The town’s plan to comply with the state’s MBTA Multi-Family Zoning law by the deadline of December, 2024 is pushing along.
Through multiple public-information and open-house sessions, three main areas have been identified as potential suitors for the required zoning. According to Mass General Law, any municipality in the state that qualifies as an MBTA community must zone for “at least one district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right.” That zoning must be a minimum of 15 units per acre.
The Town of Marblehead qualifies as an MBTA-adjacent community because of its proximity to Salem and Swampscott, which contain MBTA stations.
In order for the town to meet the requirements, the zoning must be equal to 1% of the total land area of Marblehead, which is 2,771 acres in size. To comply, that means that 27 acres in town must be zoned at “a density of at least 15 units per acre and allowed as a matter of right.”
A presentation shown at a recent virtual open house also states that the town must also zone for 10% of the total number of housing units, or 897 of the 8,965 units.
The areas viewed as potential candidates for the zoning law include Pleasant Street along the Smart Growth District, Vinnin Square, and Broughton Road.
During the open house, the public seemed to have identified Vinnin Square and Pleasant Street as the most viable options. The presentation noted that the zoning can be more than one district in order to reach the requirements, though each district must be no less than 5 acres.
Vinnin Square was identified as a quality option due to its close proximity to the bus line.
Though the deadline for the town to comply with the regulations is still a year away, any zoning changes must be approved at Town Meeting in May. Before then, town officials will gather input and “continue identifying and talking to stakeholders and focus groups.”
In addition, identified areas will continue to be analyzed and a draft plan will be developed within the upcoming months. According to the presentation, more information sessions will be made available to the public and the Planning Board has begun discussions on creating a task force to “involve a wider range of interest” in the project.