Board OKs stop signs at A Street to improve safety; hears update from assistant town manager

By Carol Britton Meyer

The select board last week approved the installation of stop signs at the end of Cadish Avenue where it turns into A Street and also at the end of A Street where it meets Cadish in response to traffic safety concerns voiced to the Hull Police Department and the town manager over the past few years.

These changes were recommended by Chief John Dunn and Lt. Steven Glavin and are based on the busyness of the area – especially during the summer months – and the accompanying increase in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The location of the public boat ramp at the end of A Street creates another hazard, according to Glavin, because people backing their boats in at the ramp cannot see the oncoming traffic, “creating a potentially dangerous situation.”

He noted that Cadish Avenue is the only street in the area where there is not adequate signage and markings. Halvorsen Avenue, Milford Street, and Bay Avenue East all have stop signs.

Dunn assigned Glavin to conduct a records check of this area for any reported crashes, specifically at Cadish and A Street, from 1996 to present, and there were none.

Stop signs are considered necessary because the area “is frequented by a multitude of people – both pedestrians and vehicles,” Dunn said.

Signage and markings will be added at these approved locations.

In other business

⦁ Assistant Town Manager Stacy Callahan provided an update on her activities over the six months since she was hired.

Assistant town manager Stacy Callahan…

Her focus has been on the human resources aspect of the job, interacting with department heads, staff, the select board, community services staff such as the library and senior center, and others; becoming familiar with town projects; taking a look at the town’s personnel policies and benefits offerings; meeting with all five unions; and assisting Town Manager Jennifer Constable with day-to-day tasks.

“It’s nice being here, and I look forward to the next six months and beyond,” Callahan said.

“Stacy hit the ground running,” Constable said. “As the position evolves and grows, she will also be taking on [other responsibilities].”

Select board member Greg Grey noted that it “took some convincing” at town meeting to approve the assistant town manager position, but “we are finally there. This position has made a huge impact.”

⦁ Carl Katzeff, Elizabeth Landgraf, Ryan Rapp, and Paul Newman were appointed to the newly created capital improvement committee.

The committee, revitalized at this year’s town meeting, was formed in conjunction with the passage of a warrant article proposing the creation of a special-purpose stabilization fund to pay for capital improvements and projects.

Appointed by the select board, the committee also consists of one member each of the advisory board, select board, and planning board, the school superintendent or designee, and town manager or designee.

⦁ Terry Brady, former member Robert Goldstein, and James Pitrolo were appointed to the Council on Aging this week following the appointment/reappointment of Peter Dewey, Marlene Earl, Mimi Leary, Rhoda Kanet and Craig Wolfe at a previous meeting.

 The COA’s purpose is “to identify needs and implement programs that will enhance the quality of life and assist valued independence for Hull residents over 60 years of age.”

The council also assists in educating the town’s leaders and the community about the needs of Hull’s senior residents and provides referrals, advice, and comfort to them and their families.

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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

Anniversary Mass in memory of Emma Ryan scheduled for October 27

Hull’s Beth Ross installed as Emmanuel College president

Hull’s Beth Ross, Ed.D., was formally installed as Emmanuel College’s 14th president at an investiture ceremony on Friday, October 11. More than 800 people attended the event on the college’s Boston campus, including faculty and staff, students, and special guests. The investiture was preceded by a special Mass in the College Chapel, celebrated by Father Federico Cinocca of Emmanuel’s Center for Mission and Ministry.

After receiving the symbols of office from board Chair Margaret L. McKenna, Ross spoke about the possibilities arising from the convergence of Emmanuel’s people, spirit, and location at 400 The Fenway, voted the number-one college location in America by Niche.com for two years running.

“The conditions are in place for Emmanuel to thrive as never before,” she said. “Two things I constantly want to shout from the bell tower are: ‘Look at where we are!’ and ‘Look at when we are!’ Right now, just steps from here, some of the world’s brightest minds are using AI and other leading-edge tools to drive a revolution in human health and well-being. Our city and region are booming with investment and growth. And our diverse city has never been so dynamic and united.

“Through bold, persistent experimentation – and, increasingly, through partnerships with organizations throughout our city and beyond – we will bring our mission to life in magnificent new ways for current and future students.”

