To the editor:
Marblehead Warrant #36 was rejected two times at Town Meeting. It would have approved a state-directed multi-family housing development on 55 acres of our small historic town at three locations. A potential 15% population increase is likely. We were told this plan was necessary to satisfy a state 3A requirement.
Bill H3938 changed Chapter 40A housing and added requirements for communities served by MBTA (MBTA Communities) by striking out Section 3A, including Section 5, quoted by the Planning Board at Town Meeting.
It’s clear that the Marblehead Planning Board’s choice of three lots is a major exaggeration of the building needed to satisfy state law.
“An MBTA Community will provide at least one district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing shall be permitted without age restrictions and shall be suitable for families with children located within high-capacity public transportation area.”
No specification on lot size.
No specification on the number of homes.
A minimum density of 15 units per acre.
If our executive board believes voter rejection of Warrant #36 puts our town in fiscal jeopardy for state funds; a less intrusive housing plan that more closely matches state law is suggested.
Sincerely,
Anthony Chamay
Bonad Road