MBTA Communities News

Milton is the only one of the first group of 12 communities that were labeled “rapid transit communities” that has failed to meet the Jan. 2 deadline for compliance with the law that is aimed at addressing the regional housing crisis.

Wakefield joined Marshfield and Milton in the suburban resistance to the MBTA Communities housing production law, rejecting three proposals to rezone an area near transit for multifamily development.

“We also wanted to look at areas that were already highly developed,” board member Chris Lavallee told residents at the hearing, which was continued until March 13. “The reason why is because the likelihood of them being developed in the short term is extremely low.”

In a Special Town Meeting Monday night, Marshfield voters chose to not rezone to comply with the state law meant to allow for more multifamily housing in commuting communities. Marshfield rejected the zoning changes required by the MBTA Communities Act Monday 169-289

“This is not going to solve our problem, but we can solve our problem and stay more effectively within the character of Burlington if we do some housing changes outside of the MBTA law.”

Holden's town manager reiterated his belief a town should have the right to control its zoning. "Similar to the sentiment in a growing number of communities throughout the Commonwealth, as a Town Manager my feeling is that local zoning and planning should be left to local officials and local voters, not surrendered to Beacon Hill political agendas," Holden Town Manager Peter Lukes said in a statement.

Voters at Littleton’s special Town Meeting Nov. 1 voted to reject an article that would have implemented a new residential zoning district to comply with the state’s controversial MBTA Communities law. Article 19, which required a simple majority, failed to pass with a vote of 125 in favor and 144 opposed.

After lengthy and careful deliberation involving all community stakeholders, the Town of Middleborough has respectfully decided to not submit an action plan at this time.

“Marshfield, like other municipalities categorized as ‘commuter rail’ and ‘adjacent’ towns under the MBTA Communities Law, has until the end of 2024 to come into compliance with the law,”

State denies Wilmington's common sense mixed use requirement for it's downtown.

Wilmington residents at today's Annual Town Meeting voted, 131-to-110, to "refer" Article 30 (the proposed overlay district to satisfy the MBTA Communities Act) back to the Planning Board.

MBTA Community Guidelines