39 Merrill Road, whats next for this building?
Hingham developer Leo Tarris, owner of the building at 39 Merrill Rd., formerly known as The Highview Retirement Home, withdrew his application to convert the building into four condominium units at last nights (Thurs. March 4) Zoning Board of Appeals meeting.
Mr. Tarris submitted a letter to the Board requesting a withdrawal without prejudice, but after much discussion, the Board vote to accept the withdrawal with prejudice.
Withdrawal with prejudice means that the same plan can not be resubmitted by Tarris for a two year time period. But with a significant change to that plan or a completely new plan he could start a new process. Tarris said he has no plans at this time to move forward with any alternate design for the property.
Did you support this project or not?
What would you like to see happen with it now?
Please share your thoughts and ideas here.
..........The First Hullblog Election Poll..........
Rhoda B. Kanet John C. Brannan
Center: John D. Reilly Jr., Joan Meschino
Incumbent Selectmen John D. Reilly and Joan Meschino have both announced that they are running for reelection this May.
Also running for these seats are Zoning Board of Appeals member John C. Brannan and Beach Management Committee Chairman Rhoda B. Kanet.
Who are you going to support in this upcoming election? If you haven't decided yet, who would it be if the election were held today?
Please vote by leaving a comment.
Thanks.
31st ANNUAL SNOW ROW / HSAR's 10th Anniversary GIMME SHELTER Benefit Party
31st ANNUAL SNOW ROW
Press Release Date: February 23, 2010
Re: 31st ANNUAL SNOW ROW
Event Date: Saturday, March 6, 2010
Location: Hull, MA
Contact: Ed McCabe / Lory Newmyer
Contact Phone: 781-925-5433
Contact email: info@hulllifesavingmuseum.org
Hull, MA: HLM's signature-rowing race, the Snow Row, will be on Saturday March 6, 2010 at the Windmill Point Boathouse, 185 Main Street, Hull - at the very tip of the peninsula across from Hull High School. The race starts at 12 noon (coxswain's meeting at 11:30 am); the race fee is $20 per person. Spectating from the beach is free. A Harbor Express high speed ferry, with boarding at Pemberton Pier beginning at 10:45 am, follows the race course, affording spectators an even closer view of the event. The ferry is $10 per person, and is a perennial favorite.
Whether you want to relive a harrowing moment, nurse a Snow Row grudge, or provide some comic relief, this is a fun opportunity to swap stories of Snow Rows past while gearing up for what's sure to be another memorable race!
Come Celebrate With Us!
HSAR's 10th Anniversary
GIMME SHELTER
Benefit Party
Buffet, Dancing, Raffles and Fun!
Sunday, March 21, 2010, 2-8PM
The C-Note Hull, MA 159 Nantasket Ave.
Three great bands - Acoustic Phase, Catbasket
and In The House!
Reserve Your Tickets Now!
Sunshine Pet Parlor, 813 Nantasket Ave., Hull
$25 in Advance; $30 at the Door
Includes 2 Free Raffle Tickets
Buffet 4 to 7PM - Cash Bar
Thanks to the generosity of the C-Note and the bands Acoustic Phase,
Catbasket and In The House, every penny of the Ticket and Raffle Sales benefits the shelter!
A Case for Single Family Zoning in Hull
Photo by Hullblog.com
On 2/13/2010 10:06 AM teachyourchildren wrote:
HullBlog, Can we have a new thread regarding the single family zoning issue on Sagamore Hill? This is an issue that potentially affects every neighborhood in town. Thanks for considering this.
Hullblog.com responded:
Will Do.
By the way, I'm always looking for people to write and submit new entries on any topic. Submit to hullblog@comcast.net
So, I would like to thank Hullblog reader Walter Johnson for responding with the following entry.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************************
Disclaimer:The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Hullblog.com
******************************************************************************************************************************************************
A Case for Single Family Zoning in Hull by Walter Johnson
There being much ongoing discussion about zoning in Hull, it is important to put forth the argument for an expansion of single family zoning and for further restrictions on multi family and business zoning in our town.
Single-family zoning improves property values and protect our neighborhoods because owners typically live on the property and will normally maintain and upkeep their residence commensurately with the standards of the area. This builds on human nature because it is a tendency for people to want to “keep up with the Joneses.” For example, if I look out my window and see that my neighbor has just mowed the lawn, it becomes an impetus for me to mow mine because it may look unkempt in comparison. This can, under most circumstances, be said for painting and many types of general maintenance. This brings about improved appearance of neighborhoods and the likelihood that people with similar aesthetic values will want to move into the area and continue the upward spiral of home improvements which inevitably leads to increased property values, increased tax revenue, services and an overall improvement to the quality of life in the area.
