July 6, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Many of us enjoy swimming, picnicking, boating, and walking along the waterfront, and also shopping, dining, strolling, and visiting historic sites in nearby downtown Hingham.
Members of the Hingham community are invited to attend the remote kickoff meeting for the Hingham Harbor and Downtown Sustainable Vision Study on Wednesday, July 8, at from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to share their thoughts and ideas. Community engagement is an important part of the effort. (See remote meeting information below.)
"We're interested in building on existing information and current ideas in order to connect the harbor and downtown Hingham and to activate this district in accordance with the vision of the town," said Director of Community Planning Mary Savage-Dunham.
Connecting the harbor with the downtown area has long been a goal among town officials, downtown merchants, and others, and this interactive meeting is an opportunity for town officials, Hingham citizens, and other stakeholders to be part of the process.
Connecting the harbor and downtown
The intent of the study is to find ways to enhance walkability and accessibility to the harbor and the downtown area and to develop a plan to connect the two areas, creating the feel of one walkable district for residents and visitors alike.
Possibilities include wayfinding signage, the creation of a cultural district, a series of walkways and destinations to draw visitors to explore the harbor and downtown area by creating "a sense of place," and identifying opportunities for pocket parks and other improvements to the pedestrian experience.
The study will also identify potential new uses for the harbor and a diverse mix of businesses to attract more visitors.
At the same time, "A coordinated plan will help to advance climate resiliency measures to ensure the sustainable protection of the harbor for years to come," according to the project summary.
Town officials, residents, downtown business owners, the HIngham Downtown Association, the Harbor Development Committee, the Historical and Historic Districts commissions, the Trustees of the Bathing Beach, the Conservation Commission, the harbormaster, Planning Board, Hingham Development & Industrial Commission, the Master Plan Committee, and other interested parties will be involved in the process.
A $25,000 planning assistance grant awarded to the town by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council will cover most of the study costs.
Shared vision
The overall objective is to create a shared vision for the district and to define short- and long-term recommendations to help the town achieve its goals. This new study will take into consideration the 2007 Master Plan for Hingham Harbor and an earlier sea-level rise analysis, Massachusetts Department of Transportation road safety audit and "road diet" analysis for the Summer Street area, and a downtown parking study.
The conversation will include information about previous related studies, the current study area, and the scope of the work and the schedule for completing the study, with time for questions, concerns, and suggestions.
There will also be an opportunity for participants to share their thoughts about:
* What works in Hingham Harbor and in Downtown Hingham, and what doesn’t?
* Weather/coastal-related and resiliency issues (in part related to expected sea-level rise);
* What resilience should look like for Hingham Harbor;
* What this study should accomplish;
* How to stay engaged in the process and to also involve others.
Here's what you need to know to connect to the meeting:
Hingham Harbor and Downtown Sustainable Vision Study
Stakeholder Meeting #1
July 8, 2020
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Remote Meeting Information
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/join
Call in Number: 1-646-876-9923
Meeting ID: 965 1579 3524
Many years ago, the town had the foresight to purchase properties on the harbor and convert them into parks so that there would be an unobstructed view of the harbor except for the boating facilities. Adding more businesses to that area contravenes that vision, especially with the vacant storefronts downtown.