To the editor:
The 3A Multi Family Housing eligibility requirements quoted in my April 18 letter to The Marblehead Weekly News have been deleted by Bill H.3936 that introduced the following specifications:
“Chapter 40A of the General Laws is hereby amended by striking out section 3A, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, and inserting in place thereof the following (b) An MBTA community shall have a zoning ordinance or by-law that provides for at least one district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right provided, however, that such multi-family housing shall be without age restrictions and shall be suitable for families with children. A district of reasonable size shall be located within a high capacity public transportation area and be both of the following:
(i) A minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, subject to any further limitations imposed by Section 40 of Chapter 131 and Title 5 of the state environmental code established pursuant to Section 13 of Chapter 21A; and (ii) the entire district shall be located on not more than 0.5 miles of contiguous land area from the geographic center point of a rapid transit station, Commuter Rail station, bus rapid transport terminal, or ferry terminals.”
Marblehead’s Warrant Article 36 has chosen to increase the number of required low-cost development housing districts from one to three. In addition, the max housing units per acre is increased from 15 to 20. A potential 15 to 20% increase in Marblehead population. Why?
Its clear that the intent of this additional housing is for families with children, not veterans, retirees, and Marblehead workers as proposed in the Planning Board report published last summer.
Warrant Article 36 is misleading and will not help Marbleheaders.
Sincerely,
Anthony Chamay