Last year, smart growth champions secured a historic set of zoning reforms in the Partnerships for Growth Act, including not only Gov. Baker’s Housing Choice initiative but also a requirement that communities that benefit from MBTA service have the responsibility to zone for more multi-family housing.

MassINC’s Gateway Hubs Project Director André Leroux weighed in on DHCD’s draft guidelines for this “transit-oriented zoning” program, called MBTA Communities. He advocates for a flexible approach that acknowledges the accomplishments of welcoming municipalities like Gateway Cities while supporting them to take additional steps. Leroux underscores the need to leverage what’s working and avoid an adversarial approach that could spark more anti-housing backlash.

MassINC MBTA Communities Section 3A Comments