Swampscott, MA

Community Preservation Committee

The Swampscott Community Preservation Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on filling the vacant vice-chair position, plan advertising for October pre-applications, vote on paying annual state dues to the CPA Coalition, and approve the June 2nd meeting minutes. The meeting is primarily administrative and procedural.

• Vote on vacant vice-chair position
• Plan advertising for October pre-applications
• Vote to pay annual state dues to CPA Coalition
• Vote to approve June 2nd meeting minutes

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

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Board of Registrars is holding three advance processing sessions in late August 2026 to handle voter registration matters. The sessions are open to the public and will take place in the First Floor Conference Room at Town Hall.

• Advance processing sessions on August 24, 25, and 28, 2026
• Sessions held at Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue
• Open to the public

Select Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Swampscott Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on two petitions: one for a third façade sign at Cava on Paradise Road, and another for a use special permit to convert a two-family home into five dwelling units at 45 Pleasant Street. The meeting was rescheduled from August 18 to August 26, 2026, and will be held in a hybrid format at the Swampscott Senior Center and via Microsoft Teams.

• Petition 26-08: Sign special permit for a third 30.26 sq ft façade sign at Cava, 450 Paradise Road (B-3 district)
• Petition 26-09: Use special permit for five residential units (~1,850 sq ft each) with partial demolition of existing two-family structure at 45 Pleasant Street (A-4 district)
• Petition 26-09 also requests reduced parking (one space per unit) and relief from snow storage requirements
• Meeting rescheduled from Aug 18 to Aug 26, 2026, 7:00 PM at Swampscott Senior Center, 200R Essex Street

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Board of Registrars is holding three advance processing sessions in late August 2026. These sessions are open to the public and are likely for election-related tasks, though the agenda provides no specific items.

• Advance processing sessions on August 24, 25, and 28, 2026
• Sessions held at First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue

Retirement Board

The Swampscott Retirement Board is meeting to discuss routine matters including refunds for former members, an investment update, and a discussion on security personnel or devices. The agenda is largely procedural with no major policy decisions listed.

• Refund for former SPS tutor (1 year)
• Refund for former SPS tutor (2 years, 8 months)
• Investment update by Denise D'Entremont
• Discussion of security personnel or devices

Retirement Board

Conservation Commission

The Swampscott Conservation Commission will hold a public meeting to review a Notice of Intent for a permanent seawall and elevated boardwalk at Kings Beach and portions of Humphrey Street, and a Request for Determination of Applicability for a bench and kiosk at Foster Pond. The commission will also discuss the Ewing Woods maintenance plan, new general conditions for native plant use, no trespassing signs at Whales Beach, and approve past meeting minutes.

• Notice of Intent for seawall and boardwalk at Kings Beach, 0/126/149 Humphrey St, and 141 Humphrey St (Mission on the Bay), DEP# 071-0367
• Request for Determination of Applicability for wooden bench and informational kiosk at Foster Pond
• Discussion of Ewing Woods Maintenance Plan
• Development of new general conditions requiring native plants
• Discussion of no trespassing signs at Whales Beach

Earth Removal Advisory Committee

The Earth Removal Advisory Committee is meeting to review an application for an earth removal permit by Swampscott Multi Owner LLC at 555 Essex Street. They will also discuss air monitoring and approve minutes from the previous meeting.

• Review of Earth Removal Permit application by Swampscott Multi Owner LLC, 555 Essex Street
• Discussion of air monitoring
• Approval of minutes from August 3, 2026 meeting

Community Life Center Feasibility Study Task Force

Board of Registrars

The Swampscott Board of Registrars is meeting for advance processing of voter registrations ahead of an upcoming election. Three sessions are scheduled on August 24, 25, and 28, 2026, all open to the public. The agenda contains no other business items.

