As the tide goes out in 2025, Swampscott is left with more than footprints in the sand. The past year brought change and growth, making it one that will be remembered long after the last calendar page turns.

From new leadership at the helm of both the schools and town government, to construction and storefront signs signaling what’s next, 2025 was a year of steady motion. Students and teachers settled into the elementary school’s first full year in its new building, preservationists worked to safeguard pieces of Swampscott’s past, and new businesses added fresh energy to the local landscape.

Here are 12 moments, milestones and moves that defined 2025 in Swampscott, a year that proved even a quiet seaside town can make some waves.

Clarke School

In July, Charlotte Daher de Garcia was appointed as Swampscott’s new recreation director.

She brings to the role experience as vice president at CGPR, a consumer active lifestyle public relations firm based in Marblehead. According to her LinkedIn profile, Daher de Garcia worked with CGPR intermittently beginning in 2015. 

In her new position, Daher de Garcia has already brought many new ideas, one of which was to expand programming for children and adults into the Clarke School. The Recreation Department was awarded a one-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) from the Select Board and School Committee. 

Located at 100 Middlesex Ave., the Clarke School closed as an elementary school after the 2023–24 school year, following the consolidation of the town’s three elementary schools into one. 

The Clarke School will offer both indoor and outdoor space for recreation. Programs already have ranged from sports, art, Dungeons & Dragons and creative workshops for adults. Daher de Garcia also mentioned other ideas like cooking, volunteer engagement and other intergenerational options.

The town will cover utility costs for the Clarke School through the Recreation Department’s revolving fund, according to an October presentation. Facilities Director Max Kasper and Daher de Garcia said utility costs totaled $36,952 in fiscal year 2025, when the building was vacant, compared to $48,279 in fiscal 2024, when it was partially in use.

At the time of approval, there was $276,978 in the Recreation Department’s revolving fund. 

Delamar Hotel

Developers have presented schematic plans for the Delamar Hotel to residents and the Planning Board in hopes of developing a boutique hotel at the former Hadley Elementary School location, at 24 Redington St.

Built in 1910, the Hadley School closed when the town consolidated its elementary schools last year. In 2023, Pinnacle Advisory Group conducted a comprehensive market-demand study for the proposed hotel, finding the site “suitable for hotel development” with “good walkable amenities such as restaurants, bars and other retail.”

In 2024, the Select Board voted to enter into a land development agreement with Delamar Hotels to design and develop a boutique hotel. 

The plans for the 55- to 60-room boutique property feature a restaurant, spa, ballroom and seasonal rooftop deck overlooking Linscott Park, as the redevelopment aims to retain much of the building’s character.

The restored building will include an outdoor dining terrace “overlooking Linscott Park, with views down to the water,” a restaurant and spa open to the public, and a ballroom in the former gymnasium large enough for roughly 120 guests. Inside, the historic mezzanine seating will remain, potentially hosting “stand-up comedians, lecture series, jazz shows,” while the rooftop will serve as a “seasonal open rooftop amenity deck, rented out for parties or a hotel guest amenity space in the warmer months,” according to Delamar’s Director of Business Development Dixon Mallory.

Neighbors have expressed some concerns around idling cars and the potential of double parking, as well as noise issues and lighting. 

As the project moves forward, developers have received Part 1 approval for state and federal historic tax credits and plan to begin construction within about 10 months, followed by 18 to 20 months of renovation.

Elementary School

In May, young Swampscott students wrapped up their first year in the new elementary school at 10 Whitman Road, which was built to merge three old buildings into one.

With 734 students, the Swampscott Elementary School holds the most students throughout the state for a school that houses kindergarten through fourth grade, according to data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Bringing so many students together under one roof has made for hopefully a smoother transition to middle school, Principal Lori Sanborn said. 

The students enjoyed their first field day at Phillips Park, which was coordinated by nearly 200 volunteer parents as well as staff members.

Most recently, the Swampscott Elementary School unveiled a blue lobster made by Nate Fontes-Fried as well as a communication board – provided by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, Inc. – on its playground.

Glover House

General John Glover’s farmhouse may be the town’s only intact, original-era connection to the American Revolution. It is one of Swampscott’s oldest surviving homes and among the few remaining 18th-century structures in the region. 

