HULL — January 13, 2026 — The Hull Select Board moved forward with critical infrastructure updates this week, including a major progress report on the town hall’s relocation to the Memorial School and a stern enforcement action against a Beach Avenue homeowner for unauthorized dune excavation.
The Full Story
Town Manager Jennifer Constable informed the board that the transition of municipal offices to the former Memorial Middle School is entering a detailed design phase. Architects and the Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) are scheduled to meet with town staff next week to finalize furniture layouts and office placements. Constable highlighted that the building offers “ample space” beyond municipal offices, hinting at future discussions for additional community uses.
The meeting also addressed a significant environmental violation at 169 Beach Avenue. The Conservation Commission issued an enforcement order after a homeowner connected to a water main within the primary dune system—against explicit prior advice—and “significantly excavated” the protective dune. The order requires the homeowner to discontinue the connection by January 22nd and submit a comprehensive restoration plan by February 9th. Because the site is a potential habitat for the piping plover, the plan must also be reviewed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
Constable shared that Boston officials recently reached out specifically to learn from Hull’s extensive experience with climate adaptation, federal and state grant earmarks, and complex environmental permitting. Addressing the Select Board, Constable expressed pride in the town's staff for their proactive work that has positioned the small barrier beach community as a model for major metropolitan areas.
“It really is rather impressive, the amount of work that we’ve done in that space as a municipality... to have a major city like Boston reach out and want to learn more about the work that’s happening here.” [08:44] — Jennifer Constable, Town Manager, regarding Hull’s climate resiliency leadership.
In other news, the town secured a $278,400 grant from the Seaport Economic Council for the Pemberton Pier community commuter float. On a somber note for local tradition, the “Drowned Hogs” announced that their annual polar plunge on January 31st will be their final event after a 30-year run.
Why It Matters
The relocation to Memorial School is a multi-million dollar effort to modernize town services and escape a deteriorating current facility. For residents, the dune enforcement serves as a high-stakes reminder of the town’s commitment to protecting its barrier beach status, which is vital for storm surge defense.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Reappoint General Counsel Mead, Talerman & Costa, LLC, and Labor Employment Counsel Clifford & Kenny.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) ([03:30])
Motion: Approve common victualler license renewal for South Shore Taco Guy at 165 Nantasket Ave.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) ([04:10])
Motion: Accept the meeting minutes of December 3rd and December 17th.
Vote: Unanimous (5-0) ([05:40])
Public Comment
No formal public comments were recorded during this brief administrative session.
What’s Next
The Select Board will maintain its schedule with meetings on January 21st, February 4th, and February 18th, despite the latter falling on school vacation week. A “Dinner and Design” public session regarding the Hampton Circle Resilient Park is scheduled for January 29th at the Nantasket Beach Resort (The Harris) at 6:30 p.m.
Source Video: HullTV - Select Board Meeting January 13, 2026
Impressive how Hull's climate resiliency work caught Boston's attention. The dune enforcement case shows how critical it is to maintain these natural defenses even when they creat efriction with individual property needs. I've seen similar coastal comunities struggle to balance development pressure with ecological preservation, and Hull seems to be getting the balance right.