Name: Edward Nilsson
How long have you lived in Marblehead? 43 years
Profession: Architect
Elected and appointed positions held: Planning Board, Design Review Board, Planning Board Zoning Subcommittee, Marblehead Historical Commission
1. How would you approach zoning policies to encourage the development of diverse housing options, including affordable and multifamily units, while maintaining the town’s unique character?
Once a project is submitted to the Planning Board for permitting, effective use of Marblehead’s Smart Growth Design Guidelines and site plan review are key tools to maintain the unique character of the town. I have been active in ensuring that all housing bylaws include site plan review by the Planning Board. As a member of the Marblehead Historical Commission, I am also keenly aware of the need to preserve our heritage as Marblehead continues to evolve.
One example that could encourage diverse housing options would be to review possible modifications to Marblehead’s incentive zoning bylaw. Approved in 1990 but used only once, the bylaw’s minimum area requirement could be reduced to allow smaller projects that better fit the architectural scale of surrounding neighborhoods.
2. What steps would you take to incorporate sustainability and climate resilience into Marblehead’s land use planning and zoning regulations?
The Planning Board could advocate for Marblehead joining the Green Communities program to obtain grant funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. I would also explore extension of the Stretch Energy Code to increase design and construction performance standards in new buildings. Constructing defenses to protect vulnerable areas against sea level rise is an obvious need, as well as implementing clean energy technologies and battery storage to protect residents from service interruptions caused by severe weather.
To encourage growth in the use of solar panels for heat pumps and electric vehicle charging, a Planning Board subcommittee could explore adding a zoning amendment “to protect reasonable solar access for south-facing abutting properties” to the review criteria when granting a special permit with conditions from either the Planning Board or the Zoning Board of Appeals, as applicable.
3. How would you foster collaboration between the Planning Board and other town departments or committees to ensure cohesive and comprehensive planning efforts?
In my years on the Planning Board and as an architect, I have developed a deep knowledge of Marblehead’s zoning bylaws, which has been valuable in educating new board members and town staff. When new zoning amendments were proposed by the Planning Board’s zoning subcommittee, a meeting of interested members of town departments and committees, local attorneys, architects, builders and citizens helped identify key issues and needs. Such meetings could occur annually or semi-annually to share concerns with boards and committees such as the newly created Community Development Department, the Conservation Commission, the Marblehead Housing Coalition and others.
4. What initiatives would you propose to increase transparency and public participation in the Planning Board’s activities and decision-making processes?
To increase transparency and public participation in Planning Board activities and decision-making, I would propose Zoom coverage of all meetings whenever possible. Some boards prefer in-person meetings, but a hybrid format with both Zoom and in-person access would expand public engagement.
I would also include a reminder on public notices that architectural plans submitted for site plan review are available online, as is the custom with the Board of Appeals. This allows residents to review and familiarize themselves with projects before public hearings take place.
