TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: Residents got their first peek at early design concepts for Reynolds Park, while the Planning Board just got an update on how the revising of an MBTA zoning proposal is going as the town’s noncompliance continues to stall climate-related goals; agencies laid out detailed and competing visions for the future of the Coffin School site; the Five Corners redesign advanced with new reporting on traffic, safety and long-deferred infrastructure needs; the police department earned re-accreditation after a rigorous state review; the Select Board opened the 2026 Town Meeting warrant and set the stage for months of civic decision-making; the Christmas Walk schedule was approved, officially launching the holiday season; preservation advocates were recognized at the Old Marblehead Improvement Association's annual gathering; a Marblehead Museum exhibit revives long-forgotten cod trade with Bilbao, Spain — and, in a local point of pride, Ken Burns’ new PBS documentary spotlighted Marblehead’s Revolutionary-era mariners and their essential role in the nation’s earliest struggles for survival. — Cheers, Will 

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Two design concepts unveiled for major Reynolds Park upgrade 

Recreation and Park Commission and neighbors reviewed two design options for a rebuilt Reynolds Park, featuring a covered hockey rink, upgraded softball field, reorganized parking and improved traffic flow — all funded by a $3 million Larz Anderson bequest. The plans outline new amenities, noise-mitigation strategies and the next steps in engineering and review. 

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The forgotten story of Marblehead’s cod trade

New historical research highlights Marblehead’s long-overlooked cod trade with Bilbao, Spain, revealing deep economic and cultural ties that shaped the region’s maritime identity. The exhibit “Bilbao Bound,” which Chris Stevens writes about this week, draws from archival records that reframe Marblehead as a global trading hub.

READER POLL: Is Tedesco the right path to compliance?

Town officials say Tedesco Country Club is emerging as a “strategic option” in their effort to regain MBTA Communities compliance and restore eligibility for state grants — largely because the golf course could meet the zoning math while keeping development risk low.  We want to hear from readers; take our poll here: https://tr.ee/IO1Unk

Marblehead’s pivotal 1776 heroics featured in new Ken Burns documentary

PBS’s new six-part series spotlights how Gen. John Glover and Marblehead mariners helped save Washington’s army during critical 1776 moments, drawing national attention to the town’s Revolutionary-era legacy.

Police earn elite state accreditation after rigorous review

The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission re-accredited the Marblehead Police Department, placing it among a select group statewide recognized for high standards in training, oversight and operational readiness.

Five Corners redesign planning moves ahead

The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee reviewed design concepts for the Five Corners project and discussed sidewalk upgrades, ADA improvements and increasing e-bike safety outreach.

Climate ambitions stymied by MBTA zoning noncompliance

The Select Board learned the town cannot access climate and infrastructure funds should it be granted a Green Communities designation until it updates its zoning to meet MBTA zoning requirements.

OMIA honors preservation leaders

longtime volunteers

The Old Marblehead Improvement Association celebrated local preservation work and community service at its annual meeting, recognizing residents for restoring historic properties, caring for public spaces and safeguarding Marblehead’s heritage. Awards went to volunteers, historians, preservation advocates and local organizations whose efforts strengthen the town’s sense of place. 

Select Board opens 2026 warrant, begins debate over next Town Meeting venue 

Residents now have their first window to shape the Spring 2026 Town Meeting agenda, as the Select Board opens the warrant and weighs location options for the annual session.

Christmas Walk countdown begins as Select Board greenlights full holiday schedule

The Select Board approved the full plan for Marblehead’s 54th Christmas Walk, clearing the way for four days of parades, markets, concerts and downtown festivities beginning Dec. 5. Decorations, wreath installations and street closures were authorized as organizers prepare for one of the town’s largest annual community weekends.

POLICE LOG: Hat envy leads to threat; man challenges officer to fight

This week’s log details a range of incidents — from hit-and-run damage and financial scams to forged checks, package thefts, youth disturbances and several confrontations, including one resident who challenged an officer to fight and another who threatened a man over his hat outside a local bar. Officers also handled fraud cases, property damage and disputes requiring de-escalation across town. 

Planning Board gets progress report

on MBTA zoning redo

The Planning Board received a progress report on Marblehead’s effort to regain MBTA Communities compliance and reviewed updates to accessory dwelling unit rules prompted by new state guidance.

