You might have heard that we will lose the opportunity to be eligible for certain grant money if we vote no tonight.
This is simply not true. Communities, in order to be eligible for certain grant money, must comply with the Housing Choice Legislation.
“That an MBTA community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted as of right and meets other criteria set forth in the statute: Minimum gross density of 15 units per acre, not more than ½ miles from a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station, if applicable. No age restriction. Suitable for families with children.” (Section 3A of M.G.L. c. 40A)
- The Royal Crest zoning DOES NOT comply with the State Housing Choice Legislation, as the property has Thirty-five over 55 age restricted units.
- The Town clearly said they were unsure if this zoning would even meet the requirement because as it is outside the ½ mile proximity.
- Town has already met it’s 2022 by holding the required meetings.
The requirement: “Hold a briefing of your City Council, Town Council or Select Board on the Draft Compliance Guidance no later than May 2, 2022 and attest to that on the MBTA Community Information Form.” by May 2nd at 5PM.
This project is not needed for 2022 Housing Choice Grant compliance and will not qualify for our needs in 2023.