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LWVM Observer: Cathy Marie Michael
Members of the Marblehead Housing Authority heard tenant concerns about broken laundry machines, noise, cigarette smoke and property upkeep during a recent meeting attended by Jennifer Schaeffner, William Kuker, Terri Tauro, Kristin Dubay Horton and Executive Director Cathy Sheehan.
During public comment, one tenant said washers and dryers had been down for two weeks, and sometimes one week, adding, “This company is not showing up in a timely manner.” Sheehan responded, “Thank you for the feedback, we will look into it.”
A second tenant, Judith Z., raised two issues: noise and cigarette smoke. She said noise, including screaming at 4 a.m., was intolerable and said cigarette smoking continued despite a policy covering quiet hours and no smoking. She also asked for a conversation between board members and tenants, saying, “Judith’s ask - organize a conversation between board members and tenants. Other tenants are not here today because they fear retaliation from either the housing authority or neighbors. This issue needs to be taken seriously.”
Another tenant, Elaine M., said there was no robocall for both that board meeting and the previous month’s meeting. She said the call should come 2 days before to give people notice. She also said Roads School needed outdoor attention, especially the benches and constant dog poop droppings, and said the signs always go missing.
A fourth tenant said, “The adhesive on floor in my unit is not properly working. I have had too many surgeries to keep bending to fix it.”
During an annual budget presentation dated Dec. 30, 2026, accountant Paul Pavia said Salem and Marblehead had made a good joint effort. According to the presentation, reserves increased to 54%, utilities are reimbursed 100% by the state and administration expenses increased 2%.
The presentation said legal fees used $20,000 of the $50,000 budgeted, administrative fees are $25 per unit and insurance remained flat because the deductible increased from $3,000 to $9,000. Retirement and health costs in Marblehead were up $30,000 and tied into the town, according to the presentation.
The total budget was listed as $1.9 million in 2026 and $1.8 million in 2025. The presentation also said the 250th Celebration was allotted a $3,000 reimbursement from the state and that a 3% salary increase is allowed by the state.
In her executive director report, Sheehan said two abutter meetings on the Broughton Road project were held in March with low turnout but strong feedback. Landscaping, drainage and height issues were raised. She said residents were glad the large building would be at the front, not at the back, which is too close to abutters, and said there is opportunity to beautify the area with community gardens.
Sheehan also reported zero vacancies. She said Future Forward with Laura was funded through a grant to help people decide and achieve their economic goals. She also said a new housing manager was hired through another grant and that tenants can connect with him instead of bringing their issues to board meetings.
Sheehan said the next Broughton Road resident meeting, which will show designs and updates, will include tents, refreshments and activities for children.
