a number of residents and beautification committee and DRB members.

Some signs are ‘glaringly bright’

These include concerns that new LED window signs are “glaringly bright” and often involve distracting motion or flashing elements, and that allowing unlimited window signage “defers commerce from surrounding businesses with ‘visual clutter’ that often appears chaotic and unappealing to shoppers.”

Feedback was also shared during the last Endless Summer celebration at the beautification committee booth, with the brightness of some of the signs around town mentioned the most.

“New LED technology has gotten super-bright,” Parks said, referring specifically to signs at gas station and one of the smoke shops in Kenberma. “They are brighter than most of the other [businesses] in town.”

Proponents of the effort say that visual clutter distracts from the overall appearance of Hull’s commercial districts – also impacting other businesses in the area – and that 30% window coverage is considered to be best practice in a number of other communities, according to their sign bylaws.

Excessive or overly bright signs can also be a distraction to drivers, bikers, and pedestrians, proponents say.

The proposed bylaw change would limit the brightness of signs to a reasonable level (to be determined) and not allow blinking, flashing, moving, or scrolling signs. The change also would require signs to be turned off when a business is closed or after 10 p.m., whichever is later, and incorporate a 30% maximum sign coverage on windows limit.

There are five town and Department of Conservation and Recreation message boards, located between George Washington Boulevard and the Hull Redevelopment Authority property.

‘Five message boards is overkill’

While these signs serve a useful purpose for communication about traffic, emergencies, and important events of interest to the public, proponents of the proposed warrant article say “five signs is overkill” and that they detract from the natural beauty of the town.

The proposed bylaw change aims to institute a limit of two active message boards operating between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., with no generic public service announcements.

This would not apply to traffic management, dangerous conditions, or construction signage, or to the Hull High School sign.

Bartley Kelly, the Hull Redevelopment Authority’s representative on the EDC, explained that the town and DCR are not required to follow local zoning bylaws with regard to signs that are on public property.

“Any bylaw change could serve as guidance, but they would not be required to abide by it,” he said.

ECD alternate Susan Vermilya said she’s not sure it’s the quantity of the signs, but the quality that’s an issue.

“They are very unwelcoming,” she said. “We want people to come into our town. Perhaps we can give some thought to the quality as opposed to the quantity.”

Parks said the proposed changes attempt to restrict “unwelcoming and unnecessary signage and to keep to community messages such as art and car shows, congratulations to Hull High School graduating seniors, and other community events,” he said. “If we’re overly restrictive, we could get into the free-speech law.”

EDC alternate James Ianiri said he finds the bright lights displayed in some businesses around town “obnoxious” and that they cause him to stay away.

Others, including members of the community who have shared their concerns, believe that these signs are “ugly and uninviting” and that messaging about well-established laws – such as seatbelt safety – as well as continuous messaging throughout the night are unnecessary.

‘It’s important that we’re having this discussion’

EDC member Steven Greenberg, current president of the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, thinks that “good-looking signs make for a better-looking community. The important thing is that we’re having this discussion. It’s the beginning of the process, and hopefully some changes will be made.”

The presentation also noted that billboards are not specifically addressed in the town bylaws and can be constructed with a permit.

According to Rockett and Parks, many townspeople don’t want to see additional billboards constructed “because they deter from the overall aesthetic of the town.”

The bylaw change would not allow new billboards, while the existing billboard could remain.

Any warrant article would include measures related to illumination intensity and the prohibition of signs with blinking, flashing, or fluttering lights or other illuminating devices with changing light intensity, brightness, or color.

Illumination of window signs on nonresidential premises would be limited to between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., except that a sign for a business, facility, or office that is open to the public after 10 p.m. could be illuminated until closing time.

Also prohibited would be mechanical signs, ones with moving parts, changing or scrolling images or parts, and signs that create the illusion of movement except for digital displays of time, temperature, or fuel prices.

Signs covering more than 30% of window area would not be permitted. However, window signs themselves are currently exempt from town permitting and DRB review. There would be an exception for signs with approved permits issued prior to enactment of any sign bylaw change.

If implemented, any person or entity found in violation would be liable for a $25 a day fine, effective 60 days after approval of the warrant article by the state attorney general.

