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Weymouth at-large candidates emphasize growth, Union Point buildout and water infrastructure at League forum
Summary
At a League of Women Voters forum, four councilor-at-large candidates said managing growth at Union Point, securing a reliable water source (MWRA connection), public-safety planning and spending $32.4 million in state infrastructure funds were the top issues facing Weymouth.
A League of Women Voters forum in Weymouth on local races focused on managing rapid development, the town’s water system and the $32.4 million state award to prepare the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station for redevelopment.
“The deadline for that pipe actually being operational is 2030,” said Christopher Heffernan, referring to the town’s effort to connect to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). Heffernan said the council must work with neighboring communities and the administration to advance the project so Union Point and other parts of town have a safe, reliable water source.
Rick Coughlin, an incumbent councilor at large, also emphasized water and growth, saying the MWRA connection “looks like that is gonna be beginning to be online in about 6 years.” Candidates linked water availability to the pace of development and to the town’s ability to attract commercial services that will expand the local tax base.
Alison Dossett pointed to aging pipes and water loss as a pressing structural problem, saying the town “lose[s] 1,000,000 gallons a day to the ground,” and urged state and federal help to avoid placing unsustainable costs on residents. Candidates uniformly called for a combination of local planning and outside funding for infrastructure repairs.
The forum also highlighted a recent $32,400,000 state award intended for infrastructure and preparatory work at the former base. “That 32.4 is geared for infrastructure, specifically the infrastructure and then water and sewer as well,” Rick Coughlin said, describing the funds as site-preparation and utility work needed before large-scale development.
Public-safety planning for a growing Union Point drew attention. Heffernan said the town needs a public-safety presence at the development, adding that “we need a substation for public safety up at Union Point.” Several candidates said traffic and emergency-response times should be central to planning as population density rises.
On municipal finance and services, candidates stressed protecting public-safety and education budgets while seeking new revenue and development that brings commercial tax dollars. Christopher Heffernan and others said trash fees do not fully cover collection costs and that development-driven revenues can help stabilize the budget without overburdening residents.
The forum was moderated by Jack Eklund and organized by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts. Candidates urged residents to participate in upcoming forums and reminded voters of early voting dates and the Nov. 4 election schedule.
Next steps noted at the forum include continued MWRA negotiations, use of the state infrastructure award for site work and utility studies, and council and administration coordination on public-safety and traffic planning as Union Point proceeds.
