February 12, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
The Community Preservation Committee's five recommended proposals for Town Meeting 2021 consideration include funds for the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust, a restroom at Bare Cove Park, a new master plan for the Inner Harbor, and the cleaning and repair of five monuments and veterans’ memorials around town as well as money for CPC administrative purposes.
Community Preservation Act funds come from a tax surcharge approved at an earlier Town Meeting and may only be used for historic preservation, community housing, open space, and some recreational projects. They cannot be used to meet town expenses or for any other purpose.
This year the CPC has $1.6 million in its coffers, including $350,000 from a 28 percent state match.
Here are the details of this year's recommended proposals:
- $700,000 for the Hingham Affordable Housing Trust -- CPC Chair Larry Lindner said the committee is happy to be able to recommend funding the Trust's entire request this year, unlike past years, due to the small number of CPC proposals submitted this year.
In 2021 the Trust is hoping to purchase a house to add to the town's affordable housing stock and to improve other property it owns for that purpose.
Chair Tim White expressed appreciation for community, CPC, selectmen, and advisory committee support for providing more affordable housing in Hingham. "They have all been strong supporters of the Trust and of our very challenging task of creating affordable housing in what is a very wealthy town," he said.
- $67,800 to build a handicapped-accessible modular restroom in Bare Cove Park near the Green Dock House.
Selectman William Ramsey expressed support for the proposal, noting that the volume of visitors to the park has increased during the pandemic. "I think this is a great idea," he said.
- $60,000 to create a new Master Plan for the Inner Harbor that will complement the Downtown Sustainable Vision Study and the Rte. 3A improvement project.
The idea is to develop a vision for sustainable recreational activities and related infrastructure for the waterfront area.
- $15,000 to clean and repair the following monuments and memorials around town -- the Lt. Curtis Chase memorial located at Plymouth River School; the “In Memory of All Who Served” memorial plaque and the William H. Newey memorial located at 114 Hull Street; the Master Sergeants Bismark and Butch memorial gravesite located on the grounds of the DPW facility at 25 Bare Cove Park Drive; and the Glacial Boulder and bronze plaque located at 59 Rockland St.
"This is a way for the town to continue honoring our veterans," said Advisory Committee Chair Robert Curley. Additional memorials and monuments are expected to be repaired through further CPA appropriations in future years.
- $10,000 to be used by the Community Preservation Committee for administrative purposes.
The selectmen will vote on these proposals at a future meeting. Town Meeting has the final say.