The historical argument for single family zoning in Hull is even more compelling. If one looks at the photos of Hull from the last century, nearly all of the old hotels have disapeared because they became obsolete and too costly to maintain. Even the few rooming houses that remain are largely run down and detrimental to the quality of life and property values in the neighborhoods in which they are located. This cycle appears to be repeating itself already with the condominiums that have been built in the last few decades. It is clear that the buildings need much costly maintenance and will eventually, if they haven’t already, become the obsolete. For example, Spinnaker Island, once highly desirable, these condos are selling below previous values and many of them are now rental units. Once these become rental units, absentee landlords are often disinclined to upkeep these properties and pride of ownership dissipates This cycle is occurring not just in Hull, but nationwide. In contrast, many of the large old houses in Hull have been properly, even lovingly, maintained, updated and have kept their value, enhancing the town. Of course, the most obvious example is the 301 Nantasket Ave multi family dwelling versus the properties in any of the single-family neighborhoods in town.
Now to address business zoning: There are too many business districts in Hull as evidenced by the empty storefronts all along Nantasket Ave. Some of these areas should be rezoned as single family or possibly multifamily. We should zone specific area as business, from the Kenberma area south to Atlantic Ave. This could be designated as an enterprise zone, where tax breaks could be given to companies that agree to move in and improve the area. This would also help alleviate the constant battles between the businesses in town and the adjoining neighborhoods. It would also protect all the neighborhoods for Kenberma northward and encourage improvement of those areas. Of course existing businesses in those areas would be grandfathered but this would allow some of the vacant storefronts to be turned into residential uses. Again, to use 301 Nantasket Ave for an example of this problem: this building is business zoned so it is required to have a business use on the first floor and residential units above. This property would be better utilized as multifamily rather than be required to have another, probably empty, storefront on the ground floor.
Over the past few decades Hull has made a transition from a largely seasonal business and residential use to the wonderful year round suburban bedroom community that we currently enjoy. Expanding single-family zoning and restricting business zones will reinforce this healthy trend and improve the long-term potential of our town
Photo by Hullblog.com
Selectmen approve annual beer and wine license for Fascination.
The Board of Selectmen voted to approve an annual wine and malt license for Textile Building Trust dba Fascination last night. Manager Richard Lawrence said they "are trying to update the business a little bit and offer a little bit more to their customers."
He said there would be no more seating other than the ones located at the games themselves and there would be no bar to sit at. "There is no bar. This is going to be a service type bar only. So there won't be a place for somebody to sit around and drink all day."
Resident Pat Finn spoke in favor of Fascination's license request saying, there is a need for it, It is unique and one of the few historic businesses left down on the strip. "They've been paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people over the years and they should be rewarded."
Also speaking in favor was Schooners restaurant owner Jacqueline Chase. "I think right now with the economy, any business that is generated along the strip is going to be good. It's not a great economy, I'm hoping that his business will have maybe a spill off to ours." later on in the meeting she said "I'm really hoping that in the winter if somebody is going to Fascination, before they go there, they're going to come to my place and have something to eat.
Rhoda Kanet spoke in opposition to the license, expressing concern that they would be adding an establishment that serves alcohol in the middle of several family oriented venues such as the arcade, the carousel, mini golf, and the ice cream stand. "It's a lovely area right now where families feel very comfortable with their children walking around, and adding alcohol to that mix concerns me."
Also speaking in opposition was Anne Murray. She felt that there wasn't a public need for Fascination to serve alcohol in that area especially since they won't be serving food. "It's already an area that has high incidents of accidents and problems in the parking lots and adding one more there that's not food related where somebody's drinking with a meal, I just see as a formula for disaster."
Resident Alana Swiec, stating that she was not speaking for or against the license, asked that the board give this application as much scrutiny as they have to others in the past. "Every time an application comes up you've always done a very thorough job in interviewing the applicant and asking them for a business plan, a floor plan, paperwork validating TIPS certification, the names of the people who are going to be responsible, back up contact people. These are all the criteria that every other establishment in town has been asked to meet."
Selectmen candidate John Brannan expressed similar concerns asking that the board show more consistency in the future when it comes to making a decision on granting a license. "I would like to see some plan going forward where everybody has to meet the same set of standards" Brannan said.
