Milton approves zoning for MBTA Housing Law

Milton Town Meeting members approved new zoning regulations on Tuesday to comply with the MBTA Communities Act, allowing for up to 2,461 multifamily housing units near transit. This measure, part of a citizen's petition, passed after extensive debate over two nights, highlighting ongoing tensions around local housing policy. While the approval signifies progress toward legal compliance, local officials caution that the actual number of units constructed may be considerably lower than the mandated capacity. A competing proposal aimed to reduce the multifamily unit capacity to 10%, which members referred back to the Planning Board for further consideration. Advocates for the 25% plan stressed the need to follow state requirements, with some calling for a reclassification of Milton's transit status.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court recently upheld the MBTA Communities law, emphasizing the authority for compliance. Despite the Town Meeting's decision, residents retain the option to initiate a referendum to overturn the vote if they gather enough support. This ongoing debate reflects broader challenges facing housing policy in Massachusetts.