Middleboro voters strongly reject MBTA zoning plan

MIDDLEBORO – Special Town Meeting voters agreed overwhelmingly Monday, Oct. 7 to put the brakes on MBTA zoning requirements that could potentially add 1,471 housing units in Middleboro. 

Voters strongly criticized the mandate issued by the state that requires towns served by the MBTA to allow construction of a large number of multi-family units without regulation within a half mile of the MBTA station. 

The potential cost of the additional housing and the loss of town autonomy were among the reasons cited for rejecting a plan proposed by the Planning Board that would meet the requirements.

Middleboro officials have already stated their objections to the state requirements. The town has filed a friend of the court brief in support of the Town of Milton, which has filed suit against the mandate.

“If we say yes, it’s over,’’ Select Board Member Thomas White said. “If we say no, we live to fight another day.’’

Resident Jim Knox suggested that the vote be delayed until a court decision is made in the Milton case. But voters rejected a delay, deciding to take a vote now. 

Select Board Chair Mark Germain, who has been an outspoken critic of the mandate, noted that town representatives had met with state officials in an unsuccessful attempt to reach a compromise. 

He pointed out that the town already has projects in the works to add more housing in town, in ways that he said make sense for the community. “The town is not against multi-family projects.’’

But the town should have control of its own destiny, he said. By accepting a plan to meet the mandate, the decision will be official, he said, and “you’re never going to unring that bell.’’ 

“Sometimes you have to fight the fight,’’ he said, asking residents if they were “willing to fight with me.’’ The audience responded with loud applause.

Resident Rich Oakley said he had faith that the Planning Board had put together a solid document. He agreed that 1,471 housing units sounds “terrifying’’ but that the board’s plan would enable the town to make the mandate work. 

A question was raised as to why the Planning Board developed the plan. No Planning Board member stood up to explain it.

If the town rejects a plan, state grants could be at risk. 

Finance Committee Member Matt Phillips said the state’s demands amounted to “extortion.’’

He also posed a question. “When were we ever asked whether we wanted the MBTA station to begin with?’’

Select Board Member Theresa Farley said that “I will not make decisions for myself, my family and my town based on fear.’’

Germain said the mandate puts the town’s character at risk. “I hope in my life I never have to live in the City of Middleboro, because the town means the world to me.’’