NEEDHAM, MA–Opponents of Needham’s plan to allow more multifamily housing under the MBTA Communities law have defeated the measure in a town-wide referendum, Boston Business Journal reported.
The BBJ said that that while the results are not yet official, supporters of the town’s new zoning conceded Tuesday night.
“The defeat represents another blow to the law, the state’s most aggressive effort to spur the construction of more apartments and condos and to help bring down housing prices,” BBJ said. “The “no” side drew 6,866 votes, or 58% of the total, while the “yes” side garnered 4,882 votes, or 42%, according to preliminary results posted to the town’s website.”
Added BBJ: “Of the 30 communities that have opted not to comply with the law, Needham is one of the largest and also one of the closest to Boston. Its plan would have created capacity for nearly 3,300 units, significantly more than the 1,784 minimum required for the town under MBTA Communities. Residents at Town Meeting approved the plan in October, but opponents collected enough signatures to bring the measure to a referendum.”
“Last week, the state’s highest court upheld both the law and Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s ability to enforce it, but it ruled that state housing officials had erred by neglecting to issue formal regulations. Campbell’s office had sued Milton after its residents voted down a zoning plan in February,” BBJ said.
To read the full BBJ article, please click here.
