The cellar sump pump is a’humming on this rainy morning, so let’s jump right into it…
(DID YOU KNOW: Abington’s original name, Manamooskegin, is Wampanoag for “Land of 1,000 Sump Pumps”)
BEAVER BROOK PLAYGROUND MEETING MONDAY
The group overseeing the reimagining and redevelopment of the Beaver Brook Playground will meet Monday night at 7 p.m. at the DPW building to continue its discussions.
The popular wooden playground was constructed 30 years ago as part of a community-wide initiative. However, it’s showing its age and many feel it’s time to remove it and replace it with something more modern.
People on Facebook had A LOT of thoughts about this last month. Meanwhile, the committee has started a fundraising effort involving tshirts and bricks.
ROUTE 18 CLOSURE THIS WEEKEND AND NEXT
Believe it or not but the Route 18 widening project is nearing completion. The last major piece of the work – sliding the new commuter rail track bridge into place – is scheduled to take place over the next two weekends. But it means Roue 18, which carries thousands of cars and trucks every day, will be fully closed to traffic both weekends.
The new bridge deck has been built adjacent to the existing one, which is located just north of the South Weymouth commuter rail station. The deck has been designed so that it literally can be slid westward into its final location.
Starting Friday at 4 a.m., Route 18 will be closed to thru traffic at both Pond Street intersections in order to test the hydraulic jacks needed to shove the six million pound bridge deck into place. The road will remain open to local traffic (meaning you can still get burritos at Sombrero’s or a steak at Stockholders), and fully reopen Monday, July 19, at 4 a.m.
If all goes well, the roadway will again close Thursday at 11 p.m., and reopen Monday, July 26 at 4 a.m.
Commuter rail service will also be suspended during the closures. Shuttle buses will instead be used to transport riders between South Weymouth and the Braintree T station.
PLANNING BOARD MEETING INCLUDES 222 CENTRE AVE, REZONING DISCUSSION
The Planning Board, which has averaged nearly three-hour meetings in recent months, has a relatively light agenda tonight (Monday).
The lone public hearing revolves around 222 Centre Avenue, which is currently a three-unit apartment building across from the commuter rail station. The owner, Walaci Toledo, of Pembroke, wants to add two more units on the third floor. Planning Board approval is needed because the house is located in the town’s Transit-Oriented Development zone, which calls for mixed-use development; Walaci is asking for permission to be 100 percent residential. The board also needs to approve the owner’s plans for additional parking on the rear of the site.
In a related discussion, the Planning Board will start discussing a possible rezoning effort for the area around the commuter rail station. The state recently adopted a major zoning reform law designed to increase affordable and working-force housing in the Commonwealth. One of the law’s features is a requirement that every community have a district where multi-family housing is allowed by right, meaning it doesn’t need approval from a planning or zoning board. About 15 years ago, Abington Town Meeting voted to make the area around the train station zoned for higher-density developments, which is an element of smart planning principles. Because those developments are supposed to include a commercial aspect, Abington’s existing zoning may not meet the new state mandate, and may need to be tweaked.
ANNUAL BAILEY DAYLILY SALE THIS SATURDAY
The annual Bailey daylily sale is scheduled for Saturday, July 17, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at the home of Jack and Kathy Bailey, 645 Washington Street.
More than 100 varieties of daylilies will be available for purchase, plus hostas and irises. Cost for most varieties is $3 per fan, and $5 for specific named varieties. Hostas and irises are also $5.
Proceeds benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, Children’s Library Garden Fund, Child Study Group, and Abington Cultural Council.
SENIOR COOKOUT SCHEDULED FOR JULY 21
Abington Elderly Services is hosting a Cook-Out on Wednesday, July 21st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the first 125 Abington Seniors that sign up. To sign up to attend, please call Trisha Force at 339-788-1455.
Steve Centola of Music n’ Movement will be playing the music. Requests are being accepted.
HIPSHOT BAND PERFORMING SUNDAY AT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The free Abington Summer Concert Series is underway, with the Hipshot Band scheduled to perform this coming Sunday, July 18. All shows are held at the Nisby Bandstand and start at 6 p.m. The Abington Lions Club will be operating the Snack Shack and CREAM will have its traveling ice cream cart.
AYS FALL SOCCER EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS SUNDAY
Early registration for this fall’s youth soccer season ends Sunday evening. The season will run from Saturday, Sept. 11 until Saturday, Nov. 6. Cost for the Mini-Kickers program (3 yo – Pre-K) is $100, and it’s $125 for grades K-9. Discounts are available for families with multiple players. The cost increases by $25 after Sunday, July 18 and there are no multi-player discounts. Anyone with questions can email registrarays@gmail.com
MEETINGS
MONDAY
Griffin’s Dairy Committee, 5:30 p.m., Senior Center. Agenda includes discussions about the community gardens, food truck night, the new well, and mowing/haying.
Planning Board, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes 222 Centre Ave., a discussion about multi-family zoning, and an update on retention basins.
Board of Health, 7 p.m., via Zoom.
TUESDAY
Police Chief Search Committee, 7:45 a.m., Town Hall. According to the agenda, this meeting will be held in executive session to consider or interview potential candidates.
WEDNESDAY
Board of Assessors, 11 a.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes reports on the month’s end and motor vehicle excise taxes