Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express

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Halifax Annual Town Meeting and Town Election – Important Dates

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The Warrant is now open for the Town’s 2024 Annual Town Meeting which is scheduled to occur on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Halifax Elementary School. Citizen petitions must be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office by March 12, 2024.
In order to participate in the Annual Town Meeting, residents must be registered to vote. The deadline to register to vote in order to participate in the 2024 Annual Town Meeting is Friday, May 3, 2024.
All questions relating to Voter Registration should be directed to the Halifax Town Clerk’s Office by calling (781) 293-7970 or e-mailing ClerksOffice@halifax-ma.org. More details regarding Elections and Voter Registration are available on the Town Clerk’s web page as well as the Elections & Registration web page.
Any questions regarding the Annual Town Meeting, submitting warrant articles, etc. should be directed to the Halifax Board of Selectmen’s Office by calling (781) 294-1316 or e-mailing Pamela.McSherry@halifax-ma.org.
A copy of the Warrant will be posted on the Town’s website and mailed to every household when it becomes available.

SLT ABC application withdrawn

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Deb Anderson
Express staff
SLT Corporation of Carver has withdrawn its application to operate an ABC (Asphalt, Brick, and Concrete) recycling facility on property located off Spring Street in Carver and Plympton.
Carver, Plympton, and Kingston health agents and other interested parties received notice from the Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection Southeast Regional Office in Lakeville, that the SLT Construction Corporation’s permit application was withdrawn. On Feb. 12, 2024, MassDEP officially withdrew SLT’s application no. 22-SW46A/47A-0004-APP.
The application was denied at the Feb. 2 meeting of the Plympton Zoning Board of Appeals, where the board reviewed Plympton’s definition of Light Manufacturing, and concluded that an ABC operation did not fit that definition.
The roll call vote of the Zoning Board of Appeals was unanimous in upholding the decision of the Zoning Enforcement Officers, Tom Millias, and Kathy Cannizzo.
Plympton’s first phase of the public hearing on SLT Corporation’s application to site its ABC recycling plant on property off Spring Street was held on Jan. 4, to a room full of concerned Plympton residents. The continued hearing brought several attorneys from SLT armed with a 32-page slide presentation showing the workings of the proposed business.
Plympton’s Zoning Enforcement Officers issued their determination to deny the SLT application because the property is in a Groundwater Protection District and water would be used to mitigate the dust from crushing asphalt, brick, and concrete into rubble. There was no method stated to return the water to state drinking water standards.
Second, the definition of “Light Manufacturing” in Plympton’s by-laws states that the fabrication, assembly, processing finishing work and packaging must be done in a manner such that noise, dust, odor, vibration, or similar objectionable features are confined to the premises and are in no way objectionable to abutting property.
SLT maintained that any vibration, dust, noise, or odor would not be felt outside of the Spring Street, Plympton’s property lines. As the Spring Street property abuts Carver, the entrance and exit for the facility would be through Carver.
The MassDEP sent a letter dated Feb. 13 to Peter Opachiski, SLT Construction Corporation, stating that the permit application has been officially withdrawn.

Morse Bros. suit against Halifax fails

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Plymouth Superior Court ruled Feb. 5 in Morse Brothers, Inc vs. Town of Halifax and the Halifax Select Board, to uphold the restrictions on the earth removal permit issued by the Select Board Sept. 1, 2023.
Morse Bros. stated that even though they have been operating a cranberry business in the Town of Halifax for some 45 years, it was the first time they had been required to obtain a permit pursuant to the Halifax Earth Removal Bylaw.
The plaintiff, Morse Bros., filed a complaint alleging that the bylaw was improperly applied, and the conditions were invalid. Morse Bros. asked the court to issue a preliminary injunction to prohibit enforcement of the conditions.
Morse Brothers, Inc. asked the Court to declare that the restrictions would harm their business and stated in their filing that the Town had never asked for these restrictions in their Earth Removal Permit in the past. They further stated in their filing that “Morse Brothers has historically relied on the sand available on its Halifax property to renovate and maintain its bogs both in Halifax and in nearby towns.” During the past year, the complaint stated, Morse Brothers has been excavating soil, screening sand, and transporting the sand to Hanson as part of its renovation project.
They said that their company has engaged in these practices for decades, and its farming practices have been “in harmony” with the town. Morse Bros. received notice Sept. 1 that Halifax was requiring Morse Brothers to obtain an earth removal permit for the first time, pursuant to the Halifax Earth Removal Bylaw, or to “cease and desist any sand removal or transportation-related activities.”
On Oct. 4, 2023, Morse Bros. submitted a request for an exemption from the bylaw, noting that the bylaw negatively impacted its “ongoing cranberry bog maintenance” and “unreasonably infringed on protections of land uses for the primary purpose of agriculture under state law.” Simultaneous with its request for an exemption, Morse. Bros. also applied for an earth removal permit under the local bylaw.
Nov. 15, 2023, the Halifax Select Board granted the permit, subject to several conditions. The first condition limited the hours of the earth removal to between the hours of 7 a.m. and 2:25 p.m. Monday through Friday, and in no case on a legal holiday. The limitation applies also to the starting of engines, loading and unloading trucks, and preparation for commencing of work.
The permit also states that vehicles loaded with soil and/or sand shall not exceed 10 miles per hour while on Lingan Street. To avoid conflicts with school buses, vehicles traveling to and from the project location for the purpose described in the permit shall not be present on Lingan Street during school bus pick-up and drop-off times provided by the town.
Morse Bros. would also be limited to 25 trips per day of vehicles loaded with soil and/or sand.
Each truck and driver entering or exiting the property shall be provided by Morse Bros. with a list of rules and regulations regarding road safety. Each driver shall sign an acknowledging receipt of these rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of Morse Brothers to keep record of this information and provide it to the Town as requested. And no activity is allowed under the permit during the 2024 school vacation weeks of February 19 through 23 and April 15 through 19.
In their ruling, the court said it must assess “whether the moving party has shown that success is likely on the merits and that irreparable harm will result from denial of the injunction; and the risk of irreparable harm to the moving party outweighs any similar risk of harm to the opposing party”.
In applying these requirements, the court found that Morse Bros. was not entitled to a preliminary injunction because it has not shown proof of irreparable harm.

