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Mbta Communities Law

All articles tagged with #mbta communities law

Mass. AG Sues Nine MBTA-Adjacent Towns for Housing-Zoning Noncompliance
local1 month ago

Mass. AG Sues Nine MBTA-Adjacent Towns for Housing-Zoning Noncompliance

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell filed lawsuits against nine MBTA-adjacent towns—Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Marblehead, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Winthrop—for failing to implement zoning that allows multi‑family housing near transit as required by the 2021 MBTA Communities Law. The suit aims to compel compliance amid a state effort that has seen 165 of 177 communities comply and is projected to spur about 7,000 new homes, though some towns like Holden and East Bridgewater have argued they’re making good‑faith efforts. Carver, Freetown and Rehoboth are noncompliant but not included in this action. The case follows prior rulings that the law is constitutional and enforceable, with the state previously using funding leverage and court authority to push compliance.

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Zoning Law Compliance
legal-housing2 years ago

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Zoning Law Compliance

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell is suing the town of Milton for rejecting the MBTA Communities law, which mandates zoning for more apartments and condos. The law requires communities served by the T to have at least one zoning district allowing multi-family housing. Milton's noncompliance led to the loss of a $140,000 grant, and the lawsuit seeks to compel the town to comply. Some residents opposed the plan due to concerns about traffic and autonomy in decision-making, while others emphasized the need to address the housing crisis.

"Massachusetts Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Towns Over MBTA Housing Plans"
legal-housing2 years ago

"Massachusetts Attorney General Takes Legal Action Against Towns Over MBTA Housing Plans"

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office is suing the town of Milton after voters rejected a multi-family housing district that would have complied with the MBTA Communities Law, leading to the loss of state grant funding. The law requires communities to establish multifamily zoning near public transit, but opponents argued that the plan was unfair, particularly to the neighborhood of East Milton. The town's non-compliance with the law has resulted in the loss of grant funding and potential competitive disadvantages for other state grant programs.

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Housing Laws
regional-politics2 years ago

Massachusetts Towns Face Legal Battles Over MBTA Housing Laws

The town of Wrentham in Massachusetts is considering opposing the new MBTA Communities Law, which mandates communities near MBTA stations to allow more affordable housing. Wrentham officials will vote on sending letters of opposition to Governor Maura Healey. The law aims to facilitate the construction of multi-family housing in communities with T service, but some towns are pushing back against the density requirements.

Massachusetts Revokes Grant from Milton Over Rejected MBTA Housing Plan
politics2 years ago

Massachusetts Revokes Grant from Milton Over Rejected MBTA Housing Plan

The town of Milton, Massachusetts, has lost $140,000 in grant funding after residents rejected a state-mandated housing plan aimed at complying with the 2021 MBTA Communities Law, which encourages development near public transit. The controversial plan, voted down by residents, sought to increase multifamily housing near the Mattapan trolley line. As a result, Milton will no longer be eligible for various state grants and is not in compliance with the law, impacting its ability to receive funding for infrastructure improvements.

Massachusetts Governor Revokes Milton Grant Over MBTA Housing Law Rejection
politics2 years ago

Massachusetts Governor Revokes Milton Grant Over MBTA Housing Law Rejection

The Healey administration has revoked state grant funding for Milton, Massachusetts, due to the town's noncompliance with the state's MBTA Communities Law, following the rejection of a zoning change that would have allowed for the addition of 2,500 housing units. This decision means Milton will lose out on grant opportunities and face a competitive disadvantage for state funding. State officials have expressed disappointment and threatened legal action, emphasizing the mandatory nature of compliance with the law.

"Milton's High-Stakes Vote: The Future of Multi-Family Housing Near MBTA Stations"
politics2 years ago

"Milton's High-Stakes Vote: The Future of Multi-Family Housing Near MBTA Stations"

Residents in Milton, Massachusetts voted against a plan to encourage multifamily housing development near public transit, in compliance with the MBTA Communities Law, with preliminary results showing 5,115 "no" votes and 4,346 "yes" votes. The controversial plan aimed to address the regional housing crisis and comply with state requirements, but faced opposition due to concerns about increased density and fairness. State officials expressed disappointment and warned of potential funding cuts, while also emphasizing the need for more housing near transit to lower costs.