The primary focus was on a proposal by Darius Gregory for a single-family home on a currently undeveloped lot on Manson Road. The applicant, supported by engineer Chris Paragis, requested several waivers from standard subdivision requirements, including road width and the absence of sidewalks. The proposed roadway would utilize a 40-foot paper width, with granite curbs and a Cape Cod berm on one side, while waiving the requirement for sidewalks. The decision to omit sidewalks was largely due to the road being a dead end serving only one house.

Concerns were raised about the environmental impact of the project, particularly regarding the removal of trees. A tree survey identified approximately 50 trees greater than 12 inches in diameter at breast height that would need to be removed to accommodate the road improvements. Jennifer Honig, chair of the Swampscott Tree Committee, voiced concerns about the ecological impact, particularly the loss of mature oak trees. She advocated for exploring alternative routes to minimize tree removal and requested the board consider options to mitigate the loss of trees.

The board engaged in discussions about reducing the proposed road width to minimize tree removal, acknowledging that a 20-foot-wide road might be excessive for a single-family home. Suggestions were made to narrow the width while ensuring adequate access for emergency vehicles, as coordinated with the local fire department. The board recognized the need to verify local precedents for narrower roads in low-traffic areas.

In addition to tree removal, stormwater management was a significant topic of discussion. The project aims to comply with stormwater management regulations by implementing a system to control runoff rates and treat runoff from impervious surfaces. This includes a deep sump catch basin and an oil-water separator, directing stormwater into a detention basin. The town’s approval was needed for the connection to the sewer system, which would involve a pump chamber to transport sewage through an easement.

The board reviewed a series of waivers requested by the applicant, which were necessary due to specific project features that did not conform to standard regulations. These included waivers related to the length of the roadway, potential requests for a covenant rather than a bond, and waivers of the environmental impact statement. During the review, there was an emphasis on the importance of ensuring that the process followed was correct, particularly concerning the rights to improve the paper street without requiring consent from neighboring property owners. Legal counsel had previously provided advice affirming these rights.

The board expressed a willingness to accommodate the applicant while addressing public concerns about the project’s ecological impact. This dialogue underscored the balance between development needs and environmental considerations, with board members keen to collaborate on minimizing tree loss.

Another topic was the discussion on zoning bylaw amendments related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and short-term rentals. The proposed amendments aim to align local regulations with state guidelines, which include prohibiting owner occupancy requirements for ADUs and limiting the number to one per lot. The board debated the implications of these amendments, particularly in relation to parking requirements for residential units near transit stations, given that most of the town falls within a half-mile radius of public transit.

Concerns about short-term rentals were also discussed, focusing on balancing homeowners’ interests with preventing commercial operations in residential neighborhoods. The board considered restricting the duration of short-term rentals to avoid the operation of hotels within neighborhoods. Existing bylaws define short-term rentals as those lasting fewer than 30 consecutive days, and the board acknowledged the challenge of crafting an enforceable policy that respects the residential nature of the community.

Lastly, the board discussed proposed changes to zoning bylaws concerning floodplain regulations. The conversation touched on aligning local regulations with upcoming FEMA maps and the potential rebranding of the district as the floodplain overlay district. The need for a community floodplain administrator was emphasized, with the current position holder being certified. Suggestions were made to appoint the town engineer as an alternate, given the challenges in retaining a Building Commissioner.