August 2, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
In conjunction with their goal to promote economic development, the select board recently approved an agreement with Camoin Associates, LLC for consulting services related to developing an economic development strategic plan for Hingham.
The purpose of this contract is to help the town build a practical strategic plan to drive appropriate economic development, including the creation of “road maps” identifying tasks to attract desired development and economic growth for each of the town’s commercial districts: South Hingham (in collaboration with Rockland); Hingham Square/Harbor; the Hingham Shipyard; and the Route 3A Corridor.
This process will include a number of consultant-supported steps related to reviewing past town reports — including the master plan; staff and stakeholder interviews; determining the town’s competitive position; “matching realistic post-COVID market opportunities to our commercial districts”; and community outreach – including public meetings focused on each of the commercial districts, Assistant Town Administrator for Operations Art Robert told the board this week.
The $75,000 project cost will be paid for with federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Net costs to the town will not exceed $70,000, because the Town of Rockland is contributing $5,000 to support the South Hingham portion of the project. Rockland’s participation will ensure a shared approach to development in Rockland, in the Route 228 area, and in Hingham’s nearby South Shore Park, according to Robert.
“This plan will help Hingham define a path forward that will also enhance the town’s quality of life,” he told the select board.
Work on creating the plan is expected to start soon and wrap up by the end of December, focusing first on the South Hingham district.