The residents’ appeal of the Hingham (Mass.) Planning Board’s approval of a permit and site plan for the new pool means the project will be delayed. The plan includes a handicapped-accessible six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a zero-depth entry pool, a bathhouse, equipment storage building, and a splash pad. The appeal claims that during previous Planning Board meetings, “the plaintiffs sounded their objections to the project and raised many questions and concerns that the board did not address.” Friends of the South Shore Country Club President Patty McDonald says this latest development is “very disappointing.”
Several neighbors of the South Shore Country Club in Hingham, Mass. are appealing the Planning Board’s recent decision granting the town of Hingham a permit and site plan approval to construct a new pool facility, the Hingham Anchor reported.
The appeal will delay the start and completion date of the project.
Town Administrator Tom Mayo announced this “new development” at the Select Board meeting Sept. 14, the Hingham Anchor reported.
“The town is reviewing the appeal, but we feel that the [permit and site plan approval] were properly issued,” he said. Updates will be provided as they become available.
A club leader expressed her displeasure with the neighbors’ appeal.
“This is a very disappointing development for the Hingham community, which has overwhelmingly supported the town pool at the South Shore Country Club,” Friends of the South Shore Country Club President Patty McDonald told the Hingham Anchor. “The SSCC Management Committee has followed all of the proper planning procedures over the past six years and has been extremely transparent and accommodating to all parties concerned.”
McDonald is hopeful that the appeal can be resolved quickly so that the pool can open on schedule and on budget next summer, the Hingham Anchor reported.
“Further delaying this project will only increase costs and the taxpayers’ burden,” she said.
The appeal claims that during previous Planning Board meetings, “the plaintiffs sounded their objections to the project and raised many questions and concerns that the board did not address” and that some of the plaintiffs “were silenced during the public meetings and were not permitted to voice their concerns.”
The appeal also claims there is insufficient parking to accommodate the project and that the new facility will have significant adverse effects on neighbors, the Hingham Anchor reported.
The plan includes a handicapped-accessible six-lane, 25-yard lap pool, a zero-depth entry pool, a bathhouse, equipment storage building, and a splash pad.
Although the pool design would accommodate an all-season “bubble” covering, any proposal beyond a summer pool would require future Town Meeting approval on the budget side, the Hingham Anchor reported.
A number of individuals involved in the appeal were contacted by the Hingham Anchor for comment, but did not respond.
Resident Joan Chittick supports the pool project.
“It’s an affordable way for the entire community to have a good time and something that people from out of town can enjoy as well,” she told the Hingham Anchor. “It’s a great place for people to gather and to swim and then to rent a golf simulator or enjoy a meal at the [Greenside Grille].”
Another resident, Erin Cignetti, also shared her thoughts.
“As a close neighbor to the SSCC and supporter of the pool project, I am extremely disappointed to learn that fellow residents have appealed the planning board’s decision,” she said. “Residents in town supported the pool at [the] town meeting and with their votes at the polls. Our various town committees have thoughtfully considered all aspects of the project and addressed concerns that are important to the town and to its residents. I strongly feel the pool will be a tremendous asset to Hingham.”
Voters at the April 2022 town meeting appropriated an amount not to exceed $8 million for the town-owned pool facility, the Hingham Anchor reported.
This agenda item required a two-thirds majority vote, which was achieved by a 317 to 95 tally. In order for the project to move forward, an affirmative vote was also required at the May 14 town election, which was the final outcome.
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