TOWN OF HULL
253 Atlantic Avenue 781-925-2000
Hull,
Massachusetts 02045March 28, 2020
Dear Community Members,
While we all find ourselves in a period of a “new normal” which feels anything but, it is important to reflect on the things that remain constant and beautiful here in Hull. Also, to recognize the tremendous efforts being made by so many residents, town staff, and the business community in an effort to maintain some degree of business as usual and help shepherd us through these challenging times. Our community, along with the rest of the world, will continue to do its part as we work together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic touching all our lives.
Leadership…Hull’s leadership is surfacing in all areas of our community. It is taking the form of parents becoming teachers, business leaders keeping their doors open (where allowed) and keeping staff employed, residents taking to social media to positively keep families connected by way of their front porches and sharing the scenic beauty of this community, which not even a pandemic can change.
Out of town hall, Hull’s first responders continue working the front lines confronted by an additional and invisible danger, staff at the senior center continues to ensure that those in need are receiving much needed meals and outreach services, town hall staff is maintaining a continuity of operations across the board, DPW and sewer departments are keeping things flowing (yes, go ahead and chuckle), and elected and appointed boards & commissions are keeping-up with the business at hand.
We hear your concerns and we are addressing them… while Hull is thankful for its many visitors and patrons, out of an abundance of caution and to protect our residents and public safety (who are not currently staffed at summer levels), we have requested DCR to close their public lots until this crisis passes and will lean on them until they act. Too many households have been abruptly impacted financially by the COVID-19 crisis, so we are pursuing a rental assistance program to help prevent displacement for Hull households, this will also help mitigate the impact on the local economy. We will also continue to do our part to safely keep business doors open where possible.
We pride ourselves in being a community in every sense, however, community takes shape a little differently these days, and that is going to have to be ok. “Social distancing,” we agree, a bit of an oxymoron, is a necessity which we all need to practice. It is, in fact, the most effective way to protect each other and help move us closer to the end of the COVID-19 crisis. We are blessed with unbelievable scenery, walkable neighborhoods, peaceful beaches and open, essential businesses. We encourage residents to take advantage of these blessings, but, please be mindful of each other and remember to practice social distancing. It is that simple and it is that important. And, by the way, if you see a neighbor, wave, share a social distanced hello because it might just be the positive connection needed to someone’s day.
Please continue to check the town’s website for updates as they may arise and to find local information. Remember to be kind and patient with each other and to all working to keep Hull moving forward in these prolonged and challenging times. Rest assured, that town leadership is communicating with each other and will continue to work tirelessly in order to maintain essential services and vital community communications. We each have an important role and will continue to do our part on behalf of every resident and business. The Board of Selectmen keeps everyone in their thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. We are a resilient community and, together, we will come out ahead of this crisis.
Sincerely,
Members of the Board of Selectmen
Domenico Sestito, Jennifer Constable, Greg Grey, Kevin Richardson & John Reilly
