After being closed for more than a year, Nantasket Flatts to reopen by Memorial Day

By Carol Britton Meyer

Nantasket Flatts owners Richard and Tracy Vaughan are hoping to reopen the restaurant in time for the Memorial Day weekend following its closure in January 2023.

The select board granted the necessary license approvals during a Zoom meeting Thursday afternoon held expressly for that purpose.

After being closed for more than a year, Nantasket Flatts is set to reopen for this coming season.

The board granted unanimous approval on a 4-0 vote for the all-alcoholic, entertainment, common victualer, and automatic amusement licenses for pool tables. The patio will also be open. Board member Jerry Taverna was not present at the meeting.

“You’re approved, and we wish you the best of luck!” Chair Greg Grey told the Vaughans.

Richard Vaughan thanked the board for convening a meeting outside of its regular schedule “to make this happen [so we don’t miss the upcoming] holiday weekend. We hope to see you all here.”

Tracy Vaughan told The Hull Times in a telephone conversation following the meeting that the restaurant will be reopening “with a slightly different concept” from before.

“There will be a no frills, casual, coming-off-the-beach type of menu, offering New England coastal community fare,” she said.

The menu will feature different kinds of hotdogs – including Coney Island and Chicago-style – and patio burgers (smashburgers) in addition to some of Nantasket Flatts’ signature items. Chicken, fried pickles, fried clams, lobster, peel-and-eat shrimp, and a raw bar will also be offered.

“We’re excited,” Tracy Vaughan said. “We’re looking forward to a great summer back in Hull.”

A Facebook post announced the “difficult decision” to close Nantasket Flatts permanently in early 2023, with the hope that another restaurant would soon take its place, although that did not ultimately happen.

In December 2023, the select board declined to approve the request by Nantasket Flatts for renewal of the restaurant’s all-alcoholic, common victualer, entertainment, and automatic amusement licenses pending a hearing that would be scheduled with the owners because the business had been closed for a year and the property was on the market.

Following the discussion, the board held another hearing in January 2024 and voted in favor of continuing it until this spring to allow time for the Vaughans to continue their efforts to find a new restaurant to occupy that space. In the meantime, they were asked to keep the board updated monthly on progress.

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15 candidates on the ballot in Hull's annual election on Monday, May 20

Hull’s annual town election will be held on Monday, May 20. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Hull High School.

A sample ballot lists all of the candidates; for more information and statements from the candidates, click here: www.hulltimes.com/election2024

Watch this space for full results after the ballots have been counted on Monday.

Hull man arrested on multiple child pornography charges

A 69-year-old Hull man was arrested Tuesday at Logan Airport and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, as well as photographing a person in the nude. Hull Police Chief John Dunn said that Hull officers arrested James T. Tucker of 10 Driftway after a computer, several hard drives, portable storage devices, a camera and memory cards were seized during a search of his home last week. These devices contained what was described in a police report as 17 “sexually explicit videos involving children in the nude.”

JAMES T. TUCKER

Tucker, who works in the maintenance department of Milton Residences for the Elderly, was not home when police and the U.S. Secret Service New England Cyber Fraud Task Force raided his house on May 7 as part of an ongoing investigation.

When police called him, he told officers he was in Florida. Officer Leanne Marshalsea and Sgt. Andrew Reilly told Tucker they were investigating child pornography and asked Tucker if anyone else had access to his computer. According to the officers’ report, he said yes, but “it’s all on me.” He also said he would be flying home on Tuesday, May 14.

When his plane from Tampa landed in Boston, police were waiting for him.

On Tuesday, Hull Police, State Police, Secret Service officers, and members of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Warrant Apprehension Unit traveled to Logan Airport to meet Tucker’s plane. At about 5:40 p.m., Tucker was “taken into custody without incident and his cell phone was seized as evidence.”

He was booked at the Hull Police Station and held on $25,040 bail pending his arraignment on Wednesday in Hingham District Court.

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Five vendors to operate summer surf schools, food stands, and pop-up shop on HRA land

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso

On Monday, the Hull Redevelopment Authority designated the spaces to the five vendors who bid on the nine vendor spots available for the upcoming summer season.

FAMILIAR FACES. Jane and Jeff Wicks, who owned and operated Hull’s Kitchen for 16 years, will bring their traveling general store, Flowers & Honey, to the HRA property this summer. [Dolores Lorusso photo]

Two vendors, Northeast Surfing and East Coast HUI Surf Shop, are returning for another year, while three new businesses, Flowers & Honey, MJ’s Refreshers, and Bob’s Dogs, will be joining the surf shops this year.

