Options are good. Too many options can be less than ideal.
That’s the challenge facing a 1.5-acre strip of land along Gliniewicz Way that the town bought in 2016.
The land was originally attached to the commercial land at the entrance of Gliniewicz Way and had been eyed for development in years prior. Town Meeting approved spending $575,000 in free cash to buy the land while the new middle/high school was being built in case it needed additional parking. So far it hasn’t. Now the question, what to do with it?
Habitat for Humanity reportedly is interested in building some affordable homes at the site, which is long and narrow and located across from an Abington Housing Authority apartment complex. However, others in town think it would be a swell place for some additional recreational options. For example, the new combined fire station/public works complex may require razing the two basketball courts near the police station — does Gliniewicz Way make sense for a new home? What about a street hockey rink? Or walking paths?
Selectmen have asked a range of stakeholders to come to tonight’s meeting and bring some thoughts. It’s unlikely they’ll take any official action tonight. But at least it will get everyone’s thoughts on the table.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m.
FRIENDLY 40B ON NORTH QUINCY TO BE DISCUSSED
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee at its meeting tonight will discuss a possible “friendly 40B” on land located off 169 North Quincy Street. Not much is known publicly about the possible project at this point. And the dust still yet hasn’t settled on the town’s last 40B battle on Summer Street, with the Zoning Board approving a reduced version of the project, and the developer appealing the decision to the Housing Appeals Committee. So-called friendly 40Bs are when developers and municipalities agree to work together to shape a project that works for both parties, unlike with a traditional 40B where local officials don’t have much input. If Abington was amenable to another 40B on the town’s western border, it would push the town high over the 10 percent subsidized housing threshold, innoculating it from additional 40B proposals. It would also be Brockton’s roads that would bear the brunt of traffic. The biggest obstacle would be water. The Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works is bumping hard up against supply limits and it’s not clear whether the system capacity exists.
DON BYRON MEMORIAL BASKETBALL GAME WEDNESDAY
The Abington Green Wave boys basketball team squares off Wednesday against Oliver Ames High School in the annual Don Byron Memorial Classic. Byron coached both Abington and Easton for more than a decade each, racking up more than 400 victories, and was inducted into the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Byron passed away in 2021 at the age of 68. Proceeds raised from the game, which will include a silent auction and other fundraising activities, will benefit the Don Byron Memorial Foundation, as well as Coaches vs Cancer. Tip-off is 6:30 p.m.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY
At its meeting Wednesday, SEPAC will receive an overview from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on the “Tiered Focused Monitoring” compliance process, which Abington is participating in this year. The committee will also discuss an upcoming SEPAC Community Event and the SEPAC ‘Excellence in Special Education’ Award. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Middle/High School Library.
HALF DAY FRIDAY BEFORE WEEK OFF
A reminder to parents: Friday is a half day. It’s also the final day of school before February vacation. High School students are dismissed at 10:45 a.m., Middle School students at 11:10 a.m., Woodsdale students at 11:40 a.m., and Beaver Brook students at Noon.
GREEN WAVE ATHLETICS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Varsity
Wednesday vs. Oliver Ames, 6:30 p.m.
Junior Varsity
Wednesday vs. Oliver Ames, 5 p.m.
Freshmen
Wednesday vs. Oliver Ames, 3:30 p.m.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Varsity
Thursday vs. West Bridgewater, 6:30 p.m.
Junior Varsity
Thursday vs. West Bridgewater, 6:30 p.m.
GIRLS HOCKEY (w/Norwell HS)
Wednesday @ Marshfield, 5:20 p.m., @ The Bog
BOYS HOCKEY
Wednesday @ Pope John Paul II, 5:50 p m., @ Hobomock Ice Arena
MEETING SCHEDULE
MONDAY
Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about a “friendly 40B” at 169 North Quincy Street, a discussion with Habitat for Humanity on possible projects in town, and a CPA funding request update.
Board of Selectmen, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes an update from Fire Chief John Nuttall on the Brockton Hospital fire, an operational/budget update from Police Chief David Del Papa, an update from the town’s MBTA safety consultant, and a vote to close the warrant for the Annual Town Meeting.
Board of Library Trustees, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a report from the director, updates on building needs, a budget review, and more.
WEDNESDAY
Board of Assessors, 11 a.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a review of month end numbers, and a discussion on real estate abatements for 157 Green Street, 27 Brockton Avenue, and 761 Randolph Street.
Abington/Rockland Joint Water Works, 3:30 p.m., 366 Centre Ave. Agenda icludes a report from the superintendent, a commissioners forum, public discussion, and an executive session to discuss arbitration.
Abington Housing Authority, 6 p.m., 71 Shaw Avenue. Agenda includes discussion around lead paint compliance certification, and and update on lighting projects.
Finance Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a review of the proposed public works department budget, and the fire station committee plan.
Parks & Rec Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes an update on department projects and discussion about summer program offerings.