October 6, 2025 by Joe Nevins
For some of us, the recent release of estimated project costs for a new Center of Active Living is the final step in a decades long process. Site selection came first, followed by preliminary designs and lastly estimated project costs. But in reality this is just a beginning as many people will be focusing on this for the first time. From now until the April 2026 Annual Meeting and the town vote a week later, our Select Board, volunteer Advisory Committee, CAL Building Committee along with many other town boards and officials and members of the public, will be actively involved in scrutinizing all aspects of the proposed Center. As members of the volunteer Council on Aging we welcome this process. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the seniors in Hingham and to educate the public about the vital role a vibrant Center for Active Living can bring to the town. Many of us are passionate about this project. But our passion does not include lack of respect for the critical role played by our elected officials and fellow volunteers as the proposed Center is examined from all possible perspectives, including the all important financial impact. We are mindful that our citizens need to know how their tax dollars are spent. We want them to realize value for hard earned dollars. We appreciate that there will be different opinions and perspectives from other volunteer committee members and from residents.
We remain committed to answering all questions to the best of our ability and want to thank in advance all of the volunteers, citizens and elected officials for their dedication to this effort over the next six months. Civic engagement is an important aspect of our community. We welcome that engagement.
Joe Nevins, Chair
Hingham Council on Aging
Joe
This is a wonderful project-well organized, lots of input from the community and the HCALstaff, budget estimate looks great and we can be proud of the building design. We have been assured that the Center is not encroaching on Bare Cove Park, it will be a beautiful site with plenty of parking, adjacent to the new Pickleball Courts and the trails of Bare Cove. Very exciting!! The taxpayer median annual cost is $210/year and there are programs to help if taxpayers who need abatements. Thanks to you and your committee’s leadership for HCAL. We have waited a long time to provide a great Center for the Seniors and I can see it happening in the near future.!
Thanks
John Deeley