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Development and Industrial Council

Committees: Development and Industrial Council

Development and Industrial Council

The Development and Industrial Commission is established under MGL Chapter 40, Section 8A for the promotion and development of the industrial resources of the municipality.  The commission "shall conduct researches into industrial conditions, investigate and assist in the establishment of educational or commercial projects, including projects involving private enterprise, for the purpose of expanding or strengthening the local economy, and shall seek to co-ordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for said purposes..".  Hingham's commission was established in the early 60's and was very active and effective for many years.  After a period of inactivity, it was revitalized in 1997. 

Appointments are made by the Board of Selectmen.  The commission consists of not less than five nor more than fifteen members.  The term is five years.

2009 Annual Report

In the previous year the Hingham Development and Industrial Commission (HDIC) has expanded its role to include the waterfront from the rotary to the bathing beach and to the South Hingham Overlay District. We will continue to work on wrapping up downtown Greenbush mitigation projects such as pole removal and the continuation of new sidewalks on North Street and generally focusing on a variety of activities aimed at promoting economic activity in the Town’s commercial areas.

The Tunnel Cap over the Greenbush rail has undergone its transformation over the last year. The approved landscape design and plantings were installed along with planters, benches and bicycle racks. The Hingham Garden Club was kind enough to pay for watering through the summer since no watering system is in place. Watering will be an ongoing issue with the Tunnel Cap along with the weeding that will be needed. The Tunnel Cap is a pedestrian friendly environment with a welcoming appearance for all to enjoy in Downtown Hingham.

The HDIC continued its long standing support for The Hingham Farmers Market during the past year. Fulfilling a long standing goal of bringing more activity to Hingham Square, the HDIC and the HFM collaborated on bringing a mid-week market (The Square Market) to Hingham Square for 13 Wednesdays during the summer of 2009.

The HDIC also worked closely with the HFM and the Hingham Planning Board to write language for a change to the Zoning By-laws to codify permission for farmers' markets to operate in Hingham's Open and Official Space districts which includes its location at the bathing beach. The warrant article will be presented for the Town's consideration at the 2010 Annual Town Meeting.

Work continued with the DPW, the Underground Utility Task Force and property owners on improvements to the portion of North Street from Station Street to Mill Street, which will include the installation of new sidewalks and the burial of remaining overhead utilities on North Street from Station Street to Mill Street. The next section of work planned is the intersection of North Street and Route 3A to improve pedestrian access to the waterfront.

The Harbor Task Force, consisting of representatives from the HDIC, Planning Board, Harbor Development Committee, Bathing Beach Trustees, Selectmen’s Office and the Harbormaster worked on resolving overlapping issues in the area of the Harbor, with our goal of strengthening the pedestrian connection between Downtown and the Harbor.

The HDIC and the Harbor Task Force worked with the Planning Board to draft a warrant article to create a Harbor Overlay District which would include changes to the zoning by-law to provide more flexibility in the allowed uses at the Harbor.

Hearings were held by the HDIC for input from property owners to look for ways to improve the economical viability of the South Hingham Overlay District. Subsequent meetings with the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals resulted in the permitting of an outpatient facility in South Shore Park and proposed zoning changes for other areas of the District.

The economic and development environment of the Town has fared well thought the recent recession compared to other towns. Much of this can be attributed to strong government, proactive land use boards and strict conservation and historic regulations that maintain the character of the Town.

The results of these efforts make Hingham a desirable place to live and build businesses, that in turn provides a stable tax base to support schools and other public services that allow the Town to continue to maintain its attractiveness for residents and businesses alike.

The HDIC would like to thank all of the individuals and groups noted above and others for their help on these projects.