 

MacDonald Industries correction

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In the Feb. 2 edition of the Plympton-Halifax-Kingston Express, we mistakenly reported that a $20,000 gift from MacDonald Industries, was for landfill repairs. What we did not make clear was that the funds were to be earmarked as landfill repairs to help the Town of Halifax with the cost of engineering for the Hemlock Lane landfill, owned by the Town of Halifax, near the Highway Department that is showing some problems.
Halifax Health Agent Bob Valery consulted with Marilyn MacDonald, of MacDonald Industries, for advice on how to approach solving the town’s problem, calling on her experience.
When she found that the problem was beyond her level of expertise, she gave suggestions for engineering firms that would be able to provide plans and a course of action for the landfill repairs. In a gesture of goodwill, MacDonald Industries donated $20,000 that will more than cover the projected engineering costs for the old Halifax landfill repairs.
Valery said, “Let’s fix it and fix it right.” He had noted that repairs in the past had been more a “short term fix”, with the problems recurring over the years. The board voted to approve TRC Environmental Companies to provide the engineering plans for the project.
Chairman John Bruno asked the board to approve his request to write to MacDonald Industries “expressing our deepest gratitude to them for their community concern and gift of $20,000.”
“In my mind, this is extraordinary,” Bruno said, “She’s really a good neighbor”. The board voted unanimously to send that letter.

Another near miss for major storm

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By late Monday night the ominous forecast of a powerful Nor’easter on Tuesday, became much less drastic as the storm’s track began to pull away, leaving much of the area with much less precipitation than originally forecast.
Plympton’s Fire Captain John Sjostedt reported a vehicle accident that shut down Prospect Road for about five hours while the utility pole, the only casualty in the accident, was replaced. The driver, the only occupant in the van, was not injured. The accident took place in the vicinity of 62 Prospect Road. Power was out in the area for a short time.
Coastal Kingston didn’t see much of any snow accumulation, and Deputy Fire Chief Adam Hatch said his department noted no appreciable affect, no flooding of note. “We dodged a bullet this time.”
Halifax Fire Dept. said they had no unusual situations due to the storm.

 

