Table of Contents
LWVM observer – Bonnie Grenier
Attendees: Brendan Callahan, Alex Eitler, Joe Whipple, Cathy Hoog, Kurt James, Debra Larken, Nisha Austin and Ramon Garcia
HOME Program presentation by Kevin Hurley, director of North Shore Home
The HOME program was established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development 30 years ago to develop affordable housing and distribute funding as widely as possible. Marblehead is a charter member of this consortium of 30 contiguous communities.
There is an annual application for HUD funds outlining how the money will be used. The current need is for affordable rental housing, with a focus on residents earning 80%, 50% and 30% of area median income. Priorities include veterans, the elderly and victims of domestic violence.
HOME has been level-funded by HUD this year and hopes for the same next year. Over the years, the program has expended well over $70 million. Two-thirds of the Boston HUD workforce has been let go over the past year.
There is an annual request for proposals from member communities, due this year on Oct. 17. Generally, 12 to 20 RFPs are received each year. A committee of five representatives from different cities and towns will meet for five to six weeks to decide on fund distribution.
Priorities include the applicant’s capacity to fund the project, project readiness and a clear indication of community financial support. Most proposals are for 10 or 11 units. There are time constraints for how long allocations may be spent. Marblehead has an annual allocation that could be committed to the Broughton Road development along with funds procured by the developer.
Broughton Road Project – Cathy Hoog
The RFP for the Broughton Road development was sent out two years ago. There were two responses, but one was submitted late and disqualified. In March 2025, terms were agreed upon, and a partnership was created with the Marblehead Housing Authority’s affiliate nonprofit owning 51% and Winn Development’s affiliate owning 49%.
The estimated cost of the project is more than $67 million. Financing will include mortgages, loans, tax credits, grants, public innovation funds and sustainability grants. Some amount of local investment is important. MHA has hired SV Design as an independent consultant. The developer’s design firm is Icon Architecture.
Eighty-seven percent of the housing at Broughton Road is more than 75 years old and in need of rehabilitation. The site is all family housing, with 34 two-bedroom units and 28 three-bedroom units. The plan calls for the full rehabilitation of 44 units, demolition and replacement of 18 units, and construction of more than 60 new units in a separate three- or four-story building.
The new building, at the front of the property, would include 52 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom apartments geared toward residents 55 and older. Most, if not all, of the units would be affordable at 60% of area median income or lower.
All or most residents will need to be relocated. Protections are in place, and residents will be consulted, supported and subsidized throughout the relocation process. Input from the larger community and the town will also be sought.
3A request for technical assistance
The town has hired Barrett Planning Group for technical assistance in identifying additional districts that would comply with zoning requirements under Section 3A. New options would have to be brought back to the Planning Board.
Alex Eitler emphasized that this is a highly technical and tedious process involving many mathematical formulas. Any plan submitted must be accepted by the state, so local officials will seek assurances in advance.
Community engagement will be critical throughout the process, and ongoing efforts will be made to engage the public. Most of that work will take place in the new year once a plan has been accepted by the state. In the meantime, some members of the Planning Board, Select Board and several department heads have been meeting informally with some of those who oppose 3A.
The Planning Board will have to meet to vote on any plan developed, and the plan must be fully achievable.
Coffin School request for information
A letter of interest was sent to all town departments. The Light Department, Recreation and Parks, Cemetery Department and Housing Authority all expressed interest in the Coffin School property.
A requests for interest has been sent out to determine interest from private and nonprofit sectors. Responses are due Oct. 30 and will be presented to the Select Board.
No consultant has been hired by the town because sufficient staff expertise exists to review and analyze submissions.
