HULL - February 11, 2026 - The Hull Select Board moved closer to a generational shift in town infrastructure February 11, reviewing three primary site options for a new joint Public Safety Facility. After hearing a dire assessment of the town’s century-old police and fire stations—described by officials as “beyond substandard”—the Board authorized a new nine-member building committee to lead a multi-year design and construction process that could cost upwards of $50 million.
The Full Story
The centerpiece of the meeting was a presentation by Gregory Joynt, Principal Architect at KBA, detailing the preliminary findings of the Joint Public Safety Facility Feasibility Study. KBA analyzed 26 potential sites throughout Hull, narrowing the focus to town-owned land that could support a modern, 50,000 to 67,000-square-foot facility capable of housing both the police and fire departments.
Three “viable” options rose to the top of the KBA analysis:
Option 1: A new combined headquarters at the current Town Hall site (253 Atlantic Ave.), paired with a new fire substation at the existing A Street location.
Option 2: A combined headquarters at Town Hall, with a fire substation located at the L Street fields/ball fields (using a lot across the street for parking).
Option 3: A new combined facility on the HRA Lot B (5 Water St.), utilizing the existing A Street substation.
The architects and town officials emphasized that while the HRA site offers the lowest flood risk and ample space, no final decision has been made. Fire Chief Chris Russo and Police Chief John Dunn offered sobering testimony regarding current working conditions, citing health risks including black soot in insulation, mold, and a “tremendously high cancer rate” among firefighters.
“To call them substandard is actually a compliment. They’re really in terrible shape. It’s beyond the time that we should have dealt with this.” — Select Board Chair Irwin Nesoff
The Board voted unanimously to establish a Public Safety Building Committee to finalize site selection and oversee community outreach. The nine-member group will include representatives from the police and fire departments, the town manager, and four residents-at-large with backgrounds in real estate or finance.
Why It Matters
For Hull residents, the project represents one of the largest capital expenditures in town history. Beyond the fiscal impact, the site selection will dictate emergency response times for the next 50 years.
Official Minutes & Data
Major Business & Infrastructure
Crescent Beach Seawall Settlement: Town Manager Jennifer Constable announced a $6,658,900 settlement with Allied World Insurance Company (the bond company) following litigation. The funds are intended to resume the long-delayed seawall project.
Waterfront Access: The Board formally transitioned the Waterfront Access Study Group into a permanent Waterfront Access Advisory Committee. The group is tasked with implementing repairs and improvements for the town’s 108 controlled access points along its 27 miles of coastline.
Nanny B’s Ice Cream: Steve Bowman, owner of Nanny B’s (and the South Shore Taco Guy), was granted a common victualler license for his new business at 169 Nantasket Ave.
Nantasket Beach Car Show: The Board approved the 20th annual show for Sunday, Sept. 13th, which has raised nearly $90,000 for kids with cancer.
Town Manager Evaluation
The Board completed its annual evaluation of Town Manager Jennifer Constable. The board summary found she achieved or exceeded standards in 7 of 10 categories, specifically praising her work in fiscal management and advancing major capital projects. However, “ongoing work” was noted in three relationship-based areas: relations with elected officials, reporting, and citizen relations. To address this, the Board voted 4-1 to initiate a facilitated communication process via the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association.
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To establish the Public Safety Building Committee.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously.
Motion: To establish the Waterfront Access Advisory Committee.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously.
Motion: To approve the Town Manager evaluation summary and facilitated improvement plan.
Outcome: Passed 4-1 (Taverna opposed).
Public Comment
Public feedback focused heavily on the Public Safety Facility. Residents expressed concerns over response times to the Village and Green Hill areas, the future of the current Town Hall building, and the flooding history of proposed sites.
What’s Next
Community Outreach: KBA and town staff will begin a series of public forums on the safety building starting the last week of February.
Budget Presentation: The final FY2026 budget is expected to be presented on February 25th.
Committee Vacancies: The town is actively seeking four residents-at-large for the Public Safety Building Committee and two for the Waterfront Access Advisory Committee.
Source Video: Hull Community Television