[Massplanners] Updates on MBTA Communities

[Kluchman, Chris (OCD)]

Greetings MassPlanners:

There are some updates on the MBTA Communities web page<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities?auHash=H6C2Re7HQiBiIYWceg3B2ApnZHjOrLEUXqR683gja34> related to the new section 3A in c40A.

  *   Recording and slides from the January 12, 2022 Webinar are posted
  *   Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are posted to address common queries about the Draft Guidelines. The questions collected during the webinar will guide a future iteration of the FAQ.

As a reminder, below is information about the Draft Guidelines (posted on massplanners on 12/15/21):

Draft Guidelines for the Multi-Family Zoning Requirement for MBTA Communities in the new section 3A of c.40A are now available at:  mass.gov/mbtacommunities<https://www.mass.gov/mbtacommunities>
Please use the online comment form on the site.  The deadline for submitting comments is March 31, 2022.



Enacted as part of the economic development bill<https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2020/Chapter358> in January 2021, new Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A (the Zoning Act) requires that an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the statute:

  *   Minimum gross density of 15 units per acre
  *   Not more than ½ miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station, if applicable.
  *   No age restrictions
  *   Suitable for families with children.

To remain in compliance while DHCD is collecting public comment on the Draft Guidelines, an MBTA community must:

  *   Submit the online MBTA Community Information Form by 5:00 p.m. on May 2, 2022.  The form is accessible through the web link above.
  *   Hold a briefing of your City Council, Town Council or Select Board on the Draft Compliance Guidance no later than May 2, 2022 and attest to that on the MBTA Community Information Form.
An MBTA community that does not comply with Section 3A is not eligible for funding from: the Housing Choice Initiative, the Local Capital Projects Fund, or the MassWorks Infrastructure Program.

Respectfully, Chris
Chris Kluchman, FAICP
Deputy Director, Community Services Division
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA  02114
chris.kluchman at mass.gov<mailto:chris.kluchman at mass.gov>

Please note:  DHCD staff are working remotely, I check email frequently and will respond as soon as possible.

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