HINGHAM - September 9 - The Hingham Select Board and Sewer Commission unanimously appointed Dr. Richard Eisen, a retired physician and 20-year Hingham resident, to serve on the Sewer Commission until the 2026 town election during their joint meeting Monday night.
The Full Story
The appointment filled a vacancy on the three-member Sewer Commission and came after a brief interview process where Dr. Eisen outlined his qualifications and commitment to community service. "I retired several years ago from medical practice, and I'd like to give back to the community," Eisen told the board. "I feel that my background as a physician really makes it clear to me the importance of the sewer commission and maintaining a proper sewer."
Dr. Eisen demonstrated familiarity with current sewer system challenges, identifying issues including system leaks, pumping stations near saltwater that need replacement or relocation, illegal hookups, and new ordinances regarding outdoor pump drainage. He also acknowledged discussions about potentially merging the Sewer Commission with the Water Commission, noting that "many towns have the two of them combined for various reasons."
Sewer Commission member Joe Fisher, who had asked Dr. Eisen to apply, praised his qualifications, citing not only his medical background but also his business acumen and community involvement. "I've worked with you in a number of settings. I'm an attorney, and I've represented Dr. Eisen in various business transactions. As I said, I served with him on nonprofit boards, and I'm just really in awe that you're willing to join us," Fisher said.
The bulk of the evening was devoted to a comprehensive presentation about the proposed Hingham Center for Active Living, a joint meeting involving the Select Board, Advisory Committee, and Building Committee. The design team provided extensive details about programming, room layouts, and activities planned for the proposed 25,950 square foot facility.
Jennifer Young, Director of the Center for Active Living, and architect Chris Wante walked through each proposed room, explaining current programming limitations and future opportunities. The presentation revealed that the current 5,000 square foot facility served 1,226 individuals in the past fiscal year, with 89 volunteers providing 5,614 hours of service equivalent to three full-time employees.
Doug Gallow, Senior Center Design Specialist, explained the architectural programming process that determined space needs based on activities rather than arbitrary room sizes. The proposed facility includes specialized spaces like a media room with tiered seating for 60-80 people, separate clean and dirty arts studios, a commercial kitchen, dedicated fitness areas, and multiple multipurpose rooms designed for specific programming needs.
Advisory Committee members raised numerous questions about costs, utilization rates, and operational expenses. Chair Carol Tully noted that cost estimates are expected by the end of September or early October, with actual bid numbers available before the annual town meeting. Several committee members expressed concerns about the building's size and its impact on property taxes.
The demographic data presented showed Hingham's population of nearly 8,000 residents over age 60, representing 32% of the town's population - higher than the Massachusetts average. By 2030, projections indicate over 9,000 residents will be 60-plus, approaching 40% of the population by 2035.
Building Committee Chair Tom Carey emphasized the need to plan for long-term service delivery, referencing Marshfield's experience where they built a 10,000 square foot center that proved inadequate within a decade, requiring expensive expansion. "The costs of that second addition with inflation meant that they spent a lot more money the second time around than it would have cost them the first time," Carey warned.
Public comments included concerns about environmental impact from Linda DiAngelo of the Back River Watershed Association, who urged reconsideration of the Bare Cove Park location due to proximity to the Back River estuary. Resident Amy Farrell requested consideration of cumulative tax impacts from multiple town projects beyond just the senior center.
The design team addressed questions about maintenance costs, with Town Administrator Tom Mayo noting plans for dedicated custodial staff and coordination with the Department of Public Works for snow removal and landscaping maintenance. Programming will include both free and fee-based activities, with priority access for Hingham residents age 60 and over.
The meeting also included routine business, with the board approving a change of ownership interest for Wahlburgers restaurant and continuing a liquor license application for Salty Days until September 16.
Why It Matters
Dr. Eisen's appointment ensures continuity of oversight for Hingham's sewer system infrastructure, which faces aging equipment and climate resilience challenges with pumping stations near coastal areas. The Center for Active Living discussion represents a significant potential investment in senior services as Hingham's aging population continues to grow rapidly, with nearly half of all residents over age 50.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve change of ownership interest for Paragon Funding Group III, LLC (Wahlburgers). Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:04:48)
Motion: Appoint Richard Eisen to Sewer Commission until 2026 town election. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 0:14:09)
Motion: Adjourn Select Board meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:33:59)
Public Comment
Multiple residents and officials commented during the Center for Active Living discussion, including concerns about environmental impact on the Back River estuary, questions about utilization projections, operational costs, and cumulative tax impacts from multiple town projects. Several committee members emphasized the need for comprehensive cost analysis before making final decisions.
What's Next
Cost estimates for the Center for Active Living are expected by the end of September or early October. The Salty Days liquor license application will be heard on September 16, 2025. The design team will continue developing detailed plans while addressing concerns about administrative space efficiency and operational costs. A future meeting will provide detailed utilization analysis for the proposed facility.