(Photo Credit: Toni Caushi/Telegram & Gazette)
SHREWSBURY — On Monday, November 18, 2024, Shrewsbury residents approved the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Communities Act zoning law during a Special Town Meeting held at the Oak Middle School auditorium. The article passed 123-50 after nearly two hours of heated debate and discussion, marking a significant step toward compliance with state housing requirements.
What the Law Means for Shrewsbury
The MBTA Communities Act, signed into law in January 2021, requires 177 municipalities in the Commonwealth, including Shrewsbury, to create at least one zoning district allowing multifamily housing by right, ideally within half a mile of a transit hub. Shrewsbury falls under this mandate because it borders MBTA-served towns like Westborough, Worcester, and Grafton.
The new zoning district spans approximately 118 acres, including Shrewsbury Commons, 409 South Street, and Emerald Run. While the area already contains 588 units, the zoning change could permit up to 924 additional units for a total of 1,512. Officials emphasized that the amendment only enables the possibility of these units being built but does not mandate their construction, the Telegram & Gazette reported.
Importance of Compliance
By adopting the zoning law, Shrewsbury remains eligible for key grants such as MassWorks and Housing Choice funds, which have brought the town approximately $5 million in infrastructure funding over the past 12 years. Town Manager Kevin J. Mizikar highlighted the risks of noncompliance, including losing a $500,000 grant for roadway improvements near Route 20, South Street, and Green Street.
“This proposal saves taxpayer dollars and ensures critical funding for the town,” Mizikar said before the vote.
Public Reactions
While supporters, including Town Meeting Member Francis A. Mannella, Jr., urged adoption of the article to avoid potential lawsuits from the Massachusetts Attorney General, opponents expressed concerns about increased strain on town resources. Charles Garabedian, Jr., 81, warned that additional housing could overburden schools, emergency services, and infrastructure, potentially leading to higher taxes, the Telegram & Gazette reported.
Other critics, such as resident Caroline Macomber, called for delaying the decision, citing an upcoming Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case in February 2025 that will evaluate the law’s implementation process.
Regional Context
Shrewsbury joins 82 other Massachusetts municipalities that have adopted zoning changes to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. Neighboring towns like Millbury and Holden have resisted the mandate, with Millbury voting down a similar proposal and Holden facing legal challenges.
By embracing the new zoning regulations, Shrewsbury positions itself to address the state’s housing crisis while maintaining access to vital funding opportunities.
