Neighbors working together to preserve our neighborhoods and beyond.
Filter Blog Posts
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.
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.