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Town Government & |
Committees: Harbor Development Committee Important Documents and Links:
2007 Annual Report Originally formed in 1957 as the Dredging Committee, the Harbor Development Committee (HDC) was established in 1971 by Town Meeting Warrant Article as a six member advisory committee with a mandate to "coordinate the planning and development of the tidal water areas within the Town borders. Membership has since increased to seven plus the Harbormaster ex officio. HDC works towards carrying out its assigned responsibilities within a basic goal framework which includes (1) environmental preservation and conservation, (2) expansion of waterways access and user base and (3) improved channels of communication among all waterways interests. These basic goals are now expressed in the Hingham Harbor and Tidal Waterways Management Plan, revised in February of 2006. A combined effort of past and present HDC members, the plan provides a history of Hingham's tidal waterways together with a list of specific objectives for their preservation and development. Current conditions are sketched, problems and possible solutions are presented and specific projects, plans and priorities are discussed. Copies of the plan are on file at the office of the Town Clerk. The plan should be regarded as a work in progress. HDC has completed a detailed Inner Harbor Masterplan. The plan is intended to provide plans for a full pedestrian walkway around the inner harbor and a specific set of priorities for future development of the waterfront properties. The major goal of the plan is additional public access to the waterfront property. We are in the process of requesting Community Preservation Funding for the engineering and design of a Pedestrian Access way from route 3A to Whitney Wharf. We will be working with the Costal Hazards Commission in conjunction with their evaluation of the Town's coastal structures. CHC was established by the State to inventory and prioritize the repair of coastal seawalls. The State Public Access Board has requested engineering proposals to redesign and improve the existing boat ramp, We will continually monitor this process. Public access to the Bouve property remains a concern of the committee; a grant to provide access to this property was received in February of 2002. We are currently working with the planning board and the shipyard developer to make sure that grant funds are spent appropriately and there will be public parking as well as public access to the Bouve property. Harbor dredging is a major activity; the Committee is working with the DEM and other State agencies to make sure that the planned Harbor dredging takes place. State funded testing occurred in 2007 to determine any contaminant levels in the material to be removed. The dredging will take place as soon as State funds are appropriated, currently estimated for the 2008/2009 dredging season. All of these projects require revenue enhancement. Mooring fees have helped and their contribution to waterways management expenses will increase as experience lends itself to their application. Grant monies continue to be sought. HDC has worked effectively with Community Preservation and we hope to work with Community Preservation on future projects. The Harbor Development Committee continues to expand its activities in the areas of communication and outreach. HDC co-sponsors the spring and fall harbor cleanups in conjunction with other Town civic organizations. An increasing number of waterways projects have been brought before HDC for recommendations prior to presentation at required regulatory boards and commissions. HDC encourages this latter practice since it is clearly in line with its established mandate.
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