Ross noted that the college will excel in equipping students with the intellectual and work-ready practical skills to be in demand after graduation and across the full arc of their professional lives, no matter how the world may change. Further, Emmanuel will stand out for immersing students in a remarkably welcoming and inclusive community and for cultivating in them a deep sense of personal, social, and civic responsibility. She summed up these points of distinction with two words: “accelerate and elevate.”

“The more we accelerate and elevate,” Ross said, “the more we will become known as a clear and compelling choice among prospective students and families, and among employers seeking the next generation of doers, problem-solvers, and difference-makers.”

Before being appointed president last January, Ross, a North Quincy native, served the college in roles with increasing leadership responsibility, including dean of institutional effectiveness/chief data officer and, most recently, acting president. During her 24 years of service at Emmanuel, she has earned the esteem and admiration of her peers for her professionalism, contributions to campus life, and participation in volunteer service. Ross holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Regis College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Suffolk University.

Board votes to remove parking meters townwide, study fee schedule, shift to mobile payment system

By Carol Britton Meyer

Police Chief John Dunn recommended this week – and the select board approved – the removal of all parking meters townwide, coupled with a proposal to move to a pay-by-phone app system that many communities around the state and country have already implemented.

An increase in parking fees was part of the recommendation, which will be discussed at a later date.

“The meters are antiquated and look bad,” Dunn told the select board, at the same time suggesting that any changes not be made until next year.

After some discussion, the board (Chair Irwin Nesoff was not present) approved the removal of the parking meters and a move from the current system to a pay-by-phone one, and to discuss parking fees at a future meeting after seeking input from businesses, the Hull Nantasket Chamber of Commerce, and residents.

One-time cost to town for pay-by-phone system

The cost to the town to set up such a system is a one-time fee of about $1,500, with a six-to-eight week timeframe to get it up and running, according to Dunn.

He recently participated in a demonstration of the app by a representative of PayByPhone, which operates a digital payment system. (https://www.paybyphone.com)

The company charges 35 cents on a $2 parking payment, as an example, which is added to the parking fee. For instance, if a customer parks in the Surfside district, he or she would log into the app and be charged $2.35 an hour. Signage is included with the setup of the system.

The app allows law enforcement officers to log in to see who is in violation, and to issue a ticket accordingly. The real-time data system keeps track by license plate number.

Only half of town’s parking meters are operational

Of the 101 parking meters in Hull, only 56 are operational, with 20 missing, 19 jammed, and two beyond repair, according to Dunn. Repairs are costly “and can cost several hundred dollars,” he said.

While the current parking fees amount to between $7,000 and $9,000 annually, “after repair costs are factored in, there is hardly any revenue left for the town,” Dunn noted. New meters can cost from $1,500 to nearly $5,000, depending on the type and options.

A sampling of parking fees in the greater Boston area – many at 50 cents per half-hour mark and some considerably higher – revealed that Hull’s parking fees are comparatively a bargain.

Dunn noted that parking in the non-resident area at Pemberton near the ferry landing behind the high school is free, while town residents need a yearly sticker to park in the commuter lots.

He noted the current meter time limits and fees around town since 2003, all at 25 cents per hour with varying one- or two-hour limits, and all providing 30 minutes of free time, effective from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, including Sundays and holidays.

Another suggestion was to allow residents with stickers to continue to enjoy 30 minutes of free parking in Kenberma and adding signage to the area with updated information.

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Reduced speed limits, designated walkway approved to increase Allerton seawall project safety

By Carol Britton Meyer

During the reconstruction of the seawall along Nantasket Avenue across from the Fitzpatrick Way lagoon, a number of safeguards to protect pedestrian access are being instituted. Nantasket Avenue between Fitzpatrick Way and Point Allerton Avenue is closed in front of the seawall.

In response to an August 8 memo to Town Manager Jennifer Constable and DPW Director Christopher Gardner from Kevin Mooney, a senior engineer on the project and owner of Waterways Project Management, Hull Police Lt. Stephen Glavin reviewed the suggestions for pedestrian access outlined by Mooney and recommended this week the following, which the select board approved. Chair Irwin Nesoff was not present:

⦁ Reducing the speed limit to 25 mph from 35 mph on Fitzpatrick Way. Reducing the speed limit during construction projects is allowed, according to Mooney.

