Jesse FloydThere has been some misunderstanding around the MBTA Communities Act. The new state law is designed to alleviate the housing crisis in Massachusetts. To clarify some key points, here are nine facts about the act.
1. This act is about zoning, NOT about mandatory building.
2. Zoning defines what may be built on a given parcel but does not and cannot mandate that anything be built.
3. In many areas, including commercial centers, the zoning changes will be an overlay on top of the existing zoning; they do not replace existing zoning nor convert commercial zones into residential. An area can be zoned for commercial and mixed use. The market will determine what is built on any given parcel.
4. If you live in a 3-family home, you live in multi-family housing.
5. This Act was passed because suburbs have historically failed to allow a diverse type of housing to be built through their zoning, which has contributed to the current housing crisis.
6. By allowing multi-family housing near transit, we can create new housing in walkable neighborhoods closer to transit. This is not just a good housing policy; it is a good climate and transportation policy, too.
7. Urban planners recommend increasing housing around commercial centers to support businesses there and increase the vibrancy of town centers.
8. The MBTA Communities Plan Act is a law. It is not optional.
9. Non-compliance will cost the town money on two fronts – 1) in defending a lawsuit from the state and 2) in withheld funds for infrastructure projects and other state-supported activities.
For more information, go to mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta–communities
Alisa Gardner-Todreas, Chenery Terrace