August Whitman Updates

Select Board Considers Open Space

The Select Board met once in August to discuss the results of Whitman's Recreation and Open Space Survey - the first update to open space and recreation plans in 20 years. The survey highlighted community desires for facilities for adolescents, improved sidewalks, bike parking, senior-friendly spaces including pickleball courts, and potential skate parks and dog parks. The Board also discussed potential uses for the former Park Avenue School property, with suggestions ranging from a dog park to an amphitheater, though legal counsel will need to petition land court to release deed restrictions that limit use to educational purposes.

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/goose-boats-and-dog-parks/

WHCA recording: https://youtu.be/zgHyfiBAut0?si=8W51YqYuuzOrsxKZ

School Committee Raises Athletic Fees

The Whitman-Hanson School Committee voted to add a $400 pool fee for swim team participants, matching the existing additional fee for hockey players. This comes after the district already raised base athletic user fees from $250/$50/$50 to $375/$250/$100 with a family cap of $1,200. Athletic Director Bob Rogers noted that Whitman-Hanson was already "the lowest funded athletic program in our league" and that the school has never purchased uniforms for any sport, relying entirely on coach leadership and fundraising efforts.

South Shore News article: https://www.southshore.news/p/whitman-hanson-school-committee-raises

WHCA video: https://youtu.be/znKR2YlUqz0?si=JkeE8jiXaPpnw3cb

Whitman-Hanson Express Halts Publication

The Whitman-Hanson Express, which has been covering local news, and frequently featured in this update, halted publication in August. Editor Tracy Seelye announced her well earned retirement, and a few weeks later publisher Deb Anderson announced that the paper halted operations "due to unforeseen circumstances" with no clear timeline for resumption. The Express had been a key source of local government coverage for both Whitman and Hanson, and the sister paper in Plympton and Halifax recently changed ownership. I expect someone to pick up the mantle soon, but for now Whitman and Hanson are experiencing the news desert that many of our surrounding communities have been dealing with for a long time.

Tracy retirement announcement: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/its-time-to-hang-em-up/

Final Express notice: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/a-sad-end/

Whitman Middle School Construction Progress

The new Whitman Middle School project continues on schedule with a current cost of $67 million, down from the original $89 million estimate. The Building Committee met in July to review progress and planned a beam signing ceremony in anticipation of a "topping off" ceremony in August. The project has received substantial completion of foundation and utilities work, with steel erection well underway. A live camera on the construction site allows residents to monitor progress, and the school district plans to post a time-lapse video of the building process.

“Topping” ceremony at the Middle School as the final beam is lifted into place

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/whitman-middle-school-nears-its-topping-off/

DPW Building Nears Completion

The new DPW building has received its substantial completion certificate and is "very close" to being finished, with the department hoping to move in by early September. While the $19 million project remains within budget, completion has been delayed by ongoing punch list items and the need to remove contaminated soil from a leaking oil tank. The soil removal process requires testing every 100 cubic yards before transport to a facility in Chicopee, which has slowed parking lot paving. Final completion is now targeted for September 30th.

Express article: https://whitmanhansonexpress.com/theres-no-place-like-home/

Whitman Community Electricity Program Launches

Whitman announced the launch of Whitman Community Electricity, a municipal aggregation program starting in October 2025. The program offers two options: Whitman Standard at 14.184¢/kWh (lower than National Grid's current 15.484¢/kWh rate) and Whitman Plus at 15.029¢/kWh with 100% renewable energy. Prices are fixed for 50 months through December 2029, whereas National Grid reprices every 6 months. Eligible National Grid customers will be automatically enrolled but can opt out without penalty. A community meeting was held Thursday, September 4th at 6pm in Town Hall.

Press release: https://www.whitman-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3936/Whitman-MuniAgr-Launch-Press-Release

For more information about the electricity program: electricity.whitman-ma.gov or call (781) 236-4807