The Hingham Select Board has voted in favor of a $2.03 million pickleball courts project near Carlson Field, while also seeking more information about a proposed amendment to the town’s noise bylaw. The decision comes after a lengthy discussion last week, where supporters and opponents of the project voiced their opinions.
Select Board Backs Pickleball Courts
Board members Joseph Fisher and Liz Klein voted to support the project, which includes 12 pickleball courts with sound mitigation measures. Board member William Ramsey recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Fisher acknowledged concerns from neighbors but stated that, after reviewing information from the recreation commission and residents, he concluded that there is a demand and need for pickleball courts in town.
He emphasized that the board must ensure proper safeguards are in place to minimize the impact of noise on neighbors while maintaining oversight of the project.
Klein voiced similar support, calling the courts a place for the community to gather, but stressed that the project is not finalized. She explained that the planning board will review the proposal, addressing concerns such as parking and traffic, and allowing for further public input. However, noise concerns will be handled separately.
She noted that pickleball is growing in popularity across many communities, and Hingham can learn from existing data and best practices in other towns. The community preservation committee has recommended funding $758,640 of the total cost through Community Preservation Act funds.
Citizen’s Petition to Amend Noise Bylaw Vote Delayed
In other business, the board postponed a decision on a citizen’s petition filed by Crow Point resident Michael Kranzley to amend the town’s noise control bylaw.
The petition seeks to change the hours when construction, demolition, and commercial landscaping work is permitted in residential areas. Under the proposed amendment, work on Saturdays would end at 5 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., and all work would be banned on Sundays and national holidays. Weekday hours would remain unchanged.
Kranzley explained that his neighborhood has experienced near-constant construction and landscaping noise due to rapid growth in recent years, and the goal of the amendment is to provide more quiet time for residents.
The Hingham Police Department, which enforces the noise bylaw, acknowledged that enforcement can be challenging but stated that most people comply when complaints are made.
The Select Board delayed the vote to allow for more input from landscapers, contractors, and other impacted citizens. A public discussion will take place at the board’s May 18 meeting.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Project
The Hingham Select Board voted to support a $2.03 million pickleball courts project near Carlson Field, including sound mitigation measures. The project will undergo further review before final approval. Meanwhile, a vote on a citizen’s petition to amend the town’s noise bylaw has been delayed to May 18 to allow for additional public input.
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