Oppose Nonconforming Development of the Old Ship Parish House Property

Old Ship Church is again actively working to sell the historic Parish House to a developer. ProHingham opposes any development of the Old Ship Parish House property which would violate the existing single family zoning and historic bylaws. Nonconforming and inappropriate development would desecrate this historic single family neighborhood, which is in the Bachelors' Row section of the Lincoln National Register Historic District of lower Main Street. Overriding the existing single family zoning of this property threatens Hingham’s tradition of preserving and protecting its irreplaceable historic character; it also threatens the fabric of family neighborhoods and the honoring of land use and property rights. Hingham’s zoning bylaws are the Town’s “bible”, developed to build and preserve property value for all residents and voted on at Town Meeting. Zoning (and historic preservation) makes Hingham a desirable community in which to live. There is a collective expectation that applicable zoning bylaws will be respected and adhered to by everyone when purchasing, selling, and/or developing a property. All taxpayers adhere to the same zoning laws for the mutual benefit of all residents.

In addition, part of the deal to sell the Parish House to a developer is that the developer will build a new, massive parish house next to the historic Old Ship Church Meetinghouse. The Meetinghouse is one of the oldest buildings in Hingham, and is in the National Register of Historic Places and National Historic Landmarks. It is considered a very significant historic structure on a local, state, and federal level. In addition, it abuts the equally historic Hingham Cemetery and there are some of the very oldest gravesites in very close proximity. There are many significant preservation issues at stake with this area. Both properties, however, present serious historical, logistical, and regulatory issues for development, including, but not limited to, zoning, parking, traffic, safety, environmental impact, unmarked burial sites, and a memorial garden (for interned ashes).

Protect Historic Hingham. Preserve the historic Old Ship Church Parish House property AND the historic Meetinghouse property. Both properties are in serious danger of being desecrated by inappropriate development. Please speak up to support the preservation of these two historic properties! Please sign the petition.