To the editor:
The MBTA 3A zoning legislation, Article 23 on the town warrant, was designed to address the severe housing shortage across Massachusetts. The intent of the legislation is to tackle the problem in a more comprehensive and systematic way, not to bully towns and cities into compliance.
The impact of the housing shortage is felt in communities across the state and here in our own town. Families with children, senior citizens, teachers, firefighters, police, and other town employees are being priced out of the towns where they live and work.
In meeting the requirements of the legislation, the Marblehead Planning Board has designed a plan that creates the least amount of adverse impact on the town while meeting the letter of the law. This plan is one step in the right direction toward solving the already looming housing crisis.
Our town is under huge fiscal constraints. By not passing this, Marblehead will lose essential state grants, depriving us of the means to protect our coastline, repair our infrastructure and more.
On May 5th, citizens will gather as the legislative body of Marblehead at Town Meeting. The League of Women Voters of Marblehead encourages all voters to attend and vote yes on 3A, Article 23, so we can begin to solve our housing crisis while maintaining eligibility for much-needed state grants.
The League of Women Voters is nonpartisan with respect to parties and candidates and is open to all.
On behalf of the League of Women Voters of Marblehead.
Cathy Marie Michael and
Bonnie Grenier
Marblehead
