Milton’s Select Board recently made a pivotal decision regarding the town’s classification under the MBTA Communities Act, a statewide initiative aimed at expanding zoning for multi-family housing near T stops. In a close 3-2 vote, the board opted against submitting an action plan to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities by the state deadline. Instead, they chose to send a letter outlining their concerns about being labeled a “rapid transit community.” This move sparked debate and raised questions about the town’s future development trajectory.
The MBTA Communities Act, which mandates changes to zoning bylaws in designated communities, has been a point of contention in Milton since last February. Despite the town being legally bound to comply with the act, residents voted against the proposed zoning changes. This decision attracted the attention of Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who initiated legal action against the town. Milton is not alone in facing compliance challenges, as 31 out of the 177 towns and cities affected by the law missed previous deadlines for submitting action plans. The recent deadline of Feb. 13 required these communities, including Milton, to outline their path to compliance with the state.
During a crucial meeting, the majority of the Select Board members advocated for reclassifying Milton as an “adjacent community” rather than a “rapid transit community.” Board Chair Richard Wells, along with Vice Chair Roxanne Musto and John Keohane, stood firm in their decision to forego the action plan submission. Wells emphasized the importance of fairness and expressed a desire for ongoing dialogue with state officials. On the other hand, Benjamin Zoll and Erin Bradley supported submitting the action plan, citing potential benefits such as increased tax revenue and educational opportunities for Milton.
Zoll criticized the town’s costly legal battles and urged acceptance of the law, highlighting the risks of continued non-compliance. He noted a concerning trend of defiance in Milton and beyond, emphasizing the importance of respecting legal outcomes. The classification of Milton as a rapid transit community stems from the presence of the Mattapan High Speed Line, which connects various locations including Milton. Town Administrator Nicholas Milano challenged this classification, arguing that the line differs significantly from traditional subway systems and advocating for Milton to be recognized as an adjacent community instead.
The distinction between rapid transit and adjacent communities lies in zoning requirements, with rapid transit communities mandated to allocate 25% of housing units for multi-family dwellings. In contrast, adjacent communities only need to designate 10% of their housing units for such purposes. With nearly 10,000 housing units in Milton, this classification shift could have significant implications for the town’s future development plans. Milano expressed the town’s intention to provide public comments on this matter, emphasizing the need for careful consideration by state authorities before final regulations are issued.
As discussions continue and the fate of Milton’s classification hangs in the balance, the town faces a crucial juncture in determining its growth trajectory. The decision to challenge the MBTA Communities Act reflects broader tensions around development, legal compliance, and community engagement. The coming weeks will likely bring further debate and deliberation as Milton navigates the complex landscape of state regulations and local interests. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story, as Milton grapples with the implications of its recent decision and charts a path forward in the realm of zoning and housing policy.
