Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA

Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee is holding its annual public hearing to open the new fiscal year's grant application season under the Massachusetts Community Preservation Act. The meeting will discuss the CPC's 5-year plan and invite residents, boards, committees, and organizations to submit grant applications for Historic Preservation, Community Housing, and Open Space/Recreation projects. The application deadline is December 1, 2026, for consideration at the April 2027 spring town meeting.

• Public hearing via Zoom on September 17, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
• Grant applications due 12/1/26 for spring town meeting consideration
• CPA funds available for Historic Preservation, Community Housing, and Open Space/Recreation projects
• Contact Helene Shaw-Kwasie, CPC clerk, for questions

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's Office will conduct advanced processing of mail ballots for the September 1, 2026, State Primary. This is an administrative step to remove and deposit ballots before Election Day. The public may observe the process, which begins at 9:00 AM at Town Hall. Results will not be released until after polls close at 8:00 PM.

• Advanced processing of mail ballots for the September 1, 2026 State Primary
• Location: Manchester-by-the-Sea Town Hall, 10 Central St., Room 5 (second floor)
• Processing begins at 9:00 AM
• Mail ballots received after processing will be handled at polls on September 1
• Results withheld until after polls close at 8:00 PM

Winthrop Field Committee

The Winthrop Field Committee is holding its monthly meeting and site visit at the Jersey Lane Gate. The agenda includes status updates on the culvert-drain line assessment and clean out, dead tree removal on Jersey Lane, and annual field mowing, as well as field stewardship items like pond cattail removal, walking path maintenance, and planning for a fall brush trimming work session in the north field.

• Culvert-drain line assessment and clean out
• Dead tree removal on Jersey Lane
• Annual field mowing
• Pond cattail removal
• North field brush trimming fall work session planning

Open Space & Recreation Committee

The Open Space & Recreation Committee is meeting to discuss updates on several projects, including the GIS mapping of town-owned land, a Notice of Intent for the Shingle Hill 40B project, new parking at Newport Park, tree removal at Powder House Hill, and trail signage. They will also review a trail maintenance plan with CATS and hear any updates on the Gordon College/Gordon Woods development proposal. The meeting includes routine items like approving minutes and scheduling the next meeting.

• Update on NOI from SLV for Shingle Hill 40B Project
• Status of new parking spaces at Newport Park
• Update on tree removal at Powder House Hill
• Discussion of trail maintenance plan between Town and CATS
• Gordon College / Gordon Woods Development Proposal update

Finance Committee

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Finance Committee will review uncertified year-end financial reports, including reserve additions and beach revenues. The agenda includes a status update on capital projects and a review of the 25-year Long-Term Capital Plan, which includes an analysis of its impact on the tax rate. The committee will also discuss potential warrant articles for the November Special Town Meeting.

• Review of FY26 Year-End/4th Quarter Report and reserve additions as of 7/1/26 (uncertified)
• Comparison of 2026 Beach Revenue through 7/31/26 vs. 2025
• Status of Capital Projects Appropriated, including bid prices and actual costs
• Review of 25-year Long-Term Capital Plan and its impact on the tax rate
• Discussion of potential warrant articles for the November Special Town Meeting

Facilities Planning Committee

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Facilities Planning Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve the July 15 meeting minutes, review an action item list, and consider an updated charge for the committee. The main topics include an update on the Senior/Community Center project with Olsen Lewis + Architects and an update on the Owner's Project Manager (OPM) for 197 School Street. The meeting is a hybrid Zoom session open to the public.

• Discussion and/or approval of 7/15/26 meeting minutes
• Discussion on updated Facilities Planning Committee charge
• Update on Senior/Community Center with Olsen Lewis + Architects
• Update on 197 School Street OPM
• Future meetings scheduled for 8/25 and 9/9

Manchester Housing Authority

The Manchester Housing Authority will hold a regular meeting to review financials, hear reports, and consider a contract for the Newport Park Lockset Replacement Project. The board will also approve minutes, review accounts payable, and take resident comments.

• Contract with A & R Construction Inc. for $48,850 for Newport Park Lockset Replacement Project (EOHLC #166105)
• Year-end financials review by Fee Accountant Jenna Milne
• Managing Director's report
• Review of July 2026 accounts payable
• Resident comments limited to 5 minutes

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will hold a public meeting to approve minutes, discuss committee vacancies, and review past and upcoming events including Festival by the Sea and fall activities. Climate Leader Communities and waste hauling plans will also be addressed.

