Milton Faces State Sanctions After Rejecting Housing Plan

The Massachusetts town of Milton is penalized by the state for not complying with a law aimed at increasing multifamily housing, highlighting a broader struggle against housing shortages.

• Milton will lose out on state grants and may face a lawsuit from the Attorney General for defeating a plan to allow more multifamily housing, in violation of the 2021 MBTA Communities Act.
• The town's rejection of the housing plan has emboldened opponents in other suburbs, raising concerns about widespread noncompliance with state-mandated land-use rules.
• State officials, including Governor Maura Healey’s administration, have repeatedly warned Milton of the consequences, emphasizing the need for all communities to contribute to solving the housing affordability crisis.
• The MBTA Communities Act requires communities served by the transit agency to zone for multifamily housing, aiming to address the state's severe housing shortage.
• Milton's defiance has sparked a debate on government overreach and the balance between state mandates and local autonomy, with some viewing the town's vote as a rallying cry against such mandates.

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