July 8, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Last night the Recreation Commission unanimously rejected the Historical Commission's proposal to save and restore part of the historic East Street skate house -- which has been closed for some time due to public safety concerns -- as a shed.
The Recreation Commission owns the skate house and has control over the adjacent pond -- the scene of many happy skaters and ice hockey players over many years.
The vote was taken during a remote meeting following a presentation of the proposal by the Historical Commission.
A shed -- as currently proposed -- could be used for storage, but would not be suitable for public use as a warming hut as it was before because it would not be up to town regulations for such a purpose, including handicapped-accessibility.
Rec Commissioner Vicki Donlan explained why the Commission didn't approve the plan to the Hingham Anchor: “The Recreation Commission listened to the Historical Commission's proposal for a shed at the East Street skate house location. The shed would be for storage use only. The Recreation Commission does not have a need for storage at this location.”
Historical Commission member Stephen Dempsey was disappointed with the decision and told the Hingham Anchor after the meeting that "a solid, comprehensive plan was presented to the Recreation Commission. It was explained that the process of saving a portion of the building would be made available and easy, nearly cost-free to them. The Historical Commission made every effort to salvage a portion of the building without bringing burden to the Rec Commission, which made it very clear that they have no intention of saving even part of the building. They are moving forward with their plans to demolish."
Dempsey was referring to the fact that Greenbush Historic Preservation Trust Fund money would be available to cover the estimated $28,300 cost of restoring the building's frame, roof, and siding.
As background, the Recreation Commission is seeking a demolition permit from the Historical Commission, which could invoke the town's six-month demolition delay by-law. This grants the Historical Commission the opportunity to delay the process because the skate house is an historic building. The idea is for both parties to come up with potential alternatives in the meantime.
At its Aug. 3 meeting, the Historical Commission will decide whether or not to actually invoke the by-law. If they do so, the six-month period would start right away and would afford another opportunity for both parties to work together.
As a tenth generation living in Hingham, as with in other locations, I see history being tried to be changed. I totally understand that as times marches on change also creeps in, Hingham is by no way Hingham as the few that are watching this transformation take place remember Hingham, not all that long ago the change has been swift.
To simply say no to an issue ( a buikding) that has memories for so many, but perhaps not those sitting on the Recreation Commission, Hingham should not be able to remember what was and maybe could be again.
I am 100% for saving Hinghams history, more so when no up ftont cost to the Town.