2025-06-04: Select Board Meeting

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

Swampscott Select Board Meeting — June 4, 2025

Section 1: Agenda (Inferred)

  1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance 00:03:08
  2. Reappointment of Interim Town Administrator Gino Cresta 00:03:42
  3. Eagle Scout Proclamation — Jonathan Walger 00:05:01 (tabled; revisited at 01:23:32)
  4. Town Administrator’s Report 00:05:22
    • Resignation of Finance Director Amy Sorrow
    • VFW Flag Retirement Ceremony (June 14)
    • DEI Consultant Update
    • Girl Scout Troop 64473 Storm Drain Project
    • Harbor Festival & Chowder Fest
    • Farmers Market Opening
    • Police Department BJA Grant ($15,000)
  5. Board Questions on TA Report 00:08:13
    • Beach Water Quality Testing (Board of Health update)
    • Pride Crosswalk Repainting
    • Clarke School RFP Discussion
    • Police Hiring Timeline
    • UV Pilot Program at King’s Beach
    • Hawthorne Reuse Committee Status
    • Building Commissioner Update
    • Town Administrator Search Update
  6. Public Comment 00:25:00
  7. Joint Meeting & Public Hearing — Earth Removal Advisory Committee (ERAC): Quarry Permit Renewal 00:34:02
  8. Eagle Scout Proclamation — Jonathan Walger 01:23:32
  9. Discussion & Possible Vote — Veterans Crossing (12–24 Pine Street) Schematic Design with B’nai B’rith Housing 01:30:22
  10. Presentation — Mission on the Bay Seawall Repair 02:14:02
  11. Discussion — Cannabis Host Community Agreement Updates (Terpene Journey & Calix Peak/Local Cannabis) 02:40:39
  12. Discussion & Possible Vote — Police Department Traffic & Parking Recommendations 03:11:53
    • Elm Place one-way designation & parallel parking
    • Burpee Road speed concerns
    • King’s Beach Terrace sign replacement
    • Norfolk Avenue sign replacement
    • Fisherman’s Beach parking lot restrictions
    • Burrell Street handicap spaces
  13. Consent Agenda (Liquor licenses, one-day permits, farmers market vendors) 03:48:14
  14. Select Board Time 04:00:20
  15. Adjournment 04:05:54

Section 2: Speaking Attendees

Note: Automated speaker diarization in this transcript is unreliable over the 4-hour meeting; speaker tags shift frequently. The following mapping reflects best-evidence inferences based on contextual clues, names spoken aloud, and roles identified within the transcript.

Select Board Members

  • Katie Phelan (Select Board Chair): Addressed as “Katie” and “Madam Chairman”; chairs votes and procedures throughout. (Primary tags: [Speaker 1], [Speaker 7], others)
  • Doug Thompson (Select Board Member): Referenced by name in public comment; identified as an Eagle Scout; makes remarks on social media tone. (Primary tags: [Speaker 4], [Speaker 10], others)
  • David Grishman (Select Board Member): Called “David” by the Chair; asks substantive questions on climate, veterans, and quarry matters; noted as living near the quarry. (Primary tags: [Speaker 7], [Speaker 9], others)
  • Mary Ellen Fletcher (Select Board Member): Mentioned by name at Eagle Scout ceremony; asks about landscape plans, tree preservation, parking, and noise. Self-identified as liaison to the Tree Committee. (Primary tags: [Speaker 9], [Speaker 5], others)
  • Fifth Board Member (Name not confirmed from transcript): Asks detailed operational questions on police hiring, beach testing cadence, Clark School RFP, and Sewer Advisory vacancies. (Primary tags shift throughout)

Town Staff

  • Gino Cresta (Interim Town Administrator / DPW Director): Delivers TA report; discusses operations, UV pilot, Pride crosswalks, police hiring. (Primary tags: [Speaker 6], [Speaker 3], [Speaker 5], others)
  • Marcy Galaska (Community & Economic Development Director, presumed): Staff support; manages presentations, shares screens, coordinates agenda items. Referred to as “Marcy” and “Marzy.” (Various tags)
  • Danielle (Recreation Department staff): Referenced in TA report regarding Harbor Festival and paddle board programs.
  • Diane (Town staff, tech/admin support): Manages Zoom participants; mentioned at end regarding Mass Save coordination.

ERAC & Quarry Representatives

  • Joe Marcharian (ERAC Chair): [Speaker 4] at 00:34:53
  • John Poverello (ERAC Member): Referenced; speaks about blast monitoring data.
  • Tony Vanderwitz (ERAC Member): Referenced; reviewed heavy metals reports.
  • Chris Drukas (Legal Counsel, Holcim/Wholesome): [Speaker 2] at 00:59:48; 31-year quarry representative.
  • Steve Landry (Operations Manager, Wholesome quarry): [Speaker 3] at 01:03:36; describes $32M plant investment.