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MHS roof project advances with $8.97M contract

The School Committee unanimously approved an $8.97 million contract for the Marblehead High School roof and HVAC replacement after a highly competitive bid process came in roughly $2.1 million under budget. The contract now heads to the Select Board for final authorization, with construction scheduled for summer 2026.

Coffin School filings show competing visions for housing and competing municipal uses

Released proposals that outline Harborlight’s 40-unit affordable-housing proposal alongside competing municipal claims for cemetery expansion, energy storage and recreational uses. The documents give residents their clearest look yet at what could shape the future of the vacant property.

Town Planner Alex Eitler to leave Dec. 12

Marblehead Town Planner Alex Eitler has submitted his resignation after roughly a year in the newly reorganized planning role focused on long-range priorities. His departure is set for Dec. 12, leaving key planning and zoning work in transition as the town prepares for major compliance and development decisions.

COMPUTER 101:

Thinking inside the box

Tech columnist Theresa Milewski breaks down the core components of a computer, offering an accessible primer for anyone curious about how the machine on their desk actually works.

Browse the Independent's newsletter archive

We’ve created a Marblehead Independent newsletter archive — a new feature that will be updated weekly. The archive lets readers browse past editions, revisit favorite stories and follow Marblehead’s civic debates, cultural life and everyday news, week by week.

AROUND TOWN

Eco-friendly lawns workshop: Abbot Public Library and Sustainable Marblehead will host “Transition Your Lawn: Plant Hope” on Dec. 3, a program showing residents how to replace turf grass with pollinator-friendly, low-impact landscaping. 

Holiday brass band concert: The New England Brass Band will perform a festive holiday concert at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Dec. 7 from 2–4 p.m., offering lively seasonal music for all ages. 

Piano and chamber music: St. Andrew’s Church will present a free concert on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., featuring pianist Eleena Gelfgatt and chamber musicians performing Beethoven, Liszt, Mendelssohn and more. Donations welcomed. 

Holiday knitters boutique: The Council on Aging knitters will hold their annual boutique Dec. 1–5, offering handmade scarves, hats, shawls and blankets, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the COA. 

Me&Thee concert: Scottish fiddle legend Alasdair Fraser and cellist Natalie Haas will close Me&Thee Music’s fall season with a Nov. 21 performance highlighting their acclaimed 25-year musical partnership. 

Shelter food drive: The Marblehead Animal Shelter will hold its annual “Homeless Cats & Kittens Thanksgiving” food drive Nov. 15–23. The shelter is seeking specific donations — including pâté-style kitten food, dry kitten food, adult cat food and meat-flavored baby food — all of which can be dropped at local collection sites.

Exploring new EV charging options: The town is partnering with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to identify on-street electric vehicle charging sites for residents without off-street parking. Officials are asking the public to complete a short survey to rate proposed locations and suggest additional sites. The initiative aims to expand equitable access to clean transportation.

Harbor Holidays returns: Harbor Holidays, billed as “the best little show in town,” returns to the Boston Yacht Club on Friday, Nov. 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market includes 23 artisans, harbor views and a cash bar. No registration required; free and open to the public. 

Nonprofit offers free energy coaching: Sustainable Marblehead has launched a volunteer Energy Coaching Program to help residents navigate clean-energy upgrades such as heat pumps, solar panels and weatherization. Coordinator Lisa Wolf said the effort aims to make home energy improvements simpler and more approachable.

OBSERVER REPORT: The Observer Corps report details discussions on youth substance-use concerns, food insecurity, mental-health grant options, waste-collection plans and transfer station construction progress. 

Survey launched to map residents' health needs: The Board of Health has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Boston on a community survey to identify residents’ most pressing health needs. The results will guide future wellness and planning efforts. 

Home for Thanksgiving: The Marblehead Animal Shelter's "Home 4 Thanksgiving" campaign seeks adopters for four cats — Ophelia, Dewey, Travis and Flower. Volunteers said they would be "most thankful" to see each find a permanent home this season.

Arts celebrate season: The Marblehead Arts Association is ushering in the holidays with a lineup of exhibits, workshops and concerts at Hooper Mansion, including a members' show and a wreath-making event with mimosas.