Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board Deliberates Water Ban and Citizen Petitions Amid Budget Discussions

Overview: The Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board meeting was marked by discussions on the town’s water ban regulations and citizen petitions, alongside routine budgetary considerations. The Board prioritized finalizing and signing the special meeting warrant, delving into the implications of Articles addressing water restrictions and citizen-led initiatives, highlighting the need for regulatory clarity and community engagement.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Approves Variance for ADA-Compliant Home Amid Zoning Challenges

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board granted a special permit and variance to Charles William Eps and Caitlyn Connley Eps, allowing them to reconstruct their home on Proctor Street. The decision came after careful consideration of the family’s needs, particularly for their disabled child, and the unique challenges posed by the property’s lot configuration.

Swampscott Faces Budget Concerns Amidst Calls for Fiscal Prudence and Community Engagement

Overview: At the recent Swampscott Select Board meeting on March 26, a portion of the discussion focused on the town’s fiscal challenges, with community members expressing concerns about potential tax increases and budget management. Residents, including Sheila Bings, voiced their apprehension over a proposal that could lead to substantial tax hikes over the next two years. With economic pressures such as layoffs impacting the community, residents underscored the importance of maintaining affordability while appreciating town improvements. Eric Schneider, a member of the finance committee, weighed in on the need for a long-term financial strategy, emphasizing that the majority of the town’s budget relies heavily on residential taxes. Schneider highlighted the dual pressures of rising expenses and inflation, advocating for either an expansion of the tax base or preparedness for potential service cuts if these measures are not implemented.

Lawrence City Council Grapples with School Parking Issues and Zoning Changes

Overview: The Lawrence City Council meeting primarily focused on the challenges posed by parking arrangements at the newly constructed school near the Henry K. Oliver School and the rezoning of industrial land for recreational use. Concerns over parking inadequacies for school staff and the impact on nearby residents dominated the discussions, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning to address the city’s evolving infrastructure needs.

Newbury Select Board Faces Community Backlash Over Strict Flag Policy

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Select Board faced community pushback against its flag policy, which restricts the display of flags on town property to only specific government-approved flags. The policy, adopted in January 2024, limits flags to the United States flag, the Massachusetts state flag, the Newbury town flag, and the National League of Families POW/MIA flag, and was influenced by a Supreme Court decision differentiating between private and government speech on municipal property. This policy led to the removal of rainbow flags from the Bfield Community Arts Center, prompting a heated discussion during the public comment section of the meeting.