B’nai B’rith Housing

  • Holly Grace (B’nai B’rith Housing): [Speaker 3] at 01:30:43
  • Yara Vergett (B’nai B’rith Housing): Introduces at 01:30:48

Mission on the Bay / LEC Environmental

  • Ann Martin (LEC Environmental Consultants): [Speaker 7] at 02:14:21; permitting consultant for seawall repair.
  • Marty Bloom (Swampscott Realty Trust / Mission on the Bay): Co-presents seawall project.

Cannabis Representatives

  • Justin (Terpene Journey representative): Present in person; discussed delivery license and HCA changes.
  • Peter D’Agostino (Protecting Strategies, representing Calix Peak/Local Cannabis): Online at 02:54:50; clarifies HCA fee structures.

Police Department

  • Officer Kevin Reen (Swampscott Police Department): Presents traffic and parking recommendations at 03:12:00.

Public Commenters

  • Katie Arrington (Finance Committee Member, 40 Roy Street): 00:25:36; requests Hawthorne/St. John’s parking update.
  • Peter Vallis (Resident, 105 Stanley Road): 00:26:20; asks about tax takings procedure; returns during ERAC hearing.
  • Rachel Taradash (Resident, 71 Middlesex Ave): 00:27:19; praises elementary school field day; raises school bus concerns.
  • Andrea (Resident, 15 Sheridan Road): Online at 00:29:31; supports transparency on beach testing data.
  • Dr. Fazadeh (Resident, 155 Upland Road): 00:31:03; objects to characterization of social media feedback as “conspiracy.”
  • Bill Demento (Resident, 1008 Paradise Road): Online at 00:33:00 and 01:15:02; raises Sewer Advisory vacancies and quarry sidewalk request.
  • Jonathan (Jack Henry) Walger (Eagle Scout): 01:26:19; describes Eagle Scout project at Ewing Woods.
  • Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee liaison: 03:45:36; provides context on Fisherman’s Beach parking and launch driver access.

Section 3: Meeting Minutes

1. Call to Order and Reappointment of Interim Town Administrator

Chair Phelan called the June 4, 2025 Select Board meeting to order 00:03:08 and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The first item of business was the reappointment of Gino Cresta as Interim Town Administrator. Cresta, who has served in the interim role since December 18, 2024, and as acting administrator since November 6, faces a charter-mandated expiration of his appointment on June 18 00:03:42.

Member Grishman moved to reappoint Cresta for up to six months, as permitted by the town charter. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously 00:04:50. The board reached consensus quickly, with no discussion or opposition, reflecting continued confidence in Cresta’s dual-role service as both DPW Director and Interim Town Administrator.

2. Town Administrator’s Report

Interim Town Administrator Cresta delivered an abbreviated report 00:05:22 covering several items:

Finance Director Resignation: Cresta announced that Amy Sorrow, Director of Finance and Administration, has resigned effective June 30, 2025. The town plans to advertise the replacement position as a town accountant rather than finance director and is engaging consultant firms for interim support 00:05:30.

Community Events: Cresta noted the VFW’s Flag Retirement Ceremony on June 14 at Fisherman’s Beach; the second annual Harbor Festival and Chowder Fest on Saturday; the Farmers Market opening Sunday with over 50 vendors; and the Girl Scout Troop 64473’s storm drain awareness project [00:06:03–00:07:14].

Police Department Grant: The department received a $15,000 Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for department-wide training on communication and community engagement, scheduled for July 00:08:09.

3. Beach Water Quality Testing

Chair Phelan read a statement from Gargi Cooper, Chair of the Board of Health, providing an update on beach water testing at Phillips, Eisman’s, and Fisherman’s Beach 00:09:00. The Board of Health voted earlier in the year to expand data collection, using a newly purchased Tecta machine and a trained intern. Testing began the prior week — later than planned due to equipment and staffing delays.

Preliminary results showed no exceedances in swimming areas, though some elevated readings were found at outfalls 00:10:25. The Board of Health plans to test five days per week for 30 days and have results reviewed by a Northeastern University professor. If data remains clean, continuous summer testing beyond the standard weekly state-mandated testing may not continue 00:10:43.

Notable exchange on tone: A board member made pointed remarks about the tone of public discourse, stating it was “really unfortunate” that residents resort to social media accusations of conspiracy rather than reaching out directly to volunteers and officials 00:11:08. This prompted a public commenter, Dr. Fazadeh, to object during public comment, arguing that residents’ questions about publicly funded data are legitimate expressions of civic concern, not personal attacks 00:31:06. The dynamic highlighted an ongoing tension between the board and some community members over the perceived responsiveness of town government on water quality issues.

