Rockland and Abington officials are weighing a proposal from New England Development to construct an $8.5 million water pipeline from Brockton, a move intended to jumpstart the long-stalled Southfield redevelopment and generate up to $5.2 million in annual tax revenue for each town. During a joint informational session of the Abington and Rockland Water Commissioners at Abington High School, developers explained that while a permanent connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) remains the long-term goal, that solution is at least six to eight years away. To bridge the gap, the developer offered to foot the entire bill for a mile-long connection to Brockton’s desalination plant, which would bring 350,000 gallons of water per day into the local system.

The meeting, which began with a Motion Made by B. [Last Name Unknown] to open the meeting, which Passed (Unanimous), was framed by commissioners as a critical look at the next half-century of regional infrastructure. John Tassinary, Abington Water Commissioner, noted that the board is looking 20 to 50 years down the road to ensure our system serves our town's reliability for generations. This long-term focus comes as the Joint Water Works celebrates a history dating back to 1885. Chair Debbie Duna highlighted the department's evolution from using wooden sticks to find leaks to managing one billion gallons of water annually as a self-sustaining enterprise fund. We are funded 100% by the rates paid by our water users, Duna said, emphasizing that the department remains independent of property tax dollars.

Infrastructure readiness was a central theme, as Commissioner Amanda reported that the Hingham Street permanent PFAS treatment plant was activated two weeks ago, with the Myers Avenue plant expected to follow later this year. The full-scale permanent plant at Hingham Street was activated two weeks ago and Meyers Avenue is on track for later this year, she said, adding that while water restrictions are unpopular, they remain necessary to maintain fire protection levels. These upgrades set the stage for the Southfield presentation by John Tuig of New England Development, who warned that without a new water source, the 13-million-square-foot project—and its promised tax revenues—would remain frozen for nearly a decade. Abington and Rockland don't have any excess water... that means Abington and Rockland will not see development and really any tax revenues for 6 to 8 years, Tuig told the board.

The proposed Option 2 involves replacing a 6-inch line in Brockton with a 12-inch pipe to carry water into Abington. Tony Babomo of Tetra Tech explained that we need to work together to really better understand the hydraulics of how the system works before the connection is finalized. The developer would pay a $3.5 million connection fee to Brockton plus $5 million for construction, reserving 75,000 gallons per day specifically for the towns’ general use. This prospect drew strong interest from Rockland leadership. Courtney Burgard, Rockland Assistant Town Administrator, stated that Rockland would strongly support efforts to provide water to the base... this project is a rare opportunity for us to reduce pressure on residential taxpayers.

Public feedback was largely focused on the financial and technical mechanics of the deal. Rockland resident Mary Parsons inquired about potential wheeling fees from Brockton, while Ken Coyle of Abington asked if Brockton would charge by the gallon for the water. Tuig confirmed the developer would cover the initial connection costs, but Chair Duna noted that retail and wholesale rates would still need negotiation. Union representative Frank Baxter voiced support, noting that bringing the water to the base would create a lot of growth and jobs for our members. Tom Henderson, Chair of the Southfield Redevelopment Authority, urged the boards to find a way to move forward, contrasting the current developers with previous criminal firms that stalled the project. It's not a yes and no question, Henderson said. It's about yes and how do we do it and work together.

The potential for 6,500 new homes and a commercial town center also appealed to local boards facing tight budgets. Rockland Select Board member Steve O’Donnell encouraged the commission to support the plan, stating, In order to do development, we need water... I support it and encourage the commission to support it. Abington Town Manager Michael Moresco echoed the sentiment, noting that water is so important to any town development. Resident Lori Childs asked about the timeline for tax revenue, prompting Tuig to estimate that revenue could begin flowing in two to three years if the Brockton option is pursued, compared to eight years for the MWRA pipe.

Superintendent Crystal Cameron outlined the technical hurdles ahead, including a hydraulic study and a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). We have an MOU we need to talk about... we have a hydraulic study... we have water quality parameters we need to look at. We do not want to go backwards, Cameron cautioned. Tuig reassured the board that if the towns later decided to take over the full capacity of the pipe when the base eventually switches to the MWRA, the financial risk would remain with the developer. There will be no obligation [to buy the pipe]... that should be our risk, not yours, Tuig concluded.