Swampscott, MA

Historical Commission

The Swampscott Historical Commission will hold public hearings on proposed partial demolition of 11 Eulow Street and full demolition of 39 Puritan Road. The commission may vote on final determinations for both properties after the hearings. The meeting also includes routine approval of past minutes, treasurer and chair reports, and updates on local projects and bylaws.

• Public hearing on partial demolition of 11 Eulow Street
• Public hearing on demolition of 39 Puritan Road
• Possible vote on final determinations for 11 Eulow Street and 39 Puritan Road
• Approval of June 11, 2026 and July 8, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of updated bylaws

War Memorial Committee

The Swampscott War Memorial Scholarship Committee will meet to introduce 2026 scholarship recipients and review the committee's financial statement. Members will also discuss the status and marketing of memorial bricks and review scholarship requirements.

• Meeting with 2026 Scholarship Recipients
• Review of scholarship financial statement from town treasurer
• Review of current brick orders
• Discussion of future brick marketing plans
• Review of scholarship requirements

Poet Laureate Selection Committe

The Poet Laureate Selection Committee will discuss and potentially vote on changes to the appointment process and judge criteria. The body will also review recommendations for judges and plan the implementation and publicity of the selection process.

• Possible vote on changes to Process for Choosing and Appointing a Poet Laureate for Swampscott
• Possible vote on changes to Criteria for Judges
• Possible vote to accept subcommittee recommendations for judges of submitted work
• Discussion on promotion and publicity of the poet laureate role
• Determination of tasks and timelines for the selection process implementation

Harbor & Waterfront Advisory Committee

The Harbor and Waterfront Advisory Committee will discuss commercial fisherman rights and the Fish House. Members will also review updates on pier repair and the Mission on the Bay Seawall, and discuss the FY2027-FY2031 capital improvement plan.

• Commercial fisherman rights along the waterfront and Fish House
• Pier Repair updates
• Mission on the Bay Seawall updates
• FY2027-FY2031 capital improvement plan review

Planning Board

The Swampscott Planning Board will meet to approve past meeting minutes and hold public hearings on two site plan special permits. Members will also discuss revisions to the Tree Committee’s draft zoning bylaw and a proposed Smart Growth Zoning District near the commuter rail station. Additional discussion will cover potential zoning bylaw amendments, including commercial space preservation and ADU regulations.

• Special permit for 74 Beach Bluff Ave: 1,135 sq ft garage, 401 sq ft three-season room, 108 sq ft third-floor expansion
• Special permit for 45 Pleasant St: demolish two-family, build five-unit condominium (1,850 sq ft each)
• Vote on Tree Committee’s draft zoning bylaw revisions to Section 3.3.1.0
• Discussion on proposed Smart Growth Zoning District (M.G.L. Chapter 40R) near Swampscott Commuter Rail Station
• Discussion of potential zoning bylaw amendments: preserve ground-floor commercial space, update Burrill Senior Center PDD District, amend ADU regulations

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Town Clerk will publicly test the town’s voting equipment on August 17–18, 2026, to ensure accuracy for the September 1 state primary. The test will include at least 50 ballots from each major party and an audit of the results.

• Public test of voting machines at First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue
• Test deck of 50+ ballots per party for September 1 state primary
• Audit of test count required by 950 CMR §54.02

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Board of Registrars will oversee a public test of the town’s voting machines on August 17–18, 2026, to ensure readiness for the September 1 state primary. The test will include at least 50 ballots per party and an accuracy audit, as required by Massachusetts regulations.

• Public test of voting equipment at Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue
• Test deck of 50+ ballots per political party for September 1 primary
• Accuracy audit of test count required by 950 CMR §54.02

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Board of Registrars will conduct a public test of the town’s voting equipment to ensure accuracy for the November 3, 2026 State Election. The test will include a minimum of 50 ballots and an audit of the count, as required by Massachusetts regulations.

• Public test of voting equipment on Oct 13–15, 2026 at Town Hall, 22 Monument Ave
• Test includes 50+ ballots and accuracy audit per 950 CMR §54.02

Board of Registrars

The Town Clerk will conduct a public test of Swampscott's voting equipment on October 13-15, 2026, in the First Floor Conference Room at Town Hall. The test will use a deck of at least 50 ballots to verify the accuracy of the computer program and ensure rejection of overvoted ballots.

