The Marblehead Housing Coalition held a forum on Sunday discussing the truths behind the new MBTA law at an event titled, “Multifamily Housing in Marblehead? Just the facts.”
In January the Supreme Judicial Court ruled in favor of the Attorney General in a case against Milton where Milton was failing to comply with the law. The ruling declares the law to be constitutional, that all communities that fall under the law need to comply with it or there will be legal action taken.
At the 2024 Town Meeting, Marblehead voted down the proposed bylaw. Most voters waiting to see what the outcome of the Milton versus Attorney General case would be.
After failure to comply with the law by the end of December, Marblehead was put at risk of losing grants they’ve previously received. The ruling stated the law would need to be rewritten therefore giving more time to Marblehead to comply with a new date of July 14.
The bylaw requires Marblehead to zone for multifamily housing, currently, there are proposed zoning spaces on Tioga Way, Pleasant Street, and Broughton Road.
At the Sunday event, two founding members of the housing coalition, Angus McQuilken and William Keaney spoke to attendees clearing the air on what the requirements are for the bylaw.
“What we’re trying to do is make sure that the voters are well informed on the MBTA law,” said Keaney, “We wanted them to know that the law is a zoning change, it’s not a building mandate.”
Keaney expressed the importance of this, that voters are voting on a change in zoning only, not for building any additional housing. The law requires a change in zoning to accommodate 897 new units, Marblehead already has 300 units that are accounted for leaving less than 600 units to zone for.
For Keaney, the plans the Marblehead Planning Board has already curated are perfect for the rezoning and any building that may occur in the future.
In addition to making abundantly clear the requirements for the law, Keaney and McQuilken also explained what the pushback would be should Marbleheaders vote down the law once again in May.
“There are two things that will happen if we don’t comply,” said Keaney, “The first is the tax burden on residents will increase.”
As a result of non-compliance, the Supreme Judicial Court has allowed the Attorney General to take legal action as well as take away state grant funding. This funding would be used for infrastructure and harbor protection, if Marblehead does not comply those grants will go to surrounding communities that are within compliance.
“The second thing that will happen is the state will develop a plan for Marblehead,” stated Keaney.
If Marblehead declines the plans offered in May, the town will be forced to develop another plan. All costs associated with the creation of the current plans have been paid for by the state, Keaney believes the state will not pay for any plans if the current ones are denied. With all the time lost in developing a new plan, a loss of grant funding will follow.
When asked how he thinks the vote will go in May, Keaney shared he’s not sure but he hopes Marbleheaders will vote in favor.
“I think if we can get this rezoning done, then we can really sit down and come together as a community and talk about what kind of housing development we want going forward,” said Keaney.
According to Keaney, there’s a real problem in Marblehead involving affordable housing not only for the poor but for the whole middle class as well. He shared that even the people making middle income and below are being “squeezed out” of housing in Marblehead.
Within the presentation shared on Sunday, there was a “Why multi-family housing is good for Marblehead” section. Some of the points included allowing seniors to size down while remaining in Marblehead, allowing children who grew up in town to start their own families, and allowing people who work in town the potential to live there as well.
Keaney shared that the event on Sunday went well and was well received by attendees.
“I think it went well, I think we had good discussions, and legitimate questions were raised,” shared Keaney.
Town Meeting in May will give Marbleheaders another chance to comply with the new MBTA zoning bylaw by voting on the proposed zoning plans.