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Navigating The Conflict Between FAA Reauthorization Act Of 2024 And MBTA Communities Act Amid Increasing Air Traffic
In recent years, two major policy initiatives—the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Public Law 118-63, SEC. 787) and the MBTA Communities Act—have emerged with seemingly conflicting goals. One aims to reduce aircraft noise exposure, while the other mandates increased housing density near transit hubs, some of which are located in high-noise flight paths. These policies are coming to a head in communities like Millbury, Massachusetts, where the increasing air traffic from Worcester Regional Airport (ORH) is exacerbating noise pollution concerns.
Challenge Of Emergency Regulations For MBTA Communities Act
This is a summary of the legal compliant by Diana Viens against the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC) in Massachusetts Superior Court. It challenges the emergency regulations issued by the state government concerning MBTA Communities zoning law (M.G.L. c. 40A §3A), which mandates municipalities to create high-density housing districts near public transit.
The Hidden Costs Of Overcrowded Housing: Why The MBTA Communities Act Misses The Mark
Discover the hidden costs of the MBTA Communities Act (M.G.L. c. 40A §3A) and how rushed, high-density housing mandates could strain infrastructure, increase taxes, and diminish community livability. Learn why Millbury and other Massachusetts communities must push for thoughtful, sustainable development.
Massachusetts — When Bullies Get Bullied
Massachusetts' enforcement of the MBTA Communities Act (M.G.L. c. 40A §3A) mirrors Trump’s funding freeze, raising legal and ethical concerns about government overreach. Is withholding grants a legitimate policy tool or coercion? Explore the political hypocrisy and broader implications. It's much harder to accept when the tables are turned as AG Andrea Campbell is hopefully learning.
MBTA Communities Act Action Plan Decision
Communities now face a fast-approaching deadline of February 13, 2025, to submit a new Action Plan to the EOHLC. This requirement is based on regulations deemed unenforceable and issued without adherence to the Administrative Procedures Act, all while forcing municipalities to attestations to: "I certify that it is my full intention as [municipal CEO title of municipality] to take necessary actions to bring any zoning intended to comply with all requirements of G.L. c. 40A, Section 3A and 760 CMR 72 to a vote of [municipality's legislative body] in the timeframe described in this Action Plan, and to submit a District Compliance Application to EOHLC no later than Jul 14, 2025".
23 Bills To Repeal Or Amend The MBTA Communities Act So Far
Our legislative body appears to be responding to the backlash, taking steps to push back against what many view as government overreach with this one-size-fits-all approach to addressing what is being labeled a housing crisis. In reality, the issue is a housing affordability crisis. In a true statewide housing crisis, all 351 communities should be contributing to the solution—not just a random selection of 50% of them.
A neighbor from Sutton took the time to share this well-researched information, and their efforts are deeply appreciated. It’s thoughtful contributions like this that help inform and strengthen our communities.