Controversial Assisted Living Facility Comes Before the Zoning Board

Tonight, the Zoning Board will meet to decide whether or not debate should continue over the proposed assisted living facility known as the Mariner.

No evidence will be reviewed tonight, because tonight's decision only concerns whether or not to continue with hearings. If they decide to continue hearing son the issue, evidence may be presented at a hearing on May 9, 2016.

The Mariner, a project proposed by Pleasant Street LLC, will, if approved, be built of the land currently known as the Killam Estate on Pleasant Street.

With an interior of over 82,000 square feet on 4.5 acres, the Mariner would have 87 units including studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms. Outside, the landscaped property would offer gardens, walking paths, and patios.

Marblehead does not currently have an assisted living facility, though it has two nursing homes.

Rebecca Curran Cutting, a Marblehead town planner, told Salem News that she thought the town could benefit from the project.

“It’s a land use people have been asking for for years; I think in 1999, we even wrote a bylaw to allow that use,” Cutting said. “So I think it’s a good addition, it’s something that’s lacking.”

But many area residents are skeptical.

Alicia Hart, member of Marblehead Concerned Citizens, told Salem News that many people bought homes in the area near the Killam Estate because it was quiet and felt like a “sanctuary.”

“That’s a single-family zoned area,” Hart argued. “We’re not happy it’s slipping through because it’s an assisted living facility and that’s the exception that can be granted.”

Some residents have also raised concern about the effects the facility might have on local traffic, and the historical status of the Killam Estate.

When the project was first discussed at hearings in September, a large crowd gathered to express opposition. Nevertheless, city official have continued to deliberate over the plan.

The Zoning Board meeting will be held tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Marblehead High School Auditorium.

Photo Credit; Massmatt via Flickr