• Testing scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, with possible continuation on Wednesday and Thursday
• Test will include an audit of the accuracy of the test count
• Testing is open to the public

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Town Clerk will conduct a public test of the town’s voting equipment on October 13–15, 2026, to ensure accuracy for the November 3, 2026 State Election. The test will include a 50-ballot "test deck" and an audit of the count, as required by Massachusetts regulations.

• Public test of voting equipment on Oct 13–15, 2026
• Test includes 50-ballot "test deck" and accuracy audit
• Open to public in First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 22 Monument Ave

Select Board

The Swampscott Select Board will meet on August 4, 2026, to recognize retirees from the Senior Center, Fire Department, and Library, and to hold a public hearing on an earth removal permit application for Swampscott Multi Owner LLC at 125 High Street, Boston. The board will also discuss several topics, including the Hawthorne RFP, parking enforcement, and the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project.

• Recognition of Heidi Whear (retiring Director of Aging Services), Glenn Bartram (28 years in Fire Department), and Isarella Abrams (31 years in Library)
• Public hearing on earth removal permit for Swampscott Multi Owner LLC at 125 High Street, Boston
• Discussion and possible vote on Hawthorne RFP (lease vs. sale, residential use, open space, parking, building reuse, environmental standards, walkability, streetscape, synergy with hotel/commercial corridor)
• Discussion on Parking Enforcement and Parking Fines
• Discussion and possible vote on Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project

Climate Action & Resilience Committee

The Climate Action and Resilience Committee will review updates on flood mitigation and municipal grant applications. The body will also discuss alternatives for the Community Power Aggregation Program and sustainability guidelines for the Planning Board.

• Fisherman’s Beach Flood mitigation study status update
• Community Power Aggregation Program alternatives to REC purchase
• Climate Leader Municipal Technical Assistance grant application
• Sustainability Guidelines for the Planning Board
• Mid-North Shore Climate Engagement and Outreach Strategy Project

Board of the Public Library

The Board of Library Trustees will meet to discuss library renovations and FY27 updates. The board is scheduled to vote on the Collection Development Policy. A non-public executive session is planned to discuss personnel issues.

• Vote on Collection Development Policy
• Updates on flooring project and earmarks
• FY27 updates
• ARIS reporting and promotional materials

Earth Removal Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Earth Removal Advisory Committee will meet to discuss a permit application for earth removal at 555 Essex Street submitted by Swampscott Multi Owner LLC. The committee will also review possible updates to the General Bylaw and hold a joint meeting with the Select Board the following day.

• Review earth removal permit application for 555 Essex Street by Swampscott Multi Owner LLC
• Discuss possible permit changes and updates to General Bylaw
• Joint meeting with Select Board on August 4, 2026 regarding 555 Essex Street permit

Historic District Commission

The Swampscott Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing to consider Certificates of Appropriateness for three residential projects. The commission will decide if proposed window and porch changes meet historic standards.

• 65 Andrew Rd: Request to remove and replace 11 existing windows
• 32 Outlook Rd: Demolition and reconstruction of front entry porch and repair to fascia and trim
• 34 Walker Rd: Removal of second-floor window

Cultural Council

The council will vote on revised guidelines and priorities for the next funding cycle. Members will discuss managing a grant process with reduced funding and the use of additional non-state funds. The meeting also includes a review of the council's leadership model and member engagement.

• Vote on revised guidelines and priorities for next year's funding cycle
• Review of grant process for the coming cycle due to significantly less funding
• Discussion on using non-state funds, including a possible cold weather concert series at the Swampscott Performing Arts Center
• Report on best practices from Marblehead Cultural Council leadership
• Review of council leadership model and member term dates

Conservation Commission

The Swampscott Conservation Commission will meet virtually on July 28 at 7:00 PM to review several coastal-zone projects, including seawall construction at Kings Beach and a small concrete pad removal at 45 Littles Point. Members will also discuss a new native-plant requirement, a maintenance plan for Ewing Woods, and no-trespassing signage at Whales Beach.

