Question of the Week #3 - Eric Haskell, Candidate for Hingham Selectman

For the first time in years, Hingham is about to achieve compliance with 40B, the state law requiring 10% "affordable" housing. This is a significant accomplishment, but it has cost several of our neighborhoods dearly.

Our compliance is due to large apartment developments at the Shipyard and the Hingham Mutual building, which will significantly impact Beal Street, Route 3A, and surrounding neighborhoods. My pledge to those neighborhoods, and others facing outsized development, is that I will work to mitigate those impacts—just as I have worked with my own Plymouth River Neighborhood Association in responding to the proposed Viking Lane development.

However, residents should note what’s positive about 40B compliance: Once both the Shipyard and Hingham Mutual developments receive permits this spring, Hingham will regain its ability to enforce local zoning. With greater control over land use, we can re-focus on planning for Hingham's future.

Thoughtful planning is what I will bring to the Board of Selectmen. My goal is to develop a "Hingham at 400" plan—so named because, with leadership and proactive management of our 40B obligations, Hingham can reach its 400th anniversary in 2035 with a plan that reflects responsible development priorities.

As Selectman, my priorities for "Hingham at 400" would include: managing school enrollment impacts; ensuring neighborhoods get a say in new development; cultivating senior housing opportunities; and smarter traffic management. I invite you to join me in an open and transparent discussion as we plan for a Hingham where all families can grow and prosper.