• Review Festival by the Sea recap
• Discuss fall events planning
• Climate Leader Communities update
• Waste hauling plan and education discussion

Bike and Pedestrian Committee

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Bike and Pedestrian Committee is meeting to review minutes, discuss the status of e-bike/micromobility legislation and a possible community forum, plan September events, and receive updates on Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and local projects. The agenda includes updates on a traffic study at the Pine/Bennett/Central/Bridge intersection and pedestrian crossing beacon repairs.

• Update on e-bike/micromobility bill progression and discussion of a September community forum
• September Rotary event 'Wheels for Good'
• SRTS update on LTE award and RMV bicycle safety resources
• Traffic study and DPW updates for Pine/Bennett/Central/Bridge intersection
• Pedestrian crossing beacon repair status

Board of Health

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Board of Health, meeting jointly with Gloucester under the Cape Ann Public Health Alliance, will review a summary of the FY26 SAPHE 2.0 performance standards survey and receive briefings on active FY27 projects. The board will also approve minutes from its June 23, 2026 meeting and conduct routine business. This is a working session with no public hearings or major decisions listed.

• FY26 SAPHE 2.0 Performance Standards Survey Summary Briefing
• FY27 Active Projects Briefing & Status
• Approval of meeting minutes from June 23, 2026

Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee

The Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee is holding its first organizational meeting. They will vote on a chair and clerk, hear a presentation from the citizen's petition sponsor, and determine research areas and a timeline for studying ranked choice voting for town elections, with a report due to the 2027 Annual Town Meeting.

• Vote on Committee Chair
• Vote on Committee Clerk
• Presentation on Ranked Choice Voting by Jonathan Hurley
• Determine research areas, assignments, and study timeline

Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's Office will conduct public ballot testing on Tuesday, August 18, at 9:00 AM in Room 5 at Town Hall, in preparation for the September 1, 2026, State Primary. The testing is open for public observation.

• Ballot testing for the September 1, 2026, State Primary
• Public observation allowed during testing

Select Board

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Select Board will meet to conduct three public hearings, including two National Grid projects on Masconomo Street and Atwater Avenue, and an alcohol license transfer for 26 Central Restaurant LLC. The board will also consider action items such as an outdoor alcohol beverage area at 35 Beach, the Housing Production Plan, electric permit fees, a grant of easement for the Lincoln Street Well, and EV charging station fees. Discussion items include the Harbor Transaction List, and the consent agenda covers meeting minutes, a common victuallers license for Sofia's, and a special events permit for the Manc/Essex Athletic Booster's Carnival.

• Public hearing: National Grid – Masconomo Street (6:30pm)
• Public hearing: National Grid – Atwater Avenue (6:35pm)
• Public hearing: Alcohol License Transfer – 26 Central Restaurant LLC (6:45pm)
• Action item: Outdoor Alcohol Beverage Area – 35 Beach
• Action item: Electric Permit Fee and EV Charging Station Fees

Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Library Trustees is meeting to discuss routine business, including the director's report and approval of minutes. They will also consider a request to purchase non-slip entry mats and discuss the library building renovation and fundraising efforts.

• Request to purchase non-slip entry mats
• Library building renovation / fundraising discussion
• Public comment period
• Approval of minutes from previous meetings

Board of Health

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Board of Health will review sewage disposal system upgrades for three properties, including a conceptual proposal to increase flow on an existing septic system (no vote required). The board will also receive an update on a public health grant, review permit and inspection status, and approve minutes from prior meetings.

• 3 Proctor Street: sewage disposal system upgrade dated 07/13/26
• 21 Eaglehead Road: subsurface disposal system dated 07/16/26
• 155 Bridge Street: conceptual proposal to increase flow on existing septic system (no vote required)
• Cape Ann Public Health Alliance (CAPHA) Public Health Excellence (PHE) grant update
• Minutes for review: 05/14/26, 05/28/26, 06/11/26, 06/25/26, 07/16/26

Historic District Commission

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Historic District Commission will hold a public meeting on August 13, 2026, to consider a new application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for an exterior sign at 2 School Street, and to continue discussions on the Demolition Delay By-Law and possible expansion of the Historic District. The meeting will also include approval of minutes from July 9 and July 27, 2026.

