EAST BRIDGEWATER - December 22, 2025 - The East Bridgewater Select Board finalized a major infrastructure agreement with Equity Industrial Southeast LLC, securing a $1.38 million owner cost-share to connect the Harte-Hanks and Signature Health properties to the North Bedford Street sewer system. The deal, which includes a 10% immediate deposit and a 25-year repayment plan with interest, marks a significant step forward for the town’s sewer expansion project, which officials noted is running three months ahead of schedule.
The Full Story
The agreement with Equity Industrial Southeast LLC was the fiscal highlight of the night. Town Administrator Charlie Seelig described the negotiations as a “long and winding road” due to the complex ownership structure of the various properties involved. Under the terms, the developers will pay an estimated $1,386,000 to connect to the municipal system.
“They are hooking the Harte-Hanks building up immediately... that will be a welcomed sight,” said Chair Peter Spagone Jr., noting that the connection makes the properties far more attractive for future leaseholders and development [47:30].
Town Administrator Performance Review The Board also publicly approved a “consensus compilation document” summarizing the annual performance review of Town Administrator Charlie Seelig. While the individual assessments remain confidential personnel records, the public summary was overwhelmingly positive. Board members praised Seelig’s communication skills and “wealth of knowledge,” though Seelig and the Board jokingly lamented the “convoluted” process required by Open Meeting Law.
Central Cemetery Bylaws The meeting took an emotional turn when resident Heather Craven approached the Board to speak about Central Cemetery. Craven, whose daughter Sydney passed away in 2015, expressed issue over the strict enforcement of decoration bans at the grave site. She described the removal of personal items as a lack of “compassion and common courtesy” by the private cemetery’s trustees.
“A cemetery is not a park and it’s not an arboretum, it’s a sacred place where families come together to mourn and to heal... Decorating a grave site is not about excess, it’s about love.” — Heather Craven [11:55]
The Board expressed deep sympathy but clarified that Central Cemetery is a private non-profit entity, not a town department, limiting the Select Board’s jurisdiction. However, Chair Spagone and Town Administrator Seelig agreed to draft a letter to the cemetery trustees, hoping to facilitate a meeting between the board and grieving families to find a compromise.
Property Dispute Continues Resident George Doucette returned to discuss an ongoing boundary dispute involving his shed and town property. Doucette argued that conflicting surveys make the true property line unclear. The Board advised him to coordinate with the Building Inspector and suggested that a third-party civil engineer might be necessary to settle the matter definitively.
Why It Matters
The sewer agreement is a critical piece of the economic puzzle for East Bridgewater. By securing private funding for public infrastructure, the town reduces the burden on residential taxpayers while unlocking the commercial potential of the North Bedford Street corridor. Meanwhile, the limitations faced by the Board regarding Central Cemetery highlight a common frustration in local governance: the inability of elected officials to intervene in the operations of private entities, even when they serve a quasi-public function like a cemetery.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To approve the consensus compilation document for the Town Administrator’s performance review.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[43:00]]
Motion: To sign the wastewater sewer connection agreement with Equity Industrial Southeast LLC.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[49:32]]
Motion: To approve the transfer of liquor license from Tri Town Convenience and Liquor Inc. to Tri Town Express Inc.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (3-0) [[38:11]]
Motion: To renew various annual licenses (Alcoholic, Common Victualler, Entertainment, etc.) for 2026.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (Multiple votes) [[50:00]]
Public Comment
Heather Craven: Spoke on the decoration removal policy at Central Cemetery.
George Doucette: Discussed conflicting land surveys regarding a shed encroaching on town property.
What’s Next
Sewer Project: Construction continues, currently running ahead of schedule.
Cemetery Issue: The Town Administrator will attempt to contact the Central Cemetery trustees to request a meeting.
Traffic Safety: MassDOT is evaluating the Bridge Street/Plymouth Street intersection for potential safety signage improvements in 2026.
Source Video: EBCAM (East Bridgewater Community Access Media)