UV Pilot Program: Cresta reported that the UV pilot system at Humphrey Street and Eastern Avenue was delayed from its Monday launch because seaweed clogged the suction pumps. Staff expected to restart the system the following day. Testing at King’s Beach will continue daily for three months as part of the pilot [00:22:22–00:19:52].

4. Additional Board Questions on TA Report

Pride Crosswalks: A board member inquired about repainting faded Pride crosswalks for June/Pride Month. Cresta reported that a resident volunteered to fund painting of nine crosswalks (at approximately $8,000 total), asking only that the town pay for one additional crosswalk — approximately $800. The board expressed unanimous support [00:13:08–00:15:06].

Clarke School RFP: Cresta noted that the school superintendent wants to explore an RFP for the Clarke School building, which is draining school resources while unoccupied, and will coordinate with the town 00:12:28.

Police Hiring: In response to persistent questions about hiring timelines, Cresta reported five potential police candidates have been identified following two oral boards, with a lateral hire potentially presented within two to three weeks [00:16:06–00:17:36].

Hawthorne Reuse Committee: The committee chair has requested to present at the next Select Board meeting. Over a dozen design proposals are under review [00:20:48–00:21:08].

Building Commissioner: The new building commissioner started two weeks prior, arriving at 7 AM daily, and will present revenue figures at the next meeting. The shared services agreement with a neighboring town (which has its own new interim administrator, Alice Nieto) is expected to be signed shortly [00:21:12–00:21:59].

Town Administrator Search: The search firm has been hired and the job was posted 00:23:23. The board expects to have candidates available for interview by the end of July, with both executive session and public interview components [00:23:34–00:24:46].

5. Public Comment

Katie Arrington (Finance Committee, speaking as resident) requested that the next meeting’s agenda include an update on the St. John’s parking lot and any proposed agreements related to the Hawthorne property 00:25:36.

Peter Vallis asked about procedures for tax takings — specifically how many years must pass before the town files for judgment on unpaid taxes 00:26:20.

Rachel Taradash praised the elementary school field day as “an absolutely phenomenal success” for the first year in the consolidated school 00:27:19. She then raised a pressing concern about approximately 45 students who will lose bus service under the two-mile radius rule, reporting that neighborhood parents near the new school are willing to help fund a bus to avoid children crossing Paradise Road [00:28:11–00:28:52].

Andrea (online, 15 Sheridan Road) expressed appreciation for progress on beach testing transparency, emphasizing that all residents — whether town employees, board members, or ordinary citizens — deserve equal, timely access to water quality data 00:29:31.

Dr. Fazadeh (155 Upland Road) directly challenged a board member’s earlier characterization of social media discussions as “conspiracy,” arguing that residents’ questions about publicly funded water testing data are legitimate civic engagement, not personal attacks 00:31:03. This exchange underscored a notable tension point in the meeting.

Bill Demento (online, 1008 Paradise Road) pointed out vacancies on the Water/Sewer Advisory Committee that remain unfilled and urged the board to prioritize appointments 00:33:00.

6. Joint Public Hearing — ERAC Quarry Permit

The Select Board opened a joint public hearing with the Earth Removal Advisory Committee (ERAC) for the annual quarry operating permit for Wholesome (formerly Aggregate Industries), covering July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 00:34:02.

ERAC Chair Joe Marcharian presented the committee’s recommended permit, noting it is “substantially unchanged” from the settlement agreement permit of the prior year, particularly Section 10’s blasting parameters 00:35:08. Key changes included:

  • Shifting documentation availability from mandatory website posting to viewing in the Office of Community and Economic Development 00:38:57
  • Changing annual dust control improvement mandates to monitoring and assessment 00:39:14
  • Modifying wind direction assessment to report only when changes occur 00:40:06
  • Maintaining annual heavy metals testing for this permit year, with future five-year intervals under discussion 00:40:32
  • Removing weekly blast report requirements since reports are already received routinely after each blast 00:41:40
  • Clarifying closure plan scope review at five-year intervals (next due 2029) 00:41:50
  • Defining “substantial compliance” as determined by ERAC 00:42:30
  • Adding noise tests to air quality testing requirements for permit renewal 00:42:43

Blast data review: ERAC member John Poverello confirmed that all blast data for the current and prior year fell within permit parameters 00:45:19. The committee reported very few formal complaints, though it acknowledged monitoring social media for resident concerns about blast intensity 00:45:31.

Board member questions focused on:

  • Whether any formal claims had been filed (none in recent years) 00:46:45
  • Heavy metals testing frequency and the basis for reducing it 00:48:32
  • A request that test results be posted on the town website for public access 00:49:43
  • That the Select Board be added to blast notification emails 00:51:06
  • Concern expressed about resident perception of helplessness regarding blast damage claims, with one member recounting feedback from a public meeting where neighbors felt “nothing happens” when they complain [00:51:28–00:52:43]

Quarry representatives: Chris Drukas, counsel for Holcim for 31 years, provided historical context on the evolution of quarry operations, emphasizing that the current multinational corporation is “very sensitive to the environment” compared to predecessors 01:00:07. Steve Landry, operations manager, detailed a $32 million plant investment — the largest CapEx project in the U.S. for the company in 2023–24 — featuring state-of-the-art automated dust control, a quarter-million-dollar quarry pump, and extensive site improvements 01:05:19. Both extended an open invitation for a quarry tour and expressed willingness to discuss community contributions.