The Historical Commission is working to raise between $1.5 million and $2 million to preserve the Glover Farmhouse and meet conditions proposed by National Development in its property plan. The group has seven more months to do so.

National Development is willing to ensure the farmhouse is preserved if the nonprofit and commission take responsibility for restoring the exterior, according to Historical Commission Chair Nancy Schultz.

National Development will go in front of the Planning Board in March, and “when they start their construction we can start our construction under the current scenario.”

In 1775, Glover was elected lieutenant colonel of the 21st Massachusetts Regiment from Marblehead. After Colonel Jeremiah Lee’s death that April, Glover assumed command and led his troops to join the siege of Boston, where General George Washington chartered his schooner to raid British supply ships.

Known as “Glover’s Regiment,” the Marblehead militia became the 14th Continental Regiment, composed of about 500 local mariners and militiamen. The group famously saved Washington’s army from entrapment after the Battle of Long Island and later delayed British forces at the Battle of Pell’s Point.

Glover is perhaps most famously remembered for leading his regiment in rowing General Washington across the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776. The crossing culminated in a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries in Trenton.

Today, the farmhouse Glover resided in after the war sits on 1.56 acres in Marblehead, 2.28 acres in Swampscott, and about a quarter-acre in Salem. About 75% of the original house – including beehive ovens, doors, paneling and hardware – remains intact. 

Schultz said the property is eligible for both the National Register of Historic Places and National Landmark status. The house was named to Preservation Massachusetts’ list of most endangered historic resources in November. 

Hawthorne Property

At a Special Town Meeting in June 2022, voters approved purchasing several properties — including the Hawthorne parcel and the Archer Street project. The article authorized the Select Board to acquire 149–169 Humphrey Street by gift, purchase, or eminent domain for municipal use. It passed overwhelmingly, 214–3.

A community brainstorming session in January 2023 identified public space as the top priority, with residents favoring “park/open space/green space,” followed by multi-use areas. Open-space concepts drew the broadest support.

The Select Board formed the Hawthorne Re-use Advisory Committee in February 2025. Recent meetings reflected differing public viewpoints: some residents favored parkland, while others supported larger buildings to generate revenue.

At two community meetings, residents emphasized creating “a place to go,” prioritizing pedestrians, and addressing the short lifespans of businesses on Humphrey Street. Other ideas included community spaces for food courts, cafés, artisans, and events.

On November 19, the committee presented its preferred design, Plan G1, to the Select Board. The plan features two rows of buildings, totaling around 25,000 square feet if two stories, set perpendicular to the road with a 40-foot opening to maintain views into the courtyard and open-space area. The model includes roughly 28 parking spaces.

Town Meeting Members voted at the beginning of December to allow the Select Board to continue leasing the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant while discussions about the broader property plan move forward. 

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is active, and it will close on Friday, January 16. After the RFP closes, a public bid review will be conducted, and — if needed — presentations will be held for the Select Board. 

The new vendor is encouraged to operate the restaurant through June 30, 2027, according to the RFP. 

Select Board Chair Katie Phelan emphasized that the short-term solution is not a replacement for long-term planning but is meant to “run tandem.” Vice Chair Doug Thompson said the board is “trying to put together the pieces” needed to build a coalition that will support the capital expenses required for the eventual redevelopment.

Town Administrator Nick Connors had said the additional time would help mitigate costs for utilities, insurance, and debt, and that no town capital would be expended.

The town is also considering purchasing the parking lot next to the Hawthorne property, owned by St. John’s Church. The Select Board recently held executive sessions regarding possible acquisition, lease, or valuation of parcels at 153 and 187 Humphrey Street.

“The additional time will also allow the town to continue negotiations with the Archdiocese of Boston for the possible purchase of a portion of the parking lot,” the Select Board wrote in a letter. “This potential acquisition could unlock the full potential of the site, enabling a balanced plan that includes new public green space, appropriate parking and revenue-generating redevelopment.”

Henry Bedard Exhumed

The Swampscott Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and Essex County District Attorney’s Office are working on an ongoing investigation into the 1974 murder of 15-year-old Henry Bedard.

In response to information recently received, a court order called for Henry’s body to be exhumed in October. His body was returned to the grave soon after.

