Housing Headlines

Boston --- The good news about Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s lawsuit against nine cities and towns that have ignored the MBTA Communities law is that it’s only nine. Despite some grumbling, the vast majority of the 177 municipalities covered by the law, which requires them to allow more of the housing that Massachusetts desperately needs, have complied.

Boston --- Attorney General Andrea Campbell Thursday filed a lawsuit against nine cities and towns that have failed to meet the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act, the controversial state housing law that requires municipalities served by the T to make room for more multifamily housing.

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.