Housing Headlines

MILTON --- The town will be ineligible to compete for about $4 billion included in an economic leadership bill that Gov. Healey signed into law on November 20. The economic development package includes many grant programs that are not available for communities not in compliance or interim compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.

LEXINGTON --- Spurred by the state’s MBTA Communities Law, Lexington became the first town to pass zoning to comply with the law when Town Meeting voted for approval in April 2023. Nearly 1,000 new apartments and condos are in the pipeline to be built under the new rules.

Needham --- Opponents in Needham have enough signatures to force a referendum on the MBTA Communities Law. This after Town Meeting approved a plan that would put taller, denser housing near commuter rail stations. The referendum is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 14

STATE --- Adoption of the state's zoning reform in communities with or near MBTA service has crossed the century mark. According to Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, (CHAPA), the 100th community’s successful zoning vote came on Tuesday, 11/19, when Millis, Kingston, Ashland, Fitchburg and Lawrence each approved plans. Bellingham followed suit on 11/20. The law mandates multifamily zoning by right in 177 communities with or adjacent to MBTA service. Communities that fail to comply can lose eligibility for state grant programs.

MILLBURY --- A Millbury Special Town Meeting voted down an article that would have amended the town's zoning bylaw and zoning map to be in compliance with the state law. Residents at the meeting said they feared the zoning law could alter the character of the town and would relinquish the town's zoning to the state.

NEEHAM --- Town Meeting voted to adopt an expansive approach to compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act. The decision will create zoning that allows substantial building of multifamily housing near the town’s MBTA stations. The vote was 118-90. The next step is final compliance review by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the attorney general.