Bellingham Prepares for MBTA Multi-Family Zoning
Bellingham native Robert Lussier reviews Bellingham’s zoning map. As an MBTA “adjacent community,” the town must create 750 housing units. Residents can learn more about the proposed zoning by coming to the Bellingham Senior Center on October 15th, at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m.
By David Dunbar
Across Massachusetts, there are some of the fastest growing home prices and rents in the U.S. creating what some call a “housing crisis.”
By the end of this year, the Commonwealth aims to have in place a plan that will change zoning laws in 177 cities and towns to allow new construction of multifamily housing units. These new “zoning districts” will be located close to public transportation, especially rail and bus.
“What the State is trying to do,” explains Robert Lussier, Bellingham’s Director of Planning and Engineering, “is provide more affordable options for people to live near mass transit. And our sub-committee has created a zone that meets state requirements.”
The sub-committee Lussier is referring to consists of four officials, appointed by the Selectboard, tasked with presenting a plan which meets the requirements of the new law.
“The State’s intent,” says Lussier, “is to reduce local regulatory barriers to multifamily housing. There will be no age restrictions or limits on unit sizes, number or size of bedrooms, or number of occupants.”
Bellingham is classified as an “adjacent community” because of its proximity to the Franklin train station, and the town needs to create a zoning district that will include 50 acres which could yield as many as 750 housing units. Located within this zone are The Charles Luxury Apartments on North Main Street and The Curtis Apartments on Mechanic Street. Together, the two developments have a total of 535 units. The new zoning will permit an additional 215 units to reach the 750-unit goal. The state has not provided established requirements for the start of any new construction.
Town Administrator Denis Fraine, who has participated in the planning process, believes the proposed plan the sub-committee developed is a “win-win” for the community. “The Overlay District Committee has done a great job identifying two parcels which are consistent with multi-family housing and will present minimal impact on the Town. Bellingham will achieve compliance while enhancing housing opportunities in areas which will not negatively impact existing neighborhoods.”
On June 11, the first round of public outreach meetings was held in Bellingham about Multi-Family Zoning Requirements for MBTA Communities. “What we presented was received pretty well,” recalls Lussier. Two more hearings are planned for October 15 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. They will be held at the Senior Center and provide opportunities for town residents to raise questions and suggest solutions; Lussier and members of the MBTA 3A Subcommittee will be present.
You can find out more about the proposed zoning plan by visiting www.mass.gov and searching for Multi-Family Zoning.
“Rising costs have dramatically increased financial pressures on low- and middle-income families, forcing them to sacrifice other priorities in order to pay housing costs,” according to the state’s website. “High housing costs are a primary driver of homelessness.”
“These high costs are a disadvantage as we compete economically against peer states. The risk of future job growth moving outside Massachusetts is rising due to the high costs of living.”
Neighboring communities involved in the re-zoning include Medway, Millis, Norfolk, and Wrentham. Franklin is also included, but because there is an MBTA train station located in town, it is designated a “Commuter Rail Community” and is looking at providing 1,883 additional units. Bellingham and the other communities’ goal is 750 units.
The state-issued deadline for communities to approve the proposed changes is December 31, 2024. What happens if they don’t? “Here’s where we talk about what’s at risk,” says Lussier.
Projects in Bellingham tied to state funds affected by compliance:
• Hartford Avenue Road Widening, $2 million (MassWorks) and $2 million (Mass DOT Grants);
• E-911 Support and Incentives, $56,000;
• School Funding, $125,760; and
• Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).
There is also the possibility of future legal action by the state and/or the federal government.
On November 20, Bellingham Town Meeting voters will have the opportunity to act on the sub-committees’ recommendations.
