In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implications of the MBTA Communities Law Act, a mandate from the state of Massachusetts aimed at increasing housing diversity in 177 cities and towns near the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The law, enacted in 2021, requires municipalities to create zoning laws that facilitate multifamily housing development, addressing a significant shortage of diverse housing options.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by long-term residents like Craig and Wendy, who are unable to downsize within Southborough due to the predominance of single-family homes, which make up 90% of the town's housing inventory. With the average home price in Southborough exceeding $1.1 million, many families are priced out of the market, underscoring the need for more affordable housing options.

The MBTA Communities Law mandates that Southborough designate 50 acres for multifamily housing, with at least 10 acres located within a half-mile of an MBTA station. The town's planning board has proposed a comprehensive plan to comply with these requirements, which includes a minimum density of 15 units per acre and the potential for 10% of new units to be designated as affordable housing.

Officials emphasized that this zoning law is not a development law; rather, it allows developers to apply for site plans that must be approved by the planning board, ensuring community oversight. The planning board will maintain control over various aspects of development, including building height, setbacks, and environmental considerations.

Failure to comply with the MBTA law could result in significant consequences for Southborough, including ineligibility for state grants that support infrastructure projects and potential civil enforcement actions from the attorney general's office. The urgency of compliance is underscored by the experiences of other towns, such as Milton, which is currently facing legal challenges for non-compliance.

The meeting concluded with a call for community support of the proposed zoning changes, which officials believe will not only enhance housing diversity but also contribute to the town's long-term planning goals and financial sustainability through access to state funding.