To the editor:
Several years ago the state created 40B – a law to begin to address the crying need for affordable housing. Developers in Marblehead acquired land and built a couple of projects – Intrepid Circle at Peach Highlands and Oliver’s Pond on Humphrey Street. Turns out they are very attractive and a boon to the town’s tax base, and the world of Marblehead did not come to an end.
Fast forward to today. Massachusetts has among the highest and fastest-growing home prices and rents of any state in the nation. Now Massachusetts has taken the next step requiring that towns identify areas that could be developed more densely and designate those areas as available by right if a developer comes along and wants to negotiate with the town or property owner for a multi-unit project.
Inevitably these multi-family units will be less expensive than single family homes so they add to the housing options in town for our kids graduating from college and getting into the workforce, for senior citizens who need to downsize, and for teachers who would love to live where they work but can’t afford it.
There is not a requirement in the state law that these be so-called affordable units, but Marblehead is requiring that developments of more than six units be 10% affordable.
Some people are complaining that they don’t want to be told what to do by anyone, let alone the state. In this case, our own Planning Board has worked out a map that complies with state requirements. This is all that was required. It is a zoning issue, not a building mandate.
If and when a developer comes along, the town will have much to say in the design. There has always been a hue and cry about changes and a few years later, it turns out we remain a charming, historic, and welcoming place to live and raise our families.
We also need a mix of folks in town. It’s the American way and will keep the town alive and vibrant. Any possible growth will be gradual. We are not going to be overwhelmed by an influx of hordes of families overcrowding our schools and causing traffic jams. You know that’s not going to happen.
Instead of resenting being “told what to do,” we should be grateful to live in a state that is addressing real issues that real people face in ways that ease into solutions and invite towns to take on their share in a very moderate way that enhances life for all of us.
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Marblehead,
Mimi Hollister Gardner, Glover Square
Bonnie Grenier, Sagamore Road