July 16, 2019 By Carol Britton Meyer
It's been a busy season so far at the Bathing Beach for swimming, sunbathing, boating, picnicking, and enjoying spectacular views of the harbor and the sunsets when it hasn't been raining!
As beachgoers continue to ask for progress reports about what's happening there, Bathing Beach Trustee member Alan Perrault provided the Hingham Anchor with an update.
"We are finalizing all permit-related matters prior to the modular builder starting fabrication [of the planned bathhouse/snack shop/community room] off-site," he said. "We expect the modular sections to arrive by the first of September and the on-site work to proceed from there."
In late May the projected opening date for the new building was changed from early summer to around Labor Day of this year due to a number of circumstances, whereas now the modulars aren't expected to arrive until around that time. It's uncertain with the further delay when it will be open for business.
The good news is that those overseeing the project say it will be worth the wait. In the meantime the current bathhouse is open for a period of time before, during, and after high tide, with lifeguards on duty.
While the preparatory site work has been underway for some time, the market for modulars is growing, which is one reason for the delay, Perrault said earlier. The end result will be a multi-purpose building with cedar shingles, a cupola, and a deck.
The concession stand will be operated by Greg Acerra d.b.a. Fireking Baking Company. There will be more restrooms available for longer hours and also about 34 additional parking spaces once the overall project is finished.
Despite the challenges, the Hingham Farmers Market continues to attract a good crowd and will operate from the Bathing Beach parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays until Thanksgiving.
FYI
And my dismay
Shouldn’t the final plans and permitting have been done before the first shovel of dirt was turned? Logic seems to dictate that. Or am I out of touch with reality?