The meeting was marked by a debate over the Board of Assessors’ handling of abatement applications for properties affected by the construction of the new Stanley School. Concerns were raised about the integrity of the assessment process, with accusations that some board members might be encouraging residents to file for abatements without substantial evidence of property value decline due to temporary construction nuisances.

A letter from the Town Administrator brought attention to possible violations of Massachusetts General Law concerning conflicts of interest, warning that discussions around reclassifying properties owned by board members could lead to ethical violations. The letter cautioned against assessors’ discussions being perceived as self-serving, posing a risk of penalties from the ethics commission.

Further complicating the matter, a certified real estate appraiser argued that the construction had indeed affected market behavior, citing a property that sold below its listing price due to its proximity to the construction site. This assertion added a layer of complexity to the board’s deliberations, as they weighed the appraiser’s insights against broader property market trends within the neighborhood.

Amidst these discussions, there was a call for more structured and private conversations to resolve the ongoing tensions, with suggestions that public forums were not conducive to productive discourse. Some board members expressed frustration over the nature of the meeting, noting that it had devolved into personal grievances rather than a factual discussion of the assessing function.

In a separate agenda item, the meeting addressed traffic safety around the newly opened Swampscott Elementary School. The Chief of Police proposed implementing resident-only parking on N Road and Lower Forest Avenue during school drop-off and pick-up hours to alleviate congestion. The plan included strategic placement of officers and crossing guards, as well as recommendations for improved signage and visibility measures at key intersections.

Despite initial challenges, such as communication issues due to cell phone connectivity problems, the efforts to enhance safety were met with appreciation from residents. However, concerns about the adequacy of existing traffic patterns and the need for additional crosswalks persisted, prompting commitments from the board to continue monitoring the situation and make further adjustments as necessary.

The meeting also featured discussions on community initiatives, including the health department’s launch of a podcast focused on opioid use stories and the Recreation Department’s busy schedule of upcoming events. A motion was made to revise the Select Board handbook, with plans to examine handbooks from other towns for guidance.

Additionally, the board considered a proposed policy for the placement of art and memorials on town property. While the board appeared supportive of the initiative, they requested further clarification and revisions before proceeding with a vote.

Members expressed a desire to resolve conflicts constructively and emphasized the need for clear communication and community engagement in decision-making processes.