HINGHAM — February 26, 2026 — The Hingham Select Board voted 3-0 tonight to recommend favorable action on a $29.9 million warrant article for the construction of the new Center for Active Living (CAL) at Bare Cove Park Drive. Despite vocal opposition from some residents concerned about rising property taxes and environmental impacts on the park, Board members emphasized that the project is a long-overdue “need” essential to supporting the town’s growing senior population.
The Full Story
The February 26 meeting was dominated by a high-stakes discussion regarding Article P, the proposed construction of a new Center for Active Living. Town Administrator Tom Mayo and the HCAL Building Committee presented a revised project scope, noting that value engineering efforts had reduced the building size by nearly 10% to approximately 25,950 square feet and cut the estimated cost from an initial $35 million to the current $29.9 million.
The public comment period revealed a community deeply divided. Opponents cited the cumulative tax burden following recent major projects like the Foster School and the Public Safety Facility. One resident noted her taxes increased 48% after a recent reassessment, questioning if seniors could even afford to stay in town to use the new center. Environmental concerns were also raised, with some residents arguing that building at Bare Cove Park Drive would destroy precious wildlife habitats and disrupt the “peace and serenity” of the park.
However, proponents argued that Hingham’s seniors—who make up 35% of the population—have been “underserved for years” while supporting every other town project. Volunteers and staff described the current 5,000-square-foot senior center as “deplorable” and “embarrassing,” noting it lacks sufficient space for programs, leading to extensive waiting lists.
Select Board Chair William Ramsey shared a personal story about his mother’s experience with isolation, stating that a vibrant senior community “helped extend her life”. The Board concluded that while they are mindful of costs, the center is a critical infrastructure priority that has been studied for over a decade.
“I think about my own personal experience... the thing that really bothered my brother, sister, and I was the isolationism she was all by herself... I know [a senior community] helped extend her life.” [01:19:28] — William Ramsey, Select Board Chair
In addition to the CAL project, the Board unanimously recommended the sale of two unused town properties: 8 Short Street (the former Tree and Park barn) and 230 North Street (the former North Fire Station). These sales are expected to generate revenue for the Capital Stabilization Fund while removing maintenance burdens from the town. The Board also voted to move the town’s fire and police departments out of the state’s restrictive Civil Service system to improve hiring flexibility and recruitment.
Why It Matters
The unanimous support for the Center for Active Living sets the stage for a critical vote at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting. If approved, the project will require a two-thirds majority at Town Meeting and a subsequent ballot vote. For residents, this represents a choice between significant property tax impacts—estimated at roughly $174 annually for a home valued at $1.1 million—and addressing a long-standing deficit in services for the town’s aging population.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Recommend favorable action on Article P (Construction of Center for Active Living).
Vote: 3-0 ([01:22:15])
Motion: Recommend favorable action on Article Y (Sale of 8 Short Street).
Vote: 3-0 ([01:15:08])
Motion: Recommend favorable action on Article Z (Sale of 230 North Street).
Vote: 3-0 ([01:15:21])
Motion: Recommend favorable action on Articles CC and DD (Fire and Police Civil Service departure).
Motion: Recommend favorable action on Article Q (Library Chiller Replacement Project - $1.8M).
Vote: 3-0 ([01:33:53])
Public Comment
Public feedback was extensive regarding the Center for Active Living. Themes included concerns over the $29.9M price tag, the loss of open space at Bare Cove Park, and the “silent majority” of seniors who feel they have been neglected by town spending for decades.
What’s Next
The Center for Active Living project and other warrant articles will now move to the Advisory Committee for review and eventually to the 2026 Annual Town Meeting floor for a final resident vote.
Source Video: Harbor Media