⦁ Heavy police enforcement to deter potential speeders.

⦁ Pedestrian/runner walkway, with the bike lane ending by XYZ Streets.

Click here for the latest updates on the seawall reconstruction project

“I don’t believe there is enough space for runners, walkers, and bicyclists,” Glavin said. The recommendation is to not include a designated bike lane because the stone wall makes it difficult for motorists to see around the corner. “If anything, I would recommend putting up signage stating that bicyclist travel is at their own risk in this area.”

Glavin also noted that there’s already a sign at the bottom of Allerton Hill indicating that the bike lane ends there in both directions.

• Posting of Share the Road signs to let motorists know to expect both pedestrians and bicyclists along Fitzpatrick Way

⦁ Installing stanchions on the bay side of Fitzpatrick Way from XYZ Streets to the bridge to delineate where people will be walking.

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HRA members advised to ‘get as concrete as possible’ on final plans for its 13-acre property

By Carol Britton Meyer

Following a two-and-a-half hour facilitated discussion Tuesday night, Hull Redevelopment Authority members agreed to take a fresh look at the draft urban renewal plan for the property, using it as a template to suggest changes, other uses, and improvements for the different parcels on the 13-acre site.

FACILITATOR DOUGLAS THOMPSON HAS BEEN MODERATING DISCUSSIONS AMONG HRA MEMBERS SINCE AUGUST.

“I think we should identify parcels and potential uses, see what we can improve upon, and move toward that. It’s like a blank slate,” member Bartley Kelly said. “Working with this as a starting point, we can decide what works and what doesn’t without going back to the drawing board and changing everything. I feel as though we’re going around in circles.”

The authority will continue the discussion on Tuesday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. to determine which, if any, ideas are feasible and whether a consensus can be reached. This will be the last of four meetings facilitated by senior mediator and University of Massachusetts-Boston professor Douglas Thompson. No public comments are accepted at either the in-person high school exhibition room, where the meetings take place, or over Zoom.

‘How do we fit all the pieces together?’

The draft URP was completed, with the understanding that “there would be some pushback and major changes made to it,” Kelly said. “How do we fit all the pieces together without overwhelming [the surrounding neighborhoods] and the parcel?”

There are sure to be “points of disagreement,” noted Thompson. “It will be hard.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE CURRENT DRAFT URBAN RENEWAL PLAN.

A large part of this week’s discussion revolved around the plans to change the traffic pattern, removing some lanes and converting the streets on both sides of the site to two-way. HRA member Dan Kernan proposed an alternative to use the existing road layout instead, despite Thompson’s comment at the beginning of the meeting that while an important aspect, “too much time is being spent” on this topic and he wasn’t sure that was the right time to get into the merits of the current plan.

“This is a bit of a black hole that [HRA members] get sucked into and may be a cause for discussions being sidetracked,” he said.

While praising Kernan’s efforts, Chair Dennis Zaia said the current two-way plan has been in process for a number of years and includes substantial grant money for the purpose of slowing traffic and improving safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and all who use the road. It is a joint effort among the HRA, town officials, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Member Adrienne Paquin said the HRA should focus on “coming up with plans that work for either [two-way road] alternative. That would be the best use of our time,” she said.

Mini-assessment of progress

Thompson summarized the “four-way” meeting plan and shared a “mini-assessment” of the progress the HRA has made to date.

This includes gaining an understanding of different perspectives; trying to reach a consensus about the future uses of the property; identifying northeast quadrant ideas and whether a concept has enough potential for consensus to warrant further exploration; and discussion and identification of next steps related to a potential consensus option – or absent that, to decide next steps.

Thompson also noted that “HRA members function well handling routine matters while also having some reciprocal questions about how others approach the issue of future use on the property,” and that the “practical and legal constraints on the HRA complicate the deliberations.”

“Everyone agrees that a lot of hard work, effort, and emotion have gone into the process, but it’s unclear if a consensus can be reached,” Thompson said, further suggesting that if agreement on the overall use of the property can’t be reached, incremental improvements to the “status quo” could be considered. These could include having electricity installed on one of the parcels where community events could be held in the meantime, for example.

