In a recent city council meeting, tensions flared as members debated a motion related to compliance with the Massachusetts MBTA Communities Act. The act mandates that municipalities serviced by public transportation, including the MBTA rail line, increase their permitting opportunities for multifamily housing. The city of Lawrence is required to create zoning that allows for 4,500 new housing units by January 2025, or risk losing state benefits and facing potential litigation.

The council voted on a motion concerning the ordinance aimed at meeting these requirements, but the motion ultimately failed with a vote of 5 in favor and 3 against, with one councilor absent. This outcome prompted discussions on whether to table further matters related to the ordinance.

Jim McCarthy, a city official, provided an update on the city's efforts to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. He emphasized that the city is currently working with the state’s Department of Housing and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission to develop a project that meets the act's requirements. A grant has been secured to design an overlay around the McGavin train station, which is the city's transportation hub. The design work is set to begin in December and aims for completion by the end of summer 2025.

Ian Burns from the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission elaborated on the specifics of the MBTA Communities Act, clarifying that while the law requires zoning to be in place for multifamily housing, it does not mandate the immediate construction of housing units. He noted that Lawrence currently lacks a compliant zoning district and must either create a new one or amend existing ordinances to meet the law's criteria.

The council's discussions highlighted the urgency of compliance, as failure to act could jeopardize access to vital state grant programs and lead to legal repercussions. The meeting underscored the challenges faced by local governments in adapting to new housing laws while balancing community needs and development pressures.