Closure planning: The quarry’s estimated remaining lifespan is approximately 50 years — the same estimate given 20 years ago — which prompted board member skepticism about verification 00:56:00. Marcharian noted the quarry land could potentially support 300 single-family homes at closure. The board suggested monitoring this timeline more actively [00:55:15–00:56:06].

Public comment during hearing: Bill Demento requested that Wholesome build a sidewalk on Danvers Road and argued that the Select Board — not ERAC — should retain final authority over compliance determinations [01:15:53–01:17:36]. Peter Vallis questioned whether the lack of formal claims meant the community was truly satisfied, which the Chair addressed by noting the ERAC’s ongoing outreach efforts [01:12:32–01:14:47].

The board opted to continue the public hearing to June 18 rather than vote, consistent with its two-reading protocol. The permit also requires Board of Health approval before the July 1 effective date [01:22:29–01:23:17].

7. Eagle Scout Proclamation

Chair Phelan presented a proclamation recognizing Jonathan (Jack Henry) Walger for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout 01:23:41. Walger’s project involved enhancing a trail in Ewing Woods and installing an informational kiosk near the entrance in collaboration with the Swampscott Conservancy 01:24:21.

Walger noted the unique challenge of completing much of his advancement during the COVID-19 pandemic, when merit badge counselors were unavailable for in-person meetings. His father became a counselor, and Walger found others via Zoom [01:26:56–01:27:33]. Member Grishman shared that only 6% of Boy Scouts achieve Eagle rank. The board discussed adding Walger’s name to the Eagle Scout/Gold Award plaques at Town Hall, with Walger requesting “Jonathan Henry Walger” or “Jonathan Walger” [01:28:47–01:29:18].

8. Veterans Crossing — B’nai B’rith Housing Schematic Design

Holly Grace and Yara Vergett of B’nai B’rith Housing presented schematic designs for “Veterans Crossing,” a proposed 41-unit affordable senior housing development at 12–24 Pine Street 01:30:22. B’nai B’rith previously developed the Michonne on Burpee Road (completed 2021).

Key project details:

  • 41 one-bedroom/one-bathroom units, approximately 600 sq. ft. each
  • Elevator-serviced, three-story building with pitched roof design inspired by “traditional New England coastal style”
  • 100% affordable: 23 units at or below 30% AMI ($34,300/year for one person); 18 units at up to 60% AMI ($69,000/year) 01:50:00
  • Senior/older adult residents (55+) with preferences for veterans and Swampscott residents
  • Service-enriched housing in partnership with Soldier On, a Massachusetts veterans nonprofit 01:34:02
  • 35 outdoor parking spaces (0.85 per unit ratio), based on Michonne’s experience showing car ownership at 0.89/unit 01:37:57
  • Mechanical equipment concealed in a roof well beneath sloped roofs 01:38:42

Board discussion was extensive and detail-oriented:

  • Member Grishman pressed on sustainability plans (solar potential, all-electric design, Passive House certification) and asked pointed questions about ensuring Swampscott veterans receive priority. He noted the town is “super stretch” code compliant [01:44:42–01:47:02].
  • Chair Phelan asked about noise mitigation from rooftop mechanicals, snow management in the roof well, landscape preservation (as Tree Committee liaison), and neighborhood screening for privacy [02:01:55–02:04:06].
  • Interim TA Cresta emphasized the importance of early veteran outreach, noting that low Swampscott resident placement at the Michonne was “disheartening” despite good marketing, and urged coordination with Veterans Agent Mike Sweeney [01:56:13–01:57:19].
  • The culvert crossing the property will be relocated into the parking area rather than built upon 01:43:48.

Timeline: Permitting through a “friendly 40B” process at the ZBA is needed before a Labor Day funding application to the North Shore Home Consortium, with state tax credit applications in winter 2026. If funded, construction would begin March 2027, marketing in March 2028, with earliest occupancy September 2028 [01:53:17–01:55:30].

Next steps: The board agreed to host a neighborhood and stakeholder meeting (potentially at the Senior Center) before the July 14 comment deadline under the Land Disposition Agreement, to gather feedback on the schematic design from neighbors and veterans organizations. The plans will be posted on the town website [02:06:50–02:13:44].

9. Mission on the Bay Seawall Repair

Ann Martin of LEC Environmental Consultants and Marty Bloom of Swampscott Realty Trust presented an update on the Mission on the Bay restaurant seawall repair 02:14:02.

Background: The seawall failed in May 2023, requiring emergency stabilization. A temporary repair using rock placement has held up well through multiple inspections 02:15:05. A significant discovery during surveying was that the property boundaries extend to low water, and the restaurant lacked a required waterways license from its prior renovation [02:17:42–02:19:39].

Two repair options were presented:

  1. Revetment (soft solution): Rock placement along the entire wall, constructible during low tides over approximately 3–4 weeks. Preferred by the applicant and likely preferred by DEP 02:20:43.
  2. Sister wall (hard solution): A new concrete wall built in front of the existing wall, requiring cofferdamming, months of construction, scaffolding, and tiebacks extending into the town-owned former Anthony’s Pier 4 property 02:23:02.

Public boardwalk: A required element of the waterways license, a public boardwalk will be constructed along the shoreline in front of the restaurant, connecting to the brick patio. This ties into the broader harbor walk vision and future Hawthorne property development. The boardwalk will be maintained entirely by the property owner under a DEP-approved management plan [02:34:22–02:39:07].

The ask: Martin sought the Select Board’s acknowledgment that either solution will require work on town-owned property (King’s Beach and/or the former Anthony’s Pier 4 site), enabling her to proceed with MEPA filings and public environmental review. The board granted Cresta authority to serve as conduit for property access [02:37:24–02:39:58].

A board member raised unresolved financial matters from the emergency repair phase, noting complications from the prior town administrator’s tenure. Bloom acknowledged these need resolution [02:37:55–02:38:46].

10. Cannabis Host Community Agreements

The board discussed updates to host community agreements (HCAs) for both Terpene Journey (social equity company) and Calix Peak/Local Cannabis, driven by new Cannabis Control Commission regulations under Chapter 180 02:40:39.

Key regulatory changes:

  • Towns are prohibited from charging a flat 3% community impact fee going forward; however, documented community impacts can still be recovered up to 3% of gross sales with receipts [02:56:03–02:57:12].
  • Mandatory charitable donations are no longer permitted in HCAs (though voluntary donations remain possible) 02:46:33.
  • Swampscott receives an automatic 3% local excise tax from DOR (unchanged) plus an additional 1% for hosting a social equity company (Terpene Journey) [02:58:25–02:59:51].

Peter D’Agostino (representing Calix Peak/Local Cannabis, online) provided particularly helpful clarification, distinguishing three separate “buckets” of money: (1) the 3% excise tax paid to DOR and reimbursed to the town, (2) prior community impact fees (subject to pending litigation), and (3) future community impact fees under the new law (requiring documented receipts) [02:55:26–03:00:14].

Terpene Journey’s Justin made a candid appeal for certainty, noting that a potential $200,000+ liability “hanging over your head” makes it difficult to operate and maintain a productive relationship with the town [02:49:09–02:51:02]. He argued the town’s additional 1% from social equity hosting is a perpetual benefit — unlike the 8-year HCA fees — and suggested taking “the percent forever rather than kind of trying to nickel-and-dime the past” 02:54:03.

Chair Phelan requested guidance from KP Law on whether retaining the 3% community impact fee language protects the town in case litigation resolves favorably, noting a severability clause would nullify unenforceable provisions [02:47:08–02:47:48].

Hours of operation: Calix Peak/Local Cannabis requested expanding hours from 9 AM–10 PM to 8 AM–10 PM (Monday–Saturday), primarily to accommodate pre-opening deliveries and inventory transfers rather than retail customers. Sunday hours (11 AM–6 PM) would remain unchanged [03:00:20–03:05:56].

Delivery license: Terpene Journey announced it is seeking a delivery license and will hold a public neighborhood meeting at Richards the following evening. Staff confirmed no police complaints on file for either cannabis facility. Terpene Journey estimated delivery could increase revenue by approximately 20%, limited by vault capacity [03:08:02–03:10:22].

The board took no vote, treating this as a first reading, with KP Law’s final review pending.

11. Police Department Traffic Recommendations

Officer Kevin Reen presented recommendations for several locations 03:12:00:

Elm Place: The board voted unanimously to approve making Elm Place one-way (entering from the Westcott side, exiting to Burpee Road/Essex Street) with parallel parking enforcement and improved signage. Reen recommended trimming obstructing shrubbery and potentially eliminating one parking spot at the Essex Street exit for safety. This originated from resident requests and a prior community engagement meeting [03:12:26–03:16:21].

Burpee Road: Reen recommended tabling the one-way proposal, citing data showing an average speed of 24 mph in the 25 mph zone (previously a 20 mph school zone) and insufficient community engagement with surrounding streets that would bear redirected traffic [03:16:25–03:17:44]. After discussion, the board directed Cresta to install temporary speed pillows (already available from a prior Essex Street deployment) and collect comparative speed data. Multiple board members reported constituent opposition to a one-way conversion from Foster Street, Elwyn Street, and Buena Vista residents [03:19:28–03:22:43].

King’s Beach Terrace, Norfolk Avenue, Burrell Street: Sign replacement and handicap space additions were noted as not requiring formal votes and will proceed under staff authority.

Fisherman’s Beach Parking Lot: Officer Reen presented a comprehensive proposal developed with the Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee and Swampscott Yacht Club, including: recreational parking stickers inside the lot, a dedicated Harbormaster space, employee/launch driver passes, commercial fisherman passes, SYC event notification protocols, and trailer management [03:25:50–03:34:04].

This generated the most sustained board debate of the evening. Chair Phelan questioned whether the full recreational-sticker restriction was necessary, suggesting a phased approach — first prohibiting commercial and overnight parking — to avoid eliminating public beach access for non-residents who park there to visit local businesses or walk the beach [03:34:15–03:39:16]. She noted the lot’s proximity to Humphrey Street businesses and the lack of alternative parking in the area.

Other members supported the rec-parking approach, noting it aligns with every other Swampscott beach and that residents pay taxes for beach access priority [03:37:08–03:37:53]. The Harbor Waterfront liaison provided additional context about the launch driver’s critical safety role in harbor emergencies [03:45:36–03:47:46].

The board agreed to invite the Harbor Advisory Committee, commercial fishermen, and other stakeholders to the June 18 meeting for further discussion before voting. A more robust “Do Not Enter” sign at the lot exit was approved immediately for safety [03:45:00–03:45:22].

The board approved the consent agenda unanimously, which included multiple one-day liquor licenses for the Farmers Market (meaderies, a brewery — newly permitted by state law — at $20/day), the Fourth of July block party, and the Humphrey Street block party beer gardens ($500 each) [03:48:14–04:00:19].

Discussion included concern from a board member about the block party’s Saturday scheduling impacting local businesses (barbershops, nail salons, clothing stores). Staff explained the Saturday date was negotiated with St. John’s Church for 4 PM mass access and that a Sunday event would create worse logistical problems. Staff committed to proactively notifying new businesses (boba/crepe shop, Salty Dog) and offering the Hawthorne lot for overflow customer parking [03:51:26–03:56:52].

13. Select Board Time & Adjournment

  • Member Grishman congratulated freshman Annabel Avery for setting a state-level one-mile record and praised the elementary school field day 04:00:28.
  • Member Thompson thanked Amy Sorrow for five years of service, calling her departure “an enormous loss” and wishing “we had done more to retain her” 04:01:07.
  • Chair Phelan announced the board will meet Tuesdays in July and August (July 8 & 22; August 5 & 19) to accommodate Recreation Department summer programming 04:02:50.
  • Chair Phelan provided an update on the Poet Laureate program, reporting that the Library Board of Trustees recommends a collaborative effort involving the Select Board, Arts Committee, Library, and schools rather than having the library manage it alone. The library director committed to serve as liaison [04:03:13–04:05:44].
  • Member Thompson noted Mass Save will hold free home energy assessment sessions at Town Hall on the first and third Wednesdays, 10–11 AM.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 04:05:57.

Section 4: Executive Summary

Beach Water Quality: Progress Amid Public Frustration

Swampscott’s beachwater testing program has taken a meaningful step forward — the Board of Health is now conducting five-day-per-week testing at three beaches using newly purchased equipment — but the rollout has been marked by delays and public frustration 00:09:00. Preliminary results are encouraging, with no exceedances in swimming areas, though outfall readings warrant monitoring. The data is being posted online and will be reviewed by a Northeastern professor.

The UV pilot system at King’s Beach, a high-profile initiative to treat stormwater before it reaches the ocean, experienced a seaweed-related setback but was expected to resume operation within a day 00:22:22.

A notable dynamic throughout the evening was the tension between the board’s defense of volunteer committee members — with one member criticizing social media accusations of “conspiracy” 00:11:08 — and residents who argued their publicly expressed concerns about data transparency are legitimate civic engagement 00:31:06. This unresolved friction points to a broader challenge: how to maintain public trust while managing complex, multi-committee environmental monitoring across beach season.

Why it matters: With summer programs including paddleboard at Eisman’s Beach and continued King’s Beach monitoring, the test results over the next 30 days will determine whether additional resources are needed for the season and whether programs can expand to Fisherman’s Beach.

Veterans Crossing: A Signature Affordable Housing Project Takes Shape

B’nai B’rith Housing’s 41-unit Veterans Crossing project at 12–24 Pine Street represents one of Swampscott’s most consequential development initiatives — all units affordable, with a veteran preference and partnership with Soldier On 01:30:22. The schematic design drew engaged, constructive questioning from every board member, covering solar readiness, parking adequacy, noise mitigation, tree preservation, and veteran eligibility logistics.

The board’s most emphatic concern was ensuring Swampscott veterans actually secure units. Interim TA Cresta candidly noted that few Swampscott residents ultimately entered the Michonne despite strong marketing, calling it “disheartening” 01:56:13. The income thresholds — particularly the 23 units at 30% AMI ($34,300 for one person) — raised questions about how veterans’ benefits are counted in eligibility calculations, an issue that will require early coordination with Soldier On and the Veterans Agent 01:50:44.

Why it matters: With the fastest-case occupancy timeline of September 2028, the permitting clock is ticking. The board must provide comments by July 14, and a neighborhood meeting should occur within two weeks. The “friendly 40B” ZBA process and state tax credit applications depend on timely schematic approval.

Quarry Operations: A Community Relationship Under Scrutiny

The annual ERAC quarry permit hearing revealed a community still grappling with the balance between economic activity and residential quality of life 00:34:02. While blast data consistently shows compliance with permit parameters, and the quarry operator has invested $32 million in modernized equipment, the board candidly raised concerns about residents who feel their complaints about property damage go nowhere 00:51:28.

The quarry’s estimated 50-year remaining lifespan — unchanged from the estimate given 20 years ago — drew warranted skepticism about verification 00:56:00. The potential for 300 single-family homes at closure adds long-term planning significance. ERAC’s addition of “substantial compliance as determined by ERAC” language generated procedural discussion, though the board ultimately accepted the provision as consistent with ERAC’s advisory role [01:18:02–01:20:24].

The hearing was continued to June 18 for a vote, requiring Board of Health approval by July 1.

Seawall Repair and the Harbor Walk Vision

The Mission on the Bay seawall presentation, while technical, carried broader implications. The required public boardwalk — a DEP waterways condition — represents the first tangible segment of a long-discussed harbor walk, potentially connecting through the Hawthorne property along Swampscott’s coastline [02:34:22–02:36:07]. The board’s signoff on property access allows permitting to proceed through the MEPA process.

Cannabis Revenue: Navigating New Regulations

The cannabis HCA discussion crystallized a practical dilemma: the state has prohibited the flat 3% community impact fee that many towns relied on, replacing it with a receipt-based reimbursement model. Swampscott never collected the contested fee, potentially simplifying its position, but the board wisely sought KP Law guidance on preserving its options pending litigation outcomes 02:47:08. The additional 1% from hosting social equity company Terpene Journey — a perpetual revenue stream shared by only 20 of 425+ retailers statewide — was highlighted as an underappreciated benefit.

Traffic and Parking: Data vs. Perception

The police department’s traffic recommendations demonstrated a thoughtful, data-driven approach, with Officer Reen candidly presenting speed data that doesn’t support some residents’ perceptions of a Burpee Road speeding crisis (24 mph average in a 25 mph zone) 03:17:55. The board’s decision to install temporary speed pillows and collect comparative data represents a measured middle ground between resident demands for a one-way conversion and the data suggesting the problem may be more limited than perceived.

The Fisherman’s Beach parking debate remains unresolved but significant, touching on fundamental questions about the balance between resident priority, commercial fishing heritage, business access, and public beach use [03:25:50–03:45:22].

Personnel Transitions

The departure of Finance Director Amy Sorrow — acknowledged in unusually personal terms by Member Grishman, who wished the board “had done more to retain her” 04:01:07 — combined with the ongoing Town Administrator search and Cresta’s dual-role interim appointment, underscores the staffing challenges facing Swampscott’s government. The TA search timeline envisions candidates for interview by end of July, with the search firm newly engaged.

Section 5: Analysis

Board Dynamics and Leadership

This meeting reflected a Select Board still calibrating its working rhythm — as one member noted, “it’s only the second meeting” 00:34:44. Chair Phelan demonstrated an active, detail-oriented leadership style, frequently pressing presenters on specifics (noise mitigation, snow management in roof wells, tree preservation) while also showing a willingness to push back on proposals from allied parties when she felt they went too far, as with the Fisherman’s Beach rec-parking restriction 03:34:15.

The board’s treatment of public comment revealed an important internal divide. The social media remarks by one member — essentially admonishing residents for airing concerns publicly before contacting officials directly — prompted not one but two public commenters to push back [00:31:06, 00:33:00]. The exchange was significant not because either side was unreasonable, but because it exposed a fault line that could undermine the board’s stated commitment to transparency. When Dr. Fazadeh reminded the board that “we’re all on the same side” and urged members to “remember that when members of the town have opinions… that is not a personal attack,” the point landed with enough force that the board did not attempt a rejoinder 00:32:18. This suggests the resident feedback on this point may have been more effective than the board’s initial framing.

