Hanson Select Board addresses MBTA community requirements, strengthens solicitation enforcement
Board plans letter opposing state housing mandate while police chief implements stricter policies against aggressive door-to-door sales tactics
HANSON - July 22 - The Hanson Select Board confronted mounting pressure from the state's MBTA community housing requirements while addressing resident complaints about aggressive door-to-door solicitors during its July 22 meeting at Town Hall.
Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett announced the board will send a letter to be read at a July 29 state hearing opposing the MBTA Community Act, which requires towns to create zoning districts allowing multifamily housing near transit areas. The letter must be limited to three minutes when read aloud.
"We have taken this up at town meeting. The majority of citizens have expressed concerns," FitzGerald-Kemmett said, outlining the board's position. She cited concerns about strain on first responders, schools, water infrastructure, and the town's lack of sewers as key objections.
The board also voted to direct the Planning Board to hold a public hearing regarding MBTA Community requirements for the October town meeting warrant. Town Administrator Lisa Green explained the Attorney General has warned the town it must address the requirements or face legal action.
"If you do not put this on the October town meeting warrant, we will be coming after you," FitzGerald-Kemmett said, paraphrasing the state's position.
The board plans to present two articles at the October special town meeting: one addressing the MBTA community requirements and another requesting funding to defend the town against potential state legal action.
Police Chief Michael Casey reported implementing stricter enforcement against door-to-door solicitors following complaints about aggressive tactics targeting vulnerable residents. One incident involved a developmentally disabled resident who was pressured into signing a $189 monthly pest control contract for four years.
"I made him void the $189 a month for a four-year commitment for pest control," Casey said of his intervention in that case.
The chief issued a special order requiring all officers to immediately remove solicitors who haven't registered with the police department, paid the $5 permit fee, or obtained required identification placards. Previously, officers often gave warnings rather than enforcement.
"Zero tolerance. It's a cease and desist, kick them out, not only off the property, out of town," Casey said of the new policy.
Current town bylaws require solicitors to register three days in advance, undergo background checks, provide vehicle information, and pay permit fees. Violations carry $300 fines for companies, though Casey acknowledged enforcement has been inconsistent in the past.
FitzGerald-Kemmett expressed interest in exploring stronger measures, including a "negative consent" approach where residents would be assumed to not want solicitors unless they specifically opt in. The board will seek legal guidance on First Amendment limitations before pursuing additional restrictions.
"I don't want people coming to my house," FitzGerald-Kemmett said, reflecting resident sentiment she's heard.
In other business, the board approved several appointments and discussed Camp Kiwanee's financial status following confusion at the spring town meeting.
Town Accountant Eric Kinsherf explained that Camp Kiwanee operates as a break-even enterprise, not a money-losing operation as some residents believed. The camp collected $277,000 in fiscal year 2024, up from the projected $227,000, and expects to have approximately $120,000 in retained earnings after budget adjustments.
"We're not bleeding money up at Camp Kiwanee," FitzGerald-Kemmett said, clarifying misconceptions about the facility's finances.
Camp Kiwanee Commission member Dori Jamieson reported strong performance across the facility's operations. Cranberry Cove beach generated $15,000 in profit last year on $50,000 in revenue, while the camp has 12 weddings and 60 parties booked for the year.
The Economic Development Committee plans to work with the newly reconstituted Camp Kiwanee Commission to explore revenue enhancement opportunities, including broader advertising and daytime corporate events.
The board also addressed several other items:
• Approved Alex Stewart's appointment to the Capital Improvement Committee
• Appointed Lan Woodward as assistant collector, effective Aug. 5, following Fran Forte's retirement
• Appointed Percy Child as youth services librarian, effective July 23
• Approved the 2025 election workers list submitted by the town clerk
• Accepted various donations totaling $1,542.50 for police, fire, and library departments
• Approved entering a three-year intermunicipal agreement with the Regional Old Colony Correctional Center
Green reported in her administrator's update that Town Planner Tony De Frias completed six One Stop for Growth grant applications totaling $877,500, though the town's non-compliance with MBTA requirements may affect eligibility for the $653 million state program.
The IT director has been reviewing technology systems and negotiating lower costs for subscriptions and hardware purchases since starting his position. The online permitting system, four years in development and funded by a $60,000 community compact grant, is now operational across most departments.
The Senior Center's modular building addition was delivered and installation began, with the $300,000 project funded entirely by grants secured by Council on Aging Director Mary Collins.
FitzGerald-Kemmett announced Hanson Day will take place Sept. 27 as a rain-or-shine event, with businesses, town departments, and nonprofits encouraged to participate. The event will be held at Indian Head if weather permits, or at the middle school if it rains.
The board also postponed approval of a Brook Bend Road block party until organizers address concerns from a resident who objects to having her driveway access blocked during the Aug. 31 event.