“Advances in forensic science and technology have led to new criminal investigative avenues that were not possible in the past,” said District Attorney Paul Tucker. “We are hopeful that these advances will lead to significant evidence.”

Henry was described by family and friends as a happy 15-year-old. He was the third child of Gloria and Henry Bedard. The family lived in Lynn until Henry turned 11. After moving to Swampscott, he played football and ran track.

On December 16, 1974, Henry walked his younger brother to the junior high school before heading to Swampscott High School, where he was a sophomore. After the bell rang, Henry caught a bus to Vinnin Square and stopped at CVS to drop off a roll of 8mm film. He also bought perfume as a Christmas gift for his sister.

Henry left CVS around 3 p.m., heading down Paradise Road. Former Swampscott Police Lt. Peter Cassidy later said he waved to Henry as he passed.

The 15-year-old crossed through the Department of Public Works lot, wished the workers a Merry Christmas, and showed them the CVS bag, saying he planned to wrap the gift at home. He continued to the back of the lot, where the woods begin.

He never returned home.

Between 4 and 4:30 p.m., two boys on their way to a friend’s birthday party found an empty wallet and the perfume Henry had purchased, later taken as a potential suggestion that Henry may have already been killed by that time.

Two boys had followed a trail behind the houses on Norfolk Avenue when they discovered Henry’s body in a shallow grave, covered in leaves and soaked with rain and blood. Following an autopsy, former Essex County Medical Examiner Dr. Albert Shub reported that Henry had been struck at least five times with a blunt object.

Police believed the murder weapon was a baseball bat found near Henry’s body, a Henry Hank Aaron 125LL model. A series of lines were carved into the knob, possibly indicating the Roman numeral VI or resembling the letter “K.” In 1975, former State Police Detective Lt. Alfred Duemling stated that despite contacting numerous Little League officials, police were unable to determine who owned the bat.

Forensic analysis confirmed the bat was stained with human blood. However, this was before DNA testing was widely available, and former Swampscott Police Chief William Carlin said state police were unable to determine the blood type.

The bat was later sent to the FBI, but they too were unable to determine the blood type at the time.

“What happened to Henry has never left this town, and young or old, all of the community still talks about Henry and what happened on that fateful day,” said Swampscott Chief of Police Ruben Quesada.

Anyone with information about Bedard’s murder is encouraged to contact the Unresolved Case Unit tip line at 1-855-MA-SOLVE or at mspunresolved@pol.state.ma.us.

Jason Calichman

Following Pamela Angelakis’ retirement in June from her 35-year career at the Swampscott School District, Jason Calichman took the reins as the new superintendent ahead of the 2025-26 school year following unanimous approval from the School Committee.

Calichman, who grew up in Swampscott, said that he returned to the area with his wife to start a family, partially due to the school district. Prior to his homecoming, Calichman taught for two years in Jersey City, New Jersey and eight years in Wakefield, Massachusetts.

He became the middle school’s assistant principal 13 years ago and has served as principal for nearly a decade. 

He acknowledged that while his experience is rooted in the middle school, he plans to spend more time in the elementary and high schools. Calichman said his goal is to “spend a couple hours each week at each school.” On the very first day of school, Calichman ran between each building, welcoming students to the new year.

“I want our kids to realize they are from a special place,” Calichman said. “They have all these people that care about them. We have so many teachers that live in town and so many teachers that grew up here because they felt this special bond to this place. I know I certainly did, and I want to keep that going, keep that momentum going, where there’s a different sort of pride in our school system than other places.”

In November, the School Committee approved four superintendent goals for Calichman, ranging from professional practice and leadership growth to community engagement and student achievement.

Angelakis had said she felt confident passing the torch to Calichman because “he has a passion for this town and the school district” and he also “knows the struggles that we’ve had, and he knows how much effort it’s taken to get where we’re at.”

Calichman’s tenure also brought in new principals at the Swampscott Middle and High Schools, Jessica Minter and Emily Zotto respectively.

Going into the new year, however, the School Committee that oversees Calichman is still missing a chair after Amy OConnor announced her resignation in November.

Nick Connors

In October, Nick Connors stepped into the role of Swampscott’s town administrator.

