ABINGTON — March 18, 2026 — In a high-stakes meeting at Abington High School, New England Development presented a plan to bypass the eight-year wait for state water by connecting the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station to Brockton’s supply. The proposal, which includes an $8.5 million infrastructure investment funded entirely by the developer, aims to bring 350,000 gallons of water daily into the Abington-Rockland system. This move could accelerate the generation of an estimated $4.5 million to $5.2 million in annual tax revenue for each town by more than five years, providing what officials called much-needed “breathing room” for the region’s strained water infrastructure.
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The Full Story
The Abington-Rockland Joint Water Works (ARJWW) currently operates with virtually no excess capacity, a reality that has stalled commercial and residential growth at the massive “Union Point” redevelopment site (the base) within Abington and Rockland. While a long-term connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is planned, it is not expected to deliver water for at least eight years [15:04].
John Twohig, representing master developer New England Development, warned that without an interim water solution, the developer would be forced to focus exclusively on the Weymouth portion of the base, where water is already available. This would leave Abington and Rockland waiting nearly a decade to see any fiscal benefit from the project [14:13].
Twohig presented two primary options to the commissioners:
System Optimization: A $300,000 developer-funded study to determine if the existing Myers Avenue wells can be upgraded to increase flow through regulatory or infrastructure improvements [16:28].
The Brockton Connection: A $8.5 million project to run a mile of 12-inch pipe from Center Street in Brockton into Abington. This connection would utilize excess water from Brockton’s system, sourced partly from the Aquaria desalination plant [20:04].
Under the Brockton plan, the developer would pay for all capital costs, including a $3.5 million connection fee to Brockton [26:02], [33:01]. Of the 350,000 gallons per day provided, 75,000 gallons would be reserved for the towns of Abington and Rockland to use outside of the base. “It is getting gallonage into the Abington-Rockland system that, if it can’t come from its own system, would come from outside,” Twohig explained [24:01].
Tony Omobono of Tetra Tech detailed the technical challenge, noting that a mile of existing 6-inch pipe would need to be replaced with 12-inch pipe [21:03]. He emphasized that while the plan is “optimistic,” hydraulic and water quality studies are required to ensure the Brockton water is compatible with the existing local supply [22:19].
The proposal received strong backing from town leadership. Abington Town Manager Mike Maresco and Rockland Assistant Town Administrator Courtney Bjorgaard both urged the commission to pursue the viable options [54:15], [56:03]. Bjorgaard noted that the project represents a “rare opportunity” to reduce pressure on residential taxpayers while improving public safety and schools [55:05].
“We think this solves it. We’re willing to fund it because we think getting development in Abington and Rockland sooner rather than later is good for us... and it benefits the community outright right away.” [29:37] — John Twohig, New England Development
Why It Matters
For residents, the stakes involve both the tap and the tax bill. The ARJWW is a self-sustaining enterprise fund, meaning it relies on rates rather than property taxes. However, the lack of water has led to persistent seasonal restrictions. The proposed 75,000-gallon “gift” to the towns’ water bank would provide immediate relief for the system. More significantly, the ability to start development on the base in 2.5 years instead of 8 years means millions of dollars in new tax revenue could hit town coffers much sooner, potentially funding schools and infrastructure without increasing the burden on local homeowners.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To open the public informational meeting. [00:11]
Vote: Unanimous ([00:15])
Motion: To adjourn the meeting. [01:14:52]
Vote: Unanimous ([01:15:07])
Note: As this was an informational forum, no official votes were taken regarding the water supply proposals. [01:04]
Public Comment
Labor Support: Frank Baxter, a union representative from Weymouth, spoke in favor of the project, citing the “thousand men and women” who would benefit from the jobs created by the base’s growth [33:36].
Revenue Concerns: Resident Lori Childs (also a Rockland Select Board member) highlighted the importance of the $4M–$5M annual revenue, noting that waiting 8 years would mean losing out on nearly $45 million in cumulative revenue [34:52].
Water Quality: Resident Mary Parsons questioned “wheeling fees” from Brockton and the complexities of blending different water sources [32:22].
Independence: Resident Steve O’Donnell (also a Rockland Select Board member) confirmed with the board that the towns own their primary water source, Big Sandy Pond in Pembroke, outright [58:14].
What’s Next
ARJWW Superintendent Kristel Cameron outlined the immediate roadmap:
MOU Negotiation: Finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the developer [01:07:00].
Technical Studies: Launching hydraulic and water quality parameter studies to ensure no “detrimental” effects on the existing system [01:07:05].
Financial Analysis: Evaluating the budget impact of purchasing water from Brockton and potential ratepayer effects [01:07:26].
The board indicated a desire to move “sooner than later” on a decision to either move forward with the studies or “get it off our plate.” [01:06:09]
Source Video: Abington CAM