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Marblehead, working with the Marblehead Housing Authority and Sustainable Marblehead, has been awarded an $80,000 grant to launch a project designed to cool public housing sites and protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat.
The funding, announced Thursday by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, will support “Resilient by Design: Cooling Marblehead’s Housing for the Future,” a climate-resilience initiative focused on four housing authority sites — New Farrell Court, Powderhouse Court, Green Street and Barnard Hawkes Court.
The program will emphasize nature-based solutions to reduce the urban heat island effect while fostering shaded gathering areas and stronger social ties. Possible improvements include planting trees, expanding green infrastructure, using permeable surfaces and upgrading community spaces.
“Extreme heat is certainly a pressing climate challenge facing many communities. Many of our residents are vulnerable and at real risk,” said Cathy Hoog, executive director of the Marblehead Housing Authority. “This grant will allow us to creatively transform developments into cooler, greener, more resilient community hubs.”
The initiative will feature resident participation, comprehensive site assessments, conceptual landscape designs and implementation-ready plans to pursue construction funding.
Sustainable Marblehead Executive Director Elaine Leahy said the project will not only reduce urban heat but also improve public health and strengthen social connections. “We are especially excited to assist with the development of engagement and communication materials to ensure the community is fully involved and supported,” she said.
The effort is part of MAPC’s Accelerating Climate Resilience program, which promotes climate equity, regional collaboration and social cohesion. In addition to the grant, the town and housing authority will provide staff time to manage and coordinate the project.
More details on the grant program are available at mapc.org
