2022-05-19: Select Board

Click timestamps in the text to watch that part of the meeting recording.

Swampscott Select Board Meeting Analysis: May 19, 2022

1. Agenda

Based on the meeting flow and topics discussed in the transcript, the likely agenda was as follows:

  1. Discussion/Overview of Land Acquisitions 0:00

    • Presentation by Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald covering potential acquisitions:
      • Archer Street Assessors Map/Lot 7-1-0 (Joyce Haas property)
      • Zero Archer Street (Adjacent parcel, subject to negotiation/taking)
      • 149 Humphrey Street (Hawthorne by the Sea / Athanas property)
    • Select Board Member Comments
    • Public Comment 4:25

  2. Update and Discussion on Affordable Housing Initiatives 7:45

    • (Discussed primarily during Public Comment in relation to proposed zoning/development near Glover property / Tedesco & Salem St)

  3. New Business: Action on Land Acquisition Agreements 29:02

    • Motion to enter Escrow Agreement for 149 Humphrey St (Hawthorne) 29:02
    • Motion to enter Purchase & Sale Agreement for Archer St Map/Lot 7-1-0 (Haas) 29:31

  4. Special Town Meeting Announcement 31:31

    • Setting date for Special Town Meeting (June 14) to vote on acquisitions.

  5. Select Board Time / Member Updates 30:06

    • Discussion of community initiative (Free Formula Exchange)

  6. Adjournment 31:56

2. Speaking Attendees

Based on the transcript and knowledge of Swampscott government:

  • Neal Duffy (Select Board Member, Acting Chair): [Speaker 1]
  • Sean Fitzgerald (Town Administrator): [Speaker 10]
  • David Grissman (Select Board Member): [Speaker 7]
  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Member): [Speaker 6]
  • Peter Spellios (Select Board Member): [Speaker 4]
  • Select Board Member (Name Not Stated / Possibly Don Hause or Polly Titcomb): [Speaker 15]
  • Patricia Maxine (Resident, 23 Eureka Ave): [Speaker 11]
  • Jan DiPaolo (Resident, 30 Hillcrest Circle): [Speaker 8]
  • Joanne (Resident, 40 Fort Orchard Circle): [Speaker 5]
  • Reggie (Resident, 60 Foster Road): [Speaker 12]
  • Aaron Burdoff (Resident, via Zoom): [Speaker 9]
  • Ann Driscoll (Resident, 2 Upland Road, via Zoom): [Speaker 3]
  • Jim Drumheller (Resident, 5 Archer Street): [Speaker 14]
  • Tanya Lilick (Chair, Open Space & Recreation Committee): [Speaker 2]
  • Carol Schutzer (Town Meeting Member, via Zoom): [Speaker 13]
  • Select Board Member: [Speaker 16] (Voiced ‘Aye’ during vote/adjournment)

3. Meeting Minutes

Meeting Start Time: Referenced from 0:00

Land Acquisition Overview: 0:00 Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald presented an overview of proposed land acquisitions, framing them as a “once in a generation” opportunity to preserve open space. He mentioned the properties involved (Archer Street parcels and 149 Humphrey Street/Hawthorne) and assured that detailed financial analysis, including debt schedules and impact assessments similar to the elementary school project, would be forthcoming from finance staff Mr. Luddy and Amy Sarrow.

Select Board Comments: 1:49 Several board members expressed strong, often personal and emotional, support for the open space initiatives.

  • Member David Grissman 1:49 spoke about positive feedback from residents near Archer Street (Foster Road area) and framed the acquisitions as a “forever acquisition” shaping the town’s future positively, fulfilling a key reason he ran for the board. He noted it was his wife’s birthday.
  • Member Katie Phelan 3:29 emotionally emphasized her priority for open space, referencing the sentiment of reversing development (“take down the parking lot and put paradise back”).
  • An unnamed Select Board Member 4:04 commended the previous Select Board, Town Administrator Fitzgerald, and especially the Athanas family (owners of Hawthorne).
  • Acting Chair Neal Duffy facilitated the transition to public comment [1:22, 4:25].