• Advance processing sessions on Aug 24, 25, 28, 2026
• Meetings at First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue

Harbor & Waterfront Advisory Committee

School Committee

The Swampscott School Committee is meeting in executive session to discuss strategy for negotiations with nonunion personnel, specifically the Superintendent, and to review and approve prior executive session minutes from June 22, 2026. The meeting is closed to the public, and no other business is listed.

• Executive session for strategy on nonunion personnel negotiations (Superintendent)
• Review and approval of executive session minutes from 6/22/26
• Votes may be taken on minutes approval

Board of Health

The Swampscott Board of Health will hold an in-person meeting on August 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Town Hall 3rd Floor Conference Room. The agenda includes public comment, updates on the Opioid Settlement Fund Program, beach water testing, a Health Director update, and approval of prior meeting minutes. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Update on Opioid Settlement Fund Program
• Beach water testing update
• Health Director update
• Review/approve minutes of prior meeting

Water & Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Water & Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on a new chair and vice chair, hear a presentation on a sewer lateral inspection cost model, and receive updates on water and sewer projects and summer beach testing. The committee will also discuss ideas for workgroup initiatives and schedule the next meeting. Public comment is included.

• Vote on new chair and vice chair
• Presentation on sewer lateral inspection cost model
• DPW update on water and sewer projects
• Update on summer beach testing
• Discussion of workgroup initiatives

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Swampscott Zoning Board of Appeals will hold two public hearings: one for a sign special permit to allow a third façade sign for Cava at 450 Paradise Road, and another for a use special permit to convert a two-family structure into five residential units at 45 Pleasant Street, with reduced parking and snow storage relief.

• Sign special permit for a third 30.26 sq ft façade sign for Cava at 450 Paradise Road in B-3 District
• Use special permit for five dwelling units (approx. 1,850 sq ft each) at 45 Pleasant Street in A-4 District
• Request for reduced parking (one space per unit) and relief from snow storage requirements at 45 Pleasant Street
• Partial demolition of existing two-family structure at 45 Pleasant Street

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

Select Board

The Swampscott Select Board will hold a regular session with votes on a $2,527,823 Bond Anticipation Note, the Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project, and a trash service update. They will also discuss the FY26 year-end, a transitional audit, the Kleinfeld Report, police updates on school circulation and parking, board goals, and a charter commission. The consent agenda includes appointments to town boards.

• Vote on sale of $2,527,823 Bond Anticipation Note
• Discussion and possible vote on Lynnway Multimodal Corridor Project
• Discussion and possible vote on Trash Service Update
• Appointments: Glenn Kessler (Harbor & Waterfront), Catherine Wilson (Historical Commission), Kelly Russo and Ken Schutzer (Housing Authority)
• Police updates on elementary school circulation and parking proposals

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars is conducting a public test of the town's voting equipment on August 17 and 18, 2026, in preparation for the September 1 State Primary. The test will use a test deck of ballots to verify the accuracy of the vote-counting program, including rejection of overvoted ballots. This is a routine procedural item required by state law.

• Public testing of voting equipment on Aug. 17-18, 2026, at Town Hall, 22 Monument Ave.
• Test deck includes at least 50 ballots per political party for the Sept. 1 State Primary.
• Test will demonstrate rejection of overvoted ballots and audit count accuracy.

Board of Registrars

The Board of Registrars is conducting a public test of the town's voting equipment on August 17 and possibly August 18, 2026, in preparation for the September 1 State Primary Election. The test will use a test deck of ballots from each political party to verify the accuracy of the computer program, including rejection of overvoted ballots. This is a routine procedural matter required by Massachusetts regulations.

• Public test of voting equipment on Aug. 17, 2026, 11 AM–5 PM, with Aug. 18 as a backup date
• Test held in First Floor Conference Room, Town Hall, 22 Monument Avenue
• Test deck includes at least 50 ballots of each political party for the Sept. 1 State Primary
• Test will demonstrate rejection of overvoted ballots and audit accuracy of the test count

Harbor & Waterfront Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Harbor and Waterfront Advisory Committee will meet to review and approve the July 13 minutes, discuss commercial fisherman rights along the waterfront and the Fish House, and receive updates on the Pier Repair, the Mission on the Bay Seawall, and the FY2027-FY2031 capital improvement plan. Public comments will be heard.

