Northborough's Town Meeting on May 5, 2025, saw a significant step towards preserving affordable housing in the community. The town voted to amend its zoning bylaw, specifically adding a new section aimed at maintaining the affordable housing stock at or above 10% of the total housing inventory. This decision comes at a critical time, as Northborough's current affordable housing percentage stands at 10.28%, with an impending development of 88 units that could threaten this threshold.

Planning Board member Anthony Zietan presented Article 62, which mandates that any new development of 10 units or more must include at least 15% affordable housing. To encourage compliance, the amendment includes a density bonus, allowing developers to build additional units—12 instead of 10—if they include affordable housing in their projects. This approach not only aims to increase the number of affordable homes but also protects the town from potential undesirable developments that could arise if the affordable housing percentage falls below 10%.

The article received unanimous support from the Planning Board and was passed by the required two-thirds majority vote during the meeting. This amendment is seen as a proactive measure to safeguard Northborough's housing landscape and ensure that the community remains resilient against the pressures of development that could compromise its affordable housing goals.

As the meeting concluded, the importance of this decision was underscored, highlighting the town's commitment to maintaining a balanced and inclusive housing environment for its residents. The successful passage of Article 62 marks a pivotal moment for Northborough, setting a precedent for future developments and community planning efforts.