Hanover Select Board Approves Sale of 188 King Street Property
Town-owned property expected to go to market soon with public viewing scheduled for mid-August
HANOVER - July 21 - The Hanover Select Board unanimously approved a request for proposal to sell the town-owned property at 188 King Street during its Monday meeting, setting in motion a process that could see the property change hands within months.
Town Manager Joe Colangelo said the board's approval allows the town to move forward with an aggressive timeline that includes getting the RFP "out the door officially Friday morning." The sale was authorized by town meeting in May after more than a year of discussion.
"If you're not prepared to approve this tonight, then we're going to have to completely push that timeline back," Colangelo told the board, citing legal requirements to advertise in the Patriot Ledger and the Mariner newspapers.
The approved timeline calls for a public viewing of the property at 10 a.m. on Aug. 15 in the advisory committee room, with the Select Board considering proposals at its first meeting after that date.
Colangelo and Director of Public Affairs, Licensing, and Insurances Janet Tierney worked with attorney Kevin Feeley to ensure the disposal process avoids mistakes made during the Sylvester School sale years ago. The Town Manager expressed confidence in the RFP document after the legal review.
Select Board member Steve Louko raised concerns about the property's appearance before potential buyers view it. "Typically when somebody gets ready to sell a property, they do a little bit of sprucing up," Louko said, noting a tree growing out of the driveway and the property's rough condition.
Colangelo acknowledged the need for improvements, saying there are plans to remove youth sports equipment currently stored on the property and "try to spruce it up a little bit." He cautioned that the cleanup might not reach "Kristen Dailey standards" but promised to make the property "look as nice as we can prior to a public viewing."
Member Vanessa O'Connor requested a minor correction to the zoning reference in the RFP document, asking that "zoning bylaws" be changed to "Hanover zoning bylaws" for consistency.
The property sale represents one of several agenda items the board addressed during the meeting. The board also received a detailed presentation on flood resilience planning for the Beale Water Treatment Plant, which produces about 20% of the town's water supply.
Other Major Items:
• Members assigned liaisons for the board's five fiscal year 2026 goals, with Rachel Hughes leading governance and policy oversight, O'Connor heading financial health initiatives, Greg Satterwhite taking water resources, Rhonda Nyman focusing on environmental resilience, and Steve Louko handling community livability.
• The board reviewed but did not adopt a timeline for the fiscal year 2027 budget process, which will include a 10-year capital plan and multi-year budget presentations for the first time.
• Colangelo provided updates on solar initiatives at the transfer station, pedestrian safety improvements in West Hanover Square, and ongoing discussions about bringing MWRA water service to the South Shore.
• Budget Director Jim Hoyes provided updates on the transfer station enterprise fund, which has exceeded revenue targets at 105% of goal, and the Hanover energy choice program, which is providing 15.4% savings on electricity rates.
During public comment, Town Clerk Kathy Harder-Bernier, speaking as a resident, and Lisa Satterwhite expressed concerns about House Bill 4110, which would eliminate the North River Commission and transfer its responsibilities to local conservation departments. Both speakers urged the board to oppose the legislation, citing concerns about increased workload for town staff and potential inconsistencies in enforcement across the six affected communities.
O'Connor said the board plans to discuss the bill at its next meeting and that comments from impacted towns will still carry weight in the legislative process even if the formal comment period has passed.
The meeting also featured introductions for Adam Flood, the new water superintendent who replaced Neal Merritt after his June 27 retirement. Director of Public Works Victor Diniak praised Flood's 15-year tenure with the department and his work improving the water distribution system.
"Adam's been with us for about 15 years. Very strong background," Diniak said. "I think some of the reason that a lot of the dirty water that you used to see has disappeared is because of the work that Adam personally has done."
The board concluded its regular session before entering executive session to discuss contract negotiations with non-union personnel, including a police lieutenant and deputy fire chief position.