Arguments For A Temporary Building Moratorium
The registered voters of Millbury will deliberate a town warrant article on May 2, 2023, which proposes a temporary prohibition on issuing new special permits and site plan reviews for multi-family dwelling units with three or more units until November 17, 2024 (roughly 18 months).
The Millbury Planning Board unanimously recommended the town warrant article, and Selectmen Scott Dupree and Katie McKenna have expressed their support for the temporary suspension of multi-family housing construction. Paul Nigosian, the former chairperson of the Millbury Zoning Board of Appeals, endorsed the moratorium during a discussion, stating that "this [moratorium] is a no brainer and everyone should vote for it." This measure has garnered support from numerous registered Millbury voters who are dissatisfied with the extensive multi-family developments in the area and seek guardrails to be put in place. For the record, the proponents of Article 22 are not opposed to multi-family development but seek to ensure that any future developments are safe, suitable, responsible, and sustainable from a tax base and environmental standpoint.
Some of the proponents’ arguments in favor of a temporary residential building moratorium are:
Addressing Overcrowding and Housing Shortages: A temporary residential moratorium can be used as a tool to address housing shortages and overcrowding in certain areas. This can help reduce pressure on infrastructure, services and facilities, and prevent further strain on local resources.
Preserving Neighborhood Character: A residential moratorium can help preserve the character and quality of life in established neighborhoods by preventing new developments from changing the character of the area.
Allowing for Comprehensive Planning: A moratorium can provide time for local governments to undertake comprehensive planning and zoning studies, to determine the most appropriate and sustainable uses for land in a given area
Protecting the Environment: In areas with sensitive ecosystems or fragile environmental conditions, a residential moratorium can be implemented to protect against further development and help preserve the area's natural resources.
Encouraging More Appropriate Development: A residential moratorium can encourage more appropriate development, such as the construction of affordable housing or the redevelopment of brownfield sites, by giving local authorities time to assess current and future housing needs.
Promoting Infrastructure Improvements: A residential moratorium can be used to ensure that infrastructure improvements, such as roads, water and sewer systems, are in place before new development occurs.
Addressing Unsustainable Growth: In areas experiencing rapid population growth, a residential moratorium can help prevent unsustainable growth and allow for the development of a more balanced and sustainable community.
Improving Community Services: A residential moratorium can provide time for local governments to assess their existing community services, such as schools and healthcare facilities, and make necessary improvements or expansions to accommodate the growing population.
Addressing Public Health and Safety Concerns: In areas with high levels of air or water pollution, or where there are other public health and safety concerns, a residential moratorium can be used to prevent further development and allow for the implementation of measures to address these issues.
Ensuring Long-Term Financial Stability: A residential moratorium can help ensure a sustainable and diversified tax base, which is crucial for a community's long-term financial stability. By encouraging the development of a mix of businesses and reducing reliance on residential property taxes, municipalities can weather economic fluctuations and promote equitable access to resources, sustainability and resilience.
Article 22 of the town warrant proposes a temporary suspension of the development of multi-family dwelling units. The purpose of the pause is to enable town officials and residents to collaborate and openly review zoning bylaws relating to such projects. The objective is to revise or introduce local regulations, where necessary, to conform to the town's official master plan, protect the town's character and heritage, and establish a sustainable tax base that balances open space, commercial, industrial, and residential taxes. The town has seen a noticeable increase in large residential projects that can place a strain on municipal services. It is essential to ensure that the financial burden of rising costs is not solely borne by residential taxpayers.
We appeal for your support at the Town Meeting to endorse the temporary suspension of multi-family developments. This break will provide the town and community with ample time to conduct thorough research and present you with updated zoning bylaws that are practical and relevant for multi-family projects, supported by necessary findings of fact.
Your vote is critical on May 2, 2023, at Millbury's Annual Town Meeting, where we will chart the course for our town's future. The meeting will be held at the Millbury Memorial Junior/Senior High School auditorium, located at 12 Martin Street, Millbury, Massachusetts, starting at 7:00 PM.