MBTA Zoning
Part of our Complete Neighborhoods Initiative
Setting the stage is about more than just crafting policy. It’s also about pivoting to implementation. When the new MBTA zoning law was passed in 2021, MHP began working with the state on helping communities comply with the law and use it to build more housing. Known as MHP’s Complete Neighborhoods Initiative, these efforts include:
The Center for Housing Data shifted gears from creating tools to illustrate density’s potential to creating a tool that the state will use to evaluate MBTA zoning districts for compliance. Then, with a grant from the Barr Foundation, it worked with MHP’s public affairs team to create a public service video to explain why the new law makes sense. Check out the above video to understand why the MBTA zoning law makes sense for Massachusetts.
Our community assistance team worked with the state on a coordinated program to make over $14 million available to communities to help them comply with the new law. MHP has $2.5 million in funds available. As of June 2023, we have provided over $1.3 million in technical assistance funds to over 70 communities.
We launched the Complete Neighborhoods Partnership, a statewide initiative to promote housing near transit and downtowns. So far, MHP has made awards to Brockton, Fitchburg, Chelsea, six communities in Franklin County and a regional effort by North Attleborough and Plainville.
Our rental financing team has added Eamon Bencivengo as Transit-Oriented Development Program Manager. He will oversee MHP’s administration of a $50 million state fund to support housing near transit.
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MBTA Zoning and Complete Neighborhoods
So far, MHP has provided over $1.3 million in funding to support over 70 communities in their efforts to comply with the MBTA zoning law