The search for a new town administrator began after former Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald resigned in late 2024. Though Fitzgerald’s contract was set to expire in June, he agreed to take paid leave in the final months of his tenure. Department of Public Works Director Gino Cresta had filled in as interim town administrator since.

The Select Board named Connors Swampscott’s town administrator on September 17, following a second round of interviews. 

Connors grew up in the North Shore area, and he now lives in Lynnfield. During both of Connors’ interviews with the Select Board, he recalled his time in Swampscott as a child, particularly during his time in high school at Bishop Fenwick where he ran on the cross country team. He had called the opportunity to serve as Swampscott’s town administrator a full circle moment.

“This is a very exciting opportunity,” Connors said. 

Prior to becoming the Swampscott town administrator, Connors served as Milton’s assistant town administrator. He had worked at the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, where he held various leadership positions, including director of external affairs and partnerships, deputy commissioner for public affairs, policy, and administration, and director of the Green Communities Program.

Connors said one of things that attracted him most to the role in Swampscott was the team he would be joining.

“One of the things I’m looking forward to the most is assisting in that and learning myself as I learn about the town, how I can support the department heads in that effort,” Connors said, “and make sure I’m aligning the work of town employees with the priorities and goals and the effort that the Select Board would like from us.”

Connors has since assisted the Select Board at bi-weekly meetings, and he assisted at the Town Meeting in December.

New Humphrey Street Businesses

Humphrey Street saw a slew of new business openings over the past few months.

Mary Cruz and her family – Erika Perez and Alondra Acosta – opened Seraphina Fashion, at 148 Humphrey St. Perez described the clothing as “unique,” with a variety of patterns and styles filling the space. Blazers, for example, lend a modest and classic feel to the buyer, but she said they also bring about a different style that might not be found elsewhere. Prices are intentionally reasonable, Perez noted, recognizing that many people can’t afford a $200 jacket or a $300 dress today.

Seraphina Fashion is opened on Sundays from noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lilly Tapper opened Three Hundred Fifty bakery at 222 Humphrey St. The bakery’s flavors are wide-ranging. Caramelized onion and cheddar scones are a favorite, Tapper said. Cookies include creative options like whiskey caramel, chocolate cranberry, graham cracker toffee, and white chocolate snickerdoodle. Stuffed cookies feature flavors such as key lime pie and chocolate Oreo. Cakes, however, are Tapper’s favorite. She offers slices and mini options too for people who don’t need a full, large dessert. The bakery also features a seasonal drink menu, including items like banana bread latte, cookie butter latte, maple vanilla chai, cherry matcha, and tiramisu latte.

Three Hundred Fifty is open Tuesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to noon, and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Britt Decker opened the Salty Dogwood at 224 Humphrey St. She called her bouquets and flower displays “just a little more modern.” Flowers are available for all occasions, from birthdays to baby showers, holidays, funerals and weddings. People are also able to walk in and buy bouquets the same day. Decker also has little trinkets for sale like candles, dishes, vases, hand cream and cards.

The Salty Dogwood is open Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Delivery is available to Swampscott, Marblehead, Lynn, Nahant and Salem.

Pomona Cafe and Wine Bar, at 128 Humphrey St., has expanded its options to serve dinner now as well. The dinner menu features appetizers such as prosciutto rollatini stuffed with provolone and roasted peppers, Colombian empanadas, and mussels. There are also caprese and watermelon salads, and a wide variety of entrees like salmon tarragon, lobster ravioli, filet mignon and chicken milanesa. There are also Colombian favorites like ropa vieja, which is shredded beef in a tomato and pepper sauce served with white rice, beans, avocado and sweet plantains. 

And while the others were opening, Hawthorne-by-the-Sea did close on Humphrey Street. The Athanas family told Town Administrator Nick Connors on October 23 that they would be shutting their doors. The Athanases said the property was sold three years ago and that they are “ready to move on” as the town advances its plans.

In the meantime, residents can now use the parking lot at the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant.

Vinnin Square

Originally built in 1973 and reconstructed in 1991, the mall area is now undergoing major redevelopment following zoning changes approved at Swampscott’s Town Meeting in May 2023. The changes apply to the section between Essex Street and Paradise Road, commonly known as the Swampscott Mall, and aim to support mixed-use development that will “strengthen the town’s commercial tax base,” according to the town’s website.