Public Comment: 4:25 Extensive public comment followed, overwhelmingly in favor of the open space acquisitions.

  • Patricia Maxine (Eureka Ave) 5:01 thanked the Board, expressing relief that development impacting her neighborhood (related to Archer St access) was being averted.
  • Jan DiPaolo (Hillcrest Cir) 6:17 praised the acquisition of the Hawthorne property for a park, contrasting the vision with the scale of the proposed Elm Place development and thanking the Athanas family for prioritizing the town’s character.
  • Joanne (Fort Orchard Cir, new resident) 7:45 commended the green space commitment but raised concerns about a potential affordable housing project at Tedesco/Salem St (initially mentioned as 5 stories). She advocated for alternatives to dense apartment complexes at major intersections and expressed a nuanced view on balancing development and preservation.
  • Member Peter Spellios interjected 10:00 to correct the record on the Tedesco/Salem proposal: the plan discussed involved 4 stories within a 50-foot height limit, not 5 stories.
  • Reggie (Foster Rd) 10:42 conveyed the neighborhood’s elation regarding the Archer Street acquisition decision and presented the Board members with celebratory balloons, a gesture met with appreciation.
  • Aaron Burdoff (Zoom) 12:47, a known affordable housing advocate, congratulated the Board but contextualized the housing need (~270 additional units needed) and asked a clarifying question about zoning for the “Glover properties” (near Tedesco/Salem). Member Spellios confirmed 13:16 the proposed zoning would allow development ‘as of right’ via Planning Board plan approval under the anticipated new zoning.
  • Ann Driscoll (Zoom) 15:17 asked if the Glover property zoning related to the Housing Choice Act / A3 district. Member Spellios confirmed 15:53 the Planning Board intended to include these parcels within the town’s designated 55-acre A3 district. Ms. Driscoll praised the Board’s balanced approach to open space and affordable housing equity, referencing the Swampscott Equity Association and town congestion issues.
  • Jim Drumheller (Archer St) 18:24 expressed gratitude for the potential purchase of the Archer Street property abutting his home. He inquired about the status of the prior development application (still pending with MassHousing 18:56) and the likelihood of acquiring the property. Acting Chair Duffy and Member Spellios clarified the town’s strategy: pursue a negotiated agreement but simultaneously ask Town Meeting for authority to acquire the property, potentially via eminent domain if necessary 19:33.
  • Tanya Lilick (Chair, Open Space & Recreation Committee) 20:10 delivered a detailed statement thanking the Board and the Athanas family. She highlighted the multifaceted benefits of open space (health, environmental, community, financial) and referenced historical town planning documents (1970, 1983, 2021 OSRP) underscoring the long-standing goal of preserving open and waterfront land. Her presentation provided significant historical context and justification for the current actions.
  • Acting Chair Duffy 25:30 acknowledged the foundational importance of the Open Space and Recreation Plan and the committee’s work in enabling the current initiatives, stressing the value of town planning efforts (Master Plan, OSRP).
  • Carol Schutzer (Town Meeting Member, Zoom) 26:54 expressed excitement but asked if Town Meeting members would receive detailed cost information before the vote. Acting Chair Duffy confirmed 27:38 financial details would be presented starting at a joint meeting next week and made publicly available. Member Spellios added 28:25 that the Town Moderator would likely facilitate information sharing, potentially through office hours.

Motions and Votes: 29:02 Member Peter Spellios introduced two motions related to the land acquisitions:

  1. Motion: To enter into an Escrow Agreement dated May 16, 2022, involving Anthony’s Hawthorne, Inc., Triton Atlantic LLC, Sunbeam Development Limited Partnership, the Town of Swampscott, Leggett McCall Properties LLC, and First American Title Insurance (related to the Hawthorne property).
    • Seconded 29:21. No discussion.
    • Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye votes heard from multiple members) 29:28.
  2. Motion: To enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated May 13, 2022, between Joyce M. Haas and the Town of Swampscott for +/- 5.033 acres (Assessors Map 7-1-0, Archer St).
    • Seconded 29:31. No discussion.
    • Vote: Passed unanimously (Aye votes heard from multiple members) 29:56.
  • The board reached consensus quickly and decisively on these agreements.

