The Fair Housing Committee (FHC) and Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee (HPPIC) met for a hybrid meeting May 13.
In attendance were Mimi Hollister, Kurt James, Alex Eitler, Dan Fox, Thatcher Kezer and Ramon Garcia of the FHC. James, Eitler, Fox, Kezer and Nisha Austin represented the HPPIC.
A review of Town Meeting centered on Article 23 in regards to MBTA zoning. While the article was passed by the voters, there is an effort underway to take the matter to a special town election using a 1954 town law as basis for the appeal. Opponents of 3A have collected over 1,200 signatures, which must be certified by the town clerk before sending the matter to the Select Board, which will schedule the special election. Due to timing limitations, the special election will be held after the June 10 election.
According to the town bylaw being referenced, opponents of 3A must not only win the majority of votes at the special town election, but the total number of votes cast to repeal must equal at least 20% of the registered voters in Marblehead. With approximately 16,500 registered voters in town, that would mean about 3,300 people would have to vote for repeal.
The deadline for town compliance with 3A zoning is July 14. The special election will likely be held prior to that date.
Voters at Town Meeting approved the warrant article that turned over responsibility for the Coffin School to the Select Board. While it is not the responsibility of either the FHC or HPPIC to determine the future use of that property, they will provide suggestions for possible uses to include affordable housing for assisted living for seniors and veterans. An example is Harborlight House in Beverly which provides homes to seniors of limited means.
The article on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) passed as written. This will allow the Town to track the number of units going forward since permits will be required to build.
There was discussion on the merger of the FHC and HPPIC as there is significant overlap in their responsibilities. This has been suggested by the Charter Commission. A motion was made and passed to merge the two committees, develop a new mission statement and suggest a membership roster to submit to the Select Board. This issue will be on next month’s agenda.
This report was compiled by League of Women Voters of Marblehead Observer Bonnie Grenier.
