These changes raise serious concerns about public health, safety, and quality of life in our community. There is a reason why we no longer see traditional rooming houses—historically, these high-density living arrangements led to unsafe, overcrowded conditions, fire hazards, and health concerns. Over time, stricter zoning and housing regulations were put in place to protect residents from these dangers. By eliminating basic safeguards such as occupancy limits and bedroom size requirements, the MBTA Communities Act could reintroduce many of the same public health and safety risks that communities worked hard to eliminate in the past.

After much indecision and without a clear strategy, the Millbury Planning Board, under pressure from the Millbury Board of Selectmen, narrowly voted 3 to 2 to propose another town warrant article for the MBTA Communities Act at the annual town meeting. This decision disregards the overwhelming majority of registered voters who participated at the special town meeting on November 9, 2024, decisively rejected the MBTA Communities Act zoning amendments. Despite this clear message from residents, the Board of Selectmen chose to discount the vote, driven by fear of repercussions from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was clear that most Millbury Planning Board members were not in favor of reintroducing the MBTA Communities Act zoning amendments and do not support the Act itself, as they acknowledged the strong opposition from residents. However, despite this, they moved forward, bringing the matter back before registered voters.