About the Hull Redevelopment Authority
The Hull Redevelopment Authority (H.R.A.) owns 12.5 acres of property, from Water Street to Phipps Street, from the ocean to the bay. Its goal is to enhance the H.R.A. properties by creating a user-friendly area that preserves open space and is suitable for viable economic development that meets the needs of Hull.
(as noted on the H.R.A. website)
The History of the
Hull Redevelopment Authority
The H.R.A. was created in 1961 via a Special Town Meeting to accept a charter from the Federal and State governments to redevelop the parcel of land that was deemed to be substandard, decadent, or blighted open areas for industrial, commercial, business, residential, recreational, educational, hospital, or other purposes. The initial funding arrived at the end of 1967 in the amount of $4.7 million to take the 76 buildings on the property by eminent domain.
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In the years since the H.R.A. was formed, multiple development opportunities have not come to fruition. These include Consultants Inc. in 1979, A.J. Lane in 1989, and Nantasket Beachfront Condos in 2004.
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The H.R.A. completed the analysis, due diligence, and evaluation for the two developer proposals submitted for the development of the H.R.A. property between Water Street and the DCR parking lot along Hull Shore Drive Extension, concerning a 2018 RFP.
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Based on the proposals presented at two H.R.A. meetings held at Hull High School, as well as subsequent meetings with both development groups, the H.R.A. decided not to move forward with either proposal. Each proposal led to further questions that were not answered to the satisfaction of the H.R.A. in the more constrained proposal process mandated by current law.
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Now, the H.R.A. is moving forward on the development of an Urban Renewal Plan through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
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Having an approved updated Urban Renewal Plan will allow the H.R.A. greater flexibility to engage and interact with governmental agencies, potential developers, and others to achieve the objectives described in the approved Urban Renewal Plan. This Plan will reflect recent planning and other studies undertaken for this important area in town.
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To learn more about the HRA, visit: https://www.hra02045.com/