Sign bylaw changes have been suggested in past

EDC Chair Jason McCann noted that there have been discussions about changes to the town’s sign bylaw “for a very long time,” but that nothing has come of those conversations until now.

“People are now putting in the work related to the proposed change, which is not easy,” he said. “This is not out of the blue.”

The February 11 Chamber of Commerce meeting will feature a presentation about the proposed bylaw change to hear feedback from member businesses.

For those who aren’t members, public meetings with agenda items related to the proposed bylaw change will provide opportunities for other businesses and citizens to share their thoughts and concerns.

Word-of-mouth will also help get the proposed bylaw change information out to as many business owners and residents as possible.

EDC member Kara Hendrick thinks it’s important to let business owners know that some customers are turned away by distracting, bright signs.

“They might think they are doing something for fun, but if their signs are stopping folks from coming into their businesses, it’s important for them to know,” she said.

Beautification committee member Betsy Russo said the DRB reached out to the committee about the sign issue “as we were having the same thoughts. We’ve heard a lot of feedback, with some people saying they won’t return to a business that has these signs. A bylaw change might be restrictive, but it will benefit every business in town.”

McCann emphasized the importance of positive messaging around this proposed change, including that proponents “want to see healthier, more active businesses” in town.

At the end of the presentation and discussion, the EDC unanimously recommended that proponents of the proposed bylaw change move forward with their proposal.

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January 30, 2025

New teachers’ contract includes 9% raise over three years, plus four weeks of paid parental leave

January 30, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull Teachers Association and the school committee ratified on Monday a three-year collective bargaining agreement that includes a 9% cost-of-living-adjustment over three years after nearly a year of negotiations.

The agreement also provides additional benefits, including four weeks of paid parental leave and payments of $500 in year two and $1,000 in year three for top-step members.

“With nearly half of our membership already at the top step, we wanted to join with the district in recognizing the dedication and commitment of our staff and their generational knowledge of Hull youth and families,” HTA Co-president Heather Weber said.

“I’m happy to say we voted unanimously to approve the new contract during an executive session today,” School Committee Chair David Twombly said at Monday’s school committee meeting. “This is great news for the district, administrators, and teachers. It took a long time, but at least we all reached the same point. We’re looking forward to the next three years.”

During an earlier all-member meeting that afternoon, the HTA also voted unanimously in support of the contract.

Both parties are proud of this agreement, “which marks a significant step forward in supporting educators, students, and the Hull community,” according to a Hull Public Schools press release.

Negotiations began on January 29, 2024, with the presentation of 30 articles by the teachers’ union, including several new proposals.

“The school committee carefully reviewed and discussed each article, dedicating countless hours to crafting an agreement that reflects good faith bargaining and a commitment to fairness,” the press release states.

The new agreement includes a competitive wage package, offering financial increases in several areas: curriculum development compensation, class coverage stipends, course credit reimbursement, retirement sick-time payouts, and longevity increases – with a new group for members with 10 to 14 years of service in Hull.

The new agreement also calls for the formation of a joint health and safety committee to maintain a healthy and safe workplace.

The agreement introduces four weeks of paid parental leave. This benefit was contingent upon the formation of a sick leave bank committee, which will include three union representatives and two district representatives.

“We believe this agreement achieves a strong balance and strengthens our shared mission to the children and families of Hull,” HTA Co-President Maura Jones said.

Twombly commended Liliana Hedrick for her role as school committee representative, as well as other members of the negotiating team.

“It was a group effort,” he said.

Hedrick, who attended every bargaining session, said the school committee “is proud to recognize and reward the hard work and dedication of our educators while maintaining a responsible approach to the district’s financial stewardship.”

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January 30, 2025

Advertise your snow removal service with us!

January 30, 2025/ Christopher Haraden

Winter snows have finally arrived! If you offer a plowing, snowblowing, or shoveling service, now is the time to advertise in The Hull Times -- the first place Hullonians check when they're looking for quality service! When you buy an ad in the paper, you'll also be listed in a directory of snow removal services here on hulltimes.com. Call or email today! 781-925-9266 or office@hulltimes.com.