Swampscott Planning Board opens public hearing on commuter rail smart growth district

SWAMPSCOTT — July 13, 2026 — Swampscott Planning Board kicks off 40R smart growth district study near commuter rail station. The board held a pre-application public hearing July 13 on a proposed Chapter 40R smart growth overlay district covering primarily B1 and B2 commercially zoned land around the town's commuter rail station, with no action requested and the hearing described as an informational session to gather public input before draft language is prepared. The state program offers financial incentives of up to $75,000 upon district approval and requires a minimum 20 percent affordable housing set-aside in qualifying developments. The board is working on a compressed timeline — the town meeting warrant closes October 7 — and is finalizing a contract with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for technical assistance including build-out analyses and design standards. Two Porter Place residents used public comment to oppose inclusion of their residential properties in the district boundary, with one saying "I like what's proposed in terms of trying to make something nice" but citing concerns about building height and setbacks. The board separately approved unanimous administrative amendments to a 2025 site plan special permit for 5 Manson Road, correcting an error that described the property as connected to Swampscott public water and sewer when it is served by a private well and the City of Lynn's sewer system.