Sam Walker’s American Tavern officially opened for business on Wednesday, December 17. The restaurant, which is at 450 Paradise Road, has the capacity to seat up to 400 people. The menu includes a “cocktail for a cause” which is currently raising money for Anchor Food Pantry. The menu has staples like the loaded guacamole, which includes street corn esquites; dry rubbed wings; short rib grilled cheese; burgers; pizzas; and brunch on the weekends.

Beyond food, Sam Walker’s is taking a new approach to the traditional sports-bar television setup. On football Sundays, and sometimes Monday nights, the restaurant has velcro helmets that will be attached to televisions so that guests know exactly which game will be on.

The garage doors at the front of the space will open in the summer too, providing even more space and access to a patio.

Sam Walker’s is open:

• Monday through Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch; 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner; and the bar will be open until midnight
• Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner; and the bar will be open until 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner; and the bar will be open until 1:00 a.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch; 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. for dinner; and the bar will be open until midnight

Sarah Klaman, an associate with Centercorp Retail Properties, called the overall construction at Vinnin Square “long overdue.” Storefronts are getting a facelift, and the reworked façade is expected to be complete by spring. Enhancements will also include walkability improvements, added green space and new seating areas. A rebranding of the area’s name may also be in the works.

Fast and Beauty has closed and been replaced by Fit Ritual, a new workout center that Klaman said “looks amazing.” 

Centercorp also plans to add three new outparcel buildings, which are set for construction in the spring. 

“We are working with First Watch. That’s going to be an amazing addition. It’ll be a real breakfast place,” Klaman said, adding that another one of the parcels will be a “Mediterranean concept with bowls.”

Veterans Crossing

At the 2023 Town Meeting, Swampscott residents approved the acquisition and redevelopment of 12-24 Pine St. for veteran housing. B’nai B’rith Housing responded to Swampscott’s request for proposal (RFP) to develop the Pine Street site in August of 2023. A land agreement was signed in December of 2024. 

The proposed Veterans Crossing project includes 41 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments, each approximately 600 sq. ft, according to a presentation by Senior Project Manager Holly Grace. The apartment layouts include full kitchens with dishwashers.

The town has recently held neighborhood meetings on the proposed site layout. Neighbors raised concerns that people might “use Pine Street as a parking lot.”

B’nai Brith’s proposals also drew resistance from some Swampscott residents due to the affordable housing building’s intended height and if the VFW post were to remain at its location. 

In July, the Select Board unanimously approved a motion to create a special purpose stabilization fund to eventually appropriate money for a VFW post at 89 Burrill St. The proposal was for the board to commit the $1.5 million, which the town will be receiving later from the rental payment, “to ensure that the post actually gets built right in a very modern, fully ADA, as best as possible way.”

“We did make a commitment to the veterans,” Select Board Member David Grishman said. “This board did vote to move them from their post to Burrill Street, and I think we owe it to them to allocate these funds in such a way that their new home is top notch. I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is.”

Westcott

After nearly two years of construction, the Westcott is now open, offering 113 residential units and 131 parking spaces.

“It’s very exciting to see it completed,” WinnDevelopment’s Lauren Canepari, who was the senior project director for the Westcott. “These projects take a long time to go from vacant buildings to beautiful projects.”

The building was a long time coming, with multiple community and Select Board debates over the development’s scope, traffic concerns, and its impact on abutters. At the beginning of 2024, WinnDevelopment closed on $69.1 million in financing with local and state agencies as well as Bank of America for the 1.3-acre mixed-income community in Swampscott.

Before the Westcott, the site consisted of an abandoned industrial warehouse, a few residential units, and unused commercial space, according to Canepari.

The brand new apartment complex offers a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Some have private balconies and patios. Each space has its own washer and dryer. Set along Essex Street, residents are just steps away from the MBTA Commuter Rail station, but they can’t hear the noise from inside the building.

There are workforce units as well as affordable housing opportunities. During the initial leasing offers, 42% of the affordable units will have a local preference for Swampscott residents, municipal and local business employees, and households with children in the Swampscott School District, according to a handout.