Being On the Fitchburg Line

MBTA Communities Act Obligation

We Are Obligated!

In a significant move to tackle Massachusetts’ housing shortage, the MBTA Communities Act, signed in 2021 by then-Governor Charlie Baker, mandates that 177 cities and towns within the MBTA service area change zoning laws to allow for the construction of multifamily housing units. These areas are primarily focused around transit stations, to support denser development. While the law doesn't compel the construction of these units, it does require zoning changes that permit building them without the need for special permits, with "multifamily housing" specified as developments with three or more units.

Acton, known for its balance of suburban tranquility and commuter convenience, stands at a crossroads of development and community needs. With the state mandate pressing upon it, Acton is tasked with an ambitious goal: the creation of 1,383 multifamily housing units. This surge in development is designed to address the growing need for diverse housing options and to meet the demands of a population that finds itself intertwined with the rhythms of urban work-life yet rooted in the community's more pastoral pace. To ensure accessibility, 20% of these units are required to be within a stone's throw of transit stations, a move that underlines the town's commitment to sustainable growth and transportation efficiency. The deadline to rezone these areas looms at the end of 2024, setting a brisk pace for the community's planners and developers.

The recent census underscores the urgency of this expansion, with Acton's population clocking in at 24,021 in 2020. This population is housed across 9,219 units, painting a picture of a community that, while growing, still maintains its small-town essence. The high rate of owner-occupancy, at 71.6%, reflects a stable and invested community character, where the majority of residents are long-term stakeholders in the town's future. This characteristic homeowner majority forms the backbone of the town's social fabric and has a vested interest in the careful and considered growth of their community.

Median household income in Acton stands at an impressive $137,981, indicating a generally affluent and economically robust community. This financial health positions Acton uniquely in its ability to plan and execute high-quality development projects that can enhance the town's appeal without sacrificing its charm. However, with affluence comes responsibility, and Acton's challenge will be to integrate the state-mandated multifamily housing in a manner that remains sympathetic to the town's aesthetics, culture, and existing infrastructure, ensuring that growth does not overtake the qualities that make Acton a desirable place to call home.

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