The Hingham Select Board gave its unanimous endorsement Tuesday night for the town to pursue grant funding for a proposed $1.5 million single-lane roundabout at the hazardous intersection of Main, Middle, and Short Streets. Town Engineer J.R. Fry presented the plan as a critical safety improvement for a location that has seen 20 accidents in the last four years, including one fatality. "This would significantly increase safety for vehicles... pedestrians... and cyclists," Fry explained, noting that the design reduces 32 potential conflict points down to just eight. The project, which would not encroach on the Town Common, aims to be fully funded by a combination of state grants. The board voiced strong support for tackling the long-standing issue. "I am indefinitely in favor of doing this," said Chair William Ramsey. "It's a road that directly feeds to high school, so you have a lot of younger drivers... students have to get across this intersection which is extremely dangerous." Board member Julie Staley agreed, stating, "20 accidents in four years, including a fatality, is just not acceptable, and we need to do something."

In other business, the board finalized a new five-year municipal solid waste disposal contract with Reworld Seamass. DPW Superintendent Ashley Ber praised the town's negotiating team for securing favorable terms. "They originally came at us with a 4% increase yearly," Ber said. "We were able to negotiate it down to a 2.7%... so we're excited about that." Board member Liz Klene commended the effort, saying, "Well done." The board also welcomed Katie Dugan as the new Assistant Town Administrator for Finance. "I'm excited to be part of the Hingham community and and support what you guys are doing," Dugan said. After a brief discussion, the board formalized the agreement with Reworld. Motion Made by Liz Klene to "authorize the chair to sign the agreement with Reworld Seamass Limited Partnership for municipal solid waste disposal for the town of Hingham effective January 1st, 2026 through December 31st, 2030." Motion Passed 3-0.

Conservation efforts also saw a significant step forward with the board’s approval of the town’s acquisition of a 4.34-acre property at 145 Hershey Street. The parcel, offered by the owner, consists of mostly wooded wetlands and will be preserved for wildlife habitat and water resource protection. Shannon Palmer of the Conservation Commission described the land's future, noting, "It won't be used actively as as some of our other sites. It's more for preservation in this case." The board voted to accept the deed. Motion Made by Julie Staley to "approve the Conservation Commission's acceptance of the deed to 145 Hershey Street pursuant to Mass General Laws chapter 40 section 8C." Motion Passed 3-0. Earlier in the meeting, the board formally accepted the withdrawal of a liquor license application. Motion Made by Julie Staley to "accept the request from Salty Days Hingham LLC doing business as Salty Days to withdraw their application for a restaurant common victual all alcoholic beverages license filed with the town of Hingham on July 7th, 2025." Motion Passed 3-0.

During his report, Town Administrator Tom updated the community on the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle over the Riverstone 40B development on Ward Street. He announced that the state's Supreme Judicial Court denied the town's final request for appeal. "This ends the litigation over the comprehensive permit issued by the zoning board for the Riverstone development," he stated, adding that the town will now take steps to comply with the court's decision. The board concluded its business by appointing several residents to town committees, including Jessica Foley to the Commission on Disabilities, Melissa Fairfield to the Shade Tree Committee, and Margaret Curley Nash to the Weir River Estuary Park Committee. The meeting was adjourned.