Weymouth Approves District Improvement Financing for Union Point Development
New financing tool will capture portion of tax revenue to fund infrastructure improvements
WEYMOUTH - June 2 - The Weymouth Town Council has approved the creation of a Development Program District at Union Point, establishing a mechanism to fund public infrastructure improvements through District Improvement Financing (DIF). The measure authorizes the town to capture a portion of new tax revenue generated from private investments in the area to support development.
Town Solicitor Richard McLeod presented the measure to the council, explaining that the DIF would not create new taxes or increase the municipal tax rate.
"A DIF does not create a new tax or special assessment on the residents of this town," McLeod says. "It does not increase the municipal tax rate as well."
The financing tool allows the town to direct up to 30% of new tax revenue from development projects toward infrastructure improvements in the designated district, with the remaining 70% going to the town's general fund.
John Twohig, representing New England Development, the developer of Union Point, explains the concept as a way to incentivize growth.
"It is a vehicle to use a percentage of new incremental taxes that don't exist today to build public infrastructure that will encourage development and gross new tax revenues," Twohig says.
The DIF district encompasses the Weymouth portion of Union Point, which represents approximately 400 of the 550 developable acres at the former naval air station.
Twohig notes that the state has already committed significant resources to the project, including up to $35 million for infrastructure in the current calendar year and support from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority.
"The state is committing the dollars and the redevelopment," Twohig says. "Our focus is in Weymouth and that's where the state is committing the dollars."
David Rubin, a resident and appointed representative to the Southfield Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors, spoke in support of the measure.
"Like base redevelopment nationwide, Southfield can only succeed through public-private partnership," Rubin says. "The DIF represents one more step to unlocking development. It creates no financial obligation. You control every dollar and every specific proposal that comes before you."
The council approved the measure following the public hearing.
The Weymouth Town Council has approved a $5 million bond for road and sidewalk repairs throughout the town. The measure funds the continuation of the "Pave the Way" program, targeting several major streets for comprehensive improvements.
David Tower, DPW Business Manager, presented the proposal to the council, outlining the streets included in the project.
"The town is looking to appropriate the sum of $5 million to continue the Pave the Way program here in Weymouth," Tower says. "We're looking to do Middle Street from Broad Street to Washington Street to finish that part of the project. The entire length of Lake Street, Central Street, Torrey Street and Tower Ave."
Tower confirms that sidewalk replacements are planned for all the targeted roads, addressing a key concern for pedestrian safety and accessibility.
"We are looking to do all the sidewalks on all of those roads," Tower says.
The project will use Chapter 90 state funding for Lake Street improvements, while the other streets will be covered by the $5 million bond. Tower notes that a bid opening scheduled for the following Tuesday will determine how many additional miles of roadway can be improved with the allocated funds.
The measure passed unanimously, with Councilor Fred Happel expressing particular satisfaction about the inclusion of Central Street in the improvement plans.
In addition to the major infrastructure measures, the Town Council took action on several other items:
- Approved $15,800 from the Historic Preservation Reserve Fund for the restoration of the Hutchings Pipe Organ at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Weymouth, a 120-year-old historic instrument
- Confirmed the appointment of Lisa Coyne as Director of Human Resources
- Reappointed Brian Connolly as Town Auditor for a three-year term covering fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028
- Approved several reserve fund transfers, including $14,312.87 for election overtime and $133,315 for the Weymouth Fire Department Sick Leave Buyback Incentive
- Approved a $350,000 transfer from Free Cash to the HR Medicare Insurance line item
- Approved a $600,000 transfer from Free Cash to the Fire Department Overtime account
- Referred the fiscal year 2024 financial statements to the Budget Management Committee for review
- Discharged the Budget Management Committee from further consideration of a 2023 measure regarding pickleball courts at Riley Fields, with the administration now seeking an alternative location
The next regularly scheduled Town Council meeting will be held on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.