• New application: David Gallagher, 2 School Street, exterior sign for Oliva Enoteca, Assessor's Map 53, Lot 33, District G
• Continued discussion: Demolition Delay By-Law
• Discussion: expansion of the Historic District
• Approval of minutes from July 9 and July 27, 2026

Council on Aging

The Council on Aging Executive Board is meeting to discuss routine matters including the secretary's report, department data and budget review, upcoming events, and the Friends' report. New business includes a senior center update and a discussion of housing on Pine Street. The agenda is largely procedural with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Budget review
• Upcoming events
• Senior Center update – John Round
• Housing on Pine Street discussion

Facilities Planning Committee

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Facilities Planning Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially approve the minutes from its July 15 meeting, review an action item list, and discuss an updated committee charge. The main business includes an update on the Senior/Community Center project with the architect, Olsen Lewis + Architects, and an update on the 197 School Street project with the Owner's Project Manager. The meeting is a hybrid Zoom session, and future meetings are scheduled for August 25 and September 9.

• Discussion and/or approval of meeting minutes from 7/15/26
• Discussion on updated FPC Charge
• Update on Senior/Community Center with Olsen Lewis + Architects
• Update on 197 School Street, OPM
• Future meetings scheduled for 8/25 and 9/9

Conservation Commission

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on four Notices of Intent, including a proposed 136-unit multifamily building at 0 School Street, and will consider two requests for Certificates of Compliance. The commission will also review minutes and discuss new business such as MACC dues.

• Notice of Intent for 92,560 sq ft, 3-story, 136-unit multifamily building at 0 School Street
• Notice of Intent for seasonal ramp and float at 19 Proctor Street
• Notice of Intent for utility trenching at 5 Kings Way
• Notice of Intent for site improvements at 195 Summer Street (non-conforming within No-Build Zone)
• Certificates of Compliance for 195 Summer Street and 17 Eaglehead Road

Planning Board

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Planning Board is meeting to continue a public hearing on a site plan review for two multi-family homes at 1 Deer Hill Road, and to continue discussion of the Housing Production Plan. The agenda also includes public comment, approval of minutes, and other routine matters.

• Continued public hearing: 1 Deer Hill Road – site plan review for two multi-family homes
• Continued discussion: Housing Production Plan
• Public comment on non-agenda items
• Approval of meeting minutes from July 27, 2026

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will hold an open session to review the June and July 2026 sales report, approve the motor vehicle excise commitment, and discuss departmental business. The board will then enter executive session to discuss non-public records under MGL Chapter 59, and will not return to open session.

• Sales report for June and July 2026
• Motor vehicle excise commitment 4, commitment and warrant
• June and July 2026 Abatement report
• June and July 2026 Expense report
• Executive session to discuss non-public records (MGL Ch. 59)

Parks and Recreation Committee

The Parks and Recreation Committee will meet to discuss updates on beach operations, including credit card payments, a parking sign, and a building project. They will also consider a special event application for the ME Athletic Boosters Carnival and receive an update on WiFi sales at the beach. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes and a director's report.

• Special Event Application: ME Athletic Boosters Carnival (Amy Lage attending)
• Beach Update: Credit cards, parking sign, building project
• WiFi sales at the beach - Update
• Adult Fitness Grant – John Round’s email
• Brook St Scoreboard Update

Select Board

The Select Board will conduct a public hearing regarding water and sewer rates and receive a presentation on the Ocean Street Project. The board will also consider proposals for WiFi-by-the-Sea LLC and updates to curbside waste collection.

• Water & Sewer Rates Public Hearing
• Ocean Street Project presentation by Fuss & O’Neill
• WiFi-by-the-Sea LLC proposal
• Senior Trash Fee Abatement and curbside collection update
• Approval of events: Cub Scout sleep out at Singing Beach, Coast to the Cure cycling, and Touch-a-Truck

The Select Board approved the Fiscal Year 2027 water and sewer rates as presented, including a 7% increase on the sewer side and no change to water rates. The board also approved a seasonal wireless internet service at Singing Beach, a senior curbside collection fee abatement program, and appointments to the Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee and Sustainability Committee. Several other items were discussed or postponed, including the Ocean Street Project presentation.

• Approved FY2027 water and sewer rates, including 7% sewer increase (unanimous)
• Approved WiFi-by-the-Sea LLC seasonal wireless internet service at Singing Beach (unanimous)
• Approved senior curbside collection fee abatement program, eligibility mirrors Clause 41D tax abatement (unanimous)
• Appointed Rob Beatty and Chris Thomas to Ranked Choice Voting Study Committee, terms to June 30, 2027 (unanimous)
• Appointed Stephanie Hendry and Kara White to Sustainability Committee, terms to June 30, 2029 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items except July 20 minutes, which were approved with amendments (unanimous)
• Postponed Ocean Street Project presentation to next meeting
• Entered executive session for collective bargaining and litigation strategy

Facilities Planning Committee

The Facilities Planning Committee will meet to discuss and approve past meeting minutes, review an updated action item list, and receive updates on the Senior/Community Center project and a property at 197 School Street. The committee will also discuss its charge and future meeting dates.

