To the editor:
As of Dec. 31, Marblehead will defy Massachusetts state law — MBTA Communities 3A zoning Act. At the Select Board meeting last week, an organized vocal group succeeded in derailing a year of hard work by our town planner, Planning Board, consultants and all those residents who participated in the public forums and meetings. The Massachusetts attorney general’s office has made it quite clear to Marblehead that they intend to uphold the law and will be suing towns in noncompliance (yes — more legal fees).
If your eyes have been glazing over at boring zoning issues, here’s why going forward you need to pay attention. The result of noncompliance with this bipartisan legislation, (besides litigation), will be to cripple Marblehead efforts to go after funding for multiple necessary town projects.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezar says we have “upped our game” when it comes to grants, so as to maximize all sources of revenue for the town. Three town employees now pursue grant money, to help fund the costly repair of seawalls and replace the Village Street bridge, along with other projects. Now by not complying with 3A we are tying their hands in being competitive for those grants and in some cases we are completely ineligible.
The Select Board will be presenting a strategic plan in the spring to address the town’s already existing shortfall estimated to be in the neighborhood of $10 million, a result of costs outstripping revenues for years and no overrides. The Select Board has tried to put us on a path to fiscal responsibility, hiring good personnel and giving them the tools to work with, such as updated software. Real cuts have been made. Efficiencies implemented. Increased grant funding was to be an important piece of increasing revenue.
We had a thoughtful rezoning plan that not only would be compliant with the law, but could have benefited Marblehead with a badly needed range of housing options for seniors who need to downsize, rentals and units for children who’ve grown up here and are trying to return and our town employees. Additional housing would also add revenue by expanding our tax base.
The website marbleheadhousingcoalition.com as well as the Marblehead Current have good information to orient yourself to the issue if you are just learning about it. Ask the town planner or town manager — not social media — about any of your concerns. In the meantime, life goes on and the consequences will too, whether it’s a deteriorating bridge, sea walls, parks, cemeteries, noncompetitive salaries and underfunded schools.
Renee Keaney
Beverly Avenue