Bids were opened in the order received, and the highest bidder was given first choice of the nine spots on either parking lot A or B – Lot A is closest to Phipps Street, while Lot B is the largest section of the property. The minimum bid for one of the spaces, which measures 40 feet by 30 feet, was set at $1,000; vendors were required to be present on the Zoom meeting to be approved for a space. The HRA solicited requests for proposals for vendors to operate from June 1 to September 30.

The two surf shops were the highest bidders and chose to be located adjacent to one another in Lot A. East Coast HUI Surf Shop came in first with a bid of $3,002, while Northeast Surfing came in second with a bid of $1,520.

Flowers & Honey, MJ’s Refresher, and Bob’s Dogs also decided to locate their businesses on Lot A; therefore, Lot B will not be home to any vendors this summer. The four spaces not leased to vendors will revert to LAZ, the parking lot operator.

The HRA is only approving the use of its land; vendors are responsible for obtaining other necessary permits. Although some of the businesses requested an 8 p.m. closing time, the HRA made it clear to be fair closing would be set at 6 p.m. for all businesses to match the hours of the parking lots.

Only two vehicles are allowed to park on the vendor space, and this includes parking for employees.

Jane and Jeff Wicks of Flowers & Honey are no strangers to Hull; many may know them from the 16 years they owned and operated Hull’s Kitchen. Jane Wicks asked what would prevent someone from coming into the lot before they open and taking their spot.

HRA member Dan Kernan concurred it is important visitors do not park in the vendor spaces and said the board will ensure the vendor spaces are clearly marked.

As the third highest bidder at $1,200, Flowers & Honey will set up shop on the edge of Lot A in space 1. Flowers & Honey is a traveling general store featuring a variety of items including woodwork, flowers, honey, candles, essential oils, and granola.

“We aim to surprise and delight; the types of items carried will rotate. What will not change is we intend to tap into women-run local small businesses to create an opportunity to sell their product,” said Jane Wicks. “After closing Hull’s Kitchen, we missed the connection with our community.”

Cindy Shea of MJ’s Refreshers was next in line to choose a spot; although her bid of $1,000 was tied with Robert Catyb of Bob’s Dogs, she was first to submit her bid. The two businesses chose spaces next to one another.

MJ’s Refresher will offer non-alcoholic beverages, pre-made lunch items, warm pretzels, and made to order lobster rolls. Bob’s Dogs is a hot dog cart featuring hot dogs, chips, and soda.

Catyb said he does not have food experience but is branching out to try something new.

HRA Chair Dennis Zaia said the board started doing this with the idea in mind that new businesses would have the opportunity to experiment.

“You have got to start somewhere,” said Joan Senatore.

Run by Scituate resident Bobby Fenton, who is a veteran surfer of 43 years and holds certifications in both CPR and first aid, East Coast HUI Surf Shop offers kids the opportunity to safely learn to surf and paddleboard. The shop also carries beach supplies, surfboard wax, leashes, and sunscreen.

Hannah and Ronnie Lees of Northeast Surfing are happy to be back to instill the thrill of surfing into the children of the South Shore while also teaching them respect for the environment.

Ronnie Lees is a surfer and skier and has been involved in outdoor sports his entire life, while Hannah, a Hull native, has been surfing since the age of four.

Rentals of paddleboards, surfboards, bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, and wet suits can be found at Northeast Surfing. The shop also sells water and Richie’s Slush.

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Students, staff question lack of communication about absence of Hull High assistant principal

By Victoria Dolan

After almost a week and a half of absence by Hull High’s assistant principal, students and staff are left with questions and few answers from the school administration.

Hull High Assistant Principal Julie Burke

Assistant Principal Julie Burke has been absent from Hull High School since shortly after the announcement of Principal Michael Knybel’s impending resignation, around May 6. As of writing, she has been absent for almost two weeks.

Students and staff received no communication from the administration regarding Burke’s extended absence. Brian Mullin, a teacher at Hull High School and the Hull Teachers Association co-president, noted that “a general notification should have happened.

“As you know, we don’t comment on personnel matters. Julie Burke is a valued employee of the Hull Public Schools. I ask that you please respect her privacy,” Superintendent of Schools Judith Kuehn said. When asked for further comment about the lack of communication, Kuehn declined.

Mullin added that wishes to respect Burke’s privacy may have caused more harm than good.

