Don’t Boston My Millbury

Save the date for Monday, July 8, 2024, at 7:00 PM, when the Millbury Planning Board will hold a public hearing at Millbury Town Hall, 127 Elm Street, to discuss amending local zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. The proposal aims to increase maximum density for multifamily units from 4 to 15 units per acre in the downtown Business 1 zoning district, affecting approximately 50 acres. Residents are concerned about potential rent increases and displacement, especially among vulnerable populations.

State funding incentives hinge on compliance, but critics argue the act may favor developers over community interests and lacks provisions for affordable housing. The push for high-density development raises tax and infrastructure concerns for Millbury, which could alter its small-town character. Residents are urged to voice their concerns at the hearing to protect local sovereignty and influence zoning decisions.