The ERAC Hearing: A Study in Institutional Relationships

The quarry hearing was the most revealing segment of the meeting in terms of institutional dynamics. The ERAC presented itself as a professional, diligent oversight body — and the data supports that characterization. Yet Chair Phelan’s recounting of the prior public meeting, where residents described a “sense of hopelessness” about blast damage claims, introduced a narrative that neither ERAC nor the quarry’s polished corporate representatives could fully address 00:51:28.

Chris Drukas’s advocacy for Holcim was transparently that of a long-retained counsel — his 31-year relationship and his pitch that the company “continues to want to be a good neighbor” was framed as a lobbyist’s appeal, which Bill Demento pointedly noted 01:15:17. Yet Drukas was effective: the $32 million investment argument implicitly challenges any suggestion of imminent closure and frames the company as a committed long-term partner. Steve Landry’s evident pride in the operation and eagerness for public tours added an authentic human dimension.

The substantive weakness in the ERAC presentation was the heavy metals testing question. The committee’s apparent effort to reduce testing frequency from annual to every five years was partially walked back when a member (Tony Vanderwitz) corrected the record, confirming testing would proceed this year under the current permit 00:49:35. This back-and-forth suggested the committee may have been somewhat ahead of the board in relaxing oversight requirements, and the correction served as a useful check.

Veterans Crossing: Engaged Governance at Its Best

The B’nai B’rith presentation drew the evening’s most substantively productive board engagement. Every member asked relevant, forward-looking questions — Grishman on climate standards and veteran outreach, Fletcher on landscape and privacy, others on income calculations and parking. The questioning was rigorous without being adversarial, and the developers appeared genuinely receptive.

The parking discussion deserves particular note. At 0.85 spaces per unit (35 spaces for 41 units), this is notably lower than the Michonne’s ratio. B’nai B’rith’s argument that car ownership will be lower given the veteran population and income levels has logical merit, but the board was right to probe it. The decision to hold a separate neighborhood meeting rather than forcing public comment into a late-evening select board agenda showed sensitivity to the dynamics of community engagement — people are more candid in less formal settings 02:10:45.

Cresta’s frank admission about Michonne’s low Swampscott resident placement was the most strategically important moment in this discussion. It set a clear standard: the town will judge this project in part by whether Swampscott veterans actually end up living there. The timeline — marketing doesn’t begin until March 2028 at the earliest — provides years to prepare, but the lesson of Michonne should inform early, aggressive outreach.

Cannabis: The Advantage of Having Both Operators Present

The cannabis discussion benefited enormously from having representatives of both businesses and their counsel present simultaneously. Peter D’Agostino’s clear explication of the “three buckets” of money 03:00:01 was the single most clarifying contribution of the evening on any topic, cutting through what had been a muddled discussion about excise taxes, impact fees, and litigation risk.

Terpene Journey’s Justin made a sophisticated advocacy pitch: acknowledging the town’s legitimate interests while framing certainty as a mutual benefit and the perpetual 1% social equity premium as a long-term asset worth more than pursuing a contested one-time recovery. The argument that “I’d take the percent forever rather than nickel-and-diming the past” 02:54:03 was strategically astute — it invited the board to see the relationship as a partnership rather than a regulatory extraction.

Chair Phelan’s instinct to preserve the 3% language pending litigation outcome showed prudent fiscal governance, though D’Agostino’s clarification that the CCC would simply reject such language in the new HCA effectively resolved the question on the going-forward agreement. The board appropriately deferred to KP Law for final guidance.

Fisherman’s Beach: A Decision Deferred Wisely

The Fisherman’s Beach parking debate was the clearest instance of the board performing its deliberative function well. Officer Reen and the Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee presented a well-developed proposal with unanimous committee support, but Chair Phelan’s questioning revealed considerations that hadn’t been fully weighed — the impact on non-resident beachgoers, local business customers, and the precedent of limiting the only unrestricted beach parking in town 03:34:15.

The revelation that commercial fishermen may hold deeded rights to the land added a historical and legal dimension that warrants careful review before any vote. The board’s decision to bring all stakeholders to the table on June 18 was the correct call — the Fisherman’s Beach lot sits at a complex intersection of maritime heritage, commercial interests, recreation policy, and neighborhood character that a single officer’s memo cannot fully resolve.

Looking Ahead

The June 18 meeting shapes up as consequential: the quarry permit vote, the Fisherman’s Beach parking decision, and potentially Veterans Crossing feedback will all compete for attention on what appears to be an already dense agenda. The board’s ability to manage that workload while honoring its deliberative commitments — particularly the promised neighborhood meeting for Veterans Crossing — will test the new chair’s organizational capacity.

The personnel transitions — Sorrow’s departure, the TA search, the building commissioner integration — form an undercurrent of institutional vulnerability. Member Grishman’s pointed remark about wishing the board “had done more to retain” Amy Sorrow 04:01:07 carried the weight of a lesson learned, and the board would be wise to apply that lesson to its handling of the Town Administrator search now underway.