Daily brief · Swampscott, MA
DPW Truck Fire Costs Town $150K
September 19, 2026
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DPW Truck Fire Costs Town $150K, Raises Budget Questions
Finance Director Patrick Luddy told the Finance Committee on Sept. 18 that the DPW truck destroyed by fire on Puritan Road Sept. 2 had recently cost $150,000, and that the town is now working through the claim with its insurance company. Committee members raised concerns about what happens if coverage falls short: member Liz Smith said it comes down to how much insurance pays and whether there is a deductible, and that any gap would require finding other money. Town Meeting members had approved $182,810 from the general fund for a new sander, with the FY27 budget also allocating $37,500 for equipment maintenance and $2,000 for town vehicle maintenance.
Swampscott Tides
Swampscott Football Improves to 2-0 with Win Over Lynn English
Swampscott beat Lynn English 28-8 at Manning Field on Friday, Sept. 18, powered by two defensive interceptions.
Itemlive
Land and Sea Cleanup Draws Volunteers Saturday
SPUR and Sustainable Marblehead host beach cleanups from 11 a.m. to noon and park cleanups from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, across Swampscott and nearby towns.
Swampscott Tides
Tree Committee Backs Smaller Minimum Size for Parking Lot Trees
The Tree Committee voted 5-2 on Sept. 18 to recommend cutting the minimum caliper for new commercial parking lot trees from 4 inches to 2.5 inches, aiming to improve sapling survival.
Itemlive
School Committee Raises Questions on Seaglass Village Lease Approval
The School Committee welcomed nonprofit Seaglass Village into the Clarke School on Sept. 18, but questioned how the lease approval bypassed formal committee review.
Swampscott Tides
Spiritualism Workshop Set for Saturday
Penny Hayward leads a workshop on 'Sitting in the Power' and 'Working in the Power' Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Swampscott Church of Spiritualism.
The Swampscott Church of Spiritualism
Trance Mediumship Demonstration Sunday at Church of Spiritualism
Penny Hayward presents a trance mediumship demonstration Sunday, Sept. 20, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Swampscott Church of Spiritualism.
The Swampscott Church of Spiritualism
Open House Saturday at $2.499M Waterfront Home
A public open house runs Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 9 Galloupes Point Road, a 6,216-square-foot waterfront property listed for $2.499 million.
Verani Realty
Just Salad Set to Open First Swampscott Location at Vinnin Square
Town permits and business filings show Just Salad preparing to open at 450 Paradise Road in the Swampscott Mall; no opening date has been announced.
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