Hanson May Lose $337,000 in Grants Over MBTA Non-Compliance
HANSON, MA - November 12 - Hanson faces the potential loss of $337,000 in recently awarded state grants due to its non-compliance with the MBTA community statute, town officials revealed at a recent Select Board meeting.
The grants, awarded through the state's One Stop program, include $307,000 for pollution cleanup at Hawks Avenue and $30,000 for site readiness at 212 Industrial Boulevard.
Town Administrator Lisa Green informed the board that the state has added language to the grant award letters stating, "If the community is not compliant with MBTA community statute, an agreement will not be executed."
This condition puts the funding in jeopardy, as Hanson previously voted not to accept the MBTA communities zoning.
"We still have the Supreme [Judicial] Court that hasn't come out with a decision yet," Green said. "But for right now, we've been awarded the grants. The state is waiting until Jan. 1 to deem what communities are in compliance or not."
The potential loss of funding raises concerns about addressing the pollution discovered at Hawks Avenue. Green noted that if the grant is not received, "the pollution that was discovered over at Hawks Ave through a grant is now on the town's dime to clean up."
Board member Ann Rein expressed frustration with the state's approach, saying, "In other words, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is more than willing to let properties continue to be polluted, to try to hold us over a barrel."
Green mentioned that other funding sources might be available, including a possible "pot of money through DEP" suggested by Tracy Costa, the town’s Environmental Consultant. However, the specifics and eligibility for such alternatives remain unclear.
In other business, the Select Board approved $319,300 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for various town projects. The approved items include:
- $26,750 for police battery backup for computers
- $26,900 for a new police motorcycle
- $25,000 for fire radios
- $30,000 for highway department stormwater management
- $10,000 for highway department office improvements
The board also discussed a potential portable generator for the library and senior center, but deferred a decision pending legal review and further information.
Green reported on other town matters, including the signing of a six-month natural gas energy contract with Sprague Energy at 0.75 cents per therm, slightly below the average rate of 0.792 cents.
The highway department is scheduling interviews for a master mechanic position, with hopes to have someone on board by early December.
Green also met with a Green Communities representative who inspected newly installed heat pumps. The town remains eligible for the spring round of green communities funding, unaffected by the MBTA community issue.
The board briefly discussed the upcoming Massachusetts Municipal Association conference, now relocated to the Convention Center in the Seaport area.
As the meeting concluded, board member Joe Weeks inquired about cybersecurity measures. Green assured that the town is moving forward with an agreement with Bridgewater State University for cyber monitoring, partially funded by Plymouth County and potentially covered by grants for the second year.
The Select Board adjourned to executive session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining strategy, and to review executive session minutes.