Table of Contents
LWVM Observer — Julie Matuschak
Attendees: Kurt James, Alex Eitler, Debra Larkin, Nisha Austin, Ramon Garcia, Mimi Hollister, Brendan Callahan.
The Marblehead Housing Committee met in hybrid session Dec. 9. The meeting was recorded and began at 3:35 p.m.
Minutes from the Oct. 14, 2025 meeting were approved.
Coffin School discussion
Neighborhood meeting
Brendan Callahan reported that a neighborhood meeting was held in September to inform abutters and other residents that the town intended to dispose of the Coffin School property. Concerns raised included playground conditions, rats and the potential scope of future development. Several residents expressed hope that some open space could be preserved.
Public listening sessions have also taken place at Abbott Hall, with a follow-up meeting planned for January.
The Marblehead Housing Authority proposed affordable housing for the site. Community Development suggested temporary boat storage, and the Light Department proposed the location for battery energy storage.
Requests for Information
Requests for Information were received by the Cemetery Commission for expansion; the Marblehead Housing Authority for affordable housing; and Harborlight for affordable housing.
Housing appeared to be the consensus future use for the property. While no formal determination has been made and no preference assigned, senior living or affordable housing with preference for Marblehead residents received the most support, potentially with some open space preserved.
Next steps
Callahan said he will send a memo to the Select Board outlining recommended next steps, including applying for technical assistance from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. The quasi-public organization could assist with zoning analysis, site development and drafting a request for proposals. The process could take three to four months. The town is not precluded from applying despite noncompliance with Section 3A.
Committee discussion
Mimi Hollister asked who would make the final decision on the property's use. Because the site has been declared surplus, the Select Board will make the final determination, and the decision will not return to Town Meeting.
Callahan added that a consultant has been hired to conduct an asbestos study, with a report expected before Christmas that will include abatement and demolition costs.
Kurt James asked whether demolition would be required. Callahan said that decision would be made by the developer. If the building is not fully demolished, it could be eligible for historic tax credits; partial demolition of the annex was mentioned as a possibility.
Zoning changes would need to go before Town Meeting, possibly in 2027, for a vote on a "friendly 40B" housing development.
Ramon Garcia asked whether a special permit for incentive zoning could be requested; this typically does not occur with multifamily housing.
The Harborlight proposal would include a main structure with an addition. Callahan said he will reach out to the Marblehead Housing Authority regarding the structure of the Broughton Road project and report back at the next meeting.
Nisha Austin asked what role the Housing Committee could play. Members agreed the committee should send a letter to the Select Board recommending pursuit of fair and affordable housing. Austin offered to draft the letter, and a motion to that effect was approved.
Section 3A compliance
The Planning Board has a partially updated Section 3A proposal that will be submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. The proposal includes two parcels — at Tedesco Street and Broughton Road — comprising 897 units. Zoning is being finalized, and a response from the state is expected by the end of January.
Next meeting
To be determined, possibly Jan. 12. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
