KINGSTON - December 16, 2025 - The Board of Selectmen finalized a major Host Community Agreement for a new rail-haul waste transfer station and officially executed the contract for incoming Town Administrator Scott Lambiase. The meeting also revealed a surprise $4 million state windfall to repave a major town artery at no local cost.
The Full Story
Waste Transfer Station Moves Forward After years of negotiation, the Board voted unanimously to execute a Host Community Agreement with Kingston Environmental LLC for a waste transfer facility at 48 Marion Drive. The facility is designed to use the existing rail infrastructure near the MBTA station to transport waste out of state, diverting it from local landfills.
Jack Walsh, principal of Kingston Environmental, appeared before the board to finalize the deal, which serves as a critical step before the company seeks state permitting. While the agreement was not strictly required for the project to proceed, officials noted it demonstrates alignment between the developer and the town regarding operations and benefits.
“This is a partnership with the town. We’ve been spending a lot of time behind the scenes working with the town departments... we really think it’s going to be a great project for the town.” — Jack Walsh, Kingston Environmental LLC
New Town Administrator Hired Amid Budget Caution The Board officially executed a contract for Scott Lambiase to become the new Town Administrator, with a start date of January 5, 2026. Lambiase will overlap briefly with Interim Town Administrator George Samia to ensure a smooth transition.
While the vote was unanimous, the discussion highlighted looming fiscal tensions. One Selectman, Carl Pike, voiced strong reservations about the contract’s cost, signaling future battles over the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
“I am in 100% agreement with the selection of Scott... However I am concerned with the contract, with the terms of the salary that I believe is richer than the town can afford in consideration of all the financial issues that we have coming up in the future.” — Selectman Carl Pike
$4 Million Paving Windfall In a significant win for taxpayers, Interim Superintendent of Streets Shawn Turner and Town Planner Valerie Massard announced that MassDOT has accepted Route 106 for a full grind-and-overlay repaving project. The state will cover the entire cost—estimated at nearly $4 million—for the stretch running from Main and Summer Streets all the way to the Plympton town line. The work is targeted for Fiscal Year 2027.
Rising Tides at the Ah-De-Nah The Board received a sobering presentation from the Woods Hole Group regarding the “Ah-De-Nah” site at 45 River Street. Climate Resiliency Specialist Linnea Laux presented data showing the wharf is already fully submerged during “King Tides,” with sea level rise threatening the harbor master’s office.
The town is utilizing a state grant to develop design alternatives to protect the critical waterfront asset. A preferred design alternative is expected to be selected by June.
Why It Matters
The Host Community Agreement secures local oversight and potential revenue from a major industrial operation that will impact town infrastructure. Meanwhile, the $4 million state paving grant frees up massive amounts of local capital funds that can be redirected to other urgent road repairs.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Contract for Town Administrator
Motion: To execute the proposed contract for Scott Lambiase, Town Administrator.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0
Host Community Agreement (Waste Transfer)
Motion: To execute the host agreement between KESP and Town of Kingston for waste transfer facility as presented.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0
MOU for Road Openings (Water/Sewer/Highway)
Motion: To approve the MOU concerning planned or emergency road openings... undertaken by the water department or wastewater department on public ways.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0
Annual Town Meeting Date
Motion: To set the 2026 Annual Town Meeting date of May 2, 2026.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0
New Police Appointment
Motion: To appoint Wes Patrone as a full-time permanent civil service police officer starting Jan 5, 2026.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Vote: 5-0
Public Comment
Keith Hansen (Copper Beech Drive): Reported “deplorable” conditions on a paved easement walkway between Copper Beech Drive and Kingston Elementary School. He cited sinkholes and liability concerns, stating he can no longer maintain it personally. The Board promised to investigate ownership and repair responsibilities immediately.
What’s Next
January 5, 2026: New Town Administrator Scott Lambiase begins his tenure.
June 2026: Board to select a preferred design alternative for the Ah-De-Nah coastal resiliency project.
Action Item: Town staff to inspect the Copper Beech easement and clarify liability/repair duties.
Exceptional job covering the rail-haul aspect here. The detail about leveraging existing MBTA infrastructure to bypass landfills is genuinely clever urban planning. I worked on a feasibility study for intermodal freight in the midwest, and one thing we found was that Host Community Agreements often collapse during the permitting phase when actualized impacts on local roads become clear. Walsh's emphasis on partnership sounds encouraging, but the real test is wether the rail infrsatructure can scale beyond initial projections.