• Review and approval of July 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on Senior/Community Center project with Olsen Lewis + Architects
• Update on property at 197 School Street, OPM

Planning Board

The Historic District Commission and Planning Board are meeting jointly to discuss the timeline and strategy of the Demolition Delay By-Law. No other items are on the agenda.

• Discussion of timeline and strategy for the Demolition Delay By-Law

The Historic District Commission and Planning Board held a joint meeting to discuss a potential demolition delay bylaw, but no formal decision was made. They heard a presentation from consultant Jennifer Doherty and agreed to continue coordination on a preservation plan and survey work, with a possible April Town Meeting target.

• Joint meeting held to discuss demolition delay bylaw; no vote taken
• Agreed to coordinate on preservation plan scope and funding with consultant

Planning Board

The Planning Board will meet at Town Hall and conduct a site walk around the General District. The meeting is a public site walk, not a regular business meeting with votes or decisions.

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission is meeting jointly with the Planning Board to discuss the timeline and strategy of the Demolition Delay By-Law. No other items are on the agenda.

• Joint meeting with Planning Board to discuss Demolition Delay By-Law timeline and strategy

The Historic District Commission and Planning Board held a joint meeting to discuss a potential demolition delay bylaw, with consultant Jennifer Doherty providing an overview. No formal decisions were made; the boards agreed to coordinate on a scope of work and funding plan for further study. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Adjourned joint meeting (unanimous)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will continue a public hearing on a site plan review for two multi-family homes at 1 Deer Hill Road. They will also discuss the Housing Production Plan, a demolition delay bylaw with the Historic Commission, and potential zoning changes for the fall Town Meeting.

• Continued public hearing: 1 Deer Hill Road – two multi-family buildings
• Discussion of Housing Production Plan
• Discussion with Historic District/Historical Commission on Demolition Delay By-Law
• General District Zoning Study discussion
• Discussion of zoning changes for Fall Town Meeting

The Planning Board continued the public hearing for the 1 Deer Hill Road site plan review to August 10, 2026, after reviewing revised plans for two duplexes. The board also discussed a demolition delay bylaw with the Historic District Commission and reviewed the Housing Production Plan, with no final decisions on those items.

• Continued public hearing for 1 Deer Hill Road to Aug 10, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 13, 2026 (unanimous)
• Adjourned joint meeting with Historic District Commission (unanimous)

Winthrop Field Committee

The Winthrop Field Committee will hold a monthly meeting and site visit at Jersey Lane Gate. They will discuss a culvert-drain line assessment and clean out, as well as dead tree removal on Jersey Lane. A field stewardship work session will cover pond cattail removal and north field brush trimming.

• Culvert-drain line assessment and clean out
• Dead tree removal on Jersey Lane
• Pond cattail removal
• North field brush trimming

Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee will meet to discuss and potentially act on a waste hauling contract and a Hooper Fund proposal, along with committee vacancies and summer/fall events.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hold public hearings on three Notices of Intent, including a major 136-unit apartment building at 0 School Street, a seasonal ramp and float at 19 Proctor Street, and utility trenching at 5 Kings Way. Orders of Conditions may be issued for the same projects if hearings are closed. Other business includes a presentation from JAG/Gordon College and a recalculation for Lincoln Street Well.

• Public hearing on 92,560 sq ft, 136-unit multifamily building at 0 School Street
• Public hearing on seasonal ramp and float at 19 Proctor Street
• Public hearing on utility trenching in buffer zone at 5 Kings Way
• Orders of Conditions for all three projects if hearings are closed
• Presentation from JAG/Gordon College and Lincoln Street Well recalculation

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Conservation Commission continued three public hearings to August 11, 2026: the 19 Proctor Street float project, the 5 Kings Way utility trench, and the 0 School Street multifamily building. It also issued an administrative approval for a reduced impact area for the Lincoln Street Well project and rescheduled the September 1 meeting to September 8. No hearings were closed.

• Continued 19 Proctor Street float hearing to Aug 11 (7-0)
• Continued 5 Kings Way utility trench hearing to Aug 11 (7-0)
• Continued 0 School Street multifamily hearing to Aug 11 (6-0, Turner recused)
• Approved administrative approval letter for Lincoln Street Well reduced impact area (7-0)
• Rescheduled Sept 1 meeting to Sept 8 (7-0)
• Accepted June 30 minutes as amended (unanimous)