Bill > H2291

This bill amends the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) Communities Act by adding a new provision that allows municipalities to appeal zoning requirements if they cannot meet certain critical infrastructure and environmental conditions. Specifically, municipalities can seek relief from the Act's housing development mandates if they can demonstrate one or more of the following challenges: insufficient drinking water supply to support required housing units, inadequate wastewater treatment capacity, transportation infrastructure that cannot safely handle increased population from new housing developments, potential adverse environmental impacts, or negative consequences for historical properties. The Department of Housing and Community Development is tasked with creating regulations that outline the process for these appeals, providing municipalities with a mechanism to challenge zoning requirements that might be impractical or detrimental to their local infrastructure and community character. This modification aims to provide flexibility in implementing the MBTA Communities Act's housing development goals while recognizing the unique constraints different municipalities might face.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H2291