Developer Seeks Expansion of Sewer District for Lambert Lane Homes

The Select Board on April 29 reviewed a citizen petition to expand the North Cohasset Sewer District and allow two parcels on Lamberts Lane to connect to the Hingham sewer system—a request that sparked pushback from board members and raised questions about past activity on the site.

John Ormond presented Article 18, a warrant item he submitted for consideration at the upcoming Town Meeting. The article seeks to add the two rear lots of a four-lot subdivision to the sewer district, which would allow the full project to connect to Hingham’s infrastructure via a 10-foot extension through Cohasset property.

“This is just basically to connect to Hingham sewer, and Hingham already approved it,” Ormond told the board. “We have septics already designed and ready to go. We think it's better for the environment and better for the neighbors to connect to sewer.”

Town Manager Christopher Senior explained that although Hingham has authorized the connection, the two lots in question are not located within the North Cohasset Sewer District. Without Town Meeting approval, those parcels must use septic systems.

“Two of them are in the district,” Senior said. “Two are not. So regardless of their ability to connect to Hingham, if the petition isn’t approved, they cannot be attached.”

He clarified that while the pipe runs through Cohasset’s Hull Street, it is a Hingham sewer line used under a municipal agreement. Cohasset’s sewer commission has jurisdiction only over connections within its own district boundaries.

Board members questioned the rationale and tone of Ormond’s remarks. Member Paul Grady challenged the developer’s characterization of past approvals and blasted activity on the site.

“It’s been convoluted, mixed up—things have gone on up there for years that shouldn’t have gone on,” Grady said. “Don’t come before the board and tell them what they should do. I don’t appreciate it.”

Ormond replied that blasting and clearing were done under permits issued by the Conservation Commission and Fire Department. “We followed all the proper procedures,” he said. “I'm just trying to get a sewer connection here. I'm not trying to offend anybody or tell anybody what to do.”

Ormond also asserted that connecting to sewer would bring financial benefit to the town, including a $45,000 connection fee, a portion of which he said would go to Cohasset’s infrastructure funds.

The Select Board took no action on the petition. As a citizen article, Article 18 will go before voters at the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, where residents will decide whether to amend the sewer district boundary.

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