Selectman Dennis Blackall voiced his concern saying that he feels like the town is driving forward with an alcohol based economy and that it will have a negative effect on Hulls reputation. He did however say that in this particular instance he would be in favor of approving the license application because it would hopefully help the towns economy.
Selectwoman Joan Meschino, who was the only board member in opposition to granting the license, said she believed that at one time we were an entirely alcohol based economy but with a lot of hard work and vision by various boards and commissions, we started to move beyond that. "While I have great faith in Mr. Lawrence, I do think it changes the nature of the area, and I don't think it needs alcohol, and in that space with the surrounding businesses, I don't see a fit or a need."
The operating hours that Mr. Lawrence requested were Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4 pm until Midnight.
The motion to approve the application was made by Olivieri and seconded by Sestito. Selectmen voting In favor of granting the license were Blackall, Sestito, Reilly and Olivieri, opposed was Meschino.
Agenda for February 9, 2010 Board of Selectmen's Meeting
Watch on Comcast channel 10
Channel 35 on Verizon
The Hull Channel
7:30 PM
Photo from http://www.town.hull.ma.us/
TOWN OF HULL MEMORANDUM
Agenda for February 9, 2010 Meeting
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
October, 20, 2009, November 17, 2009, December 1, 2009
APPOINTMENTS
7:30 – Public Hearing – Textile Building Trust dba Fascination, Richard Lawrence, Mgr. – Wine and Malt (annual) license as a General on Premise Licensee at 189 Nantasket Ave.
8:00 - School Committee
CORRESPONDENCE
- Jordan Smock – Permission for marriage on A St. Pier for Kirk Daffner & Lise Bliss on 6/19/10
- ABCC – re: Setting temporary increased population as of 7/10/10
LICENSES
1. Loretta West dba LW Auto Sales, 4 Lincoln St. – Class II Wholesale Auto- RENEWAL
An invitation from The Straits Pond Watershed Association /// February School Vacation At the Hull Lifesaving Museum
The Straits Pond Watershed Association (SPWA) would like to invite you and your friends to a presentation on "Plantings to Attract Birds" led by Sally Avery; Mass. Audubon Volunteer and experienced birder; and Judy Dorner from the Hull Garden Club. The focus will be on what to plant in order to attract birds around Straits Pond and adjacent communities.
The presentation will take place :
Date: February 28, 2010
Location: Estuary Center George Washington Boulevard, as you enter Hull
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M.
The presentation is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
This presentation is funded by the Hull Cultural Council.
For further information please contact Sue Lofchie 781.925.0535.
***********************************************************************************************************
|
Upcoming community events
The Red Parrot Banquet Room Creative Black Tie Event Cash bar with light hors d’oeuvres - Live Band! Weir River Woods Spring Walk. http://www.hulllandconservationtrust.org/ 10-2, Sat., April 17 Sustainable Living Expo 2010, Mary Jeannette Murray Bathhouse,
“The Sun’s Out”
Silent and Live Art Auction
The Hull Organizations Network for Everyone including You kick-off meeting will take place Thursday, January 28, at the Temple Beth Shalom hall, 600 Nantasket Ave. at Coburn Street. from 7 to 9 p.m.
See list here>>> Hull_Organizations_Network_list
Get to know each other face-to-face and create a communication network.Meet three times a year (Jan., Mar., & Sept.)
Coordinate efforts, such as:
Sustainability—Share resources and ideas to cut costs, form Low Carbon groups
eBay Giving Works store for Hull http://givingworks.ebay.com/
Community calendar with theme weeks/weekends
RSVP to 781-925-5665, one@hullportside.net . Wear a name tag (bring it J). Also Bring $2 to thank Temple Beth Shalom and send to Haiti.
Thank you for envisioning a fun, caring, prosperous Hull. P.S. Please help spread the word. See attached list.
Judeth Van Hamm
one@hullportside.net
One Hullportside, Hull, MA 02045
781-925-LOOK(5665)
Positive thoughts create positive results.
**********************************************************************************************************************
Friday Afternoon Sketching Is Back at the Hull Lifesaving Museum !
Friday Afternoon Sketching Is Back!
Dear Members and Friends,
We are happy to announce that we are resuming our Friday afternoon sketching sessions with artist Trish Turner.
This is a great opportunity to brush up on your foundation skills, and keep your sketchbook active.
