MBTA Communities
In early 2021, Section 3A of MGL. c. 40A (MBTA Communities legislation) took effect. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). the agency tasked with implementing this new law, released their final guidelines in Fall 2022.
To remain compliant, the Town of Billerica held a public meeting with the Select Board and submitted an acknowledgement form in April 2022. The next step was to submit our Action Plan (attached) by January 30, 2023. The State will require new zoning in place by December 30, 2024. The Action Plan includes a general timeline for accomplishing compliance on schedule.
This work is being done in parallel to a zoning recodification (reorganization) exercise. Learn more about Zoning Recodification.
Watch this two-minute video about the new law prepared by the Mass Housing Partnership
MEETINGS
Click here to view MBTA Community discussions at past Planning Board Meetings. Click here to view full Planning Board meetings.
Planning Board - December 11, 2023
Link to Updated Draft Zoning LanguageLink to Updated Station Neighborhood District
Link to Updated Treble Cove District
Link to Updated Mills District
Planning Board - November 13, 2023
Link to NMCOG MBTA Zoning Overview Presentation
Link to Treble Cover District Map
Planning Board - October 23, 2023
Link to Open House Recap Slides.
Open House - Oct 19, 2023
Link to Overview Slideshow (may take a few moments to load)
Printable .pdf of Overview Slideshow
Planning Board - Sep 18, 2023
MBTA Planning Update Presentation
Planning Board - Aug 21, 2023
NMCOG Presentation
Existing Density in Billerica
Planning Board - Jul 10, 2023
Planning Board - Jun 12, 2023 'Kick Off'
On June 12th, 2023, NMCOG staff presented to the Planning Board.
Slide Presentation
ACTION PLAN
Click here to view the Action Plan submitted on January 20, 2023.
RESOURCES
MBTA zoning requirement resources
- Mass.gov MBTA Communities zoning web page
- Final guidelines
- 2023 Advisory from AG Andrea Campbell
- CHAPA breaks down what's in the guidelines
Interactive Maps
- Billerica Interactive GIS Map (turn layers on to view zoning)
- Residensity
Housing Tool Box
FAQs
SCHEDULE
The Town is working with NMCOG to assess alternatives and assist with public outreach around this issue. We are also partnering with CHAPA to help with outreach for this effort.
TASK | START DATE | END DATE | |
---|---|---|---|
November 2022 | March 2023 |
| |
Evaluate existing conditions for MBTA Communities feasibility | November 2022 | March 2023 |
|
Public Listening and Education Meetings | January 2023 | May 2023 |
|
Draft new Zoning and Map amendments | June 2023 | December 2023 |
|
Public Meetings (prep for Town Meeting) | January 2024 | April 2024 |
|
Annual Town Meeting | May 2024 | May 2024 |
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Submit Compliance Application to DHCD | May 2024 | May 2024 |
|
If necessary Prep for Fall 2024 Town Meeting | May 2024 | September 2024 |
|
RESOURCES
MBTA zoning requirement resources
Interactive Maps
- Billerica Interactive GIS Map (turn layers on to view zoning)
- Residensity
Housing Tool Box
Ask A Planner
Updated schedules can be found in this space on the main Zoning page:
www.town.billerica.ma.us/ZONING