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The MBTA Communities Act: A Costly, Unfunded Mandate For Towns
The Massachusetts State Auditor has ruled the MBTA Communities Act (M.G.L. c. 40A § 3A) an unfunded mandate, placing financial strain on towns. Learn about the implications, legal challenges, and potential next steps for municipalities.
The Hidden Costs Of Rapid Growth: A Crisis Of Drinking Water
Massachusetts is facing a water emergency. The Commonwealth has declared a Level 3 Critical Drought in the Central and Northeast Regions, with conditions worsening across several areas, escalating from Significant (Level 2) to Critical (Level 3) Drought Status. As the crisis deepens, the need for immediate action has never been more urgent.
What contingency plans are in place to confront this escalating crisis? How are communities safeguarding their water supply, infrastructure, and residents? In the midst of a severe drought emergency, does it make sense to drastically upzone and push for exponential multi-family growth in 177 communities—half the state? It seems the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) has failed to conduct due diligence, mandating rapid growth without ensuring the necessary infrastructure for life-sustaining water, adequate fire protection, and other critical resources—leaving individual communities to bear the burden and costs. The planners do not appear to be planning and consider all the factors in decisions.
Mandatory Density Regulations: A Flawed Approach To Housing Growth?
In the ongoing debate over housing policy, one question looms large: Should the state mandate higher housing density in communities to address the housing crisis? While the push for upzoning and increased density is often presented as a universal solution, a look back at a 1975 Massachusetts Department of Community Affairs report reveals a more nuanced perspective—one that still resonates today.
Action Plan Letter To Board Of Selectmen
Millbury residents oppose the MBTA Communities Act, urging officials to reject compliance with state zoning mandates. A letter challenging the plan was sent to town leaders, citing legal, financial, and community concerns. The Board of Selectmen will address the issue on February 11, 2025—residents are encouraged to attend and speak.
Two-Year Restriction On Reconsidering A Zoning Proposal (M.G.L. c. 40A)
The MBTA Communities Act has far-reaching consequences for zoning, infrastructure, and local governance. While aimed at increasing housing near transit, many communities face challenges related to school capacity, traffic, and public services. Legal battles and legislative efforts seek to challenge or modify the law, as municipalities navigate compliance risks. In Millbury, residents overwhelmingly rejected related zoning changes, signaling strong local opposition. Community participation remains crucial—those who do not engage in discussions cannot later claim their voices were ignored. Stay informed and involved to protect your town’s future.
MBTA Communities Act Emergency Declaration Explained
The Emergency Regulations are just as unenforceable as the nearly identical Guidelines that were recently overturned. The requirements set forth by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) are not mere formalities. These safeguards—on which the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) relied in its Milton decision—exist to uphold our democratic system, protect the public from harmful agency overreach, and prevent unelected lobbyist groups from stripping away our right to voice opposition and raise concerns.
This emergency declaration is a reckless abuse of power with far-reaching consequences. It effectively grants Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) unchecked authority to impose zoning changes on any community at any time under the pretense of a fabricated emergency. This is an unacceptable violation of local governance, and we refuse to allow it—now or in the future.