HINGHAM - January 6, 2026 - The estimated cost for Hingham’s proposed Center for Active Living has dropped to $29.9 million, down from a previous high of $34 million, project leaders announced Tuesday. As the project heads toward a critical vote at the April Town Meeting, residents remain sharply divided, with supporters pleading for a “home” for seniors and critics questioning the expense amidst other town priorities.
The Full Story
Project designer Chris Wante and Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Dan Pallotta presented the latest design development estimates to the Select Board. Through “fine-tuning” structural systems, simplifying site amenities, and overhauling the stormwater management plan to use above-ground rain gardens instead of underground tanks, the team has shaved approximately $4 million off the original estimate presented at the 2025 Town Meeting.
“We’re sitting at about 29.9 [million] as of today,” Wante stated, noting that the team is “continuing to chip away at the cost estimate”. Pallotta added that they expect competitive bids when the project goes out to contractors in mid-April, just weeks before the Annual Town Meeting.
However, the public comment period revealed deep community fissures. Resident Jenny Ballou offered a passionate defense of the project, urging the board to remember the “human cost” of delay.
“The senior citizens need a home in this town... I know that it seems like I’m not taking [cost] into consideration. I am, but I’m also asking you to keep in mind the human cost as well. The senior center will be used. It won’t be underutilized.” — Jenny Ballou [01:16:05]
Conversely, resident Peter Goldstein, joining via Zoom, argued the facility is a “want and not a justified need,” citing higher priorities like school upgrades and the South Fire Station. “I don’t think the number of people who are using the existing facility justify such an expense,” Goldstein said [01:17:18].
Other residents raised concerns about the project’s scope. Judy Sneath questioned the wisdom of building another “enormous facility,” drawing parallels to the new Foster School and Police Station, which she claimed appear underutilized.
Financial Forecast & “Free Cash” In better financial news, Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Katie Dugan presented the FY25 Fund Balance Memo. The town is in a “strong position” with $11.3 million in excess unassigned fund balance—often called “free cash”—available for appropriation.
Dugan also unveiled the preliminary FY27 Financial Forecast, which currently projects a $1.1 million deficit. Town Administrator Tom Mayo and Dugan described this as a typical starting point, expecting the gap to shrink to $300,000–$400,000 as state aid numbers are finalized and health insurance estimates are refined. “This document is not a question of if we balance, it’s a question of when we balance,” Mayo reminded the room.
Why It Matters
For Hingham taxpayers, the Center for Active Living represents the next major capital override vote. With the cost trending downward, proponents hope to make the tax impact more palatable. However, the timing is tight: firm bid numbers won’t be available until mid-April, leaving voters little time to digest the final price tag before the April 27th Town Meeting. Additionally, the $11.3 million in free cash gives the town significant flexibility to address one-time capital needs without further raising taxes.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Approve Minutes (Dec 2, 9, 16, 18, 2025)
Vote: 3-0 [02:47]
Proclaim Jan 7, 2026 as “Adelia the Wonder Girl Day”
Vote: 3-0 [05:42]
Note: Honors Adelia Genevieve, a local girl who inspired the community during her battle with DMG brain cancer.
Special One-Day Liquor License (Vitamin Sea Brewing)
Vote: 3-0 [08:46]
Event: New Year’s Bonfire at Weir River Farm, Jan 10, 2026.
Liquor License Amendment (Main Street Market & Spirits)
Vote: 3-0 [10:50]
Details: Change of ownership interest.
Authorize ARPA Portal User
Vote: 3-0 [12:31]
Details: Designates Katie Dugan to manage Plymouth County ARPA grant applications.
Public Comment
Center for Active Living: Heavy engagement. Concerns focused on cost, utilization, and the timing of the final number relative to Town Meeting. Support focused on the urgent need for senior services.
Building 14: Resident Nes Correnti asked about the fate of the dilapidated Building 14 at Bare Cove Park if the project fails; Tom Mayo noted no current plans to demolish it outside of this project. [01:21:08]
What’s Next
Center for Active Living: Construction documents to be released March 6; Contractor bids expected mid-April; Final vote at Town Meeting (April 27).
Budget: Select Board and Advisory Committee will begin detailed budget hearings in the coming weeks.
Adelia Day: Residents are urged to observe January 7th by emulating Adelia’s spirit.
The tension between "want vs. need" in municipal projects like this always reveals the deeper challenge communities face: how to balance quality of life improvements against fiscal responsibility. The $4M cost reduction demonstrates good project management, but the real test will be whether voters see the $11.3M in free cash as a buffer that enables this investment or as a reserve that shouldn't be tapped. With final bid numbers not available until mid-April, the timing creates a difficult decision-making environment for voters at the April 27th Town Meeting.