MIDDLEBORO — The Middleboro Planning Board will discuss the Ch.40A, Section 3A MBTA Multi-Family Zoning draft bylaw and zoning map amendment during its Tuesday, Aug. 6 meeting.  The meeting begins at 6:30pm.  

Enacted as part of the Economic Development Bond Bill in January of 2021, the new Section 3A of MGL Ch. 40A requires that all communities deemed as an MBTA Community shall have at least one zoning district of reasonable size in which multi-family housing is permitted by right.  What does this mean for Middleborough? 

1. Middleborough is considered an MBTA Commuter Rail Community
2. According to the 2020 census, we have 9,808 housing units
3. Therefore, to comply with the state’s mandate, Middleborough must establish at least one by-right zoning district(s) that total at least 50 acres and have a zoned capacity for 1,471 family-friendly housing units.
4. Non-compliance with the mandate will result in the loss of most, if not all, state grant funding.

This zoning bylaw and the zoning map amendment will be presented for Town Meeting vote at the October Special Town Meeting. For all inquiries or to request a draft of the bylaw and zoning map amendment, contact Director of Planning and Community Development Leann Bradley at BradleyL@middleboroughma.gov.