Hingham Select Board Delays Vote on $1.9M Pickleball Complex Amid Noise Concerns

Residents near proposed Carlson Field facility raise questions about sound study findings and potential traffic impacts

HINGHAM - February 11 and 20 - The Hingham Select Board postpones voting on a proposed 12-court pickleball complex after residents express concerns about noise impacts and request further meetings with sound consultants to understand potential effects on nearby neighborhoods.

February 11 - The $1.9 million project, planned for Carlson Fields at Bare Cove Park, faces scrutiny despite a sound study indicating minimal disruption to nearby homes. The proposal includes $758,640 in Community Preservation Act funding, representing 40% of total project costs.

"We heard every high-pitched pop," says Hillary Tutko of Hillside Terrace, describing a test she recently conducted at the proposed site. She estimates the facility could generate "up to 130,000 high-pitched pops per day" based on projected usage across all courts.

The Recreation Department commissioned Acentech to conduct a sound study between November and December. The study recommends 10-foot-high sound screens around three sides of the proposed courts, with results showing decibel ranges between 19 and 42 at nearby residences.

"CHA believes that the decibel with a high of 42 with that sound mitigation option number two is comparable to the ambient noise of a library," says Recreation Director Mark Thorell.

However, residents question aspects of the sound study and its implementation. Bill Crean of Edgar Walker Court notes confusion between initial assurances and study findings.

"The application on October 8th said that noise concerns will be non-existent, none," Crean says. "Then the noise study comes back and says the sound predictions show that the proposed pickleball facility will be audible at all receivers."

Traffic concerns also emerge as an issue for nearby residents. Jim Costello of Adams Court raises concerns about cut-through traffic on his private road.

"What's going to stop them from organizing tournaments amongst themselves, even if it's not an official Town of Hingham or rec commission tournament?" Costello asks, noting the facility's size could attract regional events.

Recreation Commission Chair Vicki Donlan defends the location choice, citing natural buffers.

"Not only is it at least 700 feet from any residents, it also is surrounded by woodland," Donlan says. "That should also be another buffer that should be considered."

The project still requires various approvals, including from the Conservation Commission and Planning Department. Thorell acknowledges the design could evolve through the permitting process, potentially reducing the number of courts from 12 to 10 to meet setback requirements.

The Select Board decides to postpone voting on both the Community Preservation Committee recommendation and the related warrant article until after meeting with concerned residents and sound consultants.

In other business, the board:

- Approves $700,000 in Community Preservation funds for the Affordable Housing Trust Opportunity Fund

- Supports $600,000 in preservation funding for improvements to the Old Ordinary Campus ahead of America's 250th birthday celebrations

- Endorses a $40,000 project to digitize historic town records

- Recommends favorable action on transferring funds from stabilization accounts to offset tax impacts from major building projects

The board recesses to attend an Advisory Committee meeting regarding updates from the Center for Active Living Building Study Committee.

The pickleball proposal will return to the Select Board's agenda after additional meetings with residents and sound consultants. The project requires town meeting approval in April for Community Preservation funding.

February 20 - Hingham's Select Board has given the green light to an emergency $79,109 contract for repairing a crucial sewer pump station. The decision came during a special meeting on Feb. 20.

Town Administrator Tom Mayo now has the authority to sign an agreement with Williamson Electrical Company. The contract covers replacing failed valves and piping at the Bradley Woods Sewer Pump Station.

Russ Tierney, who presented the issue, emphasized the urgency of the situation. "If that pump fails, we'd have to resort to pumping and hauling sewage. We need to get this fixed quickly," he said.

The problem came to light on Jan. 24 when staff responded to multiple alarms at the pump station. An inspection revealed issues with internal piping, check valves, and gate valves that had become inoperable.

Tierney pointed out that these valves might be original components from the 1960s, well past their expected 35- to 50-year lifespan.

The $79,109 repair breaks down to about $35,000 for new valves, $30,000 for pipes, and $14,000 for a new flow meter. The funds will come from existing sewer department budgets.

Kirk Schiltz, chair of the Hingham Sewer Commission, explained the process: "We have an internal board policy that emergencies exceeding the $80,000 budgetary allotment for emergency services go through this expedited manner."

Select Board member Bill Ramsey highlighted the time-sensitive nature of sewer repairs. "When we're down to one pump, there's a real pressing need to get that one running. I believe each station has two pumps," he said.

The board unanimously approved the contract and ratified any actions Mayo had already taken to execute the agreement.

Full Feb 11 meeting available via Harbor Media. Feb 20 special meeting.