Hanover Select Board Weighs Priorities for the Year Ahead

HANOVER — The Hanover Select Board began narrowing down its goals and plans for the upcoming year, identifying long-term fiscal planning, affordable housing development, and environmental priorities as key focus areas.

The Select Board reaffirmed its commitment to several major community initiatives aimed at enhancing the town's public spaces, safety, and civic life. Foremost among these was preparation for Hanover’s 300th anniversary, which will be marked in 2027. Board members expressed a shared desire to begin planning early, ensuring a well-organized, town-wide celebration. The Cultural Council will play a central role in this effort, and members cited successful anniversary campaigns in nearby towns as models to emulate.

Another major area of focus is the revitalization of the Sylvester School building. While the town now owns the property, the board acknowledged that progress in activating the space has been slower than anticipated. With the loss of earlier funding opportunities, attention has shifted to potential accessibility grants and other state funding sources. Members emphasized the importance of breathing new life into the site in a way that benefits the broader community.

The board also remains committed to ongoing infrastructure and safety improvements. Upgrades to the town center intersection, being coordinated with MassDOT, are considered a priority for both traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The rail trail crossing on Route 139 was highlighted as an especially urgent area, with plans in place for new crosswalks and pedestrian signals expected to be implemented in the coming months. Additionally, members reiterated their support for broader traffic and safety improvements along Routes 53 and 139, noting the continued challenges posed by congestion and incomplete upgrades in those corridors.

New Select Board member Rachel Hughes emphasized the need to reevaluate the town’s retirement payback schedule with Plymouth County, comparing it to longer timelines seen in other Massachusetts counties.

“In my initial research and looking at other counties in the state of Massachusetts, they were offered a much longer payback period going well into 2042,” Hughes said. “I'd love to understand more about that process and why we're [at 2032].”

Hughes also noted the risk of Hanover falling below the state’s 10% affordable housing requirement by 2030 if proactive planning doesn’t take place.

“If we fall below that 10% other people will make that decision for us and I think we should be thoughtful in our planning,” she said.

Water-related concerns also continue to be a cornerstone of the board’s agenda, with a dual focus on both quality and supply. Members noted the need to stay ahead of federal PFAS regulations, particularly by expanding carbon filtration capacity at the Pond Street treatment facility. Recognizing the growing limitations of the town’s existing water sources, the board voiced strong support for continued collaboration with neighboring South Shore communities in exploring a regional connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). A feasibility study on this partnership is nearing completion, and the board is anticipating a joint presentation this summer that may offer a path forward.

In parallel, there was renewed momentum around environmental sustainability initiatives. Members expressed a desire to revisit solar panel installations, particularly at the transfer station and other municipal sites. Drawing inspiration from other towns like Scituate, which have successfully leveraged solar arrays for revenue generation, board members saw this as a “win-win” strategy for clean energy and fiscal benefit.

The long-standing effort to remediate the fireworks site also remains a top priority. While the EPA’s investigation is ongoing, the board acknowledged that securing adequate federal funding remains a challenge. Continued advocacy at both the state and federal levels will be necessary to keep this effort moving forward.

Additionally, environmental stewardship surfaced in more localized goals. One board member proposed reviving a previous initiative to eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers on town properties. Framed as a water protection measure, this initiative could further reinforce the board’s broader commitment to sustainable practices and safeguarding natural resources.

The Select Board also finalized liaison and committee assignments for the upcoming year. Rachel Hughes was assigned as the liaison to the Board of Assessors and also volunteered to serve on the Spirit of Hanover Committee, which is responsible for coordinating the town’s annual citizen recognition event. Greg Satterwhite accepted the liaison role to the Council on Aging Advisory Board. He also took on the role of alternate liaison to the Fireworks Site Committee and agreed to continue serving as liaison to the Master Plan Committee, a position he held previously.

Vanessa O’Connor reclaimed her liaison role to the Zoning Board of Appeals and remains a voting member of the Affordable Housing Trust. Steve Louko also continues as a voting member of the Affordable Housing Trust. 

The Board of Trust Fund Commissioners remained without a liaison, as the committee has been largely inactive for several years due to a lack of members and available funds. It was noted that this group may warrant further discussion regarding its future viability.

Priorities will be finalized in an upcoming meeting. 

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