Milton Saying "No"

In recent years, the town of Milton, Massachusetts, has found itself at the center of a contentious housing debate after failing to meet the state’s housing requirements under the MBTA Communities Law. This law, passed in 2021 as part of a broader effort to address the housing affordability crisis in Massachusetts, mandates that municipalities with MBTA transit stations must create zoning districts that allow for the construction of multifamily housing near those stations. The goal is to increase the supply of housing in areas that have access to public transportation, thereby easing the state's housing shortage and promoting more sustainable, transit-oriented development. However, Milton, which has several MBTA stations, has struggled to meet these mandates.

Milton's failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Law is part of a broader issue in Massachusetts, where many suburban communities have resisted state mandates to build affordable housing, particularly multifamily housing. Local opposition to dense development often centers around concerns about preserving neighborhood character, traffic congestion, and the potential strain on local services and schools. In Milton, some residents and town officials expressed concerns that allowing more multifamily housing would change the town's predominantly suburban, single-family home nature. As a result, the town's attempts to meet the state's requirements have been marked by delays and inaction.

In response to Milton’s non-compliance, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell filed a lawsuit against the town in 2024. The suit alleges that Milton violated the MBTA Communities Law by not taking sufficient steps to create zoning regulations that would allow for the required multifamily housing. This legal action reflects the state's increasing frustration with communities that are not following through on state-mandated housing reforms. The Attorney General's office argues that Milton’s failure to act has contributed to the broader housing affordability crisis and undermined the state’s efforts to provide more equitable housing opportunities, particularly near public transportation hubs. If the court rules in favor of the state, Milton could be forced to make significant changes to its zoning laws and potentially face penalties for non-compliance.

The outcome of this legal challenge could set a precedent for other municipalities in Massachusetts that are hesitant to implement similar zoning reforms. While some residents view the lawsuit as an overreach of state authority, others believe it is necessary to ensure that all towns contribute to solving the state’s housing problems. The case highlights the ongoing tension between local control over zoning and the state’s need to address the housing shortage, particularly in suburban areas that have long resisted higher-density development. Milton's response to the lawsuit and its ability to align with state housing policies could serve as a model—or a cautionary tale—for other towns facing similar pressures.