Development News for Swampscott, Massachusetts

Select Board Approves Past Meeting Minutes with Minor Corrections

The Select Board discussed and approved the minutes from several past meetings (March 2nd, March 18th, April 8th, and April 27th, with a correction noted for April 27th to April 28th). A motion to approve the minutes was made, seconded, and passed with three 'Aye' votes and two abstentions. The minutes reflect discussions and votes from previous board meetings.

Police Department Commended for De-escalation of Early Morning Mental Health Incident

The Select Board acknowledged a commendation from a resident for the Swampscott Police Department's de-escalation and safe resolution of a mental health-related incident reported at 3 a.m. The resident specifically praised the officers' ability to manage a potentially volatile situation safely and effectively, ensuring the individual received necessary help.

Select Board Proposes New Town Meeting Calendar for Structured Deliberation

The Select Board discussed a proposed calendar for town meetings from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027, aiming to create a more structured schedule with clearer deadlines for warrant articles, particularly for zoning and budget items. The goal is to provide more lead time for review and public engagement. Discussions included potential conflicts between bylaws and the charter regarding meeting dates and citizen petition deadlines, and the timing of zoning changes to allow for adequate public input and committee work.

Earth Removal Permit for AMRISE Under Review; Board of Health Role Questioned

The Select Board discussed the upcoming Earth Removal Permit renewal for AMRISE (formerly Aggregate). The Earth Removal Advisory Committee (ERAC) presented its recommended permit, which includes streamlined language and clarifications, while avoiding changes to blast limits due to ongoing litigation. A key discussion point was the role of the Board of Health in the permitting process, with a member expressing concerns that their role might be diminished despite public health and environmental criteria being central to the permit. ERAC proposed removing the Select Board from certain notice requirements to streamline the process, emphasizing that critical decisions remain with the Board. The Board will vote on the final permit recommendation on June 17th.