The MBTA Communities Act: A Path Toward Expanding Housing Near Transit in Massachusetts

by Billy Abildgaard

By promoting multifamily housing near transit stations, the state is encouraging communities to take concrete steps to increase housing availability for residents across Massachusetts, including those in Greater Boston.

What is the MBTA Communities Act?

The MBTA Communities Act was introduced with the goal of ensuring that 177 cities and towns across Massachusetts allow multifamily housing "as of right" within a half-mile of transit stations. This initiative is focused on enabling denser, transit-oriented development, making it easier for people to live close to public transportation and relieving some of the pressure on housing markets in high-demand areas like Boston and Cambridge.For prospective homebuyers and renters, this law could help address the housing shortage and provide more options in areas where demand is often far greater than the available supply.

Key Deadlines and Requirements

Different communities face different deadlines depending on the type of transit service available:

Rapid Transit Communities: Must comply by December 31, 2023.
Commuter Rail Communities: Have until December 31, 2024 to change their zoning.

These deadlines are fast approaching, and it’s critical for towns to act now to stay in compliance and help drive new housing opportunities near public transit.

Community Responses and Engagement

Many cities and towns are currently working on how to best implement the Act while still reflecting the character and needs of their residents. For example, Acton has been actively engaging with its residents to develop zoning plans that meet the requirements while considering local input.It’s clear that every town will approach this law differently, but the end goal should always be to create real opportunities for housing growth near transit hubs, benefiting both residents and local economies.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the good intentions behind the Act, not all communities are embracing it as fully as they could. Some towns may seek to adopt minimal compliance strategies that don’t significantly increase the number of housing units near transit stations. This is a concern because it could undermine the law’s purpose: to meaningfully expand housing options in areas where they’re needed most.It’s crucial that we see genuine efforts from towns to not only meet the basic requirements but also to embrace the spirit of the law by actively fostering more housing availability.

What’s Next for Massachusetts Housing?

Looking forward, the real impact of the MBTA Communities Act will depend on how seriously each city or town takes its role in fostering multifamily housing development. As we continue to face housing challenges here in Greater Boston and across the state, towns that work to thoughtfully implement zoning changes could play a key role in easing the housing shortage.State officials will be watching closely to ensure that compliance plans lead to real, positive changes in housing availability. For buyers and sellers alike, staying informed on these developments could reveal new opportunities, especially as more housing options open up near transit.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with the MBTA Communities Act

The MBTA Communities Act has the potential to be a game-changer for Massachusetts’ housing market, particularly in transit-accessible areas. But it’s up to each community to embrace the opportunity and make meaningful changes to their zoning laws.

As deadlines approach, we’ll see which towns step up and contribute to solving the housing shortage in Boston and beyond.

For those looking to buy or sell, it’s an important time to stay connected with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help navigate these changes and find the best opportunities in the evolving market.

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Billy Abildgaard

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+1(617) 315-0404