To the editor:
I am a longtime homeowner in Marblehead who served on the Finance Committee for seven years and own a national business (WPIRS) that educates physicians about workers’ compensation medical evaluations.
The referendum being presented needs a “stop the steal” vote from the people of Marblehead. You must vote no to stop the implementation of 3A. Once it’s here, it’s here forever.
Please reference the Mass.gov website and check the list of towns and the number of apartments each is required to build. Marblehead is 4.4 square miles and was unjustly targeted for 900 apartments. This housing will be built and then rented to the highest bidder—a major land grab. The mandate is for 900 apartments (two adults, two children, two cars). We have only one bus line, with a bus that is usually empty. Cancel the bus? Why not.
Here are a few examples from Mass.gov to show the vast discrimination and disproportionate requirements for these apartments:
Marblehead: 4.4 square miles, 900 apartments
Middleton: 14.5 square miles, 750 apartments
Swampscott: 6.7 square miles, 954 apartments
Wrentham: 21.7 square miles, 750 apartments
Winthrop: 8.3 square miles, 882 apartments
Marblehead has the least amount of open space, yet we took a major hit. Bohler Engineering, the firm Marblehead consulted when trying to conform with the demands of this state law, recommended the 900-apartment layout for Marblehead. Check out their website. It’s interesting.
These apartments will not generate meaningful tax revenue for the town; they will generate wealth for the companies that will build and rent them. This is not affordable housing. The 3A program will strain our fragile infrastructure, increase costs for town services such as police, fire, and schools, damage roads, and add traffic from 2,000 more cars. Who needs 2,000 more cars? This is anything but a “modest change to zoning.” It is the destruction of our small town.
The damage to Marblehead will be irreparable. We need to preserve what we can while we can. The future of our quaint, historic town is in our hands.
Note: The state law was written with a “by right” clause, meaning a project can proceed without needing special permission or approval from local authorities if it complies with existing zoning regulations. Essentially, this means development is permitted under current zoning laws without requiring variances or special permits.
About the referendum: This is your chance to weigh in on a decision that would normally be made by elected representatives. Instead of the legislature making the final decision, the issue is put to a popular vote. Your vote matters.
If this is not defeated, abutters will have no say.
In Massachusetts, an abutter is generally defined as the owner of property that shares a boundary with, or is directly across the street from, the parcel under consideration. Even though Mr. McQuilken says that is not the case, it is, because this law’s “by right” clause leaves no room for negotiation. It is a shortcut for developers to build what they want, how they want, within minimal parameters.
On grants: Are we afraid of losing grants? Who said there would be grant money left? The governor spent $3 billion on the homeless last year, with nothing to show for it. Mr. Trump canceled $3 billion in grants to Massachusetts. Our governor took out a $4 billion bond to support this project, and the cost of that bond will fall on us, the taxpayers.
For older residents: Marblehead has already made provisions for downsizing, with various housing options. We are now tapped out.
People are being deported across the country, and we are powerless. What happens if Massachusetts builds all these apartments and no one comes? Why the rush? Why wasn’t this done gradually, based on identified need?
Why the need to “punish” and threaten us? Was this done to support MBTA financial needs or at the push of lobbyists?
Look at Lynn, Revere, Salem, Danvers, Beverly, and Peabody. It’s very sad. They are starting to look like New York City, with “For Rent” signs everywhere.
Our democracy is being torn apart every day. It is time to take a stand against what started as a promising idea but has become our town’s worst nightmare. Marblehead is quaint, historic, precious, and unique. Let’s maintain our integrity and charm.
Vote no on 3A and give us back our voice to decide what is best for our town, Marblehead.
Chris Caldwell,
Crown Way
