Marblehead narrows choices for mixed-use building

MARBLEHEAD – The Smart Growth Committee is whittling down its list of proposed sites for a mixed-use building that will combine business and affordable apartments.Town Planner Rebecca Curran, committee Chairman Gordon King, and Angus Jennings, a planner with the Concord Square Development Group of Boston appeared before selectmen recently to update them on the Smart Growth Study.The committee continues to seek input on the proposed sites, which include the Rechabite Block at Pleasant and School streets, which houses the Spirit of ’76 bookstore, the former General Glover Restaurant in Vinnin Square, the Village Plaza Shopping Center at the corner of Bessom and Pleasant streets, and the former YMCA building on Pleasant Street across from the National Grand Bank.Jennings outlined the committee’s busy schedule in the coming months: an application to the state for further funding, which has a Jan. 14 deadline, a state hearing on applications Jan. 28 and a February design workshop on the proposal or proposals that meet with public approval.King told the board that the committee process is not just a one-shot program.”We’re not going to do it all right now and never afterward,” he said.Meanwhile, Ann Arada has been unanimously appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board. She is an at-large member and her term will expire in May.The board will oversee funds provided to the town by the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which started with $52.5 million for local communities that want to create and preserve affordable housing. In the past five years bond sales were used to generate another $350 million.Marblehead’s share of those funds will be overseen by a board of nine trustees, including all five selectmen, one member each from the Fair Housing Committee and Finance Committee and two at-large members. The selectmen’s four appointees will serve two-year terms.