While some cities are fighting the state’s push to increase density near transit, others are already breaking ground on multifamily projects that will bring hundreds of new housing units online.

Massachusetts communities are responding in varied ways to the state’s MBTA Communities Act, a zoning reform mandate that calls on cities to streamline permitting for residential developments near transit stations.
As Abby Patkin explains in an article for Boston.com, some cities, like Milton, are fighting the state’s effort to boost the housing supply, while others are embracing the change and making way for higher-density housing. “Take Lexington, where housing proposals have begun pouring in. Or Westwood, which recently saw a 160-unit mixed-use project break ground. Somerville, meanwhile, is in the midst of a triple-decker renaissance.” In Lexington, the seven proposals submitted to the city would create 960 total new housing units. The town is working with developers to conduct water and sewer capacity analyses in advance of construction to ensure local infrastructure can handle the new housing.
The law requires the 177 communities served by MBTA transit lines to adjust zoning around stations to allow for higher-density multifamily housing. “Whether the law will be as transformative as lawmakers hoped remains to be seen, though affordable housing advocates say it’s a step in the right direction,” Patkin adds.
Zoning expert Amy Dain notes that while MBTA Communities could make a major impact on the housing supply, it won’t be enough to end the housing crisis. “[E]ven if MBTA Communities is fully implemented, there’s going to be more work ahead to make sure there’s housing for everybody, and appropriate housing, safe housing, diverse housing, and housing in places where people want to live and have access to jobs and schools and places they want to go to.”
FULL STORY: These towns are seeing results from the MBTA Communities Act

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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