Swampscott Select Board Meeting Focuses on Project Delays and Address Confusion

Overview: The recent Swampscott Select Board meeting on October 20, 2025, primarily tackled issues surrounding project delays and address discrepancies, alongside discussions on local developments and renovations. Key topics included the postponement of a site plan special permit hearing due to an address mix-up, project timeline extensions, and updates on a major hotel renovation project.

Danvers Zoning Board Approves Three-Family Conversion Amid Parking Debate

Overview: The Danvers Zoning Board convened to deliberate on several pressing zoning matters, with focus placed on the approval of a special permit to convert a two-family dwelling into a three-family dwelling at 9 MacArthur Boulevard. This decision came amid extensive discussion about parking configurations and the impact of such changes on the neighborhood. Other notable cases included a variance request for additional signage for a new hotel and ongoing compliance issues with a contractor’s yard.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Celebrates Historic District Commission’s 50th Anniversary Amid Budget and Infrastructure Talks

Overview: During the latest Select Board meeting in Manchester-by-the-Sea, the town celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Historic District Commission, while also grappling with budgetary concerns, infrastructure projects, and community engagement strategies. The board approved a revised mission statement for the Downtown Improvement Committee, discussed fiscal awards, and navigated various committee appointments.

Marblehead School Budget Surplus Sparks Intense Debate Over Fiscal Transparency

Overview: The recent Marblehead School Committee meeting was dominated by discussions on fiscal transparency, budget tracking, and financial planning for the upcoming years. The meeting revealed that the school department would return $466,000 to the town’s free cash, a figure that sparked debate over budget accuracy and reporting practices. The surplus, attributed to adjustments in prepaid tuitions and special education expenses, highlighted ongoing concerns about how expenses are categorized and reported.

Hamilton-Wenham School Committee Faces Debate Over Superintendent Contract and School Facilities

Overview: The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School Committee meeting involved a complex discussion about the superintendent’s contract and the district’s strategic direction on school facilities. The meeting covered numerous topics, including public concerns over the proposed contract terms for Superintendent Eric Tracy and the need for facility improvements following a recent failed vote on school consolidation. The committee also tackled educational initiatives, such as integrating artificial intelligence into the curriculum, and procedural matters like the competency determination policy.