• Notice of Intent for 45 Littles Point: remove 300 sq ft damaged concrete, add 200 sq ft dry-laid flagging and revegetate coastal bank
• Notice of Intent for Kings Beach/Mission on the Bay seawall and elevated boardwalk (DEP# 071-0367)
• Request for Determination for Foster Pond bench and kiosk (Map 9, Lot 742)
• Request for Determination for 60 Sculpin Way front-porch enclosure in coastal storm-flowage area
• Proposal to adopt new general conditions requiring native plants

Retirement Board

The Swampscott Contributory Retirement Board will meet to approve meeting minutes, enroll four new members (DPW operators, a customer service supervisor, and a police officer), process one retirement, and handle financial warrants and fund transfers. Several PERAC memos will be filed, and the board will discuss cybersecurity insurance and police accreditation stipends.

• New members: Michael Faia (DPW), Erica McCabe (TWN), Olivia Cahill (SPD), Robert Fiore (DPW)
• Retirement: Catherine Quinn (SPS), 22 years, Option A
• Expense and payroll warrants for July 2026
• Transfer from M&T to MM Account and PRIM to M&T Account
• Refund/transfer: Christine Raposo to Essex Regional (20 years)

Community Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force

The Community Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force will discuss public sentiment survey results and Abacus site evaluations, and determine next steps for analysis and potential additional outreach.

• Discuss public sentiment survey results and next steps for condensing information.
• Review Abacus survey and site evaluations to determine next steps for site analysis.

Board of Health

The Swampscott Board of Health will hold a virtual meeting on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM via Microsoft Teams. The agenda includes public comment, an update on beach water testing, a Health Director update, and review of prior meeting minutes if available.

• Public Comment period
• Beach water testing / updates — communication of information
• Health Director update by Jeffrey W. Vaughan
• Review/approve Minutes of prior meeting if available

School Committee

This is a non-voting workshop meeting. The committee will review its goals and the superintendent's goals, discuss future agenda items, receive a presentation from KP Law, and consider internal and external protocols. No votes or public comment are scheduled.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on an appeal by Thomas Bogacz regarding the building commissioner's denial of a request for zoning enforcement related to a Planning Board special permit decision. The property is located at 24-28 Ingalls Terrace in the A-4 Zoning District.

• Public hearing on Petition 26-07 by Thomas Bogacz appealing the building commissioner's denial of zoning enforcement
• Property address: 24-28 Ingalls Terrace (Map 2, Lots 120 and 121)
• Appeal references Planning Board Decision 26-02 from January 12, 2026

Council on Aging

The Swampscott Council on Aging will discuss results of a feasibility study for a Community Life Center, review staffing updates including the outreach hiring process, and receive reports on dining, programs (Maker’s Shed, chair volleyball, summer shuttle), and transportation including adding Friday rides. The meeting is held in-person at the Senior Center with a virtual option.

• Community Life Center feasibility study results
• Update on hiring process for Outreach
• Dining update
• Program updates: Maker’s Shed, chair volleyball, summer shuttle
• Transportation update: adding Friday rides and increased transportation for trips

Tree Committee

The Swampscott Tree Committee is meeting to discuss administrative items, public comment, and updates from the Tree Warden. Key topics include a proposed zoning bylaw change for landscaping, tree preservation bylaw updates, and planting plans for Vinnin Square redevelopment and the train station.

• Proposed Zoning Bylaw change for paragraph 3.3.1.0 (Landscaping)
• Update: Dead trees at Vinnin
• Update: Tree planting plans in Vinnin Square redevelopment
• Update: Getting trees planted at the Train Station
• Update: Status of Rubric for planning purposes and subcommittee to review proposals

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on FY27 water and sewer rates, a recycling and solid waste service contract and fees, and a Hawthorne RFP. The agenda also includes appointments, parking enforcement discussion, and recognition of retiring town employees. A lengthy executive session is scheduled to review and potentially release minutes from past fiscal years.