Winter fun on Valentine’s Day at Brine’s Dairy Queen

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By Linda Ibbitson Hurd
Special to the Express
At the top of Elm Street in Hanson during the 60s there was an ice cream place called Brine’s Dairy Queen that’s now known as Mo’s Place. Martha Brine, who started and owned the ice cream place, grew up with my father and became one of my mother’s best friends. Behind Martha’s house and to one side were hills where the Brine kids and many of us from Elm Street went sledding. In back of the house that looked down on Elm Street, a spacious field, a farm and homes below, proved to be the perfect place where the older boys made a ramp on one side of the hill where our sleds literally sailed through the air as we rode them over the ramp and landed safely on the snow-covered field, gliding to a stop.
On the right side facing the front of the house was another hill, less steep that was in the direction of where Ace Hardware is now. As long as we followed Martha’s rules, we were welcome. Those who did not were sent home.
I can still hear the shouts of happy voices, laughter, squeals delight and sometimes groans or disappointments when someone had to chase their runaway sled or if there was a tumble or a fall. Some of us had coasters that Bob Ibbitson, a cousin of ours who worked for Coca-Cola had, that were actually big metal signs perfect for coasting and so much fun to ride in. A cousin of the Brine’s who was older, got in a wooden milk box one day as we all gathered around to watch. Some of the girls told him not to do it, most of the boys cheered him on. He went down the smaller hill, the box picking up speed and it flipped, giving him a good knock in the head and tossing him out into the snow. Martha came running out, sent us all home and took him in the house. Luckily, he was fine. The box was never seen again.
Martha had started a tradition of setting aside a special day each year for all the parents to come sledding with their kids. One year it happened to fall on Valentine’s Day. It was a beautiful, sunny Winter’s Day and my parents seemed exceptionally happy. The four of us kids got up early to make Valentine cards for mom and dad and they in turn gave us ours and some to each other. Mom was very busy that morning and my sister Penny and I were helping her in the kitchen. When it was time to go to Martha’s, dad loaded the sleds in his truck and we followed in the car.
There was a good turnout of parents and kids. One family brought a toboggan, and the sleds and coasters were plentiful. The mood there that day was magical. Everyone was happy and so carefree. Martha closed the shop to the public that day and joined in the fun. The family with the toboggan offered everyone a turn in it and the coasters were full of both adults and kids and even one of the dogs.
As sunset approached and a full moon shone, I noticed no one was leaving. Martha turned the lights on in the Dairy Queen and the outside spotlights as well announcing the rest rooms were open for anyone who needed to use them. A group of parents were ushering Martha into the building and more parents were going to their vehicles and bringing things inside. Soon we were all inside. Martha seemed a little flustered. The counter inside and the tables were filled with all kinds of food and there was a very large gift on the counter.
One of the mom’s walked over to Martha and began telling Martha how much all of them appreciated her letting their kids come there every Winter to go sledding and making the annual family time there possible with their kids. We have turned the tables on you, and we wanted to do something special for you this year. We’ve brought food for supper and some good desserts. Happy Valentine’s Day to one of the most generous and loving gal’s we know. Before we all dig in, please open our gift! Martha was overcome as we all applauded and waited expectantly for her to open her gift, which was a money tree that she truly appreciated.

Comfort Dog Roxie visits Library

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The Holmes Public Library had just the thing for a recent mid-winter warmup: hot chocolate, DIY crafts, and a puppy to warm your heart. Special guests were police officer Paul Campbell with Halifax’s own comfort dog Roxy, right. Above, Thomas Gallant gets down on the floor to visit with Roxie. . Below right:, Assistant Library Director Maria Bumpus welcomes Roxy.

Plymouth and Barnstable legislators endorse Fernandes for State Senate

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Representative Dylan Fernandes, candidate for Massachusetts State Senate (Plymouth & Barnstable), was endorsed today by six Senators and Representatives in the Plymouth & Barnstable District including Sue Moran, current State Senator for the Plymouth & Barnstable district, Senator Julian Cyr (Cape & Islands) and Representatives Kathy LaNatra (12th Plymouth), Sarah Peake (4th Barnstable), Kip Diggs (2nd Barnstable), and Chris Flanagan (1st Barnstable)..
“I’m honored to receive the support of legislative leaders across the Plymouth & Barnstable region,” Fernandes said. “I want to thank Senator Moran for her leadership and mentorship, and for trusting me to continue her legacy of service.”
The South Shore and Cape Cod legislators praised Fernandes for his record of delivering results for the region, his advocacy for clean air and water, and his vision for a more vibrant and affordable Plymouth and Barnstable.
Senator Julian Cyr: “Dylan has a track record of delivering results for his constituents, and we’ve teamed up on a myriad of challenging issues. Few elected officials are more effective or as grounded in the lived challenges that Cape Codders and South Shore residents face. The people of the Barnstable & Plymouth District would be very well served to be represented by Dylan in the Senate. He has my enthusiastic endorsement.”
Representative Kathy Lanatra: “Dylan’s dynamic approach and legislative experience ensure effective results for our community. Witnessing his tireless efforts on the campaign trail convinces me that he’ll be an unmatched State Senator.”
Representative Sarah Peake: “Dylan is a collaborator. Over the past eight years I have worked with him and seen firsthand how he collaborates with colleagues in Boston, partners with people of all backgrounds on the Cape and Islands, and delivers real results for our region. From water quality to housing to sea level rise, Dylan is a leading voice on the issues impacting our coastal communities.”
Senator Sue Moran: “People tell me they see me “everywhere” working on the issues our communities care about.” I’m endorsing Dylan because I am confident he will continue the level of commitment to service that the Plymouth-Barnstable District deserves.”
Fernandes has also been endorsed by Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. Fernandes, who has served as the State Representative for the Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket district since 2017, is running to succeed Moran, who announced she would not seek re-election last November.

Howard Cushman named to fall ‘23 Citadel dean’s list

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CHARLESTON, SC– Howard Cushman of Halifax, is among the more than 1,300 cadets and students recognized for their academic achievements during the fall 2023 semester.
The dean’s list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.
Cadets who are named to the dean’s list receive a medal, which is worn on their uniform during the semester following their academic achievement. Non-cadet students on the dean’s list are presented a certificate.
The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, South Carolina, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction.
The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service. Citadel alumni have served the nation, their states and their communities as principled leaders since 1842. The Citadel Graduate College offers dozens of graduate degree, graduate certificate and evening undergraduate programs in the evening or online. The Citadel has been consecutively named Best Public College in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 13 years and No. 1 Best Public College for Veterans in the South for six years.