HRA members were asked to identify one or two areas where they feel there has been a consensus, with all agreeing that parking, open space, and the need for some kind of economic benefit fit into that category, although opinions as to what extent for each remain an open question.

The redevelopment authority was formed in the 1960s under a federal program to revitalize urban and suburban neighborhoods. The HRA’s original footprint – designated Town Center No. 1 – encompasses the land between the beach and bay from Water Street to Phipps Street; at one time, the authority planned to expand its territory into three additional districts that stretched southward toward Atlantic Hill.

Much of the HRA land has been vacant since the 1970s, when homes and businesses were taken by eminent domain by the authority and bulldozed, burned, or relocated in anticipation of development proposals that never materialized. The HRA has been working for the past several years to create a set of guidelines for future development.

A 2023 version of the URP envisioned several uses for the property, including a boutique hotel and buildings with ground-floor retail and residential units on the upper floors. For the property north of the DCR parking lot near Monument Square, options included affordable housing or beach parking and event space. The HRA stepped back from that plan and has embarked on the current process to rework the URP.

‘Surprised at so many areas of agreement’

Zaia said he was surprised that there were so many areas of agreement once they were discussed. “That word makes me smile,” he said.

HRA members also agreed there is a need to agree on the definitions of various terms often referred to in their discussions, including “open space,” “economic benefit,” and “development,” among others. Zaia and Paquin agreed to research meanings for those terms.

“This is a discovery process,” Thompson said.

He also suggested focusing on agreed-upon evaluation criteria that could include aesthetics, connectivity, economic and community benefits, resiliency, and transportation.

Zaia also provided an update on the concept he floated earlier for a conference and learning center for the study of oceanography and geology as well as a space for weddings, trade shows, and community events that could accommodate about 350 people.

‘I think this would allow for some economic value, because a developer could fill such a space year-round,” he said. “It’s near the water, where people can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the views, which would be a real win.”

He also suggested that part of the space could be dedicated to a “museum” use, where the Hull Lifesaving Museum and Hull Historical Society could provide information to visitors about Hull’s history, “giving people a window into what exists in the community. This would provide an opportunity to bring people together and to spend money. This is the piece I have wanted to get across. There are some common themes in what I’ve pitched that I hope they can get hooked on so that we have something to move forward with.”

‘It’s time to get as concrete as possible’

Thompson said at the end of the meeting that “it’s time to get as concrete as possible and see if you can reach a consensus” to avoid being on “spin cycle” indefinitely.

“I feel like [the board] got to the diving board tonight, and now you need to jump off,” he said. “You may find you reach a consensus quicker than expected or you might reach a dead end and need to figure out what to do.”

He also suggested that HRA members consider Zaia’s proposal for a conference and learning center along with revisiting the draft URP.

Future meetings beyond next week’s continuation of the URP discussion include one with attorney Paula Devereaux on Monday, November 4, and a regular business meeting on Monday, November 18.

The replay of this week’s meeting will be available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on demand on hulltv.net.

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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

We’re grateful for support during National Newspaper Week, and all year long

If you are reading these words, you are someone who understands the value of local newspapers. And we are grateful for you.

This is National Newspaper Week, an annual celebration of the value that local news sources provide their communities, and we’re happy to publish our annual message to readers to remind you of why we do the work we do.

For many years, newspapers were the only way that people could understand what was happening in their cities and towns without directly participating in the process. The Hull Times has been around since 1930. And in those 94 years, our pages have covered many of the same issues year in and year out – you can see that history in columnist John Galluzzo’s weekly look back at the news we published 50 years ago. The Hull Public Library has digitized some local newspaper archives, including Times competitors such as The Hull Beacon and the Hull News Mirror. We’re working with the library to digitize past issues of the Times, and hope to have some good news to share about that soon.

For all of the years we’ve been around, the Times has been staffed by people who care about this community and want to share it with you. Whether you grew up here – like many members of our staff – or if you are new to town and are still learning about what makes our peninsula special, we hope you find something valuable in each edition.

The fact is, despite the national trend of community news sources being absorbed by larger operations or shut down entirely, Americans are still looking for reliable, accurate information, as a study conducted last year by the America’s Newspapers Foundation concluded.