• Discussion and possible vote on FY27 Water and Sewer Rates
• Discussion and possible vote on recycling and solid waste service, contract and fees
• Discussion and possible vote on Hawthorne RFP
• Appointment of Registrar of Micheal Brison
• Recognition of Heidi Whear upon retirement as Director of Aging Services

Earth Removal Advisory Committee

The Earth Removal Advisory Committee will meet in person at Town Hall to review an earth removal permit application from Swampscott Multi Owner LLC for 555 Essex Street. The committee will also discuss proposed amendments to the Earth Removal Bylaw and air monitoring procedures, and vote on minutes from the May 27 meeting.

• Review of Earth Removal Permit application by Swampscott Multi Owner LLC, 555 Essex Street
• Discussion of General Bylaw, Article XIII Earth Removal
• Discussion of air monitoring
• Approval of minutes from May 27 meeting

Housing Authority

The Swampscott Housing Authority is holding a public hearing to review its proposed Annual Plan for Fiscal Year 2027, which covers state-aided public housing operations, capital improvements, maintenance, budget, and policy waivers. Residents and the public may submit comments orally or in writing before the hearing closes. The plan will be submitted to the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) after consideration of public input.

• Proposed Capital Improvement Plan for FY2027
• Proposed Maintenance and Repair Plan for FY2027
• Current Operating Budget review
• Responses to Performance Management Review (PMR) findings
• List of waivers from EOHLC regulations

Housing Authority

The Swampscott Housing Authority will vote on reaffirming the affirmative action plan, the annual plan, and a bid for the Swampscott Vacancy Renovation at Doherty Circle. The board will also discuss administrative fee projects for window replacement and an ADA office ramp, and reorganize board officers.

• Vote on reaffirming the affirmative action plan
• Vote on the annual plan
• Bid vote for project #291077 Swampscott Vacancy Renovation at Doherty Circle
• Administrative fee project #291068: ADA Office Ramp
• Re-organization of board officers

Finance Committee

The Swampscott Finance Committee will discuss and potentially vote on year-end transfers for fiscal year 2026. The meeting will be held virtually on July 14, 2026, with public comment allowed.

• Discussion and potential vote on FY 2026 Year-End Transfers

Community Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force

The task force will discuss updates to a public sentiment survey, takeaways from a June 25 meeting, and potential next steps for site work related to a proposed Community Life Center. They will also consider adding a new member to the group.

• Review public sentiment survey updates and distribution needs
• Discuss takeaways from June 25 meeting and scheduling a second in-person meeting
• Determine next steps for site work based on survey feedback
• Consider adding a new volunteer member to the task force

Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee

The Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee will discuss and assign action items for numerous goals from the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan, including grant opportunities, unified signage along the Green Corridor, improving tennis and basketball courts, potential zoning changes to limit development impacts, and policies for acquiring private land. The committee will also receive updates from several town boards and committees.

• Goal 75: Install unified signage with historical elements at key spots along Green Corridor
• Goal 55: Improve tennis and basketball courts; ensure any removal of courts can be replaced 1:1 in Town
• Goal 43: Identify areas for potential acquisition & develop policies for Town acquisition of private land, with options for right of first refusal (Hawthorne, Archer Street, Fosters Pond)
• Goal 2: Determine whether to expand trash/recycling facilities or implement 'carry in/carry out' program
• Goal 19: Address light pollution at night in open spaces

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Solid Waste Advisory Committee will meet to approve prior meeting minutes, discuss resident feedback, and review a new trash and recycling contract rollout. Members will also update committee terms and review ongoing projects like the Farmer’s Market and Fall Repair Cafe.

• Approve prior meeting minutes
• Roll-out and campaign for new trash and recycling contract
• Update member committee terms
• Review reports from DPH, DPW, and resident feedback
• Visit to Peabody recycling facility

Harbor & Waterfront Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Harbor and Waterfront Advisory Committee will discuss project updates including pier repair and the Mission on the Bay seawall, review past meeting minutes, and elect a new chair and vice chair. No votes or decisions are listed; the meeting is primarily for discussion and planning.