“The lack of communication has led to extremely damaging and irresponsible gossip to spread throughout town,” he said.

Additionally, Mullin added, the lack of communication around Burke’s absence and her absence itself have “greatly affected the operations of the high school in a negative way.” Mullin noted that there has been “a lack of direction” on how to handle issues when they arise, leading to the school secretary and staff having to assume some of Burke’s responsibilities

Students also expressed concern about the lack of communication surrounding Burke’s absence. Seniors with close relationships to the assistant principal were confused by her absence during their last week.

While few were willing to go on the record, one student noted anonymously that it was “strange” how little information students received regarding the absence.

“We have the right to understand what is occurring at school,” that student said.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint.

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Lifelong Hullonian Charlie Gould remembered for community service, political activity

Charles (“Charlie”) Gould, 91, of Hull passed away on May 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

CHARLIE GOULD

Mr. Gould was not only a lifelong resident of Hull, but someone who was involved in participating in the function of Hull government so the residents would be served properly.

In 1965, Mr. Gould joined the Hull Redevelopment Authority, where he served as chairman. He was involved with the HRA for 10 years. He was hoping that the land that was acquired would be used for the good of the town and was disappointed that this didn’t happen in his lifetime.

Mr. Gould was a member of Hull Democratic Town Committee and a delegate to numerous Democratic State Conventions, starting in 1955. He sponsored the resolution at town meeting to erect the Korean War memorial, as he had served two tours in Korea and he was appointed chairman of the committee to gather the names of people who had served in Korea to be put on the memorial.

He was a state insurance examiner, which was why he was chosen to help the people in Hull with paperwork on the damage they had suffered after the Blizzard of 1978.

Mr. Gould’s life was never dull, as he shared the speaker’s platform with former Mayor James Michael Curley at a large gathering at Hingham High School and he introduced Senator John F. Kennedy to the people of Hull in the Surf parking lot. Then, in 1962, he served as moderator for a U.S. Senate debate involving Ted Kennedy and Edward McCormack, Jr.

He was chosen to go to Washington, D.C. as a representative for the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to testify about people involved in dubious insurance practices.

He always went to the town meetings, and if there was an issue that he thought needed to be brought to the floor, he would advance it for discussion.

He lived a full life, enjoying the friendship of his girlfriend, Anne Saunders, in later years. He had many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his company as he was a great storyteller. Mr. Gould participated in their lives as they got married and had their own children. He lost his brothers John and Tom, which had been difficult for him as they weren’t that old. Then he lost his sister Anne Marie two years ago.

He leaves his sister Marylyn and her husband, Leo, of Weymouth and Fort Meyers Beach Florida, and his sister Lillian Holzman of Hingham. He also leaves too many nieces and nephews to name who were with him during his time of illness up to the time he died.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, May 16 from 4-7 p.m. at the Downing Cottage Funeral Chapel, 21 Pond St., Hingham. A funeral Mass will be held Friday, May 17 at 11 a.m. at St Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave.,. Burial will follow at Hull Village Cemetery.

For more information and online guestbook, visit www.downingchapel.com.

Chamber of Commerce to sponsor ‘Stem to Stern’ yard sales May 18 & 19

Calling all bargain hunters! The Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce presents Stem to Stern, Hull’s annual townwide yard sale weekend on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With dozens of yard sales throughout Hull for the full weekend, who knows what treasurers you might find! Poke through yard sales all over town while exploring neighborhoods off the beaten track and discover there’s much more to Hull than  just Nantasket Beach.

A list of yard sale addresses and a street map will be available prior to the event at www.HullChamber.com.

Print out your map, gas up the car, and get ready for some great savings and unique finds.

The event will be Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19  from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit www.HullChamber.com. Find the Chamber on Facebook or contact Tara Ashe, info@hullchamber.com.

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Voters wrap up annual town meeting in three marathon sessions

Voters were in a “yes” mood during most of Hull’s annual town meeting, approving a including a $50.1 million town budget ($17.9 million for the schools), accessory dwelling units, and bylaw amendments to clarify the town’s marijuana regulations, as well as funds for seawall repairs, a public safety building study, the MBTA Communities Zoning Bylaw, and other significant proposals.

Click here for the Times’ comprehensive coverage of town meeting issues

Rep. Joan Meschino, a Hull resident, addressed the crowd at the beginning of this week’s town meeting. [PHOTO BY SKIP TULL]

A plan to take property on Beach Avenue by eminent domain earned a vote of 124-123, falling short of the required two-thirds majority to pass. Voters also rejected Community Preservation Act funds for a study of potential locations for a dog park.

