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LWVM Observer: Cathy Marie Michael
Board members present: Jenn Schaeffner, Bill Kuper, Terri Tauro and Kristin DuBay Horton.
Absent: Jean Eldridge.
Executive Director Cathy Hogg was present.
Guest speakers from Winn included Sam Randall and Brendan (last name not provided), with one additional participant attending via Zoom.
All members present voted unanimously to approve the top five department salaries without discussion.
Randall and Brendan presented an update on the Winn design project, which remains in the design phase. Plans are not finalized. After holding several information and feedback sessions over the past two months with current Marblehead Housing Authority residents, Winn developed a proposal for a new 62-unit mid-rise building for seniors.
The proposed four-story building would include a gable roof to reduce what presenters described as a “blocky” appearance. A community room would be included. The front of the building would face Humphrey Street, near the current Senior Center and high school, rather than be set back adjacent to smaller private homes.
Winn representatives said they have met with residents and will next meet with abutters, whose properties extend into Countryside Lane and surrounding areas. Winn will also meet with members of the Marblehead planning board.
Feedback has favored a more modern design over a traditional brick facade. The proposal therefore calls for high-quality composite siding.
Presenters also shared a rendering of the existing 42 units, which would be refurbished. Planned improvements include installation of dishwashers and garbage disposals, as well as updated green spaces and play areas. The plan includes one parking space per unit.
Under state regulations, applications for the mid-rise senior housing units would be available to residents age 55 and older who meet income requirements. The initial application process allows up to 70% of units to be filled by Marblehead residents and employees.
The development would remain public housing in perpetuity.
