Framingham 'Conditionally Compliant' With MBTA Communities Act

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham officials got word on Wednesday that they were "conditionally compliant" under the MBTA Communities Act law.

The City must submit an approvable economic feasibility analysis that supports its "inclusionary zoning requirements to remove the condition from the determination," but it's a major step in the right direction.

Framingham officials were able to submit their proposal without making any changes to city zoning.

What the Commonwealth deemed as conditionally compliant with the MBTA Communities Act only allows multi-family zoning under 30,000 square feet, and does not include mixed-use zoning within the Central Business District in Framingham, city officials said.

Framingham's submission is within a half-mile of the Commuter Rail station at Routes 135 and 126. While Town Meeting members approved the Central Business District zoning, which allowed up to 6,286 units, the City’s approval by the Commonwealth is for less than 4,500 units.

The City’s submission is 100 percent within a half mile of the Commuter Rail station at Routes 135 and 126. While the Central Business District zoning, approved by Town Meeting members allowed up to 6,286 units, the City’s approval by the Commonwealth is for less than 4,500 units.

“This is excellent news,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “Submitting the City’s existing zoning, which was approved by Town Meeting in 2015, to the Commonwealth in December was a prudent decision. The City could [not] afford to forfeit state funding, or be subject to a potential lawsuit from the Attorney General’s office.”

The timing for Framingham is important, as the Supreme Judicial Court ruled the state could sue towns like Milton that openly flaunted the law and refused to comply.

Most cities and towns subject to the law complied by the December deadline, but a few lingering communities now must comply or potentially face state funding consequences.

• Read more: Gov. Maura Healey Hails MA SJC Ruling On MBTA Community Law Compliance