“It’s so good to see a full house of friends, neighbors, and my parents here tonight,” Rep. Joan Meschino, a Hull resident, said at the beginning of the meeting. “This is where we come together as part of our civic duty for public discourse on matters that are important to us.”

Passage of the ADU article will allow certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out an accessory dwelling unit within their home, subject to the special permit process. The goal is to help increase the town’s housing stock and to allow owner occupants to generate rental income. (See related story.)

The intent of the marijuana zoning article was to rectify and clarify procedural issues in the article that passed at the 2023 special town meeting intended to limit the number of retailers to two by special permit, but not to allow cultivation, testing, manufacturing, or on-site consumption.

Voters also approved salaries for the select board, town moderator, town clerk, assessors, and the municipal light board; the $50.1 million town budget on a vote of 333 to 62; replacing the capital outlay committee that hasn’t met for quite some time with a new capital improvement planning committee; and accepting a $3.8 million settlement resulting from the sewer plant lawsuit filed in 2013 following storm damage.

Click below for all of the Times’ comprehensive coverage of town meeting issues:

https://www.hulltimes.com/town-meeting-2024

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Power association’s skills contest on HRA property sparks public’s interest

By Dolores Sauca Lorusso 

On Tuesday, May 7, during the 16th Annual Northeast Public Power Association Lineworkers’ Rodeo, power crews competed against the clock in skill competitions – climbing poles, repairing transformers, and rigging lines on a challenge course built on the Hull Redevelopment Authority property.

PUTTING IT ALL ON THE LINE. The New England Public Power Association’s annual lineworkers rodeo took over the Hull Redevelopment Authority property this week, as members participated in outdoor skills competitions on poles installed just for this purpose. The NEPPA convention was held nearby at the Nantasket Beach Resort. [Skip Tull photos]

In early December, the HRA unanimously approved the Hull Municipal Light Plant’s proposal to host the NEPPA event to train lineworkers, offer safety classes, and lobby for municipal light plants.

In a statement on the NEPPA website, Hull Light Operations Manager Panos Tokadjian said the town’s light plant is “honored and humbled to be chosen to host the 2024 NEPPA Rodeo…Hull is, and will always be, a strong supporter of NEPPA, and an active participant in its programs and events. Being a host of such an important event for public power in New England will shine a light on small light plants like us, and the quality of people who dedicate themselves to making sure we succeed in everything we do.”

The indoor portion of the event, which included educational sessions, networking, and exhibits, was held nearby at the Nantasket Beach Resort.

Poles were installed on the HRA land for climbing, hurt-man rescue, insulator replacement, and transformer change-out competitions that were all open for viewing by the public.

A highlight of the opening of the rodeo competition was Brandon Wylie, program executive of Northwest Lineman College, singing the national anthem as the competitors and audience, including coworkers and family, faced the large American flag hung between two utility trucks.

A local spectator from Cohasset said he heard about the event and came with his wife to support the participants because he worked for Eversource for 45 years.

NEPPA is the regional trade association representing the interests of 78 community-owned electric utilities that provide electricity to approximately two million people across New England.

“The event showcases the technical skills of the lineworkers while also reinforcing how NEPPA is all about safety,” said NEPPA Director of Marketing, Communications, and Events Wendy Esche. “It is an opportunity to acknowledge and show appreciation for the guys keeping the lights on for everyone in the New England states.” 

The NEPPA Rodeo and Conference began on May 6 with a golf tournament at Widows Walk in Scituate. Golfers played nine holes and net proceeds will be donated to NEPPA’s Benevolent Fund for public power employees or their families undergoing financial difficulties due to personal injury, illness, or death.

Colleen Hyland, wife of NEPPA Executive Director Mike Hyland, who was volunteering at the table selling goods to raise money for the benevolent fund, said the program provides the resources to assist the New England public power community when faced with unexpected tragedies.

Hull Light Administrative Assistant Anne Finley said when the association was looking for a new location to host the 2024 rodeo, HMLP staff thought the land adjacent to the light plant would offer a unique and memorable location for the event.

“I have been with NEPPA for five years, and this is the best rodeo I have seen yet – great location, couldn’t ask for better weather, and from the start, the community of Hull has welcomed and embraced us to make the event happen,” said Esche.

Many of the lineworkers expressed excitement to be by the ocean and have such a beautiful day for the competitions; however, the essence of the event was captured by the feeling of camaraderie, team spirit, and connection.

