7:00 PM Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Task Force Members Present: John Riley, Selectmen; Alan Perrault, Harbor Development Committee; Harbormaster; Joan Williams, Trustees of the Hingham Bathing Beach; Ben Wilcox, HDIC.
Also present: Carlos Pena, CLE Consulting; Ken Corson, Harbormaster, Dave Fenton, Harbor Development Committee, Katy Lacy, Community Planning Director.
Minutes
The Task Force voted to approve the minutes of April 6, 2011.
Full Conditions Survey
Carlos Pena presented the findings gathered so far from the Full Conditions Survey prepared by CLE Engineering. The purpose of the study was to compile all existing plans, written information and records about the harbor and supplement this with a full survey of physical conditions, including structural assessments of seawalls, depth of water, availability of utilities, etc. This information could then be used as a basis for the Town to refine goals for the Harbor, and assess their feasibility.
The outline of the survey is attached to these minutes.
Following the conditions review, Mr. Pena asked the group how they wanted to focus further investigation. In summary, the group identified the following items that they wanted the consultant to investigate, including the development of rough cost estimates:
1. Rehabilitating the bath house, to include improved shower and bathroom facilities, and also possibly an area for a snack stand or concession. The concept here is that the Town could issue an RFP for a tenant interested in running the concession, who would then be responsible for keeping the facility open and maintained.
2. Creation of a pedestrian walkway, including some sort of bridge crossing over Town Brook.
3. Creation of Town-owned marina, including slips and marina facility, most likely near the existing Town Pier, where there is sufficient depth of water, and proximity to needed utilities.
The group went on to talk about the need to seriously consider some sort of modification to current traffic patterns on Route 3A to improve pedestrian access. They also instructed Carlos to look into possible sources of funding for these activities.
Next Meeting
The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, June 1 at 6:00. The Task Force will meet at the bath house at the Bathing Beach, and walk the length of the Harbor with Carlos Pena.
Katy Lacy
Director of Community Planning