Is it true that we have a choice about whether to comply with the law?

“All MBTA Communities must comply with the Law,” according to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. (Attorney General Advisory, 3/15/2023)

The Attorney General emphasized that “MBTA Communities cannot avoid their obligations under the Law” by forgoing state funding programs linked with compliance. (Attorney General Advisory, 3/15/2023)

The Attorney General has also warned that communities that fail to comply will face civil enforcement action and risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws. (Attorney General Advisory, 3/15/2023) Currently, only Holden and Milton are out of compliance.

Legal defense for non-compliance would place unnecessary financial burdens on Holden’s taxpayers. Due to non-compliance, Holden has already had to retain expensive legal services to respond to the 2023 Lawyers For Civil Rights lawsuit against our town for fair housing violations.