A detailed vision for a new 25,950-square-foot Hingham Center for Active Living was presented to a joint board meeting Tuesday, sparking a wave of critical questions from town officials and residents about the project’s potential cost, size, traffic impact, and environmental footprint.

Architects from EDM Studio and Lifespan Design Studios unveiled renderings and floor plans for a modern facility designed to serve Hingham’s growing senior population, which now comprises 32% of residents over 60. The proposed building includes a large multi-purpose room, a commercial-grade kitchen, dedicated fitness and art studios, wellness rooms, and extensive outdoor spaces connecting to Bear Cove Park. Jennifer Young, Director of the Center for Active Living, detailed how the new spaces would allow for a dramatic expansion of programming, from cooking classes and educational lectures to enhanced fitness and support groups.

While the design was praised for its thoughtfulness, members of the Select Board and Advisory Committee immediately began probing its feasibility and scale. Select Board Chair William Ramsey urged the building committee to look for efficiencies, particularly in the administrative areas. Member Liz Klene requested more data on transportation needs and the budget, while Julie Straley, sharing a personal story about her mother's positive experience with a similar center, lauded the design's potential.

Tom, Chair of the Hingham Center for Active Living Building Committee, defended the project's size, warning against repeating the mistakes of other towns. He pointed to Marshfield's senior center, which was quickly outgrown and required a costly expansion, as a cautionary tale.

The Advisory Committee, responsible for financial oversight, raised numerous pointed concerns. Members questioned the building’s utilization projections, the necessity of a dedicated media room, and the adequacy of the proposed 161 parking spaces. Ted Silicus asked about the cost difference between the proposed facility and a smaller one, while Ela Kusker, a Linden Ponds resident, highlighted concerns about future operational staffing needs for maintenance and snow removal. Advisory Committee member John voiced skepticism about the media room, noting that no peer community has a similar space and calling it a big ask.

Public comment amplified these concerns. Linda D'Angelo, President of the Back River Watershed Association, raised an alarm about the environmental impact, noting the proposed site is just 500 feet from the river within an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). She urged the boards to reconsider the location to protect the vital estuary. Resident Amy Frell asked officials to consider the cumulative impact on tax bills from multiple town projects.

Project managers stated that detailed cost estimates are expected by the end of September or early October, and a final bid should be ready in time for the annual town meeting.

Earlier in the evening, the Select Board and Sewer Commission held a joint session to appoint a new member to the Sewer Commission. After a brief interview, the boards unanimously appointed Dr. Richard Eisen, a retired physician and 20-year Hingham resident. I retired several years ago from medical practice and I'd like to give back to the community, Dr. Eisen said, adding that his background makes it clear to me that of the importance of the sewer commission... to prevent vector-borne diseases and also waterborne diseases. The boards voted jointly to approve his appointment. Motion that the select board and sewer commission appoint Richard Eisen to the sewer commission to serve until a permanent member is elected at the 2026 town election passed 6-0-0.

The board also approved a change in ownership for Wahlburgers at 19 Shipyard Drive. Counsel Alan McKenna explained it was a straightforward transfer of a 25% interest between existing members. Motion to approve the request of Paragon Funding Group III LLC doing business as Wahlburgers...for a change of ownership interest...subject to the approval of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission passed 3-0-0.