SWAMPSCOTT — As predicted, the official vote by the Board of Selectmen to remove trash from Swampscott condominiums was not approved, with the vote at 2-2.
This time, Chairman Rich Malagrifia accounted for Chaisson’s Cove and new condo developments Fisherman’s Watch and The Concordia in his new budget proposal for trash removal, in addition to Hawthorne’s Crossing, Crowne Point, Summit Estates and The Glen. Malagrifa said it would cost only about $22,000 a year for all of the condos, and pointed out the town was already saving $20,000 with the new recycling program.
However, the 20 residents and representatives from the condos who attended the meeting left disappointed when selectmen David Van Dam and Glen Kessler stood fast in their decisions to vote no. Van Dam pointed out that the residents had signed their contract when they bought their condo unit knowing well that there was a fee for private trash removal.
Town Administrator Thomas Younger agreed, saying the savings from recycling would be needed with the reduction in state aid post-fiscal cliff. “There are still many issues facing the community in the upcoming budget,” said Younger. “We’re not looking at increasing services, but maintaining what we have. I may need to utilize those savings for the town budget that may be reduced in the coming year.”
Selectman Barry Greenfield launched a discussion when he suggested a “pay as you throw” waste program in which all residents are equitable because they are responsible to pay for how much trash they produce. Greenfield said the town would save $9,000 in waste management and residents would have lower taxes or a higher rebate as a result. Designated retailers would benefit from selling special trash bags and recycling would still have no cost. Greenfield said the plan would benefit condo residents because they typically produce less trash than the average single-family homeowner.
The board collectively agreed to table the suggestion for later discussion. Selectman Jill Sullivan suggested they take the “pay as you throw” proposal to the Board of Health.
Kait Taylor can be reached at [email protected].