The survey of 5,000 people found that eight out of 10 Americans still get news and information from local print or digital sources every month. Nearly three-quarters of those interviewed said a local newspaper is important, and 43% said local newspapers or their websites are the most accurate source of news and information. Or, as the study’s authors wrote: “Local news is critical to the well-being of a community.”

The Times provides content online and promotes news and community events on social media. We send out a free weekly newsletter each Friday morning. Our annual Summer Guide is a popular and useful companion to the best season of the year. We want to be where you are, giving you information that you need to make sound decisions about navigating life in Hull. We also want to give you a trusted place where you can find comprehensive coverage of important issues, not the tangled mess of speculation and rumors that seems to dominate online discourse. When you read something in the newspaper, on our website, or one of our social media accounts, you can be sure that its accuracy has been verified to the best of our ability.

Like every local business, there are inevitable costs. None of us can afford to work for free, and the human hours it takes to write, edit, photograph, draw, design, sell, print, label, deliver, upload, promote, share, interpret, analyze, and publish each week are daunting. Not having to answer to a national parent company allows us some flexibility, but being independent presents its own challenges. Keeping this show on the road often keeps us up at night.

We’re so grateful for our supporters – our regular subscribers, those who buy the paper on the newsstand every week, and our advertisers whose consistency provides a strong foundation for growth.

Our message during National Newspaper Week is one of thanks, but also a request for your help. As we mentioned above, if you are reading this, then you understand the value of a local news outlet. We need more people like you. We need Hullonians to support us with subscriptions, newsstand purchases, and advertising. We need others who may not be subscribers or advertisers to join you on this journey and become part of the family.

And speaking of families, we also want to encourage all of our readers and advertisers to send us news about Hull’s families – births, engagements, marriages, graduations, job promotions, awards, and other accomplishments. Share your good news with your neighbors!

The Times is stronger when there are many voices contributing, and with our committed group of staff members and supporters like you, we plan to celebrate National Newspaper Week as an independent news organization for at least 94 more years!

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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

In the Sport-light - Roundup of news about Hull athletes

Compiled by Matt Haraden

• The Boys 3/4 Soccer Team 1 played a doubleheader in Kingston this past weekend, shutting out both Kingston teams with a 1-0 win in one game and a 3-0 win in the other. The team, consisting of Owen Bilodeau, Liam Palermo, Luke Panetta, Harrison Jones, Rhys Siegrist, Henry Lidington-Trubia, Luca Dibley, North Saforrian, Finn Saforrian, Rocko Truglia, Sawyer Markowitz, and Casey Resnick, played well in both games and are showing progress playing together as a team. Thank you to Jordan Dunn and Gibran Succar from Team 2 for playing the second game and giving team support. The 3/4 Team 2 defeated Kingston, 3-1, on Saturday, October 5, improving to 3-0 on the season. Andy Michaelides scored two goals and Teddy Misdea scored 1 goal on a penalty kick. Nolan Cichocki was amazing playing goalie the entire game. Kai Funeri, James Petruzzelli, Zachary Walsh, and Enki Mundo were excellent at switching off positions during the game. The team’s next game is on Saturday, October 19 at 4 p.m. at home.

CHEERING SECTION. The Hull Youth Cheer C Team was out in force during last weekend’s games against Wareham at Hull Gut. Picture day for players and cheerleaders is scheduled for Sunday, October 13; check below for the schedule and more details. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY. [Nicole Townsend photo]

• In the team’s first road game of the season, Girls 5/6 Soccer traveled to Carver for a hard-fought battle, losing 3-1. Once again, Reese Irby led the goal-scoring efforts with Hull’s only goal. Ruby D’Errico and Leah Dibley shared time in net. Girls 6/7/8 Soccer lost to Marshfield, 6-2, on Saturday, October 5. Hull goals came from Aubrey Littlefield. Ellie Kiley had a strong game offensively for Hull and Sophie Munn played well in the net. Next game will be played at home on Saturday October 19 under the lights at 7:30 p.m.