“I like the camaraderie and community of public power,” said Anthony Calascibetta, NEPPA director of safety and training and a former lineman. “We provide value and truly care for the citizens of the communities we serve.”

“The vendors provide another element of interest and connection at the event…they are here to support us,” said Barry Tupper, chair of the NEPPA Rodeo.

“This day and location are one of the best in my experience,” said Dave Ketchen, assistant general manager of Littleton Electric and Water Department. “Blue sky, sunny, ocean on either side…it is incredible.”

Ketchen said his Littleton crew for the competition, including Joe Fiorello, Derek Cokonis, and Ryan Dame, is a “relatively young team, but they are very skilled at what they do.”

After coming down from the pole, Cokonis said it felt good, but he was a little nervous. “I love climbing and the view really stands out here,” he said.

Dame, who pursued becoming a lineman at the suggestion of friends who thought he would like it, said, “I joined three years ago, enjoy the experience, and I am never going back.”

“We practice yearly for the everyday work we get ourselves into, working in rain, sleet, snow, wind, sun, and any other kind of weather,” said Dionisio Gerena, coach of the Chicopee Electric team.

Graham Gates, Jack Austin, and Brian Pellerin of Princeton Municipal Light were joined by their proud significant others who cheered them on during the competitions and celebrated their achievements. Crysta Gates, Valerie Austin, and Suzanne Pierce all agreed that watching what the line workers do on a day to day basis is exciting and emphasizes the teamwork required for the hard work.

“This is my third rodeo,” said Valerie Austin. “I didn’t know what a lineman was before I met Jack. When I first met him and he told me what he did, I said ‘You are a football player.’”

Robin Jowders of Hurley Wire has been in the public power industry for 38 years and has attended every NEPPA rodeo.

“I see the teamwork, partnership, and connection,” said Jowders. “It is a brotherhood and sisterhood. I have watched generations of family members go through. Those who were once climbers are now judges.”

Dave Lizotte, general line foreman at Littleton Light Department, was a judge at the rodeo.

“My grandfather was a lineman,” he said. “Building camaraderie is amazing; you need it in this industry. Everyday we trust each other with our lives.”

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Voters approve proposal to allow accessory dwelling units in single-family homes

By Carol Britton Meyer

The proposal to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Hull took center stage during the first town meeting session this week, with voters supporting its passage – 240 to 79 – following a lengthy discussion.

Passage of the ADU article will allow certain homeowners of single-family residences to add and rent out a self-contained housing unit within their home, subordinate in size to the principal dwelling, subject to the special permit process.

This is part of the effort to increase the town’s housing stock and to allow those who wish to the opportunity to “age in place” and to benefit from the income generated from an ADU.

Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio explained before the vote that during a discussion about ADUs at the 2023 special town meeting, the article was referred to further study.

The maximum size of the ADU unit is 900 square feet, and the single-family dwelling must be owner-occupied. No units may be rented for less than six months to resolve short-term vacation rental concerns voiced by some citizens throughout the process.

An ADU is limited to a maximum of two bedrooms, with one off-street parking space required per bedroom. No exterior stairs to an ADU unit are allowed.

There’s a maximum of 10 permits that could be issued annually over 10 years, for a potential 100 ADUs. Expansion of the single-family home after approval of this bylaw would make the dwelling ineligible for an ADU permit.

“This is a way to produce more affordable units, although they won’t be deeded as such,” DiIorio said. “The special permit requirement would allow for abutters to be notified and for review by town boards, where [neighbors] can bring up any concerns they have. This [use] only applies in single-family districts for single-family homes.”

There are currently 1,300 rental units in Hull.

Resident Patrick Finn was credited for his efforts leading to voter approval of ADUs, from the initial article to the most recent version.

In response to questions from voters, DiIorio clarified that should a house with an ADU be offered for sale, the permit could be transferred within 30 days through the building commissioner. In addition, owners of homes with ADUs are required to recertify annually with the building inspector.

Building Commissioner Bartley Kelly noted in response to other questions that the enforcement of the ADU regulations would be primarily left up to neighbors to report any violations that they notice. Otherwise, it would be difficult to enforce, he said.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Select Board member Jerry Taverna, speaking as a citizen, was supportive of the warrant article. “There’s a housing crisis in Massachusetts, and not a lot of people will be able to take advantage of this because there are many small lots [in Hull],” he said. “It’s a no brainer.”

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