The Healey-Driscoll administration has given the thumbs up to two Massachusetts communities for falling in line with a law aimed at boosting housing options near public transport. Salem and Lexington have both conformed to the MBTA Communities Law, a mandate requiring zoning for multi-family housing in transit-accessible districts, as per a Tuesday declaration.
"To meet our housing needs and lower costs, we need both the state and our local communities to come together to drive up production, particularly around transit," Governor Maura T. Healey advised during a conference at BRIX Condominiums in Salem. Lexington and Salem earned a pat on the back for their swift action to establish said critical zoning districts. The law, which took effect in January 2021, ropes in 177 communities to participate, according to the state's announcement.
The administration has been pouring resources, to the tune of nearly $6 million, into technical assistance grants. This cash infusion has already reached 156 communities, easing the gears for alignment with the law's stipulations. Cities and towns have different deadlines to submit their zoning plans, with the most immediate cutoff being December 31 for communities with rapid transit access. Salem's own head honcho, Mayor Dominick Pangallo, acknowledged the milestone while recognizing the road ahead. "Despite this certification, however, we still have much work to do to ensure we’re right sizing our housing supply," he commented, signaling an ongoing push to tackle local housing challenges, as stated in the state's announcement.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, formerly Salem's mayor, also chimed in: "Our administration stands ready to support MBTA communities as they work with us to reduce the cost of housing in Massachusetts," she professed. Salem and Lexington are just the start, with state officials eager to shepherd more towns along the path of compliance. Apart from proximity to transit hubs, the law specifies that eligible zoning districts must welcome all ages and be family-friendly, contributing to a socially inclusive fabric.
Rachel Heller, CEO of the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, praised the two communities for setting the stage for inclusive zoning that boosts both local economies and housing affordability. Meanwhile, Clark Ziegler, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, highlighted the shackles zoning has previously placed on the state's housing prospects. Ziegler and others see the MBTA Communities Law as a game-changer for creating vibrant and accessible neighborhoods.
