In 2022, Marblehead voters approved Article 11: $12,475,000 for road and sidewalk repairs. Residents supported this funding to fix deteriorating infrastructure, not expand it.
A 2024 study found that our town’s 71+ miles of sidewalks need an estimated $61 million in repairs. At the 2026 Town Meeting we learned Marblehead has only 14% of the recommended maintenance budget for roads and sidewalks. With such a significant funding gap, every dollar of the Article 11 funding should be spent deliberately, on a clear set of priorities, with a transparent plan.
The Department of Public Works is currently using these funds to repair and add new sidewalks, as part of an effort to build a continuous pedestrian network. While that is a worthy goal, it is not the priority voters were told the debt override was for.
When we raised these concerns with the Select Board and town administrator, they responded that adding new sidewalks, like those across from Tedesco Country Club, is allowed using these limited road and sidewalk repair funds. While that may be true, allowed is not the same as voter approved. This represents a misleading interpretation of the clear language of “road and sidewalk repair program.”
Good town management requires more than permission, it requires communication, planning, transparency and accountability. Marblehead has $12,475,000 committed to infrastructure and needs to proceed with what is best for the town and what voters approved. The road and sidewalk repair priority list and approved plan should be made public. Rebuilding public trust is more important than ever as we’re being asked to consider a three tiered override.
Words in town warrants and ballot questions matter and our town can do better. If you believe voters deserve answers, please contact our Town Administrator (kezert@marbleheadma.gov or 781-631-0000) and ask about the road and sidewalk repair program being fully funded by Article 11.
Laura Bloom, Bubier Road
John Hassett, Bubier Road
Alan Hertz, Bubier Road
Amy Hertz, Bubier Road
Lynne Perez, Bubier Road
Michael Perez, Bubier Road
Kelly Rickards, Bubier Road
Tuck Rickards, Bubier Road
