From the Marblehead Reporter

I am writing to provide the Marblehead community a little background on Marblehead 20|20, a nonprofit organization recently created by a number of Marbleheaders that is dedicated to preserving and enhancing Marblehead's unique cultural and commercial character in order to improve quality of life for all in the community.  I expect that Marblehead residents will hear and see more in the coming months regarding our near-term activities to aesthetically and economically redevelop Atlantic Avenue and the uptown business district.  I also hope that many will provide their critical feedback on, as well as support for, the group’s efforts.

Growing up in New England provides one with a unique perspective on American culture, history, and community life, that's usually recognized and appreciated only after one has spent extended periods elsewhere.  So it is usually in adulthood that we come to identify these things, both the tangible and intangible, as not just the background against which our lives play out, but also as fundamental to our sense of self, of home, of family, of the richness of life - the things we increasingly cherish as the allures of professional or financial achievement, realized or not, wane in importance.  It is also comes relatively late that our fleeting moments of sentimentality - as these familiar but special elements are lost - grow into frustration and eventually distress as the cumulative impact leaves us wondering "How did this happen?"

It is said that change is good (it often is), and that it is inevitable (it always is).  It has also been said that one can either be a proactive agent of change and influence one's own future, or allow change to be determined entirely by factors outside one's control and subsequently be a victim of it, often being left to lament what's been lost and to ask futilely, "How did this happen?"

Created by Marbleheaders for Marbleheaders, Marblehead 20|20 is working with residents, business owners, community groups, and local government to develop a clear, unified vision for Marblehead's future that both honors our history and that is guided by our spirit of independence and innovation. 

Marblehead 20|20's Steering Committee is comprised of Marblehead residents who are accomplished in their respective areas of expertise and who recognize the immediate need to consciously chart a course to safeguard the future of the town they cherish.  All members are volunteering their talents and time to plan and carefully implement short- and long-term projects geared toward improving quality of living, shopping, playing, and dining in Marblehead.

On Wednesday, June 16th, the Steering Committee made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen to officially kick off the initiative and discuss plans for our first project.

Funded entirely through private donations and community participation, Marblehead 20|20's first initiative is to create and promote a unified, more consistently attractive commercial district that is more enjoyable for residents and visitors, as well as more economically successful.

Near-term aesthetic improvements will focus on the uptown business district comprised of Atlantic Avenue and Pleasant, School, Essex, and Sewall Streets, as well as the Washington Street extension.  The immediate phase is to plant trees along these public ways. 

Subsequent improvements will include walkways, signage and other aesthetic elements, in the uptown area as well as elsewhere in Marblehead.  Each enhancement will collectively contribute to an attractive and unified streetscape and experience that reflects Marblehead's special character and sense of community. 

We believe that proactively charting Marblehead's future will result in many positive things for Marbleheaders.  It may begin with a more attractive commercial district that better reflects the essence of Marblehead, that inspires walking, increased commerce, an even better mix of stores and services, with potentially better parking, more after-hours life, and more special events that acknowledge Marblehead's special history and nautical acclaim.  But ultimately our efforts aim to enhance our community in spirit, lifestyle, and commerce to embrace progress while maintaining the soul of Marblehead for our children, instilling in them a sense of pride and stewardship, and leaving to them a legacy that ensures that neither they nor their children are someday left asking, "How did this happen?"

Marblehead 20|20, with the assistance of Town Planner, Rebecca Curran, will host a "vision meeting" on Wednesday, June 30th, 7:00PM at the Abbot Library for all members of the community.  As the President of Marblehead 20|20, I and the other Directors and Steering Committee members look forward to the community's thoughts, feedback, and participation, as it is the community that will guide our direction. 

Gene Cornfield

Bassett Street

President & Steering Committee Co-Chair

Marblehead 20|20 Foundation