• Pier repair project update
• Mission on the Bay seawall project update
• Election of new Chair and Vice Chair
• Review of minutes from March 16, 2026 and April 22, 2026

Swampscott For All Ages Committee

The Swampscott for All Ages Committee will hear a presentation from AARP Massachusetts Director Antron Watson on the state of age-friendly efforts. The committee will also review the appointment of Sabrina Clopton as the new Aging Director and discuss committee membership outreach. Updates will be provided on the Community Life Center Feasibility Task Force, Seaglass Village, and the Maker's Shed at Clarke.

• Guest speaker Antron Watson, Director AARP Age-Friendly Massachusetts
• Review of new Aging Director Sabrina Clopton
• Community Life Center Feasibility Task Force update
• Seaglass Village update
• Declutter Conference and Forget Me Not – Dementia Friendly Businesses

Recreation Commission

The Swampscott Recreation Commission will hold a public meeting on July 13, 2026, to discuss new business including a 501(c)(3) status update, upcoming August events, block party logistics, and new membership applications. The director will also report on recent Strawberry Festival and Fireworks recaps, Clarke School programming attendance, the Farmers Market, park league, and World Cup updates.

• 501(c)(3) progress/timeline update
• August events planning
• Block party logistics including parking sign setup and volunteer opportunities
• New membership applications
• Strawberry Festival and Fireworks recaps

Planning Board

The Swampscott Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a draft Smart Growth Zoning District (Chapter 40R) for the area around the Swampscott Commuter Rail Station. The board will also discuss potential zoning bylaw amendments, including preserving ground-floor commercial space in mixed-use buildings and updating ADU regulations. Additionally, the board will meet with the Tree Committee and Climate Action and Resilience Committee to discuss landscaping requirements and a climate resilience scoring rubric.

• Public hearing on draft Smart Growth Zoning District (Chapter 40R) near Swampscott Commuter Rail Station
• Discussion of potential zoning bylaw amendments: preservation of ground-floor commercial space in B-1 and B-2 districts
• Discussion of potential amendments to Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations
• Discussion with Tree Committee on proposed zoning amendments to Section 3.3.1.0 General Landscaping and Screening Requirements
• Discussion with Climate Action and Resilience Committee on a proposed climate resilience scoring rubric

Board of Health

The Board of Health will discuss beach water testing updates, including review of Fisherman's Beach culvert data, and possible revisions to quarry dust monitoring requirements. They will also consider enforcement of the dog by-law on the beach and review prior meeting minutes.

• Review of BOH Fisherman's Beach culvert data
• Possible revisions to quarry dust monitoring requirements
• Discussion of dog by-law enforcement on the beach
• Location of bathing beach sampling area for MDPH program

Board of Health

The Swampscott Board of Health will meet in person to discuss beach water testing results, including Fisherman's Beach culvert data, and possible revisions to quarry dust monitoring requirements. They will also review enforcement of the dog by-law on the beach and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Review of Fisherman's Beach culvert data
• Location of bathing beach sampling area under MDPH program
• Possible revisions to quarry dust monitoring requirements and methods assessment
• Dog by-law on the beach – enforcement discussion

Historical Commission

The Swampscott Historical Commission will hold a hybrid meeting to conduct initial determinations on two properties: 39 Puritan Road and 11 Eulow Street. These are the only substantive items on the agenda, with the remainder being procedural.

• Initial Determination: 39 Puritan Road
• Initial Determination: 11 Eulow Street

Select Board

The Select Board will discuss and possibly vote on several fiscal matters, including FY27 water and sewer rates, recycling and solid waste service contracts and fees, and year-end transfers. They will also review construction drawings for the Hotel Delamar Swampscott and discuss a request for proposals (RFP) for the Hawthorne property, covering lease vs. sale, residential use, open space, and other factors. The consent agenda includes approval of numerous board and committee appointments and release of executive session minutes.

• Discussion and possible vote on FY27 Water and Sewer Rates
• Discussion and possible vote on recycling and solid waste service, contract and fees
• Review and discussion of Construction Drawings for Hotel Delamar Swampscott
• Discussion and possible vote on resident parking on Ingalls Terrace
• Discussion of Hawthorne RFP covering lease vs. sale, residential use, open space, and other factors