What does Section 3A mean for you? 

Arlington via Google Earth: Your Town, Your Future

UPDATED Nov. 21: The Town of Arlington over the next year plans to lead a planning process with extensive community engagement to discuss the details about MBTA-community requirements that are part of housing-choice legislation. 

The first virtual public meeting was held Thursday, Nov.  17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., where offiicials plan to describe the basic requirements of the legislation, including Section 3; what it means for Arlington; why compliance matters and the schedule for engaging with the community and developing zoning recommendations.

The state has mandated that Arlington, along with 174 other communities in eastern Massachusetts with access to MBTA service, create a district or districts where multifamily housing is allowed by right. By complying with this requirement, the town will remain eligible for important state grants for infrastructure projects and will be able to participate in the state’s fossil fuel ban pilot program, which will advance the town’s stated goal of creating net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Over the next year the town, supported by resident volunteers in the MBTA Communities Working Group, will be leading a planning process with extensive community engagement to determine the location and details of Arlington's district(s). The result will be a zoning amendment presented to Special Town Meeting next fall. View the draft schedule.

On Thursday, November 17, DPCD staff presented an overview of MBTA Communities legislation to describe the basic requirements of MGL Ch. 40A, Section 3A and what it means for Arlington, why compliance matters, potential starting points for considering how to locate Arlington’s district(s), and the schedule for engaging with the community to develop a zoning recommendation. The meeting included ample time for Q&A. Watch the video and provide your feedback. 

Aug. 20, 2022: Does Arlington qualify to be in state 'electrify' pilot?

 

This news announcement was published Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022, based on information from the Town of Arlington.