Jon Chesto
State: Baker scales back MBTA housing rules
BOSTON --- The Baker administration has pared back the multifamily zoning required of many communities along and around the MBTA system after smaller towns complained of a one-size-fits-all approach to interpreting a new housing law. Some communities had criticized the proposed “MBTA Communities” rules, which mandate new multifamily zoning in some 175 cities and towns across eastern Massachusetts, issued by the state Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development. They expressed fears of being overwhelmed by development that could cripple their waste water systems, roads, schools, or other critical municipal services. In the final rules issued Wednesday, the agency takes a more nuanced approach, particularly trimming requirements for smaller towns with no train stations.