Shannon Chiba: Open Space / Beach Shell
PLEASE NOTE:
The posting of citizen submissions does not reflect the HRA’s approval of a suggestion. Suggestions are posted as submitted, without editing by the HRA. This submission was offered prior to HRA submission guidelines.
There are two attachments linked at the bottom of this submission.
Dearest HRA and Town Residents,
With already dilapidated infrastructure and crumbling historical charm, Hull must maintain what we have left to preserve our beautiful coastal scenery and spaces for public congregation.
The facts as I see them:
- Population only increases - towns cannot keep building. The HRA land is beautiful and should be preserved to maintain spectacular views and nature.
- People need space to thrive - gathering places and open space improves mental and physical health of a population. Seeing and participating in carnivals, beer tents and bonfires there are our history, charm and are needed for our mental, physical and social health.
- Tax revenue from real estate is not a sustainable source of revenue - if the town seeks to make money, tax revenue from real estate has severe repercussions. We need only look to neighboring towns to see the danger of continued building growth. We lose charm, decrease tourism, increase a strain on resources and thereby lose tax revenue over time.
- The HRA land is intrinsic to our town’s identity - Who are we? A condo community? A resort destination? An entertainment destination? A quiet cape community?
In short, let us form a cohesive identity that focuses on our people, our unique history and charm, and our natural beauty. I advocate for returning Hull to a summer resort town with entertainment, events, beauty and fun.
What works? Hull has always been a destination town. Our land is small, our town is growing, and we only have this open land left.
Let’s keep the HRA land open, bring more community events there and use HRA dollars to improve our town’s infrastructure. Let’s build up our area with experiences and charm to form a better and more beautiful Hull.
Leaving the land completely undeveloped does not do justice to the folks that lost their land, beach houses and homes that were taken by eminent domain for the purpose of redevelopment. I propose common ground:
One thought is to place a structure there that increases tax revenue, boosts tourism and looks great. A hatch shell akin to that on the Esplanade in Boston or the Sea Shell of Hampton Beach, NH would aid our town and its people. More folks, more fun, more space and it would pair with Hull’s identity as a destination location.
What does not work? Parking. We have a lack of land issue. With an already stressed parking situation in Hull, let’s not add to it. Bring back the Hull O Trolley as a shuttle from DCR lots, Nantasket Junction and the like. Revenue to fund operation can come from the shuttle service. This will alleviate parking problems, add to city charm and aid traffic woes. This also increases foot traffic, the use of bicycles and will also boost tourism.
Housing is an issue in Hull. Housing problems cannot be solved by building upon open space. Building more and more does not get to the heart of the problem of housing shortages. Housing codes and the allowance of short-term rentals may alleviate our housing problems, but this is an issue the open space component of the HRA should not have governance over.
Why a shell? A hatch shell preserves the land, our current events that use HRA land and creates a focal point for all. This proposal is a more sustainable, economically responsible and a beautiful option. In order to make the shell continually attractive to folks, we need a few elements:
Folks will need shade and paths in open space. Shade can come from natural trees found in our area. Beauty can come from shrubs which are pest and disease resistant. Picnic tables with corrosion resistant components can be installed. Paths can be made from beach stone and sand.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/coastal-landscaping-in-massachusetts-trees
I advocate for cedars, pitch pine and serviceberries due to their open structure, storm resistance and spring florals.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/coastal-landscaping-in-massachusetts-shrubs-and-groundcovers
I advocate for beach plum, viburnum and Virginia rose for beauty and to feed our native bird populations.
Use of the shell will need to be governed by a board, the HRA or City Hall. Permits for use can be another revenue generator.
