The Conservation Commission voted to allow the Archer Trail to proceed near wetlands on the condition that a short spur is eliminated and the trail width is reduced to three feet.
The commission met Wednesday to review construction of the walking and hiking path at Archer Woods. Residents who live near the trail have complained to the town and told the Swampscott Tides that the project has veered from its original plans.
“The project is ongoing. We do want to build it out,” said Community and Economic Development Director Marzie Galazka, who added that the intention was “not to cause harm” to the neighborhood or wetland areas.
At a June 2022 Special Town Meeting, voters approved the purchase of several properties, including the Archer Street parcel and the former Hawthorne-by-the-Sea restaurant site. The Archer Street land had previously been slated for a large housing redevelopment project.
In 2024, the town submitted a grant application for trail construction. That same year, Town Meeting allocated $225,000 for construction and accepted a $112,500 state grant.
The project was expected to be completed by the fall, with work hopefully starting after the snow had thawed. It was supposed to span approximately three-quarters of a mile with entrances at Park Street, Connelly Avenue, Vaughan Place, and Archer Street.
Town Administrator Nick Connors announced at the April 15 Select Board meeting that the project has been put on hold until the Conservation Commission’s virtual meeting on Wednesday, April 28. He said he walked the site with neighbors.
After work was halted, the town submitted a request for determination to assess the boundaries of wetlands and other protected areas near the project.
One segment of the trail, a spur, comes within about 75 feet of a wetland. The rest of the trail’s construction, however, was not up for debate during Wednesday’s meeting.
“It was overlooked but the minute it was identified by you (Smith) we did everything we could,” said Chair Toni Bandrowicz. “We are coming into compliance with the Wetland Protection Act. I’m not sure what else can be done.”
Galazka said the project was initially treated as a conceptual plan, with details finalized as construction progressed. She added that it was originally considered exempt under state regulations.
Under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA) regulations, specifically 310 CMR 10.02(2)(b)2., certain minor activities are exempt from permitting, including unpaved pedestrian walkways that are less than three-feet wide for public access on conservation property.
Resident Frank Smith previously told the Swampscott Tides the original plan had been supported by neighborhoods around the proposed trail.
“The original plan we were on board with. We were on the same page that we supported this,” Smith said. “We actually thought that the trails were a good thing.”
During Wednesday’s meeting, Smith raised concerns about potential impacts and suggested the area could function as a vernal pool, noting he had seen fairy shrimp and egg clusters there.
Smith also suggested the wetland area has been filled.
“This project started in March, and they threw things in the wetlands and that’s why I’m concerned,” Smith said.
Bandrowicz said site visits and a formal delineation did not support that conclusion. She also said she did not believe the area was a vernal pool, though it could be revisited with the project’s wetland scientist.
If further review finds that wetlands were altered, the commission said additional action could follow. The commission ultimately voted unanimously to allow the project to continue under the revised plan.
