Name: Tim Swigor
How long have you lived in Marblehead? 21 years
Profession: Owner of Old Town Antiques. Past professional career includes 18 years as president of my own data solutions company.
Elected and appointed positions held: Currently a member on the Board of Registrar of Voters for the town of Marblehead
1. What is your vision for the Planning Board’s role in shaping Marblehead’s future, and how does it differ from the current approach?
Most of the Planning Board’s time is spent reviewing applications from homeowners looking to improve their properties. The board carefully examines these plans, identifies potential issues and makes decisions based on current bylaws. These outcomes directly impact homeowners and their abutters.
However, the board’s most impactful work involves broader town initiatives, such as reviewing bylaws or major town projects that affect all Marblehead residents. These issues include MBTA 3A zoning, accessory dwelling units, bike lanes and more.
The board’s impact on the entire town is where the difference between my vision of the future and my opponent’s becomes clear. My opponent supports 3A, while I have always opposed it. My opponent supports development that would fundamentally alter our town’s landscape. I want to keep Marblehead … Marblehead, meaning our historic charm, scale and sense of community must be preserved. We can’t afford to lose what exists.
Marblehead’s future deserves a new, fresh perspective. My opponent has been on the board for a cumulative 24 years. No one should hold a seat that long. It’s time for change.
2. Marblehead’s Housing Production Plan indicates a growing need for diverse housing options to accommodate an aging population and attract younger residents. What zoning strategies would you support to encourage the development of affordable and multifamily housing, ensuring that new developments are in harmony with the town’s existing character?
We can meet housing needs without sacrificing what makes Marblehead special. I support accessory dwelling units as a smart, low-impact solution because they make use of existing structures, avoiding new construction and preserving neighborhood character. In 2017, I rebuilt an ADU on my property, maintaining the same footprint and historic character of the original 1920s structure. It’s a clear example of how ADUs can be done responsibly. I oppose allowing ADUs “by right.” Every project should undergo site plan review to ensure community input and protect neighborhood integrity. We need diverse housing, but it must be done thoughtfully, not hastily. Let’s solve our housing challenge with care, not compromise.
3. How would you foster collaboration between the Planning Board and other town departments or committees to ensure cohesive and comprehensive planning efforts?
The Old and Historic Districts Commission, Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals each have distinct areas of authority. However, overlaps may occasionally occur with the Planning Board, particularly in cases involving the Zoning Board. For example, site plan approval decisions or special conditions set by the Planning Board may need to be incorporated into Zoning Board applications.
The newly established Community Planning and Development Department (formerly the Engineering Department) can serve as a unified resource for all boards and committees. All applications are processed through Lisa Lyons, senior clerk, with Alex Eitler, town planner, acting as a centralized planning resource for applicants and board members alike.
4. What initiatives would you propose to increase transparency and public participation in the Planning Board’s activities and decision-making processes?
To improve transparency and public participation, I propose that the Planning Board adopt a policy requiring all site plan approval applications and ADU applications to include an executive summary written in plain English.
The purpose of this summary is to give Planning Board members, neighboring residents and interested parties a clear, accessible overview of what’s being proposed. Many planning documents are written in technical or legal language, which can obscure the intent and implications of a project. A concise, jargon-free summary will help demystify the process and encourage more meaningful engagement from the community.
This small change has the potential to make a significant difference in how projects are understood and discussed.