Select Board Time / Member Updates: 30:06 Member Katie Phelan 30:11 highlighted the national baby formula shortage and promoted FreeFormulaExchange.com, a website created by Swampscott resident Keiko Zoll to connect those with formula to donate to those in need. She encouraged residents to visit the site (also linked on the town’s Facebook page).

Special Town Meeting Date Announcement: 31:31 Acting Chair Duffy announced the Special Town Meeting to vote on the land acquisitions is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14th. He noted the Moderator would communicate details to Town Meeting members.

Adjournment: 31:56 A motion to adjourn was made 32:01, seconded 32:02, and passed unanimously 32:04.

4. Executive Summary

This Swampscott Select Board meeting marked a significant step towards major open space preservation, advancing deals for the waterfront Hawthorne property and wooded land off Archer Street, while setting the stage for a crucial Special Town Meeting vote.

Major Open Space Acquisitions Advanced The Board took decisive action to preserve key parcels highly valued by the community. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald presented plans 0:00 for acquiring the former Anthony’s Hawthorne by the Sea restaurant property (149 Humphrey Street) from the Athanas family and parcels off Archer Street, including one owned by Joyce Haas and another targeted for acquisition. Board members and numerous residents expressed strong, often emotional, support, framing these as “forever acquisitions” [1:49, 3:29] vital to Swampscott’s character and quality of life. The Board unanimously approved entering an escrow agreement for the Hawthorne property 29:02 and a purchase and sale agreement for the Haas parcel on Archer Street 29:31.

  • Significance: These actions represent potential landmark achievements in open space preservation, fulfilling goals outlined in town plans for decades, as detailed by Open Space Chair Tanya Lilick 20:10. Securing the Hawthorne property preserves public access and views on prime waterfront land, while the Archer Street parcels protect woodlands from potential dense development previously proposed for the area [5:01, 18:24].

Path to Finalizing Acquisitions: Negotiation and Town Meeting Vote While an agreement is in place for one Archer Street parcel (Haas), the Board clarified its strategy for the adjacent key parcel (Zero Archer Street). They will pursue a negotiated purchase but are asking Town Meeting for the authority to acquire it even without owner agreement, potentially via eminent domain 19:33. Financial details for both acquisitions will be presented publicly, starting with a joint Select Board/Finance Committee meeting [0:00, 27:38]. A Special Town Meeting for the necessary funding appropriations and acquisition authority is set for Tuesday, June 14th 31:31.

  • Significance: The Town is pursuing these acquisitions assertively, preparing for multiple scenarios to secure the properties. The upcoming Special Town Meeting will be critical for Swampscott voters to decide on funding these significant investments in open space.

Affordable Housing Needs Remain in Focus While celebrating open space, the meeting briefly touched upon the ongoing need for affordable housing. Public comment included discussion of a potential 4-story development near Tedesco and Salem Streets [7:45, 10:00] and the associated zoning [13:16, 15:53]. Advocate Aaron Burdoff noted the town still needs roughly 270 affordable units 13:28, and resident Ann Driscoll praised the Board for seeking balance between preservation and housing equity 16:14.

  • Significance: The discussion underscores the persistent challenge for Swampscott in balancing highly desired open space preservation with state mandates and local needs for diverse and affordable housing options. The Board’s actions on open space occur within this broader planning context.

