State housing officials announced Thursday afternoon that they will let Boston-area towns and cities add a potentially controversial requirement for mixed-use buildings to zoning changes designed to comply with the MBTA Communities transit-oriented zoning law.
A big bump in commuter rail ridership shows what’s possible with a better-resourced MBTA and a regional rail system ready to support more transit-oriented housing construction.
The draft guidelines are less than 72 hours old, but already housing advocates and scholars are calling rules implementing a year-old transit-oriented zoning law a major victory in the fight against Massachusetts’ housing crisis.
Acting quickly on a bill Gov. Charlie Baker signed last month, state officials this week released preliminary guidance applicable in dozens of municipalities that face a new multifamily housing requirement.
Increasing both the number and types of homes available across the state is a key component to ensuring that the state remains inclusive and thriving. A new law offers hope we will be able to do just that.