• On Monday, October 7, the Hull High Boys Varsity Soccer team stormed back from a 2-0 deficit to beat Division 2 Middleboro, 3-2, with a late goal from Christian Truglia. The comeback started with a goal from Max Day, who followed up with his second goal of the season from 35 yards out. A great effort from the Hull boys against a very physical Middleboro team sealed the win and the points toward the tournament. The team played Randolph at home on Wednesday, and next will face Southeast Regional Vocational Technical High School on the road on Friday, October 11 at 4 p.m., followed by another away game against South Shore Christian Academy on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. The Pirates then come home on Wednesday, October 16 to play Mashpee at 5:30 p.m.

WINNING WAYS. On Monday, the Hull High Boys Varsity Soccer overcame a 2-0 deficit to beat Middleboro, 3-2. The Pirates will next face Southeast Regional Vocational Technical High School on the road on Friday, October 11 at 4 p.m., followed by another away game against South Shore Christian Academy on Tuesday, October 15 at 5:30 p.m. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY. [Jennifer Whelan photo]

• Hull High’s Girls Varsity Soccer will face the Rockland Bulldogs on Friday, October 11 at 4 p.m. (JV at 5:30 p.m.), followed by a Tuesday home game against Mills at 5:30 p.m. (JV at 4 p.m.) and a matchup on Wednesday, October 16 at Mashpee at 4:30 p.m. The team’s record is 7-1-3.

• After winning their last two games, Hull High’s Football Pirates fell, 30-13, to KIPP Academy on Saturday, October 5, bringing the Pirates to a 2-2 record so far this season. Isaiah Green had the first touchdown for Hull with a 36-yard catch. The other came from a 70-yard fumble recovery by John Truglia. Their next game comes on the road against Randolph on Thursday, October 10, followed by a home game against Mashpee on Friday, October 18 at 6:30 p.m.

• Hull Youth Football and Cheer picture day is scheduled for Sunday, October 13. You can order in advance by visiting https://easternexposuresphoto.teamimaging.com and using the code Hullfootball2024. If ordering online, it is strongly recommended to do so prior to picture day, as there is an added cost to orders placed after October 13. Delivery of these orders also may be delayed. Here’s the schedule for picture day: C Team – Player pictures at 8:30 a.m., Cheer pictures at 9 a.m.; Game starts at 10 a.m.; A Team – Player pictures at 10 a.m., Cheer pictures at 10:30 a.m.; Game starts at 11:30 a.m.; B Team – Player pictures at 11:30 a.m., Cheer pictures at 12 p.m.; Game starts at 1 p.m.

• 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 8 p.m. 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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© 2024 The Hull Times. All rights reserved.

School committee declines to take position on question to end MCAS graduation requirement

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Hull School Committee this week declined to take a position on the upcoming ballot question about removing the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests as a high school graduation requirement.

The Hull Teachers Association sought the committee’s support for a resolution calling for passage of Question 2 on the November 5 ballot. However, after listening to comments by HTA Co-President Maura Jones – who also read the resolution out loud – School Committee Chair David Twombly read from a prepared statement indicating that “the school committee is not here to advocate for one vote or another, nor can we, considering state conflict of interest laws.”

Jones, who was wearing a red, white, and aqua “Vote Yes on 2” T-shirt, said the teachers’ union isn’t seeking to stop the use of MCAS, but “to remove the high-stakes component.”

‘Our students have so much more to offer’

The K-12 experience “is a 13-year process, and graduation is a culmination of the efforts of students, their families, and teachers,” she said. “If teachers could take the time spent teaching to the test, it could be spent so much more wisely teaching kids how to work collaboratively, be creative, and experience different ways of learning. Our students have so much more to offer than is shown through [the MCAS exams].”

Twombly expressed appreciation to the union for taking the time to speak about Question 2 “as a way for the public to become more informed and [to learn about its] impact on our community.”

Click here for the Information for Voters guide for the November 5 ballot questions

While declining to take a vote on the resolution, he said he recognizes the importance of this discussion and encourages the public “to continue this information gathering” leading up to early and in-person voting for the November 5 state/presidential election.

The resolution calls for school districts to instead certify that students have satisfactorily completed coursework demonstrating mastery of the skills and knowledge “required by the Commonwealth’s strong, statewide standards in order to graduate. That’s what we are already [helping students accomplish],” according to Jones, who is a first-grade teacher. “We’re highly trained in assessing students in a variety of ways.”

