HULL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The town of Hull is considering rebuilding the seawall along the coast on Nantasket Avenue, which could affect residents living in the area and alter traffic patterns as well.
Hull is working with the consulting firm GEI Consultants on a timeline for completion, which could take over a year.
On Jan. 17, GEI gave a presentation at the Hull Select Board meeting on their survey and study for the seawall construction. They determined that the Nantasket Avenue seawall is the “highest priority from the study,” reported GEI.
Grants to fund the reconstruction project would potentially come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and town funds among other sources, detailed the presentation.
At the meeting, the consultants told the board that it could take up to 18 months to complete.
And Hull residents have already begun to express their opinions on the potential reconstruction plans and the impacts it could have on their lives.
“Obviously we’re going to have issues with traffic," said Tom, who has a beachfront apartment in Hull. The potential construction project could turn Nantasket Avenue into a one-way street, which would change traffic patterns in the area, commented residents.
If the seawall undergoes renovation, it could affect the community as well as visitors to Hull. One resident explained, “It’ll be frustrating for tourists to not have places to park."
Other talked about how a construction project would affect those who lived close by. “It’s hard to live in front of a project site for a year or more at a time."
Yet, some residents said that it would be an important step to replace the seawall. Explaining the effects of weather on the coast, Tom added that "we get a lot of water coming in during really bad storms and high tide especially." These conditions have put strain on the seawall in the town, making conversations about a replacement necessary.
Hull's renovation project will be subject to public comment sessions in the upcoming months.
WBZ's Jim MacKay (@JimMacKayOnAir) reports.
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