Harbor & Waterfront Advisory Committee

The Committee began work on the Harbor & Waterfront Plan in 2016, with the goal of producing a draft plan for public comment before ultimately bringing the plan before the Select Board. The Plan provides background on Swampscott’s harbor and waterfront, identifies areas of concern (such as effects of sea level rise), and sets forth short and long-term goals for improvements. There are also particular recommendations for present and future projects along the waterfront. For example, the plan calls for the installation of Protective Living Reef’s (PLR) around the outer harbor to provide flooding protection for Humphrey Street, as well as boats in the harbor. This protection will enable the development of additional harbor amenities.


Swampscott’s greatest asset is its proximity to the sea, and this Harbor and Waterfront Plan is designed to promote and protect this valuable asset and ensure that Swampscott’s historical character as a desirable seaside town continues on into the next century. The final plan was approved in May 2020 by the Select Board and can be accessed on the left menu.