The Hingham Select Board took a significant step Tuesday toward selling a historic, town-owned property at 8 Short Street, signaling a renewed push to generate revenue outside of property taxes. The board voted to approve a short-term lease extension for the current tenant through the end of the year, a move intended to provide time to prepare the building for a potential sale.

The discussion revived recommendations from the town’s Sustainable Budget Task Force to dispose of underutilized town assets. Board Chair William Ramsey stated the goal was to find new income streams, noting, One of our goals this past year is that we need to figure out ways to raise additional revenue... I'm of the mindset that we need to get the building ready to be sold as a way to generate more revenue. Ramsey also advocated for placing a historical preservation easement on the building to protect its character under a new owner.

Board member Liz Klene connected the decision directly to resident feedback. We have been hearing from residents the need to generate revenue other than just property tax increases and not wanting to have an override anytime soon, she said. So I do think it's important to move forward with some of these other options.

The building’s current tenant, Dick Orr, urged the board to reconsider, reminding them of past opposition. I'm sure you're aware, of course, that last year 2024, the issue of the sale of the building was before the town and was really overwhelmingly rejected by the town, Orr said, arguing for his two-year lease extension. Resident Mary Beth Lai questioned the financial wisdom of a sale, asking, What is it that you think is going to bring all this revenue to the town of Hingham? The building is in pretty bad shape right now and it's not going to bring in millions by any stretch of the imagination.

Despite the concerns, the board voted unanimously for the short-term extension. Motion made by L. Klene to authorize the Town Administrator to sign the lease agreement extension for 8 Short Street through the end of the year. Motion Passed (3-0).

In another major initiative, the board unanimously backed a grant application for a $1.25 million regional electric vehicle shuttle service. Presented by Max Hendricks of the company Circuit, the two-year pilot program would create an on-demand microtransit service connecting Hingham, Hull, and Cohasset. The service aims to bridge "first and last mile" gaps between key locations like downtown Hingham, the shipyard, and the Hewitt's Cove Ferry Terminal.

The plan hinges on securing a state grant that could cover up to $1 million of the cost. While supportive of the innovative, eco-friendly concept, board members expressed strong reservations about the town’s ability to fund its share if grant applications are unsuccessful. I'm happy to, if my colleagues agree, to sign the letter and move it forward, said Chair Ramsey. But... if we don't secure those grants... we're going to be hard-pressed to find it in our operating budget. Board member Julie Staley echoed the sentiment, stating, I am in favor of sending a letter of support for the grant, but again... just concerned about funding if this grant doesn't come through. Motion made by J. Staley to authorize the chair to sign the letter of support for the South Shore EV Microtransit Pilot. Motion Passed (3-0).

The meeting also included several significant updates from Town Administrator Tom Loughlin. He announced that all bids for the new pool at the South Shore Country Club came in over budget and have been rejected, forcing the town to re-issue the bid invitation. Loughlin also regretfully reported that Britney Alpon, the recently hired Assistant Town Administrator for Finance, has resigned for personal reasons. She will remain through November to assist with budget preparations.

Earlier in the evening, the board paid heartfelt tribute to Bob Curley, a longtime Hingham volunteer and 2024 Hinghamite of the Year, who recently passed away. I will always remember him as a kind and honorable man who helped in so many ways to make our community so special, Ramsey said. The board also approved a common victualer license for Brewed Awakenings at 19 Main Street, welcoming new manager Michael Thibeault. I'm not looking to make any drastic changes, Thibeault told the board. Looking to clean what's dirty, fix what's broke, add what's missing, and that's about it.