Town Meeting warrant article 55 seeks to establish a committee to research potential uses and long-term leasing of the 5.35 acre Swifts Beach property, which was taken by the town by eminent domain in 2003. The article was placed on the warrant by a petition of voters.

The land, located at Swifts Beach Road and Wankinco Avenue, was taken for "general municipal purposes," according to the Order of Taking. The Board of Selectmen at the time cited the desire to expand access to the public beach, which is adjacent to the land.

The town offered $450,000 to property owner Barbara Deighton Haupt, which she accepted whilst reserving her right to challenge the amount. She subsequently sued, alleging that she was inadequately compensated for the land, and was awarded $1.1 million.

Joe Chiaraluce, who signed the petition, said he wants the town to look at all possibilities for the land.

"I don't know who's benefiting right now, it's just an empty lot," Chiaraluce said. "[Let's] see if we can put our heads together and come up with some kind of a deal that will be best for people of the town."

The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is seeking a conservation restriction to protect the property.

"When we're looking at the conservation restriction, we're not trying to make it anything that people are going to hate," said CPC Chair Nancy Miller. "We just want it to be a beach so everyone can enjoy it."

Miller said that the concrete lot would likely be removed.

If Article 55 is approved, the committee would be appointed by Town Moderator Claire Smith, and would consist of a member from the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee, Planning Board, Community Preservation Committee, and three volunteer citizens.

The committee would report its findings at Town Meeting in October.