• Discussion on commercial fisherman rights along the waterfront and Fish House
• Update on Pier Repair
• Update on Mission on the Bay Seawall
• Review and discuss FY2027-FY2031 capital improvement plan
• Review and approval of July 13 minutes

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

Historical Commission

The Swampscott Historical Commission will make final determinations on proposed partial demolition of 11 Eulow Street and full demolition of 39 Puritan Road. The commission will also consider approving Machon Mural notecards and framing of a Declaration of Independence replica, and possible membership to the NPTF.

• Final determination on partial demolition of 11 Eulow Street
• Final determination on demolition of 39 Puritan Road
• Possible approval of Machon Mural notecards and framing of Declaration of Independence replica
• Possible approval of membership to NPTF

Housing Authority

The Swampscott Housing Authority will hold its regular monthly meeting on August 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the community room at 25 Duncan Terrace, with a Zoom option. The board will consider approving the minutes from the July 14 meeting, pay bills, and hear department reports. Under new business, they will vote on an insurance claim award, retaining Russo as the procured plumber, and paying American Alarm for the annual alarm inspection. The agenda also includes old business on redevelopment modernization, a tenant association report, and open discussion.

• Approval of minutes from the July 14, 2026 regular meeting
• Vote on approval of an insurance claim award
• Board vote to keep Russo as the procured plumber
• Approval of payment to American Alarm for annual alarm inspection
• Report on redevelopment modernization (old business)

Capital Improvement Committee

The Capital Improvement Committee is meeting to discuss lessons learned from previous capital projects, coordinate with the Town Administrator on the upcoming Capital Request cycle, approve minutes, schedule the next meeting, and talk with prospective committee members. The agenda is largely procedural and planning-focused, with no specific project or funding decisions listed.

• Review previous capital projects for lessons learned and process improvements
• Coordinate with Town Administrator on upcoming Capital Request cycle
• Approve meeting minutes as needed
• Schedule next meeting
• Discussion with prospective committee members

Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee

The Swampscott Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss and potentially act on various items, including the annual event and brochure, grants, and progress on numerous goals from the Open Space and Recreation Plan. The agenda includes updates from subcommittees and town boards, as well as new business regarding the Wetlands Protection Act. No votes are listed on the agenda, but decisions may be made on these topics.

• Discussion of grants (Marzie, Toni, Victoria)
• Goal 75: Install unified signage with historical elements along Green Corridor
• Goal 55: Improve tennis and basketball courts; ensure 1:1 replacement if removed
• Goal 2: Decide on expanding trash/recycling facilities or implementing carry in/carry out
• Goal 43: Identify areas for potential acquisition of private land (Hadley, Hawthorne, Archer Street, Fosters Pond)

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

Solid Waste Advisory Committee

The Swampscott Solid Waste Advisory Committee is meeting to approve prior minutes, receive reports from DPH and DPW, and hear public comment. The main business is an update on the rollout of the new trash and recycling contract, plus reports on member activities and projects. New business includes discussion of RDP points and funds.

• New trash and recycling contract rollout updates
• Reports from DPH and DPW
• Public comment
• Fall Repair Cafe (Nov 14) and Fall Pumpkin Event (Nov)
• Visit to Recycling Facility in Peabody

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

Recreation Commission

The Swampscott Recreation Commission is holding a public meeting to discuss updates on recent events, including the Strawberry Festival, fireworks, and a block party, as well as upcoming August and fall events. They will also review a new membership application, progress on forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and a backlog of meeting minutes. The agenda includes public comment and approval of June minutes.

• 501(c)(3) progress and timeline update
• Block party recap, including parking sign setup and volunteer opportunities
• New membership application review
• Strawberry Festival and Fireworks recaps
• Farmers Market and Park League updates