A concern raised during the meeting was the lack of transparency surrounding the board’s decision-making process, particularly regarding the veterans housing project on New Ocean Street and Pine Street. Critics, including Katy Arrington and Frank Smith, argued that the board’s frequent use of non-public executive sessions violated Massachusetts open meeting laws and hindered public input. Arrington insisted that decisions, especially those concerning the potential relocation of the VFW and development of affordable housing, should be transparent to ensure community trust. She called for a pause on decisions regarding Pine Street until adequate public engagement could be secured.

The veterans housing project, known as the Michon project, has been a contentious topic. The board awarded a bid to a developer named Neth, who proposed integrating the VFW into the new development. However, the allotted space—approximately 1,500 square feet—was criticized as insufficient by community members and VFW leadership, who had previously been promised a more substantial facility. Discussions revealed that the proposal would include 42 one-bedroom units targeted at low-income seniors aged 55 and older, with a preference for veterans. Despite these intentions, the project faced opposition due to its potential impact on neighborhood character and the adequacy of parking solutions.

Community members expressed concerns that the project might not adequately serve the veteran population it intended to prioritize. Charlie Patos highlighted a critical gap, noting that younger veterans under 55, who might require housing, would not qualify. The debate extended to the project’s feasibility, with questions about the transparency of earlier meetings with VFW leadership and whether options such as relocating the VFW to different sites had been fully explored with public input.

Some perceived it as more aligned with senior housing, sparking further confusion.

In addition to the veterans housing project, the Select Board addressed infrastructure concerns, specifically focusing on water, sewer, and stormwater management. Reports highlighted the need for updated regulations to tackle issues such as stormwater infiltration into sewer systems, a problem exacerbated by sump pumps discovered at apartment buildings on Humphrey Street. The board discussed potential bylaws and strategies to mitigate these issues, including leveraging Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for better management and communication of infrastructure projects.

The meeting also explored the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with suggestions to provide direct cash payments to residents who faced economic hardship due to the pandemic and inflation. The proposal aimed to distribute between $750 and $1,000 to approximately 750 to 1,000 households, although concerns about the criteria for determining eligibility and the timeline for implementation were raised.

Public comments during the meeting brought forward additional issues, including the relationship between Swampscott and Lynn veteran services. A resident emphasized the importance of having a Lynn representative present in discussions related to veterans housing, given that all veteran services for Swampscott residents are managed through Lynn. This underscored the interlinked nature of community resources and the ongoing debate about the future of the VFW building and veterans housing in the town.