Community Engagement and Initiatives The meeting highlighted strong resident engagement, with numerous public commenters speaking passionately, particularly neighbors directly impacted by the Archer Street development potential [5:01, 10:42, 18:24]. The foundational work of the Open Space and Recreation Committee was explicitly credited [20:10, 25:30]. Additionally, Member Katie Phelan brought attention to a resident-led initiative addressing the baby formula crisis 30:11, showing Board awareness of immediate community concerns.

  • Significance: The widespread support voiced at the meeting suggests strong public backing for the open space initiatives heading into Town Meeting. The proceedings demonstrated the influence of resident advocacy and volunteer committee work on town policy.

5. Analysis

This Select Board meeting was characterized by a remarkable display of unity and shared purpose focused on land acquisition for open space preservation, a theme that resonated deeply with both the Board members and the attending public. The atmosphere was largely celebratory and forward-looking, punctuated by moments of emotion and gratitude.

Dynamics and Tone: The dominant dynamic was one of consensus and enthusiasm regarding the Hawthorne and Archer Street acquisitions. Board members like David Grissman 1:49 and Katie Phelan 3:29 framed their support in terms of fulfilling campaign promises, responding to residents, and securing a legacy for the town, lending a personal and almost campaigning feel to their remarks. Public comment 4:25 strongly amplified this sentiment, with residents expressing relief, excitement, and deep appreciation [e.g., 5:01, 6:17, 10:42]. The presentation of balloons by resident Reggie 10:42 served as a literal symbol of the neighborhood’s elation. This contrasts sharply with often contentious debates surrounding development or spending in town government. However, underlying tensions surfaced during discussions touching on affordable housing [7:45, 13:28], hinting at the complex balancing act the town faces.

Effectiveness of Arguments and Positions:

  • Select Board: The Board effectively presented a narrative of proactive, responsive governance acting on long-held community desires for open space. Their arguments were bolstered by invoking town plans 25:30 and resident feedback 1:49. The clear articulation of the two-pronged strategy for the remaining Archer Street parcel (negotiation backed by potential taking authority 19:33) projected determination. Their unanimous votes on the initial agreements [29:21, 29:52] underscored their unity on this front.
  • Town Administration: Sean Fitzgerald’s opening 0:00 successfully framed the acquisitions as a unique opportunity while preemptively addressing financial concerns by promising detailed analysis, setting a competent and reassuring tone.
  • Open Space Committee: Tanya Lilick’s presentation 20:10 was highly effective, grounding the current actions in decades of town planning and clearly articulating the diverse benefits of open space. Her contribution provided crucial historical context and justification, elevating the discussion beyond immediate resident concerns.
  • Public Commenters (Pro-Open Space): Commenters like Patricia Maxine 5:01, Jan DiPaolo 6:17, Reggie 10:42, and Jim Drumheller 18:24 effectively conveyed the tangible impact of potential development versus preservation on their neighborhoods and the town’s character, adding powerful personal testimony to the Board’s rationale.
  • Public Commenters (Housing Context): Joanne’s critique 7:45 of the potential Tedesco/Salem project’s density and location introduced a necessary counterpoint about development impacts, even amidst the open space celebration. Aaron Burdoff 13:28 and Ann Driscoll 16:14 effectively situated the open space wins within the larger, unresolved need for affordable housing, ensuring that critical issue remained visible. Peter Spellios’ factual corrections 10:00 and zoning clarifications [13:16, 15:53] were vital for maintaining accuracy in these related discussions.

Overall Assessment: The Select Board appeared highly effective in marshalling support and advancing the open space agenda item. They successfully leveraged community enthusiasm and historical planning to build momentum towards the Special Town Meeting. The meeting served as a powerful demonstration of the Board acting decisively on a popular issue. While the focus was overwhelmingly positive, the brief discussions on affordable housing served as a reminder, voiced by residents and advocates, that this significant open space progress coexists with other pressing, and potentially more divisive, town challenges that require continued attention and difficult decisions. The Board’s commitment to financial transparency 27:38 and clear communication regarding the next steps (Special Town Meeting 31:31) will be crucial for maintaining the positive momentum achieved in this meeting.