Learn the facts
The MBTA Communities Law is bipartisan legislation to address the housing crisis in Massachusetts. This Law requires 177 Massachusetts communities to adopt zoning that allows for multi-family housing.
Massachusetts has among the highest and fastest growing home prices and rents of any state in the nation.
These high costs are pricing families out of communities, preventing seniors from downsizing, and causing young families to move to other states.
The Law requires that Holden (an “adjacent community”) designate zoning for 750 multi-family housing units. The Law does not stipulate the actual building of housing, but just allows the possibility of multi-family housing through zoning.
Holden has flexibility in designating a multi-family housing zone. Holden can shape a district in line with its master plan.
Holden received a $60,100 state Community Planning Grant in Fall 2023 to hire a consultant on shaping zoning changes.
There is no mandate to zone for high-rise buildings.
The law requires a minimum density of 15 homes per acre. This type of “missing middle housing” includes triple deckers, fourplexes, and small apartment buildings, similar to the multi-family housing already present in Holden.
Holden is the only town out of 177 communities that has failed to submit the one-page action plan that was due in 2023. Holden is “non-compliant” and subject to significant financial and legal consequences.
Holden has until December 31, 2024, to submit a compliance zoning plan to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Holden can ensure that residents who live here can stay here.
Increasing Holden’s supply of smaller units will help moderate prices and make home ownership more affordable for seniors who want to downsize, young families, our children who want to return home to live, and local employees.
Massachusetts Attorney General:
All MBTA Communities must comply with the Law.
Communities that fail to comply will face civil enforcement action and risk liability under federal and state fair housing laws.