Marblehead’s future fire safety grants could be at risk if the town fails to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.
This marks the first time the Healey-Driscoll Administration has explicitly tied public safety grant funding to MBTA Communities Act compliance, a move that expands consequences beyond the previously targeted housing and infrastructure programs. The policy change, announced after FY 2025 grant applications had already been submitted and awarded, has sparked concern among fire officials who rely on state funding for essential safety equipment. While Marblehead has secured $19,000 from the FY 2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant, as confirmed in a Jan. 17 letter from State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, future funding beginning in FY 2026 remains at risk – part of a $5 million statewide program that historically supported critical equipment purchases without housing policy conditions.
The notification comes as Marblehead prepares to reconsider multifamily zoning at May Town Meeting, after rejecting a similar proposal in 2024. Under emergency regulations filed by the state on Jan. 14, the town must submit an action plan by Feb. 13 and achieve full compliance by July 14 to maintain eligibility for future state funding.
In a Marblehead Current interview, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland expressed concern Friday morning about the state’s decision to tie future fire safety grants to compliance with the state’s multifamily zoning mandate.
“They put the grants out at base value and to change it midstream is [not cool],” said Gilliland, arguing that any new requirements should apply to future funding rounds. “But I believe they shouldn’t punish public safety.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini, Democrat of Marblehead, emphasized that such grants should remain unaffected, stating, “Public safety grants should be held harmless.”
Regarding Marblehead’s compliance timeline, with a deadline set for July 2025, Armini expressed optimism. She highlighted the governor’s administration’s initiative, noting, “The governor’s administration has requested a written plan to achieve compliance from each community. I am optimistic that once Marblehead’s plan is received, grant applications will be given the fair and thoughtful look they deserve.”
When asked about the potential influence of linking fire safety grants to compliance on Town Meeting’s perception and vote concerning the MBTA Communities Act, Armini acknowledged the current transitional phase.
“We are operating in a temporary space between the SJC decision and new regulations,” she said. “That’s why the governor’s office asked for a written explanation for how towns will be working toward compliance.”
The town’s proposed zoning would create three districts across 58.4 acres, allowing up to 897 multifamily housing units. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has indicated the May vote timeline would enable compliance before the July deadline if passed.
Kezer declined to comment on whether withholding future fire safety grants will influence Marblehead voters who previously rejected multifamily zoning.
“That would be a great question for residents,” he said. “We are focused on having a compliant and workable MBTA Zoning plan that fits Marblehead. The plan that was developed not only makes us compliant but also creates a plan that addresses housing needs for current Marblehead residents, such as seniors looking to downsize and stay local and first-time buyers who have no options to stay in Marblehead.”
The awarded fiscal year 2025 grant will fund the replacement of the department’s Vetter Airbag Rescue System on their ladder truck. The current system was purchased in 2008 and taken out of service on Aug. 1, 2024 due to age and safety concerns, having reached its usable life expectancy in accordance with National Fire Protection Association standards.
Town officials expect more clarity on the future grant situation next week at the Massachusetts Municipal Association conference in Boston, where Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll will meet with local officials. Over 1,000 municipal and state officials are expected to attend.
The Planning Board has tentatively scheduled a March 11 hearing on the town’s zoning plan, a necessary step before the May Town Meeting vote. Because the multifamily zoning is being reconsidered within two years of rejection, state law requires Planning Board recommendation for Town Meeting to take up the measure.