Trish recommends, "Sizeable sketch pads, or papers and board, drawing pencils, at least 2B, plus 3, 4, or 5B. (softer and dark)., kneaded eraser (or similar), pencil sharpener, and some fine sand paper. Maybe a straight-edge too-18"metal."
The class starts this Friday, January 29th, at 2 pm.
The class is casual, with drop-ins welcome.
We'll start with warm-ups!!
$10 per class, payable to Trish Turner.
We hope you can join us. Please call or email with any questions, 781-925-5433 or victoria@hulllifesavingmuseum.org.
Unless otherwise specified, all sessions meet at the Hull Lifesaving Museum, 1117 Nantasket Avenue, Hull.
Scott Brown tops ticket in Hull
AP Photo from Boston.com
A total of 4,490 or 58% of Hull voters went to the polls yesterday to vote in the special election for U.S. Senator.
Scott Brown won in our town with a total of 2409 votes to Martha Coakley's 2037. Independent candidate Joseph Kennedy received 44 votes overall.
Here is a breakdown of how we voted.
Brown Coakley Kennedy
Precinct 1 794 707 18
Precinct 2 718 536 13
Precinct 3 897 794 13
——————————————————————————————————————
Totals 2409 2037 44
To see how the state voted overall visit http://www.boston.com/news/special/politics/2010/senate/results.html
Special Election Takes Place Tomorrow
When you go out to vote tomorrow please bring a food item or personal care item to help the local food pantry. Most needed items include, body soaps, feminine care items, shampoo’s & conditioner, dish washing liquid, and T.P.
Voting will take place at the Memorial middle School between 7 am and 8 pm and the collection box will be located just inside the door. Thank you.
*******************************************************************
If you haven't made up your mind yet, this information from todays Boston Globe might help.
By Stephanie Ebbert
Globe Staff / January 18, 2010
In the short sprint to tomorrow's special election, Republican Scott Brown and Democrat Martha Coakley have voiced increasingly divergent viewpoints on issues from war and spending to abortion and health care. Here's a look at the stances taken by Brown, a state senator from Wrentham, and Coakley, of Medford, the state's attorney general.
FEDERAL HEALTH CARE PLAN
Brown opposes. Pledges to be the key 41st vote against it. Supported Massachusetts' law expanding health care coverage to nearly all state residents but proposes to let a health board review and reconsider benefits that have been mandated by the Legislature since then.
Coakley Supports. Opposed House amendment that would restrict abortion access but supports Senate version, which would keep funding separate.
ABORTION
Brown supports Roe v. Wade, Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act, and strong parental notification law on abortion. Proposed an amendment to a bill requiring hospitals to offer rape victims emergency contraception, allowing health care workers to opt out based on their beliefs. Brown then voted for the bill without the amendment.
Coakley supports Roe v. Wade. Opposes Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act. Volunteered as a lawyer to help young women without parental consent get court orders allowing abortions. As attorney general, sued the Bush administration over regulations that would protect health care workers who refuse to provide services or prescriptions on religious grounds.
AFGHANISTAN
Brown supports President Obama's plan to send 30,000 more troops.
Coakley opposes president's plan, saying efforts should be focused on areas where Al Qaeda is now.
ECONOMY
Brown opposes tighter regulation of the financial industry.
Coakley supports new, tighter regulation on financial industry.
ENVIRONMENT
Brown opposes the wind farm proposed off Cape Cod. Opposes a federal cap and trade plan to limit greenhouse gases though as a lawmaker, he voted for Massachusetts to join a similar regional plan.
Coakley supports the wind farm. Supports a national cap and trade program on greenhouse gases.
TAXES
Brown opposes President Obama's proposal to tax large financial institutions to recoup taxpayers' investment in the economic recovery, saying raising taxes will kill jobs. Wants to extend Bush tax cuts for all taxpayers and reduce tax rates across the board.
Coakley supports President Obama's proposal to tax large financial institutions to recoup taxpayers' investment in the economic recovery. Supports letting Bush tax cuts on the top 2 percent of taxpayers expire.
TERRORISM
Brown supports waterboarding to get information from suspected terrorists. Opposes legal representation for alleged terrorists in civilian courts and wants them tried as enemy combatants in military tribunals.
Coakley opposes waterboarding. Supports trials for suspected terrorists in civilian courts, pointing to the consecutive life sentences that shoe bomber Richard Reid is serving after trial in federal court in Boston.
© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.