Superintendents’ group opposes Question 2

By contrast, the executive committee of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents is opposed to Question 2 and advocates for voters to vote “No on 2” “to maintain high standards for high school graduation,” stating that the ballot question “fails to stipulate a replacement for the MCAS exam as a graduation requirement. If the measure is approved, there would be no statewide standard for students to qualify for a high school diploma.”

Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette provided information about the MASS’s perspective “to give the school committee a balanced look [at both sides of this issue].”

At the same time, MASS – which believes that Grade 10 MCAS exams alone “are insufficient as the statewide standard for graduation” –  is calling upon state leaders to begin a process immediately after the November 5 election, regardless of the outcome of Question 2, for developing and adopting a more comprehensive set of requirements “for students to demonstrate competency.”

Educator-led assessments recommended instead

The resolution presented by the HTA states in part that MCAS is “significantly limited in its ability to accurately and effectively measure whether students are meeting the Commonwealth’s standards and developing the skills they need to thrive after high school,” and that the most effective measures of whether students are meeting “strong, statewide standards and developing the skills they need to succeed in college, the workforce, and beyond” are educator-led assessments such as projects, papers, tests, and group activities conducted throughout the school year.

The resolution also states that “the punitive use of MCAS as a high school graduation requirement has restricted curriculum and shifted the focus of education in our public schools toward meeting a test score instead of fostering an environment of creativity, critical thinking, and real teaching and learning that helps students realize their full potential.”

According to the resolution, a number of pediatricians, researchers, and school counselors “have warned of the severe impact of high-stakes testing like the MCAS graduation requirement on students’ mental health and well-being” and standardized test requirements “notoriously stack the deck against students of color, ELS [English as a second language], and those with learning disabilities.”

The resolution also asserts that using MCAS testing as a high school graduation requirement has prevented or delayed thousands of students from earning a diploma, “thereby interrupting or derailing education or career plans.”

Visit www.hulltimes.com for a link to the Massachusetts Information for Voters booklet mailed to households for full details about the MCAS-related and the other four ballot questions.

In other business…

⦁ After some discussion, the school committee agreed to recommend that the select board approve the liquor license request of new Shipwreck’d owner Lillian Parker, who also owns the SandBar, reflecting the earlier agreement with the previous owners that no liquor will be served while Hull High School, which is located across the street, is in session Monday through Friday, but may be served after 3 p.m. The committee did not recommend placing restrictions on the 8 a.m. to midnight requested hours on the weekends. The select board is the licensing agent for the town.

⦁ Jette shared news from Athletic Director Connor Duhaime that Hull will be among eight towns participating in a girls’ ice hockey collaborative based in Bridgewater called the WEB. “This is a great opportunity for us,” Jette said. Duhaime was praised for his efforts in making this happen.

⦁ Hull High School Principal Robert Shaw and Jette are monitoring students’ vaping “and helping them understand the dangers [involved],” Jette reported, in part in response to a concern expressed by a community member.

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Residences at Rockaway developer responds to concerns raised by ZBA, project abutters

By Carol Britton Meyer

The Zoning Board of Appeals this week continued its review of a four-story, 12-unit condominium development proposed for the Rockaway Annex neighborhood, the first project in town to be proposed under the state’s Chapter 40B comprehensive permit law.

Following a September hearing on a proposal to build on the .63-acre lot at 25 Ipswich St., the developer provided responses to questions raised by the board and abutters in a letter to Zoning Board of Appeals Chair Patrick Finn.

An Architect’s rendering of the proposed townhouses at 25 Ipswich Street. Click here for more details.

The project, proposed under Chapter 40B – a program that allows developers to build larger projects in exchange for including affordable housing, includes three affordable units. The site is located behind the former Veterans of Foreign Wars post off Salisbury Street.

The ZBA met again for three hours October 1, during which the developer provided a project update. An aerial photo of the proposed building and the surrounding houses was presented, with residents attending the meeting asked to point out their homes.

Click here for more details on the development and Chapter 40B application

One resident who showed where her house was located – near the proposed development – said there is a need for guardrails to prevent cars from driving over the edge of the hilltop property into the homes that are situated below the elevated site, and asked that a fence be installed to for the safety of children.

Peer review a key piece

The board voted to hire Merrill Engineers and Land Surveyors of Hanover to complete a developer-funded peer review, which Dean Harrison, consultant to developer Alan Mckenzie, said is a key piece in moving the project forward.

