Major milestone for Kelliher Friday night
Legendary Green Wave football coach Jim Kelliher is scheduled to coach his 500th game Friday when Abington takes on the Rockland Bulldogs at Memorial Field. A pre-game ceremony will be held starting at 6:45 p.m. Former players are asked to gather in the south end zone at 6:30 p.m. before walking out to the field for a big team photo. Kelliher currently has 294 career wins over his 47-year coaching career. It took Kelliher 36 years to win his first 200 games, but just 11 years to win the next 94, as Abington’s football program has established itself in recent years as a perennial title contender. Friday’s football game would be a big deal even if it wasn’t for Kelliher’s milestone: both Abington and Rockland enter the game undefeated. The Athletic Department is encouraging fans to arrive early as a large crowd is expected for the game. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students 5+.
Updates from the Planning Board
The following things happened at Monday night’s Planning Board meeting:
- Approved the site plan for an adult use marijuana retail, cultivation, and manufacturing business at 1437 Bedford Street
- Agreed to postpone consideration of a 9-unit apartment building at 207 Bedford Street until a future date
- Postponed a vote on a request by the owner of 75 Dale Street to redraw lot lines so that he can ask the Zoning Board of Appeals permission to build a shared driveway on the property
COVID numbers down
Public Health Director Marty Golightly told the Board of Health Monday night that the number of positive COVID-19 cases in town stands at 17. That number is down significantly from two weeks ago when 45 Abington residents had tested positive. The average age of those infected is about 45, Golightly said. Abington’s numbers reflect a larger trend being seen statewide and nationally.
Hydrant flushing underway
The Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works has started its fall hydrant flushing schedule. Abington has 800 fire hydrants and the water department does try to flush each one regularly. “We flush the hydrants to purge the water mains and also flush any sediment that might build up inside the mains over time,” Water Works Superintendent Joe LaPointe said. “Flushing also helps us make sure all the hydrants are working properly in case of emergency.” Water department crews will be starting up Summer Street from Rockland, and then heading down Plymouth Street to the Hersey Lane area, as well as the rest of Summer Street, Walnut Street, and Myers Avenue. Residents can call the department’s information line at 339-469-1427 every morning to find out that day’s flushing schedule. Residents can temporarily expect discolored water in the areas around where the flushing takes place.
Rockland Street land stays with town
The 27-acre tract of town-owned land off Rockland Street that was auctioned off back in August is back in Abington’s hands. Town Manager Scott Lambiase told selectmen recently that problems were found in the deeds from when the land was taken years ago. As a result, the sale has been voided. Daniel Mento had offered the winning bid of $375,000. Lambiase suggested the newly reconstituted Open Space Committee will consider what to do with the land next.
Vacancies on the Board of Health/Conservation Commission
An opening on the Board of Health has officially been posted. The seat on the elected board is open following the resignation of Chris Schultz, who took a position working for the Abington Health Department. Under the town charter, the position will be filled during a joint meeting of the Board of Health and Board of Selectmen. Selectmen are also looking for two voting members for the Conservation Commission. The board last week reaffirmed its decision to remove three members following a controversial site visit. A full list of available committee positions is available here.