After years of controversy and heated debate, Marblehead has officially been awarded full MBTA Communities Law compliance from the state.
The state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities emailed town leaders late Monday afternoon with the news.
“Congratulations!” reads the email. “The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) reviewed the district compliance application for the town of Marblehead’s 3A Multifamily Overlay District (“District”). After careful review and analysis, HLC determined that Marblehead is compliant with Section 3A and 760 CMR 72.00 (the “Regulations”). HLC recognizes the diligent work by the town of Marblehead to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities Law.”
“Congratulations!” reads the email. “The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) reviewed the district compliance application for the town of Marblehead’s 3A Multi-family Overlay District (“District”). After careful review and analysis, HLC determined that Marblehead is compliant with Section 3A and 760 CMR 72.00 (the “Regulations”). HLC recognizes the diligent work by the town of Marblehead to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities Law.”
Marblehead’s 3A zoning plan includes the possiblity of building multifamily housing at Broughton Road and the Tedesco Golf Course.
The designation makes Marblehead eligible for many state grants. Town officials had said Marblehead lost out on more than $3.8 million in grants while out of compliance.
Select Board Chair Dan Fox emailed the Current, “The official determination that Marblehead is fully compliant with the MBTA Communities Law (3A) is welcome news for our town. This issue has consumed a great deal of time and energy and has created significant division in our community. With the overwhelming support demonstrated at Town Meeting and our eligibility for critical state grants now confirmed, I believe it is time to move forward. We have many important challenges and opportunities ahead, and I look forward to directing our attention and resources toward those priorities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort.”
Planning Board Chair Marc Liebman added: “It has been a long and challenging road I am very pleased that we received approval of our 3A bylaw. This was a very lengthy and complex process that would not have been possible without the help and support of my colleagues on the Planning Board and Dan Fox. I am also happy to have had the opportunity to speak with so many passionate Headers on both sides of the issue.”
