Amidst Dissent From Mass. Communities, Worcester Commits To Housing

WORCESTER, MA - Controversy has swirled around the MBTA Communities Act since its introduction, and now amidst the State Court upholding it and Massachusetts communities dissenting, Mayor Joseph Petty has affirmed that the city will remain in full compliance.

"Our existing zoning ordinance is already in compliance with the MBTA Communities' requirements, and will continue to do so," Petty said.

The MBTA Communities Act, introduced in 2021, requires Massachusetts' towns and cities with T stops to have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multifamily housing is permitted by right.

Worcester's infrastructure is often under redevelopment. Its dog parks and playgrounds are scheduled to undergo renovation, the WHA was awarded an AARP grant mid-2024 and a portion of the $25 million in allocations from Gov. Maura Healey's Mass Leads Act is expected to go into workforce housing.

A tiny house village for Worcester's homeless was expected to open in 2023, but has since been delayed.

"The municipality isn't remaining complacent," Tom Matthews, spokesperson for the city, said. "[Worcester] has adopted several policies to boost its multifamily housing, inclusionary zoning and ADUs."

One project that falls under those goals is the "Worcester Now | Next" plan, adopted by the city planning board in March 2024. Key aspects of it are equitable public investments in Worcester's neighborhoods through zoning implementation, funding for infrastructure of neighborhood centers and increased community participation in development processes.

The plans are in place, and execution requires a city government and its housing bodies working in lockstep. The Worcester Housing Authority, though not directly impacted by the ruling on the Act, is also standing in strong support of amending the housing crisis.

"I know the city of Worcester complies with the Act," said CEO Alex Corrales. "We remain focused on doing our part to provide as many housing opportunities as possible to combat the ongoing housing crisis."

It's one step in countering the growing housing crisis in the state, but like nearly any bill or law the Act is already seeing dissenters. Last year, filings and oral arguments showed Milton's attorneys wanted to toss away the law entirely, according to a report from the Boston Globe.

Opponents of the law have argued that the changes would shift neighborhood character.

"Worcester is full of vibrant and diverse neighborhoods," Petty said when asked about the city's character. "We have completed a number of housing projects, affordable and market-rate, and have many more slated to come online."