Swampscott is seeking volunteers to join its newly established Community Preservation Committee.

The committee was created following the May Town Meeting. Article No. 18 mandated the creation of the Community Preservation Committee, as required by the Community Preservation Act, which the town adopted in 2024.

The committee will oversee the appropriate use of Community Preservation Act funds by gathering public input and proposals across eligible categories: historic preservation, open space, and community housing.

The Community Preservation Act is a state law that helps preserve open space and historic sites, create affordable housing, and develop recreational facilities. Approximately two-thirds of Massachusetts communities participate in the Act, including nearby towns like Nahant and Salem.

Voters approved the Act on November 11, 2024. As of July 1, all town real estate tax assessments are subject to a 1.5% Community Preservation Act surcharge, which will help fund eligible projects. This means that, depending on your home’s assessed value:

• $300,000 – there is now an additional $34 cost annually
• $750,000 – there is now an additional $110 cost annually
• $1,100,000 – there is now an additional $172 cost annually

Single residents over age 60 with incomes below $104,510 are exempt. For a four-person household, the exemption threshold is $149,300.

For residents under the age of 60, a single occupant with income below $83,000 is exempt. In a four-person household the income threshold is $119,440.

It was predicted before the 2024 vote that Swampscott would raise about $1 million in total from the town and state match each year due to the act. The state has historically matched the amount that towns raise by 20 to 40%. 

Over the past 18 years, Nahant has invested $13.8 million, covering 31% of total project costs through its local surtax.

The committee will include nine Swampscott residents, along with one representative from each of the following: the Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Planning Board, Swampscott Housing Authority, Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Open Space and Recreation Commission, Capital Improvement Committee, and Finance Committee.

The term will be for two years, for a maximum of five terms.

Residents interested in joining the Community Preservation Committee can apply at: http://swampscottmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php.

Questions will include current occupation as well as a narrative on “how much time you have available and any education, experience or special skills that may be relevant to the committee.”

Applications are due by Friday, August 1, and they will be kept on file for three years. All applications already on file as well as new applications will be considered when there is a vacancy.