The Town will hold a Special Election on July 8 to decide whether to endorse recent zoning changes to create overlay districts allowing multifamily housing in three Marblehead districts, a subject of contention within the community.
The referendum will decide whether to uphold Town Meeting’s vote to approve Article 23, which allows for 3A zoning in the Pleasant Street, Broughton Road and Tioga Way districts.
The 2021 MBTA Communities Law is enforced by the state and requires each town to zone for multifamily housing equal to 10% of its housing inventory.
This affects about 1% of Marblehead’s land area.
The Select Board, Planning Board and Financial Committee support 3A and have explained that it protects eligibility for state grants, retains local zoning control, offers expansive housing options and supports the local economy.
Marblehead resident Cheryl Patten considered the initial “overwhelming” support for 3A at the Town Meeting to be “the will of the people.”
“New multi-family housing will provide more choices for seniors, Marblehead town employees and young people starting out,” Patten said. “It will generate additional real estate tax revenue and generate increased revenue for our local businesses.”
She added that discussions on the possibility of development of multifamily housing “must still meet all of Marblehead’s zoning requirements,” including a three-story cap at height, open spaces and off street parking.
Longtime resident Richard Thibodeau fears a loss of grants if the town decides to vote against 3A next week.
“In my opinion, if 3A is voted down, it will be a financial disaster for Marblehead,” Thibodeau said. “While our taxes keep the town running, state grants provide the resources for improving our infrastructure and enhancing the character of the town.”
Another resident, Sue MacInnis, took the flip side of the debate, pushing residents to vote against 3A.
“If zoning changes are implemented, developers and investors will be incentivized,” MacInnis said. “And dense multifamily development will almost certainly follow.”
The vote, she said, is especially important for residents of the areas suggested for the zoning changes, and would not benefit the majority of the Marblehead population.
“It could burden us with unknown costs through higher taxes and overcrowding,” MacInnis added.
Christine Caldwell, a legal nurse consultant living in Marblehead, takes a strong stand to “save” the town from “destruction.”
She referenced neighboring communities like Lynn, Revere and Peabody. “They look terrible,” she said. “The damage to our town will be irreparable. We need to preserve what we can.”
“We have already offered and provided all types of housing options in Marblehead. We are now tapped,” Caldwell added.
The state MBTA Communities Law allows multifamily housing by right. Developments must still abide by local zoning regulations, but no special permit is needed for the three proposed districts.
The Town explained the stakes of the vote at the Marblehead Town Meeting on May 5. The Special Election will be held on July 8, 2025, and polls will open from 2-8 p.m., with precincts 1 and 2 voting at Abbot Hall and 3-6 voting at the Marblehead High School Field House.