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Westborough adopts MBTA Communities multifamily overlay to keep state grants eligible
Summary
Town meeting approved a multifamily overlay zoning amendment to comply with the MBTA Communities law, naming three districts (including existing multifamily areas) and preserving site‑plan review while removing special‑permit requirements; proponents warned failure would risk grant eligibility.
Westborough voters adopted a zoning amendment on March 23 to create an MBTA Communities Multifamily Overlay District and meet the state's Section 3A requirements for MBTA communities.
Mark Silverberg, chair of the planning board, said the changes came after attorney general review and are intended to increase the likelihood the state Department of Housing and Community Development (EOHLC/DHCD) will approve Westborough's compliance. Jenny Gingras, director of planning, explained the overlay identifies three districts that already contain multifamily units (Westborough Village on Gleason Street; Park Westborough on Turnpike Road A; and Arrive on Turnpike Road B) and that much of the required unit capacity is already present in those districts. Gingras said if the town fails to comply, it risks ineligibility for grant programs including Housing Choice grants and MassWorks infrastructure funding.
The planning board recommended approval; electronic voting produced 283 in favor and 15 opposed and the motion carried.
Next steps: Planning staff said site‑plan review may still be required but special permits cannot be imposed for as‑of‑right uses; the town will submit the adopted bylaw to the Attorney General and DHCD for final determinations.
