Marblehead’s ability to secure fire safety grants could be at risk if the town does not comply with the MBTA Communities Act by July.
This policy shift marks the first time public safety funding has been tied to compliance with the new housing law, extending beyond previously affected housing programs.
The Marblehead Fire Department recently received $19,000 from the fiscal year 2025 Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant. This was part of a statewide $5 million program historically awarded without housing-related conditions. However, starting in fiscal year 2026, future grants may be withheld if the town fails to adopt required zoning changes.
This change was announced after grant applications for fiscal year 2025 had already been submitted and awarded, raising concerns among fire officials who rely on state funding for critical safety equipment.
As Marblehead prepares for Town Meeting, where multifamily zoning will be reconsidered after a no-vote in 2024, new emergency regulations require the town to submit an action plan by February 13 and achieve full compliance by July 14. If the town does not meet these deadlines, it risks losing eligibility for future fire safety funding.
The proposed zoning plan would create three districts over 58.4 acres of land, allowing for up to 897 units.
The timeline for the Town Meeting vote is expected to allow the town to meet the compliance deadline if passed. Town officials have emphasized the importance of aligning the zoning plan with Marblehead’s housing needs, including options for seniors looking to downsize and first-time buyers struggling to find housing in the community.
The fiscal year 2025 grant will be used to replace the fire department’s Vetter Airbag Rescue System. The system was purchased in 2008 and recently removed from service due to safety concerns. According to National Fire Protection Association standards, it had reached the end of its usable lifespan.
Further clarity on the future of fire safety grants is expected at the upcoming Massachusetts Municipal Association conference in Boston, where state and local officials will discuss the implications of the new policy.
The Planning Board has scheduled a March 11 hearing on the zoning proposal, a necessary step before Town Meeting can vote on the measure.
