Acton officials endorse Habitat for All zoning changes to promote affordable housing

In the heart of Acton, Massachusetts, the Select Board convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping the town's housing landscape. The "Habitat for All" initiative emerged as a focal point of the meeting, sparking passionate discussions among board members about the future of housing in the community.

Peter, a board member with extensive involvement in the planning department, championed the initiative, emphasizing its potential to encourage smaller, clustered homes. He noted that this approach not only preserves open space but also aligns with the community's desire to move away from the trend of sprawling McMansions. "The sentiment in town has been building these big McMansions for a million and a half dollars is not the way that the town wants to go in the future," he stated, highlighting the need for more affordable housing options.

David echoed Peter's sentiments, sharing his concerns about the impact of rising housing costs on the town's workforce. He pointed out that many blue-collar employees have been forced to relocate further away due to affordability issues, which complicates recruitment and retention for essential services like public works, police, and fire departments. "Whatever we can do... to encourage smaller, more affordable homes is a great way to go," he asserted, emphasizing the importance of local housing for community cohesion.

The board also discussed the mechanics of the initiative, which proposes zoning by-law changes to allow for higher density housing developments, provided that a portion of the units are designated as affordable. This model aims to create a balance between maintaining green spaces and increasing housing availability. "If you're willing to make a certain number of those units affordable, you can have a higher density in the remaining portion," explained another board member, illustrating the initiative's dual benefits of affordability and density.

While enthusiasm for the Habitat for All initiative was palpable, concerns were raised about the specifics of the zoning options. Jen, another board member, expressed her support but also highlighted the need for careful consideration of the various clustering options and house sizes discussed in previous meetings.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the Habitat for All initiative represents a significant step toward addressing housing challenges in Acton. With a focus on smaller, affordable homes, the initiative aims to foster a more inclusive community while preserving the town's character. The board's commitment to this vision leaves residents hopeful for a future where housing is accessible to all, ensuring that the heart of Acton remains vibrant and diverse.