The developer plans to provide a detailed list of anticipated waivers that will be sought, and a site visit will be scheduled involving the developer and planning board, ZBA, and Design Review Board members. A balloon will be used to mark the proposed height of the development on-site.

The layout of the proposed development, which is behind the former VFW Post. Click here for more details.

This is the first comprehensive permit under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B to come before the ZBA – which is the permit-granting authority for these projects – since two earlier 40B proposals didn’t get off the ground.

The board hired Hancock Associates to assist in its review of the proposal through a grant from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership Technical Assistance program.

The first floor of each of the six Residences at Rockway buildings (with two units each) will feature garages, with living units above and decks on the fourth floor. The property is located in the Single Family C zoning district.

Concerns aired during hearings

Concerns voiced at the earlier meeting included impacts of blasting to remove ledge, overall disruptions to the neighborhood, stormwater runoff, assurances from Weir River Water System that there is enough water to supply the new development, and the proximity of the units to some of the existing homes in the neighborhood.

The project is located near the Hull Community Garden, off Salisbury Street and in the area of the Hull Medical Center.

According to the application, the site includes a significant amount of ledge and steep slopes, and the project will require the removal of some soil and rock.

“Our goal is to minimize the requested number of waivers and to meet as many setback and other requirements as possible,” Harrison said.

Discussion during the October 1 hearing included how the lottery for the deed-restricted affordable units would work, whether local preference for at least one of the units is possible, and hopes that the town’s Affordable Housing Committee would be able to participate in this process.

The ZBA would not be involved with the lottery, which would be a joint effort between the developer and MassHousing.

The need for at least one of the affordable condos to be handicapped-adaptable was also a topic of conversation.

Finn said he thinks residents would be more amenable to Chapter 40B projects if the affordable units were all guaranteed to go to Hull residents, which is not allowed under state regulations.

Design review board weighs in

Design Review Board member Tom Burns shared with the ZBA details from an earlier meeting between the board and the developer, including a request for more details about the exterior of the building and privacy concerns with the decks facing each other; whether there is enough turning space for emergency vehicles; and suggested landscaping, including trees rather than shrubs on some parts of the property.

The letter of eligibility from MassHousing to Mckenzie dated April 1, 2024 states that Hull officials, after reviewing the site approval application and submitting comments to MassHousing, believe the siting of the building, the roof height, and overall architectural style “should be readdressed to fit into the surrounding context more thoughtfully.”

Ipswich Street is a partially built road that runs up the hill along the former VFW’s driveway. The land to be developed includes an unpaved area that was previously used as the post’s parking lot.

Other concerns voiced by neighbors and ZBA members relate to setback, traffic, maximum lot coverage, the proposed height of the six two-unit buildings, flooding in the area, and the overall density of the proposed development.

In a recent letter to the ZBA, the developer outlined several points:

⦁ As a courtesy, the development team is willing to talk informally with select town officials and boards about the proposal, including the Design Review Board.

⦁ The large puddle at the bottom of Salisbury Street and the flooding at a nearby bus stop are existing conditions, as is flooding on Barnstable Street.

⦁ A traffic impact report will be completed at the developer’s expense.

⦁ The developer is working to determine the exact height of the proposed building.

⦁ An updated vegetation clearing plan addresses concerns expressed about the units’ visibility from neighboring houses.

⦁ The developer is required to follow the state requirements for blasting related to existing wells, and if blasting is not required, will work with the town and abutters about chipping the ledge on the property, noise issues, and the duration of the hammering.

⦁ A sample of the Affirmative Fair Housing marketing plan/lottery package for the affordable units will be provided to give ZBA members an idea of how the process works.

⦁ The development would be built in one phase.

According to Finn, the development would fall below the town’s 30% maximum lot coverage requirement.

Development of the site will require compliance with all state and federal environmental laws, regulations, and standards related to building construction, stormwater management, wastewater collection and treatment, and hazardous waste safety, according to the letter.

“So far everything is going the way I hoped it would go,” Finn said at the end of this week’s ZBA meeting.

A replay of the October 1 meeting is available on Hull Community Television’s broadcast channels and on www.hulltv.net.

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