By Bob Katzen

The House 27-130, rejected an amendment that would waive the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act for cities and towns that have met their Chapter 40B affordable housing threshold. The Chapter 40B law enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20 percent to 25 percent of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.

The MBTA Communities Act, according to the state’s website, requires that an MBTA community “must have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria” including minimum gross density of 15 units per acre; and a location not more than 1/2 mile from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station. No age restrictions can be applied and the district must be suitable for families with children.

“My amendment would waive the MBTA Communities Act for towns and cities that have met their 40B affordable housing threshold,” said amendment sponsor Rep. Marc Lombardo (R-Billerica). “Unfortunately, the majority party defeated the amendment as they don’t care about the negative impact that thousands of new housing units will have on suburban communities’ infrastructure, education systems and public safety personnel.”

Rep. Jim Arciero (D-Westford) said the amendment goes against the spirit of taking up this law for housing production. He noted that the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has been diligently working throughout the state and thus far over 70 communities are in compliance, another 50 have submitted plans for review, while 11 have been rejected. He argued that with this implementation still moving forward, we need to see it through with this law.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Christine Barber No Rep. Mike Connolly No Rep. Paul Donato No Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven No