New Leadership and Recreational Investment Advance Abington’s Public Goals
During a combined meeting of the Abington Select Board and the town’s sole Water Commissioner, officials moved to fill two open seats on the Abington‑Rockland Joint Water Works Commission, a body tasked with managing the region’s water supply and ensuring reliable service for residents.
Corey Dalton, a local plumber known for tackling complex infrastructure projects, received four votes in favor and one against, securing his appointment to the commission and bringing a hands‑on technical perspective to the role.
Richard Mullen, a retired Coast Guard officer whose career included overseeing maritime safety operations, was chosen unanimously, underscoring broad confidence in his ability to navigate the technical and regulatory challenges of the water system.
Amanda Hunter, the town’s Water Commissioner, briefed the board on the recent commissioning of Abington’s PFAS water‑treatment facility, noting that the plant is now fully operational and making steady progress in removing contaminants from the supply.
In addition to the personnel decisions, the board approved a licensing agreement with the Boston Bruins Foundation to construct a new street‑hockey rink at Arnold Park, a move that ties municipal recreation goals to a well‑known sports philanthropy and promises community health benefits.
Discussions during the session also touched on the growing pressures on the water system, with candidates highlighting the need to monitor population increases and commercial development, and exploring possibilities for regional water connections that could alleviate strain on local resources.
The meeting reflected a broader effort to modernize Abington’s water infrastructure while simultaneously investing in community recreation, signaling a dual focus on public health and quality‑of‑life improvements for residents.