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Hingham Harbor Development Committee
Meeting Minutes November 12, 2008
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm; a quorum was confirmed.
Committee Members Present:
Nick Amdur, Dave Beal, Chris Daly, Adrienne Ramsey, Alan Perrault, Robert Mosher,
Warren Nottleson
Members Not Present:
Other Speakers:
Jim Clarke, Carolyn Nielsen, Nick Bonn
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Previous Meeting Minutes:
Minutes from the meeting of October 8, 2008 were reviewed. A. Perrault made a motion for
approval of the minutes, seconded by R. Mosher. The vote to approve the minutes was
unanimous.
Dredging Update:
N. Amdur advised that there is no significant news or update. The Harbormaster is arranging a
meeting with the DCR representative, potentially with Selectman Rabuffo in attendance. The
Harbormaster is trying to get a better understanding of what needs to be done to gain release
of the funds allocated by Commonwealth.
.
Dock Policy:
C. Daly reviewed the first draft of the dock and pier policy and presented copies to all
Committee Members. All Committee Members were asked to review and provide feedback.
The first draft will also be sent to the Conservation Commission for review and creation of a
final version for presentation to the Selectmen and Town Meeting.
Carolyn Nielsen, representing the Conservation Commission, spoke about the Conservation
Commission’s support for the policy and discussed the timeframe and deadlines associated
with creating a warrant for Town Meeting. C. Nielsen to review the draft with the
Conservation Commission and compile the feedback from the Commissioners. The next
Conservation Commission meeting is December 1, 2008.
Whitney Wharf Fence:
N. Amdur advised that there is no update from Town Counsel. The DPW has filled in the sink
holes on the wharf. One section of the fence is very loose and could be a safety issue.
Joint Meeting with Community Preservation Committee:
N. Amdur provided an update on the recent meeting with the CPC where the Whitney Wharf
pedestrian bride was discussed.
A placeholder for funding of the engineering costs for the project is in place with the CPC.
The two location options for the bridge were discussed. D. Beal recommended creation of a
document that covers the pros and cons of each location. D. Beal to create and present to CPC
and Nick Bonn (Owner of 3 Otis Street) for review.
The next steps in the process (assuming support from CPC are as follows:
1. Generation of a new engineering study based on the recommended seaward location.
2. CPC review
3. Warrant article for approval of funds to construct the bridge.
Nick Bonn, owner of 3 Otis Street/Bare Cove Marina, reaffirmed his support for the project.
He offered to obtain bids from contractors to improve the potential bridge landing spot. Nick
Bonn and D. Beal to meet at the site and discuss further.
Jim Clarke asked if it would be possible to obtain a letter from the Commonwealth’s Highway
Department stating that they will not move the traffic signal control box on the sidewalk on
Route 3 A in front of the 3 Otis Street property.
Joint Meeting with Planning Board:
Although this meeting was originally scheduled for November 17th, Town Planner, Katy Lacy,
has recommended that we postpone to January 2009. HHDC or Planning Board could host the
meeting. N. Amdur to write up potential topics of discussion.
Hingham School Rowing Program:
Nick Bonn advised that the Zoning Board of Appeals review of this application has been
delayed by two weeks.
Nick Bonn thanked the Committee for the support of the Rowing Program.
Other Business:
N. Amdur advised that was asked to speak at the Rotary Club meeting earlier this month. He
made a presentation to the Rotary Club members that was very well received and obtained
quite a bit of feedback from the storyboards displayed with the renderings from the Master
Harbor Plan.
C. Daly made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by D. Beal. The motion was
unanimously approved and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2008; 7:30 pm, Town Hall.