Hanson Select Board votes to oppose MBTA act, opens October warrant

HANSON -- July 22, 2025, Hanson Select Board votes to oppose MBTA Community Act and opens October special town meeting warrant. The board voted unanimously July 22 to authorize Town Administrator Lisa Green to draft a letter for a July 29 state legislative hearing opposing the act, citing the town's lack of municipal sewer, limited infrastructure, and strain on first responders, with all members intending to sign before submission. Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett noted the Attorney General's office has warned the town it must place an article on the October 6 special town meeting warrant or face action, with department submissions due by August 8. The board also voted to ask the Planning Board to hold a required public hearing on MBTA zoning, and discussed a parallel Chapter 40R overlay district already in development as a potential compliance alternative. In other action, Town Accountant Ken Sharp told the board Camp Kowani is not losing money, fiscal year 2025 revenues came in at approximately $277,000, and Sharp projected roughly $150,000 in certified retained earnings before October town meeting, with a $31,000 draw expected to balance the camp's budget.