[Ed note: My Southborough accepts signed letters to the editor submitted by Southborough residents. Letters may be emailed to mysouthborough@gmail.com.
The following letter is from Howard Rose.]
To the Editor:
I’m reaching out to Friends and Neighbors to ask for your help. On Monday, September 30th, the town will hold a special meeting to discuss Article 8, which involves the Planning Board’s proposal to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities zoning law (Also known and Section 3A). There has been some misinformation about this law, so I’ll provide a brief overview below from my research and personal knowledge as I have attended many of the meetings on this subject. My main request is that you please attend the meeting, listen to both sides, and make your voice heard. This bylaw could significantly impact our town and its finances if passed.
What is the MBTA Communities Zoning Bylaw?
If your town is one of the 177 communities served by or adjacent to MBTA services, you must allow high-density housing (15 units per acre, minimum) in a designated zoning district by right. This law prohibits age restrictions, limits on the number of bedrooms, and occupancy restrictions. Its goal is to create more family housing. As they are by-right, if the developer follows the guidelines for setbacks, and height, there is little to no oversight by the town. Some towns have rejected or postponed the law, while others are still pending a vote. Southborough’s proposed bylaw allows up to 829 units (the minimum is 750).
Concerns for Southborough
- Traffic: The Planning Board has not conducted any studies on the potential traffic impact of 800 new units, particularly as most of the development would be in one part of town.
- Schools: The law is designed to create family housing, which could double our school enrollment, placing a significant financial burden on the town without state assistance.
- Public Safety: A recent study recommended 6 new police officers due to increased calls from a 200-unit development. If we add 800 units, the town may need additional police and fire resources, with no state funding to cover these costs.
Affordable Housing?
While the law includes a 10% affordable housing requirement, the remaining 90% of units will be at market rate, meaning prices could reach $800K or more. This won’t attract young families or help seniors looking to downsize.
Legal Compliance
Non-compliance with the law could result in losing certain state grants. However, some legal experts are questioning the legality of this law. Sixteen towns have already rejected it, and legal challenges are underway. If we pass the bylaw now, even if the law is overturned, any project already filed would be grandfathered in (There is already a 94-unit project waiting for the bylaw to pass).
What Can You Do?
Please attend the town meeting on Monday, September 30th, at 7 PM. There will be accommodations for families with children. After hearing both sides, if you share my concerns, join me in voting “no” on Article 8, Zoning – MBTA Communities Overlay District. Alternatively, we can choose to postpone the article to gather more information.
Let’s make an informed decision about the future of our town.
Respectfully,
Howard Rose
2 Bantry Road
