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Select Board backs MBTA Communities subdistrict (Option 2) to present at special Town Meeting
Summary
Following months of community workshops and an online survey, the board recommended Article 7 (a subdistrict model concentrated near Patriot Place and two nearby multifamily sites) as the town’s path to comply with the MBTA Communities law; members said the plan balances compliance risk and reduced buildout compared with a Patriot Place‑wide option.
The Select Board on Nov. 5 voted to recommend a subdistrict model (Article 7) to present at a Special Town Meeting as the town’s approach to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities requirement.
Town planning staff explained two warrant options developed after five community workshops and an online survey: Option 1 would concentrate by‑right multifamily zoning in the Patriot Place/stadium area and has the highest theoretical buildout; Option 2 spreads smaller subdistricts (closer to existing multifamily areas such as The Lodge and The Silven) across multiple school districts and limits the likely unit count. Planning director Katherine (land-use director) told the board that EOHED had reviewed the models and found both compliant, and that town counsel had sent a minor wording question to the Attorney General for confirmation.
Many board members voiced reservations about large-scale redevelopment near Patriot Place and expressed a preference for the subdistrict approach as a way to comply with state law while limiting immediate development pressure. "If the area up near the stadium were redeveloped, there isn't going to be a lot of families who want to live on top of the stadium," one board member said, urging caution. Others emphasized the potential grant and federal funding risks if the town fails to show compliance.
After extended discussion of buildout assumptions, infrastructure impacts, school-student estimates and community feedback, the board moved and approved a motion recommending approval of Article 7 (the MBTA Communities subdistrict model) for Town Meeting consideration. Staff said they will provide recorded material and community outreach to explain both warrant options at Town Meeting, and emphasized the Town Meeting vote remains the residents’ decision.
The recommendation is advisory for Town Meeting voters; final zoning changes would not be effective until approved by the town and any required state review processes were completed.
