HRA should concentrate on open space instead of brick-and- mortar development

To the Editor: At the March 25 Hull Redevelopment Authority meeting, board members Adrienne Paquin and Dan Kernan each highlighted a shared vision that resonates deeply with our community of Hull: the intrinsic value of open space as a cornerstone for Hull’s growth and well-being. Their individual presentations reaffirmed an essential truth – the current HRA board was chosen by a majority who advocate for the preservation of our open spaces over brick-and-mortar development. I encourage everyone to watch and listen to their presentations as they were concise, logical, sourced, and passionate in their detailed proposals.

This moment serves as a crucial reflection point. As both Paquin and Kernan each addressed, this moment invites us to revisit the surveys, the polling and votes, as a compelling reminder of our community’s overwhelming call for open space preservation. All this talk has raised a pertinent question: While the HRA has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and transparency, is just having public input sufficient? The essence of public service, particularly for Joan Senatore, our state-appointed member, rests on not just hearing but genuinely listening and then responding to the community’s voice and votes.

It is unclear to me, why in other members’ proposals, there is a prioritization of housing despite the clear feedback that places residential development among the least desired uses for the land. This in itself is an undervaluation of the public voice.

In reference to housing, the Hull Affordable Housing Committee’s identification of areas suitable for housing shows alternative approaches to meet housing needs without compromising our open spaces. As Adrienne pointed out, due to the redrawn flood maps, regulations for housing, flood zones, and state-mandated programs “... even the state does not think it is a good idea to put more housing for additional density on these lands…” Like the majority of voters, I also align with the community’s preference for open spaces. This is not to undermine the extensive efforts and plans developed over the years but better to adapt and realign those efforts with the present community aspirations. Adrienne Paquin’s insights remind us of our responsibility to ensure that our actions genuinely reflect the town’s vision and public desire, even if it means recalibrating our goals, as the HRA has done throughout its history. Adrienne goes on to say “... Just as the HRA has evolved its goals to meet the town’s needs, we can prioritize public good, which is, in essence, priceless. We have the freedom to use this land in ways that private properties in town can’t or will not do…” Public good is priceless are words to live by.

As Adrienne said, “Considering the present and future of the town, the realities of climate change, the feedback from citizens, the lack of governmental obligations and the freedom of opportunity allowed by an Urban Renewal Plan, I would like to focus on a call for a sense of place. For over 40 years, the HRA land has been used to enjoy sunrise and sunsets views, access to the beach and bay and gather for community events. Why should that change?”

Between Adrienne’s vision of “polishing” and Dan’s plan for incorporating the DCR-Nantasket Beach master plan which is working with, not opposed to, the DCR, a real vision for open community space emerges. Dan points out, using sourced data, that proximity to open space enhances property values and that HRA, as open space, could generate $1 million per year in additional revenue for the town.

This pivot toward open space as our “prime directive” offers a path forward where the community’s interests and the preservation of our natural landscape remain paramount. It’s a legacy worth striving for – ensuring this community space remains a public trust. Yes, it is possible. Adrienne and Dan showed how this can be accomplished today. Not tomorrow or in years to come, like any brick-and-mortar development, which will be mired in controversy, state and federal regulations, and competing private and public interests. Adrienne points out that the simple polishing of the bayside has generated much activity at a small cost – a shining example that the public good is priceless.

As volunteers and guardians of Hull’s future, the challenge before the HRA is significant but not insurmountable. By genuinely engaging with the community’s clear preference for open space, the HRA has the opportunity to redefine its legacy – one that honors the collective responsibility to cherish and protect our shared natural resources for generations to come. The current HRA board has demonstrated its ability to move in this direction; with the solicitation of the public that ended with 21 open space proposals to the two signature events happening this year, the Stars Above the Circus in July and the Line Pole Competition in May.

Kudos to the HRA board under the chairperson, Dennis Zaia, which is meeting the challenge head-on. However, the biggest challenge is yet to come, and that includes hearing the voices and votes of the public to address the visions of open space that will keep the HRA land for the public trust in perpetuity without the need for any brick and mortar. Yes, it can be done.

I implore the rest of the HRA board to not shy away from this challenge instead, rise to meet it.

Len Markowitz