Milton voters reject MBTA Communities Act zoning plan
MILTON - Voters in Milton on Wednesday rejected the plan to build more housing, which means the town is now in violation of state law. The MBTA Communities Act requires cities and towns near rapid transit stops to zone for multi-family housing.
The consequences are immediate, and the town will now be cut off from "significant grant funding" from the state.
"The Healey-Driscoll administration is deeply disappointed that Milton's zoning plan was rejected," Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus said in a statement. "This is not only a loss for Milton but for our entire state, as we desperately need more housing near transit to lower costs."
Augustus said the administration is hopeful they will be able to work with the town to bring them into compliance with the law.
"We are grateful to the 175 communities that are in compliance with the law for recognizing that we all have a role to play in addressing our state's housing challenges," Augustus said.
The issue had residents in Milton divided before the town wide vote Wednesday.
"It's brought people apart because there's a lot of emotion with voting, of course," Carol Wells told WBZ-TV after casting her ballot.
"More housing could actually help the economy. The prices of housing are so high right now," voter Diane Barry said.
Braintree and Newton saw similar opposition to the MBTA Communities Act but reached a compromise with the state. Governor Healey previously said the state would withhold funding from cities and towns that choose not to comply.
Longtime Milton resident Steven Carr explains why he voted against the plan.
"I think housing for more people is wonderful," Carr said. "I think we should be able to make our own decisions about where people live and as a community - decide those things."
Another resident argued that the trolley that runs through Mattapan and Milton shouldn't be considered "rapid" transit. Wells fears what bringing many more apartments and condominiums to the area that's dominated by single family homes.
"It impacts the infrastructure. Schools, the roads, use of facilities," Wells explained.
Others told WBZ-TV that it's time for Milton to plan for the future.
"Ultimately if we say yes, we're going to have a more diverse housing stock here," Milton Select Board member Ben Zoll said. "Young families, seniors looking to downsize - they'll have options if they want to stay in town."